#started w a large cold brew !!!

[user500269]

this is based on @lordragamuffin's amazing fanart of bloody doppelgänger francis and real francis!!! minors please dni!!

imagine doppelgänger francis absolutely terrorizing the real francis.

he’d be so jealous, watching the way you handled your boyfriend. he’d quite literally be watching you two fuck every night, outside your balcony.

yeah, world domination was cool, but human sex looked too fun for him to pass up the opportunity.

sometimes you’d leave francis home alone when you worked overnights at the security office, while your boyfriend slept alone in his all too tight shirts.

for the past week, only when you were away, francis felt something, or someone, groping at his chest. but he was always almost half-asleep when he felt slender fingers swirling around his nipples.

he’d twitch and squirm in his sleep, huffing out moans whenever he felt something pinching and tugging at his nubs.

he thought he was going crazy.

and every morning, when he woke up from his nightly grope session, he’d always have an embarrassingly large mess in his pants. his dick was still hard, cum splattered in his boxers.

the next week, francis started having dreams about it. no face could be imagined for whoever was fondling with his chest, but he could feel the same fingers on him every night.

he thought he was just horny, missing you on the nights you weren’t there. but even when you were there, he’d feel so guilty, praying to the dream gods that he’d have a wet dream about the mystery groper, playing with his perky nipples.

then finally, one fateful night, he woke up to finally see fingers stuffed under his shirt. he was still disoriented, squirming under the cold fingers of the mystery groper.

“w-who, haah, are you…?” francis panted, throwing his head back with his tongue lulled out. the fingers were moving too fast for him to protest, nails slightly scrapping the tips.

there was no response. the only noise that filled the room were the whimpers and moans from francis. he was so needy, drool sliding out of his mouth at the immense pleasure he felt. he couldn’t even fathom how good he felt from how just his nipples.

“mmngh! c-can you, aghnn, tell me, please?” he was so polite, even while some stranger was pulling at his stupidly perky nipples, testing if any milk work come out.

doppelgänger francis would just silently chuckle at his copy’s desperation. he’d flick one bud, while rubbing the other with his thumb. whatever made his copy twitch, he’d do it over and over again to see him squirm.

humans are so stupid, he thought.

he looked down to see the mess that was brewing between francis’ legs, before finally giving francis a clue. “why not…you let me replace you, hm?”

francis tried to hide the moans that were spilling out of his lips at the revelation, but his mind was so hazy for him to even refute. “n-nggGH!” he mewled when doppel squeezed both nipples at the tips.

“i’ll play with you like this every night, then i pretend to be you in the day, hm?” doppel proposed, shivers rolling down francis’ spine. the heat of doppel’s breath brushed against his ears making them tingle.

“t-that’s, ungh, not…” francis was grinding against the fabric of his underwear, completely out of it. he was so close. just a few more flicks would send this poor boy over the edge.

“c’mon, they won’t even notice. i can play with these pretty things like this,” he flicked at francis’ buds, pressing kisses against his flushed neck. “such pretty tits, hm?” he chuckled, cupping his chest.

that comment sent francis over the moon. his heart was nearly thumping out of his chest and cum splattered on the inside of his pants.

“guess i trained you well. they’re bigger than before,” doppel didn’t waiver when francis came, continuing to torment his pink nubs. they were throbbing, sensitive to the touch.

francis’ drool dropped to his chin, his eyes rolled back all the way. “n-no, i jus’...hnghh, c-came. ‘s too soon, ngh…” he moaned, cheek smushed against the pillow.

“maybe give me the answer i wanna hear, ‘n i’ll let you have a little break, yeah?” doppel growled, sucking hickies lower down his neck.

francis’ breath hitched, shaking his head. “d-don’t, eek! d-don’t leave marks, they’ll see, mngh, them!” he pleaded.

doppel smirked, rolling his fingertips over francis’ nipples soothingly. it was slow, too slow. “ooohhngh…y-you can, hn, take over f’me…” francis cutely agreed, biting his lower lip.

“yeah? ‘n i’ll play with you every night, right?” doppel grinned widely, sucking on francis’ earlobe.

francis’ eyes were squeezed shut, flushed from the neck down. “m-mhm! p-please…” francis begged, trying to puff his chest out for more friction.

“alright. you said it yourself, so don’t go crying to me when you can’t take it anymore,” doppel chuckled darkly, tugging francis’ nipples with a squeeze.

“haaaAANGH!”

[sweptawayghost]

In Dreams Pt.1

PAIRING: Joel Miller X Reader

CHAPTER SUMMARY: Joel Miller is down bad for the first time in a long time. After him and Ellie arrive and settle into life in Jackson, Joel is itching to get out. He becomes your patrol partner but he could be so much more if you give him the chance.

Hello!!! 

This is my first time writing any kind of fan fiction so please be nice. I'm a huge fan of The Last Of Us and a major Joel Miller apologist. God, I love that man. Lots of Joel's inner thoughts. NO USE OF Y/N. W/c 4.1K

Anyway, I wanted to write a series and I had a hard time laying the groundwork but baby I got dirty things brewing. No warnings for this one but I will mention any trigger points in the future. Anything Written like this {Italic} indicated Joel's inner thoughts

CHAPTER WARNING: Mention of male masturbation, mentions of alcohol, Age gap

Joel Miller was down bad. 

He found himself wondering how far too many times. He was sure he'd sworn off love and romance but then there you were. With your toothy grins and your warm palms. Eyes that made him feel safe and seen. 

Your laugh filled his ears and swelled his heart. He would do anything to be in the same room as you, he would move where you move, he would go where you go, He could listen to you talk about anything and nothing as long as you kept looking at him and laughing at his jokes. 

He wishes he could tell you right now how badly he wanted you. He wishes he could let you know how important you were to him, how he would move mountains if it would make you smile. 

He hoped you would see how much Ellie loved you.

Joel saw the spark return to her eyes thanks to you. He loved that you cared about her so much, as if she was the most precious and fragile thing in the world. 

How you fed her, brushed her hair for her. You happily opened your home to her when you knew Joel would be gone for a night or so just to make sure she wouldn't be alone. 

There were just certain things that Joel couldn't provide for Ellie. But He knew you could. He wanted you to be in her life regardless of how he felt for you and how you felt for him. How do you feel about me? 

///

He sat with Tommy in the Tipsy Bison one fall afternoon, the sun was sinking down behind the hills, the cool breeze whipped and swerved around the town centre. The Trees with their many hues of orange hung lazily ready to be whisked away.  

The town prepared for the cold months that were to come, fixing and unblocked gutters, salted and jerked meats, pickled and preserved anything they could. prepared the garden beds in the greenhouses for new crops to come, pulling weeds and turning soil. It didn't feel rushed or urgent, it felt like a normal town, on a normal day, in a normal world.

Joel and Ellie had all but settled into Jackson by now, not like they had a lot to unpack when they arrived. He remembers one of the first nights they had come back. The feeling of the hot water on his skin made him want to cry. He had a chance to wash away all the blood, all the grime, the sweat, the shame, the guilt, the tightness in his chest and the pain in his heart. 

Tommy had handed him a large crate when they arrived. Soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste, Conditioner and shampoo in solid bars, lip balms, razors. Simple items that were worth more than gold. Most of the items were handmade and imperfect in shape which made them seem even more special. Someone made this for you. 

There were also a number of clothing items given to them, shirts, pants, socks and underwear, jackets, even a few dresses that Ellie all but discarded in the back of her wardrobe. 

It felt odd to be given so much when he had taken so much. 

Stop thinking about it. 

 he wanted to make himself useful, he didn't want to sit still anymore, he wanted to move, to distract his mind. He started to worry about what Jackson would do to him in the long run. Would it take off his edge that kept him and Ellie alive all this time? What would happen if it burnt to the ground? He didn't want to put Ellie through anything more than she had already had to endure. 

He felt naked without his pistol glued to his hip, exposed, vulnerable. He wasn't used to people smiling at him on the streets, raising an arm to wave or finding cooked meals or small gifts on his front door step. Those first few weeks were a lot to adjust to. He wondered how Ellie was handling it. She seemed closed off and quiet. She's worried about fitting in. Joel thought to himself. Teenage girls are still teenage girls after all. 

///

“So your patrol partner…” Tommy sat looking from his glass across the table at his older brother “ you’ll like her, she's a bit rough around the edges at first but she's got a good head on her. She just weary of people '' Tommy spoke with a small smile on his lips but drew his eyes back to his glass. As if thinking back on you with fond memories.

Tommy had taken Joel out for the first few weeks. He had learnt the ropes quickly, to be honest there wasn't much to get, it was straight forward and it was what Joel was good at. He knew the job wasn’t for everyone but he knew he was damn near built for it. 

He wasn't particularly worried about getting a new partner, he and his brother worked well together. The communication was little but clear, a nod of the head, a knowledge of the others limits, no need to make small talk and comfortable silences.but damn did Tommy know how to get on Joel's nerves. 

He was more worried about whether his partner would crumble under pressure. If they would make stupid moves and get one or both of them killed. What would happen to Ellie? 

“Is that your subtle way of tellin’ me she a bitch?” He raised an eyebrow at his brother. 

“Some would say” is the only reply he was offered

Some would say. 

But Tommy wouldn't. Good sign.

“She aint real good at small talk either” Tommy mumbled from the rim of his glass before he sipped back the amber liquid. 

“She’s good quality” a smile hung from his lips “she’ll just say some shit that’ll catch you off guard” 

/// 

He woke up with a tightness in his chest. Like he does most mornings. As the soft glow from his window floods his room he stills the thumping in his chest, rubbing small circles to alleviate the ache.

He sits up and lets reality wash over him. It's okay.

It feels wrong to feel safe. 

He went about his normal routine he had set up for himself, any distraction from the nightmare he awoke from. Get up. Get dressed. Get to it. Coffee was a non negotiable, even the instant stuff was doing it for him these days. He slowly opened the front door, ultra aware of the creaks of the old home he now called his. He found himself thinking about the family who lived there before him. Stop 

Stepping onto the front porch with socked feet. He let the steam of the coffee swirl around his face as he inhaled the chilled morning air. Seeing the street lights glow softly as the morning creeps over the hills. Jacksons main street was a few blocks over and he could hear soft murmuring of people start to make their way into the mess hall for breakfast before starting their daily assignments. It reminded him of before. 

He could almost imagine that the last 20 years were just a really bad, really vivid dream. 

The sounds of a neighbourhood waking up to begin their day. The sound of gravel crunching in the distance, a soft yell from the other side of main street, the sound of his neighbours walking around the upper level of their home. All once familiar sounds to Joel. All sounds that now feel alien. 

He let his chin drop to his chest and began slowly moving it from side to side to relieve some tension, noticing a large hole in one of his woollen socks right at the big toe. The padding on the heel is also threatening to split open any day now. 

Moments like this were scary for Joel. moments of silence. Moments when he could let his mind wander because he didn't have urgency at his back, he wasn't being chased down the street by a horde of infected or being shot at by a group of raiders, he wasn't doing supply run with the threat of a QZ guard blowing his head off if he got caught and he wasn't lying in the woods wide awake all night to make sure Ellie was safe as she slept a few feet away from him.  

No. Joel Miller, for the first time in a long time, was safe. 

His attention snapped up quickly when he heard a slam a few doors up from him. He let the goosebumps run down his spine as the thought faded from his mind. 

///

When Joel arrived at the gates of Jackson to meet his patrol partner he wasn't expecting… Well, you. You greeted him with a simple nod of your head and handed him the reins of a horse. He looked down at your extended hand, small cuts and scrapes that covered your skin, they looked soft but worked. He grabbed the reins from you and let his eyes jump to yours. 

In the low morning light, your face serious but soft, your eyes beamed up at him. You were younger than him, a hell of a lot younger, that much he could see. He wondered what you'd be like out there. What kind of person is he stuck with for the next few hours?  Would you run at the first sign of trouble? Or worse, someone who wouldnt shut the fuck up and would rather spew bullshit then sit with the silence. 

“You a decent shot?” His voice came out low almost like a whisper, all thick with sleep that still lingered in his lungs.

You gave a small huff as you turned to mount your horse and only looked at him, without saying a word. 

You made him a little nervous. This he could admit to himself. He couldnt put his finger on it right away but as you continued on your patrol that day he started to work it out. You had already checked out the weapons and saddled the horses before he reached the gates that morning, You had taken the lead on the trails, you didn't offer him your hand or even said hello for that matter, You hadn't spoken a word to him full stop. Did you think you were too good to talk to him or give him the time of day? Did you think he was incapable or stupid?

Incapable. Useless. Ineffective. No, surely not. You were just some girl, what did you know about me? 

As these thoughts swamped his brain he became overly aware of every move he made, any noise he made, he felt like he was under a microscope with you.

 Every now and again he would feel you looking at him as you slowed to ride beside him, he tried to catch your eyes. It made him sweaty, uncomfortable and restless. Why are you so nervous? Why do you care if she likes you or not? you're working together not getting married.

Neither of you had made an attempt at small talk. He didn't even know your name until you had been out for several hours and that was only because communication was mandatory at that moment. 

“Im Joel by the way” He offered you. The response you gave was only a look that said yeah I know dumb ass

That was the last time he tried to talk to you. You made him feel small and like his presence was unnecessary. He was meant to be the stoic one, the quiet one, the protector, the one who takes the lead, not some girl 30 years younger than him. 

Tommy had been right, you had a good head on your shoulders and while your silence unsettled him to a degree he did feel safe, you weren't distracted and you weren't distracting him. Right?

He didn't like being the one on the outs as much as he would protest that he didn't care and didn't need people to like him. For some reason he wanted you to like him. He wanted you to talk to him at least. 

The rest of the patrol was uneventful. You were good, he did what he could although he just felt like a supporting act to you. An odd feeling stirred in his gut when he looked at you. Everytme he let his eyes wander over your form he noticed small details.

Your cheeks were flushed as the cold afternoon wind whipped past you. You were swimming in the sweater you wore, small mended patches where you had repaired holes in the ageing fabric. The way you would adjust your backpack periodically, cracking your back in the process.He liked the way you smelt when you walked close to him or when the wind changed in his direction. Small things. He wondered what you would notice about him.

You still held a stony expression as you approached the gates of jackson. While he felt relieved to get out of your presence he also wanted to look at you more. He wished he could pause you just to study your expression. 

You held your expression when you looked up at him. He looked back blankly at you before he noticed you had extended your hand out in front of you towards him. He glanced down at your hand and then back to your face, he shot you a confused look.

“The horse” you gesture with your eyebrows and a small tilt of your head towards the reins that he still held. 

“Unless you wanna hold hands” you said with a small smile on your face. She smiled at you

He handed the softened leather rein to you, he looked back at you and returned a lazy grin. You turned and began to walk towards the stables with a horse on either side. 

“Do you need help getting back or do you think you've got it under control?” you asked him with a slight turn of your shoulder. 

“Im good” was all he could muster with a small crack in his voice. 

But that didn't matter because you smiled at him. 

Joel thought about you as he walked back to the Bison, he couldn't stop the way his lips curled at the corners as he walked, Kicking up dirt and rocks as he went, hands in his pockets and head hung low. He thought about the flutter of your lashes. He thought about the strands of hair that fell in your face when you bent over. He thought about the way the strap of your rifle hugged your shoulder. He thought about the hushed tone of your voice when you spoke to him. He thought about the way you looked at him over your shoulder and the way your cheeks flushed when you caught his eyes already on you.  

///

“How was it?” Tommy had asked him as he honed in on the bowl of stew, he held it close to his chest as if someone would swipe it from him if he didnt. 

“It was fine” was the only reply Joel was willing to give. She makes me feel like she doesn't need me.

Tommy raised his eyes from his meal to peer at his brother. He rested the bowl in his hands down on the table. 

“Really? Just fine” He said it like he was digging for more.  

“Nothing interesting happen that you wanna tell me about?” Joel only raised an eyebrow in place of a reply. 

“Yeah Tommy we had so much fun, we sang songs and picked flowers and braided each other's hair” Joel spat at him with annoyance. 

“No, nothing interesting happened” Tommy’s expression didn’t change at Joel's words, he had a lopsided grin glued to his face.

“It's just that you haven't whipped that smirk off your face since you walked in” 

“Fuck off” 

When Joel woke up the next morning he didn't feel as tired as he usually does, his back didn't feel as ache as it normally did and tightness in his chest felt lighter than most days. His mind felt quieter than usual. The normal shouting and screaming was dulled by miles of distance.

He chalked it up to having something to occupy his time, keeping him busy so his brain had less time to spiral. Get up. Get dressed. Get to it. He got his coffee and returned to his place on the porch once again, he absorbed the sounds, the smells, the houses around his own, the sharp feeling of the cold morning on his skin. He closed his eyes and tried to clear his head. He could hear music, the crunch of stone, the shower running from inside the house, the neighbour walking around the second floor. 

“Morning Miller” the sound of your voice pulling him out of his daydream, He opened his eyes to see you standing at the foot of his porch. 

“You busy today?” 

///

That was the first time you had taken Joel out on a non official patrol. He remembers the sun beaming down on his back and sweat beads forming in his hairline as you walked side by side along the overgrown trail. The pack on his back felt lighter today, The weight of the gun on his shoulder was eased and the throbbing in his feet was a faded tickle. 

He liked walking beside you. He liked the way your hair fell. He liked the way you smelt. He liked to watch the smile grow on your face when you looked at him. He liked the way you looked at him.

“ Why invite me out today?” he asked “given how talkative you were yesterday” 

You laughed and looked up at him. He wondered if he mistook your seriousness for dislike. 

You let your eyes fall back to the trail. Some of the behaviours Joel noticed yesterday returned, you adjusted your backpack and he heard the snap of your spine in the process.

“I'm sorry about that” You winced when you spoke, your eyes lifting slightly from the trail to gauge your next move and secure your footing "In a world where women like me are beaten down, stolen away, used and left for dead…” Joel peered down at you when you stopped, you refused to meet his gaze as you spoke “I want people to see me as a threat before they see me as anything else"  

Fuck

///

Once you arrived back in Jackson you had asked him to walk you home. The idea of spending more time with you made his heart jump and even with the ache in his back returning and a throbbing pain in his knee, he would walk to the other side of the country with you if you asked. 

He followed you up your porch stairs taking in the exterior of your home. It was small, the front steps bowed from years of pressure and use. The paint on the weather boards peeling and faded with time. The elements had not been kind to a lot of the homes in Jackson, Joel had spent a lot of time looking around his own home and thinking of all the things he would do if he had the resources. It didn't stop at his own and soon he was imagining renovating half the town. 

Your front wire door looked like it was hanging on by a thread and one of the gutters that ran down the side of your home was all but rusted out. 

He stopped when he reached the top step and watched you shove the front door open with your shoulder. You dropped your bag to the left of the door and kicked your boots off to the right. He watched you disappear into the house, he could still hear your voice as he approached the front door, not stepping over the threshold but he wanted to get a glance at your home, it was almost like eavesdropping on a secret or reading someone's diary.  

You didn't invite him in but you also didn't tell him not to come in. I'm just looking. 

Old books sprayed out on the ground near the fireplace, balls of yarn and half finished projects laid out on the daybed in the corner of the room. The whole room was lit up in a soft yellow glow from the afternoon sun, it looked like a home, it looked warm and inviting. He could imagine you sitting on the sofa with a blanket wrapped up around your shoulders, half asleep with a book in your hand or laid out next to the fire, the peaks of your face highlighted in the soft glow of the flames. 

“What are you smiling about?” you asked looking up at where he stood in the door jam. 

“Just lookin” he replied. He felt his palms go sweaty as if he was caught doing something he shouldn't have.   

He looked down at the item you had extended out towards him. You were holding a bottle, the label all but worn off from age and water damage. The seal on the top had been broken and the lid had dents and scratches on it. It looked like it had been used before and once opened used again and again. Take the bottle you moron.

“Thank you” He said as he reached for the bottle “its real nice of you” 

Joel didn't know it at the time but this would be the first of many gifts you would bestow upon him and Ellie. The next thing you would do would be mending his clothes including the socks he was currently wearing.

After that you would be lending him tools and teaching Ellie how to sew ‘a skill that everyone should know’ you would tell her. 

He would come over in the coming days and clean out your gutters before the weather turned and sunny clear days would be consumed by grey skies and rain. He would rip out rotten floor boards on your front porch and replace rusty nails. You would bring him home made meals or fresh bread to which he would invite you in and you would accept without a second thought. He loved how at home you seemed kicking off your shoes and leaving them next to his, throwing your jacket on the back of his couch or hanging it over his. 

He didn't know it now but soon he would be showing you chords on the guitar and swapping books with you. He would be following you out for more non official patrols, sometimes for days at a time, looking for supplies in dilapidated barns and old properties that have been lost to the elements. He would be coming over to your house to drag Ellie home when she was trying to avoid doing homework.

“You need me to help you get home?” a bashful smile laced your face, Joel couldn't tell if you were just flushed from the warmth of your home or if you were blushing. You brushed past him in the doorway and raised your arm with a pointed finger past his shoulder down the street.

Joel’s eyes followed your finger down the street. Seven houses were all that separated you, seven houses and across the street.

“See you neighbour” 

As Joel walked home he couldn't drop the stupid smile that hung from his lips. He slowed his steps as he walked, observing the bottle in his hand as he went. People started returning from assignments to rejoin their families, others turning straight for the Bison in favour of a drink. He listened to distant sounds of children laughing and playing in the streets. The sounds of a neighbourhood filled the air but all Joel could think about was the smile you gave him and the way you looked at him.

///

That was the first night that Joel dreamt about you. It was the first night you pulled him out of a bad dream and you didn't even know it. It was the first night that he went to sleep with your face glued to the back of his eyelids. When he woke up in the middle of the night you were the first thing on his mind. When he closed his eyes and pulled his cock out of his boxers and started jerking himself off he saw your face. What are you doing Joel? He saw your smile and the strands of hair that stick to your forehead. He pictured you laid out by your fireplace with his lips pressed to your neck as you moaned his name. 

Just once, get it out of your system. She’s attractive, I'm only human. It's fine. 

“Just once” he whispered to himself in the silence of his room. 

[afyrian]

☆ coffee orders w/ msby | headcanons

m.list

atsumu miya

- tends to choose coffee on the sweeter side - enjoys creamers and vanilla syrup - gets sugar free to convince his team it’s a ‘healthy’ addition to his breakfast - tried to drink dark black coffee for most of secondary school - thought it made him look cool - ‘one large black coffee… very grown up of me, huh?’ [atsumu] - until one faithful day you suggested he go for something lighter - you served him up black coffee once and every drink he took brought a frown to his face - so, with your recommendation, he goes off the deep end - cold foam, extra vanilla, creamer, everything - in which you had to advise him to tone it down - ‘maybe let’s just start with a little creamer and a little sugar’ [you] - ‘alright, if you think that’s best for me’ [atsumu] - and it ultimately was - now every time he walks into your coffee shop, you make a point to have it ready for him - even if it six in the morning

sakusa kiyoomi

- surprisingly enjoys a little sweetness - even if he doesn’t give off those vibes - usually he prefers a blonde roast with some sweetener - he enters the coffee shop and leaves promptly - never giving time for conversation or exploration - so you quickly start making his order every time he comes in - and he would have his money ready every time - until one morning he comes in and an outlet went up in flames and all the coffee machines couldn’t be used - ‘i’m so sorry, but we’re going to have to close for the day and get stuff fixed… since you’re already here i could grab a pastry for you’ [you] - ‘uh- yeah sure’ [sakusa] - it brought about a new friendship for you - he still ordered the same old thing - but he kept a conversation with you - asked how your morning has gone or if you have any plans - finally you convinced yourself to write your name on his coffee cup - which he messaged just a few minutes after

bokuto kotaro

- doesn’t really drink coffee - he typically enjoys a smoothie - mixed with an assortment of fruits and protein powders - bokuto also likes to get a muffin occasionally, popping by your shop - however, if he’s running late he’ll grab a coffee and muffin from you - typically it’s something small - usually an espresso or americano - ‘no smoothie, so you want an espresso?’ [you] - ‘yes, that would be great! i have a long practice ahead’ [bokuto] - on the mornings he has off or late, he loves to chat with you - really with anyone working or standing in line - he creates a small community everywhere he goes - to the point he recognizes multiple regulars - ‘so, you go to all these practices, what do you do it for?’ [you] - ‘volleyball! i have an extra ticket to this upcoming tournament, why don’t you come’ [bokuto] - and you could never say no to him

hinata shoyo

- loooves coffee - after living in brazil he got hooked on all kinds of coffee - can drink anything from black coffee to nearly pure milk or creamer - as long as it’s not decaf he is happy - usually brews his own coffee - however, since they started doing early mornings for practice he’s started buying out - not caring to clean it after use - purposefully got a cup holder for his bike - enjoys it when you write sweet messages on the cups - usually something along the lines of ‘you got this!’ - he can’t write his own notes so he likes to give you quick comments - ‘this coffee is the best! thanks for recommending it!’ [hinata] - all while running out the door - hinata always has time to chat on the weekends though - sitting at the closest table - eating some pastry taking way too long - what he doesn’t want to tell you is that he’s contemplating asking you out - and chickening out every time

gen. taglist (open): @maybespiderman @causenessus @applepi25 @softpia @bakery-anon

@nekozaki @nnnyxie @kameyyy @cherrysurf

[milkpup]

｡⋆ʚ♡ like father, like son

›› chapter 2 ›› nsfw 18+ ongoing multi-chapter fic!

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ʚ ao3 ɞ / ʚ kofi ɞ / ʚ fic masterlist ɞ

›› toji fushiguro x reader ›› megumi fushiguro x reader ›› toji x reader x megumi (mfm) ›› 18+ f!reader ›› started: 12/6/23 : updated: 1/29/24 : status: ongoing

‹𝟹 summary: You and Megumi are best friends. You've known eachother for almost your whole life. His home has become your second home. As time passes and life happens, Megumi slowly develops feelings for you, even though he's unaware of it. To complicate things further, you're now living with him and his father, who has also taken a liking to you.

‹𝟹 fandom: jjk, jujutsu kaisen

‹𝟹 genres / warnings: au - no powers, college au, power imbalance, pseudo-incest (they both want y/n, nothing w/ eachother), dubious consent

‹𝟹 tags: good cop bad cop, fluff, smut, angst, toji has a big dick, dilf toji, toji is his own warning, toji tries to be a good parent, toji is an asshole, toji is trying okay?, daddy dom toji, daddy kink, porn with feelings, porn with plot, friends to lovers, spit / spitting, spit kink, spit as lube, breeding, vaginal sex, vaginal fingering, double vaginal pen, double pen, anal, making out, making love, love triangles, praise kink, degradation, light masochism, light sadism, emotional sex, cuckolding, jealousy, jealousy kink, smoking, smoking kink, emotional manipulation, manipulation, polyamory?, father and son share you, protective megumi fushiguro, megumi needs a hug, megumi has a big dick, aged up characters, dead dove: do not eat, finger sucking, large cock, cum swallowing, blow jobs, first time blow jobs, under desk blow jobs, fingerfucking, face sitting, face riding, 69, mutual masturbation, threesome mfm, lots of smut, loss of virginity

‹𝟹 notes: formatting next chapter for tumblr! there are currently 4 posted on ao3. i have the 5th in the works! it gets spicy!

!! - again, PLEASE READ TAGS BEFORE CONTINUING - !!

! - ALL CHARACTERS ARE 18+ - !

Chapter 2: Intimacy and Exposure

--

By mid afternoon, you and Megumi are both exhausted with your full course load. You both major in biology, no emphasis right now. Megumi loves animals, so he will probably pursue something veterinary later. As for you, you’re undecided. You chose biology because it’s very general and broad, and also so you could be with Megumi more. You would never tell him that, though. You just say “idk maybe some science-y crap” and shrug it off.

You weren’t able to get lunch, so you both decide to visit a coffee shop after your last class of the day. A snack and some caffeine would help get you through for a while until you decide what you want to eat that night.

Megumi orders his usual black cold brew and muffin. The barista asks how to spell his name, and giggles? Is she flirting with him?

“That’s a cute name…” She says as she writes it down on his cup. “And for you…?” She barely glances at you.

You’re not sure how you feel in that moment. Was she flirting with Gumi? Am I jealous? Why is my heart racing?

“Oh I’ll just get an iced black tea and a banana bread please.” You try to not show your emotions while speaking. You’re not sure why you feel this way though.

You hope and pray to whoever is out there, any deity listening, that Megumi would not see you blushing and jealous.

You think you’re in the clear, he didn’t notice. He drives you home and you scroll your phone, acting like everything is normal. In reality, you’re shaking.

--

Sitting around the table, you both have your laptops and books out in front of you. It’s been a couple hours of studying, and you’re ready to take a break.

“Gumi, can we take a break and watch something? If I read the word bacteria one more time I’m going to go insane.” You tell him more than ask, already getting up out of your seat. You’re yawning, walking straight towards your bedroom, not even bothering to wait up for him. You already know he will follow.

Your room is hyperfeminine, plushies everywhere, cute shit everywhere. But you also have a mix of other stuff, like your consoles and gaming setup (that Megumi helped you get), a bass guitar that you’ve barely touched, piles of books you haven’t sorted yet.

You turn the tv on, hopping onto your bed. Megumi follows and lies next to you. You’re already aware of his presence and he isn’t even touching you.

“What do you wanna watch, Gumi?” You ask as you scroll through different apps.

“Whatever you want, you have better taste in movies and shows.” He doesn’t really care, he just savors the opportunity to be close to you. He lies behind you, almost touching but not quite. He’s close enough to feel the tickle of your hair. He feels weird thinking that your hair smells nice.

You choose some random comedy show, not caring to pay any attention. You just wanted a chance to rest and turn your brain off for a while.

Megumi moves a little close, resting his hand on the side of your abdomen. This isn’t the first time you’ve been close to Megumi, you both used to cuddle under the same blanket on cold nights or huddle under one when playing games as kids. But for some reason, now it feels different. Maybe it’s because you’re hyperaware? It has to be that, right?

Your heart beats faster, your skin feeling warm to the touch with every movement he makes. Does he notice? Is he aware of these things too? Am I overthinking things?

An hour passes by, but it feels like an eternity. You’re so hyperaware that every second feels like 20 minutes have passed. He hasn’t done more than gently caress the side of your body. He doesn’t seem to be making any advances. So why is this so painful to endure? Why does a simple touch make your body feel hot, with something pooling in between your legs?

Megumi is aware. You think he isn’t, but he can tell. Your breathing is irregular, your pulse is uneven, your skin is hot. He notices, and it drives him insane. But he’s respectful, he wouldn’t try anything. You are basically siblings with how long you’ve known eachother and lived together.

It’s getting hard to breathe. Even the lightest touch sends jolts through your body. You turn around to meet his gaze, with a look he’s never seen before. Your face is red, you’re struggling to breathe, while looking into his eyes like you know his secret. He’s flushing too, starting to sweat, feeling heat spread through his body. Your eyes are intoxicating to Megumi.

He looks at your eyes, then your panting lips, and back to your eyes again. He’s thinking of everything he wants to do to you, he doesn’t care if it’s wrong.

He touches your cheek, caressing you gently. Your breath hitches as he’s so close to you. He runs his fingers down your neck, before he pushes you to your back. It’s not forceful by any means, but mostly surprising.

He’s on top of you, pinning your arms to your pink bedsheets as he leans down towards you.

“Y/N…” he breathlessly speaks, “tell me if you want me to stop, okay?”

You definitely do not want it to stop. You’re staring up at him with your doe eyes, unable to control your breathing. He leans in closer, his face not even an inch away from yours.

His lips crash into yours. You’re surprised, you didn’t think he would be so intense, and this good at kissing. He’s biting your lip, trying to elicit little yelps and mewls from you. He’s kissing you so roughly, forcing his tongue inside your mouth. Megumi is still on top of you, pressing his body against yours.

You can feel his heartbeat, his hot skin, his bulge against your body. You don’t know why, but you lift your hips and legs up a bit to angle yourself better against his body. Feeling him so close, pressing into you was making you feel almost drunk.

He releases one of his hands from pinning yours so he can caress your cheek a bit more. His hand travels down your neck again, moving towards your chest, before eventually resting at the bottom hem of your shirt.

He’s giving you sloppy kisses, before he momentarily stops to ask you a question. “Y/N, can I?” he asks while gentle tugging on your shirt.

You giggle. He’s too damn cute. You nod your head yes and he releases your other hand.

You pull your shirt above your head, leaving your bralette on.

He looks down at your flushed frame, no longer hidden behind some random band t-shirt. The moment you take your shirt off, he’s harder than ever before. You feel him poking into you a bit.

He kisses you with more passion this time, grinding his bulge into your clothed cunt. He’s grunting and making little moans in between kisses.

He lifts his head a bit to look at you and moves his hand over your bralette. He admires the intricate lace detail, thinking it suits you perfectly. He licks his lips. You know he wants to desperately feel what’s under, but you decide to tease him a bit.

You wrap your legs around his waist, forcing your bodies to be even closer. He grunts a bit, looking at you. You smirk and pull his head back down to make out with you.

You’re grinding against him with fervor, unrelenting and unforgiving. The feeling of him rubbing against you is oh so good, and extremely hot.

He moves his hand towards the waistband of your shorts. “May I, Y/N?” You think it’s sweet that he asked. You decide to reward him a bit.

You roll him over and push him against the mattress. You quickly get up and pull your shorts off, leaving your panties on. You take your bralette off. He’s watching you like a starved dog, savoring every second of this.

You pull his sweatpants off, leaving only his boxers on. He’s looking at you, with wide eyes, excited and surprised.

You straddle his waist, sitting on top of him. You grind against him, eliciting sounds of pleasure from his lips. You lean towards him, giving him a quick kiss on the lips, before leaving a trail down his neck. You suck on his skin, giving him small and faint lovebites. He looks so cute.

You have a suddenly devious idea. “Megumi, can I try something?”

He instantly nods yes; he wants you to do anything and everything with him.

“Lay down then, please. I want to try something I saw online once….” You say as you move towards his head. You’re hovering above him now. He’s directly at eyelevel with your clothed pussy, and he feels his boxers get tighter the closer you get.

“Let me know if you need me to stop, please <3.” You hum as you pull your panties aside and lower yourself onto his face.

He can feel your drenched cunt against his mouth and instinctually starts getting at it. Licking and sucking like it was his last supper. Megumi couldn’t really breathe, but he didn’t care. He could die right now and have no regrets. He would die a happy man.

You moan as he’s sucking and flicking between your folds. The noises you make drive him even more insane, he thinks he could cum right then with how much of a turn on it is.

You lift yourself up, giving him a moment to catch his breath as you look down at him. He’s staring up at you with the eyes of an animal.

You sit back down, and he continues once more. Sucking on your clit, savoring the taste of your essence, and basically fucking the air. He’s straining against his boxers now, desperate for any touch or release.

You have another idea. You lift yourself back up and turn around, your cunt still in front of his face. You lean down towards his straining cock. You push your cunt back down on his face, and like a good boy, he continues again.

“Fuck Megumi…” You whimper out as you push against his tongue. You move your hand over his boxers, palming his cock. You notice he’s quite big and you’re a little scared.

You release his cock from his underwear and it springs up. Megumi grunts under your touch. You stroke his cock a bit, slowly. That’s not your objective however.

You lift up once more as you move to spit on top of his cock. Megumi moans again, feeling the sensation of your spit covering the head of his cock.

You sloppily kiss the tip, earning a moan and a few curses from Megumi. “Fuck… Y/N.”

You move forward to suck the tip, before letting it come out with an audible pop sound. “You have hands too, Megumi…”

Your pussy is still in front of him, and he gently moves his hand to brush over your clit, circling it. You moan as you take him back into your mouth again. You’re desperately hoping this feels good, it’s your first time doing any of it.

Megumi pushes his index finger in, noticing how wet and tight your cunt already is. He’s salivating at the thought of when he can fuck your tight hole, but he’s content with just learning your body for now. Everytime he pumps his finger in and out, he hears your sweet, angelic voice.

The way you respond to his touch is music to your ears. Your mewls and whimpers drive him crazy enough already.

You take his cock back in your mouth, trying to push more in as he fucks you with his finger. He adds another of his slender fingers inside, feeling how he’s stretching you already. You moan around his cock, and this turns Megumi on more.

He moves to push you against the bed again, pushing your body down gently. He never breaks contact with your cunt, as he starts to fingerfuck you even harder. He’s watching you squirm and moan under his touch, and he can’t get enough of it.

“Megumi… Aah!!” His touch is relentless. He wants to hear every sound you can possibly make. He finger fucks you harder, feelings your walls clamp around his fingers. He uses his other hand to rub circles around your clit. You’re nearing your climax, and he’s eager to see all of it.

You’re drunk in the pleasure that is Megumi’s skilled fingers. He brings you to the edge, watching as pleasure washes over your entire body. He pulls his fingers out and licks them clean, wanting to savor your juices all while never breaking eye contact with you.

Your chest is heaving, but you want to make this man feel good too. You roll over and crawl across the bed towards him. He sits atop the bed once more, spreading his legs open and smirking.

The way you’re crawling towards him is incredibly hot. He knows what you’re about to do.

You make your way to his cock, spitting on it once more and stroking it a bit. You know you can’t fit all of this beast, but you want to try your hardest.

You look up at him as you take his cock into your mouth. You make it about halfway before you feel at your limit.

“Y/N, you’re taking me so well. You’re such a good girl,” he praises you as you drool over his cock. He gently grabs your hair, not tugging but mostly just applying pressure.

Your pussy drips again at the praise as you continue to go up and down. You’re finding a rhythm to breathe and still go at a decent pace. Using your hands also helps, and whenever you fondle his balls, Megumi’s eyes roll back into his head a bit.

“Y/N.. I’m close..” He says as he bucks his hips against your mouth. “Please.. don’t stop..”

You suck harder and moan against his cock. You don’t particularly like the idea of cum in your mouth, but for Megumi, you would do it.

He covers the back of your throat with his cum, and groans as you empty his balls like an expert. “Y/N… fuck…”

You pull back up, trying to not show how displeased you are with the taste of cum.

“That was… fuck…” He lets out an exhausted sigh. “Fucking… amazing…”

You’re laying down together again, not even caring to get dressed again. The studying can wait for later, for now you want to relish this moment.

You’re not sure what this means between you two, but you’re still happy that it happened. You yawn as he snuggles around you as the big spoon, surrounding by the same fuzzy blanket and cute plushies.

He thinks it’s so cute how tired you get after that. He lays there as you fall asleep before him, memorizing and tracing every detail of your body.

Toji comes home not long after Megumi finally passes out. He doesn’t see food on the table, and goes to check your room. He sees you and Megumi, asleep under your fuzzy pink comforter.

--

‹𝟹 notes: i will have the next chapter posted here asap :D feedback is always appreciated! ao3 has all the chapters so far!

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‹𝟹 notifs: @vvxxccaa @arylaa @starshipxoxo

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(･ω･)つ divider creds to @/cafekitsune and @/eloquentreverie

[b-writessometimes]

Sick John Constantine w/ GN. Reader - Headcanons

Warnings: None, other than slight OOC John Constantine?  But idgaf.  It’s fanfiction.  Emphasis on the fiction part.  I originally wrote this while i was suffering from a cold so bear with me. 🙏

[word count: 861]

This man has two momentums he swings to when being under the weather.  We start off with his knee-jerk reaction:

Phase 1: Denial.

You know those people who claim they're 'not sick' while having a tissue box shoved up their noses?  That's him.  

I mean, he already regularly coughs up a lung due to his smoking habits, so in his own warped perception, having a cold is no different.

A large part of it is a pride thing.  After all he's the same guy who's gone up against demons, gods, and countless supernatural threats.  You think he's going to slow down just on account of some silly little thing like an illness?

John's denial shatters however once he hits a high fever.  By then he holes himself up wherever he's staying for the week and spends a whole day in bed with used tissues scattered throughout and a whole jug of water nearby.  (gross)

There’s some real cosmic irony to be found in the acclaimed 'Hellblazer' who tricked the devil himself, now reduced to a sweaty and half coherent mess because of some germs.

And thus we enter our next stage.  This is where you, our dear Reader comes in.  Knowing that John has the self preservation of a hamster, you take it upon yourself to check up on him.

Phase 2: Acceptance.

I fully believe that first this man will act all high and mighty insisting 'he doesn't need a babysitter' yada yada.  He'll grumble and make the usual sarcastic remark about you sticking around and babying him when in fact you’re trying to y'know, actually help him.  

But man's is real quick to shut up once you force give him some soup to drink and some genuine care.  (a sip of sopa de pollo is more powerful than any magic spell he could brew up, i swear-)

Little did you know, you've unknowingly unleashed a demon.

He's going to milk his newfound 'poor sick patient' status to its limits.  Will ask for anything and everything: some ice cold water, an extra pillow, the damn remote, random chores to be done, etc. 

I'm also convinced he would try to continue smoking his cigs even whilst sick, so you had to hide them like how parents hide treats in the pantry so that their kids don't scarf them down whole.

Aside from the whole ordeal, deep down the warlock does have to admit it was...oddly nice having someone take care of him.  Most folks just barely tolerate him on a good day, so having someone willingly watch over his sorry ass was a refreshing feeling.  And he really is grateful for your company even if he was being a complete twat during it all (he was).

If John had a high enough fever he might mumble out something akin to those lines, but when he gets better the following day he'll deny ever saying so till the cows come home.

Like we get it, you’re emotionally repressed/ lack emotional intimacy.  Just say you appreciated our help.

Bonus - Romantic-geared Headcanons 💗 (implied relationship).

So much worse.  If that were possible.  Also cue all the comments about you playing 'doctor' and him being the patient in this kinky role play you devised.  Whether you go along is up to you.

Will be even more whiny the more comfortable he is around you.  So if John acts like a big clingy cat, at least you know your relationship is something solid.

Seems like the type to enjoy, or in this case; need, his head in your lap while you scratch his scalp (likely dandruff infested but anyways-)  

Still tries to flirt with you when sick.  I don't think delivering lines with a hoarse voice and watery eyes is anyone's bread and butter, but you never know.

Gets pouty if you refuse to kiss him.  Like any sane human would refrain from.  Yes you've likely kissed him whilst he was covered in some demon's blood before, but not while he was sneezing all over the place and wheezy to the point of sounding like a broken squeaker toy with crusty lips.

But also will 100% make some smart comment if you do willingly kiss him while he's under the weather.  So there really is no winning here.

I don't think he's much for TV, but at this rate you can basically put on anything and he'll be weirdly invested in it.  Which to clarify, doesn't mean he'll enjoy it, just be very opinionated on everything happening on screen.

Gives you a little gift when all is said and done.  Nothing over the top or sentimental.  Not his style.  Instead when you find a little doodle of your favorite animal, graphite sketch torn out of some notebook depicting your favorite animal, you already know who it’s from despite the lack of artist signature.

I saw a headcanon floating around somewhere of John drawing in his down time and now I’m taking it and running it down to the ground with me

Is willingly to return the favor and 'play nurse' with you next time whenever you get ill.  To be expanded upon in a future post.  Probably.

[noceurstars]

”Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.”

Rupert Giles x Witch! Younger! Reader

You and the Scoobies try to have a normal Thanksgiving. Try, anyway.

[ w — age gap (20+ years), older man/younger woman, injured! reader, assumed unrequited love, short story, tv show-compliant only, slight canon divergence ]

— divider cred: @/inklore

Living above the Hellmouth meant that nothing would ever be normal. No holidays, no birthdays would ever be like the average person’s.

Thanksgiving and Christmas was the same. Monsters and creatures of the dark never took days off, not with their insatiable need to be evil.

Buffy sighed as she staked what was probably the 20th vampire of the night. Thanksgiving was a time to sit down with friends and family, having a lovely, large dinner and being thankful for the people in your life and the things you had.

But not for the Scoobies.

You huffed, rolling your sore shoulder. A vampire had taken a good chunk out of of your neck, but the second he tasted your blood, he instantly revolted, and you took a stake to his heart.

“You good?” Buffy asks, eyeballing your shoulder.

“Yeah.” But you hiss a little as pain flares through it. “It’s just gonna take a minute to heal. I’ll put some bandaids on it when we get back.”

Buffy cheerily and knowingly chips in a, “I’m sure Giles would disapprove.” That prompts you to give her a deadpan look.

“You know that he doesn’t like me like that,” you reply. You shove your hands into your pockets. “It’s a one-way street. Can we talk about something else?”

She shrugs. “Sure.”

The two of you walked side by side out of the graveyard. Buffy sighs, tilting her head down.

“I really wish Christmas could be normal,” she admits. “I miss it, from when I was a kid. It’s so much different from now.”

“Not as involved with monsters, you mean?” you say, and Buffy nods in confirmation. “Yeah, me too. I feel so… apathetic about it anymore. It doesn’t feel as important, as fun as it used to be.”

“Cons of being apart of the supernatural world,” she adds.

“Truly.” You laugh. “Not to mention—” A scream rips from your throat. Cold heat washes through you and up your spine, all the way up to your skull. Your head jolts back at the pain, and the cold heat leaves as the wooden stake leaves your body, now replaced by odd, liquid warmth.

Oh, you’re bleeding. Bleeding out, perhaps.

You heard the slaps and thuds of fighting as you fall to the ground. You try to have some semblance of control as you collapse in pain, but it doesn’t work. You bump your head into a headstone and more liquid oozes down your skin.

You hear the familiar hissing sound of dust. Buffy’s won. Now you see her over you, terror and fear written all over her features.

“[Name]? [Name]? You with me?”

You gulp, attempting to focus and swallow down the pain. “Kinda,” you hiss.

“Healing magic? Can it fix this?” she inquires hurriedly.

“Probably,” you reply, becoming more and more breathless.

“I’m gonna put pressure on it, okay? The second you feel any sort of clarity, start chanting.”

You let out a loud cry of pain, more blood coming out and staining your shirt. The pain signals the adrenaline in your body. It takes you a couple seconds longer than what you hope before you start chanting in Latin.

It feels strange, your body stitching itself back together. The strange feeling of blood coming out of your body disappears. You huff, the chant ending a minute later. Buffy takes her hands off the wound and you watch her examine it.

“How’s it look?”

“Looks good, head wound is gone, too,” she says. “But we need to get you back to the Magic Box. Giles and Willow might have something they can help you brew up to get you fully healed.”

You lean up using your elbows and hands. You take Buffy’s hand and let out groan of pain as you get to your feet. You two walk out of the graveyard and head to the Magic Box. You thank God it’s dark and no one can see you and your best friend walk through the streets of Sunnydale with her holding you up.

The Magic Box comes into sight not ten minutes later. Buffy uses her key to open the door, but neither of you expect to see the floor of the Magic Box completely cleared out, with a large, decorated table filled to the brim with food and drinks.

Xander is the first to turn his head up and see you and Buffy.

“Happy Thanksgiving, you guys!” he says.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Xander,” you speak breathlessly. And that’s when he knows something is wrong. His eyes trail down to your bloodied shirt and widen drastically.

“Oh, crap.”

“Oh, crap is right.” Buffy sets you down in one of the nearest chairs. “Get the others and tell them [Name] needs a healing potion… or some sort of healing magic. The wound isn’t as bad as it looks, but she needs help crossing the finish line.”

“On it.”

Xander heads to the back to get the others, who come rushing in not a moment after he gets them.

Unfortunately for you, all you can focus on through one eye (the other squinted in pain) is Giles, and the look of worry and concern on his face.

“She’s very pale,” Giles says. His voice is clearly worried. It almost seems borderline… terrified?

“Blood loss,” you say in a shakily exhale. “Healed, yes. Blood back inside the body? Not so much.”

“Can you do anything, Giles?” Buffy asks.

“Let me see the wound and we’ll see.”

You raise your shirt, showing off the nasty scar. It’s not fully healed, maybe three-quarters. You look away, eyes meeting Buffy’s, who’s expression is borderline teasing and full of amusement. You roll yours in return.

“Nothing out of my capabilities I can’t heal,” Giles says. He looks up at you and adds, “But I do have to touch it to heal it.”

You shake your head. “It’s fine.” The second Giles places his hand on the injury though, a large wave of nausea makes you shudder and groan.

“She looks like she needs a trash can,” Xander pipes.

“I’ll get one,” Anya offers, disappearing behind the counter momentarily to grab one. She places it next to you and you thank her.

Giles’ warm hand leaves your lower torso. The wound is completely healed, although you still feel faint from the blood loss. He looks at you again, scanning over your sick expression.

“I’ll be fine in a bit,” you tell, a smile appearing on your face. “I think some food in my stomach would do me some good. Thank you, Giles.”

“You are most welcome,” he replies, standing. “And I think you are absolutely correct. Shall we eat?”

Buffy nods and speaks for everyone’s hungry stomachs. “We shall.”

Dawn sits between you and Buffy. Xander, Anya, and Dawn are on the other side of the table. At the head of the table, between Xander and Buffy, is Giles. Just like a father should be, you think, humored.

“So… What happened? How’d you get such a wound?” Willow asks.

You and Buffy answer in unison: “Vampires.”

“Thought we were done and one caught us by surprise with one of the stakes,” Buffy explains. “[Name] used her magic, but she couldn’t heal it all the way.”

“Glad you both made it back,” Xander said happily. “This Thanksgiving dinner we put together would’ve been a total bust.”

Everyone laughs in agreement and digs into the food. Unknowingly to you, Giles can barely keep his eyes off of you, only looking away to take a bite of food off of his plate. Though he does try to it make it obvious.

Indeed, he’s glad you made it back. He’s glad he’s able to heal your injuries. Life would certainly be a lot more dull without you around.

But as Anya hands you the gravy, you catch Giles staring at you out of your peripheral vision. There’s a look on his face, one you know well, because it’s the same one Spike gives Buffy when she’s not looking.

You smile and raise your glass in a toast. “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.”

Everyone raises their glass cheerily, downing a swig.

You thank this Thanksgiving for giving you hope. Even if it doesn’t last.

[sugurusdiscordmoderator]

barista suguru and reader has the biggest crush on him that they try to ask him out but got too nervous to do so!! however.. reader suddenly see him at a party they were invited in, and what does alcohol do to a person sometimes? confidence, and they hook up (eventually got together??) I'm not sure if this request makes sense, and English isn't my first language..

omg hi anon thank you for the ask - not sure if you're an AOT fan but @humanitys-strongest-bamf has an amazing fic similar to this w Levi and its god tier

anywaysss here we go <3

(The ages in this are all fucked up lol, Megumi, Nobara, and Yuji are 22 and Gojo, Geto, and Shoko are like 25)

content warning: Haibara and Nanami are lovers lmao, weed, alcohol, cigarettes, hookup culture

(this is my original drawing please do not repost)

-

Being well known on your college campus is a blessing and a curse. You loved being involved in a lot of clubs and participating in social events. Going to the library or trying to study was nearly impossible with how many people knew you. However being a senior, you needed to focus and get things done. You lived a little ways off campus to save money and started frequenting a little coffee shop a few blocks from your apartment.

The first time you stopped, you had been walking home from class when a storm with bad winds blew in, and you decided to just study in this cafe until the storm passes. There are little tables all throughout, you grab one near the back and pull out some of your course materials and get started writing notes and going over chapters for your quiz in a few days. That is when a yawn washes over you and the exhaustion from late nights sets in. You figure you might as well get a drink while you're at this coffee shop.

Walking up to the counter you squint up at the menu board trying to decide what you're in the mood for.

"What can I get for you?" a man's voice asks.

Lost in your indecisiveness you don't even look down to make eye contact reading between Americano, Latte, Cold Brew, etc.

"Mmmm, not sure yet, I may need a few minutes," biting your bottom lip thinking about how much caffeine you want to intake today.

"We also have a list of specials down in front of you," he says politely and you see him walk away out of your peripherals.

The thing is, you're not a huge coffee person. Half the time it's too sweet, half the time it's too bitter. The caffeine gives you jitters and makes you anxious. Also sometimes coffee just messes your stomach up so you just have given up on expensive coffee places and opt for making your own shitty coffee at home.

You glance down at the specials list, reading them to yourself,

"Almond Joy Latte

Sparkling Green Tea Refresher

Pink Velvet Cold Brew

Barista's Choice"

You finally look up at the employee, a tall man that is turned around cleaning the espresso machine. His hair is pulled back into a cute bun and his frame is just large. You look at his hands, so large and strong with some veins protruding. He has a black button up on with the sleeves rolled up, exposing tattoos on his forearms. Matching it with black pants and a black apron, he looks kind of dark and mysterious.

He turns around and catches your eye, forgetting all the words that were about to form in your head.

"Still need a minute?" He squints his eyes a little and smiles softly as your eyes rake over his whole face. He has a piece of black bangs sticking out from the bun, pierced ears, a lip ring, amber eyes, and an amazingly chiseled jaw. Your mouth opens but nothing comes out and you can feel the heat spread across your cheeks.

"Uh, I, sorry," you shake your head and try to laugh at your own stupor, "Can I do the barista's choice?"

He nods, "Any preferences?"

"Uhm, no, whatever you like," you completely lie through your teeth trying to seem chill. He taps in the order on the iPad at the register and flips it over for you to pay and sign. At least it isn't too expensive if you don't like it, but you eagerly press the "25%" tip button hoping Mr. tall, dark, and handsome appreciates it.

"I'll bring it over to you when it's ready," he smiles and nods his head towards where you were seated.

"Thanks," you smile awkwardly walking back to your course materials, although it's not like you'll be focusing on anything other than the barista soon. You not-so-casually watch him work, obsessed with a man you've hardly spoken to once.

A few minutes later he brings over a cute tea cup and saucer, and you immediately smile when he sets it down, seeing the little design on top.

"It's a dirty chai...like a chai tea latte with a shot of espresso in it and a little special touch. Let me know if you like it."

The man smirks and walks away before you can even properly thank him. You burn your tongue eagerly taking a sip too soon, trying to find another excuse to talk to him. You try to take your mind off of it by scrolling through instagram for a bit while drinking your latte but around this time of year its all couples and engagements and babies which only adds to how down bad you feel. You get a text from your friend Nobara letting you know that a friend of her friend, Megumi, is having a party Friday and the friend told Megumi who told Nobara that they could bring whoever. After deciphering the word vomit of a text she sent you you send back a "thumbs up emoji" letting her know you'll be there because nobody else has invited you anywhere yet.

You finish your drink and decide to pack up your stuff and head home, a few blocks in the rain won't hurt you. It might cool you off from thinking about the dreamy barista you just met. You set the cute mug on the counter, and he turns around when he hears the noise. He raised an eyebrow, as if asking 'how was it?'

"It was great," you smile, "uhm, have a good one," you slightly shrug and turn around to go before he can add anything, just like he did to you earlier.

-

The next few days are uneventful, you walk by the coffee shop every day on your way to campus, wondering if he is working or if you should go in, but not wanting to struggle to pick a drink or pay for coffee again.

On Friday Nobara walks back to your apartment with you, she commutes in to town so whenever there is a party or something going on she crashes on your couch. She eyes the little cafe, "Want coffee? I think tonight might be pretty fun from the sounds of it!" She practically squeals and you find it adorable how excited she is. "Sure" you grumble, holding the door open for her.

She waltzes right up to the counter, decisive as always, and knows exactly what she wants. You trail behind her, not seeing any employees at the counter, squinting up at the menu board yet again. That's when you hear giggling come from the back room and see the handsome barista come out with some supplies, followed by a cute girl with a short brown bob who seems to be helping him.

You can't help but think about his beautiful laugh, and how you can hear it again.

"See ya tonight Shoko" he says, putting his apron back on and refocusing his attention to Nobara.

"Bye Geto!" This so called Shoko calls back to him as she walks out the front door. You cant help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the way he was in the backroom with his apron off and laughing with a girl.

Like girl - quit being delusional, you just heard his name for the first time and he probably doesn't even know who you are.

"Y/n, what do you want?" Nobara interrupts your talk with yourself.

"I'll have what she's having," you say overly confident, smiling at Geto. They both side eye you and you just remain oblivious, opting to go on your phone as you let your friend pay for your coffee as payment for her 'hotel' for the night. The two of you move out of the way and stand off to the side waiting for your drinks while Nobara talks about how Megumi's other friend Yuji is going to be there tonight with his big brother Sukuna and how excited she is because they're both sooo attractive. You nod your head along with what she says while scrolling on your phone. It's not that you don't care what she's saying, it's just that she knows so much about everything. All the gossip on campus is at your fingertips because of her, good or bad. You zone out staring at whatever drinks the barista is making, watching his damn good looking hands do his job. He walks over to you with two cups and you can't help but just stare at him. His outfit today consists of jeans and a tight black tshirt with a flannel jacket over top.

"Two iced matcha lattes with coconut milk and a strawberry cold foam on top," He smiles as Nobara eagerly grabs both of the drinks and hands one to you.

She sips it right away, "This is the best I've ever had thank youuu," she dramatically draws out while pulling you out the door heading to your apartment again. You look back to see him watching you leave and give a small wave with the hand that is holding your drink. You can't tell if you're imagining it but you think you see a faint blush over his cheeks.

-

You and Nobara enjoy your typical pregame activities, getting ready together, listening to music, and sharing a blunt.

"The guy at the coffee shop was checking you out," she half slurs, talking while applying her lip gloss.

"What makes you say that?" You think she's messing with you but you also hadn't told her about your little crush.

"When I was ordering he was staring at you the WHOLE time. Like he didn't even make eye contact with me I don't think!" She wines, "God it's not fair he's so gorgeous."

"To be fair Nobara, you think most guys are gorgeous" You giggle and walk towards the freezer to grab some liquor. "Speaking of gorgeous men, who's party are we even going to tonight?"

"I think it's at some guy named Satoru Gojo's house? I guess he's good childhood friends with Megumi from when he didn't really have a dad." There goes your friend, sharing other people's business when she didn't really need to.

"Mmm," you nod and throw back a shot of liquor, "I think I had a class with him when I was like a freshman and he was a senior. A real interesting character."

"Maybe you can introduce me and I'll get lucky," Nobara raises her eyebrows at you.

"You will not be having sex on my couch." You say sternly before you both erupt in a fit of giggles. Gathering a few last minute things before heading out, you also grab a reusable shopping tote and fill it with a little bit of your own alcohol, you never know what they may or may not have at these kinds of parties.

-

Walking there was a little chilly but overall a nice night for the time of year. This guy must've gone to your school and hadn't left yet given the proximity of his house to your apartment and to campus.

You walk in and see Yuji Itadori right away with his friendly smile and big personality. He gives you both hugs and you know at least if Nobara doesn't get lucky with anyone else she can rely on Yuji.

Your energetic friend holds your hand as she searches the rest of the party to find her friend Megumi. He stands in the kitchen with a white haired man that you faintly think is this Gojo guy, both getting ready to shotgun a beer together. You and Nobara wait to see who wins before interrupting, grabbing drinks out of the cooler and setting down your bag with liquor and hard seltzers in it. It appears that Gojo finishes just a second before Megumi and you hear Nobara interrupting, "Gumi what was that?! You lost like a little bitch?"

He groans in response but ultimately smiles, "Why am I friends with you again?"

"Because you've been stuck with me since high school."

Watching the altercation, Gojo comes up to you and asks, "You're with them?" Nodding his head at the two immaturely arguing.

"Sadly." you respond taking a swig of your drink.

"I'm Satoru Gojo, this is my place, thanks for coming." He eyes you over top of his black round sunglasses, making you feel like you may be wearing too revealing of clothes.

"I'm y/n, thanks for the invite by proxy," You giggle as Megumi makes his way over to you.

"Y/n, good to see you," the spikey haired boy gives you an awkward side hug, and a little kiss on the top of your head. Satoru raises his eyebrows at the two of you and you roll your eyes. When Megumi and Nobara get distracted and head into another room you fill him in. "Megumi and I may have hooked up once or twice when we were drunk," You blush, revealing your secret that hardly anyone knew to this stranger.

"Mhmm, seems like more than once or twice," Gojo sips his drink and sighs dramatically, leaving the kitchen to you alone.

Just then the back door of the kitchen that leads to the back yard creaks open. You turn to see who it was out of instinct, and recognize the girl with the brown bob from the cafe earlier today. She carries on past you not even really looking at you with her cigarette still lit in her mouth.

You see Nobara in the living room from your spot on the kitchen and mouth to her that you're going outside to smoke. She nods and thumbs up, but it seems that Yuji also read your lips and is interested in joining you.

You head out to the backyard, very dimly lit despite the pretty lights Gojo tried to hang up to make it look more aesthetic. You pull out a dab pen and a cigarette and hold them up for Yuji to take his pick. His eyes light up at the weed pen and he takes a huge inhale.

"God Yuji, careful," you laugh and proceed to take a smaller hit.

Your laugh seems to attract the attention of another group standing outside, and you immediately quiet yourself.

"Do you have a light?" One of them asks although you can't make out names or voices and even if you could you don't know many people here.

"Yeah," you respond, digging out a baby pink lighter that has a "Daddy's Girl" sticker on it, a joke that one of your friends gave you. Hopefully its dark enough that they can't see it.

A blonde guy approaches you to grab it, "Thanks, we have some seats over here if you guys want." Yuji happily follows but you're a little apprehensive. However they do have a firepit going so it is a little brighter over there.

"I'm Kento, this is my boyfriend Yu," the two introduce themselves, lighting their cigs at the same time with your lighter. You take another small hit of your pen as the brunette one comments, "Nice lighter." It makes you cough on your smoke a bit but eventually turns into laughter, "Thank you," You smile grabbing it back from them.

Yuji seems to be a little high from his rather large puff earlier, and you ask, "I'm going to go check on Nobara, you need anything?" He smiles and shakes his head and starts some conversation about an underground fight club with the two guys as you walk back inside. You enter back into the kitchen, grabbing another drink and heading into the living room where you last saw Nobara. She is having a heart to heart with some girl that graduated last year that you know of named Maki. They both have been drinking and just are smiling and agreeing with everything the other says.

She suddenly turns to you when she realizes you're standing there, "Your lover, he's here." She abruptly turns back around ignoring your inquiry of who she is referring to. You see Gojo and Megumi talking in the kitchen and decide to go talk to them instead of standing there looking awkward. You couldn't see from the angle you were at, but the brunette bob cigarette girl was also standing with them chatting.

Gojo waves you over to the conversation, putting a playful arm around your shoulders. "So sweetheart," Satoru starts, slurring his words a little more than he was the last time you talked to him, "Were trying to place bets on who's going to hook up with who tonight."

"Shoko has money on Suguru and Yuki, Megumi bets on Nobara and Yuji, and me, well I have money on you and Megumi." The four of you errupt in laughter and yelling over top of each other of who is correct.

"What are we arguing about?" Another voice asks that just came into the kitchen. You turn to see who it is with Gojo's arm still loosely hanging onto you.

"Suguruuuu" Satoru coos, "Finally joined the party! Shoko here thinks you're going to hook up with Yuki tonight."

"Like hell," he mutters looking to see who his best friends choice of girl is for the evening, before his eyes land on you. You can't help but drop your jaw at the beautiful barista from the cafe standing in front of you. It looks like he just showered, wet hair which is half up half down, and you can smell the fresh body wash radiating off of him.

"Who'd you bet Satoru?" Suguru questions, still having his eyes focused on you.

"I bet little miss y/n here and her boy toy Megumi." He responds and your cheeks flush at the fact this beautiful man may think you're not interested because of Gojo's fat mouth.

"Who'd you bet on?" Shoko asks directed towards Geto.

"I'll have to get back to you on that," he turns to get a drink from the cooler before taking a step outside, you assume to smoke.

You excuse yourself from under Satoru's arm, leaving him Megumi and Shoko to talk about more random gossip. Heading to the backdoor, you try to build up some courage to introduce yourself to this Geto guy. Much to your dismay, as you are walking out of the door in your own thoughts, another person was coming through the door to go inside but was a lot more solid than you. Bouncing back onto your ass you giggle, "I'm so so sorry, I wasn't paying attention," you look up to meet the amber eyes you've been thinking about for the past week. It feels like the wind has gotten knocked out of you seeing how close your faces were with him grabbing your hand to help you up.

“I’m sorry, didn’t mean to knock you over like that,” he slightly laughs. “I’m just grabbing a lighter,” letting go of your hand holding the door open.

“Oh I have one here!” You pull it out of your pocket kicking yourself for showing it to someone else again. Well maybe it will at least start a conversation. You hand it to him and he lights his cigarette, not making a comment and hands it back to you. You also decide to light a cigarette, trying your best to look cool doing it but because of the wind you’re having a little trouble. Suguru sticks up his hand to block the wind for you. His damn hands. It’s like as big as your face up close and you say “thanks” with the cigarette hanging out of your mouth now lit.

“Y/n? Is that your name?” He breaks the silence first.

“Yes, are you Suguru?” You ask sweetly back

“Suguru Geto, the one, the only, barista extrodinaire,” he laughs and draws a puff.

“I like your laugh.” You blurt out, now realizing your judgement is a little impaired from your weed alcohol and nicotine pairing. “Sorry that just kind of came out.”

“That’s okay,” he stares at you with kind eyes ashing his cigarette against Gojos house.

“Did you like the matcha today?” He asks after you don’t respond.

“Actually no,” you bust out laughing, “I don’t like matcha I was just distracted when she was ordering.”

“Distracted by what?” He asks.

“You,” you realize how close your faces are and how intimate the moment is with your glowing cigarettes and how intoxicating the mix of his smell is.

He nods and smirks at your response, glancing down at your lips. “I think I want to get to know you more y/n.”

You gather all the courage that you haven’t had with this man for the past few days and put it all in your lips and lean in to kiss him. He kisses back, graciously, putting his hand against the back of your head as you place your hand on his hard pec. He depends the kiss, moving his lips passionately before entering his tongue into your mouth. His free hand wraps around your waist.

Just as things are getting intense you hear Nobara squeal in the kitchen, “GOJO LOOK!” You both break the kiss laughing, but still pressed up against him.

“I think I may know who my bet is on for tonight,” he winks and gives you another kiss, making your knees weak and release a tiny whimper into his mouth. You pray he didn’t hear it, but instead he asks, “needy daddy’s girl?”

You feel your cheeks grow so warm and cover your face with your hands. “Just kidding pretty girl, your lighter was cute though.”

—

reblogs and comment for a part 2 ?? 🤭🤭

[blackcherryvelvet0909]

Sandy Steps (Che'nya x GN!Reader)

You laughed as you watched Ace get hit square in the face with a beach ball. Though he stumbled, he somehow found his footing and didn’t fall. He glared daggers into Cater, who only shot back a smug grin in return. 

“Better start paying attention!” he teased. 

Ace let out something akin to a growl under his breath, teeth grit in frustration and he grabbed the beach ball from the ground. “Yeah, I’ll pay attention - pay attention to how I’m about to pummel you into the ground!” 

“Oh nooooo!~” Cater cried sarcastically. “He’s going to attack me!” Cater put on a facade of fear as he stepped over to Trey’s side and hugged his arm, puppy eyes staring sappily up at him. “Protect me, Trey!”

Trey cracked a smile and raised an eyebrow at Cater in a way that said ‘really?’ Even so, Trey played along, a smirk beginning to replace his smile as he crooked his fingers at Ace. “Give your best shot, Ace.” 

Ace took up that challenge as he threw the ball into the air, then struck it with a harsh slap of his hand. The impact was so loud it almost sounded like Crewel’s whip hitting the desk. The beach ball shot towards Cater and Trey at alarming speed, but Trey, who saw the trajectory from a mile away, caught it with ease. “Woo!” Cater cheered as he pat Trey on the arm. “Nice catch!” 

Trey chuckled in response, “Thanks.” He shot Ace his own smug look as he directed his next words to him. “It wasn’t like it was a good throw anyway.” 

“Oh, like you can do better!” 

“Challenge accepted.” Trey rolled his shoulders in preparation. He slowly raised the ball in the air with one hand, prepared to send it flying as he eyed Ace. “Let’s see you catch thi-”

Everything changed when the ice water attacked. 

A sudden, harsh gasp was forced from Trey and Cater as a large splash of ice water suddenly hit their backs. Though Trey was slightly shielded from the blast of cold by his opened shirt, Cater wasn’t so lucky. Both of their bodies stiffened; while Trey just stood there in shock, glasses askew, Cater let out a surprised shriek. One could have mistaken him for a little girl for how shrill it was. As Ace erupted into a fit of laughter, the two older boys turned on their heels to see just who’d play such a dirty trick. The only person in sight was Deuce - who just so happened to have a half-empty water bottle in hand. 

“Traitor.” An evil smile spread across Cater’s face, narrowed eyes filled with a mix of frustration and the beginnings of evil schemes brewing. “You said you weren’t going to play.”

“So, you were working with Ace all along, huh?” Trey adjusted his glasses; his eyes were as conniving as Cater’s. “Smooth - but you aren’t just going to walk away from that.”

“Wha-?!” Deuce seemed just as surprised as they were a moment before. “W-What do you mean? I just got here!” 

“Suuuuure.” Cater’s evil grin grew along with Trey’s as he got into a stance, looking ready to jump the first year. “Play innocent all you want, Deucey.” 

“But I didn’t-!” 

Deuce’s sentence was cut off by his own scream as both Trey and Cater charged at him. The poor boy began to run for his life - but didn’t make it far before Cater tackled him. You kept forgetting how fast the guy was; even though Deuce was on the track and field team, he couldn’t outrun the third year. Maybe it was just because of the sand. Either way, you kinda felt bad for the guy. To have both Cater and Trey gang up on you, with no help from Ace in sight (he was still laughing), was sure to be a bad time. 

…still, you knew Deuce had gone to get himself some water right as the other three started tossing around the beach ball. When Deuce had said he didn’t want to participate this time around, since it would be an uneven match (Riddle and Ace had been on the same team, but the former ran off minutes earlier to scold some other Heartslabyul students for breaking some rule), you knew he’d meant it. Why would he suddenly turn to Ace’s side now? That, and you hadn’t seen any ice in Deuce’s water bottle. Sure, the water could’ve been really cold, but you could have sworn you saw solid ice hit Cater and Trey’s backs. Deuce wasn’t the type to lie…what could have-

You suddenly heard hushed giggling somewhere nearby. It came from the two wooden lounge chairs a little ways from you, around where the guys had been playing. For a moment, all you saw were Riddle and Trey’s things laid out among the chairs, along with their large umbrella towering above. Then your eyes landed on the sand below; while it was shaded by the aforementioned umbrella, you could make out two deep footprints. You thought they were just from Riddle or one of the others when they came over before…but then more began to appear. They formed as though someone was walking away from the scene. What the…?

A certain someone came to mind. You slowly stood from your own chair, tiptoeing behind the invisible footprints. When you finally reached where a person would be, you took a leap of faith and grabbed at the air below. It looked as though you’d grabbed air, but you could feel fur against your palm. That hair quickly stood on-end as you made contact with it, and along with it came a surprised noise. As the steps came to a sudden halt, a long tail slowly appeared before your eyes. You quickly recognized the purple color of the appendage - your suspicions were correct. 

You smiled as you looked up. Your gaze beheld a head slowly forming in reality, its expression one of surprise. The cat had been caught. “Che’nya,” you chuckled, “it was you, wasn’t it?” 

Though his voice was one of innocence, words filled with ignorance, the cat’s wide, mischievous grin gave away the answer. “Hmm?~ I don’t know what mew mean.” 

“Oh, I think you do.” You eyed the empty plastic cup in his hand as the rest of his body finally materialized. “You know, if they find out, you’ll be the one getting attacked.” 

Che’nya showed no fear whatsoever as he shrugged. “Nya, I’d like to see them try. Mew know I’m a fast runner.” 

“You wouldn’t even run,” you said. “You’d just disappear and sit somewhere to watch them try and find you.” 

“Mmm,” Che’nya’s grin grew more devious by the second, “not what I had in meowind, but I like mewr idea better.” 

You nearly regretted opening your mouth. To try and spare your friends the trouble, you changed the subject. “What’re you doing here anyway? Don’t tell me you snuck in when we got here?” 

“Nope.” Che’nya gestured behind him with his thumb. “I’m staying at the resort next to mew - my school’s on a trip, too. We mainly stick to the beach there,” that playful grin was back, “buuut I thought coming over here would be mewore fun~” 

Oooh, that’s why Crowley decided on this sudden field trip. Figures. You suppressed an intense eye roll as you gave Che’nya a smile. “Well, I hope I get to see you more often.” 

Che’nya’s eyes narrowed in amusement. “Just mew? Not mewr friends - my friends?” 

“Yeah, I meant them too-” 

“M’awww~” Che’nya’s new target was you, apparently. “Mew want me all to mewrself? So cute!” 

“I-I didn’t mean-!” 

“Sure!” Che’nya’s tail flicked your leg. “I’ve been wanting to spend time with mew anyway.” He took your hand as he began to walk away. “C’mon, let’s get ice cream.” 

You looked over your shoulder to see your friends still preoccupied with Deuce. Poor guy…as Che’nya continued to tug you along, you looked forward again and protested. “W-Wait, I need to-”

“Mmn?” Che’nya looked back at you, actually seeming confused. “I thought mew wanted to go on a date?” 

“I need to save - wait, what?”

“Yeah.” Che’nya grinned again, eyebrows raised. “Mew aren’t going to back out, are mew, [Y/n]?~” 

He…Che’nya, you, on a date. A date…your mind swam with questions, flustered ones. You could feel your face begin to heat up, which only caused the cat to chuckle. His smile was more gentle as he held your hand a little tighter. 

“I promise I’ll have you back before they miss you too much.” He dropped the cat puns. That wasn’t like him. “Just c’mon - I promise it’ll be fun.” 

You said nothing for a moment…then you squeezed his hand. “Okay.” 

You could hear a small purr leave him as he began to lead you again. Your sandy steps grew as you walked away from the beach. Though you felt back, you promised yourself you’d explain everything to your friends later, including who the actual ice water assailant was. For now, though…you simply enjoyed the soft hold of Che’nya’s hand, the affectionate brushes of his tail, and the fond way he looked at you. 

[sparkarrestor]

Henry The Green Engine 4: The Flying Kipper

Written By: Rev. W. Awdry

Adapted By: SparkArrester

There is a large harbor next to the big station, where ships from all over arrive. There are big liners and ferries with shining paint and spotless brass, carrying passengers from far away places. There are freight ships as well, coming and going with cargo and the things we need. There are many fishing boats besides those, that unload their catch at special quays. Some are taken by road to shops in the town, while the rest are loaded on a train and taken away.

The railwaymen call this train, “The Flying Kipper”.

Henry was still dour from the accident with Percy and the trousers. Luckily, no jam had gotten on him, but the trousers still felt uncomfortable on his funnel. Worse still, he had made the Fat Controller cross.

“Never mind Henry,” Comforted his Driver, “A nice run with the Flying Kipper ought to cheer us all up! The Fat Controller might even forgive you!”

“Really?” Replied Henry Dubiously.

“Yep! Now, don’t tell Gordon,” And he leaned in close, “But I think we might even have a turn on the express!”

That cheered Henry up. His mood began to improve as he left the sheds and puffed towards the harbor.

At the quay, he saw workmen loading crates onto a long line of fish vans. There was ice and frost, far more than in the morning.

“Be careful!”, Called a workman, “This ice can be trouble!”

“Don’t I know it…” Grumbled Henry, staring at the soot-covered trousers that clung to his funnel.

 But he remembered what his driver said and calmed down as the last door banged and the guard showed his green lamp. With much snorting and whooshing, Henry set off with the heavy train.

“Come on! Come on! Come on!” Puffed Henry as his wheels spun on.

“All right! Don’t fuss! All right! Don’t fuss!” Grumbled the fish vans.

“That’s better! That’s better!” Puffed Henry, as they left the harbor and picked up speed.

They tore through the countryside, whooshed under bridges and clattered through stations. Thick clouds of smoke and steam poured out of Henry’s funnel as they went, and when the fireman added more coal, the fire’s light shone all around, reflecting on the snow.

“Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” Peeped Henry as he passed green signal after green signal.

They were going so well that he had forgotten to be cross about the trousers and had started enjoying himself as the sun set in the distance. Then, the driver noticed something.

“Distant Signal’s up!” He called, “Caution!”

He shut off steam and prepared to apply the brakes when the fireman spoke up.

“Look! The Home Signal’s green!” He said.

“Oh,” Replied the Driver, confused, “Well, away we go!”

Henry responded with a will, speeding up so quickly that the fireman had to work extra hard to keep his fire fed. He sounded off his whistle happily as he passed the green signal and disappeared into the night.

Up ahead, James was feeling the opposite of happy. He had left earlier with a slow goods train, the trucks bumping and banging every time they stopped at a station. The ice and cold had not helped matters and that, coupled with stalling on Gordon’s Hill, had left James cold, annoyed, and late. So late, that he had to be shunted to let Henry pass him. His crew, tired of his grumbling, sought refuge in the van with the guard. The guard had lit the stove in the brakevan, and was brewing cocoa.

“Oh, this tastes excellent!” Said the fireman as he sipped his cocoa.

“You best finish quickly!” Laughed the Driver, “The Kipper’s due, and James will want to get going!”

“Who cares? We’ll have all the time we need after the Kipper passes!”

The fireman defiantly stayed seated as the guard peered out of his van.

“I can hear the Kipper…” He mused, “It’ll pass us at any moment.”

At that moment he spotted engine-lamps in the distance and thought nothing of it until he realized it was on their line.

“Everyone out!” He shouted.

“But I haven’t finished my cocoa yet!” Complained the Fireman.

“There’s no time!” Yelled the Guard, “The Kipper’s on our line!”

They got out of the van just in time.

Henry slammed into the goods train, demolishing the brakevan and the last few trucks before being thrown to the lineside and skidding across the snow and dirt before coming to a rest on his side. The fish vans hit the wreckage and got battered to bits, sprawling their cargo as they piled up in a heap. Up ahead, James, wondering where his crew was, got jolted forward along with the rest of his train. He was upright and unharmed, but the trucks that weren’t in pieces were now awkwardly standing on the sleepers.

“What on earth?!” He shouted, trying to make out what had happened, “Henry?”

The battered and bruised shape that looked like Henry only wheezed. James’s crew were busy digging themselves out of snow when the guard noticed something.

“Fire!” He cried.

The remains of the brakevan had caught fire from the stove. At once he helped James’s crew out of the snow, and they rushed into James’s cab as he raced to the next station for help.

The breakdown train arrived in the morning. Luckily, the fire got its spirits dampened by the cold, with only a few trucks being charred. The workmen began clearing the mess and checked over Henry. He felt miserable.

“Oh dear”, he thought as he looked up, “I’m in for it now!”

The Fat Controller came trudging through the snow towards him. He paused, and seemed to violently kick something away before reaching henry. 

“The signal was down sir…” Said Henry sadly.

“Don’t worry Henry.” Said The Fat Controller, “Ice & snow caused the accident. The signal was weighed down and the points froze after James got shunted. It couldn’t be helped. Now, I’m sending you to Crewe. It’s a fine place for sick engines. They’ll give you a new shape and you’ll be more useful than ever. You won’t need special coal anymore!”

“Yes sir…” Replied Henry, doubtfully.

Henry was taken to Crewe the next day. They took him to pieces and rebuilt him. He thought it was quite the experience, and was more than happy to return home. Lots of people came to see him. He whistled as he passed by, smiling wider than he’d ever had. He can make steam far easier now, and doesn’t need the special coal, and is more than happy to share the last of it with his friends. He steams so well and can go so fast that it’s enough to make Gordon jealous. But that’s another story. 

[spiritflakess]

Witches’ Brew

AO3, tumblr

Chapters: 2/?

Words: 2.3 k

Ongoing:

Tags: Alternate Universe - Coffee Shops & CafésProfessor QifreyCafe owner OlruggioMenace BeldaruitBeldaruit used nepotismQifrey needs an extra large coffeeOlruggio wants to sleepAgott Coco Tetia & Richeh interactingDad Olruggio

Autumn had begun to settle down, inviting roots of winter to take hold. It brought back memories of knitted blue mittens and oversized woolen coats, bundled tightly. Qifrey ironically enjoyed the frigid season, greatly preferring its biting chill to the torrential downpours of summer. Typhoon season was his greatest enemy as a small child, after social occasions of course.

He arrived back home a few hours ago, stepping off the platform to a town frozen, in season and time. The same station staff, the same cracked pavement no one was ever going to fix, the same dingy trams. As much as he liked snow globes, this little pre-holiday diorama was unsettling. How the hell had this place not changed in 10 years? How is it the same station he fled from one humid, scorching summer night?

It’s a short, scenic walk to his childhood home, past old unkept city trees and worn pavement. Beldaruit always liked that, liked how unkept town looked, said it gave it a certain color that the cities didn’t have. Home, a place that should be warm, should feel welcoming. So why does it not inspire feelings like that in him? Why, as he faces the charming little house he grew up in, not feel at home? This void, no black hole, sitting quaintly as it always had on that hill.

Beldaruit perched under his covered porch, sipping one of his fruity teas with some ancient bound text. He has half a mind to scold the old man for being out in the cold with no coat, ‘and he says I take terrible care of myself..’ Qifrey mutters under his breath, walking up the frosted path.

“Dearest Qifrey!” His grumbling alerts the old man, whose eyes light up with a dozen stars. Text promptly closed and tea forgotten in favor of reunions, the whrr of his wheelchair sounding softly. Qifrey raises an eyebrow, stepping up the porches incline to meet his guardian halfway.

“You know I was starting to get worried you wouldn’t show! It's so good to see you again s-” Qifrey softly raises a hand, stopping his elders' words. Beldaruit’s face scrunches a bit, knowing damn well he’s about to get chewed out...so much for hugs and tearful greetings.

“Firstly, you should be wearing a coat, old man-” Qifrey sucks in a breath through his teeth, forgoing his own coat and with more care than he shows wrapping his guardian up. His chest falls with a sharp exhale, fingers rubbing the bridge of his nose, trying to suppress the anger toward his...father.

A wry grin peeks from behind Beldaruit’s shroud of abashment, whispering faint traces of his amusement towards the gesture. Qifrey all about picks up the elderly man’s book to hurl it at him, however, he can’t bring himself to take his anger out on the poor bundle of pages. The younger man collapses into the worn wicker chair next to Beldaruit, a resigned huff escaping his chest.

“We’re talking, when I have the energy to deal with you.” Qifrey puffs, white hair falling in messy tuffs as he leans backward. His declaration met with a pleased hum and the scraping of a cup pushed across the table.

“Of course, now tell me, what my favorite child has been up to!~”

-

‘I’ll take over the cafe Grandfather! Don’t worry, you can count on me!’

Oh, what a load of total bullshit! He must have been on the heavy wine that family reunion, because never in a right mind would Olruggio have offered to do something like that! Seriously, why the hell did he think this was gonna work, like holy hell, ‘Oh It’s just making drinks and whipping up some foods, it can’t be as hard as retail!’. Oh, smashed Olruggio, you poor sweet summer child, how wrong you were!

Sure, he’d been managing to barely run the place the past six months, but as it stood his entire business was being sustained by 6 loyal regulars. Four of which were students from a local private school, who ordered his consumables with a ritualistic ferocity that could rival a pack of wolves. Where the hell four middle school girls were getting unlimited funds to order drinks and snacks every day is beyond him, but to hell with it. Complaining about money? You’ll hear no such thing from him, he’s not asking questions.

As far as he’s concerned, they’re little blessings postponing his inevitable declaration of bankruptcy! Softly ringing, the bell on the cafes door sounds as four sets of footsteps pad over to the bar counter. Stools scrap against the wooden floor, as the excited chatter of school kids fills the empty space. Yes, thank the heavens for these mysteriously loaded, sugar loving heathens.

“Sup kids!, what’ll be your brew today?” Beady little eyes stare back at him, yeah, yeah that was bad. God, He’s 26, when did he become this cringe?

A fluffy black forest of curls piped up first, her tone not lacking it’s punch as usual, “Mr.Olruggio, please never say sup again.” Agott’s face looks a cross between mild disgust and faint secondhand embarrassment.

Tetia hurriedly buts in, pulling Agott’s school cap down over her head, earning her a swat from the other girl. She swats right back, glancing apologetically at Olruggio, as though her classmate’s murdered him.

“We’re so sorry Mr. Olruggio! Please don’t kick us out!, Agott’s just cranky cause she failed our history test!” Tetia is quickly dragged into a battle of who can shove the others cap down harder first, leaving Olruggio to the remaining two who’ve yet to join the altercation.

“Hi again, Mr.Olruggio! I thought your greeting was nice!” Coco’s soft genuine smile was always a contrast to the little band of vibrant personalities she was rolling with. His eyes move over to Richeh, who as usual is half asleep, face planted into his counter. Shaking his head, the cup he’d been wiping is set down.

“One more time, pick your poison kiddos.” He poses once again, with a huff of fondness for the chaotic quartet. All at once, they stop and look to each other, and then to him. For a moment he’s almost unnerved, feeling like a mouse under the watchful eye of four, small house cats. Tiny, yet deadly.

“It’s the first day of winter Mr.Olruggio!” Tetia chirps with her usual cheer, leaning on the edge of her stool.

“Which means that one should...be drinking warm things, to combat the cold of the season.” Agott begrudgingly adds, arms crossed as she nudges Richeh from her quest of eternal slumber.

“Too cold, hate it.” Richeh adds her own drowsy commentary, yawning as she flops her head back on the counter.

“We’d like hot chocolate, please!” Coco finishes their order, kicking her legs back and forth to waste her own pent-up energy.

All four collectively nod, the council having made their decision on today’s demands. Olruggio can’t help but snicker, nodding along like a hero accepting the wisdom of four great sages. He moves to gather the ingredients, looking over his shoulder as he works.

“Did any of you want art-” Olruggio starts to ask when---

“FUZZY WORM!” Richeh immediately bolts up, fists pounding into the counter in a fit of pure passion for cafe “mascot”. Blue eyes shine with a single-minded goal, to see Olruggio’s original character in latte art form.

“Agott and I’d like a cat!” Tetia chirps along, grabbing the thorny girl's hand and holding it up. Agott squawks something at her but huffs and accepts her fate in the end. A cat...doesn’t sound all that bad anyway.

“Oh Oh um a bird? No no a flower? Uhm Uh There’s so many, I can't choose!” Coco meanwhile wallows in despair, knowing she can’t possibly see all the arts today...

He chuckles to himself, already pulling the milk out of the fridge under the counter.

[starlight-lesbians]

ummm what’s everyone’s favourite thing to steal off the menu? i’m picturing everyone having a set order that everybody knows and gets for them whenever they do hang outs/swaps

OOH OOH OK

i’m just gonna do a silly lil list! (these assholes are hyperspecific bc that happens when u work food service in my experience, you start mixing and matching until the menu becomes fake)

Dinah: doritos locos tacos with chicken and no tomato (+ a baja blast and cinnabon bites) from taco bell and a HUGE dirty chai with strawberry puree (its good i promise) from starlight cafe (oat milk)

Greaseball: a steak grilled cheese burrito with cheesy potatoes and a dr pepper from taco bell and a large mocha frappe with white mocha and caramel syrups (+ extra whipped cream, she’s a sugar fiend) from starlight cafe

Pearl: supreme tacos with extra lettuce, cinnabon bites, and a brisk dragonfruit tea from taco bell and white hot chocolate with extra caramel syrup and whip from starlight cafe (almond milk)

Rusty: crunchwrap supreme with black beans and meat, cheesy potatoes and a sierra mist (not calling it starry), and a vanilla iced latte with caramel drizzle (he’s a lil boring but he’ll get there)

Hydra: anything he can find tbh like 3 bean burritos, literally a dozen cinnabon bites, and nacho fries (he’s high-) + a giant passion tea w lots of strawberry puree in it and a croissant

Slick: mexican pizza with two doritos locos tacos, nacho fries, and a not frozen baja blast (she is also high) + an iced caramel latte with like at least three extra espresso shots (belle is soooo tired of her)

Belle: chicken chalupas with extra tomato, cheesy potatoes, and a large cherry freeze, + a smores cookie and an apple spice latte with extra caramel (she’s a fall girlie i just know it)

Tassita: soft chicken tacos (less noise), cinnamon twists, and a blue raspberry freeze + a chocolate croissant and a salted caramel hot cocoa (oatmilk)

Porter: nachos bellgrande with extra tomatoes and lettuce, nacho fries, and a wild strawberry freeze + an apple danish and iced coffee w extra heavy cream (for some reason)

Lumber: cheesy gordita crunches with cinnabon bites, and chips n guac, + a blueberry cookie and vanilla cold brew w extra sugar

Electra: chicken quesadilla with a side of black beans, nacho fries and diet mountain dew (ew), + a lavender matcha latte with oatmilk and blueberry puree

i think i got everyone!! my taco bell app got a workout LMAO

[rockingreads]

Miles Davis (w/ Quincy Troupe): Miles: The Autobiography (1989)

I read Miles Davis' autobiography too early ...

Much too early (the mid '90s, to be precise) in my tentative musical explorations beyond rock to fully appreciate the range of his musical endeavors and cultural impact, but I was keen to revisit it to mark the start of Black History Month.

Driven by a natural-born confidence, doggedness, even arrogance, to an affluent family (his father was a dentist), just north of St. Louis, Miles ascended to a protagonist's role in jazz history not long after moving to New York to study at Juilliard.

And though he was soon rubbing shoulders with many of the elder greats -- Dizzy, Bird (Miles' reminisces about him alone are worth the price of admission), etc. -- the restless, abrasive young trumpeter wasn't satisfied until he was assembling his own groups (one of his strongest suits) and leading sessions by his mid-twenties.

Not even a nasty heroin addiction was ultimately any match for Miles' indomitable will (after struggling for several years, he kicked it cold turkey at his family's farmhouse through "sheer meanness"), and little else would slow him down thereafter.

Moving through the '50s, '60s, and into the early '70s, Miles put his genius, intensity, and charisma toward pioneering a succession of styles (cool jazz, hard bop, modal, fusion, etc.), while employing and mentoring an unmatched number of musicians: John Coltrane, Paul Chambers, Gil Evans, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, etc., etc., etc.

A toxic blend of drugs, alcohol, and decadence forced Miles into semi-retirement in the late '70s, but he resumed sporadic recording, performing, and innovating in the '80s until his death in 1991, aged 65, and his influence obviously still looms large.

But beyond recounting an epic life story, co-author Quincy Troupe's biggest coup was capturing Miles' voice in all of its conflicting, often profane wisdom, pettiness, rancor, and occasional frailty, thereby addressing Davis' many human flaws (perhaps chief among them his poor treatment of women) as well as his achievements.

To echo critic Roy Lotz, "I picked up this book feeling curious, and put it down nearly obsessed with Miles," so as I delved into jazz after in the years that followed, I purchased as many Miles Davis records as I did of every other titan of the genre combined.

I suppose there are worse ways to wade into jazz's vast ocean ...

Featured Records:

Miles Davis: Bitches Brew (1970)

Miles Davis: Kind of Blue (1959)

Miles Davis: On the Corner (1972)

Buy from: Amazon

[vvitchering]

Tagged in a "Get to Know Your Tav" questionnaire thing by @lewdisescariot and I secretly always want to talk about my sorc boy even though I've been playing several other Tavs lately so.........

Name: Laurent Aimar (the surname is new, he's been without one since I made him oops lol)

Human wild magic sorcerer

Background: Sage (this was picked before I developed any of his backstory so I ended up with a not terribly well educated person with a sage background. I justify it by the sage background being mostly about the LOVE of learning, not necessarily how you go about learning)

Favorite weapon: Enchanted glaives

Style of combat: He's a spellcaster with low strength so he SHOULD be hanging back from the action and being mostly ranged. However. He is medium armor proficient and wears a ring enchanted with Blur so he's usually right up in the action. This is helpful when his wild magic bursts award buffs to everyone he's near, and not so helpful when they cause explosions.

Most prized possession: a crystal he wears as a necklace under his shirt. It was given to him when he was young and just starting to have extreme problems with his magic as a way to try and focus himself. It didn't work, but the gesture was a kind one amidst a lot of not so kind ones, so it has a lot of sentimental value.

Deepest desire: Acceptance and safety. He's been ostracized since he was young due to how uncontrollable and destructive his magic is so he's caused a lot of people a lot of grief. He tends not to let others get close to him while also craving companionship. At the start of the adventure, he's made up his mind to find a way to get rid of his magic, but that's something he keeps to himself for a long time.

Guilty pleasure: Any sort of down time he considers a guilty pleasure. He's been on his own for a long time and constantly on the move so any sort of casual time where nothing needs to be done is precious. He likes trying new foods and drinks and once he feels safe around his new companions, napping.

Best-kept secret: I'm still working out the details, but he's the cause of some kind of disaster that hurt and killed a lot of people, his family included. It's the reason he travels alone and refuses to settle anywhere and the root of his decision to try and excise his own magic.

Greatest strength: His charisma. He's very good at charming people and talking them in circles to avoid letting anyone close to him. The more anonymous he is the safer everyone else is, in his mind, so he's gotten very good at word play. He projects an air of confidence but its not necessarily always genuine.

Fatal flaw: Guuuuuuuilt. Any time someone gets hurt he finds a way to feel responsible for it, even if it wasn't his fault.

Favorite smell: Petrichor, which is the smell of rain after a dry spell. He also likes the smell of snow.

Favorite spell or cantrip: Magic Missile (he may have a bad relationship with magic but even he is not totally immune to Make Things Go Boom)

Pet peeve: Snoring, being asked personal questions

Bad habit: Staying up too late, which makes him a chronic oversleeper.

Hidden talent: he knows all of the constellations and can point them all out and name most of the stars that make them up

Leisure activity: he enjoys going supply shopping/ingredient gathering with Gale because he gets to try new snacks. Halsin has talked him into trying meditation as a way to try and tame his wild magic (it doesn't work, but he does like the way it relaxes the rest of him)

Favorite drink: Black tea with nothing in it, brewed as strong as possible. If highly concentrated cold brew existed in faerun he'd be drinking that.

Comfort food: he loves a hearty beef and potato stew. He didn't have it often because he avoided sticking around largely populated areas as much as possible in his travels and he never had the time to sit around and cook it for himself. Gale cooks it often on the days when he stays at camp all day.

Favorite person: Gale, its Gale, it was Gale from the moment he pulled him out of the portal. He was instantly drawn to his sweet and trusting nature, which made him panic because he's already breaking his own rules traveling with a group, he can't let himself get close to them too. (failed)

Favorite display of affection: once he bows to the inevitable and lets himself fall in love, he has a thing for an arm around the waist, whether doing it or having it done to him.

Fondest childhood memory: he tries extremely hard not to remember his past in any great detail. Occasionally a taste or a smell will remind him of something that doesn't immediately make him want to shut down, but he doesn't allow himself to dwell anymore.

I am tagging @d0ctorsorders and @aetherial-sea if they want to share their Tavs! No pressure though~

[thekinkyleopard]

My Darlings

A Biziil x Meeko x Connie Fic

⚠️Content Warning ⚠️

Snz, Fluff x Smut

Author’s Notes: I can’t get the Thruple out of my head. I simply can not. I need more Biz and his GIRLS T^T Cover art by @aller-geez she also owns Meeko :>

Description: Meeko & Connie have both come down w/ a cold & are left incapacitated, it’s up to their bf Biziil to care for them. (For Anyone who may have an issue; Connie is a MTF w/out surgery. 🫶🏻)

Biziil was busy making breakfast in the kitchen when he started to hear the snuffled symphony of his sickly girlfriends. It had been since the evening of yesterday that they had fallen prey to a virus. He felt his world crumble in moments like these, unable to help them further than medicine and sustenance. He shook his braided hair back and forth, brewing up a cup of ginger and green tea for each of his special girls. Putting a pause on his own needs.

As he carried the steaming cups of tea to his and girlfriends' bedroom, Biz couldn't help but feel grateful for his two beautiful partners, happy to be in good health to be by their sides. They had been together for two years now, and although it wasn't always easy, Biziil knew that he was lucky to have them in his life.

He gently pushed open the door to their bedroom and was immediately hit with the scent of sickness. His girlfriends were curled up together in bed, their bodies entwined as they snuggled under the covers. Chimes of groans and muffled sniffles filled the space. Biziil placed the cups of tea on the bedside table and climbed onto the bed placing himself comfortably inbetween them both, snuggling up to his partners and stroking their hair.

"Feeling any better?" he asked softly, his lips brushing against Meek's forehead.

"Not really," Meeko responded weakly as she snuffled her leaking nose, her voice hoarse but she leaned into the large man’s frame with ease. "But having you here makes it easier to bear."

Biziil smiled, feeling a rush of affection for his suffering girlfriend. He leaned in and pressed his lips firmly to her clammy forehead once more. "Is there anything I can do to help? Meds aren’t for another hour…" He asked pushing a few strands of her white bangs out of her lime green eyes.

"Honestly Bear....I'm not sure...e-ev..." suddenly caught off guard by the stinging urge within her nose. It was tickling her whole face, and she rubbed the sensitive nostrils in circles against the blanket she held close to her chest. "H-Hih..." her breath caught in her throat, and Biz braced himself for impact. With a sudden forceful burst, Meeko let out a loud sneeze into the open air in front of her, her body convulsing with the effort. "Kh'CHIEW!!" Biziil held her tightly as she sneezed, rubbing her back soothingly. Connie gently reaching over to take the ginger girl's hand, rubbing her small thumb pad across the top of the space there.

"Shh, it's okay," he whispered, pressing gentle kisses to her temple. "Just let it out,"

Meeko nodded weakly, sniffling as she wiped at her nose with a tissue she'd suddenly been handed by her boyfriend. Biziil adjusted slightly, his left arm wrapped around Connie's waist and his right around Meeko's neck. His lilac orbs taking a look down at his mute girlfriend. She was also fairly ill, but seemed to be lost in a sick like trance as her dark sapphires stared blankly up at him.

Biziil settled in beside her, running his fingers along the side of the waist band of her underwear. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and love for the two women in his life. They had built a beautiful bond together, full of love and trust. "My poor darlings...under the weather on such a gorgeous day...my heart breaks," Biz said squeezing both girls into his side further. Connie sniffled, her own suffering pending as her nose began to prickle and sting.

"Hnn.." she mumbled softly before trying her best to twist and rub her nose freely but to no use. The burning desire to let it out only grew as her body trembled beside her boyfriend. "Eh..." it started, her breath hitched and her head started to lean back. "EH...chiew~" it came out light, much different compared to Meeko, gentle. However gentle it was though, her nostrils started to leak profusely, and she whimpered in a congested fashion.

Biziil reached out to grab a handful of tissues from the bedside table, holding them out for Connie to take. "Here, my love," he said, his voice soft and comforting. "I’m so proud of you for letting it out,”

Connie nodded gratefully, taking the tissues and wiping at her nose. She let out another gentle sneeze, her body shaking slightly as she did so. "Hih... Hih... Chiew.." she sneezed again, her nose now redder than before.

Biziil pressed his forehead down onto the top of her head, his motion gentle and soothing. "There we go, my sweet…" he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek now. "Get it out, Princess…you’re doing so good…” he praised her lovingly as he started to plant tiny kisses across her forehead.

Meeko snuggled closer, her body still weak from her own sickness. "Bunny...." she whimpered gently her fingers wrapping around Connie's, now comforting her as her body betrayed her. "Bizzy...I think...I think Bunny needs some extra.." she paused real quick to sniff up a very full sounding snort of congestion. "Attention..." biting her lower lip before looking up at him with an innocence that suggested something darker behind it.

"What do you suggest, my little mouse?" running his fingers now through her sticky orange hairs. Meeko looked up at Biziil with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I think she needs a little...distraction," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Something to take her mind off of the sickness."

Biziil raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "And what kind of distraction do you have in mind?" he asked, though knowing very well what is sneaky sickly girlfriend was up to.

Meeko giggled softly, her cheeks flushing as she leaned in to whisper something in his ear. Biziil's eyes widened in surprise, pulling his head back now to scan a quick gaze up and down her poor face. Her eyes were darker than usual, with tired circles and she was adorable disheveled, her nose bright pink from the insistent rubbing and wiping. "Darling! You two are far too sick for any of that...." he said clicking his tongue in a tsking fashion, shaking his grey hairs back and forth.

"P-Please, Bizzy? Look at her..." Meeko pouted with softer eyes now, looking over at the white and black haired girl. Both of them sniffled, Connie's eyes watering as she felt another sternutation building within her sinuses. Her mouth fell open and her eyes squinted towards her partner's, trying her best to swish and hide her head into the crook of her boyfriend's neck. To no use, Connie let out another soft kitten like sneeze.

"H'Kkisssh!" spraying across the polar bear's exposed neck he sucked in a sharp gasp, the sudden wetness on his skin causing his body to tremble. His arm tightening around her as he rubbed her back gently. Meeko squeaked, moving her hand over to Connie's thigh and squeezing that space gently with concern.

"Bizzy...." the ginger girl whimpered helplessly, looking between the two of them as their girlfriend suffered beside them. Meeko was about to speak again before by surprise her own nose exploded into a fit.

"eHT'ScHU! H-Hih..Ka....KhH'HISSSHh'Uh!" Meeko was unable to gather her hand, or her arm, and blew a mess in between her two lovers. "I-Ib s-so sobby..." she gasped her voice becoming collateral damage to her stuffy fit. She snuffed loudly trying to clean up the mess resting on her upper lip with the back of her hand, luckily Biz was there with a tissue though. Tenderly, he dabbed at her face, wiping away the wet pollution that clung to her skin.

"My little mouse...." Biz clicked his tongue again as he felt incredibly powerless during this moment.

"P-Pleade...Biddy....Distract us?" she sniffled weakly, looking up at him with those watery, lime greens, her nose tip red and agitated as Biz continued to dab it.

"Darling....you're ill," his tone apprehensive, he was at a loss. He would normally do absolutely anything and everything for his darling girls. However, he did feel inherently selfish to take advantage of either of his poor suffering ladies.

"Bear..." she tried again, whimpering desperately as she started to slowly slink a leg over him, her foot just barely brushing over Connie's entagled leg as well. "Pleadee..." begging again in her state of weakness.

Biziil sighed, his resolve weakening as he looked down at his two sickly women. "Alright, alright," he said, giving in. "But only if you promise to take it easy and get some rest afterwards."

Meeko and Connie both nodded eagerly, their eyes lighting up at the prospect of a distraction from their illness. Biziil leaned down to press a gentle kiss to each of their foreheads before moving to sit at the end of the bed. "Okay," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'll do my best to distract you."

He began to slowly undress, his movements languid and sensual. Meeko and Connie watched with rapt attention, their eyes following every movement of his muscles as he shed his clothing. Biziil climbed back onto the bed, positioning himself in between his two girlfriends.

He began to kiss and caress them both, his hands roaming over their bodies as his lips trailed over their skin. The three of them becoming a blend of bodies now.

Connie let out a soft moan, her body reacting to Biziil's touch despite her illness. Meeko's eyes fluttered closed as she focused on the sensations coursing through her body and not the stuffy feeling within her nose. Biziil continued to explore their bodies, his movements growing more urgent as their passion began to rise. His mouth finding it's way onto Connie's sharing an impassioned kiss, their tongues lazily swirling against each other.

Suddenly, Meeko let out a loud sneeze, her body shaking from the force of it. "Eht'CHIEW!" Biziil paused momentarily pulling away from the leopard, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay, my little mouse?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Meeko nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm fibe," she said, her voice husky from the passion they had just shared. "Jusd a libble sneede."

Biziil chuckled softly, his fingers brushing through her hair. "You're such a little troublemaker," he said fondly. "But I love you anyway."

Connie watched them with a smile on her face, her hand now brushing against Meeko's inner thigh, gripping it with a force that caused the girl to mewl softly. She kissed down Biziil's neck. Her kisses were tender, and her breath was hot against his skin, sending shivers down his spine. He looked up at those hazy sapphire blues with a mischievous glint in his eye, before capturing her lips with his own in an desirable kiss.

His free hand moved to the back of her neck, tugging softly to bring her closer as they entwined their tongues. His fingers traced circles on the small of the space as they continued their passionate movements. They stayed like that for some time until finally, they broke apart for air. Meeko's hand slid its way up Biz's nude thigh, brushing her slim fingers across his livening length.

Biziil moaned softly, his body tensing as he felt Meeko's teasing fingers. Connie moved her hand further up Meeko's body now, playfully caressing her breasts and eliciting a gasp from the girl. Biziil's grip on Connie tightened, and he continued to brush his fingertips across Meeko's moistening womanhood. His kisses became more intense as they both reveled in the sensations of pleasure that they were providing each other. He switched his focus back and forth between them, never once breaking contact with either one of them. All three of them were overcome with an intense wave of lust as they explored each other's bodies.

"Look at my girl...already so wet...I can see the urgency now, little mouse," His voice was hot when he broke the kiss with Connie, who was in search for more as she gracefully reached across from Biz to connect her lips against her sniffly girlfriend's.

Their kiss was a feverish one, filled with hunger and desire. They moved their lips against each other messily, their tongues exploring every inch of each other's mouths. With every touch, Meeko felt herself becoming lost in the moment. Her breathing became heavier, her heart racing as they continued to explore each others bodies. It felt like nothing else mattered in that moment, just the three of them and the pleasure they were feeling. Nothing could stop them from getting lost in this beautiful moment of pure bliss. Besides..Connie..suddenly feeling a hot itch in the back of her throat, that familiar prickle creeping up on her, and Meeko could feel it building behind the kiss.

“Hih…” their lips pulled away but faces still inches apart. Meeko ran her free hand up the leopard girl’s neck and caressing her jaw line with the delicate touch of her fingers.

“Are you gonna blow, my love?” The ginger haired girl asked sweetly, her lime greens scanning freely over the woman’s features. Connie nodded weakly her eyes squinting as she tried to fight it back, finding it to be a huge hurdle in such a case.

“Don’t be scared, darling, let it out..” Biz now chimed in to assure her, Meeko nodding swiftly grabbing a tissue, bringing it up over her nose and mouth before pressing their foreheads together.

“Go on pretty girl…” the ginger woman whispered delicately before Connie finally allowed herself to release confidently into the soft material.

“H’HihT’Chiew!” Her brows furrowing inward as she blew into the tissue in front of her, foreheads pressing harder into each other, but Meeko had already braced herself for the impact.

“Good girl…” she said with a genuine smile, before rubbing and wiping the girl’s nostrils clean and then pressing their lips loving back into a passionate reunion.

As tongues entangled with each other and their breath became heavy once again. It was as if they were both trying to savor the moment. Their hands explored each other's bodies, touching and caressing every inch of skin that they could reach. Biziil continued to pleasure Meeko, slipping his digits past her underwear and dancing circles around her clit until she moaned in delight. Connie continued to massage and play with Meeko's tender breasts, pinching and pulling in delicious motions, knowing just how sensitive they were. The hand that once was on Connie's neck trailed down her flat a-cup chest, pinching at her buds and causing an involuntary shudder from the girl before Biz slowly descended his hand on Connie's aching princess wand.

Connie let out a soft moan as Biziil massaged her center, completely mesmerized by the sensations he was provoking in her body. Her hips began to move in circular motions now as if beckoning him for more than what he had already provided.

Biziil's eyes filled with a hunger he hadn't felt in some time as he looked at the two beautiful women before him. He wanted to taste them, and experience their pleasure together. He pulled himself off and out of each girl, ripping the covers off them, forcing Meeko into the middle of the bed and spreading her legs apart. Making himself comfortable and at home between her slender legs, he leaned his face into take a deep inhale. "God you smell so good..." he licked his lips hungrily. He let his fingers first tease her, pushing her panties carefully to the side with his other hand, squeezing her clit between his index and middle, before leaning his face down more and sliding his tongue flat across her lips. He inhaled again. "Intoxicating..." he whispered before he took her sensitive swelling bean behind his lips. His tongue lapped and sucked at her swollen and soaking pussy as his one other hand now trailed over, his face keeping her underwear to the side, as he worked Connie's body still, his hand twisting and massaging her needy hen. She moaned out in pure bliss, her body shaking from all the various sensations she was feeling.

Meeko too was enjoying the pleasure that Biziil was giving her as his tongue explored every inch of her innermost depths. The intensity of this moment had taken over all three of them, and it showed no signs of ceasing anytime soon. Meeko’s head fell back lazily, her eyes rolling to the back of her head, as she let out a pleasured cry. Rolling her hips downward into Biz’s actions, but despite as well as everything was going…the ginger haired girl felt the cold’s symptoms creeping up behind the scenes.

She tried holding herself into this current reality but what was really happening inside her sinuses was running the show. Her nostrils flared gently, back and forth as it built up behind her nose. “O-oh..n-eHT’ScHu!!” She blew, spraying in front of her as speckled bits of saliva drifted over her own features as well as her chest.

“B-bless you…” Connie whimpered gently, not allowing the intense pleasure of their bear’s palm ever let her neglect their girl. Biziil groaned in his chest, still sliding his mouth in calculated motions but unable to hide how much it turned him on to hear their mute speak in such passionate settings. Caring so deeply that their little wolf was heard. The room filled with sound of soft sniffles, moving mouths, and muffled moans.

Biziil felt himself becoming more aggressive with his movements as the two girls moaned and begged for more. His tongue pressed harder against Meeko's swollen clit, his hands massaging and exploring Connie's body in ways that he thought would evoke louder sounds from her. The intensity of this moment was too much to handle, every moan and sound echoing off the walls and vibrating through their bodies. Biziil could feel himself about to explode as he explored both these beautiful women in front of him, his body filled with such a deep satisfaction that words couldn't describe it.

He hadn't felt like this in years; no longer was he the shy boy he once was, instead replaced by a passionate lover who knew just how to please his two beauties. His hunger only seemed to grow as he continued to pleasure the two of them mercilessly. Meeko's body trembled, legs shaking violently as she felt herself fall over the edge of pleasure, her orgasm washing over her as she arched her back in sheer ecstasy her mouth falling open in a long loud moan. "Hhaaah~ Beeaarr... pleade...I need yob...i-inside..." her face breaking out in a full blush as she begged for him to fill her up.

Connie too urged him on, wrapping her hand around his wrist to tug him forward, trailing hot wet kisses down Meeko's neck and chest, her breathing labored from a stuffy nose. She whispered sweet words of encouragement, a rare moment for them both to witness their mute being so vocal with their girlfriend, advocating for their little mutt's pleasure, as if urging him to give Meeko what she needed. Both girls were filled with such overwhelming lust that it seemed almost too much to bear, and yet they both couldn't get enough. In a matter of minutes their bodies had gone from teasing each other slowly to an intense frenzy, all three of them desperately wanting more.

The desire was so intense that it seemed almost too much for the three of them to handle - but none of them wanted it to end. Biziil slowly slid his fully hardened cock inside of Meeko's tight awaiting walls, her body welcoming him in with open arms and letting out a loud moan. His desire to please these two beautiful women seemed to have no limits as he grabbed Connie in a fistful of hair, pulling her back up to him as he reunited his lips with hers. Their tongues intertwined delicately as his hips began to thrust forward slowly at first before picking up momentum. His movements grew more passionate and frantic with every passing second, each thrust sending shockwaves through their bodies that only seemed to grow and become more intense as time went on. Biziil simply could not get enough of them, whether it be from the blissful pleasure he derived from being between their legs or the sight of them being filled with pleasure by one another's hands; all three of them were lost in this moment, unable to escape the intensity that was radiating off them.

His breathing grew heavy and labored as the pleasure cascaded over him, Meeko panting, whimpering needlessly as she felt Biz fill her tight entrance. "B-Bunny..." she called out for her girl, who knowingly reached down to grip Meeko's splayed out hand, squeezing it tightly. Biz groaned deep from his chest, hearing his princess call out for the other. "L-let me touch y-you..." she mewled again looking up at Connie as her and their boyfriend's lips continued to move together. Though Biz currently was in charge of this task, he gracefully removed his hand, breaking the kiss long enough to watch the two connect. The little wolf's hand now gripping Connie's aching hen, slowly pumping the organ with movements so quick.

The intensity of the pleasure was too much and before any of them could do anything about it, Meeko came again, her body trembling uncontrollably as she fell back into the mattress, calling out Biziil's name in a mix of wonderment and gasp. He released his grip on the leopard’s head who sunk to their girlfriend’s side while he drove himself deeper. Connie whispering loving praises into Meeko's ear now, petting her sweaty ginger locks as her orgasm followed shortly after. Connie's hips bucking forward, freezing in place before she stuttered weakly, releasing her glitter across Meeko's chest. "That's my good girls..." Biziil praised them as he watched with hungry desire witnessing them spill over their limits.

The sight of them both satisfied and filled him with pleasure, breathing heavily from their own climaxes was too much for Biziil to bear. His body was teeming with desire to join them in bliss and now more than ever he felt the hungry urge to be deep inside his other sweet rose - his other equally beautiful and amazing girl. He released himself from Meeko's embrace, grabbing Connie by her waist as he rolled her across Meeko's stomach. Their bodies forming a cross between the two, he positioned himself behind Connie before gently spreading apart her ass cheeks as he slowly began pushing his already soaked cock deep into her tight walls. Connie released a shuddering moan, her voice cracking halfway through, her back arching against their girlfriend under her.

He moaned deeply, gritting his teeth as his eyes closed shut, his hands gripping tightly onto her plump ass cheeks while they both moved together in perfect symphony. Each thrust feeling better than the last; the pleasure was threatening to overtake him as Meeko started to lovingly play with Connie's hair, whispering naughty words to her. "That's my pretty girl...that's right honey...take every inch..shh.." she cooed at her girlfriend who could only cry out pathetically in response. "You're so good for us..." sliding her hand now under Connie's body, finding one of her erect and waiting buds, pulling and twisting on it tenderly.

Biziil used both his hands to keep her ass cheeks perfectly spread in order to watch his cock disappear inside her. Her body trembling in delight as she fully lost herself in the pleasure his thrusts brought her. The sight was too much and within moments he could feel himself reaching closer and closer towards orgasm, unable to contain himself any further as a loud groan ripped through his lips.

He came deep into Connie, his fingers digging deeply into her cheeks as he kissed her neck softly, the last few thrusts colliding with her prostate and sending her over the edge. Her orgasm hitting her so hard she nearly blacked out, but managed to keep herself conscious enough to enjoy every second of it. The sight of them both drained and satisfied by one another's touch was truly wondrous; Meeko praising them both for their actions and accomplishments as they all three snuggled up close to each other tightly in exhaustion. "That....was so amazing....I even think....my sinuses are a bit more clear...." Meeko huffed tiredly her head resting now on that of Biziil's shoulder. He chuckled breathlessly, leaning down to kiss her on the top of her messy ginger head.

"Glad I could satisfy, m'lady," cracking a side smirk before looking over at Connie. The sight of her face so peaceful and relaxed, as she slowly drifted into dreamland was too much for him to ignore. He smiled gently at her before whispering his goodnights in her ear, leaning down to give her a tender and loving hug. "Isnt she so beautiful?" Meeko asked softly as they both turned their gaze onto her.

"You both are simply breathtaking....I'm truly the luckiest man in this whole galaxy and beyond..." his kind words sending a wave of adoration and love over the girl, scooting in closer to him. Biz looked over now at his little wolf, unable to stop himself from smiling lovingly down at her. The ginger haired girl couldn't help but blush lightly, her lime green eyes making contact with deep lilac orbs.

"I love you, Bear," she said softly, followed by a lazy yawn that left her lips.

"I love you too, Little Wolf," his words being followed by a long melodic purr and nuzzle into her hair. "I love you too, Bunny," Biziil chimed in once more as he placed a loving kiss atop Connie's sleeping head.

"I love you...all," Meeko whispered out weakly losing her battle with the sand man, letting out a long sigh before finally drifting off into a peaceful slumber.

The end

Author’s Notes: 🫠🫠🫠🫠 stop it I literally love them so much it hurts. I hope you guys enjoyed 👉🏻👈🏻

[boissonsaumiel]

Mead Making for the Blithe and Erratic: A Tutorial

For a One Gallon Batch:

Ingredients ($20USD+):

~3lbs (48oz, 1.5L) raw, unprocessed honey

~2.5quarts (2.4L) drinking water

1 packet of dry yeast

Supermarkets typically sell honey in 1lb/16oz containers or smaller. You can find 3lb containers if you order online. Make sure to buy raw, unprocessed honey. The pasteurization process may destroy the anti-bacterial enzymes that protect your batch from contamination during the initial stages of the brewing process.

If you trust your tap water enough to drink it you can use that, otherwise you can buy a gallon of whatever bottled spring water you prefer (just don't use mineral water or distilled water).

Wine yeast is preferred, but bread yeast works too; the resulting mead will have slightly lower alcohol content if made with bread yeast. Note: mead with higher alcohol content is more shelf-stable.

Equipment ($10USD+):

1 gallon carboy set (includes 1gal./3.8L glass brewing vessel plus drilled rubber stopper w/ airlock; sold as a unit for $15 on amazon)

brewing siphon (about $5+ on amazon; DO NOT get a petrol siphon; product must be made with food safe materials)

optional: 1gal. airtight drink dispenser with spigot** (see footnotes)

If you'd rather not pay for a glass carboy, you can instead use any empty plastic gallon-sized milk/juice jug you have lying around. You'll still need to get an airlock ($2+ on amazon). Punch a hole through the lid of your plastic jug to attach the airlock (borrow your neighbor's drill), then seal off any potential air leaks with food-safe cling wrap, Elmer's glue, or some other non-toxic sealant.

Steps:

Add honey* to the brewing vessel + enough lukewarm drinking water to fill it 85% full.

Let the honey fully dissolve in the water. Stir it, or screw on the lid and shake it.

Add 1 tsp yeast.

Kill the remainder of the yeast packet in half a cup of boiling water (you can nuke it in the microwave) and add that too. It gives the yeast some extra nutrients to help it ferment.**

Add a little more water until your fermenting vessel is 85-90%full.

Put in the rubber stopper/airlock.

Store the carboy somewhere room temperature. Ideal fermenting temperatures vary depending on the yeast. Wine-strength mead ages well at room temperature (64-75º F). Mead with a lower alcohol level should be aged at slightly cooler temperatures.

Swish the liquid in the carboy around once a day for the first 5 days, to make sure the honey really is fully dissolved and not settling to the bottom.

Wait for fermentation to finish (usually 3 or 4 weeks but it may take longer) -> when air bubbles stop coming out of the airlock, it's done fermenting (give it a couple weeks after it seems to have stopped to be extra sure).

Your mead will still be cloudy at this point. Remove any solids you might have put in the brew like fruit or spices (you can use a metal sieve, or cheese cloth, or a coffee filter, or whatever you have on hand to strain it), and seal off the container (be SURE fermentation has stopped, because you can EXPLODE your container if you seal it off when fermentation is still going.***

Wait for the mead to clear. All the yeast/particulates from the honey will slowly settle to the bottom of the container now that it has completed fermentation. This might take several weeks, or even several months**** depending on which honey you used.

Transfer the cleared mead into a new container(s), leaving behind any particulates and dead yeast that have settled to the bottom of the container.

At this point (3-4 months after you started the batch) you can go ahead and drink it, OR if it doesn't taste good yet, you can continue to let it age for up to 2 years in an airtight container***** in a temperature controlled root cellar/wine cellar/wine fridge.

Best served cold. Chill before drinking.

.

*If the honey is too thick to pour directly into the carboy, warm a half gallon of water in a large pot pot (no hotter than 95°F/35°C, which is the internal temperature of a beehive -> DO NOT boil) and let the honey dissolve in it before adding it to carboy.

**You can also buy commercial yeast nutrient. Or you can not add any nutrient and your mead will probably still come out fine, but it might take longer to ferment and require more aging to taste good.

***If your container is a conventional jar/jug, you will need to buy a brewing siphon for step 10. If, however, you use a jar/jug with an attached spigot, you will not need a siphon.

The spigot will allow you to pour off the cleared mead, while leaving behind any unwanted residue that has settled to the bottom of the container. Do TEST the spigot first to make sure it doesn't leak.

****I know I said you could us a plastic jug, but once the fermentation is complete you should transfer it to a glass container(s) to let it clear. You can buy additives to make it clear faster by searching for "brewing clarifiers" online. Or you can just drink it cloudy if it passes your personal taste test.

*****If you want it to have an oaky flavor, you can age it in an oak barrel, or you can get the same effect by adding oak chips to the batch before sealing it off in a glass container.

.

I see a lot of brewing guides tell you that yeast nutrient is absolutely necessary. My mead has always tasted fine without it. YMMV.

You can buy additional equipment to measure exactly how alcoholic your mead is and exactly what the pH is in your carboy etc., etc., but I just don't see the point unless you're a professional brewer making mead with intent to sell.

Some mead guides will tell you that you need to buy special sanitizer and use special gloves and build a special cleanroom to avoid contamination. Contamination risk is higher if you're doing a fruit mead using a fruit that rots easily like raspberries. But if you stick to basics, risk is low since both raw honey and the alcohol it is converted into have anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties. Just wash & rinse your hands and your equipment with regular dish soap.

Honestly, as long as you don't let any NYC sewer rats piss directly in your carboy and you should be fine.

[yourmomswallet]

Hot and Large

Simon “Ghost” Riley x GN!Reader

Summary: As an underpaid barista trying to make it through college, the unlimited amount of cold brew and caffeine is a plus, as well as a certain customer. (Civilian slice of life type deal)

A/N: What I”m writing about has happened to me personally. I’d like to receive financial compensation, but all I got was this stupid one-shot fic w Meow-Meow of the month :// 

Starting the day off with a good cup of coffee seems like the cultural norm of the world. While not being on duty, Simon thinks he seems normal enough taking his early morning run before hitting the local café closest to his house. This became a normal part of his day, grabbing a hit of caffeine that wasn’t carbonated or in a can. Despite being in his civvies and having a neutral manner about him, walking into the café to join the queue made him feel like an outlier compared to the others sipping on their cappuccinos and americanos inside.

He towered over the customers lined up. Not that it really mattered to him but being watched by strangers didn’t exactly make him ecstatic. Not that they could see his face, what with the black facemask on. He just wanted to get in, get coffee, get out. No extra syrups, milk substitutes, or whipped cream.

The change started with the new register worker. Rarely seeming to want to be behind that counter, making smiles genuine when they happened, and being quick with orders. The first encounter starts with him looking the worker in the eyes while uttering his large black coffee. Typical of most of society, they have to stare up at him if they wish to look him in the face, but the way the barista looks at him makes him feel even more exposed than he usually does in the café. He fumbles with his card as he pays, voice wavering when they ask him what his name is.

“Oh, uh. Ghost.”

Damnit. Panic.

Lifting an eyebrow, the barista looks up from the cup they’re marking to make sure that’s what he said.

“Ghost, as in a poltergeist? A spectre, if you will?”

“Nickname of mine.” That’s enough elaboration that a stranger will get from him, even if they have sparkling eyes and a charming way of making little noises when placing the cups down on the bar counter.

“Alright, “Ghost.” Your coffee’ll be ready at the end of the counter.”

“Thanks.”

He ends up with a small drawing of a ghost accompanying his name.

One of his runs has him stripping of his jacket before he can make it in the café. The bulging biceps and tattoos adorning his arms has everyone’s attention. Walking to the queue, he notices his little register worker isn’t there. Looking about the room, he can’t the one person he really wanted to see.

The relationship between Simon and you had progressed to cutting up with each other before he leaves to wait for his coffee on the other side of the room. He can’t really say your jokes are any better than his, but he enjoys them all the same, offering a deep chuckle or scoffing and quick “Shut up” in response.

“Black coffee, large and hot.” Looking up from reaching for his wallet, he sees the worker has suddenly turned into you. 

“Looks like I need to get a ticket.”

“For what exactly?” He takes the bait.

“For the gun show that just walked in.” You laugh a bit, pointing to the card reader for him to pay. “Any way I can upgrade to a private?”

The way he looks away for a second makes your cheesy line all the more worth it. He forgot that his jacket wasn’t on his torso anymore but wrapped around his waist for convenience. Obviously, he’s a specimen of a man, one you wouldn’t mind getting to know more about. Strong hits seem a little overkill, but it never hurts to be thorough with men.

“‘Fraid I’m unable to squeeze you in. Raincheck?” He asks half expecting the banter to have stopped.

“I’ll keep you to that, Ghostie.”

Next time you see him, he has a friend with him: somewhat shorter with a mohawk and also dressed running attire.

“Already got you, Ghostie. What about your friend?” You tilt your head towards him.

“Ghostie? Cute nickname.” He laughs as he looks at Simon. “Dinnae what I should get, Ghostie.”

“Ignore him. Same as me, add sugar.”

“You know you’re the talk of the bar, right? Mr. Tall, Tatted, and Handsome? And everyone knows you’re going for a particular grump, right? So like, I’m surprised you’ve gone this long without saying anything. Are you two together but like, hush hush?”

Simon can only blink at the word vomit that came out of the coworker’s mouth after he puts his card in the chip reader. The beeps from the machine telling him to remove the card snaps him out of it. He didn’t know you called out today. He would’ve just skipped the coffee trip if he’d known.

“Not one to kiss and tell.”

“Well, if you’d like me to pass a message on, you know where to find me.”

He says his thanks before waiting for his name to be called.

Walking out of the café, he takes a sharp turn before running into a smaller figure. The lid of the hot coffee pops off from how hard he squeezes it, allowing the hot liquid to spill over his jacket.

“I’m so sorry. I was too fast approaching the do-” you pause when you see him.

His eyes widen a bit he sees how you’re dressed. Biking shorts, a light jacket with headphones around your neck, and trainers.

“You should be, love. This is, now was my best jacket for running. Can’t run in this soaking wet thing, now can I?” he questions teasingly.

“You remember that raincheck? Looks like your jacket could use a clean, and I could use a good show.”

“You've no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.”