#the commute's not as nice but it's like. next door to where i used to work for two years so it's a v familiar commute.

[jemandtherobots]

having to take back most of what i've said about linkedin bcos last month i went to a meeting with some folks who do basically what i do but Slightly Different and their offices are also much nicer and i joked about applying to work with them instead. and one of the people is one of those adds everyone they meet on linkedin people. and today i get a random linkedin email and i'm like ugh whatever i'll go see what's on there. and what's on there is this colleague sharing a job listing that i might genuinely apply for. hashtag networking.

[twice-inamillion]

The Company

Strangers

Smut and Story Building (Stranger sex, teasing, rebound sex, deep penetration, creampie, blowjob) 

Chapter 5

2,610 Words

(Jessica and you have dinner together after her failed attempt to meet with her friends. She complains about her ex and you find your way to fuck her at the end, maybe a little too good. Now she can’t go to her ex or any other man after your lustful adventure.)

It’s been a busy couple of weeks in your personal and professional life. You haven’t had a chance to rest, besides the occasion blowjob at the office. This week, you’ve finalized two groups that will be debuting in the near future. You’ve waited so long for your first group to debut that you couldn’t help but support them the best you could. You made the decision to move them out of their cramped dorms and into a nicer and more spacious apartment meant for confirmed idol groups.

Wanting to see their reaction, you disguise yourself as staff and help them move in. You can’t help but smile at their reaction when they see their new apartment. You and IU give them a tour and get furniture arranged to their liking. As you carry some of the heavy items, you can’t help but notice one of the members eyeing you from time to time. “Where do you want this box?” She walks between you, points at where she wants her item and continues to follow you around. You then hear, “Jennie, stop following him and come help us bring these boxes.” You see Jennie’s face turn red from the comment that her groupmate Jisoo made. 

After a couple of hours, the five members thank you for your help, and you let them know to inform IU if you need any help, to which they happily agree.

——————

You’re heading up the elevator when it stops. The door opens, and you see a familiar figure. 

“Jessica?”

“Ahh, yes,” bowing after realizing you’re Taeyeon and IU’s boss. 

“Don’t need to be formal. Feel free to speak freely.”

“Okay.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to surprise IU and Taeyeon, but they’re not home.”

“Oh… I think they’re busy until late tonight.”

You can see her reaction change and say, “Seems like something is bothering you.”

“Yeah, I need to talk to them about something.”

“If you don’t mind, I’m willing to lend an ear. How about joining me for dinner?”

She stays silent and seems to think about it for a while but makes up her mind, “Yeah, I think I’ll take you on the offer.”

The two of you head to your apartment, “Wow, your place is so big. I didn’t know you had a whole floor to yourself.”

“It’s nice. I know I won’t have time to commute from home, so I moved next to the company, which makes it much easier. Want a drink?”

“Sure.”

You serve her a drink, and she sits on the stool, watching you prepare dinner. You make a nice Korean meal, and the two of you share some wine. She tells you about the problems between her members, but more about her failed relationship with her now ex-boyfriend. 

“He’s such a dumb ass. He was so scared of people finding out about our relationship that he just chose to distance each other.”

“His loss. If I was him, I wouldn’t care what people think.”

“Right, he’s such a wuss. I don’t need people like that in my life.”

“Maybe you’ll find someone that cares for you. I mean, look at you; you’re beautiful; who wouldn’t want to date you.”

“Aww, thank you. I would totally date you if you weren’t with Taeyeon,” says Jessica as she takes a sip of her wine.

“What do you mean together with Taeyeon?”

“Aren’t you to dating?”

“No, I’m not with anyone.”

“Oh… it just seemed with you were. She said you to had a thing.”

“We fucked, but nothing serious.”

“So you’re not together?”

“No.”

Jessica fixes her hair and undoes her blouse a bit, “You know, it's been a while since my ex and fucked. He was too intimidated by my popularity that he stopped giving me affection.”

“Oh really, maybe I can help you with that.”

“Hmm… I don’t know. We don’t know each other that well,” teasing you as she shows off a bit of cleavage. 

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine, but from the looks of it, you need someone to fuck you real good to make you forget that bitch of a boyfriend you had.”

She smirked at you, knowing that you hit the nail. “Not saying that I’ll let you, but if I did, what would you do to me?”

“I’ll take you right here, right now, and put you on all fours. I’ll put your ass up and shove my cock in that hungry cunt of yours and fuck you until you forget that ex of yours.” 

You could see that she was getting turned on by the way she would move her legs under the kitchen counter. You know she needs a good fucking, and she knows it as well.

“You think you can make me forget about him? You’re that good?”

“If Taeyeon told you about what do you think?”

“You’re just talking.”

You walk around the countertop, turn her stool around to face you, and say, “Just say the word, and I’ll guarantee you forget that ex of yours.” You look straight into her eyes; you can see the lust in her. You know the thin line she is about to cross; you can see it in your eye; all you need to hear is the magic words.

“Fuck me, make me forget.”

Those are the words you wanted to hear. The is no going back, especially for her. You’ll make sure you make her forget about that sad excuse of a boyfriend.

She wraps her legs around you as you pick her up from the stool and take her to the couch. She kisses you passionately on the way there, but you don’t care for that and toss her onto the couch. You take off your shirt and see her eyes widen, and biting her lip. Her reaction makes you smirk and decide to go all out. You’re not here for foreplay; you’re here to fuck the shit out of her. 

You pull off her skirt and panties, tossing them across the room, “Wow, so eager, huh.”

“I’m here to fuck you, right? Plus, I can see that you’re wet already, so let’s not waste any time.”

She nods her head, and you continue to undress, pulling down your pants and boxers, revealing your cock. 

She gasps when she sees your cock spring out and says, “Oh my god. Your cock is so big!”

“Bigger than your ex, huh.”

“Yeah, much, much bigger. His doesn’t even compare. Don’t think it’s all going to fit inside me, though.”

“It will. It fits inside of Taeyeon. I bet you’ll take me in nicely, too.”

You grab your cock and slap it on her slightly shaven cunt, just small traces of hair from not having sex in a while. She could feel the hot radiating from your cock, making her cunt leak even more.

“You like it?,” asking as you press your cock on her pelvis. “Yeah, I want you in me; make me forget of that dirtbag.”

You can help but smile as you align your rock-hard cock and slowly press the tip inside of the entrance. Jessica moans and whines, from how much you’re stretching her, “Oh my god! You’re so big!” You grab her hips with a firm grip and press your weight on her. She feels your thick cock spread her walls, “Fuck… it feels like you’re splitting me in half!”

“You’re so tight! How small was your ex? Feels like I’m the first one fucking you!”

She whines and groans as your try to insert more of your cock, “Much smaller! His cock is nothing compared to yours!”

You can’t help but laugh at the poor guy, “Damn, poor guy, but don’t worry; I’m going to stretch you real good,” as you slam your cock all the way inside Jessica’s womb. She screams in both pain and pleasure, “You’re hitting me so deep! Let me breathe a bit,” but you don’t let her. You’re here to fuck and enjoy and enjoy, so watching her whine turns you on. You increase the speed and strength of your thrusting and can see Jessica go in a state of ecstasy. Her body and mind are experiencing something they have never experienced before. 

You can’t help but smile at the sight of Jessica’s eyes rolling back and making her into a complete mess. It’s not long until she ends up having an orgasm, her body squirming, “Ahh… ahh, fuck! What’s going on? Why is my body feeling so hot? I feel like I’m going to pee!” and cries as she sprays you of liquid when you pinch her clit.

You pull your cock and are sprayed with Jessica’s liquid and see her panting. You immediately plugged your cock back inside of her, causing her to cough violently from the sudden pain of her womb getting stabbed. She tries to push you off, but it's no use. You can feel your own high arriving, and you need to see it through. 

Her walls were tight, and it was making you reach your peak; you know that it’s the first time you two actually met besides her casual visit, but you really want to cum inside of her like one of your sleeves. 

“Fuck… I’m about to cum.”

Jessica’s eyes go wide, and she says, “Wait… cum outside, pull out!”

“Nah… I’m going to cum inside!” you yell and grab her waist and blow your load inside of her. Jessica’s back arches and her body shakes as she feels your heavy white load invade her cunt. “Fuck…your pussy is milking me…”

It takes a while for Jessica to regain her composure, but after some time, she lifts her head up and says, “I told you to pull out. Why did you come in me?”

“You said you wanted to forget about your ex, right?”

“Yeah, but don’t just cum inside me.”

“Why not?”

“Just don’t. Not even my ex came inside of me,” she pouted.

“Haha, really?

“Yes, I made him wear a condom every time.”

“So that means I’m the first one to paint you white?”

“Yes…”

You can’t help yourself but get turned on again. You pick her up and carry her to the bedroom next to yours. She yelps when you toss her onto the bed and turn her over. You lift her, press her body down and lift her butt up in the air and spread her legs. 

“Wait…what are you doing?”

“What does it look like? I’m hard, and I really want to fuck you, so just relax and enjoy.”

“Wait… I’m not…” you don’t give her time to finish off her sentence as you quickly align your cock to her entrance and shove it in one go. “Oh fuck! You’re being too rough!”

You grab her ass and give it a nice feel before giving it a hard slap. Jessica groans in pain from your large hand on her rear but gets turned on. Seeing her reaction, you continue to slap her ass, every time with a heavy hand, until her ass is completely red. 

You thrust inside of her for about ten minutes until you’re at your peak once more. With your two hands, you grab her hips and bring them towards you as you place your weight on her and say, “I’m cumming! I’m going to paint your walls completely white. Your pussy is mine!”

You unload a massive amount of cum inside her, completely drowning her cunt of your seed, “Take my cum!” as Jessica’s blood comes rushing to her head. She grabs onto the bedsheets, gripping them hard as you drop your load into her cunt. “It’s too much; you’re going to drown me!”

You pull out your cock and watch your cum ooze out of her and stain the bed. “How was it?”

“Hot. I can feel the warmth right here,” she says as she points at her tummy.

———-

The two of you spend the whole night fucking, round after round. You smirk as she moans out your name and digs her nails deep into your arm as you fuck her. Anywhere from the hot tub, out on the balcony, and the shower. By the next day, she’s a mess, her womb completely yours and the shape of your massive cock. You know she’s ruined for any other man that’s not near your size. 

“Still remember your ex?”

“What ex?”

You can’t help but laugh as you enjoy a blowjob from Jessica while lying on the bed. With her hand around your cock she bobs her head. Her tongue coats every inch of you with a thick layer of saliva. You grab your phone and take a quick picture before Jessica notices. She lifts her and catches you, “Hey, what are you doing?”

You grab her head and press it back down, causing her to gag when your cock hits the back of her throat. The sudden reaction of hitting her throat causes you to bust a load. In a panic, she tries to drink as much as she can because it's too much for her and gags. You release your grip, and Jessica lifts her head up, coughing. You watch cum dripping out her mouth and back onto your pelvis. “Lick it off.” She sees your serious look and does as she’s told, licking off the cum she just spits out. 

Suddenly, her phone rings, and she grabs the phone from the nightstand. She answered the phone, and it was Taeyeon with IU. 

“Why haven’t you answered our texts? Where are you?”

“Sorry, I fell asleep after getting home.”

“Oh, okay, we’re sorry we were not able to meet yesterday. How about joining us for brunch?”

“Hmmm… I think we can…” She stops mid-sentence when she sees what’s in front of her. 

You wave your cock in front of her and whisper, “Want to go again?” 

She sees your limp cock get hard in a matter of seconds and is now at full length. She bites her lip and climbs on top of you, lifts herself to your cock, and with her free hand, aligns it to her cum stained, covered cunt before dropping her whole weight on you. She yelps from the girth and tightens her walls, “Ahh… actually, I have some last-minute things I need to take care of that might take me a while. How about meeting later next week?” 

“Oh… okay. Next week sounds good.”

“Okay, bye…” 

You grab the phone off her hands and end the call, throwing her phone at the end of the bed. “I see someone wants to go another round.”

“Shut up.”

“How about this round? Grab some breakfast after. Maybe dinner, too.” She smiles and begins to ride you. 

——————

The two of you end up sending the whole weekend fucking like animals. At the end of each session, she begs you to pump her womb with cum, even going as far as to breed her. Like a gentleman, you do as you're told and even tease about her ex; she pinches your thigh and tells you to fuck her harder. You even joke around and say, “Do you think we know each other better now?” 

[elliewluvr]

sells | ellie williams

pairing: drugdealer!ellie x f!reader

summary: ellie’s a popular known drug dealer at your college which just so happened to be hosting a large party where you and ellie bump into eachother.

content warnings: 18+ SMUT MDNI, drug use, alcohol use, partying, fingering, slight degradation and praise, reader receiving, almost getting caught, tons of kisses

dont purchase tlou2! support palestine 🇵🇸

<3

there you were, laying in your dorm room with an face mask on that was in the middle of moisturizing and cleansing your pores.

outside of your door, you could hear girls laughing as they walked down the halls to head to an assumed party that everyone has been raving about for the past week.

you on the other hand, WERENT interested in going, despite the amount of messages your friends and classmates sent you in hopes of you showing up.

it wasnt that you hated parties or wasnt invited, you just didnt want to go to this party in particular since the people hosting it are pretty much all dicks.. most of them playing girls left to right on campus or just being all around too much.

you let out a sigh, rolling over onto your stomach as you checked through your messages, immediately clicking on the messages between you and your best friend.

her: arent you coming to the party tonight?

you: not tn, i think im gonna stay in and watch movies tonight

you paused touching your face mask a bit as it began to grow a bit tight on your face, standing up to head into your conjoined bathroom that you and your next doormate over you shared.

after about five minutes, your phone buzzed on your bathroom sink, making you pick up the device to read the following messages.

her: hell no, u promised u come out with me tonight

her: u already missed the last party

you rolled your eyes, furrowing your eyebrows a bit annoyed before feeling yourself let out a sigh.

you: girl..

you: fine, ill be ready soon. just give me 30 minutes.

her: kk, come to my room

you rolled your eyes playfully, liking her message before plugging your phone up to get some extra juice into the battery. you began to wash your face after turning on some music of course, trying to get yourself in a party mood upon leaving

grabbing your makeup bag once you were done with washing your face, starting on your makeup.

—

as promised, you were ready with 30 minutes. your hair freshly flat ironed and your makeup flawless, nearly perfect as always. you were dressed in a simple croptop and shorts that paired nicely with your converse.

spraying a few sprays on your key points before analyzing yourself in the mirror, applying a bit of lip gloss on your lips.

you grabbed your phone and purse, turning off any lights before you proceeded to leave your dorm. the commute from you and your best friend was literally down the hall.

you looked up, waving at a few of your peers who occasionally said hi and smiled sweetly in your direction. after getting past all the people who were rushing out of their rooms with their friends and girls running down the hall holding hands.

you finally reached your destination, your knuckles raising to gently knock at her decorated door, the slight smell of weed and perfume coating your nose once the door opened.

“heyy, come in.” she said, smiling at you before analyzing your outfit, “you look cute babe.” she said, laying a slap your ass once she allowed you into the room. you bursted out into laughter, fanning your hand at her before sitting on her bed.

“you had your chance but you decided to cheat on me with.. whats his name?” you said playfully, laying a finger on your chin almost as if you were thinking. she laughed, closing her door behind you as she immediately went back to sit down at her vanity, grabbing her curling iron to finish up her hair.

“i thought youd be ready by now.” you said while you watched her finger comb her curls, her hand grabbing her lip liner that was laid open on her desk.

“i am, just making sure i look perfect. you know whos gonna be there tonight.” she said before standing to look at her outfit through the mirror, turning around to get a good view of how her ass looked her miniskirt while smirking to herself. you on the other hand let out an laugh, instantly knowing who she was referring to.

her ex. the same ex who tried to kiss a girl while she was tutoring him.. also the same ex who was hosting this party and more than likely got another girls number due to your best friend not being there for the past two hours. crazy, i know.

“i thought you were over him, what happened?” you asked, earning a sigh from her as she grabbed her keys and her purse, throwing her head back dramatically almost like she was too over this conversation to continue it through. she opened the door to her dorm, “well remember how i told you he showed up to my room a few days ago?”

“mhm? dont tell me you fell for it again.” you said before standing to follow behind her, closing the door on your way out as the two of you began to walk down the hallway that was surprising empty now.

“i cant help myself around him, he came over did that trick with his tongue that i told you about.” she said, making your jaw drop and laugh, “oh fuck no, he just had to do that trick again.” you said, letting out a sigh of laughter, looking over at her.

—

there was an good little 10 minute walk to the frat house, the walk accompanied by laughter and a bit of gossiping about eachothers love life but once the two of you made it there safely, the fun began. people were everywhere, some laid in the lawn, some talking outside, while others stumbled around, and danced drunkenly to the music that was slightly muffled due to being outside.

you looked around, a bit in awe from half of the campus being at this very party that you were so tempted on turning down. “girl come on, we have to get drinks.” your best friend said, grabbing your wrist to pull you into the crowded and hot house.

for all the windows to be opened, it surely was too muggy to be in for too long. there was people dancing on eachother, playing drinking games, smoking, and even an few who were making out. it was wild, your shoulders brushing past others that were crowded around watching the whole ordeal.

once you reached the kitchen, you grabbed a red solo cup that was stacked up for the guests, “i didnt expect the party to be so packed tonight, theres so many people here.” you said, speaking over the music that blasted through the house analyzing the jungle juice that was made for the guests in a large jug.

you place your cup under the spout and pulled down the lever, letting your cup fill up a little bit over half way before letting it go and stepping back for your best friend.

“yeah, i told you it was gonna be alot of people here.” your best friend said, smiling as she did the same to pour herself some as well. you both moved a bit off the side, allowing the other people there to get their cups refilled or whatever else.

you smiled, looking around a bit before taking a couple of sips of the liquor which made your face scrunch up in disgust, “this shit tastes like acid.” you said, watching as your best friend looked at you and instantly bursted out into laughter.

“girl it cant be that bad.” she said, still laughing a bit as she raised her cup to sniff it first before taking a sip. she instantly made the same face as you, shaking her head ‘no’ in the midst of swallowing it.

“yeah no, that shit needs a chaser.” you said, leaning back against the wall behind you as you almost instantly spotted no other than your best friends ex, his eyes traveling up and down her body a bit before meeting yours, “look who it is.” you said, using your elbow to lightly tap hers.

“should i?” she asked while looking over at you for permission. you nodded, “go get your man.” you said, although you didnt wanna be alone. the two of you are both adults so you encouraged it and besides, when shes with him, shes happier.

she smiled at you, laying a gentle peck on your cheek before throwing back the liquor in the plastic cup, making a face from the taste. after her reaction, she let out a simple, “ill be back, if you go anywhere else make sure to text me and tell me.” she yelled over the music, making her way over to him after you nodded at her, “have fun.” you said.

you took a sip of your own liquor, leaning against the wall in the non crowded kitchen. you were dancing a bit to the music that was playing, the bass of the music hitting your ears throughout the large house.

a few moments passed along with a few drinks, at this point you were drunker than you thought you were and upon your friend not returning, you were starting to get a bit paranoid. constantly yanking your shorts down that seemed to ride up continuously.

‘just had to drink more than anticipated huh.’ you thought to yourself, shaking your head before pulling out your phone to check your messages, nothing new coming up due to everyone being here at the party.

“you gotta lighter?” you heard a raspy but smooth voice say. the voice easily decipherable, looking up to be faced with the girl you sat next to in ap calculus. the same girl who made you laugh by saying slick remarks about the teacher or how fucking stupid she thought math was.

“uh. yeah, let me check.” you said, smiling a bit. she looked so good, some of her hair pulled back out of her face which helped you see her freckled features along with how plump and pink her lips looked.

she nodded, smiling a little, “thanks, someone fucking stole mine after i let them light their crooked ass joint with it.” she said, instantly gaining a laugh from you who dug in their purse to take out the cute little rick and morty lighter you got when you were back home visiting for the summer.

“here you go.” you said, handing it to her earning a “thank you.” over the music. you watched as she took the blunt from behind her ear with her long veiny fingers to place the blunt between her plump pink lips. ellie lit it, smoke clouding in front of you once she got it burning.

she sucked the smoke in before inhaling it a few times, noticing your eyes on her every move made her let out a laugh, “you look pretty.” she heard her say, immediately getting snatched from your thoughts.

you tried to hold back from how happy the compliment made you however your face gave up on you the second you rolled your eyes playfully and began to smile, “thank you, so do you.” you said, making her lean forward to hear you better, her unisex cologne hitting your nostrils rather quickly before she leaned back and brought the blunt back to her lips to take a few more inhales.

“oh yeah?” she asked after blowing the smoke to the side to avoid your face. you nodded, watching while she extended her arm to pass the blunt to you. you grabbed it from her, your soft fingers meeting with hers as your long red nails caught her attention.

she leaned forward again, beginning to speak in your ear, “lets find somewhere more private. its so loud, i can hardly hear you and im shitty at reading lips.” she laughed a bit, making you get goosebumps from how close she was.

you laughed at her words to distract yourself from being nervous, earning a simple, “okay, ‘cmon.” you said back into her ear, she nodded upon grabbing your hand to let you lead her. her eyes trailing from your waist to your ass before walking through the party itself.

you looked around a bit before spotting the crowded staircase, walking up the steps and letting a few ‘excuse me’s pass your lips when there was people with their backs turned talking.

your eyes landed on the unoccupied bathroom, deciding to just pull her in there since the door was wide open with the light on. you walked in first, turning to face ellie once the two of you were finally in. ellie shut the door behind the both of you, your lower back pressing against the bathroom sink as you inhaled the smoke and looked at the auburnette in front of you.

there was a tiny bit of awkwardness between the two of you, ellies eyes looking at you whilst you blew out the smoke and returned the same eye contact, “oh yeah, here.” her slightly raspy voice let out before she handed you back the lighter in exchange for the blunt.

you grabbed the lighter back from her, eyes landing on her digits and how long they were. long, slender, and veiny hands along with a sexy forearm tattoo that you knew for a fact would look so good wrapped around your neck.

you attempted to get yourself out the nasty thoughts, looking away a bit nervous almost as if she could hear them herself. she hit the joint and tilted her head at you, “what made you come out tonight, i never seen you at these kind of parties.” ellie said.

ellie was good with faces due to how many people she ran into on daily bases, she just automatically knew who was who by how they looked or what outfit they were wearing that day. regardless of being the campus plug, she couldn’t remember everyones names. only the people she would sell to repeatedly.

“oh? well yeah, i havent been to any this semester.. just been alot more home sick than usual.” you said, looking at her who was stood in front of you. she let out an sigh, “yeah, after my freshman year, i was feeling the same.” she said as she fixed the blunt in her pointer and thumb fingers.

“itll go away soon just, i dont know.. fucking think about how good its gonna feel once all of this is over.” she said with a shrug before handing you the blunt back, “im trying.” you said, grabbing the blunt and earning a hum from her.

“shit, i meant to ask you if you could help me study.” she said as you looked up from the blunt between your between your fingers, hitting it. as much as you hated to admit it, you were crossfaded and it happened so damn fast.

ellies weed was always good, making people have one of the best highs ever. your eyes were already bloodshot red and your words were slurring previously to smoking with ellie.

“yeah sure, let me give you my number.” you said, passing the now small blunt back to her, she threw it into the toilet, putting it out due to it touching the water, “yeah sure. here.” she said, pulling her phone from her pocket to give it to you.

you typed your number into the create a new contact, making your name something simple before handing it back, “thanks, ill text you after this.” she said, saving it and slipping the phone back into where she took it from. you nodded, looking at her who turned her attention back to you, starting up yet another conversation after the next.

the two of you talked for what felt like hours but since you two werent sober, it was realistically 10-20 minutes. you ended up just sitting on the counter connected to the sink, looking at the girl in front of you who was practically standing between your legs. you paid no attention to it, not minding the closeness once the weed was high in your system, easing your nerves.

“thats so fucking funny” you replied, laughing at the bizarre story she told you about how her friend walked in on her and his ex cuddling. “literally man, i wasnt even dressed in shit but boxers and a tank top.” she said, laughing a bit herself before placing her hands on either side of your thighs.

you noticed this, your laughter dying down once your eyes landed on her lips that were a bit flushed due to the alcohol and amount of times shes smoked today. your eyes drifted all over her from her hands to her arms, and now from her eyes to her lips.

“cant keep your eyes off me, huh?” she asked you who was still a bit fixated on her lips while she smirked, “maybe.” you said, feeling yourself grow a bit bold once you noticed she could tell where your eyes were.

“must want me to kiss you too, huh? ive noticed how you been looking at me all tonight, making me nervous.” ellie said, smirking a bit slyly as she sat her hands on your thighs, rubbing them gently.

“is this okay?” she asked, tilting her head at you. you felt your body give into the touch. you were already touch starved due to your ex being at another college almost 3 hours away and upon cutting ties with the girl you were fucking in your freshman year, lets just say you were desperate for physical touch in the slightest way.

you thought for a quick second, nodding your head to her words before placing your hands on her shoulders, lets admit it. you did have a tiny crush on ellie. the way she’d swing her pen or pencil over and under her fingers effortlessly in class.

the way she’d always come to sit beside you since the semester started, often making jokes thatll have you holding in your laughter. the way she’d give you side eyes mid lecture, making you have to turn your head away from your professor to prevent getting caught. not to mention the way she’d always find something to compliment you on.

although you were in your sophomore year of college and was supposed to be having the most hookups and one night stands one could have, you didnt. the thought of fucking someone who couldve fucked half the school just wasn’t something you were interested in. the amount of girls fighting over men and women who just couldn’t care less about them just wasnt what you wanted to be caught in.

even though ellie was an well known junior around school who sold weed to pretty much everyone without getting caught, she knew and was friends with alot of the people who were pretty much ‘head of school’, known by all people who attended your college. however she was alot like you, not too fond on fucking alot of people either.

the only person she was truly interested in was dina, a popular senior who seemed to have good grades but yet, always made time to attend every party there was. she was the life of the party, often coming in and making the party more packed than usual. did i mention dina and ellie are exes?

despite the two of them being broken up, ellie and her still remained good friends regardless of anything which was good. since the breakup with dina, el’s focused on selling and keeping her grades good enough so joel wouldn’t scold her and come to her dorm to personally do it face to face, ending it with “you got that, kiddo?”

all until she ran into you.

what you didnt know was that she had a mini crush on you as well, too awkward to admit it nor ask you out due to the fear of rejection. there was plenty of girls who practically threw themselves at ellie but she was never interested, letting a laugh pass her lips awkwardly before simply saying, “sorry. i cant.”

the two of you looked at eachother for a moment, eyes trailing from eachothers faces to lips, ultimately making one another lean forward. your lips connecting in a slow peck. you both pulled away, lips still close together as you wrapped your arms around her neck to lean back in, placing a now deepen kiss on her soft pout, her arms pulling you off from the counter to palm your ass in her hands.

she smirked against your lips whilst sliding her hands up your cropped shirt. she made sure to make the kiss deep and controlled, letting her hands glide over your satin bra. “good girl.” she mumbled against your lips, taking an hand from under your shirt to your neck as she placed an knee between your thighs, making you whine into the kiss.

you felt your stomach growing a bit tight while your purse slipped from your shoulder to the floor, a soft gasp for air passing through your lips as the kiss progressed. her hands sliding back up your shirt to palm your breasts. “fuck.” you let out softly, eyebrows furrowing while she pulled away to kiss and suck your neck. this feeling making you a bit needy, deciding to buck your hips forward against her knee.

oh how that was a bad decision, the action making ellie pull away to land an slap on one of your thighs, making you squeal, “be patient, dont get needy or ill stop.” she said, her eyes low and red. you felt yourself nod subconsciously, obeying her commands while she unbuttoned your shorts to slide a hand into your panties, “im gonna make you cum on my fingers, do you understand?”

you nodded, watching in awe as she slipped her hand under your bra to massage your nipple, her fingers rubbing between your slit at an agonizing pace. ellie let out a sigh, watching your face closely while being sure not to stop her fingers from rubbing and massaging your clit, “fuck!” you let out, eyes glossing over whilst you wrapped your hands around her tatted forearm.

“feels good, huh? such a pretty girl for me. open.” she said, smirking happily prior to drawing circles over your budded clit, your pussy practically dripping in her palm as she lifted her free hand to her neck. you opened your mouth, moans coming from you nonstop with no words since your mind was too fogged to even start a sentence. ellie pushed two of her fingers into you, your insides gripping around her digits desperately.

the auburn haired girl nodded while looking at you, sticking her tongue out to kiss you sloppily as she curled her fingers in you in search of your spot. you couldn’t help but moan into the kiss, arms wrapping around her neck before gasping out in pleasure, your head falling back, “ellie! dont stop!” you moaned, feeling her place kisses on your chin.

“thats.. right there!” you whimpered, “yeah? listen to how you sound. take it babe.” she said in an raspy tone, making your legs tremble. ellie curled and yanked at your spot, her eyes completely latched onto you as you stared back at her with furrowed brows, teary eyes, and slightly parted lips.

“i want you to come all over my fingers.. let it all out for me baby.” she said, feeling your legs grow a bit more weak which caused her to grab ahold of your waist out of reflex, holding you upright. you felt your stomach tightening, your pussy gushing and squelching over her fingers that repeatedly pushed into your spot. your mouth fell open as your breathing grew heavy, your chest beginning to rise and fall quickly.

“im gonna cum!” you let out, earning a hum from ellie before nodding, “cum for me, give it to me baby.” she said, smiling while watching you. your eyes rolled back in awe, her fingers speeding up quickly, “pretty girl, look at you.” she said as you started to clench over her fingers, cumming on her fingers and in your panties.

ellie smiled, “goodjob, you like my fingers huh?” she said, leaning in to kiss you while you panted against her lips, slipping her fingers out of your pussy to rub your sensitive clit that was throbbing from the orgasm and not being touched.

the feeling made you whimper into the kiss, hips trembling and shaking, “why dont i go back to your dorm with you?” she said against your lips before pulling away, “yes please.” you moaned, her fingers continuing. the two of you jumped at the sound of there being banging on the door, the sound of the doorknob twisting made ellie tear her hand from inside your pants once the door opened.

“motherfucker! someone’s in here!” ellie yelled, pushing the door back shut with an look of frustration covering her features. frantically you turned around to button your shorts and pick your purse up from the floor while ellie started to wash her hands from your juices.

‘were we that fucked up we forgot to lock the door?’ you thought to yourself, ellies words cutting you off. “i mean what the fuck? people dont know how to knock now and days?” she said, completely annoyed. you on the other hand acknowledged how cute she looked frustrated, watching her through the mirror as her eyebrows scrunched together.

once she finished drying her hands, ellie snatched open the door, immediately being greeted with an long line of people behind the door. “cmon ellie.” you said to her who gave aggravated looks back to everyone else who mugged the two of you, making you place a hand on her lower back to push her out.

as entertaining it would’ve been to see an fight, you werent interested in seeing it at that moment. more so ready to get in pajamas and cuddle.

“well, back to my dorm huh?”

“yeah. of course.”

<3

part 2!

my direct link to my masterlist

thank you for reading, i hope you enjoyed!

[mymoodwriting]

3.8k, deja vu au, reader appears in the end, alcohol, drinking, depression, past relationship, amnesia, gaslighting, manipulation, denial, character deaths, implied character deaths, car accident, lingering spirits, traveling dimensions, 99% certain you will cry, I cried writing this (@starillusion13)

“Hey… it’s me again…”

Yeonjun laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling while he was on the phone. There was so much he wanted to say, but it was hard to find the words at times.

“I know you’re busy but… you know it’d be nice to hear your voice again… I’m really-”

The beep cut him off as that was all the time he had to leave a message. He thought to try again but he left it that way. He sent you a lot of messages throughout the day, and he didn’t want to piss you off more than you already were. He laid in bed for a while longer before getting up and preparing for the day. The apartment was a lot quieter without you around, and he was well aware of that everyday. Still he didn’t touch your things, leaving them as they were, always waiting for the day you’d forgive him and come home.

On his way out he stopped to look himself over in the mirror, wiping away the tears on his face. He always woke up crying, and he couldn’t understand why. He never remembered his dreams, but he always felt such heartache every morning. He knew he missed you so much, but perhaps he missed you a lot more than he even realized. Once he was out of the apartment he texted his coworker, letting them know he was on his way. He worked as a line cook at a small little joint. It wasn’t anything fancy but it paid the bills and gave him a consistent schedule, so he didn’t hate it too much.

For his lunch break Yeonjun went up to the rooftop, eating in peace and watching the world go by. The scene was quite lovely and it brought back memories. Back then when you had been dating you’d stop by to visit him during his lunch break whenever you had a chance. You could enjoy the view together, and had taken a few pictures together, as well as shared a handful of kisses. It was a little awkward now for Yeonjun, knowing you wouldn’t come up there to meet him anymore, but the memory of you here was what always brought him back. When he heard the door open he perked up, thinking a miracle was about to happen, but instead he saw Soobin walking over. His friends knew of his lunch spot too after all.

“Where you been, man?”

“Ah, you know, just living my life.”

“But you don’t have time to text or call?”

“My bad.”

“It’s okay. I understand.” Soobin took a seat next to Yeonjun. “How you been though?”

“Okay, I guess. Just going through the motions.”

“You know we’re here for you, right?”

“I know. I just don’t wanna burden you guys or sound like a whiny bitch.”

“You wouldn’t be a burden, or annoyance, you know that.”

“Yeah, but I don’t wanna test our friendship over something like this. It’s not a break up, just some miscommunication. We’re taking a break, that’s all.”

“… oh…”

“I’m fine though, really.”

“… yeah… yeah I can see…” Soobin cleared his throat. “You know, the guys are gonna get together on Friday for some drinks, you wanna come? Wouldn’t be bad to spend a night out with us, right?”

“I’d like that.”

“Cool. I’ll text you the details.”

“Thanks.”

Yeonjun admired the view once more, deciding to take a picture and send it to you. Soobin watched him curiously. He could admit it was nice to see the world from up here.

“Who you texting?”

“Y/n. We used to come up here a lot and enjoy the view together. This way we can still share it even if she’s not here now.”

“… right… I, uh… I gotta get going, but I’ll see you Friday?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. See you later.”

“Be safe.”

Yeonjun stayed up on the roof for a while longer before heading back down to finish his shift. He lived close to work, so the commute wasn’t that long, but most nights he’d pick up a few odd jobs doing deliveries. That way he got to travel past all the places you’ve made memories together. The restaurants you’ve dined at, the walks you took together, the ice cream you shared. It was a happy trip down memory lane, and he hoped to do it all again someday. He stopped along the way to check his messages, and just like before you hadn’t responded. Countless messages have gone unanswered, and he could see that you haven’t even opened them. When he finally got home he decided to try giving you a call.

“Hi, you’ve reached y/n, I can’t come to the phone right now, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! And if it’s you, Yeonjun, I’m sorry I missed you, but I’ll see you later, love you! Okay, bye!”

Hearing your voicemail message always brought a smile to his face. Perhaps that’s why he kept calling. After the beep though his mind went blank, unsure of what to say at first until the words came to him.

“Hey… how are you? I hope you’re doing well… I, uh, I sent you a picture earlier from the rooftop… it brought back a lot of memories… you know, you could at least let me know you’ve seen my messages… I don’t mind if you leave me on read, but I guess you must be busy… Soobin came by today, told me this Friday-”

Another beep told him his time was up and the line then went dead. He sighed and looked back at his texts, but there was nothing new from you. He lingered in the shower afterwards, trying not to break down in tears. It had been so long now without you, but he was still doing pretty well to hold himself together. He laid in bed, staring at the ceiling for who knows how long before he finally fell asleep. His alarm would wake him in the morning, freeing him from whatever tear filled dream he wouldn’t remember. It was probably more accurate to call them nightmares, but all he knew was what he felt in the morning, nothing else.

This was his usual routine, so he just went about his day as normal. He’d call and leave a message, getting ready for work and spending his day out in the world, distracting himself from your absence. He felt cold in a way he couldn’t describe. It was spring, leading into summer, so the weather itself wasn’t a reason for his feelings. He knew what was, but he didn’t want to dwell on it too long for fear of being swallowed up whole. Yet every passing day made him feel as if you were fading away, and that’s the last thing he wanted. 

Every morning he’d feel the tears on his face. Sometimes he’d wake before his alarm, sobbing uncontrollably, his throat burning from the tears. His face hurt from all the crying, but it seemed he was getting used to the pain now. Once he calmed down he found himself staring at the blank ceiling once more. It was easy to zone out that way, drifting back into the memories of the past, the memories forgotten. Although every time he tried to look back it seemed harder to grasp those moments, to grasp onto you. Such feelings always led him to call, even if you wouldn’t answer. He still hoped that someday you would.

“I miss you… I really fucken miss you… and I’m sorry… I honestly can’t remember what we fought about that day but I know it must have been something stupid… we’ve fought before over worse things but this… whatever it was… y/n please… please let me make it up to you… I want to hear your voice again, I want you to say my name again… I can’t… I can’t lose you-”

He screamed after the beep and threw his phone across the room. It was all true. He missed you like crazy and yet you were nowhere to be found. He desperately wanted to remember what happened that day, but even after all this time it was a blur. The stupid anger he felt, knowing you were leaving upset. Things shouldn’t end that way, and all he wanted was to make it up to you, to see you again and apologize for hurting you. Yet ever since that day you’ve disappeared from his life and gone silent. All his messages and texts have gotten him no response, and he was quietly going insane. Somehow he still managed to live his life, day by day, but it was becoming unbearable the longer this went on.

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

“Yeonjun! It’s so good to see you!”

Taehyun and Kai ran up to hug their friend when they saw him, the atmosphere growing brighter with his presence. Everyone was happy to see him as it had been a long time since they all last hung out together.

“Thanks. Soobin invited me, and I thought I’d see how you were all doing.”

“This is gonna be fun.” Kai admitted. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Let’s drink till sunrise.” Taehyun added. “I’ve built up my tolerance, I can totally take you on.”

“Ya, relax.” Soobin stated. “We haven’t even ordered the first round. We’ll see if your words hold up later. Sit, sit.”

“I’ll order.” Beomgyu said. “It really is great to see you, Yeonjun.”

“Same here.”

To be surrounded by friends, and drinking for joy, it was truly something Yeonjun had needed. He wasn’t alone, and he could forget his sorrows while in this moment. Everyone talked about what they had been up to, their plans going forward, and they all promised to see each other again soon. It was kinda strange to feel happiness like this again after so long, and Yeonjun wished to share it with you. By sunrise they were all pretty gone, but Yeonjun still had enough sense of self to act on his own.

“Excuse me for a minute, I gotta do something.”

“Hurry back.”

Yeonjun got up from the table, stumbling a bit towards the door. He pulled out his phone and dialed your number. Of course he was met with the usual ringing, but this time things were different. As he was walking out he stopped, hearing a familiar sound. 

“Y/n, could you please pick up the phone, it’s your boyfriend calling.”

Yeonjun had recorded a special message for you to use as a ringtone whenever he called. So hearing it now sent chills down his spine, sobering him up in a second. He looked around the place, searching for the source, but it was naive to think you were there somehow. Out of the corner of his eye he caught the truth. Beomgyu pulled out a phone, your phone, quickly shutting it off before slowly looking up at Yeonjun. Their eyes met and for a moment the world froze. It was just the two of them in this silence, but the rage inside Yeonjun quickly burned away the cold and he stormed back over to the table. Yeonjun dropped his phone and reached over to pull Beomgyu close, getting up in his face.

“Why the fuck do you have y/n’s phone!”

“Yeonjun, I, I can explain.”

“What the fuck! I have been trying to reach her for weeks! Why the fuck do you have her phone!”

“Yeonjun, calm down!”

Everyone had sobered up in an instance. Soobin and Kai grabbed Yeonjun, pulling him away from Beomgyu. The boy took a few breaths, Taehyun looking him over. Yeonjun tried to free himself, a fire burning inside him, and his eyes locked on Beomgyu.

“Where is she!?” Yeonjun yelled. “Where is she, Beomgyu!?”

“Yeonjun…”

“Tell me! Where the fuck is she! You fucken bitch! Where-”

“Yeonjun, stop it.” Soobin interrupted. “Don’t do this here.”

“Let me go! I need him to tell me the truth.”

“That’s not gonna help.”

“Fuck you! Tell me where she is, Beomgyu! What has she told you!? Where is she!?”

“Yeonjun-”

“Where-”

“She’s gone!” Taehyun spat. “Yeonjun, she’s fucken dead.”

“… huh?”

“Taehyun, don’t.” Kai said. “This isn’t-”

“She got into a car accident a few weeks back.” Taehyun continued. “You were there, you went with her to the hospital and she… she didn’t make it…”

“… no… no… no, that’s not true! Liar! You fucken liar!”

“It’s true.” Beomgyu added. “You disappeared after the doctors pronounced her dead. You didn’t even go to her funeral. We didn’t see you for days, and when you suddenly reappeared you were talking about some fight and that you two were taking a break. You fucken gaslight yourself, and we just let you be cause surely you’d come to your senses eventually.”

“She… where is she?”

“I can tell you where she’s been laid to rest…”

“No, no… no…”

“We all miss her too, Yeonjun.” Kai added. “I’m sorry…”

“… you’re lying… you’re all liars…”

Yeonjun fell to his knees, his vision being blurred by tears. He didn’t want to believe any of this, yet his heart hurt like never before in this moment. Soobin and Kai let him go, cautiously stepping away to give him space. They all knew the truth had to surface somehow, but they didn’t want it to happen this way.

“Why did you have her phone?” Soobin questioned. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was the one who took her belongings and before I could deactivate the phone I noticed Yeonjun kept texting and leaving messages. I couldn’t… I don’t know what would happen if I suddenly cut the line.”

“You should have told me you had it. I thought he did and he was feeding his own delusion. Why did you even bring it!?”

“I forgot to leave it at home, besides I didn’t think he’d leave a message right now.”

“Yeonjun- where did he go?”

When the others tried to look for Yeonjun they realized the boy was already gone, having run off when he had the chance. Yeonjun had no idea where he was running too, but he just had to get away. Tears blurred his vision, wiped away only for a moment by the wind. Somehow he wound up running away from civilization and out into the fields. The light from the sunrise illuminated his path, but it did nothing to soothe the pain in his chest. His legs could only take him so far and he eventually collapsed, falling to the ground. He struggled to breathe, the lack of air and pain from his tears making it hard to regain his breath. 

While he laid there images began to flash before him. A car wreck, fire, sirens in the distance getting louder and louder. The crowds around him, screaming and calling for help. A vague image of an injured hand sticking out from an overturned car. He stood frozen in place, taking in the whole scene before screaming and running towards the fire. Yeonjun jolted up, still in the field and looking around at the emptiness. He was alone, completely alone. He didn’t want to believe you were gone, he couldn’t, yet he felt it in his heart. All those dreams he had, they had truly been nightmares, memories of that day. Yet he wanted to deny it all.

“Please… please…”

Yeonjun had gotten on his knees, praying, begging, to see you again. Things couldn’t end this way, definitely not like this. He had been terrible at times, unable to keep promises or leaving you alone in all kinds of ways. Still he loved you, he loved you more than anyone else, and he’d never love another like he loved you. So he prayed, begged, to anyone who would listen, if he could have you back, promising to never let go again.

“You lost her, didn’t you?”

Yeonjun opened his eyes to see Beomgyu standing before him, then the boy kneeled down to embrace him in a hug.

“It’s okay, it’s okay… I lost her too…”

“She can’t be gone… she can’t be…”

“She is… but I can give her back.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Promise me you’ll look after her.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Yeonjun!!!”

Yeonjun turned around to see his friends running in his direction, all four of them. Once it clicked in his head he looked back at the Beomgyu by his side.

“What…”

“There isn’t much time. Please, promise us you’ll take care of her. She can’t be alone.”

“I…”

“Promise us.”

“… I promise.”

A blinding white light changed day into night. Yeonjun found himself alone once more, standing in the middle of nowhere. It took him a moment to truly regain his composure, confused about what had just happened.

“Yeonjun!”

Your voice, he had almost forgotten what it sounded like in real life, and not just some recording. Tears stung his eyes, except they were of joy this time. Although that feeling only lasted for a bit. When he turned around his eyes went wide, memories rushing in. That day you had come to pick him up, the two of you planning to get the others and you were all going to go on a weekend trip. He had a bad day at work and just snapped at you for no reason. You were rightfully upset, telling him to get himself together and call you when he wanted to be picked up. You drove off without another word. He already regretted his actions as he watched you leave, and when he turned his back he heard a loud noise.

Screams soon filled the air and he ran over, seeing smoke rising into the air. He was met with a horrifying scene. Your car was turned over, some other idiot hitting you and causing the whole wreck. He was frozen in shock, being able to see your hand sticking out of a broken window. When he saw your fingers move he snapped into action and rushed over. It was all really a blur from there but now he stood before a similar scenario. There was an overturned car just off the road, a giant fire roaring from it and the bits of debris around were also engulfed in flames. You were on your hands and knees before a body, screaming and crying.

“Yeonjun! Yeonjun! Yeonjun, get up! Please, Yeonjun… Yeonjun… you can’t leave me alone… please… Yeonjun! Get up! Please… please… yeonjun…”

Yeonjun wasn’t dreaming this time, or reliving a memory, this was something else entirely, and there was no waking up to reality. This was the real world, and it was like deja vu. He took a shaky step forward, one foot after another. Your name escaped his lips as a whisper, in the moment he struggled to call to you although seeing you again was what he had desperately wanted. As he got closer he noticed four other bodies scattered around, and your face became clearer, illuminated by the fire.

“… y/n…”

“… yeonjun… please wake up… please…”

“Y/n.”

Yeonjun choked back tears as he said your name. From where he was he could see your clothes were torn up, and that you were covered in cuts and bruises. When you looked up to meet his eyes he froze. It really was you, he could never forget those beautiful eyes, even when they were full of tears and agony. He couldn’t forget your face either, regardless of how many injuries decorated it.

“Yeonjun…?”

“Y/n.”

“Yeonjun… Yeonjun!”

You scrambled to your feet, ignoring the searing pain from your leg as you finally stood. You tried to run, but it was more of a desperate limp as you made your way over to Yeonjun, tears blurring your vision. Maybe this was all just some hallucination, or maybe Yeonjun had come back for you, either way there was only one way to know for sure. Yeonjun caught you in his arms, almost in disbelief that it was really you. He held you tightly, so fearful you’d suddenly disappear again.

“Yeonjun, is it really you…?” You sobbed into his shirt. “Don’t leave me alone… please…”

“No… no, I’m not going anywhere… I got you… I promise.”

Yeonjun’s legs gave out, the adrenaline wearing off, but he kept his hold on you. The two of you collapsed to the ground, but neither said much. Yeonjun stared at the car wreck, slowly looking down at your battered body. The car suddenly exploded, causing you to scream and hold Yeonjun tighter. He did his best to shield you, watching the flames grow brighter, and noting all the bodies were suddenly gone.

“Yeonjun… what’s going on?”

When Yeonjun heard his name he looked over to see his friends walking towards him. They looked worried, and confused, coming to Yeonjun for answers, but he had none.

“I… I don’t know…”

Yeonjun noticed his friends covered in injuries as well, their clothes different from when he last saw them and now torn up. He suddenly winced, looking down at his own body, seeing injuries that hadn’t been there before, and realizing his own clothes had changed.

“I thought you were dead…” You sobbed. “I thought you were all gone…”

“Y/n?” Kai questioned. “Is that…”

“We’re all okay.” Yeonjun cut in. “We’re all gonna be okay. I promise.”

The boys all looked at each other, but now wasn’t the time for questions. Soobin and Taehyun helped you and Yeonjun get up. You were in no position to walk, so Soobin picked you up in his arms, carrying you bridal style and having you wrap your arms around his neck. They all had a vague sense as to where to go, starting to walk away from the wreck. Yeonjun stayed close to you, softly petting your head and assuring you he was right here with you, they all were. Your eyes stared deeply into his, feeling that his words were true. Yeonjun saw the fire reflecting in your eyes, seeing something strange and turning around. Among the flames he saw five silhouettes, not needing to wonder what that was.

“I promise.”

The smoke overtook the fire and he turned back to you, offering you a smile. You reached out to hold his hand and he took it, feeling the warmth it brought him. He may not know the past here but whatever the future held he knew you’d see it all together, and make new memories. He leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on your hand, forever grateful his prayers were answered. Yeonjun would keep his promise, as he was sure they all would.

“Yeonjun.”

“Hm?”

“Everything’s gonna be okay… we’re gonna be okay… right?”

“Yes. I promise.”

[rookthorne]

𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 | 𝐉.𝐁.𝐁

Pairing ➷ Baker!Bucky Barnes x F!Reader Word Count ➷ 965 Warnings ➷ Fluff, pet names Author's Note ➷ My third and final submission for @the-slumberparty's week 2 creator challenge - and it is also my late contribution to Valentine's Day... so happy Valentine's Day to y'all!

Slumberparty Masterlist

𝑪𝑶𝑶𝑲𝑰𝑬 𝑻𝑰𝑵  : ̗̀➛ a sweet biscuit having a fairly soft, chewy texture and typically containing pieces of chocolate or fruit.

There were very few plans you had come up in your life with that rivalled the sheer brilliance of what you decided to do - ‘twas the belated day for it, anyway. 

Time had slipped through your fingers, so much so you hadn’t realised Valentines Day had already passed by with not even as little as a notice, nor a message. It was the curse of working so hard; late nights, early mornings, so on and so forth. 

Your morning commute didn’t differ in its crowds - people bustling back and forth, rushing to get to their 9 to 5 jobs, or rushing to get to class on time. Though, you did not mind, your thoughts were too occupied on whether you truly were going to pull off such a brazen idea.

It wasn’t reckless per se, but it was out of your norm. A bakery on your usual route to work had signs out, declaring their cookies and treats to be the best in Brooklyn. You didn’t disagree whatsoever, but it wasn’t thoughts of the baked goods that your mind was clouded with, no–it was the baker that occupied the counter. His smile was beautiful, bright enough to light up even the dreariest days, and you couldn’t help but be pulled under the swell of his ocean blue eyes. 

Subconsciously, or instinctually, you found yourself before the very doors to that bakery with no recollection how you had got there, though you weren’t sour for the thought. You could see him talking with customers, bagging up fresh loaves of bread and slices of cakes with that same damn smile that enchanted you. 

The door opened with a whoosh and a tinkling of the bell, and you were inside.

“Have a nice day, ma’am,” he said, his voice smooth. The woman smiled and waved, leaving the bakery with bags and bags of sweet treats.

Another customer stepped forward to be served and you browsed the selection, a little overwhelmed; chocolate this and chocolate that, strawberry this and strawberry that, it was a wonder there were so many ways to use the same flavour in entirely new ways. You were no connoisseur, but you knew baking was an art. 

“Hey,” he called. “Whatcha after today?”

You turned and smiled brightly, trying to will your heart to slow the tattoo it beat against your ribs. “I’m not sure actually,” you offered, sheepish. “I lost track of time and…” A better idea struck you. “I didn’t have time to get a gift before Valentine's Day, so I have to make up for that.”

The man laughed and rounded the counter. “Alright, now that is something I can help with. My name is Bucky, by the way.” You offered yours, and Bucky smiled. “What does your partner like?”

“I want to surprise them, see, they don’t have a favourite–I just know that they love your sweets.” It was a wonder you kept a straight face at the admission, your plan depended on it, and the delighted smile on Bucky’s lips almost broke your facade. 

“The choc chip is by far the most popular, and not to be biassed–one of my favourites.” Bucky directed you towards the clear glass jars where a label was connected with twine, neat script defined ‘chocolate chip’. “And then there’s these,” Bucky continued, pointing towards a cream coloured biscuit with a heart shaped indent, filled to the brim with jam. “They are a safe, but still loved, classic for Valentine’s; even if it is belated.”

“Do you like them?” You asked, peering closer at the dusted sugar and how it sparkled under the soft lighting. 

Bucky nodded next to you. “It was my ma’s recipe.”

“Perfect,” you sighed happily. “I’ll take some choc chip ones and these,” you pointed towards the heart biscuits. “Thanks, Bucky.”

“No worries, doll,” Bucky grinned. Oh, the things you would do to see that smile all the time. 

A few moments later you met Bucky at the counter to pay, a shy smile on your face when you felt the slight crinkle of paper in your hand. Under the guise of digging through your bag, you wrote your phone number on a loose piece of paper and prayed to whoever would listen that this would work. 

Bucky gave you the total with a happy smile and you waved your card. “Here you are,” Bucky said, handing you the bag full of the sweets he had ever so carefully packed. “I hope they like them, be sure to give my thanks for such high praise.”

“I will,” you rushed, grabbing the bag. Bucky turned to the box behind him and fiddled with something, and you took your chance; the slip of paper with your number fell neatly on top of the sealed boxes, its placement obvious and impossible to miss. “Actually, Bucky?”

“Yeah?” Bucky said, turning with a raised brow. “What’s up?”

Taking a deep breath, you offered the bag back to him. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Bucky stared. Shock, bewilderment, and amusement flashed in his pretty eyes as they flicked between you and the offered bag, before finally settling on endearment; a smile and wide eyes softening his features. 

“Oh, doll,” Bucky breathed, taking the bag back and brushing his fingers against yours. His gaze flicked into the bag and his eyes grew even wider. 

Before he could say anymore, you squeaked and skipped to the door. “Enjoy!”

Not even ten minutes later, your phone chimed as you walked through crowds to get to work. You pulled it free and let out a breath. It was an unknown number and an attachment, though what it contained told you exactly who had messaged. 

Thank you for that, sugar. 😘

The attachment, much to your utter delight, was a selfie of Bucky’s bright smile, blue eyes, and he was holding up the piece of paper with your number. You floated on cloud nine for the rest of the day as you worked; giddy, excited, and happy.

↠  𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐱 | 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 | 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 | 𝐚𝐨𝟑  ↞

[katareyoudrilling]

Construction Corner (AU Joel Miller x Female Reader)

Episode 1: The Gutierrez Family

Fandom: The Last of Us/Pedro Pascal

Pairing: TV Host Joel Miller x divorced Female Reader

Summary: AU where nothing bad happened in 2003. It is now 2007 and Joel is now the host of a popular home renovation show.

Word count: ~1.8k

Rating: Teen, but series will be Explicit (18+ only. NO MINORS)

Content Warnings: Alternate Universe, inaccuracies about tv show production, filming, and construction

A/N: I had a lot of fun with this!  If I’m going to do an AU, I’m going to go all the way.  I hope you enjoy it!  Reader is divorced and in her late 30s, but is otherwise a blank slate.  Big thank you to @wheresarizona for her help with this idea and for beta reading!

Comments and reblogs very much appreciated!

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The first day of shooting always feels a bit like the first day of school – all nervous energy and possibilities.  You loved school.  You also really love your job as the producer of “Construction Corner with Joel Miller.”

The show started out on the local Austin, TX PBS channel, KLRU, a few years ago, but quickly got picked up by HGTV, which meant bigger projects and more episodes.  Also, more work for you, but that was just fine.

There’s a bounce in your step and a latte in your hand as you walk onto the homeowners’ property for the first episode.  Production always breaks over the hottest summer months, but now it’s October, and while the air is still warm, at least it’s not stifling.

You’ve spent the last few months interviewing potential homeowners, coordinating materials for their projects, and setting the filming schedule.  The prep is finished.  Now it’s time to put it all together.

This week’s episode is shooting in San Antonio.  You opted to commute since the drive isn’t too far from your home in Austin, but it did mean an early morning, thus the latte.

You make your way over to the homeowners who have just finished in the hair and make-up trailer.

“Mr. and Mrs. Gutierrez!  How nice to see you again!” you greet them with a warm smile and a handshake.

“Please, call us Javi and Gabriela,” Mr. Gutierrez, Javi rather, corrects you in his melodic accent, placing his arm around his very pregnant wife.

“Of course, Javi.  Are you ready for today?”  The homeowners are often nervous at the thought of revealing their DIY disasters to stern-faced Joel, so you like to check in.

“We are so excited!” Javi bounces on the balls of his feet, brown eyes sparkling.

“We definitely are,” Gabriela continues, looking fondly at her excitable husband.  “This is happening just in time.  Our baby girl is due next month.”

“How wonderful!  I’m so glad we can help you before the baby arrives.”  You walk with them back towards their house.  “I just wanted to remind you of a few things before filming starts today.  You will be meeting Joel in a few minutes, but will have to pretend you are meeting him for the first time at your front door for the cameras.  You’ll take him inside and show him the project.  I’ll be honest with you… he is going to sigh a lot.  Don’t take it personally.  It may feel like he’s disappointed in you, but he’s not.  He wants to help.”

Javi and Gabriella nod seriously as they take in the information.  It’s a vulnerable thing showing an expert like Joel the mess you’ve made of your house.  But anyone who had watched the show knew that Joel was actually a big softy and was genuinely happy to teach homeowners the right way to do things, and proud of them when they learned.

As if on cue, Joel emerges from his trailer.  He is wearing a dark green t-shirt that pulls tight across his broad chest and shoulders, the sleeves hugging his muscular arms.  His worn leather toolbelt is slung low across his hips over dark-wash jeans.  Sturdy leather boots complete the look.

With each passing year, his wavy hair features more gray at the temples and in his scruffy beard.  He was concerned about the grays when they started coming in and even considered dying his hair, but you and the show’s director had convinced him that they only added to his gruff charm.  Salt and pepper suits him perfectly.

He makes his way over to you and the Gutierrezes in long, sure strides.

“Good morning, Joel.  I’d like you to meet Javi and Gabriela.”  You introduce the couple.

“Good mornin’,” Joel greets them with a kind smile, “I’m lookin’ forward to workin’ with you the next few days.”  He shakes their hands firmly and you watch as they beam at him.  It’s clear that Javi in particular is already under his spell.

“I’ll leave you to get acquainted.”  You back away from the group and make your way to the construction crew to confirm that they have all the supplies they need.

Filming begins shortly with Javi and Gabriela meeting Joel at the front door just as you had explained to them.  You watch on a monitor as they show Joel their DIY disaster.  He drags his hand down his face and sighs as he takes in the sight in front of him.

Javi had attempted to resurface his fireplace and build shelves on either side.  The faux stone he tried to affix to the fireplace was now falling off in places, leaving behind splodges of adhesive.  The shelves on either side of the fireplace droop and sag and behind them, wires stick through ragged holes in the wall.

Poor Javi grimaces as Joel takes it all in.

“We have our work cut out for us, but we’re gonna get it done.” Joel pronounces as he places a firm hand on Javi’s shoulder.  Javi positively swoons.

For the next few hours, the crew, Joel, and Javi, demo the area.  The camera operators are sure to get close up shots of Joel’s arms as he pulls down the sagging shelves and his backside as he bends down to pull off the faux stone.  It’s not their first rodeo.  Joel shakes his head good-naturedly when they ask him to bend down once more to get the perfect shot.  If it gets people interested in learning proper building techniques, then he is willing to provide a little eye-candy even if he doesn’t really believe he’s that exciting to look at.

By late afternoon, the room is clear and Joel sits down with Javi and Gabriela to show them his design plan.

“What we’re gonna do is build a new fireplace surround to go over y’all’s existin’ one.  We’ll tile the hearth and around the fireplace openin’ with these tiles here.” He shows them the samples.  “On either side, we’ll build shelves.  We’re gonna put cabinet doors on the bottom where we’ll put your electronics.  What you won’t see are the hidden channels for all your cables to run from your TV over the fireplace down into the cabinet, where we will have it wired for power and cable.  The doors will keep all your electronics out of sight and safe from your little one.”

Javi and Gabriela nod enthusiastically and smile.  Gabriela pats her round belly fondly.

Once the crew is satisfied that they got all their shots, production breaks for the day.  You do a final round of check-ins with all the departments and head to your car as the sun begins to set.  You buckle your seatbelt with a contented sigh and make your way home.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The midday sun beats down on you as you look around for a spot of shade to eat your lunch.  It’s the fourth day of filming and after lunch will be the finished project reveal.

Everything has gone smoothly and you’re sure it’s going to make a great episode.  Every time Joel pats Javi on the shoulder and tells him that he did a good job, Javi beams at him with glistening eyes.

You see Joel sitting under a tree, squinting at his phone, and make your way over to him.  “Can I join you?”

“Sure,” he answers, still looking at his phone.

“Everything ok?”

He sighs.  “Sarah texted me.  She says it’s faster.  It’s not.”

You chuckle as he slowly presses the numbers on his keypad.

“How is she liking college?”

Joel finishes sending his message and sets his phone down on the grass beside him.  “She loves it.  I just don’t know why I let her go so far away.”

“Because you’re a good dad.  You’re encouraging her to follow her dreams.”

“Why’d they have to be in Virginia, though?”

You chuckle and pat him on his jean-clad knee.  “I’m sure she misses you too.  Does she call you?”

“Yeah, we talk every couple days, and then the damned texting in between,” he finishes with a grumble.

“You’ll get faster at it.  You could get one of those new iPhones everyone is talking about.”

Joel gives you a withering look and you laugh.

“She’s happy, though? Making new friends?” you ask, hopefully.

“It’s all she talks about.  Her friends, her roommate, her classes.  Can’t keep it all straight.”

“That’s great.  How are you doing?”

Joel takes a bite of his sandwich and tips his head from side to side as he considers.  “I’m ok.  The house sure feels empty, though.”

“I know what you mean.”

He looks at you questioningly.

“Oh, didn’t you hear?  I got divorced.”  You wiggle your bare left-hand fingers at him.  He stares at you for a long moment, then finally blinks and clears his throat.

“I’m sorry.  I didn’t know.  You ok?”

“Yeah, I’m great, actually.  It was a long time coming.”  You take a bite of your lunch before continuing.  Joel doesn’t rush you.  “We were so young when we got together, and we grew apart.  It happens.  It’s nobody’s fault.”  You shrug and look over at Joel.  He nods and holds your gaze for a long moment before returning to his lunch.

You eat in companionable silence until the director calls you all back to set.  Joel gets to his feet and offers you a hand up.  His warm, dry palm engulfs yours as he pulls you up.

“Thanks, and thanks for lunch.  It was good catching up.” You smile at him.

“Yeah,” he pulls at the back of his neck and looks away, then back at you.

“Well, I’ll see you around.”  You squeeze his shoulder and walk away.  When you reach the production trailer, you turn back and find him still standing by the tree looking at you.  You smile and wave and he jolts, then turns and walks quickly away.  Strange.

You get yourself set up with a headset and monitor as the film crew takes their places inside with Joel, Javi, and Gabriela.

Watching the reveal is your favorite part.  The homeowners have been kept away while the final touches were completed.  The joy on their faces at seeing their new space warms your heart, but the best part is the pride in their eyes at having helped Joel accomplish it.

Next week will be new homeowners and a new project, but that same sense of pride and accomplishment.  Yeah, you love your job.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

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A/N: for anyone not familiar, this episode’s cameo was from The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

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[jouska-the-deer]

The Red Thread of Fate

Rating: General Audiences

Content Warnings: Brief Implied Anorexia

Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Light Angst, Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Soulmates, Qixi Festival, Chinese Mythology, Post Canon

Word Count: 6889

Summary: Amy goes on an adventure with Sonic to find an old man in Chun-nan who can see people's destinies, though, who he is and why she wants to find him are things she's too nervous to say. Little does she know, Sonic has something he's too nervous to say to her as well.

Notes: The warning, "brief implied anorexia", is for a scene where Amy is eating with Sonic and she reflects on her dieting habits. Feel free to skip this fic if that would make you uncomfortable, but for everyone else, I hope you enjoy reading.

Here's the link to The Red Thread of Fate on Ao3, otherwise, continue reading below the cut.

-

Outside of an apartment building in Station Square was Sonic the Hedgehog, who had been spending the past few minutes pacing next to the entryway talking to himself. 

“I mean, the worst thing that could happen is her just saying no… No, actually she could cry, but she’d probably just laugh it off, right? I mean, we’re friends, and if that’s how she wants it to stay, then she’d know I’d be cool with it.”

A multitude of people passed by Sonic on their morning commutes. Some glanced at him with confusion. Some with awe, followed by confusion. Sonic couldn’t care less about what any of them thought. 

“But, ten years is a while. She’d probably be mad. ‘Oh great. Nice of you to ask me out years after I stopped caring.’ …She wouldn’t say that, right?”

He sighed, brushing his quills back. “Well, there’s only one way to find out…” 

Turning around, he jumped upon seeing Amy pushing open the door. Her face was determined and fixed entirely on her phone. 

Sonic didn’t react in time and she crashed straight into him, causing them to topple onto the sidewalk. 

“OOF! Sorry sir! I didn’t mean-” After pushing herself onto her hands and knees, she finally saw his face. “Sonic?” 

Her cheeks went bright red, not too dissimilar to Sonic’s at the moment. 

“Uh, yep. Could ya… maybe get off of me?” 

“OH!” Amy shoved herself back, getting up and offering Sonic a hand. “Sorry. My mind was in another place just then.” 

“It’s alright,” Sonic said, taking her hand and getting helped onto his feet. “Falling is one of the things I’m best at. So, no harm done.” 

Amy chuckled, then gasped. “Hey! I was actually just about to call you, so this is perfect!”

“Perfect?” 

“Yeah!” She reached down and grabbed her phone off of the sidewalk, wiping the screen and pocketing it. “I was gonna ask you to come with me on an adventure!”

“An adventure huh? Sounds fun! Where to?” 

“Chun-nan. Ten years ago I met an old man there who knew the destiny of every person in the world. I wanna find him again, and I need your help.”

“Whatcha need help with?” 

“Well… spotting him.” Amy scratched her neck bashfully. “I don’t know where in Chun-nan he is, and you know how often I can… miss what’s right in front of me… so having an extra pair of eyes would be great.” 

“Alright. Got his name or what he looks like?” 

“I don’t know his name, but he was an old human man with a long white beard who wore traditional yellow robes and…” Amy hummed to herself, staring off into space, “a bag too, I think? Oh! And he had a book. He was definitely carrying a book.” 

“Definitely huh? I’m guessing the book was pretty important?” 

“Um! Nope! Definitely not! Just a book! Haha…” 

“O…kay…?” Sonic shrugged. “Well, no time like the present. You ready to head out?”

“Yes! Um, are we taking the Tornado?” 

“Actually, I happen to have something even faster!” Sonic reached behind his back and revealed that he had the red Chaos Emerald. “I can warp us straight there… unless you wanted to take the scenic route?” 

“The more time we have to find him, the better!” 

“That’s cool with me.” Sonic placed his free hand on Amy’s shoulder. “Chaos control!” 

In an instant, they were on the other side of the planet standing on the sidewalk of a busy street. A few people were startled by their sudden appearance, but they quickly got back to whatever they were doing. 

“Hmm… maybe the capitol wasn’t the best spot to go first,” Sonic muttered, looking around.

Their surroundings hadn’t changed too much despite the massive distance; Cramped streets that felt even more cramped with all the skyscrapers towering above them. There were differences, however, such as the time being twelve hours later and the streets being lined with romance-themed decorations.

Amy chuckled nervously. “Huh… I guess they celebrate the Star Festival here…” 

“Or something similar. I wouldn’t be surprised given the Sunrise Archipelago and Chun-nan aren’t too far from each other.”

Clearing her throat, Amy stared at the ground. “I swear I didn’t mean to-” 

“It’s alright, Amy,” Sonic interrupted. “No worries. I still wanna help find that man you’re looking for.” 

“Oh.” She brightened up. “Oh! That’s great! I knew today was gonna be a great day! Running into you before I could even call… You having a Chaos Emerald on you… It has to be fate!”

“Uh, sure.” Sonic scanned the busy crowds. “Well, assuming the guy hasn’t had an attire change since way back when, it shouldn’t be too hard spotting an old man in traditional clothes, even with how busy it is.”

“Then let’s get started!” 

Amy happily started weaving through the sea of people, hopping around in hopes of seeing the old man. Sonic followed and kept his eyes peeled, enjoying the distraction and definitely not putting off the question he’d wanted to ask that morning.

-

Finding a single old man in one of the most populated countries on the planet would be a completely impossible task for any normal person. Sonic and Amy, however, were not normal people, so the task was only mostly impossible. 

A couple hours into their adventure and they’d scoured most of the city, coming across very few people matching Amy’s description, as Sonic figured. At the very least, Sonic was enjoying the sights, sounds, and many of the smells. The restaurants they’d been passing were starting to make him pretty distracted, and a nice lunch seemed in order. 

“Hey, Ames? How about we take a quick break to grab something to eat?”

“You can grab something to eat while we look, but I’m just gonna skip breakfast.” 

“Breakfast?! You haven’t eaten today?” 

“It’s too many Calories.”

“Too many-! I promise you’re gonna get in your 10,000 steps today! Come on, I know a great place south of here.” 

“But we’re losing daylight!”

“It’s a street food place with takeout. Let’s go!” 

“But-!” 

Amy immediately went quiet as Sonic picked her up and rushed south, arriving at the food cart in less than a minute. Among the signs on the cart, the word ‘Malatang’ stood out the most. 

“Alright so here’s how it works,” Sonic said, setting her down and gesturing at the stall. It had a plethora of ingredient skewers on trays up front and several vats of boiling broth in the back. “Pick out the stuff you want and put it in one of these baskets. After that, pick how spicy you want the broth and they’ll boil all the stuff and put it in a bowl for us to take. Don’t worry about the price; It’s dirt cheap and I’ve got plenty of money.”

“Umm…” Amy blinked, seemingly having caught none of what he said and spent all of his explanation staring at him. 

“You alright?” 

“Uh! Yep! But… Could you repeat… everything you just said?” 

Sonic hummed inquisitively, but obliged.

In the end, Sonic got mostly meat and mushrooms cooked spicy enough to make Amy wince, while Amy got tofu and vegetables cooked in a mild broth. After grabbing a couple of drinks as well, Sonic paid (it really was dirt cheap) and they took their bowls and chopsticks to go. 

“Follow me,” Sonic said, already leading Amy down the street. “I know a perfect place to sit down and eat.”

“But we have to find the old man!” 

“It’s a great place to people-watch, don’t worry!” 

Amy sighed. “Fine.” 

“You’re gonna love it, I promise.” 

Just a short walk later, they arrived at a large flower garden. As would be expected of a public garden on a romantic holiday, it was decorated with plenty of hearts and filled with tons of couples. 

Sonic easily walked under the floral arch marking the entrance, but Amy halted just before it. 

“Um…” 

Looking back, Sonic tilted his head. “Something wrong?” 

“Well…” Amy shrunk in on herself. “It’s just… If we go in there together… with it being the holiday and all decorated like that… people might think we’re a…” she looked away, “…couple.” 

“Maybe.” Sonic stepped over to her, concern in his eyes. “Would that make you uncomfortable?” 

“…Would it make you uncomfortable?” 

“Not really,” he said simply. “People are always making assumptions about me, but I only care about what my friends think.” He stepped around, directly into Amy’s view. “So, what do you think?”

“I…” She took a deep breath. “Well… if you really wouldn’t mind…”

“I’m the one who decided to take you here. Let’s just enjoy the scenery, alright?” 

“Yeah.” Smiling lightly, she nodded. “Okay.” 

They made their way inside. Not too long after, they found an empty bench at the top of a hill and sat down. 

Sonic immediately tucked into his food, but Amy hesitated. Noticing this, he nudged her with his elbow. 

“I’ve gotten food from that cart a few times. You’re not gonna get sick if that’s what you’re worried about.” 

“No. It’s just…”

“Don’t lie about not being hungry. I heard your stomach growling earlier.” 

“Wait, you did?” 

“Nope, but now I definitely know that you’re hungry.” 

“Ugh.” Amy glared into the distance. 

“So…?”

“I’m trying to stay healthy.” 

“There’s lots of good nutrients in this stuff. Especially what you got.” 

She groaned. “I don’t know if it’s good for my figure.” 

Sonic frowned. “I thought you said you’re trying to stay healthy.” 

“If I look good, then I’m probably healthy.” 

“I think it’s more important that you feel good. And, if you’re hungry, then you don’t feel good.” 

“Well, I’m not going to feel good if nobody wants to look at me,” she huffed. 

“Who the heck are you trying to look good for? Because whoever they are, they don’t sound like people worth trying to impress.” 

“Come on! You wouldn’t want to date a giant slob, would you?!” 

They both froze. 

Amy stuttered. “I-I didn’t mean-! Um! I wasn’t implying that I was specifically trying to look good for you, just-! I meant hypothetically, if you wanted to date someone, not me in particular-” 

Sonic placed a finger on her lips, his expression firm. 

“If I was the kind of person who cared about what you looked like over how you felt, I wouldn’t deserve you.” 

Pulling back his hand, Sonic studied Amy’s baffled expression. 

“Y-You wouldn’t deserve… m-me?”

“Absolutely not,” he said confidently. “Someone as great as you deserves only the very best. And besides, trying to impress me with good looks wouldn’t work anyway, because I don’t really think about looks at all.” He picked up his chopsticks, then smirked. “So if, hypothetically, someone wanted to catch my attention, they’d have better luck with a good heart and genuine smile, and those are things anyone can have no matter what they look like.” 

“U-Um…” Amy chuckled bashfully. “O-Okay.” 

Sonic gestured toward her food, and Amy finally picked up her chopsticks and tried a bite. 

It was incredible. Salty and savory, with a little kick of spice. The tofu and vegetables were cooked to perfection, and they combined into a spectrum of flavors that perfectly complemented each other. Amy was helpless in preventing the delighted grin that pushed up her cheeks. 

Her attention was drawn to Sonic softly chuckling beside her. 

“See,” he said, his smile warm as he looked into her eyes. “More beautiful already.” 

And now, Amy’s cheeks were on fire. And she knew she couldn’t blame it on the street food. 

She snapped her gaze to a random patch of flowers, acting as though it was the most interesting thing in the entire world. 

Satisfied, Sonic returned to eating his food and enjoying the scenery…

…Until he heard Amy trying to conceal herself sniffing. 

“Amy? Are you- Hey, I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable-”

“No. You didn’t,” she said, laughing lightly as she wiped the corner of her eyes. “It’s just…” 

Sighing, she looked off into the distance. “When I was younger, I worked so hard to be someone that… that you’d want to be with. I watched what I ate, worked out every day, and it was all…” 

“Amy…” 

Slowly, she brought her attention to him. Entirely silent. 

“If I knew you were doing all that, I would’ve told you to stop… even if I wasn’t the best at separating health and looks back then.” Sonic placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t change yourself for anybody, but especially me. Okay?” 

Amy looked at his hand on her shoulder, then averted her gaze from him entirely. “Okay.”

“Promise?” 

Briefly, she looked at him again. “Promise.” 

“Good.” Sonic smiled. “Now, eat up. We’ve got a lot more searching to do when we’re done.” 

Amy smiled too, returning to her food and continuing to enjoy it. 

Quite a few people passed by as they ate, some giggling and talking amongst themselves upon seeing them together, but neither Sonic nor Amy paid them any mind. The thoughts of random strangers didn’t matter when they had good food and good company. 

-

As soon as Sonic and Amy finished eating they got back to searching. The capital had a noticeable lack of old men in traditional clothes walking around, so they turned their attention to the small towns and villages between major cities. 

Besides slightly upping the number of men they came across who better fit Amy’s description, the change of location also brought a much needed change of scenery. Even with the festival decorations, the concrete and skyscrapers of the city couldn’t beat the traditional architecture the smaller locales featured. In fact, the villages and towns often had the nice architecture as well as more festival decorations than the city.

However, despite the boost in many areas, Amy’s morale was starting to decline. Sure, they were finding a few more people that better matched her description, but that also meant they were getting more false positives. Only an hour had passed and yet Sonic could clearly see the frustration growing in Amy’s eyes. 

The sun was setting and the street lanterns were lit. They’d just arrived at a village Sonic was already familiar with and he had an idea that he hoped would lighten the mood. 

“One sec, Ames. While I’m here there’s someone I’ve gotta talk to real quick.”

Curiosity slightly overtook the frown on her face. “You know someone here?” 

“I know a lot of people here. Chip and I helped out the village elder during the Dark Gaia crisis, and I came back quite a few times to check in on everyone.”

An elderly woman’s voice piped up just ahead. “Ah! Welcome back, Sonic. It’s so good to see you.”

“Hey Lin! It’s good to see you too.” 

The little old woman looked Amy up and down as she slowly made her way over. 

“And who is this?”

“I’m Amy Rose,” Amy said. “Sonic was just telling me that he’s been here before, and then you immediately walked up and said hi to him. He seems to have friends absolutely everywhere.” 

“I would assume so. He’s got such a wonderful heart, so who wouldn’t enjoy being around him?” 

Sonic awkwardly coughed into his arm. “Uh, anyway, I was actually about to go look for you. You’re good at noticing things, so I was wondering if you saw the village protector around. I figured Amy and I could stop by to say hello and give him a snack while we’re here.”

“Well, you’re in luck! He flew over a moment ago and landed just past the northern gate of the village.”

“Great! Thanks for the help!” 

“You're very welcome. Enjoy the rest of your date.” 

Sonic let out a nervous laugh. 

“Uh…”

“I-It’s not a date,” Amy quickly clarified. “We’re just here looking for an old man with a book who can see people’s destinies.” 

Lin chuckled. 

“You two are in Chun-nan searching for Yue Lao on the evening of the Qixi festival, and it’s not a date?” 

“Wait,” Sonic said. “You know about the guy we’re looking for?” 

“Of course I do.” Lin glanced at Amy, who was starting to sweat. “And I believe Miss Rose here knows more about him than she has let on.” 

Sonic hummed and looked to Amy for her response, but she was entirely turned away. 

“I… Um…” 

“Well,” Lin announced, smirking, “I hope things work out for your two. Have a nice night.” 

“Uh, yeah,” Sonic said. “You too.” 

“Goodbye,” Amy barely spoke up.

Lin walked away, leaving Sonic and Amy standing silently at the entrance of the village. 

“Come on,” came Sonic’s voice, soft and reassuring. “We’ve gotta swing by the shop to pick up something for the village protector.” 

“You’re…” Amy slowly looked at him. “You’re not mad at me?” 

“I could tell you were hiding something from the start, even if I didn’t know what it was.” 

“But you still decided to help?” 

“Well… yeah! I told you it sounded fun.” His voice grew quieter. “Though, I still wanna know who exactly we’re looking for.” 

Amy’s ears went back, and her eyes went to the ground. 

Sonic sighed. “That’s alright,” he said. “Maybe you can tell me later. But for now,” he stepped closer to Amy, patting her on the shoulder, “we’ve got someone else to meet.” 

Amy gently smiled, going along with him.

Sonic decided to purchase a meat bun at the local shop and was now taking Amy north through the village.

“I should take ya back here when you’ve got more of an appetite so you can try one of these,” Sonic said, raising the meat bun into view. “Chip and I stopped and had a few when we were here, and they're amazing.” 

“I’m surprised you guys had time to stop for anything given all the places you had to go.” 

“If we didn’t stop for breaks there was no way I’d have had the energy to do anything, especially with how I was spending the nights running around at a snail’s pace as a werehog.”

“Oh right. I almost forgot about that.”

“You’d think seeing the guy you were crushing on as a big scary monster would leave a bigger impact.” 

“I’d seen bigger and scarier. And it’s not like you changed on the inside. Even if I didn’t recognize you at first, as soon as you saved me, I knew it was you.” 

Sonic scratched his neck. “You make it sound like there’s nobody else that’s willing to help.” 

“Oh there are, but nobody else does something nice and then runs away before I can even thank them.” 

As they made their way closer to the northern gate, Sonic kept his eyes on it as though it were the most interesting thing on the planet. 

“It just… feels weird to be thanked for something I was gonna do anyway. There’s no reason to make a big deal out of nothing.” 

“See, that’s what I mean. Even with that big fluffy exterior making me confused, your big fluffy heart showed off that you were definitely my S-” She cleared her throat, looking away. “My friend.”

Sonic chuckled, looking around as they finally passed through the gate. After a brief silence, he glanced at Amy.

“It meant a lot to me, you know. That you didn’t care what I looked like.” He stared at the ground as they continued walking. “I know it might sound… pretty strange… but it was kinda comforting to know that you still felt the same about me regardless.”

“It is kinda strange,” Amy said, her voice having a twinge of emptiness to it. “It’s not like my feelings for you would’ve mattered… you didn’t like me the same anyway.” 

“I…” He stopped walking.

Amy stopped with him and huffed. “Don’t bother pretending. You didn’t want to date me and that’s… fine.” 

“…I agreed to a date.” 

“You forgot about it.” 

“It wasn’t my-!” He gritted his teeth, his unoccupied hand clenched into a fist. Slowly, he took in a deep breath, and let it out. 

“I did forget about the date… but that’s because I was pulled into another world and didn’t get back until after it was over. I know you didn’t believe me then, but after all the adventures we’ve been on, surely you believe me now. Stranger things have happened.”

Amy let out an uneasy moan. “But that wouldn’t make any sense!”

“I swear I’m telling the-” 

“You couldn’t have really wanted to date me! It was just a fluke!”

“…Huh?”

“You had a million chances to go out with me and the one time you promised to you didn’t show! I don’t know why you agreed that time but it was clearly a mistake!”

“It wasn’t a mistake!” 

Amy froze, mouth agape at him. 

“It… wasn’t a mistake.” He swallowed thickly. “My mind got sidetracked by the adventure, but I was still looking forward to our date when I agreed to it.” He looked away. “I’m sorry that I didn’t show up, but I want you to know that I’d never leave you hanging like that on purpose. Getting your hopes up just to break your heart… is way too far.” 

The night air went quiet, beside the rustling of leaves.

“…You really wanted to go on a date with me?” 

“Well… yeah.” Sonic scratched his neck. “And… this morning… I uh…” 

A loud screech was heard just up ahead, drawing their attention. 

“What was that?” Amy asked.

Sonic sighed, half in disappointment and half in relief. 

“That, is who we’re here to see.” 

Amy started jogging ahead and Sonic followed close behind. 

After passing a few rock formations, Amy let out a gasp. 

“Oh my gosh!” 

Perched on one of the western cliffs was a glowing phoenix. As soon as he saw them, he jumped from the cliff and soared around the clearing. After coming to a landing on the path, he tilted his head at them. 

“Amy, I’d like you to meet the local villager protector.”

“A phoenix!” She let out a delighted laugh and waved. “Um, hello!” 

When she returned her arm to her side, Sonic gently took her wrist and placed a meat bun in her hand. 

“Here. He’d probably like a snack, don’t you think?” 

“Oh! Yes! I think he would.” Amy stretched out her arm, holding the meat bun out to the phoenix. “Here you go! Sonic says they’re really good.” 

The phoenix reached down and gently plucked the meat bun out of Amy’s hand. After taking a few steps back, he spread his wings and started flapping, lifting himself off the ground and taking to the sky once again. His luminous feathers shimmered against the night sky, shining bright as the moon as he soared around the clearing once again before landing back on the cliffside to enjoy his snack. 

Amy turned to Sonic, giggling helplessly. “That was amazing! I’ve never seen a phoenix before! Thank you for showing me!” 

“No problem, Ames! I knew this would help lift the mood!” 

Letting out a softer giggle, Amy rubbed her arm. “You brought me here to help me feel better?” 

“Of course! I couldn’t just let the disappointments keep getting you down without giving you something exciting to pick you back up.” 

“Oh.” Amy blushed, looking away. “Thank you.” 

“Sonic! I had heard you were visiting.” 

Sonic turned to see another familiar resident of the village just past the gate.

“Zonshen! Nice to see ya!” 

“Nice to see you too,” the kind elderly man said as he walked over. 

“How’s your back doing?” 

“It’s doing great! Charles’ training is really paying off.”

“Oh! Amy, this is Zonshen, the village elder and doctor. Zonshen, this is Amy.”

“Hello,” Amy said, giving him a polite wave.

He looked between Sonic and Amy. “I’m not interrupting anything here, am I?” 

“N-No!” Amy choked out. 

“We were just trying to find some guy named ‘Yue Lao’ or something and decided to take a break,” Sonic more calmly explained.

“‘Some guy’? ‘Yue Lao’? You two are looking for the heavenly matchmaker?” 

“Heavenly matchmaker?” Sonic glanced at Amy for an explanation but she was hiding her face. 

“Yes?” Zonshen said. “The god who ties together future lovers with the invisible red thread of fate? You did not know this?” 

“Uh, no.”

“Yet you were looking for him on the night of the Qixi festival? It is a good time to look, being a romantic holiday and all, but how could you not know?” 

“Well A- …I didn’t get many details about who he was before we went on the search.” 

“Oh. Well, I hope you can understand my confusion. Hmm.” Zonshen looked at Amy. “Is your friend doing alright?” 

“Huh?” Sonic looked at her, noticing her stuttered breathing. “Amy?” 

He reached out, touching her shoulder, and she let out a strangled yelp and bolted. 

“Shoot! Um, later Zonshen!” 

Zonshen’s farewell was faint as Sonic immediately chased after Amy. To his dismay, she was already out of sight. 

Quickly, he ran to Wang’s shop, as it was within eyeshot of the village exit. 

“Hey,” Sonic said to him, “did you see a pink hedgehog run out of here?” 

“No? Wasn’t she with you when you bought something? Did something happen?” 

“Don’t worry about it, but hopefully that means she’s hiding somewhere in the village. I just have to find her…” 

An idea popped into his head. 

“Thanks anyway. Later.” 

He walked away and took out his communicator, finding Amy in his contacts and giving her a non-emergency call. 

Keeping an ear out… he heard a man’s voice belt, “'cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars,” before Sonic was already at the source of the music. 

Hiding behind a few decorative vases, he was met with a very red-faced Amy with her finger on her phone screen, having dismissed the call with great haste. She froze upon seeing him, then curled in on herself and let out a pained whine. 

“It’s alright, Amy.” 

“No, it’s not!” 

“I’m still not mad, I promise.” 

“Yeah right!” 

“Lin already hinted at something about him being related to romance and I’d already accepted that. All that Zonshen did was give me a little more info.” 

“You know I dragged you out here to find a matchmaker! Don’t you feel betrayed?!” 

“You didn’t drag me anywhere. I chose to help you look, and I still want to.” 

Slowly, Amy looked up at him. “You… But why?” 

“Because it’s obviously pretty important to you. Plus, the journey’s been fun so far.” 

“Are… Are you sure…?” 

“Of course!” Sonic said, offering his hand. “Let’s get going.”

Taking his hand, Amy let Sonic pull her up. 

“Thank you…” she said bashfully.

“No problem!” After turning with Amy to leave, he gave her a questioning glance. “What was with your ringtone?”

“Haha! You don’t need to worry about that!” 

Sonic rolled his eyes with a snort. 

-

Their search continued on, though it was quieter than before. Despite the reassurance, Amy was clearly still embarrassed about the whole thing. Sonic hoped that she’d calm down with time, though time was a thing they were also working against. 

After two hours, they were overdue for another break. They’d come across a couple of shrines to Yue Lao, but Amy’s frown upon seeing them only showed Sonic how disappointed she was to not see the real deal. He figured giving the shrines an offering in the hopes of having him show up was out of the question.

“Amy?” Sonic softly spoke. “How about another break?” 

She didn’t reply, only followed him to the top of a hill overlooking another small village they had yet to explore. Sonic sat down facing the village, and Amy followed. 

“Nice view, right? The sky’s pretty clear out here, and the village is all nice and decorated.” 

Amy just stared ahead, silent. 

Rubbing his arm, Sonic looked away from her. Something needed to be done, but he didn’t have any more ideas. At least, not any that’d be any good at cheering her up from a mood as low as it was. Still, he had to try something. 

He opened his mouth to speak…

…And Amy spoke instead. 

“Why are you doing this?” she asked, voice empty. “Haven’t you figured out why I wanted to bring you to Yue Lao?” 

Sonic idly combed his fingers through the grass. “To see if we’re connected,” he looked at her, “right?” 

“Yeah.” Her eyes were still locked to the same place.

“Do you… want us… to be connected?”

Amy blinked, finally turning to look at him. “You… think I wouldn’t?” 

“Uh.” Sonic tried to ignore the jump in his chest. “Well, you’ve… kinda been a bit more subtle for the past few years. I figured you’d… I dunno… lost interest or something.” 

Laughing weakly, Amy brought her eyes to the stars. “If only it was that easy.” 

Sonic leaned back, looking up at the stars as well. 

“Ten years ago,” Amy said, “I was just passing through Chun-nan on a night like this one. It was just after I’d met you and… just after you’d first rejected me.” Her eyes wandered to the mountains in the distance. “There was… a little doubt in my mind that we’d ever end up together. My cards had told me we were destined to, but…”

Sonic’s ears went back, pain in his expression. 

“Anyway,” she continued, “I was out looking for you, but instead I found the old man. He was reading a book very closely, and when I asked him what it was about, he explained that it contained the names of all couples who would eventually fall in love. I asked what he needed it for, and he said he used it know who to connect with a magical red thread that always brings those couples together.”

Amy crossed her arms. “I told him to prove it by telling me who I was destined to be with. He… chuckled… and told me your name.” 

Sonic gaped, though Amy was too busy looking away to see his reaction. 

“I was so happy, but when I asked him when we’d get together, he told me to just… have patience. That in the end, all the pain and heartache would be worth it.” She growled. “Well, I think I’ve waited far too long without any actual proof we’d be together. I just ran off without seeing this thread for myself, and I’m not making that mistake again. I wanna find him, and I wanna make him show me our thread or admit he was mistaken, because maybe then I could finally just…” She whined, voice going quiet. “I could just stop thinking about… us… so much.” 

“Amy…” 

“And that’s why-!” She cleared her throat. “That’s why I wanted to bring you here. I needed to see if we’re really connected or not, and I wouldn’t be able to see our thread if you weren’t here with me.” She hugged her knees. “I promise I’m not trying to pressure you into anything; You said yourself that I’ve been more… subtle recently. I just want a definitive answer on whether or not we’ll be together in the end, even if…” she swallowed thickly, “…it means learning we… won’t. I’m just… so sick of being uncertain…” 

“Amy.” 

Sonic took her hands in his, grabbing her attention. 

“Sonic?” 

“I… know you just had a whole speech about waiting forever on me, but… I need you to stay here for a little bit.” He offered a reassuring smile. “I’ll be right back, okay?” 

Amy laughed nervously. “And you’re not gonna tell me why you’re leaving me here?” 

“Nope. It’ll make us even for the whole ‘not explaining who we’re really looking for’ thing.”

Amy sighed. “Touché.” 

“I’ll be quick. I promise.” 

“…Alright.” 

They let go of each other’s hands, and Sonic ran off toward the village. 

As soon as he arrived he stopped to catch his breath, though not due to the run there. 

“Okay. Okay. Cool. Cool. Cool. Just need to calm down and look for something really nice to give Amy to make up for ten years of rejection as well as not asking her out during this entire thing so she doesn’t feel like I’m messing with her when I ask her out right now.” 

He started running again, though at a more reasonable pace for the safety of everyone around him. 

“There’s gotta be a shop or cart or anything that has something she’d love. Should I get her multiple things? How much time would that take? I told her this would be quick but-” 

Not paying attention, a wave of yellow fabric flashed in his face as Sonic ran into someone. Before they could even fall to the ground, Sonic agilely swooped around and caught them, pushing them back to their feet. Something they were holding hit the ground, so Sonic picked it up for them. 

“Sorry about that!” Sonic apologized, holding out the object, a journal, to the person he nearly knocked over, who appeared to be an elderly man with a long, snow-white beard. “I should’ve been paying better attention.” 

“Oh, it’s alright,” the man said, taking the journal. Upon getting a better look at Sonic, he smiled brightly. “Sonic the Hedgehog! It is about time your numerous travels cause us to cross paths. May I ask what you are doing on this wonderful night?” 

“I’m actually in a bit of a rush but I’m looking for something nice to give my friend for- well it’s a lot to get into but she deserves something amazing and I promised to get back to her really soon so I’ve gotta go!” 

“Would this friend happen to be Amy Rose?” 

“Uh yeah? How’d you know? Wait! I don’t have time for-”

“How lovely! I have something you should give to her.” 

From a pack at his side, he pulled out a red thread. It glinted under the moonlight as he presented it to Sonic. 

“Huh.” Sonic was thinking about getting Amy some flowers and/or desserts, but a red thread seemed perfect. Symbolic gestures were right up her alley. 

“This thread may tangle and stretch, but will never break. Once tied you two may travel any distance apart, but it will always bring you both back together.” 

“So it’s made of real quality stuff then? How much you want for it?” 

“Nothing,” the man said, placing it in Sonic’s hands. “You were destined to have it, and I have plenty more to go around.” 

“If you say so, then thanks! But I really have to go now!” Sonic said, already turning to leave. 

“Enjoy your date!”

Not bothering to correct him, Sonic called out, “Thanks again,” as he sped back to the hill. 

Upon his return, Amy stood up and sighed. 

“Sonic… let’s just go home.” 

Sonic stopped in his tracks, hiding the thread in his hand. “Huh? You’re giving up?” 

“This whole thing was silly anyway. Even if we searched all of Chun-nan, who's to say this matchmaker god isn’t just somewhere else? What are the odds we’d even come across him anyway? He probably travels everywhere all the time.” 

“I travel everywhere all the time, yet you run into me constantly.”

“I know, but…” 

She turned away. “Maybe… being uncertain… is just a part of life. Even if I find him and get the answer to this one question… I’ll just have a million more.” Her ears drooped. “It was comforting, to always believe we’d be together in the end, and I worked so hard to make that dream a reality… but, I didn’t even let myself consider whether it was your dream, too. This whole time… I was hardly listening to what your feelings were in all of this…” 

Sonic stepped up to her, taking her hand into his own.

“Then listen to me now,” he said, looking into her eyes and capturing her attention.

“Even if you’ve supposedly only been thinking about your own wish for us to be together, that hasn’t come across to me. I mean, you’ve been so much less upfront that I thought you might not be into me anymore, remember?” 

She nodded. 

“Right. So don’t let yourself feel bad about that. You’ve been an amazing friend to me ever since I met you… even if I wasn’t a fan of how clingy you were at first…” 

“I’m s-”

“Nuh-uh. You’re listening right now.” 

Amy sighed. 

“But uh, anyway… I just… I wanted to… uh…” He closed his eyes, letting out a breath. “This morning… didn’t you wonder why I was right outside your apartment when you ran into me?” 

Amy blinked, looking off into space before returning her gaze to him. “No. I… was so distracted by my plans that I didn’t even think about it.” 

“Right. Well, there’s a reason I was so willing to go along with your plans despite how suspicious they sounded, and that’s because… I was gonna ask you out.”

Amy’s mouth hung open. 

“Like… on a… date?” 

“Y-Yeah.” He looked away. “I was a bit nervous considering the whole, you know, not being sure you still had feelings thing. Plus… I was, I am… kinda worried about how you’re gonna take all this.” 

“I-I’m taking it j-just fine! Keep talking!” she urged. 

Sonic peeked at her expression. She was completely engrossed. 

“A-Alright. Anyway, I just wanted to say that… I also feel, comforted, by the thought of you… being there for me. It was a huge relief to hear you’re still interested, and… well…” 

Finally, Sonic raised his fist and uncurled his fingers, revealing the red thread in his hand. 

Amy gasped upon seeing it. She covered her mouth with her free hand. 

“Maybe life’s confusing, but… I don’t want this to be something you’re confused about anymore. Even if we never find the old man, I hope I can show you that I’ll always be there for you, no matter what…” Sonic gazed at her hopefully. “…If that’s still what you want.” 

Amy was breathing heavily, but her face was adorned with a smile. “Y-Yes,” she said. “Of course that’s what I want.”

Smiling himself, Sonic searched for one end of the thread…

…but then it shimmered in the moonlight and moved on its own, tying each end of itself in a perfect little bow around Sonic and Amy’s pinky fingers. 

“Huh?” 

“What?” 

They stared, confused and shocked. 

Amy cautiously reached for the thread with her untied hand. It gave in under her touch, but gently tugging at it only caused it to effortlessly stretch, and letting go caused it to slowly tighten back to its original state.

“Sonic,” she said, slowly looking up at him. “…Where did you get this?” 

“Uh… down in the village. I ran into some old guy and-” He froze, feeling as though the wind was knocked straight out of him. 

“Are you saying…?” 

Sonic slapped a hand over his face. “Argh! I was so focused on getting you something nice that I didn’t even realize how obvious it was that I found him!” He turned toward the village. “Maybe if we go right now he might still-”

This time, the wind really was knocked out when Amy pounced on him, delivering a crushing hug as they toppled to the ground. 

“I don’t care!” she wailed, nuzzling her face into his shoulder. “You went to get me something nice and then brought back something that made my dreams come true!” 

“Woah, are you okay?” Sonic asked, feeling a wetness on his shoulder and Amy’s chest shaking against his own.

“This is the best day of my life!” she sobbed. “What you did for me is better than anything I could’ve ever imagined!” 

Sonic wrapped his arms around her and caressed her back, letting her cry as much as she needed to. Once her breaths started to calm, he finally voiced his thoughts.

“You know, I was kinda hoping to ask you out after all this, but it feels like we’ve already been on a date since we teleported here.” 

Amy laughed. “I think most of the people who saw us today thought the same.” 

“Oh definitely.” 

Out of the blue, Amy flinched.

“Oops!” she yelped, pushing herself off his chest. “I should probably-”

Sonic kept his hands firmly on her back, gently halting her movement. “If you wanna move, that’s fine. But…” he smiled bashfully, “this is nice.” 

Amy blushed deeply. “Are you sure?” 

Reaching for her face, Sonic wiped away her old tears, the red thread trailing behind his hand’s movement. 

“I’m sure, Amy,” he said, returning to caressing her back. 

Slowly, she lowered herself back down, resting her cheek on his chest. 

“Thank you, Sonic. For… everything.” 

“And thank you, too. Today’s been a lot of fun.” He lifted his hand to get a better look at the red thread. “I’m looking forward to all the other adventures we’ll have together.” 

They stayed in each other’s arms looking out at the stars. The best part of that night, was that they could take their time laying on the hill, and then go back home with the rest of the day still there to enjoy as well.

-

Notes: Thanks for reading! Feel free to let me know what you think about my work!

For those wondering, Amy's ringtone is "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay. I also considered making it "Can't Hide Love" by Earth, Wind & Fire but thought it was too obvious of a pick.

Also, fun fact: In the original Chinese myth, the red thread of fate is tied around each person's ankle, but I decided to keep it as being tied around their pinkies because I couldn't figure out how to incorporate it into the story naturally.

[thegreenfiles]

aight, I want to work on my WIPs today but I’m having trouble deciding which one to start with. So! Which one should I work on?

Propaganda under cut

Don’t Call Me A Hero

Super hero au fic for DSMP, Techno-centric with a heavy focus on the favor system, attempting to live a normal life after being yanked out of villainy and forcibly rehabilitated, all while investigating the disappearance of a hybrid that leads to the discovery of something much worse. Also takes a look at Sam and Techno’s dynamic because I think that’s an underutilized relationship that isn’t examined enough.

The Grave Sting

Zombie apocalypse au fic for Hermitcraft. It’s a heist to steal the cure for zombification from the Perimeter and Mumbo is in the process of turning into a zombie. Featuring the soup group plus Scar and Grian with background watcher lore. 4/6 chapters posted with about half of chapter five written.

The Price You Pay for Arrogance

A post canon Hermit! Niki one shot where Niki has crashed on the Hermitcraft server and has to slowly heal with the help of the other hermits before she can even think about fixing the space ship that got her there. Featuring Gem and Pearl talking Niki through the trauma of leaving a dying server, Bdubs and Niki bonding over horses and just a nice bit of fluff.

How Dare You Speak of Grace

Detective Pikachu AU for the Junoverse of the Penumbra Podcast. An examination of Junos relationship with his mom and his brother after Benton’s untimely death as Juno unravels just what Ben was up to, befriends a talking Pokémon who sounds strangely similar to him, and maybe falls in love with a nosy and cologne drenched journalist.

Right Me When I’m Wrong

Murder mystery set in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist with a heavy focus on a couple of OCs, one of them being a veteran doctor from the Ishvalan war who has seen firsthand the horrors of what State Alchemists’ power looks like and wants nothing to do with it (they moved to that small mining town for a reason), so when former state alchemist, Edward Elric, comes knocking at their door, accusing them of commuting the crime of human transmutation, they’re bound to be a little angry. Elric reveals that Central has received reports of a serial killer who’s struck the town and seems to be using the bodies of their victims for sick experiments that could only be that act he understands all too well.

Secret Sixth Option

Wouldn’t you like to know weather boy?

[brechtian]

how Does one make a future professionally in theatre, especially after graduation? asking genuinely, looking for advice!

Hello! I’m back home, I don’t have plans today except for filming an audition tape, and I’m ready to answer this question. Let’s get started!

Resumes:

If you went to school for theatre, hopefully your professors taught you to have separate professional, technical, and acting resumes & how to format them correctly, as they’re all weird and different. If they hung you out to dry, dm me, I can send some examples :)

Applications:

Just go for it! Apply for things! You’re particularly going to want to look for the following:

Theatres in your area you could plausibly commute to.

Theatres that offer artist housing (most common in summerstock, but plenty other theatres do it as well)

Theatres in cities where you have connections/potentially a place to crash for a couple months

ALSO. If you’re an actor, do not just audition; apply for technical and administrative positions as well. In this industry, artistic directors often want to cast people they trust, so if you start out as a production (or, in my case, box office + education) intern but want to act in the future, they’re a lot more likely to cast you when the next pool of auditions come around. Also working in other parts of theatre is fun & makes you more well-rounded/hirable!

On that topic, if you’re in or fresh out of college, you’re going to want to keep an eye out for internships and apprenticeships; you’re most likely to get hired for them, and, again, a foot in the door is a foot in the door.

Once hired:

If you get a contract to work at a theatre, have fun, but also use that opportunity to make connections!

This doesn’t just mean with the theatre you’re working at; connect with your interns, actors, directors, creative staff, admin. Theatre is a small world, and a lot of the people who are working in it professionally will have contacts and recommendations for you. Listen to them, and make friends!

Just in case this one isn’t obvious. Reputation is extremely important in this industry. Work hard, be pleasant to be around, and if you’re going to do stupid shit (I did plenty), don’t post it to your public story or loudly tell others about it. Trust me.

Other Notes:

When you work in professional theatre for the first time, you will probably feel really inadequate and embarrassed and like everyone is more prepared than you (at least, I did). Do not let the demons win.

Find your niche. Apply for everything, sure, but everything is a lot! I was interested in Shakespeare, so I went through every registered Shakespeare theatre in America to look at job opportunities + whether they offered artist housing, and it definitely made my cover letter more convincing because I DID actually care about the theatre being made there.

Okay this one may be controversial but. Don’t pay $400 for a headshot that shit is goofy to me. Find a friend with a good camera, wear a solid color and take some nice photos in front of a neutral background. Sorry maybe I’ll invest one day but like literally just does not seem worth it to me especially this early in my career.

Keep an eye out also for theatre-related jobs in other industries. I recently applied for a stagehand position at a music venue since it’s still in the theatre realm but it’s in my city + has decent pay while I work on moving! :)

Don’t make yourself miserable. If you’re working in theatre, you’re doing so because you love it, so it just doesn’t make sense to work in a place or position that you hate. With that said, if the only kind of theatre you want to be doing is acting in Chicago, maybe broaden your horizons lol!

That’s all that is coming to mind right now; if you have any questions or want more specific advice, just let me know :)

[storiesofsvu]

Journey to the Past Ch 12

Bryan Kneef x reader Warnings; language, alcohol, smut, daddy kink, semi-public sex. Also dont worry, there will be a direct follow up to this in the next chapter, it was just getting long so I split it lololol

You were glad that STR had high quality coffee and a decent catering room, because you’d been spending almost as much time there as you were at your actual firm. And unfortunately, it wasn’t because of Bryan. Your top partner had watched how well you’d worked with Diane and a couple of the other attorneys and thus sent you over to be liaison between the two firms when you worked through cases with the same clients, or similar type situations. You didn’t mind it, it was a nice distraction from sitting in your office all day, your case load was pretty small at the moment anyways, but it certainly wasn’t helping your commute.

You were in a boardroom, waiting for everything to wrap up as everyone said their closing remarks and finally a decision was made, signifying the end of the meeting. Despite Bryan’s reservations when it came to Diane you’d found yourself getting along rather well with her, she was at least the one who you knew you could catch her gaze from across the room in a joint eye roll when someone said something ridiculously stupid. Or like in the moment right now, where things had already been dragged out twenty minutes longer than they needed to.

“Someone needs to get off his fucking soapbox.” She muttered and you chuckled as the two of you packed up your things.

“At least he finally shut up.” You huffed out a breath as you pushed back your chair to stand.

“It’s like he doesn’t understand some of us have places to be and weekend plans.”

“Yeah, you got something exciting going on?” You asked with a laugh, following Diane out the door.

“Shouldn’t you?” She asked with a chuckle, glancing over her shoulder as you fell in pace beside her, “and I’d say more dreadful than exciting.”

“You’ve lost me, did I zone out at something important in there?”

“No.” She laughed once again, “I just assumed you be going to the Archibald silent auction dinner Friday.”

“Fuuuccckk.” You groaned, “yeah, I am, I just completely fucking forgot. My weekends have been reserved for… other things recently.”

“Yeah, what’s his name?” She smirked and you let out a laugh, not wanting to bring that up quite yet and you were happy she immediately dropped it, letting out a little sigh before she spoke again. “And of course it’s black fucking tie, you think they’d let us have at least one of these things be casual for once.”

“You’ve gotta be one of the top wins for the year to get invited to those ones, and let me tell you, the one in Turks and Caicos is worth the amount of ass kissing you end up doing.”

“Oh now you’re just bragging.” She teased with a laugh, stalling in her step as she reached the door to her office, swinging it open and heading inside. “Sunshine and white sand beaches beats four course meals and an open bar any day.”

“Hey, at least you’re married, you’ve got a permanent date to these things.” You huffed, leaning against the door frame and she glanced up at you with a small grin.

“Just bring that new weekend friend, he won’t know how treacherously boring these things can be.”

You let out a little laugh, ever thankful for her phone ringing and interrupting the conversation as she picked it up, giving you a little wave that you returned before leaving the doorway. You wandered through the firm, checking a couple of things on your phone while you thought about the upcoming gala. You abruptly halted when you passed Bryan’s office, realizing he was inside and the door was open, circling back you propped yourself on the door frame,

“Do you have plans Friday?”

“What?” He glanced up at the sound of your voice, brow furrowed, not even realizing you were at the firm.

“Stupid question, why am I even asking. You’re going to the silent auction, right?”

“Fuck…” He muttered, glancing down to his calendar to confirm that he was supposed to be in attendance, “yeah.”

“I completely forgot about it.”

“If you don’t have a ticket you can be my plus one.” He offered and you laughed, stepping into the office while your voice lowered, grin still on your face.

“Really!?” You barked out a laugh, “your plus one? That’s it?”

“That’s what the ticket says.” He defended and you laughed once again, shaking your head.

“I have my own ticket but thank you. I was more hoping that I would have some company, Kim tends to disappear at these things long before they’re over and I hate having to do all the schmoozing myself.”

“Okay, so…how about instead of plus one, you can be my date?”

“Mmm…” you murmured, pretending to think about it for a moment, “that does sound a lot nicer.” You let out a small giggle, “thank you.”

“I promise not to leave your side if you promise not to leave mine.”

“I feel like we’re about to make a pinky swear.” You teased and he chuckled.

“You said you forgot about it, you have something to wear?”

“No.” You grumbled, “I meant to go shopping with Kim on Tuesday and she got pulled into court early. I’ll have to go tomorrow.”

“Well, why don’t you take this...” He reached into a desk drawer, pulling out a black credit card from his wallet, “get yourself something nice, and something even nicer to go underneath.” He grinned as you took the card from him with a small laugh.

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Hell, take Kim with you, hit up the spa, you girls deserve a break.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” He cast you a small smile, feeling that warmth in his chest again, “hey… how’s the whole Catrina thing going?”

“Is that why you’re spoiling me?” You did your best not to roll your eyes as you slid the card into your wallet.

“I’m spoiling you because I want to.” He replied with a smirk, reaching out to squeeze at your hand, “and because I can.”

“And you really claim you don’t want to be a sugar daddy?” You teased and it was his turn to roll his eyes as you let out a small sigh. “It’s going. From what I know he still doesn’t have a lawyer, big surprise, the first step in dragging everything out as long as possible and making it as expensive as possible for her.”

“Did you take it pro-bono?”

“I’m still on the fence about taking it at all.” You shrugged, “if I don’t end up having to leave the city, I’ll probably give her a pretty big discount. At this point all I’ve done is give her a couple of names for good lawyers out there and processed the order of protection.”

“Keep me updated, okay? And please let me know if that piece of shit tries to contact you at all.”

“Bry…” you practically warned with a soft smile.

“I’m just saying.” He defended and you leant over to leave a kiss on his cheek.

“You’re cute when you’re worried.” You picked up your bag, “and thank you. However… it appears I’ve got some shopping to do.”

“Do me a favour and don’t max it out.”

“Oh please.” You laughed, letting out a quiet squeak when Bryan stood, pulling you back to him for a more intimate, deeper kiss.

“I’ll pick you up Friday?”

“Sounds great.”

**

Bryan was punctual as ever on Friday, knocking on your apartment door right on time and he practically had the life kicked out of him when the door swung open. You were in a stunning floor length black gown with a slit up to the middle of your thigh, it was off the shoulder and you’d pulled your hair up into an elaborate updo, a gorgeous diamond necklace around your neck.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” Bryan swore and you let out a little giggle.

“I take it you like what you see?” You raised a brow, scooping up your purse as you stepped into your heels.

“Let’s just say now I’m wishing I was early so I had time to savour every inch of you.” He murmured, his hand sliding around your waist to pull you to him, lips meeting yours gently yet with a fire behind them. His tongue slid across your lower lip and you parted yours, letting him into your mouth, groaning as his tongue danced with yours before you reluctantly broke the kiss.

“Like you said, not enough time.” You muttered, “but maybe if you behave tonight I’ll let you fuck me in the bathroom at the Ritz. And I do have a special surprise for you.”

“Oh… well then I suppose I’ll be on my best behaviour.” He smirked, wrapping an arm around your waist, waiting for you to quickly lock your door before escorting you down to the car.

The ride over to the Ritz Carlton was rather uneventful, mainly because Bryan wanted to keep on your good side in order to find out what your surprise was. You caught each other up on your weeks and helped prep each other for the evening ahead, breaking out the sides of you that were ready for mingling, schmoozing and self promoting.

Bryan escorted you inside the hotel, hand on the small of your back as you made your way upstairs. The event was being held in one of the more private, chic ballrooms on the top floor, extending onto the outdoor terrace for the cocktail hour and after dinner. The space was set up elegantly, the hallway leading up to it acting as a lobby, tables against the walls filled with items for the silent auction. Inside the main room were round tables scattered through the space, a stage at the opposite end set up for some speeches later on, and most importantly, a very fully stocked bar running along the side of the room.

“Red or white?” Bryan asked.

“At a place like this? Bubbly to start.”

“Good call.” He winked, leaning in to kiss your cheek before sneaking across the room. You caught Kim’s eye and she very quickly wrapped up the conversation she was having and made her way over to you.

“Oh thank god, I was beginning to think you’d abandoned me.” She greeted with a quick hug and peck on the cheek.

“Were you not shopping with me yesterday?”

“Yeah but with how good you look it’s a shocker you guys even got out of the house.” She replied and you let out a laugh.

“I specifically told him to save that for later.”

“I’m kind of surprised you even brought him.” She muttered over a sip of her drink and you raised a brow.

“I mean he was already on the guest list.”

“Yeah but you don’t mix work and pleasure.”

“Kim, when have I had pleasure to mix with business before?”

“Way too fucking long ago, that’s for sure.” She shifted back into her almost work mode as Bryan returned, handing you a champagne flute.

“You must be Kim.” He greeted with a warm smile, “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Likewise.” She accepted his handshake, “and I must thank you for the girl’s day, can’t say I’ve ever had someone else’s date do that for me.���

“Well I’ve gotta keep my girl happy, don’t I?” He replied with a grin, his arm resting on your back, hand lightly tickling at your skin through your dress as the conversation continued.

The three of you ended up in back in the entry ray, wandering through the silent auction, putting a bid down on things here and there. You spent some time chatting with other coworkers, potential new clients and socialites through the city. Bryan was lightning fast to refill your drink and brought one back for Kim too, you were nearly finished it when a man you didn’t know but recognized from STR came up to Bryan, clapping him on the back.

“Well if it isn’t Kneef showing up with two dates, always gotta uphold that reputation, don’t you?” The man let out a boisterous laugh before he disappeared into the crowd. Bryan glanced over at you and you raised a brow, but there was still a grin on your cheeks as you sipped your champagne so he didn’t bother trying to explain his way out of it.

It wasn’t much longer after that that champagne was replaced with wine and you were seated for dinner. Courses of butternut squash soup, beet and goat cheese salads, roasted salmon or filet mignon were served between speeches and some fun little awards. Bryan’s hand stayed on your bare thigh every moment it could, tickling higher and higher at the slit in your dress, drawing random patterns on your skin that left you shivering in anticipation. By the time dessert was served the drinks had been steadily flowing and the conversation was doing just that as well. Laughter and teasing jabs shot across the table, some guests in much deeper conversation that were more work related. People started to wander easily between tables, the bar, the silent auction and the terrace. A classy yet upbeat playlist of music echoed through the space. Bryan leant in, leaving a kiss on the side of your neck as he muttered something about changing out your drinks for scotch and you nodded, watching him wander away to the bar before you got pulled into a debate with Kim and another table mate.

Bryan sauntered his way up to the bar, nodding a greeting to a few people here and there before settling against the wood, ordering two high end scotches from the bartender. While he was waiting, the man from earlier, Ronald came up along with another one of his drinking buddies Ben, someone who Bryan could actually stand and went out with on the regular. Ron nodded at him, clasping at his shoulder as they settled in to the bar.

“You really bring two dates tonight Kneef?”

“No.” He chuckled.

“So which one is it?” Ben asked, glancing over towards the table, “cause I was at the Turks conference and you should see Kennedy in a bikini.” The men chuckled darkly and Bryan felt a surge shoot through him.

“I don’t need to see her in a bikini if I’ve already seen her naked.” He muttered into the rim of his glass and the men burst into a chorus of small cheers and laughs, “and believe me, you’re the ones missing out.”

“What, you’re saying you’ll share?” Ben asked with a wicked grin and Bryan scoffed out a laugh.

“Not this time.”

“Yeah, Kneef you usually bring bimbos to these things.” Ron noted, “and Kennedy, she’s far from a bimbo. She’s a fucking shark.”

“Just because she’s a shark in the courtroom doesn’t mean she’s one in the bedroom.” Bryan continued to speak softly, not wanting the comments to be heard over the music by anyone else, then again, this was the normal kind of guy talk that happened at these events.

“Shame she’s not on the auction block then.” Ben’s gaze drifted over towards your table and Bryan felt that surge again as the other man’s eyes dragged up your form, lingering a little too long on the swell of your breast. “Something tells me she gives great head…”

“Oh she probably takes it so fucking well, doesn’t she Kneef?”

“I think it’s about time you two start bringing your own dates to these things.” Bryan muttered in return, taking a hefty swig of his drink.

“Why? Looks like yours is on the prowl anyways?” Ben chuckled, taking a sip of his own drink and when Bryan looked up you were sauntering through the room towards the bar.

“Sorry to interrupt boys.” You greeted, lips pursed as you leant between the two of them to pluck your drink off the bar from in front of Bryan, “hope you’re not trying to steal my date.” You teased, pulling laughter and muted comments from the two of them, and just enough time for you to lean in, kissing Bryan’s neck and husking into his ear, “you have four minutes to meet me in the back bathroom.”

Shooting him a wink you nodded to the other men and wandered away through the room, ducking into a back hallway. The bathroom back there was as lavish as the rest of them, but most importantly, private, and not a lot of people knew about it. You had just enough time to down the rest of your drink, the alcohol warming through your entire body, feeling the tingles of arousal shooting through you after Bryan’s teasing touches and filthy words. The door swung open and you turned toward it with a smirk on your lips, watching the way Bryan swiftly locked it before he pounced on you.

“Do you have any fucking idea how absolutely gorgeous you look tonight?” He growled against your lips, hands gliding around your body, squeezing at your ass.

“I think I caught onto a hint or two.” You muttered back, surging toward him for a deep kiss, a hand slipping between your bodies to palm at his hardening cock through his tux. He’d already rid himself of his jacket, rolling up his sleeves before dessert to prepare for exactly this.

“Yeah?” He groaned, lips trailing across your chin and down your neck, teeth scraping at your skin, “you gonna tell me what my surprise is yet?”

“You’re almost there already.” You replied, a grin on your lips as he squeezed at your ass again. Your free hand moved behind you, shifting one of his hands so his fingers were tickling between your cheeks. They brushed up against the plug and you let out a little gasp, pulling a chuckle from Bryan.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“You know it is.” You murmured back, letting out a small moan as he pushed against it, “figured you can fuck my pussy right now, then take me home and fuck my ass after.”

“Fuck!” He grunted, rocking into the hand you had on his cock, “you’re so fucking perfect.”

You didn’t have the chance to reply as Bryan’s lips stole your breath for another kiss, this one deeper and more passionate than the last as he backed you into the wall. Your hands easily wound around him, one of his pinned between you and the door as he continued to squeeze at your ass, toying with the plug through your dress, the other resting on your hip. The kiss got more heated, his tongue surging into your mouth and massaging against your own as you moaned into the kiss, your breath swallowed down by Bryan.  Your fingers began to cling into his body, the leg exposed by the slit in your dress coming to wrap around his waist.

“You that needy kitten?” He chuckled against your lips, his mouth tracing down your neck once again.

“Why don’t you find out daddy?” You husked back, gasping as his beard scraped against your skin.

Bryan’s hand sunk from your hip, delving under the slit in your skirt to cup your heat and you let out a quiet whine, your head dropping back against the wall as he started to massage you through the delicate lace of your panties. He flung back the material of your dress, pinning it between you and the door and exposing the pristine white of your lingerie, the patch between your legs already darkened with your wetness. He chuckled darkly looking at it before kissing you again and one of your hands shifted up, scratching into his hair, holding him tightly to you as you whined into the kiss.

The hand he hand between your legs slid your panties to the side, trailing through your folds and you gasped into the kiss, your hips rocking forward to the touch. He simply teased you, fingers toying with you, spreading your juices around as you whimpered against his lips until he broke the kiss, lips meeting your skin between each of his words.

“Is my baby girl needy? Does she remember who this pussy belongs to?” He spanked at your clit at the end of his sentence and you gasped.

“You daddy.” You moaned softly.

“That’s right.” He sucked two of his fingers into his mouth in response, his eyes on you as he did so, watching the way you were watching him, the way your eyes darkened while you watched his lips wrap around the digits before popping them out.

His spit slicked fingers dove south, sliding through your wet cunt before they sunk in and you let out a moan, your pussy fluttering around them already. Bryan’s mouth was quick to return to your neck, biting and sucking at your skin, determined to mark you as his as his fingers pumped and curled within you. Your body was already on fire, skin prickling with pleasure with each thrust of his hand,

“Hurry, we don’t have much time.” You managed between pants, “want your cock daddy.” You let out a little whimper as his fingers crooked within you before scissoring, stretching you out, “now!”

“So fucking needy.” He growled, his hand sliding out of you, grabbing at your chin for a messy fiery kiss all tongue and teeth, pinning you to the wall.

Your hands sunk between your bodies, easily undoing his belt and pants, pulling his cock out, hard and heavy in your hand. Bryan couldn’t help the groan as you began to squeeze at him, teasing his balls. He reached into the back pocket of his pants, pulling out a condom, nipping at your lips as he did so. You heard the telltale sound of the wrapper ripping before he tossed it towards the trash, pulling the condom towards his throbbing cock. Your head fell back against the wall, already panting for breath as he went to slide it on.

“Shit. Fuck!” He growled.

“What?” Your eyes barely cracked open; hands still loosely clasped behind his shoulders.

“Fucking ripped it, I don’t have another one.”

“I don’t fucking care.” You replied, surging forward to steal his lips in another kiss, breathing your words against them, “I want to feel you.” Your voice had drifted into that dreamy tone and Bryan felt his entire body throb with desire at your words, “fill me up.”

“Yeah?” He grinned, “you want daddy’s cum spilling out into these pathetic things you call panties for the rest of the night? A nice little reminder of who you belong to?”

“I do.” You nodded, “and once we’re home I want you to fill my ass too.”

“Jesus Christ sweetheart.” Bryan couldn’t help but laugh, “you really are perfect. Are you sure?”

“Are you gonna keep talking or are you going to fuck me?!”

Bryan chose not to waste anymore time, his hand lining up his cock with your dripping pussy, sliding it in bare and you both let out a wanton moan of pleasure. Your head dropped forward onto his shoulder, whimpers echoing directly beside his ear as he set a steady rhythm fucking you against the wall.

“Oh my god..” you whined.

“You’re so fucking wet princess.” He groaned back, “such a fucking good pussy.”

“Fuck…” You moaned, “feels so good.”

Bryan picked up the pace, hips meeting yours with vigour as you did your best to control your moans. You could feel every ridge and vein of his cock and it was driving you absolutely wild, you wanted, him you needed him. Your hands clawed at his back, one of them managing to wrap around his neck, directing his lips back up to yours for a breathless kiss as his cock thrusted deeper into you.

“Oh fuck Bry!” You cried out as you broke the kiss and he chuckled, feeling his cock twitch inside your warmth.

“Quiet princess, we can’t have anyone knowing what’s going on in here.”

His hand cupped around your mouth to silence your moans and whines while he pounded you into the wall. Your hands grabbing at his body, meeting his hips with just as much power as he fucked you. You felt the fire shooting through you and couldn’t help but gasp when his free hand wrapped around you, grasping at the plug as he started to ease it in and out of your ass. The double stimulation was almost too much and you whimpered, feeling the tears pricking into your eyes. Bryan could feel your cunt pulsing around him, his hand vanishing from your mouth to rub at your clit while he fucked you.

“That’s it princess, I know you’re close, I can feel it, come for daddy.” He grunted between thrusts. You bit down on your lip, doing your best to hold back as the pleasure rocketed through your body, a small cry escaping your lips as your orgasm shot through you and you clung to Bryan. He let out a series of grunts as you shivered in his arms before you felt his cum shoot through you, filling you as his hips slowed.

“Holy fuck…” you muttered breathlessly and he let out a little chuckle.

“You really like that, don’t you?

“Mmhmm.” You replied and he stilled against you, kissing up your bare shoulder, up your neck and across your chin before finally finding your lips smiling back at him and he kissed you gently. This series of kisses were tender, his hand coming up to cup your cheek as he softened within you. He slipped out with ease, sliding your panties back into place to catch all of his cum, carefully wiping up any mess on your thighs, laying a soft kiss on one of them before coming up to standing.

“You alright?” He asked with a laugh.

“I will be when we get out of here.” You replied with a grin, swatting at his arm, “but go, go schmooze so we can leave early.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.” He grinned back, stealing another kiss before washing his hands and vanishing from the room.

You took another few moments to collect yourself and freshen up making sure your hair and makeup was properly in place before finally returning to the event. All things considered, your first destination was the bar, you needed a fresh drink after all.

__________________ @detective-giggles @plaidbooks @thatesqcrush @witches-unruly-heart @beccabarba @bisexual-dreamer02 @amelia-song-pond @madamsnape921 @whimsicallymad @mrsrafaelbarba @mysticfalls01 @ssaic-jareau @caracalwithchips @barbasbodaciousbeard @alwaysachorusgirll @beardedbarba @michael-rooker @rafivadafreddy @lustvolle-liebe @anlin2058 @fandom-princess-forevermore @tinyboxxtink @alexusonfire @xovalliegirlxo @nobody-important1212 @somethingimaginative17 @momlifebehard @misscharlielulu @fighterkimburgess

[riverstardis]

Casualty pages from this week's TV Times :'(

Why does now feel like a good time to leave Casualty?

One of my big reasons for wanting a break was to spend more time at home. It’s a long commute [to Cardiff, where the series is filmed] and I have a young family. I was also getting that itch to explore other challenges. I turned 40 last year, too, so it all rolled into one package!

Are you pleased that Ethan isn’t being killed off?

Yes, and that was very much part of the conversation when I was toying with the idea of a break. I said, ‘I’d like the door to be left open, please.’ I know there are no guarantees in our industry, but I like that Ethan has gone away, yet there’s loads to explore down the line. In terms of storylines, there was nothing in the immediate vicinity that they wanted me to play out. So it was nice to leave quietly, much like Ethan does in the episode.

Can you reveal anything about his departure?

Ethan is going for his final interview for the Jac Naylor Award, which is a six-month placement abroad. At the same time, he’s treating a young boy who makes him think about his own son, Bodhi. Alongside all this, Fenisha’s parents are in the hospital because her mother has a heart attack. Ethan starts to assess his responsibilities. He’s aware his future is probably going to be shorter than other people’s [having been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease], so he needs to make the most of life. It all comes to a head and he makes his decision. It’s bittersweet. I’m leaving, as [clinical lead] Dylan Keogh says, with an Irish Exit!

Yes, Ethan slips away without saying goodbye to his colleagues! But, offscreen, did you have a leaving party?

Yes, and it was lovely because it coincided with Casualty’s summer break in August, so it was a joint ‘Summer & See You Later, Ethan’ party. The cast made videos, there were a few speeches and William Beck [AKA Dylan] DJ-ed! I went back in October to meet up with a few of them and it was really strange, especially as there were some new faces! The swing doors of Casualty never stay still!

Looking back over the past nine years, what have been your favourite storylines?

The story around Olivia D’Lima leaving; I loved our two wedding episodes [which aired in 2021]. Although if you’d asked me at the time, I probably would have said it was too intense! I also really enjoyed the episodes where Richard Winsor came back in flashbacks [in 2021] and we relived what happened in 2016. And I always love those big, ensemble pieces with the whole cast. Our coronavirus episode was particularly poignant; we were telling a story that meant so much.

What will you miss most – and least! – about the show?

I’ll miss the people; the cast and crew are so talented and fun to be around. But I’m happy not to do those long days in resus for a while! We film them over a couple of days and there’s a lot of tricky medical prosthetics and the medical jargon is like a foreign language.

The next chapter of your career starts with you in the stage adaptation of Peter James’ crime novella Wish You Were Dead, alongside fellow Casualty legend Clive Mantle [AKA doctor Mike Barratt] and I’m a Celebrity… 2020 winner Giovanna Fletcher…

I’m really looking forward to getting back on stage! I’ve wanted to do a play for a while because theatre’s my first love. But I’ve definitely got that feeling of going back to school.

The UK tour begins on Thursday 16 February. What can you tell us about it?

It’s the sixth play by Peter James, and fans of his will know the character Roy Grace, a detective superintendent who lives in Brighton. Most of the stories take place in and around Sussex, but this one’s a little different because Roy, who I play, and his wife, Cleo, played by Giovanna, are on holiday. It starts off light-heartedly as a holiday going wrong, but it soon becomes more sinister – the people who run the hotel aren’t who they say they are!

Did you know any of the cast beforehand?

I remember going on a school trip to see Clive in an adaptation of [John Steinbeck’s novella] Of Mice and Men with my drama GCSE group! We also did a Doctor Who audio together [in 2012] and a Casualty-themed episode of Pointless Celebrities [in 2021], which Clive won while Di Botcher [AKA paramedic Jan Jenning] and I came last!

Have you seen John Simm’s portrayal of Roy Grace in ITV1 crime drama Grace?

Yes, it’s great! I really like the books, too. I’m immersing myself in the back catalogue. I had lunch with Peter James in Brighton and he’s a really interesting guy. He does a lot of research and has been to visit people in prison. He said I can ask him any questions, which I will be taking him up on!

Hopefully, some of your Casualty co-stars will come to see you treading the boards!

Yes, I’m in Cardiff, so they have no excuse! Without being too gushy, Casualty has been completely life-changing. I got to immerse myself in a character and a show, and now I’ve come out 10 years older with all these amazing experiences!

[kunosoura]

it’s amazing how the anger issues I had at my old job evaporated when I wasn’t working there anymore like when I’m not in 90 degree heat pulling massive orders that require dozens of fiddly repetitive motions with a guy at the station next to me blaring what sounds like 45 straight minutes looping a single white girl ukulele cover song and the open dock door is framing the sunset perfectly into my eyes and I don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of leaving on time i’m very nice!! like I used to have moments where I was so overwhelmed and overstimulated and stressed that I’d come close to full meltdown mode and I’d feel like a fucking child afterwards that couldn’t handle basic stress but like as it turns out it’s very easy to maintain a mellow, even demeanor when your job isn’t killing you for just under half of your waking life every week (not counting commutes and time spent recovering)

[cherylstiredthoughts]

Lonely Thoughts of an International Student

In search of stability and belonging.

I doors ding open and I walk in, scanning for a seat. A window seat, by the corner, as I tend to like, was available. I sat down, pulled my phone out from my pocket and peeled off my coat. Every morning during my thirty minute commute to the campus, I listen to music and scroll through Instagram. It has only been three months since I last saw my family in Singapore but that feels like a lifetime away. I swipe through the endless Insta-stories of my family members, friends I have long lost contact with, and the many others in between. Every day, the same routine. Every day the longing to learn more about their lives beyond the glimpses of fifteen-second videos. 

Over the last five years living abroad, I have missed many births, dinners, laughs, movie nights, weddings, and concerts with the people I love. There is something very lonely about being an international student. In a constant state of transition and liminality, no personal connection or relationship ever feels concrete or permanent. I do have my lifelong friends, close family members, and my partner dear to my heart but the constant state of transition is something I find I don’t share, can’t share with many dear to me.

I swipe, and swipe, and swipe.  There, I saw the familiar silhouette of this girl I used to share a flat with in my first year living abroad. She’s dyed her hair and looks a little different, dressed a little differently, posed with her new boyfriend, sharing about their little vacation. I haven’t talked to her in years now. I think back to how close we used to feel to each other. Having most of our lunches, dinners, and party attendances together. Now she is nothing but a distant memory. I cannot tell you more than that she’s a lawyer and she has a new boyfriend. She looks happy though, and that’s nice to know. 

I continue swiping through more faces of people that have briefly encountered my life but permanently remained in the periphery of my mind, showing up every time I swipe through social media. 

A little video of my niece laughing and running down the mall’s corridor into her father’s arms shows up. The next video shows her having food and practicing using a fork. At least that’s what my cousin’s captions said. A wave of sadness and love comes over me. I have so much love for these people. Yet, they only exist in clips of videos. I have met her once. The last time I went back to Singapore at a family party. What even entitles me to say I love her? I miss my family. I hate that I watch them grow up online and learn about their likes and dislikes through captions curated by their parents. I have only ever seen them through the lens and perceptions of someone else as though I am looking at them through a piece of glass. Well, I mean, it’s not that far off.

A message notification pops up. It’s my partner telling me something about their day. 

They are flying over to Manchester to see me in a few days and I miss them all the time. I know they are proud of me but sometimes I wish they had told me to stay. To not pursue an academic career through a prestigious, well-funded doctoral program. But alas, they are a good partner and naturally they encouraged me to pursue what’s best for me and our future, even if it means we live apart for four years, shuttling between borders on cramped airplanes and excruciating lines at airport security. During the two years I lived in Vienna, I found a home in and with them. Even then, it felt temporal. Not the relationship. The feeling of stability in a locality. It constantly felt like I was in a state of movement. I found somewhere I felt comfortable to call home, with someone I called family, and again, I moved. We have talked about settling in together after I finish my doctorate programme, but a part of me cant shake the feeling of insecurity in not knowing where that meant and how long it might be before I have to move again.  Sure, I am very privileged that my constant state of liminality and transition is one of high prestige and comes with much economic and cultural capital benefit. But this sense of intense loneliness and disconnectedness I feel from the people I love can sometimes be very isolating. Sometimes, I fear making new friends, or deeper connections for the temporality of it all. Perhaps some might enjoy this temporality but in me, it induces deep feelings of loneliness. Some people see my life as ‘’glamourous’’ or ‘’admirable’’ but I don’t think I see it that way. At least not anymore. 

[thessalian]

Thess vs Improvements

Today was a somewhat better day.

I emailed IT guy’s boss to explain the state of the whole damn mess, and Scruffman followed up with a really significant “SORT IT OUT” when I flagged up that there are going to be bus strikes basically stranding me in this area next week (because like fuck am I walking up the hill to the buses that will still be running. IT guy’s boss said I had to be logged into the laptop for him to access it remotely. Of course, I hadn’t brought the laptop with me because I can’t actually log in from the office anyway. So IT guy’s boss said that he’d work a bit late and log in to have a remote poke-around if I got in not-too-late. Alternatively I could leave it logged in tomorrow morning so he could log in remotely then.

Now, this was mildly annoying because I had to stop for pain meds and a couple of bits of supplies on the way home, but nothing too egregious, if the commute went well. And it ... kinda did! I mean, traffic wasn’t too bad, and the only flaw was ... well, the ‘people are assholes’ flaw. Trying to get the 363 from the big Tesco rather than Elephant and Castle (because that’s where I was stopping for pain meds and supplies; it was convenient), bus was just pulling up as I got to the stop but the bus was crowded already and everyone at the bus stop just lumped themselves around the door so tightly that they didn’t register “There is someone with a cane who might get hurt with all this jostling” and I got shoved around a bit before I decided that fuck it, I’d wait for the next one which was turning up in under five minutes. Laugh’s on those in-a-hurry jerks, though - my bus was way less crowded, so I got two seats to myself the whole way, and actually overtook theirs at Peckham so I ended up ahead of them. I know it’s petty to be thinking that kind of thing, but it’s petty of them to focus so hard on themselves that they don’t notice that they’re in danger of shoving a disabled person off the pavement, so there you go.

Another thing I found out was that the fare-taker gadget that told me yesterday that I did not have enough money on my Oyster card for the bus journey was lying to me. Badly. I checked how much was left on my card when I got onto the 363 and it told me that I had a little over £13 on it. Now, I dropped £10 onto it just this morning, so that means I had at least £3 on it (a bus fare is £1.65, by the way) ... and that’s before you consider that I paid three bus fares before the one that let me see my current balance. TfL ... your tech is shit and you made me have a panic attack.

Anyway, got home about quarter past six (which is a good 45-60 minutes earlier than I’ve managed the last couple of commutes home), texted IT guy’s boss but didn’t really expect him to log on at that point. My brain had put 6pm as the hard cut-off. Apparently IT guy had put his hard cut-off at 7pm. So he noodled around with things for awhile but I think he went AFK and the connection cut off because, for security reasons, it does that when you don’t do anything with it for awhile. (I need to figure out how to keep it from switching itself off when no one’s doing anything with it. I’ll text IT guy’s boss about that in the morning.) Anyway, he didn’t quite get it done but he seems confident and, assuming I can keep it from booting him offline if he steps away too long, he’ll try again tomorrow. It was at least nice that he tried, despite it being past close of play. We’re all desperate to have this done by Friday so that I can actually get some work done despite the bus strike.

On the subject ... the backlog got worse. It’s up to 300-odd reports now, and that was when I left. There’ll be more by the time I get in tomorrow, gods help us. We cannot just keep having more techs do more reports when we have fewer and fewer typists. The elderly sweetheart is off sick again (not that it’s her fault; that’s sympathy italics) and Scruffman actually had to pull reports out of her queue that she’d left in there and hadn’t got around to typing. And of course he lobs it at me, who’s already been left with the long complicated bullshit by both Goblin and Temp. ...I had a word with Temp about that, actually. First she played the ignorance card: “Did I skip those ones?” According to the time stamps, yes. Yes, you did. “I thought it was only [Goblin] who did that!” ...seriously? You’re going to try that? Also, funny how when it’s Goblin leaving the long reports for others, it’s an annoyance to bond over, but when she does it, it’s “Just don’t stress about it”. Thing is ... I have to stress about it. Why? Because if Goblin skips them, and Temp skips them, and the elderly sweetheart is away, and Milady only does the occasional bit of typing when her other duties permit, and our one other staffer who types at all only comes in Mondays and Fridays, and Scruffman a) only types when his other duties permit and b) was on a half-day today ... GUESS WHO’S STUCK WITH ALL OF THEM?!?

It’s still going to be a problem with her, and the one bad thing about eventual working from home is that I won’t be able to confront her except for once a week. Still, at least I won’t have to deal with Goblin’s long-suffering sighs.

Right. Food. At least I didn’t cry at any point today. There is a sinus headache-turned-migraine, but I have painkillers. It’s not great, but it’s better than yesterday. I will take it.

[the-firebird69]

1973 Porsche 914 Becomes Electric Supercar | RIDICULOUS RIDES

It's a great idea this is the car our son was thinking of this is the car that somebody next door heard it and he did it and you know he did it was simple stuff it's nothing complicated it's not extravagant it has gears that goes 120 which is pretty fast back in the day it will go 130 with the Volkswagen motor no it's the Porsche and it's our sun is his papa and he says this is great and he says what do you name it Porschee. The start laughing and said that's ridiculous it'll just look like Porsche and it's an e and it says oh I get it he's got a better name but I'll tell you what this is the size vehicle that you can make into an electric car to commute with for a ton of tons of people it's a little smaller but you can have a strutty cage like a small Volvo and a lot of people buy it it's zippy the tires and rims will be a little better and it'll probably go about 180 and forget about 3 or 400 miles out of it using the HVAC motors now you don't have to do that but they have ones for cars and I'll tell you what it's not that hard to make and a lot of people are doing it this is an ideal vehicle because of the shape of it and because of the structure it's like a rear engine and it's perfect and you can mount it right on there and he knew about it and it fit stuff in the trunk in the front and not you don't have the batteries there and it's kind of clean there's a problem that blows out the back like gas and that's the way it should be people got it wrong and it's taking forever. And he said oh mine is in front and the batteries in front so now it's in back with the gas tank is and it's trying to do it in SBG good but this this car can be made now but not as a force you make it similar it has a design that is unique and it looks electric and a son thought it was cuz he worked on several vehicles that Briggs & Stratton and the Bradley GT and the guys thinking where the hell was he cuz I go to the bathroom a lot and that the vending machine and people are trying to imitate them right now but they're not at work so anyways you see the last Snickers bars. So this is an ideal car and we want to make a kit car and since it doesn't have a motor yet it has a rear and yeah John r he is not into making them he's in court and he thinks she's having a good time he's horrible and he's got dumb looks again. But wow this is really nice and it looks great and he has nothing to do I guess you can make a lot of money with it doesn't seem to see it three models ones like every day and then like a sport and then I could GT and with like a little bit of wide body flanges kind of like the modern the new ones did not massively rounded and it would look really cool and it will go real fast like 280 and it's a great idea and I guess you can call it something funky like zipper that doesn't sound right he says zippy and you can spell it z i p p e e and of course that sounds odd too. Zipster. Because z is associated with electricity and we might just name it that

Thor Freya

Olympus

[mitmama]

French Riviera travel tips

Nice | Villefranche-sur-Mer | Monaco | Eze | Ventimiglia | Food | Travel Tips

The French Riviera is a perfect April vacation spot, with beautiful scenery and architecture, comfortable weather of 60-70 degrees, and delicious food. We landed in Nice, and traveled around mostly by train, which is quite convenient. It's only 50 minutes to train from Nice all the way to Ventimiglia.

Where to stay

Hotel selection to me is all about the location. In Nice we stayed two nights at Hotel Cresp, an affordable hotel right on the Promenade des Anglais, next to the Opera House. There's a small terrace with nice sea views. Downstairs is a good bakery and just a block away an ice-cream shop. Cross the promenade and you're at the beach.

A couple of blocks away is Cours Saleya the famous flea market, and further on the old town. Overall super convenient. It is on the 3rd floor though so a few stairs to walk or there's an escalator.

Because the hotel isn't so close to the train (you'd have to take the tram a few stops) and because it'll be nice to stay in a more intimate town vs. Nice a big city, I also booked 3 nights at an Airbnb at the next town over.

I was really happy we chose Villefranche-sur-Mer. We ended up staying at one of those colorful buildings to the upper right of the picture below. It's about a short 7 mins walk to the train station. The beach here is sandy instead of pebbly at Nice.

Train & public transport

Public transportation is excellent here. The airport especially is well serviced by a tram, connecting the two terminals and also taking you to the town. We took a bus to the Nice hotel since it's on the coast. Then from Villlefranche-sur-Mer we take the train to Nice Saint Augustine near the airport, then hop on a tram for 2 stops for the terminals. Google Maps is super helpful on routes.

The easiest way to get to different towns is using train, which is fast and efficient. It's runs usually every 30 minutes. You can buy ticket the day of, pretty convenient. The only thing to watch out for is making sure you're close to the door during busy commuting hours. We ended up unable to get off the train in time and had to take the train back at the next stop.

Also watch out for pickpockets. For two days in a row we ran into them at the Villefranche-sur-Mer station. They used the same technique: they'd ask you a question and try to block u from enter the car. Then under a sweater or jacket for cover, they'll reach into your purse or pant pocket. So be very careful. We were alert and fought off both attempts

From the Nice Hotel, we took the tram, then train. With luggage and the wait, it wasn't easy. We probably should've requested an Uber Van. You should do at least a few rides in an Uber along the coast, to experience the twisty roads and and the gorgeous views.

Food

I love going to bakeries and grocery stores and seeing what they have. The milk and yogurt here in France is excellent. Fruits are a bit more expensive. Most French are very chill and I tried to speak some basic french like Bonjour, Merci, and Au revoir. And ask for "deux croissant" or "un pain au chocolat". Most people speak English readily. In fact we only ran into one restaurant in Villefranche-sur-Mer that spoke only in French.

For eating out, most restaurants close at 2pm and reopens at 7pm. We highly recommend making reservation e.g. online for popular or highly rated places in Nice. There was a long line at Restuarant Acchiard, good we already booked when we walked by during lunch and saw the line. People eat late and really enjoy themselves.

Packing

I typically book an Airbnb with washer, so I don't have to pack too much clothes. Usually just two carryons for my kids and me. I do wished I packed swimsuit. There were definitely some brave people swimming in 60-70 degree weather at both Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer.