#sorry for being so judgey

[justhongkongthings]

not me watching miss hong kong live and seeing how a lot of them can’t even speak cantonese properly I don’t know if it makes me super critical but I thought for this sort of pageant where you’re judged on spoken responses you should at least be able to speak the language it’s conducted in with some fluency ??

[cathymee]

man why is mskm not biting as i thought it would be....

[pained-expression]

I was explaining my problem of having three big spiders in my house to someone at a bar yesterday and they suggested I hoover them up, I told them that would probably make me feel so bad I cried and they looked me dead in the eye, shrugged and said ‘skill issue’

[hella1975]

HELAL

I have a lot of stuff running through my mind rn and im in a hurry and idk if its going to make sense but oh well.

(its list anon and I have another thing to add to my 'favorite things about finding myself in Hellas circle of existence list thing)

The thing is how much your personality sinks through into your writing and blog thing.

Let me explain,

I lost internet for a few days and I just got it back and was scrolling through tumblr and noticed one of my mutuals reblog something of yours and I was like 'I havent been on the internet for like four days, I wonder what Hella has been up to.' and so I started stalking you (as one does) and like scrolling through your blog and everything and I came across the post you thinged about your hometown and about how shameful you are about your writing and that sent me into a spiral because I know the feeling and couldnt put it into words and I felt so called out.

Thats besides the point.

I had this thing to add to the list for a while and couldn't figure out how to explain it without seeming weird so Im just doing my best here.

It's like when you post things about the things that go on in your mind. I touched on this in my first list thingy with the whole 'when you post little snippets of whats going on in your mind and turn it into what I can only describe as poetyry' part. It's simular but it's not the same.

It's really easy to see someone and follow someone who is so eloquent and brilliant and hold them close to divinity and think about how untouchable they are, which seems weird because I'm on Tumblr of all places. But like when you follow your favorite authors on twitter or instagram and they seem almost inhuman. And sometimes it feels like being that talented is so unattainable because you're not them, you can't spew out flawless lines of words seemingly effortlessly and you cant come up with a plot that clever and even if you can't you can't give the story justice because you're not that good of a writer.

Even other writers on this site are like this and so...ethereal almost. I've mentioned before how a lot of other writer almost run their blog like a business and everything and you scroll through them and see people constantly sending them asks about their works and sending them fanart and people obsessing over their art and like I said it seems unattainable for your average person. Like I dont get that so maybe I'm not that good.

Then I come to your blog and you talk about situations I relate to and you don't hide your humanity and you talk about your classes in economics of all things and your home town and all your problems (while valid) are normal. You're more relatable than the other writers I follow at least.

I've mentioned in other asks ( I dont think they were list ones but they might have been idk ) that you inspire me a lot. This is why. Also the fact that you're my age (I'm 18) and your not in your 20s and you havent taken a decades worth of writing classes and you dont have a degree in literature. You're literally just person living a normal life. That's not to say other authors and writers arent just normal people but you just show it a lot more, idk.

Like reading things like taob and tbos and then going to your main blog and seeing the way you write your stuff in your mind and then going two posts down and your talking about normal things makes me think that maybe I can write something incredible too one day.

And the reason I have the ability to feel that way in relation to you and your stupid blog (affectionate) is because you let your normal personality show, not some robotic businessy- type personality.

That's not to say that I don't think your just an average person, average people can't describe things so rawly. But, like I said, you're not untouchable.

Based on what I see from you and what you show online, I really think that you have the potential to be great one day. Not that you should hold yourself and force yourself into a life you don't want, like if you don't want to be a famous writer, don't be. But I genuinely just hope that you grow up and find a career you're happy in.

More than anyone I see on the internet, you deserve to live a life that you absolutely love, no matter what that might be.

I said it before that I always feel really obsessive when I send asks like this, and I feel creepy, so if I come off that way I'm sorry. I just try to make it a point to tell people when I enjoy them as a person.

Also I have some songs that kind of remind me of you.

The first one if Vienna by Billy Joel. I think the chances of you not knowing this one is very slim because it's such as popular song right now. But it's my favorite song and it reminds me of you.

The other one is read all about it by Emili Sande (pt 3 is the best) I think this song is also pretty popular, it also might not be, idk. But it's one of those songs that not a lot of people that I show it to like. Idk why. The vocals are weird (in my opinion) but I love the lyrics.

If you already know these songs just ignore this part :)

ME WHEN LIST ANON:

[sapphirestarlight]

Talking to people is the worst experience ever. Please just let me waste away alone. Thanks <3

[twogriffons]

id be getting told off for having a taut lead if i was heeling like this and my trainer saw 💀

but that was a very cute routine

[tragicomedys]

the moment you get just a tiny bit gender nonconforming in literally any tiny way my brother gets soooooo annoying

[captainsophiestark]

A New Man

Colin Bridgerton x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for my personal fic writing challenge for 2024, Sophie's Year of Fic! Featuring a new fic being posted every Friday, all year long :)

Fandom: Bridgerton

Summary: Colin has had feelings for his best friend for some time now, and has decided his new skills in charm and flirting are the perfect way to win her over. He is unfortunately very mistaken.

Word Count: 4,713

Category: Angst, Fluff, Humor

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

"This is by far the best part of these society events," mused Benedict, one of my best friends, as the two of us perused the dessert table. "Sometimes it even makes putting up with all the marauding mamas worth it."

I laughed and picked up a delious looking cupcake.

"The mamas must be truly terrible this season if the food only sometimes makes them worth putting up with."

Benedict sighed. "You have no idea."

I nudged him with my shoulder, smiling as we stepped away from the dessert table together.

"Well, you have no need to worry, Benedict. As long as I am unattached, I am more than happy to act as a shield for you, especially when society dictates you must find a partner and dance."

"Thank you. You are a true friend. I know I can always count on-"

"Colin!" I turned to grin sheepishly at Benedict in the wake of my outburst and found him staring at me with a mocking, raised eyebrow. But I couldn't quite bring myself to care, since I'd just seen my absolute best friend in the world, Colin Bridgerton, standing across the lawn chatting with a group of ladies.

He'd left England this summer for another lengthy international trip, and I'd missed him terribly while he'd been gone. He looked different now, too, a little more sure of himself and wearing a style that had clearly come from somewhere on the continent rather than from here. And if my heart raced a little at the sight of him, well, that could easily be chalked up to excitement at the prospect of seeing a friend. I couldn't keep a smile off my face at the sight of him, even as I turned back to Benedict and found him with crossed arms and doubly raised eyebrows.

"When were you going to tell me that Colin had returned?" I demanded, completely ignoring Benedict's judgey look and barely managing to keep my voice at a socially acceptable level. Benedict just sighed and rolled his eyes.

"It is why I came over here in the first place, but then you distracted me with talks of friendship and cupcakes. And now I see it was all a lie, as you are clearly about to abandon me to the whims of this social event to go rush over and talk to my brother."

"Sorry, Benedict," I said, giving him a grin. "But I saw you throughout the summer. It has been much too long since I last saw Colin, so he takes precedence for the day. But I promise you I will come to your aid if you find yourself cornered by the mamas, or any other dangerous creature roaming the society grounds."

Benedict snorted, but I didn't give him the opportunity for a comeback as I turned back to Colin and walked quickly across the gravel paths, the smile growing on my face the closer I got to him. He didn't notice me as I approached, wrapped up in conversation with the handful of ladies in front of him, and my smile grew even more at the thought of his face when he finally caugh sight of me.

"...will be fighting over you," I heard Colin saying as I walked up to join the group. "I cannot compete."

All the ladies in the circle giggled, giving me perfect cover for my smile as I came to a stop in front of Colin. He turned to face me, a beaming smile on his face, then froze a bit as his eyebrows shot up when he realized who I was.

"Lady Y/L/N!" he said, the shock melting back into his charming smile. "What a pleasure it is to have you join us."

"Mister Bridgerton, what a pleasure it is to have you back in England with us."

Colin dipped his head, the corner of his mouth pulling up in a roguish smile before he returned his gaze to me.

"Believe me, Lady Y/L/N, the pleasure here is all mine."

Rather than the earnest excitement I'd been expecting, Colin's demeanor and voice dripped with a slick charm I didn't recognize. I'd been expecting his usual earnest, genuine emotion, not... this. I gave Colin a little frown of confusion, but quickly let my expression return to normal as he returned to addressing our entire group. He had an energy about him that I couldn't quite place, but it was much different than the Colin I'd gotten to know so well before he left. Still, we were in public. Neither of us were allowed to be anywhere near as effusive and close as we would've been in a more private setting.

"We were just discussing the season," Colin said, including me seamlessly in the conversation I'd joined between him and the other ladies. "Truly, it is amazing to me that all of your dance cards are not already full of suitors."

All the ladies around me giggled, hiding behind their fans and fluttering their eyelashes at Colin. I just stared at him, letting my brow furrow again as I watched my friend. He met my eyes, a smooth smile on his face and his eyes roaming me with an interest and flirtation they'd never had before. If Colin had looked at me like that when I'd last seen him, my heart would've started doing backflips. But his new demeanor made the gesture seem much less sincere, and much more shallow. I let my frown deepen.

"So..." I started, trying to clear the air of whatever strange energy seemed to be lurking here. "Mister Bridgerton, tell us of your travels. You sent so few letters this time, I have simply been dying to hear about everything you saw and did."

Colin flashed me a brilliant smile that didn't totally reach his eyes.

"This time, my stories from abroad are not suitable for such tender young ladies." Everyone around us giggled into their fans again, but Colin's eyes never left mine. "Were I to tell you even the tiniest adventure, well... I'd be forced to marry you."

He delivered the final few words with dramatic flourish, as if expecting for them to have some groundshaking impact. And with the way he stared at me with a simmering gaze, the words clearly intended to make every lady in earshoot swoon, he accomplished his goal. I couldn't hold back a snort of laughter, which I quickly hid as a cough behind my fan.

Colin looked shocked when I glanced up at him, but I still couldn't keep another laugh from bubbling up. He was being so ridiculous, so arrogant and flirting with everyone in sight like he was God's gift to the women of England, and I truly couldn't take him seriously this way.

I cleared my throat and straightened back up, keeping it together just enough as I faced Colin and the other ladies, giving each of them a shallow curtsey.

"Forgive me. I think... something in the air, it must have gotten to me. Excuse me, please."

With that, I turned on my heel and didn't look back. I walked quickly across the garden, seeking out and immediately finding Benedict among the crowd once again, hovering by some shrubbery in an attempt to hide from the ladies and their mothers. I sped up to reach him, the giggling smile returning to my face as I approached.

Benedict must've heard me coming, because at the sound of laughter in a semi-high pitched register he turned on his heel and started moving in the other direction without looking to see the origin of the sound. I walked faster, until I was close enough to call out to him without drawing undue attention.

"Relax, Benedict, it's just me!"

His shoulders slumped as he stopped and turned to face me, relief written in every line of his face. After a moment, however, his expression changed to one of confusion.

"What are you doing back here so soon?" he asked. "I thought you would spend at least the next hour with Colin, catching up on all his travels and making every eligible lady here incredibly jealous of the two of you."

"Well, I planned to catch up with him, but... Benedict, you will never believe what he said." Benedict raised an eyebrow, so I glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, then took a step forward and lowered my voice all the same. Laughing about Colin with his brother was one thing, but I didn't want anyone in the rest of the Ton talking behind his back. "He said he couldn't possibly tell me his stories from abroad, because they weren't 'suitable for tender young ladies'."

Benedict scoffed. "Truly?"

"Truly! Benedict, he's come back from abroad strutting around like some peacock, as though he is God's gift to eligible young women everywhere. You know I love him, as you do, but... I cannot take him seriously with his new attitude. I do not think I could if I tried."

Benedict smiled and shook his head, staring over my shoulder, presumably at Colin. Then he turned back to me.

"Did he seem to be directing his newfound charm at anyone in particular?"

I frowned. "No, not that I noticed. It seemed to be more like buckshot, just aiming with broad strokes at everyone in range. Why? Are you joining the side of the mamas in trying to help your brother find a match?"

"No," Benedict sighed, sounding truly tired. "Simply trying to guague exactly how long I may have left before I am the only eligible Bridgerton son for the mamas to focus on."

I laughed. "Do not worry, Benedict. I think you have some time yet."

Benedict didn't respond, but I thought I heard him mumble something into his drink that sounded like, "we'll see". When I raised an eyebrow at him and prepared a question, however, he quickly changed the subject, and I let him. We spent most of the rest of the afternoon together, hiding out from societal obligations and occasionally laughing about how strange his siblings could be sometimes.

After the garden party, I didn't get much of a chance to speak with Colin again until Lady Danbury's ball. He'd approached me once or twice when we'd seen each other in passing at other events, but we'd always been interrupted by other ladies, and Colin seemed suddenly incapable of interacting with me without his base layer of extreme, over the top charm. I would've felt bad for how little time I'd spent with him since he'd returned home, but every time I'd tried to ask him about his travels or how he was doing, he turned it into a truly ridiculous line of flirting, the likes of which we used to make fun of other suitors for before his most recent summer travels.

As a result, when Lady Danbury's ball rolled around, I didn't seek Colin out the way I would've last season. Instead, I found Eloise, Benedict, and even Francesca for a while when she clearly needed a break from her first season out in society. I danced with a few of the men who were tolerable, and otherwise enjoyed my time at the refreshments table and talking to people I knew. Colin didn't seek me out for the first half of the ball, either, so when I heard a familiar voice trying to get my attention after I'd found a spot along the wall for a bit of a break from the rest of the party, it was more of a surprise than it should've been.

"Y/N."

I turned around with a smile to find Colin standing behind me, a grin on his own face. We were out of earshot of the rest of the party, so we could dispense with some of the titles and formality that had lost all meaning between us long ago.

"Colin, hello! I was beginning to think I might not see you at all during this ball, such your other engagements seemed to be."

"Well, I could never let my other engagements prevent me from conversing with the most beautiful woman at this ball, could I?"

He said it with an easy smile and a charming sincerity, but I'd seen him use the same attitude and similar words on enough other ladies in our few interactions this season that his words didn't work to sway me the way they seemed to sway others. My smile slipped, and I fought to hold back a sigh.

"Yes, well..."

Colin smiled at me for another moment, and when I didn't pick up the conversation, he gave an easy chuckle and fixed me with another roguish grin.

"As delighted as I am for any opportunity to spend time with you, my lady, I did come over here to ask you if you might do me the honor of a dance. I truly cannot think of a partner I would rather have than you."

I fought a grimace, barely managing to turn it into a polite smile. I looked around briefly to make sure we were still out of earshot of any other party-goers or servants, which we were. I turned back to Colin with a sigh.

"Colin... I am going to tell you this because I truly care about you, although that may not seem to be my motivation at first glance."

"...Alright," said Colin, blinking a few times and trying to hide any confusion with another easy smile. I took a deep breath.

"I do not wish to dance with you." The smile dropped off Colin's face and his eyebrows knit together as I continued. "I never thought I would say such a thing, as quite often dancing and laughing with you were the only things that made attending society events bearable. But ever since you've returned home from your trip, Colin... it has been nearly impossible to talk to you.

"The man I thought I knew, my friend, whom I deeply cared about and whom I could talk to about anything, seems to have gone. And in his place I have found a Colin Bridgerton who not only flirts with anything that moves, but who does so in a way that is incredibly condescending and impossible to have a meaningful conversation with. Your letters from your previous travels were wonderful, Colin, and when you returned we were able to discuss them at length. You know I have an interest in learning and the world at large, and yet now, whenever I bring the subject up, I am told I could not possibly handle hearing about the things you saw and did, since I am but a fragile woman. Your sincerety and genuine expression of yourself has become cloaked in an oily layer of false sentiment and charm, directed equally at everyone you speak to, no matter your relation to them or your true feelings. I have no idea what brought about this change in you, Colin, but I am sorry to say I do not enjoy it the way the rest of the ladies here seem to."

Colin just stared at me, blinking and gaping like a fish. I frowned, feeling a big guilty, but lying to him would serve no purpose for either of us. Still, he was my friend, and I did care about him regardless of his recent changes. Choosing to ignore society for a brief moment, I put my hand out and rested it gently on his arm.

"Do not mistake my words as an insult designed to hurt you, Colin. You are my friend, and always will be. I have simply... found it harder to be around the person you have become recently. I am truly happy for you and your newfound confidence, but it seems to have extended a bit beyond confidence and into something more challenging, especially with ladies. Even ones you've known as long as you've known me."

I gave him a tight smile, which he seemed too stunned to return. I gave him a moment, but when he still didn't seem capable of a response, I curtsied and took a few steps backwards.

"Well. I will... take my leave. I do hope you enjoy the rest of the ball."

Colin just watched me as I took another few steps backwards. Finally, I turned on my heel and walked away. I wasn't sure how I'd been expecting him to take my statement, but complete speechlessness certainly hadn't been my prediction. I could only hope I hadn't wounded him too badly, and that he might come around enough to be the man I remembered as my friend and confidant, who could discuss the world with me as an equal and laugh with me through anything.

Thankfully, no one at the ball seemed to have noticed our exchange. Colin kept his distance from me for the rest of the evening, although I did notive him staring in my direction once or twice.

I debated finding Benedict to ask him his opinion about what I'd said to Colin, and how Colin might be feeling, but eventually decided against it. No matter how true my words had been, or how I'd tried to keep them from sounding harsh or designed to hurt, Colin would likely need his space for a time while he processed. And sending his brother in as my proxy would be the opposite of giving Colin space.

I expected Colin to keep his distance from me for a few days at least, if not for much, much longer. But as I took my seat in the sitting room of my family home the next morning for the start of the calling hours, I turned out to be quite incorrect. Before the clock had finished chiming to mark the start of the first hour, none other than Colin Bridgerton came striding through the door, ahead of the butler who normally would have announced him.

"Lady Y/N," he said, bowing to me and then to my mother sitting on the couch next to me. "I have come to call on you, if you are willing to entertain my company."

He still walked and spoke with confidence, but the layer of charm that had honeyed his words since the first day he'd returned for the season was gone, replaced by a directness and frankness that felt like taking a breath of fresh air. I gave him a small smile.

"I would be more than happy to have your company, Mister Bridgerton."

Colin gave me a small smile in return, and the two of us moved to the other end of the room, still able to be chaperoned but out of immediate earshot. I settled into the couch, Colin sitting right beside me.

"Y/N... thank you for being willing to speak to me. I had to see you, to apologize... and to explain."

My eyebrows shot up. Now that we were sitting closer together, I noticed a few irregularities in Colin's appearance. He had a few shadows under his eyes, as though he hadn't slept well, and his hair wasn't as neatly quaffed as I was used to seeing it. His shirt was rumpled in a few places a maid or a butler or a hovering older sibling might've insisted on fixing if they could've, and although Colin's new confidence appeared to be mostly intact, the charm had been replaced with a nervous energy I'd hardly ever seen from him.

"Colin... are you quite alright?" I asked, leaning a bit closer to him as I studied his face. When I looked up to meet his eyes, I found them instead scanning my face, until he apparenlty snapped out of it and met my gaze. He took a deep breath and sighed.

"Yes. Well, no. Perhaps. I am not sure, I think my wellbeing may depend a bit on the outcome of this conversation."

"Colin, before you begin, if I was too harsh on you the other night then I must apologize-"

"No! No. You were not." He took another fortifying breath, closing his eyes for a moment and dropping his shoulders from where they'd been creeping closer to his ears, before meeting my eyes again. "I have been quite different since I came home. I found myself while I was away from society, in a way I have never felt able to do here. But... I also learned the kind of charm that most of the Ton enjoys. It worked so well from the moment I got back, I did not think much of it. But I should have. And I am sorry if our relationship suffered as a result of my attitude."

Colin paused to take a deep breath, and I took the opening to reach out and rest my hand on his forearm.

"Colin, you do not-"

"Y/N, please. Please allow me to get all the way through this. I need to say it all, and I may not be able to get it out if I have an opportunity to change the subject."

I leaned back a little to stare at Colin, though I didn't remove my hand. His eyebrows were knit together with worry and his eyes never left my face. Slolwy, I nodded. Colin let out a sigh.

"Thank you." He squared his shoulders and sat up straighter, resting his hand on top of my own. "I understand why my approach was... not appreciated when we spoke in the garden and at Lady Danbury's ball. But the sentiment behind what I was saying was genuine. I have been searching for the way to tell you this for years, and I thought the charm and flirtation I learned abroad would be the way to finally do it. Clearly I was wrong. You should have seen the face Benedict made when I talked to him last night..."

Colin trailed off, shaking his head and apparently lost in thought. After a moment, I took a breath to say something else, but the noise must've been enough to jar Colin out of his memories. His stare snapped back to me, eyes slightly wider than usual.

"I love you. I have been in love with you for years, and when I returned home from this trip, I decided to finally do something about it. I thought the charm that worked so well on everyone else would work just as well for you, but... clearly I was mistaken."

I huffed a laugh. That was certainly an understatement.

"I wanted everything to be perfect, to come home changed and sweep you off your feet, but I've already failed at that, and I cannot keep my feelings to myself a moment longer. I love you, and I want to share everything with you. You are my best friend, my confidant, and the only woman I could possibly imagine spending the rest of my life with. Is there even the slightest chance you may feel the same way?"

Colin looked at me with the most open, vulnerable expression I'd ever seen, from anyone. My heart raced in my chest, and all I wanted to do was throw my arms around him and never let go. But I forced myself to take a moment, rather than letting my emotions run wild.

"I need you to answer two questions for me, Colin," I said, trying to keep my voice calm and level. Unfortunately, I didn't totally succeed. Colin nodded quickly.

"Anything."

"First... how were your travels? Where was your favorite place to visit?"

Colin huffed a laugh, relaxing and leaning into me slightly as a faint smile pulled onto his face. My heart raced, but I forced myself to keep a neutral expression.

"I apologize for even making this test necessary, but my travels were... incredible. I may ask you not to share details with the rest of the Ton, but anything you ask, I will be happy to share with you. And my favorite place was Paris. I could not stop thinking about the two of us returning someday to visit together. It is a truly romantic city."

Colin's words removed any hope I had at keeping a smile off my face. I leaned into it, grinning at him and squeezing his hand a little as my heart began to race.

"Well then, I look forward to hearing all about them."

"And I look forward to telling you. Your second question?"

"...Did you truly go to Benedict for help with this last night?"

Colin groaned and threw his head back, which made me laugh. He shook his head as he met my eyes again, but he was smiling all the same.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. I know you are close with him, and I noticed you going to speak to him after you abruptly left our conversation at the garden party. I thought he might have some insight, and I was right. It just came at the cost of quite a bit of mocking."

"You truly must be serious to give Benedict such ammunition to use against you for the rest of your lives."

"I am incredibly serious. And I would brave the teasing of every one of my siblings if, at the end, it brought me to you."

"Colin, that may be the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me."

"Does that mean... you return my affections?"

I smiled. "Yes, Colin. It does. You are my best friend, and I cannot think of anyone I would rather spend my time with than you."

Colin absolutely beamed at me. He began to lean forward, then thought better of himself even as his eyes still strayed to my lips.

"I cannot begin to tell you how desperately I wish we were alone in this moment," he said, voice low and husky. My heart did a backflip as I felt myself flush.

"Hopefully we will not have to wait long," I replied. We stayed there together, the tension and heat growing between us, until my mother cleared her throat from across the room and we were both brought back to reality. We leaned slightly further apart, although we didn't let go of each others' hands, and shared a grin.

"So... does that mean you will marry me?"

I laughed. "Colin, you cannot be serious! You began courting me a handful of minutes ago!"

I met Colin's eyes, expecting to share the joke, but instead I found him staring at me with a burning sincerity to go with his words.

"I am happy to wait as long as you need me to," he said, voice lowered slightly. "But I would also happily announce our engagement today."

I smiled and shook my head, my heart pounding in my chest so hard I thought Colin might actually be able to hear it.

"I may ask you to wait at least long enough for us to spend an evening or two together while courting, to see what it may be like to have a different relationship, rather than to spend time together as friends. But... I do not predict you will need to wait long."

The grin that spread across Colin's face was blinding, rivaling the happiest looks I'd ever seen from anyone in my life.

"That is good to hear. There are quite a few things I can hardly wait for, all of which come with engagement and marriage."

"Hm. Thank goodness we are both of positions and family that allow us to disappear for months on a honeymoon, finally sharing some travels around the world together. Among other things."

Colin squeezed my hand, and I could see him fighting back a handful of inappropriate responses and actions. I just grinned back at him, the two of us settling into our usual ease on the couch togehter after a moment so I could finally get Colin to tell me about the things he'd done on his travels. Hopefully, no one else would show up during the calling hours, and Colin and I could spend every moment of the day together just like this.

I'd meant what I'd said about wanting to wait, at least a short while, before announcing an engagement, and I did think it was a good idea. But I also couldn't imagine anything coming between Colin and I again after this. My best friend was back, and we were in love. What more could I possibly ask for in a match than that? Even if Benedict would be insufferable, claiming to be the one who'd set us up. It would be worth it, especially because we would weather the storm of his siblings together. Just like we'd do everything else that came for the rest of our lives.

****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989 @space-helen

[rafesbangs]

maybe rafe finally seeing mermaid!reader's house and, like all her random trinkets and bobbles and clutter, and lowkey being on his kook ass bullshit, but secretly, he's actually really fascinated and intrigued by it all

౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ mermaid!reader shows rafe around her house he acts a little judgey…

warnings: kinda some angst if you squint, fluff (yay) and a tad of classism unfortunately.

a/n: first fluff fic yayay also i adoreeee this req. this is so mermaid!reader and rafe. sorry it took so long to answerrrr & sorry its kinda short ahhhh, im not great at fluff i'll admit so this is good practice. (i hope this is what you wanted <3)

you nervously picked at your nails as you waited on your porch, swinging slowly in the crochet hammock that took you weeks to make. rafe's mercedes pulled into the little dirt driveway and your attention was quickly stolen.

"hey baby" he grinned as he slinked over, rolling his shoulders back to stand taller even though you already think he's the height of buildings. you hop out of the hammock and smile sweetly as he scoops you up for a hug.

"missed you" he mumbles into your hair before planting a kiss on the top of your head. a gesture, he knows, means the most to you. he releases you from the hug with a smile and you grab his hand softly, "missed you most. now come, i'll give you the tour"

he let your little hand drag him into your house. a sudden heat came over your face as you pulled him through the front door, realising how scared you were of rafe's kooky-judgment. you could see it in his demeanour, he was definitely thinking about how small the place is. how some of the wood is kinda rotted on the walls and how rickety the furniture looks. your little shack home was nothing like even the poorest of kook's homes.

you let go of his hand and put both of yours behind your back nervously, looking at the ground as you opened your mouth, "this is my living room kitchen area..." you stated. weakly gesturing to the room with an old tan leather couch that was fraying on the edges, adorned with crocheted, fluffy and wool beachy-themed blankets. the kitchen was tiny, 3 by 2ft and but the algae-green benches and the white black-splash with ocean themed detailing gave it some character.

rafe nodded curtly and glanced around, wordless for a moment, "its... small wow, you weren't really joking about it being a shack.."

your pursed lips turned to a frown quickly and you slowly crossed your arms in front of you, looking up at him disapprovingly as he continued to glance around. your jaw cocked to the side, "yeah some of us kinda pay for everything themselves which includes their house.."

his eyes went a little wide before he looked back at you, noticing your chagrin at his attitude towards your home. "no baby i'm just saying like- you don't deserve to live in a hole..." he quickly says, hands darting out in defence as he speaks but he only annoyed you further.

you roll your eyes, "come on. i'll show you my bedroom." you lead him up some open stairs to the left of the living room, bedroom was kind of a strong word, it was more like a half-loft situation since it technically had a door.

you swing it open and walk in, smiling proudly at your room, its completely filled with sparkly trinkets and decoration, your own little haven.

rafe cautiously followed you in, his eyes wide as he was clearly mesmerised by your cute little space. everything, from roof to foundation, was covered in things. crocheted 'fishing net' hung from the ceiling with little starfish and sparkles on it, jewellery boxes with coral and blues and greens sat all over the place, sparkly light pink and blue mesh fabrics hung from your ceiling above your bed, which was also adorned with whimsical bedsheets and pillows, like a canopy. every photo frame looked handmade with shells and little stones, all over the room dried coral and crystals sat in bowls or bunches. there was even a used tea cup on your dark stained wooden bedside table/cabinet (that was also spilling out all your mermaid-like clothing pieces) that was shimmery and shell themed.

"huh..." rafe began as he picked up a few things that intrigued him, you furrowed your brow, ready for more insulting words to spill from his lips but his face softened into a grin and he looked at you.

"your house is very you." he grinned, as he put the trinkets down carefully in their rightful spot, you looked at him with confusion in your eyes. "cute and mermaid-like, very... mmm, unconventional. but... i'm sorry for before, i... do like it here."

you tilted your head to the side with a forgiving smile before walking up to him and pressing your lips to his, he smiled into the kiss and held the small of your back and your chin, deepening it.

you pulled away first, "i know you're my big bad kook boyfriend but its okay to think my dingy little shack is cute, even for the cut." he chuckled a little and nodded before kissing the end of your nose.

"you're pretty cute, for a pogue" he smirked, his arms still around your waist as he leaned back, waiting for a playful smack.

and you delivered, scoffing and hitting him across the arm. he faked a wince and pretended all hurt as you rolled your eyes, "and you're pretty sweet for a kook."

[https-lawrenceslittleone]

Caregiver Katsuki Bakugo Headcanons

A/N: Hey!!! This is my first like. Writing related post. In a WHILE. Sorry about that!! But please feel free to request anything, I’m kinda bored. :P

Warnings: Minor swearing but I think that’s it ???

Bakugo is very aggressive. We all know this. Pretty much all the time, he’s aggressive and seemingly angry. And this does not waver or change, even when you’re regressed. So if you’re super sensitive, he probably wouldn’t be the best for you.

However, that’s not to say he doesn’t care. Quite the opposite, actually. He would die for you and actively goes out of his way to protect you.

Oh, he would get SO mad if anyone ever said anything remotely negative to you about your age regression. He wouldn’t even try to reason with them or have a debate he would straight up just tell them to kys 💀 (me core)

He does better with toddler or kid regressors, but baby regressors are fine as long as they can tolerate his naturally rough and callous behavior.

He did not know what the hell age regression was before he met you. Honestly, I feel like he’d come off as judgey at first. He doesn’t mean to, it’s just how he is. But then he’d go and research it a bit and realize that it’s not anything weird or fetishy and is instead a healthy coping mechanism.

He’s a little hesitant to be your caregiver at first. He says it’s because he isn’t sure if he wants to focus on anything other than training right now and being a caregiver is a lot of responsibility. That’s partially true. But it’s mainly really because he’s afraid he won’t be good at it and will just end up hurting you and potentially ruining one of your only healthy coping mechanisms.

It takes a lot for him to be able to open up to someone and take care of someone like that, but eventually, he does it. And he finds he enjoys it. He finds your little antics and your dependency on him really adorable.

He’s not embarrassed or ashamed that you age regress. I feel like nearly half of class 1-A regresses so it’s not unusual at all for you two to be in the common room, you sitting on his lap with a sippy cup in hand.

Sets you up on play dates with Kaminari and Mina all the time. He wants you to have fun and interact with other littles. Plus, they’re his friends and their caregivers are his friends too.

Takes a little bit to get used to nicknames as well. But finds he likes parental nicknames a lot more than he thought he would.

The first time you called him dada was something he will never forget. You were half asleep, snuggling in his chest, when you realized you were thirsty. You lazily grabbed his shirt and gently tugged on it and went, “Dada…juice…?”. He immediately knew what you wanted and he gave you the juice. He didn’t even register the nickname until a few seconds later and was really shocked. He didn’t say anything about it in the moment, though. He talked to you about it when you were big again and he clarified that he was okay with it and it didn’t make him uncomfortable.

Midoriya and Kirishima are his go-to babysitters. Mainly Midoriya because he’s more responsible than Kirishima. But Midoriya can get busy quite a lot. And Bakugo’s also a little anxious about you possibly liking Midoriya more than him, although he would rather die than admit that out loud lol.

He can cook. This is canon. This mf can cook like a 1950s housewife it is INSANE. He makes all your food for you, especially when you’re little. He likes taking care of you, even if he won’t really say it.

If you’re like me, and you tend to have really bad rage episodes and outbursts when you’re overstimulated or upset, he’s got you. He knows how to deal with that. He’s got a punching bag in his room that he lets you beat the shit out of if needed. He can make you laugh too. You’ll be beating the fuck out the punching bag and he’ll pretend like it’s a real person and say shit like “YEAH‼️‼️‼️ BEAT HIS ASS‼️‼️‼️🗣️🗣️🗣️” and it makes you giggle.

Surprisingly okay with physical affection. You wanna cling to him? That’s fine. Just listen to him if he tells you to get off of him. Respect his boundaries and don’t get in the way when he’s doing something important and it’s cool. 🙏

[nsfwarros1]

hiii i keep thinking about that drawing you posted a week or two ago with cas groping gortash on the couch while a servant tries to get his attention and i was wondering, what are the attitudes of everyone else around them to what is going on? do the servants, advisors, lords and ladies etc know this is a kink thing? i feel like it is super obvious it is a kink thing but maybe they don't know and just think he's getting fat? if they do know are they judgey about it?

it actually wasnt a servant it was literally a ruler of another city gortash is just unbearable and has more power❤️ sorry I just wanted to clarify that first🙏

but most people dont know or assume that its a kink thing actually, no! To me it’s just not exactly a common thing in the setting tbh, especially considering that *even if* it's usually kept insanely private. But aside from that most people also would not suspect Cas to be into that as he is fatphobic and generally judgmental (appearance wise) as hell to anyone else and also generally just assumed to be erm…. too pretty for that, if you get the sentiment. The leading theory ever since more people learned of the fact that Cas is a devil is actually that it’s some form of contract—Some people believe its just some mischief or Cas being sadistic as his part of the contract before claiming Gortash's soul, some others believe its actually Gortash that wanted a devil that serves and pampers him... there’s a few questionable theories flying around tbh😖 People that are close enough that they can overhear them talk about it (just dirty talk or whatever) like servants and such do kinda know its kink-related I suppose, but anyone that is in that position is also scared to death of them and absolutely won’t talk about or share it

So generally, there’s no general assumption about what it is but most people think that it’s not out of fetish reasons but rather that it has some other ulterior motive, like the contract etc. Some even think its Cas trying to fatten him up and then take his power but it’s been getting to a point where that seems… the most unrealistic theory as Cas can clearly dispose of him any time in his current state and with how much hes relying on Cas

As for their opinions… there’s a few hardcore Gortash bootlickers in the city that will somehow say that getting fat is just another form of showcasing his power cuz he can afford it but aside from that people don’t exactly respect his choices tbh—Not like most have the guts to bring it up. A lot of nobles from the city and Gortash’s old business partners think that it’s not a state a ruler should be in, but it’s also not like it *actually* affected his rule considering that Cas made up for it. The ones that do believe Cas had any hand in it see it as double the weakness in a way too, Gortash allowing someone else to even affect him in that way on top of just letting himself go like that. That's especially like... Banites that start to believe he's not fit to be the chosen anymore because he's so weak for Cas. Some also just think he’s just letting being rich and in power nd “nobility” get to his head tbh😭

[lmanburgseulogy]

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE IN UNIVERSE CULTURE OF LMANBERG

WORLD BUILDING GO (I have so many thoughts)

OHHHH MY GOSH. OKAY. OKAY

IDK HOW TO WORD MY THOUGHTS HELP IVE NEVER LIKE. WORLD BUILT BEFORE AT LEAST NOT INTENTIONALLY

I think a lot of their virtues would be surrounded around the Independence War. This idea is based on lmancrew reflecting so much on it during election arc (especially c!wilbur, who. Is in charge of the country so he kinda reflects their image a lot lol.) They’re VERY proud of their history, so ofc their culture heavily celebrates it.

No casual/working clothing goes below the knees due to the marshy land. The uniforms don’t apply to this rule, but those are only worn on special occasions anyway. Some examples of when the uniform is required are like. political events, any conflict related to the country, certain holidays, festivals, etc. Basically anytime where the whole nation is united, I guess. They use the identical clothing as a metaphor for being equals.

They have festivals often (sorry canon) to celebrate the different accomplishments they hit during the early days. For example, when Tubbo builds the docks, or the space center, or Niki’s bakery being opened.

L’manburg also hosts festivals on holidays relating to it’s folklore or history. Independance day is a huge deal. Everyone in the whole nation gets together and I imagine they would be (unfortunately) kinda judgey if you didn’t attend. phhaa they celebrate summer solstice too. Big time. Yes.!

FOOD. yummy!! obviously a lot of culture is centered around the environment near by, so cuisine is based around fresh water fish or other things found in their river. Water lily roots and salmon are viewed VERY highly despite being quite common. (salmon got them through some hard times put the respect to the fish name…) They also eat a lot of bugs, with crickets being an exception because of local stories about them. A large population of L’manburg citizens are pescatarian or entovegan.

THEY ARE OBSESSED WITH NATURE LEMME TELL YOUUUUU….. Everyday I think about L’manburg’s first rule being to never damage the trees. L’manburg would’ve put so many preservation acts in place to protect their precious redwoods…hallo. They work with the land and the land works with them.. i think disrespecting it is an act that gets you completely outcasted from society tbh. (I also think this got more extreme after the war because doing something that’s hurtful to their home, whether intentional or not, is similar to the smp. They also kick preservation into full gear after the l’manburg forest fire because they lost so much wildlife. Anyway. I’m normal.)

I think the sunrise would be a religious experience for them. I dunno. I just remember c!niki saying nights in l’manburg are long so maybe the sunrise is a crazy thing for them. The end of the darkness. The rays of light peaking through their walls. The yellow spanning across their home and making everything bright and clear……that’s be sorta holy, don’t you think?

ANYWAY THESE ARE KINDA BAD I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS (looking at you with big wet eyes)

[traintrainingmontage]

Crackship writing exercise from the discord today. An Edward & Diesel 10 (or pre-slash Edward/Diesel 10) fic for @ikoarts and @shikariiin !!

When Diesel 10 first arrived on the railway, the experience was about what he'd expected. The whispers had begun following him like gnats, buzzing about Pinchy, his size, his paintwork, and, of course, his resting bitch face. The steam engines especially looked at him like he was some particularly disgusting bug that had crawled onto their line, their gazes judgemental even as their fear prevented them from being loud about it.

Diesel 10 had expected a warmer reception from the diesels, but oddly enough, they appeared to be a mixed bag. Some of them seemed friendly, but several of them seemed to genuinely fear his presence. Others simply avoided him, as if not wanting to associate. It was something of a lonely first day, to be sure, but Diesel 10 didn't care. He wasn't here to make friends. He never had been. He was here to do jobs nobody else could do, and if they didn't want to be around him, so be--

His train of thought was derailed by a friendly "peep peep" coming in his direction--the whistle of a steam engine. Surprised, Diesel 10 looked up to see what looked like an honest-to-awfulness K2 making their way towards him, a smile on their face.

"What do you want?" Diesel 10 growled, brandishing Pinchy threateningly. He didn't believe in the kindness of that smile for a second; if this engine was here to pick a fight, that was fine by him. Maybe it would help him get rid of some stress.

"Hello!" the other engine greeted warmly, once again catching Diesel 10 completely by surprise. "That's a rather remarkable claw you have there. My name is Edward, and I'm here to formally welcome you to Sodor. Might I know your name?"

Diesel 10 blinked, utterly at a loss. This way-outdated steam engine didn't seem intimidated by Pinchy; if anything, he looked rather impressed. And his expression didn't hold any of the judgement that the others had, diesel or otherwise--as far as Diesel 10 could tell, he was just trying to give a genuine greeting. The diesel was so dumbfounded by this whole exchange that instead of a retort like "piss off" or anything else he'd felt like saying to all those judgey steam engines, he instead found himself replying with: "Uh, the name's Diesel 10. And my claw here is Pinchy."

"Diesel 10 and Pinchy, is it?" There was a beat of silence, and the diesel wanted to brace himself for the inevitable teasing, but there was none to be had. Edward's grin seemed to shine even brighter, somehow. "Wonderful! Thank you very much. Oh, and I'm so sorry for the way that the others treated you on your way in. I'll have a talk with them later. But for now, please accept my sincere apologies."

At this point, Diesel 10's estimation of reality felt like it had been tilted sideways. A steamie? Actually apologizing to him? And not just in a lip-service kind of way either; the diesel could tell that Edward was being quite genuine. Once again, having lost all of his bluster, he managed to stammer out: "Oh, uh, it's fine. I'm used to this kind of thing."

Edward's expression suddenly turned stern. How strange it was to see another get angry on his behalf instead of at him. "Well, you shouldn't have to put up with it here on Sodor. Please let me know if anyone's bothering you."

Then, just as quickly as his ire had clouded his face, it vanished, leaving behind only that sunny smile. "I'll come visit you again soon, Diesel 10. You seem like a good sort, and I look forward to working with you!" With that, Edward pulled away, giving another "peep peep!" of his whistle in farewell as he left. Diesel 10 couldn't help but let out an answering honk of his horn.

Only once the steam engine was out of sight did Diesel 10 feel like he could finally think straight. Over and over again, his conversation with Edward seemed to loop around in his head, always lingering on that gorgeous smile.

"Oh, Pinchy," the towering diesel whispered. "Now I'm really not sure what to do."

[avocadofics]

I don’t know if your requests are open or not but could you do a teen autistic+adhd reader x Mha characters (prefably male or gender neutral) who has trouble saying please and thank you cuz that’s how their brain is wired and they get ridiculed a lot about it? Any character is fine obviously ignore this if you don’t want to write it :)

Oh my gosh absolutely you the first ever ask and you were so polite I’ll do my best to do this Justice.

Platonic Bakugou x autistic+adhd! Reader

Summary some of you friends don’t understand your way and start trying to “make you do better” Bakugou calls them out for their shit

Sfw

Cw: some judgey comments from a few characters about why the reader seems “rude���

You were all sitting at a table. You don’t remember who first put the idea out but now you and your friends were out for dinner. You scanned the room with you eyes making note of things that felt important to you. Where the bathroom was at. Where the food was brought out at. How long the waiter would wait to come to each table. You look at the menu again. Taking a deep breath to focus in on it.

By the time the waiter had returned you had finally made a choice.

You put you finger to the menu to point at the item

“this one” you say confidently.

“Is that everything?”

“Yeah”, you hand the waiter you menu. The waiter finishes up collecting orders and walked off.

“Aye man wasn’t that a little rude of you?” Denki said from the other side of the table.

“How so,” you questioned not seeing what was rude.

“You just sounded super rude. Like please might be a little nicer,” he shrugged

“Sorry i forget.” And that was the truth you had other things taking up you brain power it was easy to not use the term so many things are important.

“Maybe next time you can let them know your thankful for the food when they come back” ochako chimes in leaning around a few people to look at you. You nodd just to get them to move the conversation along.

When the food finally arrived you took you plate with a nodd. Not only a few seconds after you were given you plate you felt several people looking at you.

You turn to see several of your friends looking at you expectantly.

“What?”

“Say thank you” it was iida’s turn to remind you of “how you failed”

“What if I don’t want to”

“It’s rude not to” you felt yourself getting annoyed. You understood that you had a hard time explaining why you didn’t say polite grades often but you had thought this topic was over with.

“Oye I don’t remember to say thankyou or please and you never give me shit so drop it.” Bakugou speaks up annoyed at how some people seemed to be treating you.

“Compare to me they are plenty polite so next time you want to try to reprimand someone for not wanting to waste there time on pleasantries try me it’ll be fun.” He finished with a smirk.

Everyone finally turns to there food and the people next to them. Bakugou looks Acrossed the table at you

“Don’t ever think you gotta waist you energy on things that don’t matter to you okay.”

You nodd and smile glad that you got some good friends who acually care

A/n

I’m so sorry this took so long to do.

I myself am trained so hard in pleases and thank yous that this was acually hard. It was a fun challenge to do though. My original plan was to be platonic fic but wasn’t a Bakugou one but him being a character who give the least of a shit made him an easy fit.

I hope you have a good day night or evening

[bam-bi-buck]

911 Lonestar 5x04 SPOILERS

Cassandra is so rude

But to be fair Cassandra has the right to ask about Tommy giving her the crazy shake lol

Oh ew

My mom was like who would want to clean the toilets when Paul was like we’re gonna

Wyatt with the watch “thank you robot” 🤣

The older woman was so funny

But ah the rats

The dance Paul did 🤣🤣🤣

“Thank you lord Jesus”

Oh the cat 🤢

“Just Cassandra”

“Huh”

TK looking at Nancy with that look

Nancy “Sabotage”

They’re siblings you’re honor

Love how much Nancy &

“A wonder kid, why aren’t I surprised?”

But you ain’t got no babies to monitor

My mama “I got an adult to monitor”

“Your cheese slide off a cracker?” is so funny

“Nail a bitch to the wall”? Damn Tommy

PAUL JUST LET HIM HELP YOU

Oh fancy elevator

Birthing plan based off calm and quiet

27 HOURS???

No description of birth in media have ever made me want to do that

Jenna’s voice is really pretty

Opal’s eye twitch

The elevator stopped- nooo

Mama “you in trouble now”

Augue hyping her up 🥺

“He looks just like you”

“Poor guy”

“No that’s a good thing” 🥺🥺🥺

“I love you - I know we’re not supposed to say that anymore but I do” 😭😭😭

The blood starts coming out of her eyes

Me “oh jeez”

My mama “I don’t think that’s a good sign”

Yeah probably not

I don’t know which of our reactions is worse

Also reinforcing that whole I don’t ever wanna do that thing

Love Wyatt figuring things out

TK is so cool

“There’s no doors”

“So we make one”

Paul LET PEIPEL HEKP YOU!!!

I’m sorry Auguie yelling in lower case like dude

Ma “yeah baby do your part”

Paul no

Nancy covering Opal when the walls flying in 🥺

All of them saying come on

“I love you too” !!! 😭😭😭

Them closing in kn Paul’s haunted look

My mom “you gonna learn how to delegate now?!!”

This episode is flying by

First we clean the bus then ourselves

While that makes sense I’d feel so yucky

Love Nancy immediately being like not my girl, she’s innocent - free her about Izzy

Owen you have no right to make judgey faces about Paul having dreams you were the exact same way

Paul 😭

Owen you need to ask before putting your hands on people’s injuries not while

I feel like Cassandra was starting to put the pieces together before Tommy, like she was calling Tommy crazy but she herself was so chill about it, like she knew something wasn’t adding up but probably didn’t want to actually figure it out, ya know?

Melody needs to learn how to chill

Like seriously girl just use your words

Stop acting like a future criminal mastermind

TK & Marjan 🥺

Yes Paul learn to delegate!!

Love Marjan immediately dissuading Paul’s fears

TK’s little “Love you LT” was so cute

But he’s not TK’s LT lol

They’re a different part of the firehouse

Do they have a different chore chart? They must right, so he was just being sweet to be sweet 🥺

I agree with Tommy, based off what we’ve seen Trevor wouldn’t be able to live in a diff state from Melody

And ngl I haven’t really cared about Trevor beyond his relationship to Tommy but their break up made me tear up

“You got me to love again” TOMMY 😭😭😭

I want everything for her

Her calling her mom 😭

For next week! TK & Carlos in therapy! Finally!

[baileypie-writes]

Hiiiii- I was wondering if I may request a platonic fic of Zakuro and Torame bonding with a VERY dense and dumb veterinarian reader after the reader kept giving them food whenever they were around? If not, I understand!

A/N ~ Sure pookie/p(sorry if you don’t want me to call you that)! I had way too much fun writing this, haha. Hope you enjoy!

~Weird Human~

Torame + Dense!Vet!Reader + Zakuro

~~~🐾~~~🐾~~~🐾~~~

Fandom: Wonderful Pretty Cure!

Fanfic Type: Oneshot

Reader: Gender neutral, veterinarian

Relationship: Platonic

Genre: Fluff

Rating: PG

Synopsis: After helping and feeding a strange wolf, he brought back a companion. So you decided to try and befriend them both.

Warnings: Minor injury(Torame), wild animal behavior(Torame and Zakuro)

~Masterlists~

~Wonderful Pretty Cure! Masterlist~

~~~🐾~~~🐾~~~🐾~~~

It all started two days ago.

You found a wolf while taking a walk. Though, it was unlike any wolf you’ve seen before, even with all your veterinary experience.

Based on his facial and bodily structure, you concluded he was male. He had grey fur, and a greenish-yellow flame-like tail. He also had the same flame-like fur on his back feet, but it was red. You assumed someone had dyed it, as it was an unnatural color. You didn’t even stop to think of how someone could’ve used dye on a wild animal.

What you did think about was the poor wolf’s state. He was injured; a rather large cut on his leg. So you did the only thing you knew of in this situation, and grabbed the first aid kit.

He growled at you, and attempted to bite many times. But you’ve dealt with difficult animals before. With a bit of tussling, you bandaged the leg. You would’ve preferred to disinfect it, but you didn’t want to risk death to put some alcohol on an agressive wild animal’s open wound. And it didn’t seem infected anyway, so you let him be.

The second you were done, he ran, and jumped up on a nearby fence. He froze, staring at you for a moment, before leaping off into the night.

You expected to never see him again. But the very next night, you spotted him in your backyard. He just stared.

Considering that he was wild, you assumed he might’ve been hungry. So you gathered some lunch meat on a plate, and stepped outside. He tensed up in a defensive position the moment the door opened. You slowly put the plate down on the ground, and watched him. It took a while for him to feel safe enough to start eating. But once he did, you happily watched.

“You’re such a handsome boy! What a pretty tail!” You cooed. You then noticed something around his neck. “What’s that? A collar? I thought you were wild! I had no idea someone could own a wolf!” You commented.

He gave you a look you couldn’t quite describe after you said that. It almost seemed like a judgey look. But you ruled out that option.

Once the wolf was done eating, he once again ran away. But considering this visit, you knew he would be back.

~~~~

“Zakuro.” Torame, in his human form, called out from his resting place on a tree.

“What. You gonna make fun of me for being defeated by the Pretty Cure?” She scoffed.

“No. I saw that weird human again.” He said, staring off into the distance, coincidentally in the direction of your house.

“Ha! All humans are weird. But are you talking about the one who wrapped your leg?” She asked.

“Yeah.” He glanced at his aforementioned leg, the bandage still on it. “They gave me food.”

“What?! You didn’t eat it, did you?” Zakuro said, finally looking at the boy.

“Yeah… but it was just meat. And I was hungry. I’m not gonna pass up free food.” He chuckled.

“I can’t believe you! What would Master Gaou think?” She scolded. Torame went silent. An indication that he didn’t want to consider the outcome. “Did you they talk to you?”

“Yes. They were very stupid. They thought I belonged to someone, and they didn’t even question what I am. But they were… nice.” He replied. It was Zakuro’s turn to go silent for a moment. She seemed to be thinking.

“I’d like to meet this human.”

~~~~

The night had settled in, and you were preparing to do so as well. But first, you put some more meat on a plate in case the wolf came back. You walked to the back door, and turned on the porch light. Your heart nearly jumped out of your chest when you saw not one, but two wolves staring in your direction.

The one from before was back, and he had brought a friend. This one was older, and a female. She looked very similar to the other one, but had a red tail.

“Well,” You thought. “if you feed one, you’re gonna have to feed more.” You then opened the door, and stepped outside.

“Hello again, boy!” You greeted. “I see you brought a friend!” Repeating your steps from the previous night, you slowly bent down, and placed the plate on the ground, just a few feet away from you. Then, you just sat and waited.

After a few moments, the male wolf slowly crept towards the plate. After a quick glance at you, he took a piece of meat, and skittered off to his previous spot.

Both you and the female watched him devour his snack like the animal he is. Then, it was her turn. Her steps were far more cautious than his.

“Hey, pretty girl. What a beautiful red tail!” You talked in a friendly, high-pitched voice.

She just stared. When she reached the plate, she gave a little growl before taking her share of the food, then running back to join her companion. You remained calm the whole ordeal, letting her know you weren’t a threat.

“I wonder if you guys are siblings. You look so much alike.” You pondered aloud while they ate. “You both have the same collars. Do you share the same owner? I hope you’re not lost…”

After both wolves have eaten, you expected them to leave. But instead, the male began making his way towards you.

“Sorry! I don’t have any more food. I can get some tomorrow though!” You told him. But he continued.

When he eventually reached you, he began intensely sniffing you. You allowed him to do this. He was just doing it to get to know you, after all. It’s in their nature.

After his sniffs slowed, you decided to take a big risk. You slowly raised your hand up to his ear. Both wolves immediately began growling, feeling threatened. But you continued, until you reached it. Gently, you scratched behind it, and his growling stopped.

His whole body relaxed, and his eyes closed. You also could’ve sworn you saw his tail sway back and forth a bit.

Once she took notice of his happy state, the female stopped growling as well. Curiously, she also made her way towards you. A small chuckle escaped your lips, and you slowly raised your hand up, reaching for her chin. Just like for the male, you scratched it. Her reaction was the same; relaxed and happy.

“Aww, you guys are so cute! Your owner is so lucky! I mean, owning two wolves is not a common thing. I didn’t even know it was possible!” After you said that, the wolves shared a quick glance, in that same, judgey expression.

Around a minute of this went by, before a howl was heard in the distance. Both wolves snapped their attention towards the direction of the sound. With one last glance at you, they raced away, following the call.

You couldn’t believe what had just happened. You never dreamed you would get the chance to meet wolves before. Yet, you fed them, bonded with them, and even pet them. You hoped you could find their owner someday. That way, you could bond with them even further!

~~~~

“That was certainly the weirdest human I’ve ever met…” Zakuro mumbled, now in her human form. Her fingers grazed over her chin, where your own fingers once were.

“Yeah…” Torame agreed, cupping his ear.

Both sat in thought for a while, recounting the whole event. Were you really a good human? They always believed all humans were evil. But their new encounter with you said otherwise.

“Wanna go again tomorrow?” Torame asked Zakuro.

“Yes.” She said, not giving it a second thought.

~~~🐾~~~🐾~~~🐾~~~

~~baileypie-writes