#sometimes they just need... a little bit of... NUDGING... in the right direction...

[bravewolfvesperia]

For a few more seconds he remained quietly in place, not lifting his head as if not ready to face Flynn again after that had slipped. In a way it was pretty childish for him to nearly get into an actual fight over it, but it was badmouthing alone and more what was actually said. It was almost silly, really, for Yuri to react that strongly over something Flynn could have waved off, but he... couldn't help it.

Eventually he gave a small, resigned sigh. Coupled with a slightly red tinted face, he leaned back upright. "...It's not just that he badmouthed you. It was how nasty it was." Almost the likes of comparing Flynn to how the worst of the nobles behaved. As if he was some highborn knight who behaved the way the likes of Cumore behaved. As if the guy knew anything at all about the person he was speaking about.

If it had ended there, it might have been one thing... but Yuri didn't like the way he seemed to want to rid the area of knights, as if they were some burden on him or the town. From what Yuri could tell, the knights were pretty lax here and there weren't really that many. It was likely due to the fact that this was technically outside of the knights' jurisdiction, and that was likely why that stranger had reacted so strongly to such fussing about from a group of knights.

In a way, sure, the knights and the councils personal beef was getting bad and being brought into a town past the Nor area. Yuri understood why that might upset some people. There was just something... off about the way the man spoke, and at the very least, he was a lot less likely to make any direct problems for Flynn or toward Flynn if he had open opposition. On top of that, Ioder at least seemed polite and reasonable, so why risk letting him get swept up in all this because of one angry asshole?

"My point was that... if that's how someone reacts to you just being a knight - for a squad of knights to have trouble at all in this area - it's not going to get better if you're seen with a presumed criminal. If even the regular citizens start taking to the wrong idea, it won't be difficult at all for the council to start pulling strings. Plus, with that guy, it was already too late. I just figured it could get worse." And evidently they already were if Ragou was anything to go by.

Being of low birth status, anything could be used against them. Anything could be twisted and used against them. Who was going to fight on their behalf when that happened? More people of low birth whose opinions wouldn't mean a thing in a court of law? "It's all just rumors until it gets used against you. Until they find a way to fake the rumors being true. Doesn't matter at that point if none of it is real."

Perhaps the worst part was that when it came down to it, the knights were less corrupt than the council. When it came down to it, Yuri would have to hope the knights would set things straight. More or less, they had to pin their hopes on Alexei's ability to evade the council's bullshit. As far as he was concerned, there was no real winning here. Cumore wasn't even getting punished for his nonsense. How could none of that have reached the commandant by now? Why wasn't he doing anything about it?

In part, it worried him that if something did happen to Flynn that Alexei wouldn't really... do anything about that either, at least to protect him. The last thing Yuri wanted was Flynn getting wrapped up in trouble with people who would absolutely go as far as exiling him if they could, let alone stripping him of his status as a knight. If Yuri, an already deemed criminal, had to take the fall another time or two to prevent that from happening, he wasn't just ready to, he just... did it; on instinct.

With slight nervousness he ran a hand through his hair as if to be doing... something. Sitting still after that spilled out just made him jittery. "Sorry. I do want to avoid rumors from getting out of control. I just... reacted. Not that I actually hit him yet, so a bad argument is the worst it got. It just... started to sound dangerous and I'd had enough listening to the guy."

If it had just been trash talk, that would have been easy enough to irritatingly ignore... but if Flynn's position might be on the line? If their dream could crumble over a few lowlifes who were just unhappy? No, Yuri didn't want to be the bad guy... but in the eyes of the public he already was. Flynn was not. Sometimes it was difficult. Sometimes it was a burden. Sometimes he hated it; but... sometimes he had to make do with the circumstances thrown at him.

At least now if Flynn wanted better for him, he could at least ask, well, the imperial candidates.

Flynn wasn't sure what but it seemed like all of the energy had been sucked out of him as he slumped back against the bench with a tired sigh. He had technically been ordered to take a break for the rest of the afternoon by Ioder but even then, there was too much to be done for Flynn to properly rest.

Everyone in his squad seemed to believe that because Ioder was saved, they were no longer on a time limit and in a way, it was true. Ioder was no longer in immediate danger but due to Ragou being a free man, it was only a matter of time before someone else was killed by his hand.

So really, he should have been using this time to plan ahead. But as time passed, that break was looking more and more enticing. He leaned back, eyes closing as he sighed and almost laughed when Yuri let out a heavy sigh at the same time. Despite everything, it was almost comforting to see they were still somewhat in sync with each other, like they always had been.

Even if Yuri was disagreeing with a lot of Flynn's choices as of late (and again, Flynn could not blame the man, whatsoever), it still felt nice. Even if Yuri was pissed about his actions, they really couldn't truly come to hate each other, right?

Which is why he hated the idea that Yuri wanted to try and put distance between the two of them. In order to save what little image Flynn had been building up for himself and--

'If that guy had gotten one more word about you out'

Wait. What?

Flynn's eyes were open instantly and he sits up so quickly that he nearly gives himself whiplash and all he could do was just stare at the other, frustration washed away by confusion and... slight embarrassment that Yuri would go to such lengths for him.

Yuri's face was buried in his hands, clearly embarrassed by the slip of the tongue as Flynn tried to figure out how to even respond to such an accidental confession. Yuri was getting into a fight on his account? Even after the empire had gotten under his skin not that long ago?

It was an unspoken fact that Yuri and Flynn both were overly protective of the other growing up. Flynn couldn't safely say that he, himself, had grown out of it but he at least figured Yuri had. They had always watched each others backs, no matter what, but he figured that someone bad mouthing one of them was something that could simply be ignored. They were both 'rats from the Lower Quarter' after all. They were used to it.

"...That argument was about me?!" Yuri was willing to add to his current list of crimes simply because someone decided to bad mouth him and Flynn wasn't sure how to fully handle that. "Yuri-- Is that what started this?"

Yuri was willing to fight someone if it meant they stopped badmouthing him. He would be seen as a supporter of the knights, specifically of the Flynn brigade. Yuri would be associated with him regardless. But Yuri would draw the line at being seen with him?

"...Don't do something like that and then immediately try and tell me that you shouldn't be seen with me! I don't want you to distance yourself over something as stupid as rumors! I especially don't... I don't want you getting into any more trouble on my account...! It's bad enough you had the Red Eyes on your trail. But getting assault charges just because someone decided to bad mouth me just isn't worth it, Yuri..."

[i-love-turtle-ducklings]

Momo & Lee from the Tea Shop (2)

Little addition to my Momo-adopts-Zuko-AU

Zuko's face is Momo's favorite place to sleep. It's not his problem that his tickling ears make Fire Guy sneeze or that his twitching paws keep him from sleeping. His hair is cozy and as you'd expect from a fire guy, he's warm, so for better or worse, Fire Guy has to put up with it.

Zuko comes to terms with it. Grudgingly. It's anything but ideal. If he's going to spend half the night looking for the Avatar or his bison, he could really do with a capful of sleep in the other half. But apparently the stupid lemur has other plans. And it appears to have a stunning talent for finding the positions that are most uncomfortable for Zuko.

The lemur puts Zuko's patience to the test. Fortunately for it, Zuko's a strict opponent of animal cruelty — which doesn't mean the thought of throwing a small fireball at the little pest isn't tempting sometimes.

It would be much easier to bear if it weren't for Uncle's comments. Zuko has a sneaking suspicion that Uncle is hiding berries in his bed to lure the lemur there. But he probably doesn't even need to. This stupid monkey has an unerring instinct for what he needs to do to really get on Zuko's nerves.

The lemur also has a good instinct for choosing the most annoying customers in the tea shop as victims for his cookie robberies. Okay, maybe Zuko can give him credit for that. Which doesn't mean he's growing fond of the pest!! Not at all!

Uncle doesn't believe him when he complains about what a nuisance that stupid monkey is. But what does Uncle know? Just because he's learned to sleep with a fur ball on his face doesn't mean he likes the lemur! And if Uncle claims that he smiles in his sleep when the lemur snuggles up to him, there must be something wrong with his eyes.

Right?

Okay, maybe he likes the lemur a tiny, tiny bit, maybe he smiles in his sleep, maybe he's started sleeping with his scar up when his little companion is around. Maybe he doesn't mind if the lemur snuggles up to him in his sleep or eats half his breakfast. Maybe it's even a bit of fun when the lemur turns the date Zuko never wanted to go on into a mess. (And it didn't matter. Jin thought the little chaos-lemur was adorable. Everyone did.)

Momo had definitely made a good choice to stick close to Fire Guy. The guy was a great pillow and Momo had access to a never-ending supply of tea and cookies with him. And sooner or later he would find Appa, Momo was sure of that. Until then, Momo could have been worse off.

Too bad that Fire Guy and Aang didn't get along. Momo would have loved if Fire Guy could have come with them after they found Appa. Maybe he just needed a little nudge in the right direction? If anyone could get Fire Guy to change sides, it was Momo.

Or: Momo adopts Zuko (against his will) and decides to redeem him (also against his will — but who is Zuko to argue with Momo?).

(I wish I had enough experience in this area to write a proper fanfic about it…)

[awearywritersworld]

"can we stay here a little while longer?"

gojo satoru x reader summary: grappling with death, something that seems ever pervasive in your line of work, gojo offers you comfort w/c: .8k tags/warnings: light angst to fluff, gn!reader, no use of y/n, discussions of death, smoking, your relationship is obviously close but it's exact nature is left ambiguous a/n: i just want him to hold me, i am weeping. i wrote most of this a while back and finally decided to finish it. masterlist check out my latest work for gojo here

"what brings you out here?" you call out to the white haired man strolling in your direction.

"oh you know," he begins, sitting down beside you in the grass. "just thought i could use some sun."

you're situated beneath a willow tree, its leaves rustling as the branches sway in the wind.

you look up at the gray sky incredulously. "'toru, it's overcast-"

"ah! you always see right through me, sweetheart," he exclaims, amusement clear in his voice. "i'm really just here to check on you."

you look over and meet his eye, but turn away the very next moment. "oh."

he watches as you pull blades of grass from the ground one by one. in your other hand, a cigarette hangs loosely between two fingers and he doesn't say anything more until you take a long drag from it.

"haven't you heard those things will kill you?"

a humorless chuckle passes your lips as you begin to exhale, blowing the smoke away from his direction. "given our line of work, it's much more likely that something else will get to me first."

"i guess you've got me there," he acquiesces, nimble fingers pulling the cigarette from yours.

you raise your eyebrows when he brings it to his lips, his nose scrunching almost imperceptibly as the menthol cools his tongue. having grown up with you and shoko, it's not like he's never smoked before. he just prefers to eat his weight in sweets, everyone having their vices and all.

"is that why you've been hiding away the past two days?" he questions, passing it back to you.

you shrug. "'m just tired of losing people."

his hand lands just above your knee, giving it a light squeeze before pulling away. "me too."

gojo's well accustomed to your habit of isolating yourself, and while he knows you need alone time now and then, he always comes to find you before long.

"do you wanna talk about it?" he broaches, giving you a little nudge with his elbow. "everyone else is getting tired of dealing with me, especially shoko."

"i suppose i can open up if it's for her sake-"

"hey!" he interrupts, though he's relieved to see the small smirk playing at your lips.

"kidding!" you laugh, leaning into him. after a moment, you grow quiet once more, though your expression isn't nearly as gloomy. "i don't know, 'toru. sometimes i just feel as if death is the easy part."

gojo narrows his eyes at you, the sentiment behind your words igniting his worry. "meaning what, exactly?"

"that they're gone.. and meanwhile i'm left to wonder why the hell i'm still alive."

"don't say that," he scolds, sounding a bit harsher than he intends.

"why not? it's not like-"

"because i'd die before i'd let anything happen to you."

you just stare at him, your lips slightly parted and your expression entirely unreadable. he doesn't take it back though, his eyes burning into yours decisively and his tone definite, like he'd decided on the matter ages ago. it leaves no room for argument, really, but of course you argue anyway.

"don't be ridiculous," you eventually huff.

"i'm not, you said it yourself. death is the easy part and i happen to be exceptionally selfish-"

"oh, that is the furthest thing from the truth," you interrupt.

"not when it comes to you."

his words hang in the air and you wonder when your heart started hammering against your ribcage, each beat more vicious than the last. the man before you is kind and generous, a far cry from the careless boy you'd known in your youth.

you haven't failed to notice the time and energy he dedicates to his students, or the way he's risked his life to protect those who can't protect themselves. it goes without saying that he'd won your admiration and understanding a long time ago.

"well, we all deserve to be selfish sometimes," you murmur.

his lip tugs upward at your response, a show of emotion that's both soft and genuine. "does that mean i can force you to rejoin society now?"

suddenly, you're aware of all the life around you— life that carries on even in the absence of the sun. the bees that fly from blossom to blossom. the birds that sing to one another. the squirrels that chase each other through the branches of the willow tree.

you scoot closer to gojo, your head falling onto his shoulder as you softly exhale. "can we stay here a little while longer?"

"sure, princess," he hums, his lips grazing the top of your head in a gentle show of affection. "we can stay as long as you want."

[waywardxrhea]

Part of Your World - George Weasley

Chapter 1

pairing: George Weasley x fem!Muggle!reader (no use of y/n)

installment list / next chapter

word count: 5,571

content: fluff, first meetings, sleazy ex-partner, humor, protective friends.

dividers by @firefly-graphics

Do you ever think you know exactly how your life is supposed to turn out? What you’ll do when you get out of school, how you’ll spend your free time, your perfect living space? As your last year of secondary school was coming to a close you thought you had all of that figured out. You thought you would be a full time performer spending your time rehearsing with your best friends in your spunky flat in Camden. That was until one fateful day when you met a fiery redhead named George Weasley.

One Saturday evening you were sitting on a blanket you had strewn across the soft grass at Regent's Park. You got so lost in your own little world playing your guitar and singing that you didn’t even notice a pair of redheads mystifying a crowd of onlookers with their magic. The redheads in question of course were the Weasley twins, Fred and George, being their usual almost reckless selves and dancing on the edge of breaking the rules of the Wizarding World. To the onlooking Muggles, these twins were simply wonderful at sleight-of-hand magic. In reality though, they were using very basic vanishing spells they had learned in their fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as well as testing out some products for their joke shop: Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. 

Why were the Weasley twins on the outskirts of London performing magic you may ask? Why for fun of course! While the two got to run their dream joke shop every day, they too needed to let off some steam sometimes, and entertaining Muggles around the London area had become their favourite pastime in the evenings. Well, that and the fact that they could stick it to the Ministry by coming close to breaking the Statute of Secrecy, but never quite revealing their true powers to the onlooking Muggle crowds. 

When George was talking the crowd up as he passed the performance off to focus on his brother, he looked beyond the immediate faces and saw a beautiful girl strumming a guitar. Now, while George didn’t believe in that whole love at first sight rubbish, seeing this young lady was the closest thing that’s ever come to changing his mind. Without a moment’s hesitation, George whispered under his breath, “Accio beautiful girl,” while motioning his hidden wand in your direction. 

And just like that, you stopped your strumming to the song White Horse by Taylor Swift and got the inexplicable urge to go see what the now large crowd was watching. You flipped your guitar around on its strap so it would rest on your back as you made your way over to see what was happening. When you arrived, you saw both of the twins juggling items between one another, making it seem like they somehow disappear when they hit one twin’s hand and reappear in the other’s! All the onlookers surrounding them craned their necks to try and see one of them slip up and accidentally reveal how they were pulling the trick off, but none could figure it out.

You looked on in pure awe, your mouth slightly ajar at the sight in front of you. You were so transfixed on the spectacle that you almost didn’t notice when one of the twins motioned you forward until someone nudged you lightly and pointed in his direction. “Me?” you asked quietly.

“Yes you, the beauty with the guitar, step right up for the finale,” George said with a warm smile as he extended his hand to you while the crowd parted. When you were face to face and his eyes locked with your sparkling ones, his usual confidence wavered for a moment and his heart skipped a beat. He shook it off quickly though and asked, “And what may your name be?”

A bit flustered, you managed to stutter out your name in response to the question. He smiled warmly and said your name like he was testing it out. “How do you feel about being a part of the finale?” he asked with a wink that made your heart flutter. The wink and the guy’s good looks rendered you speechless, so all you managed to get out was a nod in response which earned a cheer from the crowd. George smiled a contagious smile at you as his brother pulled another young woman from the crowd as well. 

“Hello,” the other girl said with a small smile as you both stood in front of the twins. 

The crowd waited with bated breath to see what the finale would be and the anticipation rose as George asked his brother, “Ready Fred?”

“Ready George,” he replied before the two of them seemed to pull flowers out of thin air! The crowd applauded the feat as the twins took their bows before handing the flowers to the girls they pulled from the crowd. 

“So your name’s George, huh?” you asked as the crowd began to disperse. 

“It is, but you can call me yours,” he replied with a wink and a kiss to your knuckles before handing you the flowers. 

“Wow, I uh- wow,” you stuttered out, feeling heat rush to your cheeks in response to the words. It had been years since anyone had flirted with you so you forgot what a rush it was. 

Before you could regain any semblance of words to say back, Fred wrapped his arm around George’s shoulders and said, “Oi Georgie, you oughta take her out to dinner first I reckon!”

You giggled before finally gaining your confidence back and saying, “Your brother seems to know what’s the crack. Can I have your number so we can make dinner plans, Georgie?”

George panicked for a moment because of course he didn’t have a Muggle phone or anything, so he smoothly replied, “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

“Oh, playing hardball I see?” you asked.

“I just like the chase,” he replied with a wink. 

“So do you two do this for a living?” you asked to keep the conversation going.

“Somewhat,” George replied vaguely.

“We mostly do this in the park for the love of it though,” Fred replied, steering the conversation away from their career path. 

“Well you two are quite impressive! I’d like to see what else you can do,” you told them. Before you could say anything else, your cell phone let out a notification tone indicating that your friend Abbie was texting you. You read the message and quickly said, “Well hey I gotta go, I’m about to be late for rehearsal. Maybe I’ll see you around again?”

“I’ll look forward to it,” George replied with a smile that you returned before turning away to pick up your blanket and head off to the school for one of the now typical evening rehearsals for the upcoming musical. Throughout the rest of the night, you couldn’t keep your mind from drifting back to George. There was just something special about him, something truly magical…

Over the next week, George and you made your way to the park in hopes of seeing each other, but you were just shy of seeing one another every night, spinning around like two sides of a coin. That was until the next Sunday when you were playing the backing music to one of your songs from the upcoming musical and singing along while looking at your score to make sure you had every note down just right. As you finished up the chorus, you were startled by a voice saying, “Practically perfect indeed.”

You looked up to see George approaching, his hands tucked into the pockets of his stylish coat with a smile on his face. You smiled back and said, “Hey you.”

“I haven’t seen you the past few days,” he told you.

“I haven’t seen you,” you countered with a laugh. “I’ve been here every night running my lines and songs with a couple of friends.”

“In hopes of seeing me?” George asked, a teasing tone evident in his voice. You felt heat rush to your cheeks yet again and failed to come up with a witty comeback to his flirting before George offered out his hand as he continued with, “Either way, I’m glad I had the time to get the nerve to ask this: would you want to go out on a date? I had some time to think about what Freddie said and decided why not.”

“Oh wow, uh sure, when?” you stuttered out.

“No time like the present I reckon,” he replied before helping you up and placing a gentle kiss on your knuckles. 

“I’m not so sure I’m exactly dressed for a date, I mean look at you!” you replied while gesturing at his posh outfit, suddenly self conscious about your casual one. 

“Nonsense, you look beautiful,” George countered with a warm smile. 

“You really are a charmer, huh?” 

“I just go after what I want,” he told you with a wiggle of his eyebrows that made you laugh. He paused for a moment before asking, “So what do you say? We can start off slow with getting a spot of tea.”

“Tea sounds nice,” you replied with a nod. “I know this really good place just up the road if you want to go there.”

“Lead the way,” George told you before he helped gather all of your things into your oversized bag, hooking it over his shoulder and carrying it for you despite your protests. “A lady shouldn’t have to carry a heavy bag like this when she’s in good company,” he said. You rolled your eyes and laughed in response, finally giving in and letting him carry the bag. 

Once you two sat down at a table outside a small tea shop, you held the warm cup in your hands as you asked, “So do you want to play an ice-breaker game?” 

Not exactly confident in his knowledge of Muggle ice-breakers, George replied, “Sure, you go first,” in hopes of gaining an understanding of the custom once you started.

“Let’s start off easy, do you have any siblings?” you asked. 

“If I get a point for every sibling I have then I’m definitely winning this game,” George replied with a laugh. 

“You have a lot?” you asked, your eyebrows raising as you took a sip from your cup. 

“Five brothers and a sister to be exact. Might as well count my youngest brother’s mates as another brother and sister too,” he told you. 

“Wow! Holidays must be… chaotic in your family,” you replied in disbelief.

“Travel’s a bit easier than you might think,” he replied. “In terms of Christmas though, Mum always knits us sweaters with our initial on them. I don’t know how she’s got the time with how many of us there are.” He paused for a moment before smiling and adding, “Don’t tell her this because I have a reputation to uphold, but I secretly love getting them.”

You mimed, zipping your lips shut and tossed away the invisible key before you replied, “Your secret is safe with me.”

“What about you? How many siblings do you have?” 

“Oh it’s just me, Mum, and Dad,” you replied. You took a sip of your drink and said, “Sometimes I do wish I had a sibling though.”

“If I could give you a couple of mine I would,” George told you with a laugh. “Not Percy though, he’s a prat,” he said with a roll of his eyes. Before you could ask about Percy because that would mean potentially letting something about the Wizarding World slip, he said, “I guess it’s my turn. What’s your middle name?”

“Louise,” you replied. You laughed lightly, embellishing your answer with, “Very, very common name, but it’s after my Gran so I love it.”

“I’s a beautiful name,” George told you with a smile. 

“What about yours?” 

“No middle name, but sometimes Mum calls me Fred. Other times Fred and I call ourselves Gred and Forge,” he replied with a chuckle. 

You laughed at the remark before asking, “Do you have any pet peeves?” 

George thought on this one before replying, “Getting in trouble for harmless pranks. At school or home Fred and I would always get scolded or detention for stuff that didn’t even hurt anyone. I don’t get the harm in pranks if they can make someone having a bad day laugh without being at the expense of others.”

“So you like to make people feel better when they’re having a rough go at it?”

“I try to at least. My philosophy is that if you’re laughing you aren’t thinking about the bad, at least for a moment.”

“That’s super sweet,” you replied as you tore off a bit of your pastry.

“What about you?”

“Well now my answer seems super prissy…” you said with a sheepish laugh.

“Oh don’t say that, I’m sure it isn’t that bad!” He paused for a moment before saying, “Your secret’s safe with me.”

You nodded, but were still quiet for a few seconds before finally telling him, “Well… I just hate when people chew with their mouth open, it’s disgusting and irks me so much!” As you were giving your answer, George had been putting a piece of his pastry into his mouth and smirked upon hearing the words. “Don’t you do it!” you exclaimed with a laugh while covering your ears and closing your eyes for a moment.

George finished his bite normally and respectfully before telling you, “And that my dear was my philosophy in action. You’re welcome.”

“Oh you think you’re so funny,” you said teasingly.

“That is in fact my reputation,” he replied. He took a sip from his cup before asking, “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done in school?”

You sat in silence for a few seconds before laughing to yourself and saying, “Oh gosh, last year I skipped school so I could get tickets to the One Direction concert at the O2. I told Mum that I wasn’t feeling well so I ran the hair dryer over my forehead and convinced her that I needed to stay home.”

George almost said something about the puking pastilles he and Fred had created for just that type of occasion, but bit his tongue. Instead, he simply asked, “Well did you at least get the tickets?”

“No!” you replied with a laugh. “The site crashed and by the time I got it back up they were already sold out! It wasn’t for nothing though because turns out Mum was on her computer that works much better than my cell and got us tickets for my birthday. It was the… best night ever.” 

George got the hint that you made some sort of Muggle pop culture reference when you started laughing at your own joke, so he laughed along but didn’t understand why. If you’re going to date this girl, you’re going to need to get some more information on Muggle pop culture and traditions… George thought to himself. Maybe you can see when Harry and Hermione will be at the Burrow next and ask them…

“When’s your birthday?” George asked since you brought it up.

You told him yours before asking, “What about you?”

“April 1st.”

“You’re kidding! What are the odds that a funny guy like you who likes pranks so much was born on April Fools day?”

“I think that’s what got Fred and me into pranking honestly. Growing up, Mum and Dad would be a lot more lenient on our birthday so we could get away with all the pranks we wanted as long as we didn’t take it too far.” He sighed before taking a sip from his cup. “I miss those days. Now it’s all, ‘your brothers all have these prestigious jobs and were Prefects or Head Boy, what are you and Fred doing with your lives?’ And I mean it doesn’t bother us because we’re doing what we love and having a fun time doing it, but they don’t always take us seriously.”

“Oh I’m sorry about that,” you replied sadly. You couldn’t imagine having to live up to older brothers and the expectations that come with that.

George shrugged and told you, “We love what we do so we don’t let it get to us. Never did in school either.”

“That’s good. So then if you didn’t care about all these expectations, what’s the worst thing you’ve done in school?” you asked, now curious about all the pranks he and Fred have gotten up to in their lives. 

You were shocked with how casually he told you, “Oh Fred and I set off some fireworks in the school, made a terrible mess of the place, and then dropped out,” that you almost spit out the tea that you had started to take a sip of. 

“Come again?” you asked, wiping your chin off quickly from the dribble of tea.

George laughed before elaborating with, “We decided that our skill set was of better use outside the world of academia so we left school but not before making a mess of the place and trying to run off the horrible old toad in charge of the school. She was a tyrant!”

“That’s fair enough,” you replied with a nod, a twinkle in your eye as you laughed. “Did that steer her off?”

“It wasn’t too long ago, just a few weeks, but so far my brother tells me that the horrible woman’s still there unfortunately.”

“Well that’s a bummer isn’t it?”

“As long as I don’t have to deal with her I’m a happy man,” he told you. 

He finished a bite of his scone before asking, “Do you have any pets?”

You couldn’t help the big smile on your face as you replied, “Yes! We have these two gorgeous long-haired cats. One is pure white and her name is Angel and the other is jet black and his name is Damian. They’re the sweetest cats ever and seem to know when you’re upset because they come and give you snuggles when you are. They’ve been my best friends the past few months.”

“What’s been upsetting you if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Oh I’ve just been having a rough go at it lately, I uh…” You paused, your mind flashing back to the incident.

It happened about two weeks after rehearsals started for the school’s spring musical: Mary Poppins. You had convinced your boyfriend of three years, Evan, to audition and he got the role of Robertson Ay, a small role, but it was huge for him to get anything more than ensemble with how little stage acting experience he had.

There were large portions of rehearsal time when he and Tori Ellington, who played his stage partner Mrs. Brill, would disappear for a while before returning to the rest of the cast for ensemble practice. Evan always cited these times of disappearance as running lines together in private until he felt more confident with himself to run them in front of the rest of the company. While this answer pleased you, seeing as you would do the same with the boy playing Bert, your friend Abbie was not so easily convinced. “He’s cheating on you, he’s got to be!” she would tell you as she watched the two disappear yet again into one of the far-off practice rooms. 

You, however, continued to ignore the warning signs and remained loyal to your long-time boyfriend, trusting in him and your relationship fully. That was until Abbie told Jasmine to help prove their case one afternoon. Jasmine had always been the one unafraid of anything and was all in when it came to snooping about on Evan and Tori. That being said, she wasn’t quiet when it came to revealing the truth. 

When Evan and Tori snuck off once again, she made it a point to take note of which room they snuck into. Talking loudly as the two of you went, Jasmine dragged you behind her while saying, “Let’s grab this room right here so we can practise our scene together for Brimstone and Treacle!” The loud warning seemed to have come across deaf ears of the occupants though, because when she yanked open the door, what was revealed to them was Tori wrapped in Evan’s arms, snogging like her life depended on it. Jasmine sighed and shook her head, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder as she said, “I’m sorry you had to find out this way…”

Your jaw dropped at the sight and you covered it quickly, whispering, “Evan? I… Wh- How could you…?”

“I can explain!” Evan said in shock, pushing Tori off of his lap quickly. 

“Save it, she doesn’t need your excuses you tosser,” Jasmine told him before taking you off to a different room to practise the rather cathartic song together. 

You took a moment and sipped your tea while deciding not to speak about the memory in full, not when the date with George was going so well… You instead settled on simply, “It’s been a rough few weeks and let’s just say that my friends wouldn’t exactly be thrilled to know I’m out on a date right now.” 

Wanting reprieve from the sore subject, you quickly asked, “What do you look for in a partner?”

George took the change in subject in stride, replying with, “You know, I’ve never really dated too much. I took a girl to a ball at school, but it wasn’t anything serious. If I had to say though, I would say witty, caring, and spontaneous.” He winked before adding, “A gorgeous smile and beautiful voice are a plus.”

The last bit made you blush and you hid your face behind your sweater covered hands as you giggled. When you gathered yourself and finally looked up to see George looking at you with stars in his eyes, you told him, “You sir are such a flirt.”

“I just like seeing that cute little bashful side of yours,” he replied as he leaned back in his chair with a smile. “What about you, what do you look for in someone?”

“Well loyalty is a top priority for me,” you replied almost instantly. “And I guess someone who will let me nerd out about my favourite movies and musicals because I can get really annoying with those.”

“You, annoying? Never!”

“Oh just you wait til we’re on a date and I break out into song if I hear one of my favourite show tunes!” you told him with a laugh. 

“So you anticipate going on another date huh? I haven’t run you off yet?”

You smiled before replying, “I hope to see you on a lot more dates actually, if you’ll have me.”

“I think I could make that work,” George said with a smile right back at you. 

A comfortable silence filled the air before he asked, “What’s your dream job?”

You lit up as you began telling him how you dream of being on the West End or even Broadway in the States, citing that you’ve been doing musical theatre since you were a kid and just want to be able to be on stage for a living. In turn George told you that he’s living his dream of owning a joke shop with Fred.

You two went on for an hour longer, getting to know each other more and laying down the flirting just to see the other’s reaction. You laughed at George’s jokes and George listened on in awe as you sang quietly to the music playing from the cafe’s speakers. “You have a beautiful voice, really,” he told you once the song was over.

“Oh thank you! Years of voice lessons from my mum have gotten me here,” you replied. As you did, your phone went off with a notification from your mother. You read the text and told George, “Speaking of. I should get going, Mum is wanting me home soon.”

“How about I walk you home? It’s getting dark out and I want to make sure you get there safely,” he told you.

“Oh you don’t have to, I wouldn’t want to be a bother,” you replied.

“Spending more time with you isn’t a bother. Honestly, it’s been one of the best nights I’ve had…ever, and I just don’t want it to end,” he told you truthfully.

“You’re so sweet,” you said with a smile. With a final nod, you told him, “Okay, that sounds like a plan, as long as you promise it isn’t asking too much and that it isn’t too far away from home for you.”

“I live over in Westminster, no big deal,” George replied as he stood up, taking your bag in one hand and offering an arm to help you up with his free one. 

“Gosh you’re a gentleman,” you told him with a smile as you took the offer. 

So you two took the walk to your house in one of the spunky Camden neighbourhoods, George tentatively reaching down and lacing his fingers with yours on the way there. When he did this, you couldn’t help the giddy smile you got on your face, your hand fitting perfectly into his as you walked. 

“Well this is me,” you said as you stopped in front of a quaint two story house with a large tree in the front yard. “When can I see you again? I am pretty busy this week with rehearsals, but I think this weekend I’ll be free again…”

“This weekend sounds great,” he replied with a smile. 

“Thank you for walking me home.” 

“Any time,” he told you, quickly making a note of the address so he could get an owl to you. “I had a nice night. Same time next week? We can meet at the cafe again.”

“I would love that,” you said with a nod. 

“I’ll see you then,” he told you before walking you up the short sidewalk to the door. After he made sure you got inside safely, George started making his way down the street with a spring in his step.

When you got to your bedroom after a brief chat with your parents in the sitting room, you laid down on your bed with a content sigh, flipping over and grabbing your journal so you could write about the date in it. You couldn’t really put a finger on what it was, but you just had a good feeling about this one. 

The next afternoon right before you were due back home from school, your mother was about to head out for her next voice lesson when she heard the post slot clanging shut as something was inserted. “That’s weird, usually he knocks…” she mumbled to herself as she walked to the door to see if they had gotten a new postman. 

When she opened the door though she didn’t see a postman anywhere in sight, so she remarked to herself, “Must be in a hurry.” What did catch her eye, however, was a rather small but beautiful owl sitting on the fence nearby. “Well hello there little guy,” she called to it with a smile. She hadn’t seen an owl in so long that it was a welcome sight. On her way back inside, your mum leaned down to pick up the letter that had been delivered and saw that it was addressed to you. 

A few minutes later when you arrived, your mum welcomed you home before telling you that you got a letter. “I got a letter? From who? I didn’t think that any unis were sending acceptance letters out yet.”

“There isn’t a return address on it so I couldn’t tell you,” she replied. She checked her phone and said, “Well I have a lesson across town, I don’t think I’ll be home for dinner, so you and Dad are on your own.”

“Oh no, what ever will we do without you?” you asked sarcastically, knowing that your dad would likely get the two of you Chinese takeaway when he got off that evening. 

“Not have my amazing home cooking, that’s what,” she told you with a laugh before giving you a hug as she headed out. 

“See you later Mum,” you said before grabbing the letter off of the counter and heading to your room upstairs. 

After you hung your book bag on its hook in your room and put your shoes away in their cubby, you sat cross-legged on your bed as you broke the wax seal on the letter. You opened the letter and breathed in the warm scent of cinnamon and cranberry before beginning to read.

My dearest,

I just thought I would tell you again how wonderful our night together was yesterday. Even with Fred and I’s busy work day I haven’t been able to get you off my mind and can’t wait to see you again. I’m so glad that we met that day at the park and can’t wait to see where this goes.

Cheers, 

George Weasley, your favourite jokester. 

In another handwriting at the bottom it read:

P.S. Thank you for making my brother happy, but I’m gonna need him to stay focused at the shop, Fred.

You laughed at the last line and couldn’t help the smile on your face as you read the letter over and over again, completely taken aback by the gesture. You couldn’t believe the luck you’ve had with George so far. He’s funny, kind, chivalrous, a complete gentleman, and he was sending you a hand-written letter! Who does that anymore? 

The next afternoon at lunch while you were waiting for your friends, you read the letter once more, lost in your own little world remembering your date with George. You were ripped from your daydream though as Jasmine snatched the letter out from your hands. She chastised you by calling out your name to get your attention before saying, “I have been calling you for the last five minutes asking you if you wanted anything to eat!” she told you with a laugh. Turning her attention to the letter, she asked, “What’s this we have here?” 

“Oh it’s nothing,” you told her sheepishly while trying to get the letter back from her. 

It was too late though and Jasmine began to read the letter out loud for Abbie to hear as well as they sat down at the table. You hid your face in your hands as Jasmine teased you, “And who may this George fellow be? Does he go to school here?”

“And is he why you weren’t on your game today in theatre class?” Abbie asked. She started unwrapping her food as she continued, “If we want to get into the theatre troupe of our dreams we can’t afford to be slacking this close to auditions. And you especially can’t be slacking with such little time until opening night of Mary! This is our last performance in secondary school, we can’t afford to mess it up!”

“I know, I know, and I promise that I will get right back onto my normal rehearsal schedule, I’m just…getting used to this new situation.”

“I didn't even know that you were seeing anyone, why didn’t you tell us?” Abbie asked. 

“Well it’s fairly new. I met him at the park last week and then we kinda went on a date a couple days ago and then he sent me that letter yesterday. It’s not like I didn’t want to tell you two… I just…you’ve been a bit protective lately.”

“Isn’t it a bit soon after Evan?” Abbie asked, concern evident in her eyes.

“Proving my point exactly,” you said quietly as you unwrapped a sandwich you made for lunch. You shook your head and said in a more optimistic tone, “What happened with Evan sucked, yes, but I just had a little faith in the world and I found something great!”

“See Abbie? Evan is a thing of the past! She’s in loooovveee!” Jasmine said teasingly. 

You rolled your eyes and told her, “Don’t be ridiculous Jaz, I haven’t even known him for a month!”

“And I haven’t seen you this head over heels since you fancied Drew in grade three!”

Abbie couldn’t help but giggle at Jasmine’s comment as she said in a high pitched voice, “Oh Drew, with his beautiful blue eyes and that Scottish accent that could make an angel cry!”

Jasmine laughed before adding, “The man of her dreams that little miss never made a move on, whomp whomp!”

“That is so irrelevant to this situation!” you told them while shaking your head with a smile, a sparkle of love for your friends in your eyes. The three of you shared a laugh together before you told them, “Okay, George and I don’t have plans to meet again until the weekend so until then I will be all business when it comes to rehearsing for Mary and also for the other auditions to get into uni and local troupes.”

“Oh so you already have another date set up huh?” Jasmine asked.

“We do! There’s just…something about him. Something magical. It’s like all of this is out of a movie and I just want to see what happens next!”

“So this is love,” Abbie and Jasmine harmonised before they dissolved into another fit of giggles. 

a/n: and off we go! gosh i really love this pairing i can't wait to show off their relationship as they grow and get to know each other! also can i just say how much i despise evan? because it's an intense hatred even though i created him lol

ps: i plan on uploading once a week for this story!

xo, brooke <3

general taglist: @reidmarieprentiss

[starry-nights-garden]

Ateez Reaction ✧ Giving you Comfort

✧ Ateez all members x gn!reader ✧ genre: reaction, comfort, fluff, (angst) ✧ warnings: none

Hongjoong:

notices immediately when you’re not feeling like your usual self

he knows you so well and is really sensitive to your mood changes, so at times he even picks up on a pending down earlier than you

then he tries to carefully nudge you into the right direction, to avoid you getting hurt too much

but when reality hits and you end up feeling really bad, he’ll be there to comfort you

he knows the ideal balance between when to offer you to talk about things and when to distract you, so you’re always thankful for having him at your side

so when you need it he will be there to listen and to try to understand your feelings to the best of his abilities

while other times he will put his arm around your shoulders in a comforting gesture and guide you to his studio to show you some of his newest songs he’s working on, asking you about your opinions on them to take your mind off whatever is wearing you down

Seonghwa:

lots and lots of pampering you when you feel down

tries his hardest to be there for you when you really need him, even in the midst of a busy schedule on his side

he knows what kind of food always cheers you up, so he will serve you home-cooked meals or randomly bring home your favourite take-out food when he’s done with his own work in the evening

lots of little touches and gestures to try to reassure you that he’s there and won’t leave your side

will let you wear one of his big hoodies as he takes care of you

also puts up scented candles around your place that have a calming smell, and makes sure your home is tidy and cleaned up in your stead

watches your favourite TV-show or movie with you, snuggled up to each other on the couch all through the night

when you fall asleep next to him, he picks you up and carries you to your bed, where he lies down next to you, to let you know he’s still here to protect you should you wake up sometime during the night

Yunho:

might seem like a lost puppy at first, but there’s noone better to go to if you need someone to cheer you up than him

he can be serious as well, but usually he’ll try to distract you and make you think of more fun things than what’s currently troubling you

would go to great lengths for you if he knows there’s a chance to cheer you up with a certain thing

like - he has gone out in the middle of the night before to buy you a huge can of ice cream that you then finished in one sitting together with him (the stomach ache you both had afterwards was definitely worth it)

will also sing cute songs for you and make you sing along with him by clapping and swaying from side to side along with the rhythm

lots of giggles and hugs as soon as he sees a spark of joy on your face

however, if nothing works then he will eventually realize and accept that, and just let you two coexist next to each other, holding you close and rubbing your back and shoulders while saying nothing

will wait for you to bring up your problem first, but if you don’t say anything he will assume that you don’t want to talk about it and not pressure you into talking

Yeosang:

I feel like he’s the type who wouldn’t do much, but help a lot through the things he does do

will definitely give you lots of space if he senses that you need it

he will of course also be there to listen if you want to talk, though he might sometimes not have something smart to say back

will try his best to cheer you up with small gestures, like bringing you food or buying your favourite snacks or taking you to a café you haven’t gone to for a while

a bit insecure about how to take care of you in a way that won’t upset you more at first, but over time he will figure out what truly helps you and he’ll eventually become a master of taking care of you

as soon as that’s the case, he will give you everything you need when you feel bad, and usually his timing is spot on too

craving hot chocolate or some kind of comfort food? he’ll be right there to serve it to you

feel like all you need is someone to hold you and to give you cuddles? he’ll already have his arms wrapped safely around you

will also talk to you in his calm voice about anything really, to keep your thoughts occupied with things that offer you some distraction

San:

he already takes care of the people around him well and very naturally, so when you feel down nothing much about that will change

he’ll probably sense that something’s up, but try to give you space, even though it pains him to see you struggling on your own like this

when you finally tell him what’s on your mind, he will listen to what you have to say and try to help you by giving you advice

but I feel like he’s also the type to just coo at you and then wrap you into a tight hug, attacking you with cuddles

he’ll let you cry if you need to, and otherwise just be there with you, holding you close

suggests taking things slow for a day or two and if he can he will ditch his own responsibilities to stay with you instead

you can game with him or listen to music together, and as he gets really into it he pulls you along into that happy space naturally

he’s only satisfied once he’s made you smile or laugh at least once, and he will stay with you that day if you want him to, letting you fall asleep in his arms peacefully

Mingi:

might seem like he’s a bit too hyper to properly notice how you feel but I think actually he’s very sensitive

so he will pick up on your sudden bad mood rather quickly

will immediately turn serious as well and unless you signal him that you really don’t want to talk right now, he will take you by the hand and lead you somewhere quiet to ask you how you feel and what’s troubling you

gives the best, most heartwarming hugs if you start crying and will make sure to rub big circles on your back and not let go of you until you have calmed down and the tears have stopped

will always be there to listen and understands your feelings very well, even when sometimes he isn’t the best at expressing himself in turn

won’t rely a lot on distracting you, unless you ask him to, and instead focus on talking about the problem and helping you find a solution to fix it

is super protective of you and doesn’t leave your side until he’s sure you feel better again

Wooyoung:

I feel like he’s the member who will have the most difficulties to comfort you, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t try his best to be there for you

he also doesn’t pick up on your emotions as fast as the others, but there’s actually a good side to that as well

because when you feel down due to something and he’s still in his normal hyper state, he’s the best natural distraction you can get

he’s definitely the type to be able to pull people along and make his own mood rub off on others, so when you’re around him while he’s happy, that alone helps a lot to make you feel better as well

however, when you need him to be serious for a while in order to discuss whatever’s troubling you with him, his mood will change rapidly and he will do his best to support you and to be there for you

will rely on you telling him what to do to help you most of the time, but sometimes he’ll come up with little (okay, rather huge, he’s Wooyoung after all lol) gestures, like bringing you flowers or baking you a cake or cooking your favourite meal for you in an attempt to make you feel his love and how much he cares about you

Jongho:

he’d probably be very serious when he realizes you’re struggling with something

he doesn’t want to pressure you to speak up about it, so he gives you space to bring it up yourself, but at the same time he keeps hinting at the fact that he knows something’s up

when you eventually break the silence he will make sure to be there for you to talk to him

he really wants to give you good advice, so he thinks about what to say to you hard, sometimes staying up all night pondering on how to help you

will definitely try to cheer you up, nudging you towards a better mood carefully by bringing up topics you like to talk about or by trying to make you laugh with his jokes

when it all doesn’t really help to cheer you up he’ll just wrap his arms around you and sigh, holding you close and stroking your hair in a comforting manner

he wants you to feel as alright as you can be, but he knows that sometimes you can’t avoid a bad mood, so he will let you be sad when you need to be

[lucy90712]

I need a girl, who is lando norris' ex, getting involved with João after the Lando+Magui rumors.Where at first they did it to affect their exes, but then it becomes true!

Out of all the things I wanted to do fresh off a break up going to a party is near the bottom of the list but my friends insisted. They dragged me out of bed and got me in a cute outfit before dragging me out my apartment and to a taxi which was already outside. The party was in a big house and had lots of people who looked like they thought very highly of themselves. It really didn't feel like the type of place I wanted to be but my friends must've dragged me here for a reason and I trust them. Within minutes of arriving I had a drink in my hand and I was being led over to this group of guys who one of my friends seemed to know as they all greeted her warmly. She introduced the rest of us to them all until she got to the last guy which is when she pulled me forward and introduced us specifically. 

"Joao this is y/n, y/n this is Joao both your exes are assholes now you can talk about it" she said nudging me in his direction

"Hey I'm sorry about her she's a bit forward sometimes" I apologised 

"It's ok what she said about my ex is certainly true so I can't be mad" he said 

"You don't have to tell me but if you want to feel free to rant about what your ex did from experience it definitely makes you feel better" he said 

"He did so many things but we broke up less than two weeks ago and he's already been seen with a new girl and now I'm sure he was cheating on me with her as it's just too soon to have met someone and moved on" I ranted 

"That's awful my ex cheated too three times to be exact now I wonder why I went back to her every time" he said 

"Right I feel like such an idiot he'd do things he knew I didn't like and then he'd apologise and I'd just forgive him I must've been wearing rose tinted glasses not to see all the red flags" I said 

"You're ex sounds just like mine" he laughed 

"They'd get along well then" I joked 

We talked more about all the things our exes had done to us including the lying, the cheating and the endless manipulation. It felt good to have someone to rant with about how awful it feels to be in a relationship like that. Joao talked about how his ex was trying her best to be spiteful and be seen with someone who's also well known as apparently he plays football. I told him about how my ex probably wasn't being spiteful on purpose but that doesn't make it hurt any less to see him with another girl who's definitely prettier than I am so soon after our breakup. 

"If you don't mind me asking who is your ex your friend mentioned him before and said he made far too much money doing not a lot" he said 

"That sounds like something she'd say but no I don't mind saying I was with Lando Norris" I said 

"Wait Lando Norris" he said sounding concerned 

"Yeah why?" I asked a little worried now 

"He's the guy my ex is trying to be seen with all the time" he said 

"Wait Magui is your ex?" I asked 

"Yeah and I hate to be the person to tell you this but she's been hanging out with Lando for months I can't say if they've been more than friends but they've known each other a long time" he said 

"Well that's good to know who knew we'd have so much in common" I said trying to make light of the situation 

Joao was so sweet he apologised that his ex had ruined my relationship even though it's not his fault at all. We both talked about how much all the rumours and pictures of Lando and Magui have hurt us as no one else in our lives understands exactly what we're going through so to talk to someone who knows exactly how you feel somehow makes you feel better. 

Eventually our conversation drifted from our exes and we just got to know each other. Joao talked about football and how he's moved all over the place the last few years and I talked about how I've been trying to keep up with school while travelling the world following Lando at his request before settling in London. Despite being from different backgrounds we really did have a lot in common we shared a lot of similar interests and have a lot of similar life experiences. After we'd been talking for a while I understood why my friends insisted I come out tonight they knew Joao would be here and that we'd get along well. To start with I resented them for dragging me out my pity party but now I really appreciate it as I think I've got a new friend for life. 

I spent the entire night with Joao talking, laughing and drinking. it was the most fun I've had in a long time and that includes when I was with Lando. He really made me forget about everything which was exactly what I needed even if I didn't want to hear it before I got here. At the end of the night Joao offered to drop me home he hadn't been drinking alcohol as he had a game in a couple of days so I accepted and together we walked to his car. He drove me right to the door of my apartment building and got out to open my door for me but before he let me leave he asked for my phone number so we can stay in contact and I didn't hesitate to give it to him as I had fun tonight and I'd like to do that again. 

~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up quite late this morning as I didn't get to sleep until just after 3am but when I did my phone was flooded with texts and notifications from pretty much every social media I have. As it turns out someone posted a picture from last night and in the background you can see me and Joao talking to each other clear as day. Of course the picture is now everywhere as football and f1 gossip accounts are talking about it and making rumours out of nothing. Everyone wants to know what Lando and Magui will think and if we were just trying to get back at them which wasn't the aim but I can't lie I would quite like if it were to bother Lando that I'm with a new guy. 

Joao had also text me making sure I was ok and saying if I wanted him to say something he would do which just proves that he's a much nicer guy than Lando as he'd never do anything like that. After I told him I didn't care he told me to tell him if it all gets too much and he'll put a stop to it but nothing will compare to the hate I got when people realised I'd taken their precious Lando Norris off the market. After last night I feel so comfortable with Joao that I decided to admit that it actually felt good to get some revenge on Lando and give him a taste of his own medicine. I was a little worried he would think I'm insane but he actually agreed with me after what we've both put up with making our exes look stupid feels good. He then asked me if I'd like to do that again like go somewhere and if we get seen together then so be it and I agreed straight away. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Last week Joao and I went out for coffee just to talk seeing as we got along so well and we just happened to be seen by fans and paparazzi which only fuelled the rumours that existed before. Earlier this week we went out to dinner together which I really enjoyed this time it wasn't our aim to be seen together we just wanted to get dinner together but someone still took a picture of us. I've looked at this picture everyday since because it's different to the other ones the smile on my face while Joao is talking is so genuine like I'm truly happy. I haven't been truly happy in ages but Joao makes me happy and thats had my head spinning with so many thoughts. 

All of this hasn't been helped by the fact that I've seen Joao every day this week after we went out for dinner Joao invited me over to his place to watch a movie together after that we've swapped who's place we spend the evening at. We've cooked together, watched movies, had game nights it's been the best week I've loved it so much. Spending so much time together without anyone else around has made me realise that I actually really like Joao. Whenever he texts me that he's on his way to mine or greets me at the door of his place I get this strange feeling in my stomach I suppose it's like butterflies but it's just the excitement of getting to see him. I've slowly started to realise that maybe I like Joao as more than a friend I've never looked forward to seeing a friend as much as I look forward to seeing Joao every evening and the way my heart rate increases when he gets anywhere near me is just like it was when I first met Lando. That should've been the first give away but I guess I didn't think I was ready to move on so I didn't let myself feel those feelings for Joao but there is never a right time to move on so why hold back. 

Having those feelings again is a little scary especially as I've just come out of a relationship that I didn't realise was so toxic and bad for me until now. There is also the fear that Joao may not feel the same it's clear that Magui has really messed him up which I totally understand but what if he's not ready to get into a new relationship or feel those feelings for someone else. That part of it does worry me as I don't want to make a move unless I know he feels the same as having him in my life even as just a friend has helped me so much. I don't want to lose the bond we've formed over the last few weeks just because I think I have feelings for him that would be stupid but I really do think I see Joao as more than a friend and part of me wants to risk it all to see if he feels the same.

Tonight he invited me over to his place to just relax as he has a match tomorrow but he still wanted to see me as he won't be back until late after his match so we won't see each other tomorrow. He told me to bring a board game with me as I have a collection of them and he's determined to try them all as most of them he's never heard of. So far he's beaten me at every game we've played so I tried to find a game I'm good at and can maybe win but I'll be honest he's just too good at everything so once he knows the rules he's going to crush me. I didn't really mind though as he never goes overboard when he wins like Lando would and I know he wouldn't get mad if he did lose. 

When I arrived at Joao's place he was waiting for me at the door and he took the board game boxes from me. Once he put them down he gave me a hug which is always so comforting just being in his arms makes me feel safe. We sat and talked about our days for a while before Joao suggested we make some food so we went to see what he had to make which wasn't a lot as he hadn't gone grocery shopping in a while. In the end we decided that pasta was easy enough and he had some vegetables to make a salad. I was in charge of the pasta while Joao made the salad which he cut everything for and then he needed the dressing which was in a cupboard next to me. While he reached for it he put his hand on the bottom of my back so I didn't step back into him which was meant as a harmless gesture but it sent a shiver down my spine and had me blushing like crazy. It took me the rest of the time we spent cooking for me to recover from that but luckily I don't think Joao noticed or if he did hopefully he didn't think it was because of him. 

After dinner we played the board games I brought which Joao beat me at most of the time but I did beat him once which felt good although he might've been letting me win. Then we kind of just sat in silence but it wasn't uncomfortable at all there was no need for one of us to say something and break the silence we could sit like that for hours and there be no need for one of us to do something to shake off the awkwardness. As time went by we naturally drifted close to each other until our shoulders were touching and then Joao took me by surprise as his arm gently slid around my waist as he looked into my eyes probably checking to see if there was any signs that I wanted him to back off. A smile crept onto both our faces as the tension we didn't even know was there seemed to be released when we let ourselves go beyond the barriers of just friends. 

"I know we haven't known each other for long but this just feels right having you by my side every night I've never been happier spending every night cooking dinner and watching movies I don't feel the need to be or go anywhere else" Joao admitted 

"I feel the exact same I was always looking for something more than just Lando's company but with you I don't need anything else I could spend hours just sitting here talking or simply doing nothing" I said 

"I'm so glad that you feel the same I've been worried about ruining things but then I thought if things were really meant to be then you'd feel the same way and clearly I made the right decision" he said 

"I was thinking the exact same thing to begin with it felt wrong to move on so quickly but then I realised I was just telling myself it was wrong but I'm glad you made the move as I think I'd always be too scared to do it" I said 

"Let's not be scared anymore then will you be my girlfriend?" He asked 

"I'd love that" I replied 

"Although let's keep things private for now as much as all those rumours were fun now that this is more then making our exes jealous I don't want everyone to know" I said 

"You read my mind the more private we can keep things the better I want you all it myself for now" Joao smiled 

[nastylittleghouls]

Querencia

Relationship(s): Aether/Aeon

Rating: Explicit 

Words: about 1.6k (One day I’ll be able to write something small but today is not that day) 

Summary: It’s still difficult for him to stay quiet and unmoving, so unlike his nature. To not react without prompting to how Aether looks at him from time to time, over the rim of his glasses, appraising. Promising. Sometimes telling him to stretch out his legs or get his pillow with a gentle nudge of quintessence.

or

Aeon just wants to be Aether's good boy

Tags and warnings:  D/s dynamics, pre-negotiated scene, face fucking, Aeon being a good boy and a fiend for Aether’s monster dick, a tiny smidgen of angst- blink and you might miss it. Implied quintosis, a little bit of mean!Aether and orgasm denial. That's about it I think 

Notes: This is the result of @a-hearts-a-heavy-burden and me losing our minds about Aether pleasuring his guitar and ending with how willingly Phantom/Aeon would get on his knees for the big quint. It took a bit of a different direction than I thought but I am not mad about it. Unbeta'ed.

AO3 link for the so-inclined

Querencia: The place where one's strength is drawn from; where one feels at home; the place where you are your most authentic self.

Aeon slips into Aether’s office while he’s making his ward round. He knows the basics by now. Had watched longingly how Dewdrop knelt at Aether’s feet. And Aether, ever the observant one, had taken him under his wing with a loving but firm hand while Aeon had hung onto every word, every touch like the air he needed to breathe. 

Take off your clothes. Fold them neatly and put them on the chair. On your knees. Head bowed. Hands on thighs, unless other instructions are given.  Be seen but not be heard. 

He had felt like he had found another purpose in Aether’s pride. 

It’s still difficult for him to stay quiet and unmoving so unlike his nature. To not react without prompting to how Aether looks at him from time to time over the rim of his glasses, appraising. Promising. Sometimes telling him to stretch out his legs or get his pillow with a gentle nudge of quintessence. 

The way people come and go. Either treating him like he isn't right there, naked, rock hard, and leaking a puddle on the floor, only stealing looks at him. Or partaking if Aether allows it. 

Like Swiss dropping by to discuss plans with Aether, his hands casually wandering over Aeon’s upper body with teasing caresses over his neck and tweaking his nipples as he talks. Or Dew nudging the tip of his boot under his balls, making Aeon’s sensitive cock slide over the leather just so as he leans over the desk to pull Aether into a heated kiss. Tempting him to seek friction at the display in front of him and testing his obedience. No doubt hoping he’ll fail as Dew enjoys seeing him punished as much as he enjoys being part of the aftercare. 

He hopes he’ll be spared by visitors today. He selfishly wants Aether for himself, wants to be good only for him. 

The door opens and Aether finally returns. If he‘s surprised to find Aeon here again so soon he doesn‘t let it show. The spade of his tail drags fleetingly over Aeon's spine as he passes to get to his desk, making him arch up, and ends with a playful slap on his ass. That’s his greeting, his acceptance of Aeon‘s servitude. 

Aeon breathes the air with Aether’s renewed scent in deeply, then curls his tail around himself and waits. Let’s himself thrive in the simple but meaningful act of kneeling in Aether‘s presence, for Aether, ready to dedicate his body to him to ease his stress level and make the crease between his eyebrows vanish. The thought makes him glance at Aether‘s cock, laying against his thigh under the loose scrubs, moving enticingly when he shifts his leg. The things he would give to have that long thickness filling him already.  Stretching him impossibly wide, the ache, the taste… 

They both need each other, Aeon‘s sure of it. 

When Aether finally beckons him over, his body excitedly rises upwards, one alredy foot on the floor, about to push him upwards and he instantly knows he fucked up. He bites back a frustrated whine and lowers himself back down. Apologizing and hoping Aether won’t punish him for it. 

Aether just sighs with a hint of disappointment.

“Go on. Try again”.

Relieved that Aether feels gracious today, his voice having that certain cloying tone, Aeon rises again, properly only onto his stiff knees this time, and crawls over to Aether. His cock bobs in front of him, dripping all over the floor as he moves, giving Aether a good view of him. He wants to preen under his gaze.   

Aether’s large hands greet him when he settles again, stroking Aeon’s beaming face as he smiles down at him. The smaller ghoul nuzzles into the touch, kisses Aether’s rings reverently. Tries to wriggle his tongue under them to taste his sweat, and licks at the pad of his fingers where the ink has stained them. His eyes never leave Aether’s face, looking at him like he’s one of the seven princes of hell himself. 

„Such a sweet boy. Kneeling so prettily for me. You wanna help me relax, don‘t you? ” 

Aeon shivers at the praise before he nods fervently, eyes wide and glassy, whispering a “yes, sir. Please” and letting his mouth drop open and his tongue roll out in invitation, eager to be of use. Aether strokes his cock leisurely, pleased with the way Aeon offers himself and follows his every movement. Every word. Attention fully on him. Like it should be.

“Hands behind your back, grip your wrists. If you let go, I’ll stop. Understand?” 

Aeon nods again, shifting to do as he is told. Curling his fingers around his wrists as tight as he’d want his cuffs to be, digging into the finger-shaped bruises already on his skin. The feeling forces him to take a deep breath. 

It's a slow and intentional thing when Aether squeezes his cock from root to tip, forcing pre to pool in the slit. He shifts forward and drags the head of his cock over the smaller Quint's tongue with a small moan, Aeon's eyes rolling into the back of his head when the taste hits, a reedy whimper escaping his throat. A high-strung please is pressed into Aether’s mind along with it. 

Fingers fisted in Aeon's hair, Aether uses his grip to feed the little ghoul his cock, slides in until there’s no more for Aeon to take and then just holds him there.  Lets the tip rest at the back of his throat, groaning approvingly when he feels Aeon swallow around him, body going slack at the weight, at the way he can feel every single bar of his Jacobs ladder sitting on his tongue, how it fills his whole mouth and stretches his lips wide. His mind goes pleasantly hazy, everything narrowing down to Aether and pleasing him. Helping him destress. Being useful. Nothing else. 

Aether pulls him off, only to instantly push him back down and press in deep again, not letting him draw a full breath. Saliva drips messily over Aeon's chin and onto his chest as Aether uses him, fucks Aeon’s mouth in deep strokes, his sounds of pleasure washing over Aeon like warm summer rain. The small Quint’s hungry little whines and moans fill the room, slender hips hump the empty air in a desperate search of friction he’s not allowed. Drawing quick little breaths whenever Aether pulls his cock out just enough that air can flow and flushing hotly at the loud wet squelching noises he’s sure everyone can hear every time Aether pushes back in.   

„Lucifer, your pretty mouth. Made to be ruined”

The praise has Aeon tonguing at the metal adorning Aether’s cock, doing his best with the little room he has. He just wants to give Aether more and show how grateful he is.  

“That’s good. Really fucking good. Such a sweet boy for me,” Aether breathes, head tipping back. His fingers tighten in Aeon’s hair, his thrusts get a little sloppier, just that little harder. Aeon keens, long and high, too far gone to notice that Dew’s name falls from Aether’s lips in the throes of pleasure, in between his praises.  It almost overwhelms him, his ruddy cock kicking hard between his legs. His tail curls around Aether‘s ankle, needing something to ground himself before he loses it.

Then Aether slides in deep again and comes, momentarily depriving him of the taste where he wants it the most, staying there until his cock’s done twitching.

It's wonderful.

Aether drags his cock out oh so slowly and leans back in his chair, breathing labored. He graciously lets Aeon follow and keep mouthing at him, catching what he couldn’t swallow with his tongue, watching the blissful face of the little ghoul as he enjoys his extra treat. He ponders how good Aeon’s mouth would feel struggling on his knot and his cock twitches, causing a delighted noise from the ghoul beneath him. 

Maybe later today. 

His fingers in Aeon’s hair loosen and his hand just rests affectionately at the back of his head, twirling the short strands around his fingers until he starts to soften and overstimulation sets in.

“That’s enough, little star”.

Aeon takes the cue and when Aether’s all clean and tucked back into his pants, Aeon rests his head on his thigh, gazing adoringly up at him with a hoarse sounding purr, still happily working his mouth around the ache in his jaw, the cum still swirling around in his mouth. His face is a mess of fluids, lips swollen and Aether makes a mental note to snap a photo for his collection

„Please, sir. Would you…“ Aeon sounds wrecked, his voice cracking then giving out. He swallows. 

“Hmm?” A Cheshire cat-like grin appears on Aether's face as he tips Aeon’s face up and offers his water bottle to him. Encouraging him to take a sip.  He knows exactly what’s coming. Or rather, what isn’t. 

“M..may I come, sir?” 

Aether makes a considering sound, reaches down to drag a fingertip over the length of Aeon's sensitive cock, then sucks it into his mouth. Aeon’s eyes widen, and a wounded sound that shows how close he is to coming leaves him, hips jerking forward in minuscule motions even after Aether’s touch is gone. He pants as his cock keeps throbbing and pre-cum drips in rivulets down the sides. 

“I think I’ll keep you like this for a while longer,” Aether says, then folds his hands behind his head and smirks. 

“Now lick your mess off of the floor.”

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Carpe Noctem 30

Warnings: dark elements, noncon, age gap, gaslighting, manipulation, violence, blood, other dark elements. Proceed with caution. (short!reader)

Note: Please let me know what you think as it helps me a lot with ideas and I love interacting with you all.

Part of The Club AU

“You two work so hard,” Beverly places the last dish on the table, “me and Ethan will need to come see the cafe sometime. Cole says you've been such a tremendous help.”

"Oh, well, I just do my job," you shrug, "really."

"She's being humble," Cole nudges you, "she hasn't seen the numbers yet but her desserts are a hit. I'm thinking we might lean into the bakery direction."

You nod, surprised by his praise. It's not that he's ever been unkind but to have someone almost boast about you is more than what you're used to. Almost hard to believe.

"If you don't mind sharing, I'd love some recipes," Beverly says as she sits, "you know, we have this pear tree out back. Another of Cole's projects but I have no idea what to do with all that fruit."

"It sells alright," Cole intones, "but yeah, there's always some hanging around."

"So," Ethan grabs the dish of steaming carrots, "I'm sure you do more than pour coffee. You got a green thumb too?"

"Not really," you frown, "plants don't live long with me."

"She's great with kids," Cole offers, "worked at a daycare, right?"

"Erm, yeah," you reply, surprised he remembered, "hopefully I can find my way back. I love baking but I really enjoyed the work."

"Ouch," Cole utters, "well, I'll have to start looking at resumes."

"Well, not... soon, I don't know," you scoop some carrots onto your own plate, "you know, just in the future when things are stable."

"Good way to get ready for some of your own," Beverly adds.

"Um, yeah, maybe one day," you try not to make a face. If you ever want kids, you have a lot to figure out.

"You know, Cole is that type. He's so excited to be a father one day. He volunteers down at the community garden."

"I didn't know that," you glance at him as he gives a bashful grin.

"Well, I enjoy it so it's not really work," he spears a piece of roast onto his plate. "And yeah, one day, if I'm lucky. Cole Junior will be running around helping me with this place."

"That sounds so nice. Must be a lot of work running a farm."

"Good work," Ethan affirms, "but hard. Still, nice and quiet out here. City is... so loud."

"So are kids," you jibe.

"Good kinda loud," Beverly smirks, her eyes lingering on you oddly. "How old are ya?"

You hesitate. The question is abrupt; unexpected. You answer as you take a thinner slice of the roast.

"Not too old," she remarks, "you still got some time for a wedding and all that. I'm sure you'll have a few little ones running around soon enough."

You don't say a word as you add a healthy mound of potatoes to your spread. You're hungrier with each whiff of the seasoned dishes. You smile and stir the mash elusively. Cole clears his throat, scratching the stubble there.

"Oh, I didn't say. I made dessert. I don't know if it'll live up to your standards but don't fill up too much," Beverly warns, "then we can get you settled in for the night."

"Sounds good," you poke the fork into a carrot, "thanks again."

"Not all, dear, not at all," she smiles, "we been waiting so long for him to bring home a pretty girl like you."

You blink and look at Cole. He squirms but keeps his eyes on his plate, his mouth twisted. He must be just as embarrassed as you but you expect it's a better guise than the truth. Besides, it's just one night.

💋

"I'm sorry, dear, there's so much clutter around here. Hate to put you up here," Beverly says as she leads you into the attic, "but you got everything you need. There's even a bathroom up here. You know, Cole went through a bit of a rebellious streak and wanted to have his own space. Once the summer heat moved in, he was right back downstairs."

"Oh," you chuckle, "interesting."

"Now, I didn't have much for you, I hope you don't mind flannel," she motions you towards the bed and the frilled nightgown folded at the foot.

"That's okay, thank you so much," you say, "I'm just grateful to have somewhere to sleep."

"Mmm, yeah, Cole says things are so good at home. You got a bad roommate or something?"

"Something like that," you mutter, "this is so nice."

You walk around the space, admiring the plaid bedspread, the little sofa under the window and lace curtains along the edges. There's a round rug under the bed frame and a little desk in the corner with a mirror hung on the wall above. In the corner, a door opens into a dark space that Beverly explains as the bathroom.

"The guest house had a tree go through it during a storm so we're working on it, this isn't too bad though," she says, "feel free to let us know if you need anything."

"Sure," you smile, "I should be fine."

"I do hope you can get some good sleep."

"Thanks, uh, yeah," you rub your itchy eyes and yawn, "I'm actually exhausted."

"Then I'll let you be," she waves herself away, "have a good night, hon."

"You too."

She shuts the door before she descends the stairs, the little hatch snapping sharply into place. You push your head back and pace out the cramps in your legs. You sit on the bed and drag your hands down your face. This isn't how you saw the day ending. You wonder how it would've gone had you gone back to Lloyd's, probably not well. Once he cools off, you'll sort it all out.

You sigh as you realise your purse is still downstairs. Oh well, you don't need your phone, you need sleep. You get up to switch out your clothes for the nightgown, the fabric starched and heavy. It goes to your ankles as the cuffs button snuggly around your wrists. Very old-fashion as the collar nearly touches your chin.

You turn out the lamp and climb under the fresh sheets, soft and comforting. The tension slakes away the night rustles just outside the window, moonlight flickering over you. You close your eyes and let yourself sink into the cushy mattress.

In the morning, you can worry about the cafe and Lloyd and Cole and life...

💋

You wake with a start. What was that? You swear you heard something. You sit up, heart racing as you look around in the purple light of dawn. It's still early. You have some hours left.

You're tempted to fall back and roll over but you won't hear your alarm from up here. You groan and get out of bed, achy from the unfamiliar springs. You shuffle over to the hatch. Your phone needs to be charged anyway.

You bend to grab the handle and the door sticks. You try again, turning it the other way but it doesn't budge. You use both hands as light limns the edges, outlining the deadbolt firmly in place. The handle doesn't effect it no matter how you twist it.

You hear a creak from below as the glow flicks off. You wince and get to your knees as you try to see through the cracks. Nothing but darkness.

"Hello," you utter, "can someone help? I can't get this open?" Footsteps softly pad along. You call again, "hey, please, is someone down there?"

"Shhhhhh," the hush blows like wind as the footsteps stop.

"Hello?" You say a little louder.

"Go to sleep, sweetheart," Beverly demands.

"Beverly? It's locked, please, I need to get my phone--"

"You need to be quiet," she retorts and you wince. "You're going to wake the whole house up."

"What?" You hiss, startled by her tone. Her footsteps continue to recede. "Wait--"

"I said be quiet!" Another door shuts and the silence echoes over you. You grab the handle, trying to force the door open. What the hell is going on?

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Tour de Richmond

Fandom: Ted Lasso

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x F!Reader

Summary: Jamie gives you a tour of Richmond as well as gets to know you better. When you tell your cousin of his teammate's generosity, he suddenly becomes a bit hostile towards Jamie.

Meet Cousin McAdoo | Caffeine Crash

A/N: i looked up the bare minimum of the Richmond area. if anything is wrong, please let me know!

"So you've been around here, yeah?" Jamie asks, gesturing to the small shops that neighbors the cafe you were just at.

"A bit. Haven't really gone in any of these shops. But they're cute!"

"We can pop in a few if you'd like?" he suggests, pointing to a bookshop to your left.

"Another time."

Jamie shrugs, "Suit yourself."

He guides you away from the shops and towards, "The Richmond Green. The general gathering spot for people here. Kids like to play football here. There's sometimes cricket tournies here too."

You smile at the gathering of people scattered around the green acres. You see a small group of people doing yoga, three teens kicking a football around, people walking their dogs around. It's a very comforting atmosphere.

Jamie does his best not to be obvious about looking at you. He finds himself smiling to himself because you seem to find joy in the sights before you. He then turns to the view and realizes that he's never really enjoyed watching everything and everyone. He's always ran past them all during trainings and whatnot.

"Sorry, is it okay if we sit down and people watch for a little?"

"Uh, yeah, sure," he follows you to a bench where you both sit down.

You sit your drink and stare, "It's nice to just sit here and watch everything. I find it very calming. I don't get to do it much back home, though, always too busy with work and life."

"I don't think I've ever done this. I felt like I need to be on the go, ya know? Spend my time trying to get better, improvin' and all that."

You turn your attention to him, "You've never given yourself a break? What do you do during the off season? Don't you go on vacation?"

He shrugs, "I'm busy practicin'. I'll visit me mum and Simon sometimes, but they're doing their own travelin' a lot of the time," he nudges you with his shoulder, "What about you? Have you done any travelin'?"

"When my aunt married Isaac's uncle, that was the first time I travelled. They had a destination wedding in France. Wanted to be in the city of love and romance. That's where I met Isaac. We became really close through that trip. He's like my big brother. Always looking out for me." you take another sip of your drink and stand to your feet, "Okay. I'm ready to continue."

Jamie follows as you two continue to walk around the green. He points over in one direction, "Right there is the Richmond Palace. The Tudors lived there and some shit. Over there is the Richmond Theater. They do plays and stuff there."

You snort at Jamie's explanations, "Some tour guide you are! You're not going to give me a brief history on the town or these historic landmarks?" you give him a playful smirk.

He chuckles, "I'm sorry I didn't do me homework before offerin' you a tour. Here," he pulls out his phone, quickly typing something and clearing his throat, "Richmond was founded following King Henry VII's building in the 16th century of Richmond Palace.  The town and palace became particularly associated with Queen Elizabeth I , who spent her last days there," he lowers his phone down, smirking at you, "Better?"

You giggle, "You're funny. Are all of Isaac's teammates like you?"

"Nah. I'm the best outta all of them. I'm the funniest, best lookin'-"

"Most humble," you add with jest.

Jamie's smiling at you. He enjoys your company. He feels at ease around you and he's only spent maybe an hour in your presence. He likes this little back and forth you and he seem to be doing. It's nice. It's fun. Maybe-

A ringing comes from your bag and you swiftly pull your phone out, answering, "Good morning, sleepy head...I woke up early and thought I'd grab a coffee," you roll your eyes, "Don't be dramatic, Isaac, I'm an adult. I can handle myself...I'm not alone. Jamie." you sigh, "Yes, Jamie Tartt. Hold on," you pull the phone away from you and hold it out to Jamie, "He wants confirmation I'm really with you?"

Jamie takes the phone and presses it to his ear, "Yeah, what's good, man?"

"You better keep her safe, bruv. If anything happens to her-"

"Oi! Chill man! We're just walking around the fuckin' park."

"I'm serious, Jamie."

"We'll be fine. She's a grown adult, man. Let her be," he hands the phone back to you.

"If you're going to be like this my entire visit, I'm getting a hotel, Isaac...yes, I'm serious! ...again, I can handle myself. I'll see you soon. Bye!" you immediately end the call and take a long sip from your coffee.

"I get he loves you and all, but Jesus. I can practically see that vein in his head ready to pop out."

You burst out laughing, "I know exactly what you're talking about! Also the way he frowns when he's all serious. Like," you do your best impression of Isaac frowning and Jamie laughs, "That's pretty good."

"Thanks," you reply with a smile, "I'm sorry about Isaac, by the way. Like I said, he's like my big brother and he sometimes takes the role too seriously. But he means well."

"I know. He's a good guy."

Another hour goes by of you and Jamie chatting, him occasionally pointing out some other Richmond landmarks. It was a very pleasant morning spent. He walked you all the way back to Isaac's.

"Thank you, Jamie. This morning was fun."

"I'm glad. Sorry again for crashin' into ya like that."

You shrug, "It's okay. It led to a fun little adventure with you."

Jamie slowly backs away from you, "See ya around."

"See ya!" you wave as he's lightly jogging down the street. You continue to watch him as he fades from view. There's a little fluttering in your chest and you feel a bit giddy.

You open the door to Isaac's and you yelp in surprise as he's standing there, arms over his chest, looking very stern.

"Uh, hi?"

"Did Jamie try anything?"

"What? No! He just gave me a tour of the town!"

"So he didn't try to kiss you or nothin'?"

You roll your eyes, "Nothing happened, Isaac. And if something did, it's none of your business! Besides, I thought you said Jamie is a better person now."

"Doesn't mean he can date you."

"Whatever," you pass him and head to the kitchen to make yourself a snack.

[realizinau]

I'm really interested in your AU (which made me write a whole fanfic bout it, only if that's okay—)

there's a question that got me curious after reading bout the SC roles in the orphanage, how do they deal with a difficult kid?

for example; there's a specific kid that they're really worried bout, that kid won't eat much, refuse to join activities, and if they did join (after being forced) they hardly keep up, won't communicate and always look tired due lack of sleep, and hardly share their hobbies, emotions or thoughts with anyone. what would they do having to deal with such a kid?

(and yes this ask plays an important role in the fanfic since I wanna get their reactions right)

ARE YOU SERIOUS OFC THATS OKAY

Okok I assume you don't want to wait eons for me to possibly draw an answer so I will bestow this knowledge upon you as the mod, hope that's alright :) This might be a long one my bad

Kickin and Hoppy tend to try to motivate and cheer up rather than talk. They're not really the "emotional talk" type, if they feel it's necessary they'll get one of the other critters who are better equipped to speak with the person

They more or less try to nudge others into things or being engaged with activities, if they don't seem interested they'll join the activity with them and try to help keep them interested. They'll also make games out of simple activities to motivate others, like they'll challenge kids to an eating race to get them to eat their breakfast, stuff like that. They'll also spend 1 on 1 time with the person if they're not wanting to do anything, just to keep them company

Picky and Bubba usually sit the child down and have a talk, they'll want to offer advice or help them work through whatever is going on. They also keep eyes on troubled kids, just to make sure they're caring for their needs properly and not doing anything harmful. Otherwise they'll try to keep the child on the right path with suggestions

Crafty and Bobby have gentler approaches. They'll try to lead into asking the child if they're okay, mostly just sticking around them and watching them to get a sense of whatever is going on before speaking with them. They'll gently nudge them to play or to join in an activity, but eventually they'll pull the child aside. They'll invite the child to vent, even if not much is said they'll try to provide comfort and support anyway. Crafty specifically will invite the child to draw with her, just to keep them company

Dogday is very direct. He wants to know what's wrong and how to help. He can be a little pushy, but he tries to reign himself in, he just cares a lot and doesn't like seeing others upset. He wants to know what's going on so he can offer advice and support, and he also wants to try to cheer them up, make them feel a lil better, help them look on the bright side a bit

Catnap is super attentive. He's Playcare's guardian and he takes that responsibility seriously. He's very observant, he'll watch the child and stay nearby to get a sense of what's going on before acting. Sometimes he's quite indirect in helping, he'll ask another kid to invite the troubled one to their game. Other times he'll nudge the child into the right direction himself, or he'll just quietly keep them company

He tends to talk to children before they go to bed. He'll hang out with individual children and read them stories to help them settle down, but during that time he also tries to get a sense of whatever is bothering them. He asks questions gently, he'll listen if they want to talk, and he'll offer comfort/advice accordingly. He tries to be a calming presence more than a forceful one so he's not generally super pushy

AND THAT'S THE ESSAY. HOPE IT HELPS o7 

[shadow-pixelle]

The snippet continues...

Part one is here, and part two is here.

I've actually had this bit done for a while now, and I've got another couple of scenes ready to go. Plus I've started figuring out how we got here and some of the other worldbuilding stuff, too.

Might need to actually give this AU a name sometime soon.

Until then, though, enjoy the next chunk of things!

--

Danny felt a little bad for how quickly he relaxed once Hood was out of sight. It wasn’t like it was the guy’s fault that his core was fucked up.

But still, the pressure of not giving in to all his instincts calling for him to take the kid and run had been… difficult. Especially considering the atmosphere of the room.

He hadn’t been wrong earlier that kidnapping was a bad idea, right now.

Sam and Tucker both relaxed as well, which made Danny feel a little better about his reaction, and took their hands from where they were grabbing him. It wouldn’t have helped if he’d decided to say fuck it and lunge, but the pressure of them holding onto him had helped him remember not to phase into intangibility and portal out.

The tension wasn’t much better, though.

Nightwing was frozen, reaching out towards where Hood had ran like he could somehow grab the guy’s shoulder and stop him from bolting. The others in the room- Red Robin, Robin, Batman- were just as still; the two Robins staring at Danny, Batman staring at nothing.

Batman.

There was a twinge in the air, in their bonds, from Sam. She wanted to strangle him, and honestly, Danny wasn’t too inclined to stop her right now. That was probably the Protection spirit talking, really, rather than any sort of logic, but hey, sue him. He was a halfa and his Obsession was just as there as any other ghost. That meant keeping people safe.

And that was before he got into any of the Ghost King shit.

He felt Tucker reach around Danny’s back and grasp Sam’s elbow, apparently sensing both her wish for murder and Danny’s general lack of care.

“I think we should go.” Tucker said, quickly but quietly, in Danny’s ear. He huffed a little, but nodded, transforming back into his ghost form with a flicker. It would be a good idea to let everyone cool down after that, plus it would get Sam away from her current plant food target.

The shift seemed to snap the Bats out of it, at least a little. Nightwing snapped over to look at them, and Red Robin made a small sound. “Go?”

“And let you… process.” Danny said, wrapping his tail around Sam’s waist. She huffed, a sharp and violent sound, but finally relaxed entirely into him rather than preparing to snap, which was good. “I understand that there was a lot of information there, that you likely want time to think through.”

Tucker leaned a little forward again, a small nudge, and Danny nodded, knowing what he wanted. It was easier to focus on their Grief bonds now, with Hood’s core not in the room and making it hard to think beyond instincts if they weren’t talking.

“We’ll make contact with you again in a few days, or you can contact us.” He added. It wouldn’t be hard, Tucker had been working on figuring out some kind of link to them since they arrived here, and being in their home base would’ve helped. “But for now I think it would be best if we left.”

“But-” Nightwing glanced in the direction Hood had ran again, then back to them. Sam softened, a little, at the display of care, the air crackling with it.

“We’ll keep an eye out for him, and discuss the situation with our people.” She told him. “Don’t worry. We’ll find a way to help.”

“Thank you.” Nightwing said, voice cracking. Danny waited a moment, to see if any of them had anything else to say, then cloaked both his Griefmates in invisibility and intangibility in the same moment, moving to grab a more firm hold of Tucker and tightening his tail around Sam.

The Batman still wasn’t saying anything, wasn’t even moving, and Danny would’ve been more concerned if he’d had the room, but-

It had been a lot, and he was tired. More tired than he expected, just holding back the need to run away with Hood bundled between them.

And he still needed to call the Council, too, which was always going to be a nightmare.

A portal would have been too obvious, so Danny just flew straight up instead, pulling both his partners with him, and passed into the rock. From below them, there was a faint echo of something being thrown, and Nightwing’s voice shouting, “What the hell, B-?!” Danny winced a little and flew faster, all three of them keeping silent until they were well in the air- above the massive mansion above the Bat’s base, which was a wild thing even when they were used to the Mansons- and starting back towards the lights of the city.

“I’ll go and look for him.” Sam said, after a few minutes of flying. “I don’t- it’ll be hard, but I’ll be able to handle it.”

Danny would be the best to find Hood, with his ghost sense and the few powers the Crown granted him sometimes, but he was also the worst, because of his status as a halfa and Protection spirit. Tucker could probably do it just as well as Sam could, but his talents meant bunkering down with their computer setup and searching that way would be better than him looking in person.

So Danny just nodded. “Alright. Let’s go back to the apartment, first, and we’ll get one of the whistles out for you. I need to go to the Realms, so I won’t be able to make portals for you, but you can call Cujo to do it instead.”

“You think he’ll want to come to the Realms?”

Danny shrugged, a little. “Maybe. I think… he’s scared, probably. And I don’t think this place is safe for him.”

“The city or the dimension?”

“Not sure, yet. We’ll have to look into it more. But I don’t think it matters, whether it’s the city or the dimension. I don’t think this place is safe for him, and I think he might be scared. Admittedly he might be scared of us, which is bad, but I’m hoping he’ll let us try to help even if he is scared of us.”

“I’ll try to answer his questions, if he’s got any.” Sam frowned audibly, and both Danny and Tucker chuckled. They knew full well how difficult it was for Sam to tolerate people for any length of time, and explaining things was a nightmare for her if people didn’t listen, so hopefully Hood wouldn’t end up on the wrong end of her patience at all.

“Drop me off at the apartment too.” Tucker put in. “I’ll man the computers and see if I can find Hood anywhere on the cameras in the city.”

“Thanks, Tuck.” She smiled up at him. “I think I can guess where he went? But having some kind of eyes in the sky would be good.”

“You do?” Danny asked, looking down so he could raise an eyebrow at her. “How?”

“You know we thought there was a Haunt here?”

“Yeah, that Park Row place.” Danny nodded slowly, then paused. “Oh. You think that’s it?”

“I mean, it’d make sense, right? A ghost’s haunt always feels a little bit like them, and with Hood’s core as torn up as it is…”

Tucker nodded against Danny’s chest, humming. “Yeah, that would make sense. I didn’t think of that.”

“That’s what we’re for.”

“Ok, so Tucker back to the apartment, Sam to grab a whistle for Cujo and then out the door, and I’m off to the Realms.” Danny sighed a little. “Great. You guys get all the fun jobs. I get to enjoy fighting with the Council for like a week trying to make sure they don’t declare war or something while we’re still investigating. That’ll be just our luck.”

“Eh, I’m sure you can do it. They like you, after all.”

Danny just sighed again.

The rest of the trip back into the city and towards the apartment they’d rented wasn’t long or difficult, especially not when flying, and Danny easily phased through the window into the building proper. The second he let go of his Griefmates, they were off; Tucker went straight for the pile of tablets and PDAs and laptops that he’d built up, starting them up all at once with a push of power, while Sam went for the bedroom and their lockbox full of ghost stuff, coming back with a silver whistle that she tucked down the front of her dress so only the chain was showing.

“Want a lift?” He asked, and Sam laughed.

“No, I’ll be fine. Get moving, your Highness, you’ve got places to be.”

“Fiiiiiine.” Danny sighed again, flopping backwards dramatically just to see them laugh, and opened a portal to his Lair.

The feeling of being at home again settled over him like a weight, and he took a moment to shake himself out and settle into the feeling before starting to move.

Luckily, there were protocols and stuff for this kind of thing. And even more fortunately, Fright Knight was nearby and not roaming like he could have been. Danny barely got the doors open from his portal room into the main Lair before the Knight was there, hovering not far into the hall.

“Fright Knight.” Danny inclined his head, pulling at his core. The Ring and Crown formed with only a small amount of fuss- his living half causing them to complain, he knew- though he didn’t bother with any of the rest of the regalia he’d created in the past for situations like this. As strange as it sounded, this felt like something he had to approach more as Phantom, the Protection spirit and halfa, rather than the Ghost King, even though he knew he needed the Crown and Ring with him.

Instincts like that were strange, sometimes.

“Prince Phantom.” The Autumn spirit replied, saluting him. “Is something amiss?”

“We need to call the Council together, Fright.” He said, a small sigh. Him calling the Crown and Ring would have already started that process, with some of them, but not everyone was going to be in a position to notice that stuff, so it was better to tell Fright Knight so he could help get things going. “We’ve got a really bad situation in that world, and it’s going to need a lot of work.”

“How so, my Prince?” Fright Knight asked, even as his core flickered to call the various underghosts of the Lair to attention.

“The sort of thing where we might be declaring outright war on some people.” Danny told him, and watched the Fright Knight freeze.

“I see.”

[basketprutas]

I can't stop feeling, I want her love ♡

Prompt: Childe, captain of your rival school's soccer team, helps you clear out the soccer field and closes it up with you. Will he stop being an asshole? Probably not.

Characters: SoccerPlayer! Childe x Fem reader

Genre: Modern High School Sports AU, school rivals to something more?

Notes: This prompt was in my mind and I couldn't help but bring it to life. I hope y'all like this!

Now playing... She wants me (to be loved) by The Happy Fits!

Soccer practice was always fun but sometimes sharing the field with your rival team isn’t the best idea. You had no choice though, both your team and Childe’s booked the same field for the same time slot and now you had no choice but to practice with their team.

You’re not complaining, with the start of the season coming up next week, having a rough practice with his team can prep you and your team for what’s to come. It was a great match, with both teams doing their best until the very end. Though it ended with a tie, you and Childe were fine with the outcome. With both of your teams being the best out of all the other teams, you were expected to meet in the finals anyway.

Now late at night, the cold breeze blows through the field as both you and Childe pick up the balls all over the place. He was moving the cart for the soccer balls while you picked them up. Childe, of course, was being a piece of shit by teasing you as you went around the field.

“You wanna kiss me so bad it makes you look stupid.” He laughs as you pick up the balls. “Projecting now, are we?” You replied, not backing down from his usual antics. “Just admit it, you have a stupid little crush on me. You should just leave me alone, you know.” He nudges your shoulder. “While I would love to do so, you and I are unfortunately stuck together while we’re still in season.” You groan.

“You’re annoying, you know that right?” “I’m doing nothing but helping you clear out the field, Jesus.” “Whatever, you just wanna stare at my eyes all night long.” He teases, and your face turns more sour as he continues talking. “It’s funny how you always get upset so easily.” He added.

“And it’s frustrating how you sound like a fucking frat boy that’s desperate.” “Says the girl who can’t take a joke?” He stopped rolling the cart and when you picked up a ball, you threw a ball in his direction, a little harder than you anticipated. Childe grunts as the soccer ball hits his stomach, and you laugh it off. 

“You trying to get me hurt or something?” He complains and you can’t help but feel bad. “Sorry, got caught up.” You say as you pick up more balls and shoot them to the cart. “God I hate you,” He replies. “Yeah of course you do.”

Once you and Childe gather all the soccer balls, both of you sigh in relief. All that’s left to do is to clear out the locker rooms and you can leave the field soon enough. The locker room was a mess, with scattered equipment here and there and some water bottles too. You start clearing the mess by starting with the trash.

“How the hell does everyone, even my own team, leave this place a mess.” You complain as you clean up. “Because we’re tired after training, is what it is,” Childe replies as he sees you struggle a little bit. “Need any help?”

“Just clear out the equipment over there.” You point at the scattered equipment and he nods as he starts to do what you asked. Feeling a little bit of awkwardness, Childe tries to stir up a conversation. “So uh, you going to the game of the other teams?” He asks hesitantly. “The others? I mean, they could never compete against us. Contrary to popular belief, I do believe you and your team are good.” You reply nonchalantly.

“Cocky, but seriously- you’re going?” He says as he puts back the last of the equipment. “Probably. Still need to look out for that one guy from Inazuma, looks promising.” “He is good, though he won’t have a chance to play considering he’s up against me and my team.” He laughs.

“Not unless my team wins first.” You say as you tie the last garbage bag. “Like you’ll actually win. I don’t know why you bother to try, honestly.” He rolls his eyes. “We may have lost last year but I swear this year is promising.” You reply as you remember last year’s finals. 

“And how will things be different this year?” He teases. “You know what, let's make a bet. If your team wins, I’ll do whatever you want.” He adds, and you turn to face him. “I gain nothing from that. No thanks.” You grab your bags and lock up with him beside you. 

“Psh you’re such a coward,” he laughs. “Who’s to say I don’t want something too? Let's just bet, come on captain.” Both of you were now walking out of the soccer field. “Excuse me?” You reply, staring at him in disbelief. “Did I stutter? If I win, have dinner with me. What’s so bad about that?” He smirks. 

“You’re unbelievable, fine! If my team wins you’ll do whatever I want and if you win I'll eat dinner with you.” You say, defeated. He just never seemed to back down even in things as foolish as this. Childe does a little victory dance and you scowl and cringe as you watch him do so. “Oh, you are SOOO on. If you lose, prepare for the best dinner of your life.” “Whatever you say, Ajax. Have a good night.” You reply as you reach the exit of the field. “Goodnight captain!” He says as he runs over to his car.

The night may be over, but things just got interesting.

As you drive back home, you can’t help but laugh off everything that just happened.

Childe was always a tease, and even in previous games you would notice his tenacious energy. Your casual banter with him before and after games was always a pain in the ass, but no one can complain, after all, you and his teams were the best out there. You’d eventually see each other and be the finalists every season. Now with a little bet placed, you can’t help but feel a little motivation to do better than before.

Why did Childe make the bet in the first place? You could only guess.

END.

Notes: TEEHEE I felt so giddy writing this and I may or may not have another part already in the works... so if you guys actually want me to continue this ill post the next part soon enough >:) (also none of this is probably true to what soccer is but shhh for the sake of the story lets just say soccer does have equipment LMAO)

I recently started writing again; click here to learn more about me ^-^

Inbox is always open for suggestions and comments.

-Clara

[callsignthirsty]

Thirsty - 55 AND JAKE IM BEGGING YOU

HEY SUNNY!

YOU DON’T NEED TO BEG unless you wanted it in a timely manner. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT.

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x F!reader Word Count: 850 Warnings: smut, overstimulation, p in v, mentioned fingering, mentioned oral (fem receiving), the mortification of being walking in on Minors DNI

Smut Prompt #55

You’ve been seeing Hangman for a couple months now. Suffice to say, the uranium mission had made him much more agreeable. Easier to palate. Just enough of his edges smoothed to make his smart mouth charming where it had once provoked with sarcasm and biting wit. And in that time, you hadn’t exactly wanted for sex. Hangman’s appetite was something else; you can’t think of a single time he’s left you wanting. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t like to take things into—ahem—your own hands every now and then. So when Hangman grumbles that Cyclone has wrangled him into a late night at North Island, you decide to have some fun.

Your assigned housing unit’s door doesn’t creak anymore since Hangman fixed it. Not that you’d have noticed after half a bottle of wine, anyway. You’d been too distracted to hear your spare key snick the deadbolt or the door open. So you were shocked into momentary stillness when Jake appeared in your doorway hardly thirty minutes after he’d usually roll around. Staying late, your ass.

“What’s wrong, darlin’?” he asks, eyes drinking you in unabashedly where you’re spread out on your bed, fingers buried between your legs. “Don’t stop on my account.”

You heaved a sigh. That wasn’t how you’d planned on your night going. Reassuring your situationship that taking your pleasure into your own hands wasn’t a reflection on his ability to get you off. “It’s not like that.”

“What’s it like, then?”

You decide direct is the best approach. “Sometimes I just want to cum.” And you’d assumed he wouldn’t be stopping by after his apparently-not-so-late night.

Hangman hums as if he’s mulling it over while he unbuttons his khaki top, dropping it as he steps forward to tower over you in his undershirt and regulation pants. “Well, since you want to cum so badly, why don’t we see how many times I can make you cum right now.”

When Hangman gets something in his head, he chases after it with his entire being. It’s one of the things about him that had both infuriated and fascinated you.

So, the answer is five.

Once as he guided your hips in a sinful grind against his thigh, sucking a bruise into your collarbone. Again with his fingers massaging the sensitive walls of your cunt and pure filth caressing your ear. Twice with his face nestled between your thighs—technically a third when he used his tongue and fingers in tandem.

“Jake,” you whimper, lightly swatting his head away from your quivering, oversensitive pussy. “That’s– ah! That’s enough.”

He chuckles, the sound originating deep in his chest. “You sure?” he asks, crawling up your tired body. All you want to do is sink into your mattress, but plush lips catch your nipple, and you can’t help the way you arch into the slick heat. He lets your nipple go with a pop. “I think I can get one more out of you.”

He takes his time playing with your tits before he nudges your legs far enough apart for his hips to slot between them. He shudders as he presses himself close, lazily thrusting his long-ignored cock along the length of your cunt. Nudging your clit and sending sparks crackling all throughout your system before drawing back to start over again. You wonder, a little hysterically, if he broke something inside of you. If he’d knocked a screw loose for you to want it after the wringer he’s purposely put your body through.

As the sensation walks the fine line between pain and delicious pleasure, you wrap your legs around his hips and roll into his next thrust. Offer him more of the friction you know he craves. He looks every bit the cat who got the cream as he brings a hand down to position himself at your entrance, but he pushes in slowly. Relief and restraint warring on his face as his jaw slackens and he fights to push in slowly, the movement slick from how wet he’s gotten you.

“There you go,” Jake rasps, muscles bunching as he lowers himself to capture bitten lips in a kiss. The rhythm he starts is gentler than you think he’s been with you before, but he’s brushing all the spots that wind you tightest. His pale eyes are half-lidded. “This okay?”

It’s over far sooner than you could have anticipated, but with everything else you’ve endured and the way Jake grinds against your sweet spot with unerring accuracy, liquid gold rushes through your veins as he makes you fall apart in record time.

“So fuckin’ hot,” Jake groans, pulling out of you to strip his cock. Grunting as he shudders through his orgasm, pearly ropes decorating your abdomen.

“Six,” he says, pressing a kiss to your stomach before leaving the bed to retrieve a washcloth.

You’d throw your pillow at him if it weren’t so comfy… or if you could get your arms to work. “Don’t sound so smug.”

“Whatever you say, darlin’.”

You’re asleep by the time he gets back to the bed with that washcloth.

[lovelylotusf1]

ohh that prompt game seems fun!!! how about 23/9 for max!!

Thank you for the lovely prompt anon <3 I focused a bit more on 9, but there's still some of prompt 23 - loss of abilities/skills in there. You didn't specify a ship, so I left it a bit ambiguous. But, it definitely has Max/Oscar vibes! Prompt list for if you want me to put drivers into Situations :D

Sleep deprivation

“A question for Max. What happened in turn 9 today?”

“I don't know, you fucking tell me.”

Max knows this single moment will be clipped to hell and back. He knows that PR will chew him out for it, and that it will cause the reporters to jump on him like sharks smelling blood. But he doesn't fucking care. Not when the incessant flashing of cameras makes his head swim and the endless stream of chatter from the interviewers melts together into a noise that sounds like he's developing god damn tinnitus.

There's a nervous giggle to his right, but when he turns his head he doesn't know where exactly it came from. Oscar's sitting next to him, and there's Lando, too, and since when are their faces so blurry? Max squints, trying to determine the exact point where they're blurring together into a kind of super McLaren driver. The thought makes him snort.

“It seems like you lost control of the car there for a second,” the interviewer rambles on, but Max is busy blinking the world back into focus. “Was it driver error that caused you to almost hit the barriers there?”

Oh wait, Lando and Oscar aren’t melting. Lando's just leaning into Oscar like he doesn't know about the concept of personal space. All gooey and smiley and why does that smile look a bit pained?

Suddenly, there's a foot nudging against his, and Max remembers that he needs to answer something.

“That question is stupid, so I won't answer it. I finished third, didn't I?”

Finishing P3 is embarrassing, he doesn’t need the question that will undoubtedly come next to tell him that. It'll probably be about whether he's okay with that place or if he's lost his ambition. About the multiple rookie mistakes he made throughout the race. The trip through the gravel. Only the pitstop strategy and a lucky safety car saved him from being kicked down to the cold and unforgiving fourth place.

For someone else, it might be passable. Not for Max. Never for Max.

Someone else shouts out another question. Max stares into the vague direction of it until Oscar picks up the microphone and answers something that doesn’t manage to go through the fog of his brain.

The rest of the post-race interview is torture, and by the end of it, his head is pounding and he's trying to hold back shivers that are probably from a fever he's developing. Great. Simply lovely.

When he's on his way to get to his motorhome, a hand on his shoulder stops him. “You were really weird today.” It’s Oscar’s voice. Good. Max couldn't stand anyone else right now. “Are you okay?”

Max lets himself melt into the touch a little. Allows himself the simple comfort of someone else's warmth. “I think I fucking fell ill,” he spits out. “I slept a total of three hours between cold shivers and not being able to breathe through my nose.”

The hand on his shoulder tightens. It’s Oscar's tell that he's really angry about something but doesn't want to show it directly on his face. Max is a little proud of himself, proud that he remembers that tiny detail even when his brain feels like a soapbox driven by a snail instead of the usual pace of the RB19.

“Okay, that's totally fine. Racing while sick is nice. Cool that you did that.” Max might be dead tired, but he can still hear the sarcasm dripping from Oscar’s words. “Let's get you to bed.”

“So forward. I thought that you needed to ask Lando for permission to do that with other people. Or you already asked, of course.”

Oscar laughs, that high-pitched one he sometimes lets out when someone surprises him. His arm wraps around Max's waist, guides him the last couple of steps to the door of his motorhome and beyond it. Huh. Max hasn’t even noticed that they've been walking towards his bedroom.

“I really think you need to sleep a bit. I'll stay if you need something.”

Oscar firmly but gently pushes him onto the bed. And Max lets him do it without objections. A warm feeling spreading through his body as he closes his eyes with a content sigh.

People who might be interested in Max/Oscar: @wisteriagoesvroom @maaxverstappen

[frankenjoly]

kunizai "I'm proud of you, you know that?"

And your choice with "you're cold. come here"

picked kenji & kyôka for the second bcs. the besties

kunikidazai + “i’m proud of you, you know that?”

“I’m proud of you, you know that?” Kunikida said, in barely a whisper. There was no need to speak louder, though, since the recipient of those words was sitting right beside him.

So close their hands might brush at the slightest move.

“I’d say ‘take me out for dinner first, Kunikida-kun’ if we weren’t about to have dinner already.” Dazai answered, his glance moving up to check the oven’s current status before going back down and finally falling on Kunikida’s face. And he maybe should have been annoyed by such a response, but what came from his mouth was a brief snort. “Now seriously, I just did my part. Like everyone else.”

“I don’t get how that could contradict me being proud of you, but go off, I guess.” His comment was accompanied by another scoff, as amused as the first one.

“So you’re not proud of everyone else, then? Woah, harsh.” At that point, there was no doubt about how Dazai was just being dramatic for the shits and giggles. And as tempting as Kunikida found playing along with it, that wasn’t the route he took.

“C’mon, obviously I am.” He instantly nodded, and if his hand was trembling a bit when he moved it to brush the back of Dazai’s, it was more about nervousness than having been struggling that day. Though, if asked, Kunikida may or may not try to pretend it was them acting up. “But now I’m talking to you specifically, so just take it, alright?”

“In my defense…” Dazai replied, going even further than he had and resting his head on Kunikida’s shoulder. “ Strictly speaking, I never said I wasn’t gonna take it.”

Then there came Kunikida’s third snort.

“So you were just what? Taking your time?”

“Maybe.”

kyôka & kenji + “you’re cold. come here”

“You’re cold.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement. Doubting would be difficult, after all, when Kenji had started shivering. “Come here.” Kyôka patted the spot right beside her over the bench she was sitting on, nudging him to come closer and sit there.

“Alright!!!” Kenji didn’t even hesitate and ran towards her, slowing down when near and sitting slowly. 

Then, once he was already there, Kyôka took the towel she had been wrapped in and readjusted so they would both be covered. Since Kenji had just gotten out of the water, getting in direct contact made her experience a bit of that same cold, but it wasn’t like it bothered her much; in mere minutes, they would both be warm again, after all.

“Thanks!!!” He said, smiling wide as usual. “I didn’t think it’d feel so chilly when getting outta the pool, y’know.” Kyôka nodded, since she had experienced the same barely an hour before. “Like, we go swimming back home too, but it’s usually way warmer after. Unless you fall into one of the ponds in winter, obvi, then it’s super cold.”

“I think it was somewhat warm when my parents took me to the beach for the first time too. Or at least I think it was the beach, I was very little.”

“Yeah, I don’t fully remember my first time swimming either. Well, not literally swimming ‘cause I didn’t know how to, but you get me.” Of course she did. “And… I prefer swimming when the water’s still, but the beach sounds fun. Maybe we can go sometime, all of us together.” 

“Oh, yes.” Kyôka instantly beamed. “Plus, we can build sand castles and play games in the sand, it’s not all about swimming.”

“I know, don’t worry.” In theory, she didn’t. In practice, everyone knew Kenji’s history with a flooding river, and even if the sea was different… a bit of reassurance wouldn’t hurt. Quite the opposite, actually.

(Also on ao3.)

[foolofatook001]

woooo hermit horrors week! excited for this one :D

Day One - Season 8/Game Mechanics

cw mind control, temporary character death

Zedaph has never really had a hard time talking anyone into doing something for him. He’s a very persuasive kind of guy, when it comes down to it, and of course the other hermits are always so very helpful, so it doesn’t take much to convince them into whatever scheme he’s cooked up lately. 

This really comes in helpful for this season, especially now that his chamber is ready for live hermit experimentation. His first subject is Tango, and it’s an easy job getting him into the chamber— just a little word in his ear, a mere suggestion, really (and a directive to sign the waiver, before they begin), and they’re ready to go. Tango is always so willing to help him out with these science experiments, it’s really very kind of him. It’s one of the reasons why they’re such good friends. 

He has to be careful when the subject is actually in the chamber, though— he doesn’t want to taint the experiment. Each solution to the task set before them has to come from the subject’s own pure brain, without any hints or nudges from him. But Zedaph has lots of experience, and the push-to-talk intercom system certainly helps him be a little more deliberate when he speaks. 

He gets lots of interesting results from Tango, and sends him on his way with a casual Go ahead and toss yourself in the lava there, sending him up to the bed to respawn and exit. 

It’s a few weeks before the chamber is properly reset and cleaned out, and by that time Zedaph has landed on Bdoubleo as the next subject. Bdubs is not as used to helping Zedaph in the lab as Tango is, but a few choice words set him on the right track, and by the end of the session, he is performing marvelously. The results are absolutely incomprehensible, but the process was so very fun that he sends Bdubs off with a suggestion planted in his mind— Just something to think about, but— come back to the lab sometime soon. For some follow-up tests, of course. 

Bdubs says he definitely will. Zedaph is very happy that Bdoubleo has discovered such an interest in science. He checks the “willing to return” box on the subject information sheet.

The next subject is Beef, and Beef is such a character in of himself that Zedaph doesn’t even really need to tell him what to do— he’s content to observe through the soundproof glass as Beef goes through the various tasks he’s set. Mumbo, too, is highly independent— though he looks awfully tired, Zedaph notices, marking it down as a note on his clipboard. There’s a certain sluggishness to Mumbo’s movements, and it’s dragging out the series of tests. Zedaph clicks on the mic. “Er, Mumbo? Go ahead and pick up the pace a little bit.” Mumbo speeds up, limbs moving jerkily as they try to keep up with his suddenly galvanized mind. The rest of the tests go by at a much faster tempo, and Zedaph is satisfied with the results. He also marks down a strange and only-just-suppressed urge toward violence from Mumbo, despite the man’s commitment to— what was it again?— right, “Peace, Love, and Plants.”

It’s been a while since the last hermit experiment now, though. For one thing, he hasn’t decided on a new subject. He’s been thinking of giving Xisuma a call and asking him to come over, out of pure curiosity, but it’s not urgent. For another thing, the seismograph has been going absolutely mad lately— there’s been tremors all over the server, with no discernible cause whatever. If this keeps up, Zedaph’s going to have to go out and do some actual field work. 

He shudders at the thought. 

A rapidly pulsing red light blinks on at the top left of the security monitor screen, just a moment before the proximity alarm goes off. Zedaph whirls around and gets a split-second look at Mumbo looming over him like a bespoke string bean before Bdubs tackles him at the waist and he hits his head on the tile floor. The next few moments come through in dizzy flashes: lab lights, far too bright for suddenly sensitive eyes—being picked up and carried, his head throbbing with each step—an uncomfortable heat radiating near his arm, but he can’t muster the words to tell it to go away. 

His stomach suddenly drops and for a moment he flails through empty air before landing with a sickening crunch on the dull white floor. He’s not in instant respawn territory yet, but he’s close, and his kidnappers seem to know this, because he hears shattering glass quite near him, and then comes the bubbly, prickly feeling on his skin that only happens with splash regen and healing potions. 

His headache clears after a moment, and he’s able to get to his feet. “Oh, goodness me,” he says, upon realizing where he is. 

Tango, Bdubs, Beef, and Mumbo all stand on the other side of the tinted glass, wearing lab coats and looking somewhat vindictive. Mumbo’s got a clipboard and pen. 

“This is highly unusual,” Zedaph says, crossing his arms over his chest. “There’s procedures for these things, you know. Standards and that.”

Tango steps over to the desk and keys the intercom. “Hey, Zed, ol’ buddy.  I know you’re probably a little confused, here. Let’s just say we didn’t, uh— didn’t appreciate being your little lab experiments very much, my friend.”

“Informed consent is a big part of the scientific process!” Mumbo says, looking up from the clipboard, clearly unaware of the hypocrisy of his statement. The bags under his eyes have grown even deeper since Zedaph last saw him. 

“You signed the waiver when I asked,” says Zedaph, but of course they can’t hear him. They take turns putting him through his paces, making him do— well, frankly, they’re quite silly things. He has much better things to be doing with his day. If he could just talk to them—

“Make a contraption that will blow something up,” says Bdubs, and Zedaph sees his chance. He intentionally builds it just a little too close to the glass— not so close that Tango and Mumbo will be able to realize what he’s doing right away, but close enough that the blast has a chance of damaging the barrier. 

The TNT, when it goes off, leaves his ears ringing and all his nerves buzzing. But as the smoke clears, Zedaph spots a block of glass up near the corner that has shattered, and he giggles. Perfect!

“Bdoubleo,” he calls, and Bdubs turns to look at him suddenly. “Come in the chamber!” Bdubs immediately pulls out his pick and smashes through the nearest two blocks of glass beside him. He steps through the jagged hole and then pauses, looking confused.

“What was that?”

“This is all really very funny,” Zedaph says to the other three “scientists,” and replaces the glass that Bdubs broke, leaving the hole up at the top. The alarm melts off their faces, and they begin to laugh at Bdubs’ predicament. 

“Mumbo,” says Zedaph, and now Mumbo snaps to attention, meeting his gaze through the glass. “I think for the next test, you should have me do something you’ve really, really wanted to do this season but can’t.”

Beef and Tango break out into another round of chuckles.

“Now hold on a minute,” says Bdubs, looking around, panicked. 

“Well,” says Mumbo slowly, lowering his clipboard and taking a step closer to the glass. Zedaph nods encouragingly. “I would like you to… describe… how you would go about killing Bdoubleo using only things in this chamber—”

“Hey!” Bdubs screams.

“—and then do it and tell me how good it feels,” Mumbo finishes, all in one breath. Tango lets out a surprised wheeze of laughter, and Beef is wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. 

“‘Course,” says Zedaph brightly. “Have to do what I’m told in here, don’t I?”

“No, no, no,” Bdubs says, backing away. 

“Come on, Bdubs,” Zedaph coaxes. “Hop up on this dirt block here and stay put.” Bdubs’s face goes slack and he does as Zedaph asks. “Great! Well, Mumbo, the first thing I would do is get him in prime killing position, like so.” He gestures up to where Bdubs is standing, now looking around wildly. Mumbo nods enthusiastically, taking notes down on his clipboard. “And then I would place— er—” He goes digging through the scattered chests in the chamber to find what he’s looking for. 

Oh, perfect. 

“I would place some obsidian,” he says, triumphantly, sticking the block down next to Bdubs.

“No, no— no, wait,” Bdubs says, desperation clear in his voice. 

“You’re killing me, man,” Tango says breathlessly, clutching his ribs. Zedaph tips an invisible hat in his direction and sends him off in gales of laughter again. 

“Yes, yes, go on,” Mumbo says impatiently, pen tapping against his clipboard. 

“And then I would place one of these,” Zedaph says, pulling the end crystal out of his inventory and setting it hovering over the obsidian base. He swears he sees Mumbo’s eyes light up.

“Go on, then,” Mumbo says, leaning forward eagerly. 

“If you say so,” Zedaph says, and detonates the crystal. 

It kills him as well as Bdubs, of course, but that only sends him back to his actual bed, and out of the range of the other would-be scientists. That had turned into rather a fun little tangent, actually. 

It probably went without saying that none of them would want to come back to the lab, though. 

Well. He’d just have to ask.

also on ao3 :D