#the perfect excuse to post this snippet

[its-cosmerely-an-obsesh-wound]

A snippet from my modern AU college Stormlight WIP to honor the day:

The scene where Kaladin does pushups and Adolin watches and fantasizes about taking Kaladin shopping/to the Marine Corps Ball. Platonically, of course. No homo, as Adolin has to remind himself.

Adolin arrived at the door to Kaladin’s dorm room. He knew Kaladin usually rose early but, now that he was here, he felt uncertain. He didn’t want to wake Kaladin. Feeling like a total creep, Adolin put his ear to the door. He heard music on the other side and another sound, a rhythmic grunting? Something tightened low in Adolin’s abdomen, maybe now wasn’t such a good time after all…

“Whoever is creeping out there, I see your feet.” Kaladin’s voice sounded strained and annoyed. Adolin could just leave; Kaladin would probably never know it was him. What was he thinking? He was here to thank the book boy.

“Hey Kal, it’s Adolin. Can I come in?”

“Sure.” Kaladin’s voice still sounded strained but less annoyed, which surprised Adolin. When Adolin entered, Kaladin was doing pushups…without a shirt. Huh. Adolin hadn’t ever seen him outside his standard black sweatshirt, which, as it turned out, was a shame. Kaladin’s tan skin had a thin sheen of sweat and his onyx shoulder-length hair was tied back in a loose tail at the base of his neck but his bangs fell loosely in his face as they often did. He didn’t look up, which was probably a good thing. Adolin’s eyes roved over the book boy’s form. Damn, book boy was also muscle boy. Why did he always keep his body so well hidden? If Adolin looked this good—what was he thinking? Adolin did look this good and he made every excuse to go about shirtless and show it off. Why work out so hard and then keep it covered up all the time? It was selfish. Adolin admired how the defined the muscles of the other boy’s shoulders, chest, and arms rippled as he repeatedly pushed the floor away.

“Did you come here for something, Coccyx, or are you just here to waste my room’s oxygen supply?” Annoyance was creeping back into book boy’s tone.

Adolin ignored the condescending comment. “I came by to say thank you and,” Adolin proffered the small box, grinning, “to give you this.”

“You’re welcome. Leave it on my desk.”

“I’d rather stay and see you open it.”

Kaladin made a disgruntled sound in his throat but got to his feet. He had a storming eight pack and that v-cut…Adolin snapped his eyes back up to Kaladin’s face, now only a couple feet from him. With Kaladin so close and his expression so stormy, the three inches Kaladin had on him made it feel like a lot more. He practically loomed over Adolin. Adolin felt his stomach flutter as he grinned innocently and presented the gift. Kaladin opened it, his expression unreadable at first, then he frowned.

“I can’t accept this.” He thrust it back toward Adolin and Adolin put up his hands defensively.

“Sure, you can.”

“No, I can’t. Give it to someone else.”

“Why would I do that? Someone else didn’t save my life.” Adolin paused considering. “Wait, do you not like the color? Your music is always so depressing and—” Adolin gestured vaguely at Kaladin’s person. Kaladin scowled. The boy had a nice scowl. Suppressing a smile Adolin, went on, "you always wear black so I thought—”

“The color isn’t the problem.”

“What is the problem then?”

“The problem is this is too expensive and I don’t want to feel indebted to anyone. Especially you.” Especially him? Why did Kaladin hate him so much? It was just an iPod nano. It would be great for book boy to take running. Much better than that brick he usually carried.

“You saved my storming life. If anyone is indebted to anyone in this relationship," Relationship? Adolin inwardly cringed at the word choice. Oh well, "it’s me. Eternally so.” Kaladin bristled but Adolin didn’t care, it was the truth. “I’m not taking it back.” Adolin declared stubbornly, trying and failing to keep the hurt and anger from his voice. “Give it away to someone else if you hate me that much that you can’t stand to have something from me.”

Adolin almost stomped out the door but then he remembered he had a second gift. He turned stopping in front of Kaladin’s desk, swept the envelope from his back pocket, and slammed it down. “These are passes to go skydiving. You can throw them out yourself if you want to be wasteful but there are two passes in there so you can bring a friend when you go…if you even have any of those.” Kaladin’s expression, which had started to soften, hardened again. That last part was petty and Adolin wished he could take it back. Why was the book boy able to get under his skin like this? Kaladin crossed his arms over his chest, which was a shame, the boy had nice pectorals. No homo. Adolin probably should have turned around and left but the way Kaladin narrowed his eyes made Adolin stay and glare back in challenge. Kaladin was getting better at jiu jitsu—he was a remarkably quick study, like he was with everything it seemed—but Adolin still usually bested him. Adolin clenched his jaw and shifted his weight, bracing. Do it.

But the attack never came. As if sensing Adolin’s thoughts or thinking better of it in the cramped space, Kaladin’s expression cleared somewhat. Not to sunshine, smiles were preciously rare from him, but to cloudy rather than tempestuous.

“Actually,” Kaladin remarked, “my father saved your life so maybe you should go thank him instead.”

“What? Wait, is your father…Dr. Stormblessed. Of course! Your dad was my surgeon?”

“Yeah.”

“Is that why you’re here for—"

“Yeah.”

“Do you want to be a surgeon too?”

Kaladin’s eyes weighed Adolin and Kaladin’s jaw worked like he had sampled something he found distasteful at a gala and was waiting for an opportune moment to dispose of it but, until then, he was trying to hold the offending food item away from his tongue. Kaladin at a gala, ha! I would pay to see that. Then, it wasn’t just a laughable thought. Maybe he would pay to see that. He wants to be a Marine…I could take him to the Marine Ball. The idea made him smile inwardly, probably more than it should have and he had to remind himself, no homo. It wasn’t like it was a date. It would be a good experience for Kaladin; although Adolin wasn’t being completely altruistic. He was entirely too eager to take Kaladin shopping for a suit. Or any clothing really. To see him in something other than that storming black hoodie all the time. Or out of it. Adolin eyed book boy’s shoulders and taut biceps. Yes, out of it was good too. Kaladin might refuse the shopping trip but Adolin could always pick out a suit himself; he was pretty sure of book boy’s size. He had a knack for that. The day of the ball, he could teach Kaladin how to tie a bowtie, if he didn’t already know, or tie it for him just because Kaladin would probably hate being fussed over. Kaladin in a three-piece suit. Adolin smiled faintly. Or, if he enlisted, dress blues. Adolin could make sure he was wearing his alphas and that his various insignias, ribbons, and medals, were all regulation and remind him to remove his cover when they entered the building. He would miss the longer hair on Kaladin though. Not that Kaladin let him braid his hair or anything. Adolin almost chuckled at the idea but held himself back as Kaladin still looked rather disgusted. Adolin had the distinct impression that Kaladin regarded him similarly to an offending food item in his mouth that he intended to spit out at his earliest convenience but he had been unsuccessful at ridding himself of Adolin so far, which both pained and excited Adolin for reasons he didn’t quite comprehend. Perhaps, finally swallowing the unpleasantness, Kaladin answered.

[mysimsyuri]

im a little tempted to change gus' tag now that i know more abt him but tbh "you heard about pluto? thats messed up, right?" is still the funniest fucking thing in the world

[crushmeeren]

༝ ᭝ ༝ ARRANGED MARRIAGE AU — PART ONE ༝ ᭝ ༝

⤷ ⋆ ft. itachi uchiha ⋆

⋆ note ; this was inspired by this post. credit to @majesticflyingwalrus ! sfw! small bit of angst!

⋆ note x 2 ; i believe this is going to have to become a miniseries…. so let’s say this is part one — centered around a small snippet of your connection with Itachi before, your feelings on the day of, and the first year of your marriage.

master list ⤷ ⋆ PART TWO

You’d spoken to your husband maybe a dozen times before you were married.

Before you were thrown headfirst into a life long commitment with someone you could only comfortably consider an acquaintance for the sake of your clan.

Itachi Uchiha is polite. He’s collected, calm, rational. As children, he’d never been rude. He was a quiet boy, heir to the Uchiha clan. Someone who understood what it’s like to carry the weight of being the eldest child and all the responsibilities that accompany it, which you found comfort in.

Your families were close - ish, both high up on the social food chain. Whenever you’d been forced to spend time with him as a kid, he’d sit quietly nearby, working on a puzzle or reading some sort of book. Every now and then he’d invite you to join him and complete a puzzle, which featured pretty pictures of crows quite often, but you never spoke much outside of that.

Those memories you look back on with fondness, peaceful moments in an otherwise stress filled life.

As the years passed, and you reached your early twenties, your families renewed their bond, strengthened it. You remained unmarried, and so did Itachi. Your parents gave you grief over it, and when they brought up an arranged marriage, more than willing to give your hand away to Itachi, it didn’t surprise you. You’d been expecting it.

Itachi’s handsome, you respect him, and he’s kind, so you ignored the sensation of the ocean echoing in your ribcage and sucked it up. For your clan, you went along with the proposal. For your clan, you resigned yourself to a lifetime of loneliness.

Besides, you could do much worse than Itachi, right?

The planning was a breeze, over half the preparations being done for you. Your Mother, and Itachi’s, asked for your input considering certain aspects, but this wedding seemed more about the two of them instead of celebrating your union.

You have no clue if Itachi got a say in anything.

⇣ ༝ ⇣ ༝ ⇣

The day of the wedding you sat alone. Your Mother had been droning on and on about “proper etiquette”, and the “importance of sticking to the itinerary”, when the reality of the situation crashed down on you. Hard.

Your entire body chilled, a rush of icy slush replacing your blood, heart caught in your throat. Sweat beaded on the back of your neck, palms clammy. Once your hands started to shake your Mother stared at you in bewilderment, her questions concerning your health muffled and far away to your ears.

You excused yourself without waiting for permission, locating the nearest vacant room to hide, crouch down, and to breathe.

Through the window you gaze at the small children from both families playing in the field. Jealousy burns hot in your chest at their carefree nature, the little ones living in ignorance and bliss. You squeeze your eyes shut to shake off the dark direction of your mind, allowing their high pitched peals of laughter to afford you a moment of calm. Reaching up you wipe the tears off your cheek with the back of your hand, careful of the delicate makeup that’d taken hours to perfect.

A soft knock on the door startles you, both eyes opening wide. You sniffle once and rise to your feet, smoothing out any wrinkles in your outfit, regaining your composure.

“Come in,” you call out, voice scratchy with the evidence of your recent crying. You clear your throat as the door opens and, to your surprise, it’s Itachi who steps in. The door swings shut behind him, not producing a single sound. Your eyebrows shoot up and Itachi gives you a small, comforting smile.

It’s silent as he walks closer, the air around you somber and achy. He sits down with enviable grace in the chair next to where you stand, patting the seat beside himself in invitation.

“I’m aware this day is…difficult,” he begins. He tilts his head up to meet your gaze, eyes warm and calm. “Your Mother told me you were in here. I wanted to be sure you were okay, so, are you alright?”

You sigh through your nose, resigned, and take a seat. Itachi reaches over and hovers his hand an inch above your knee, hesitant, before making the decision to rest it there. You stare at his hand, the lump in your throat returning, only this time it’s due to the sudden surge of affection swelling for the man.

“I’m doing well, all things considered,” you say light heartedly. You sneak your hand underneath his, thread your fingers together, and lift your head to lock eyes with Itachi, the corner of your mouth curling upwards.

Itachi laughs, and for the first time, you notice the movement crinkles the sides of his eyes. How endearing.

His expression switches to something more sympathetic, tender. “I apologize this has been forced upon you. If it helps, I’m very content with you being the one chosen for me. It’s comforting to me that I’m marrying someone who I’m on friendly terms with.”

“Yes,” you agree, eyes twinkling as his sweet words lift your spirits from the floor. “Although, I have to admit I’m heartbroken to be marrying you instead of Sasuke.”

Itachi’s jaw drops open, eyes going round like saucers before laughter bursts out of you, squeezing his hand tight as he rolls his eyes and joins in with you.

“A pity,” He teases. “I know for a fact my menace of a little brother would be ecstatic to marry someone as wonderful as you,” Itachi says, humming as he pretends to be in thought. “Don’t be surprised to find Sasuke waiting for you at the altar.”

You gasp in fake shock, leaning in to bump his shoulder with yours. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“You’re right, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The sincerity of the statement leaves you searching for the right response, a small horde of butterflies demanding their presence be known in your belly. Things grow quiet between you once more, the silence comforting rather than awkward while you find your voice. “I am truly grateful that it’s you, Itachi. I doubt I could survive this with someone else.”

Itachi shifts his body to face yours, expression determined and serious. “I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make our life comfortable. Even if our relationship is not romantic, I’m grateful to be on the receiving end of your friendship. We’ll find our rhythm, promise me you won’t give up hope.”

You do promise, even going so far as to lock your pinkies together. Itachi exits first, and you follow his footsteps a few moments later.

When you leave your heart’s lighter than air.

⇣ ༝ ⇣ ༝ ⇣

The first year of your marriage, Itachi lives like he’s your roommate. Nothing more, nothing less.

You sleep in different rooms, you’ve made your home in separate bathrooms, and Itachi keeps busy enough with clan affairs that his appearance throughout the day is sparse. Somehow, dinner happens to be the time you’ve both allotted for the other. It’s not in writing, and you don’t speak about it, yet Itachi joins you nearly every evening to share a meal.

You’ve created quite a comfortable routine for yourself within your new life as Itachi’s wife. That’s all it is though, comfortable. Just as Itachi promised.

Loneliness is your shadow from day one. On your wedding night, you’d harbored a shred of hope that you’d share an intimate night with your new husband. When you’d kissed Itachi in your bedroom, fumbling to undress him, his response was to break the kiss as gently as he could. He declined with a strained smile and manners that never seem to abandon him.

Crying into your pillow, alone, was not what you expected to be on the table.

Itachi sat prim and proper at the table the next morning when you tried to apologize for making him uncomfortable. He assured you that wasn’t the case, but asked that you didn’t bring it up again, as he felt that enough had been pushed onto your shoulders already. He refused to add sex that you wouldn’t enjoy to the list.

You swallowed your pride and respected his wishes, assuming it was his way of letting you down easy and that Itachi had no real desire for you besides that of a simple companion. Yes, the situation was a blow straight to the gut, but you agreed to this life, so did you really have any right to complain?

Ever since, a distance remained between you. Day after day, you took up new hobbies, doing anything to fill the hole in your heart. As ironic as it may seem, you found yourself spending tons of time with Sasuke of all people. As if you did marry him instead.

You’d decided to start going on more walks, eager to explore and appreciate the beauty the Uchiha compound had to offer, and that’s where you discovered Sasuke.

Halfway through the journey you spotted him relaxing on a stone bench, watching koi fish swim circles in the pond, peaceful as you’d ever witnessed him. You’re sure Sasuke heard you approaching, because he was not surprised in the slightest when you took a careful seat next to him.

Quiet small talk about koi fish flowed through the air, and you mentioned your wish to tend to the gardens nearby. Then, on a whim, and before you could regret it, you asked him if he’d be interested in joining you on your daily strolls. The shock must have shown on your face when he accepted, because he snickered in response.

So that’s how you filled out your days. Occupied with different things such as drawing, gardening, baking, and going on walks with Sasuke. It shocked you to the core as you found a friend and confidant in the younger Uchiha.

A month after your one year anniversary with Itachi, you join him for dinner one night. He sits stiff as a board, shoulders tense when you arrive. A quick uptick of his lips becomes your singular greeting after you say hello.

“Is everything alright, Itachi?” You ask, tone weary as you settle down in your spot across from him.

He nods once, a quick jerk of his head. “Of course, I’ve just been meaning to speak with you about something. Before that however, tell me about your day.” Itachi sets his hands in his lap, waiting for your answer with an unreadable expression.

“Oh, well it was fine. Sasuke helped me —,”

“Sasuke?” He interrupts, voice tight.

Your eyebrow raises. “Yes,” you answer slowly. “I’m sure I’ve mentioned before we go on walks together.”

“Oh, yes. You’re right. I fear I’ve been quite forgetful today.” Itachi does seem distracted, which is odd in of itself. You’re certain you’ve discussed your walks with his little brother before and he never had an issue with it. You blink in Itachi’s direction, the atmosphere turning tense and unsettling. You’re able to hear to the crickets chirping outside.

The silence is awkward. “Is there something you needed to tell me?”

Itachi’s brows pinch together, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks. “Forgive me for being so out of it. Yes, something important. I spoke with my Mother and Father today, they’ve informed me the elders have been pressuring them to tell me that I need to fulfill my duty and…,” he pauses to clear his throat, gaze firm. “That you and I need to have a baby, to produce an heir.”

Your stomach drops, body flashing white hot, and your cheeks become hot to the touch within seconds. “Are you serious?”

“I wouldn’t lie.”

You let out an incredulous laugh. Once again you’re smacked in the face with the life you signed up for. If you’re honest, you’d forgotten about having children over the course of the past year. It’s inevitable you suppose, making little Uchiha babies with Itachi, you’re his wife. “No, you wouldn’t.”

Itachi opens his mouth to speak but you hold up a hand to stop him.

“Don’t you dare apologize, Itachi. I knew what I was signing up for when I agreed to be your wife. All I ask is that you be gentle, I’m not so experienced after all,” you try to joke, but it falls flat.

His gaze softens, posture loosening. He remains quiet for a moment, thoughtful. Then guilt appears to be written all over his face. “I’m a virgin as well, so know you’re not alone in this.”

No beating around the bush with Itachi. At least he doesn’t apologize again. “I’ll keep that in mind,” you say, voice soft. You suck in a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, and let it out slowly, steadying yourself. You’ll find time to spiral over this when you’re alone. “When are we going to start?”

Itachi shoots you a small smile, the same one full of comfort and reassurance he gave you on your wedding day. You hadn’t even realized your shoulders were hiked up with tension until they relax under his gaze. “In order to answer that, I have to ask you another uncomfortable question. When does your next cycle begin?”

⋆ ⋆ should this mini series arranged marriage au continue? lemme know what you think! ⋆ ⋆

[yoonia]

🖋️ ⇝ hear me out! What if Prince Yoongi met Princess OC in a modern setting? (From the bedroom hymns) Would it still be magical? I think they'd still be soulmates 🥹

omg your mind!!!! I never thought about them meeting in a modern setting, but this was super interesting! I'm not sure what you envisioned when you sent me this, but...as always, I just let my mind go wild with this one and...

Well, this happened. Enjoy this moodboard and a little 'snippet' of our modern royal couple in their trip!

— title: Two Steps Behind (or Ahead?) — The Bedroom Hymns: alternate version | pairings: Yoongi x female reader| genre: Hidden Prince!Yoongi, Chaebol!reader, friends with benefits, smut, modern fantasy| word count: 2,190 words (I'm sorry???!!)

— summary | You never truly believed in soulmates. But when he keeps coming into your path, enticing you with his deep voice and alluring smile, you begin to wonder if fate really does have a play in your chance encounters.

— ratings & warnings | +18 / M for mature; allusions of one-night stands, hooking up, friends with benefits, sexual tension, including smut scenes (defined in a flashback scene): stripping, body worship, breast play, oral sex (female receiving), hotel hookups, penetrative sex (no protection defined), multiple orgasms, post-coital cuddling

— original: The Bedroom Hymns by @yoonia — fic drop date: Oct 27th, 2024 — song companion: dangerous game — written as part of my 2024 birthday bash event, 𝖙𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖋𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖆𝖉𝖊

There is something about autumn rain which calms you. 

The pitter-patter sound of the drizzling rain falling around you. The refreshing scent of wet ground and fresh grass. The gentle breeze flowing around you gives you the perfect excuse to pull out your fuzzy sweater for your outing today. 

Sitting outside this quaint cafe you first found during your walk today, you get to enjoy everything; the lovely weather, the beautiful day, and a lot of interesting sights to see from this strange city. 

Another day, another place to be. 

Travelling hasn’t truly been your forte. Not until lately. Moving back with your absent father didn’t leave much to expect, and going from one place to another through his magic doors has been able to fill the void that seems to have been engraved within you since your mother’s passing. 

Sighing with content, you look away and pick up your cup of cappuccino that has been sitting on the table before you. It’s still steaming hot, with the rich, deep aroma of espresso filling the air, and the subtle note of cinnamon that has been added in giving the extra hint of spice and sweetness that nearly completes your soul as you take careful sips of your drink. 

While you are savouring your coffee, a shadow appears right by your table. It doesn’t take much for you to recognise him before he even speaks. 

“Is this seat taken?” 

You smile into your coffee, loving how the timbre of his voice is raising some warm flutters in your chest. You take your time before lifting your gaze to him, not giving him any attention until your coffee is settled back on the table. 

“Min Yoongi,” you greet him with a smile. “Join me?” 

Chuckling softly, he takes the empty chair across from you to keep you company. Sitting back, you cross your right leg on top of your left, watching him as he orders his coffee—a cup of espresso, as always—and taking the delightful sight of him in.

Just like you, he is dressed for warmth. Wearing a muted beige sweater over his dark jeans, he covers it with a leather jacket that somehow fits him so perfectly. He leaves his longer hair loose, falling over to frame his face as he speaks to the waitress. Once he is done, he sits back and relaxes, returning your perusing gaze with his. 

“So what is it this time?” you ask him, “Are you travelling for business as usual, or”—your eyes follow his hand as he places his bag to his side and his camera on the table—”is it for leisure?” 

His lips twitch to a smile, as if your curiosity pleases him. 

A curiosity that never wanes, and has been left unanswered. You have always wondered how he does something like this; always there to find you while you are venturing into a new place, a new city, or even a new continent. As if he has always been just two steps behind you in every adventure you went to. 

Or perhaps he has been two steps ahead of you, and he has always been there watching, waiting, until you finally come into his path, where he can swoop his way in with his tempting smile? 

“A little bit of both,” he smoothly answers, his eyes falling on the leather-covered journal sitting right next to your coffee. “And you? Is it simply sightseeing, as always?” 

You smile at him. “Always, while taking the chance to learn new things that I find in my trips.” 

“Ah, yes. Of course. You’ve always found joy in learning as you enjoy your trips. A true scholar,” he hums, nodding. The conversation pauses as his coffee arrives. “Are you open to inviting someone on your trip this time around?” he asks once the waitress walks away, his eyes meeting yours with a look that is quite hard to read. 

You’d like to believe there is hope there, some longing. Yet, Yoongi has always been a man of mystery, always able to read you, while never once allowing anyone to do the same to him. 

You bite your lips as you pretend to contemplate your options. “Are you offering me your company?” 

He shrugs. “You know I’m always open for a chance to enjoy a day or two with you while we’re in foreign places like this,” he says. The corner of his lips twitch to a grin. “I won’t even mind if you agree to stay longer. A whole week, perhaps?” 

You hold back the urge to laugh. If only you knew.  

“Well,” you coyly answer, “Then I suppose I’ll have you as my company. It might feel lonely if I simply go around all by myself, after all.” 

He watches with a sly grin on his face as you raise your drink. He waits until you savour another taste of your coffee—probably recognising your subtle act of being coy—before he continues, “Will this invitation extend for the rest of the night?” Your hand freezes before you can place your cup back on the table. 

Finding your calm, you carefully lift your gaze to meet his just as he asks, “Or are you going to disappear again before morning comes?” 

Your smile fades when you remember those nights—the nights you spent with him during the other times you met him during your previous trips. 

You weren’t exactly someone who falls easily into one-night stands. Not before Yoongi. But then he came into the picture, carrying with him a whole mystery that kept begging you to unravel. He has always been too enticing to refuse, with his beauty and alluring confidence that keeps pulling you in, that you couldn’t resist when he began inviting you to his bed after a few chance encounters were made.

It took only one night for it to begin, and your affair continued many nights after. One taste of his carnal passion and the pleasure he brings, and you’ve become addicted to him. No matter how hard you tried to resist, he would always be able to pull you back in. 

Not that you have been trying that hard to avoid or refuse him either. 

“You’re implying that I’ve been running away each time,” you taunt him with a light scoff, though there is no bite in your voice. There is, however, a pinch in your chest. Feeling like he can read you so well makes you vulnerable. 

“Haven’t you?” he asks, and that tightness in your chest pinches harder. 

Biting your lips, you try to push back the heat that is rising in your chest. Already, your body is reacting to him, when what you should be doing is deny him. “I’m not falling for your charm this time, Min Yoongi. The deal stays with you acting as my company and guide, that’s all.” 

Yoongi leans forward, crossing his arms on the table as he keeps his eyes on you. The smile that he is wearing on his face tells you that he never has any intention of holding onto your ‘deal’.

As a matter of fact, you are starting to doubt that you can keep it either. 

“Was it Paris, where we last met?” he asks you with a tease in his voice. “I remember you saying the same thing back then.” 

You press your lips together, swallowing back any retort coming out of your mouth just as that night comes flashing by in your mind. Memories of that night are still vivid, so much so that you can almost feel it in your body as you recall it. 

“Call it what you want, but that night was unforgettable for me,” he says, using his deep voice that has been haunting your lonely nights, always reminding you of him whispering sweet nothings to you while he was sending you to bliss. “You’re not going to tell me that you’ve forgotten how good that night ended, are you?” 

You should. But you cannot find it in you to say anything to deny it. 

Because it’s quite impossible to deny him. And if you have to be honest with yourself, you do find that night to be unforgettable. Not that you have done enough to try and forget, when all you have been doing the many nights after was to think about everything that happened then, and all the sinful things he did to you to turn you into a wanton woman who gave everything you had in exchange for the pleasure he was offering you. 

Your eyes fall on his hand as he lifts his cup of coffee to his lips, and your mind brings back everything that the same hand—those fingers—did to you the last time you spent the night together. How those deft fingers caught your waist when he kissed you under the night sky, and how easily he made you shudder with his touch, flipping all of your buttons until you were left helpless in his arms.

You know that if you close your eyes right this moment, you will find yourself being brought back to that night. The woody scent of his cologne that is wafting towards you with the flowing breeze takes you back to his dark hotel bedroom. It makes you think of the warmth you felt engulfing you once he pulled you through the door, of the sound of your heartbeat racing and clothes falling the moment the door was locked behind you, of the warm, messy sheets you fell onto while he was devouring your lips with his heated, hungry kiss. 

Your skin grows warm as you think about those lips tracing down your neck, your bare shoulders, your chest, while his fingers worked relentlessly to spark every inch of your body alight. 

Your breasts tingle when your eyes land on his mouth, picturing those same lips capturing each of your hardened nipples as he bit, lapped, and sucked on each side, before pinching them with his deft fingers when his lips found yours again to swallow your moans. 

Your body grows hot when you picture him sinking between your legs, giving you the ultimate pleasure that you had never once experienced with anyone before. 

First, he did it with his sinful mouth and tongue, working them together to devour your sweet cunt until you were writhing on his bed, drowning in pleasure. And then he did it with his thick cock, filling you up to the brim until there was nothing left for you to give. Until you felt your entire world melting into his presence, and he became your entire universe as you were drowning in carnal release. 

Your body shudders as you remember each hard thrust of his lovemaking, as he rocked your entire world every time he moved against you, pushing into you, giving you everything he could to bring you pleasure. 

That night in Paris, your tryst didn’t end with just a single exchange of carnal pleasure. It lasted the entire night, only giving you the small chance to rest right before the break of dawn when both of you were spent after the long, intense, vigorous lovemaking, after he made you reach your climax more than once, and you fell asleep in his arms feeling nothing more but content. 

That was the first night when everything he said before started to make sense; all his silly talk about fate, how your souls were being united as one as you made love, and about the pull that kept bringing you back together even while you were on the opposite sides of the world. 

Because even after all those dark, heated passions began to wane, he still filled your entire world. He felt like the missing piece of your puzzle that you could never complete no matter how hard you tried to find it. No longer lost in the sea of people but was there in your arms as you held him against your bare chest. 

And it scared you enough to make you rise from the bed in the middle of the night, leaving his sleeping figure behind to escape before your heart would give in and allow him in. 

“Do you believe in soulmates?” 

You remember him whispering those words to you while he was buried deep inside you, bringing waves of pleasure as he rocked your bodies together towards the peak of your release. 

Tingles run through your body as it remembers every touch, every bit of love he made you feel, and the passion you shared that night. Heat pulses deep inside your core, right between your legs, and every part of your body that he touched and kissed and tasted. 

Twisting in your seat, you press down against your pulsing desire, playing it off as excitement—something that is more pure and innocent instead of anything carnal—while asking, 

“So, where are we heading to next?” 

His smile grows deep and wide, recognising the invitation in your words, and knowing full well that the moment you fall into his bed again tonight, it’s going to be forever. 

𝖙𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖋𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖆𝖉𝖊: dia’s birthday bash 2024 ⇝ closed!

[ivykim]

SIM(P) JAEYUN STRIKES

VIDEO START ▶️

— welcome to the video. thank you for clicking on it! today, I’ll be bringing you on a journey of various moments where jake is practically down bad for ivy

DANCE JAM LIVE #071223

since everyone was doing their own thing and dancing to their song, ivy does the same thing. it was quite honestly a mini party. all of them were dressed in something quite formal due to having schedules in the morning/afternoon.

ivy was wearing this

she looked gorgeous. everyone single one of the boys had their jaws dropped when she walked into the room wearing that. one person though had their mouths way more wide open than the others.

“jake, close your mouth.” jay says. the boy listens but he’s still mesmerised by ivy.

“noona is so pretty…” jake mumbles. anywhere she went, jake’s eyes would follow her figure.

— here we have prime example of sim(p) jaeyun

vivi x jake vlog (spoilers??)

— vivi says the vlog will be uploaded eventually (belift I’m watching you🫵🏻) but she posted a snippet of it on weverse

IVY🌟 POSTED: who are you calling cute? you’re cuter jaeyun🙄 *video attached*

from what it seems, it’s just ivy and jake walking around the rented home’s mini garden. there, they spotted a cat and ivy gasps.

jake goes to film her as ivy passes the camera to him. she kneels down to the cat and allows it to sniff her. it easily gets comfortable with her and ivy happily pets it.

“jaeyun~ the kitty is so cute.” she says in a pouty voice.

jake’s heart tugs as ivy speaks in a cute voice.

“cute.” he mumbles behind the camera. which obviously was caught in the video bc Ivy wouldn’t have posted it if it wasn’t caught.

— aww the jaeun ship is sailing!

a compilation of behind episodes with jake and ivy

#1. “noona, please!”

jake loves asking for permission from ivy and ivy grew to love hearing the boys (who are younger than her) calling her noona. it took a while for her to accept it but she likes being called noona now!

“I want that one. please? can I have a bite?” jake says as he watches ivy biting onto her popsicle.

“say please.”

“noona, please!” jake pouts. Ivy turns to the camera and points to it.

“DID YOU CATCH THAT?? JAKE DOES HAVE AEYGO! ENGENEs YOUR WELCOME!!”

#2. “noona, can I have a hug?”

jake loves hugs from ivy. no particular reason. she’s just the perfect height and size for him to hug. ivy does love giving hugs to all of them though. especially when they need extra energy.

she stands in the middle and everyone lines up. she gives each boy a hug. ni-ki hugs longer as he happily enjoys being in her arms.

“yah! it’s my turn.” jake huffs.

“no.” ni-ki says as his voice was a little muffled being in ivy’s arms. ivy pats the younger boy’s back.

“riki, it’s jake time. I’ll come to your room later to cuddle with you more okay? you big baby.” ni-ki grumbles before peeling himself off ivy. he walks away to tackle jungwon instead. clearly not done being clingy.

jake finally smiles, “noona, can I have a hug?”

“yes, you can.” she holds out her arms. jake happily jumps in her arms. his arms finding home around her waist and hers finding their way around his neck.

— love how the staff recorded this whole thing and captioned it “ivy’s hug service. free of charge.”

#3. “please, tell me there isn’t a ghost…NOONA I’M SCARED!”

as ivy is a psychic medium. she can see and feel ghosts. the boys don’t necessarily like whenever ivy mentions there is a ghost so she usually doesn’t say it.

but if something is off, ivy will definitely voice out.

“not to alarm any of you but excuse me while I just do this for a bit.” ivy stands up from her seat and starts moving towards the corner of the room.

“oh lord. she’s at it again.” jay sighs.

“the demon is back.” sunoo adds.

“please tell me there isn’t a ghost…” jake says as he watches ivy getting closer to the corner. the three of them watched her point in the top corner. she scolds whatever that is in that corner and tells them to leave immediately.

“okay, this guy is stubborn.”

“what guy. noona? please tell me…”

“just an 8ft shadow dude in the corner. it looks like those spiders but giant and has 2 legs like us.”

“WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT! NOONA I’M SCARED!” jake says.

#4. “LETS GIVE IT UP FOR KIM FUCKING HAEUN!!”

of course. there had to be engenes recording this part. it’s a concert! they had to perform. with them being in America, the managers were more chill. so jake decided to take advantage of that and give some appreciation for ivy.

everyone was hyped up. ivy had a solo performance at the concert that she prepared so the boys wanted to hype the engenes up.

“ENGENEs! are you ready for ivy’s performance?” they yelled. ENGENEs screaming out loud.

“I can’t hear you? ARE YOU READY FOR IVY?” jay instigates. the ENGENEs screamed even louder. the nod their heads in approval.

“THEN LET’S GIVE IT UP FOR KIM FUCKING HAEUN!!” jake yells. it causes ENGENEs to scream even louder as jake cusses just to introduce ivy.

safe to say, ivy was very hyped during her solo performance.

#5. “oh good lord.” *trips on his own foot*

it was comeback as per usual and ivy’s stylist wanted to try something new. her outfit had different cuts and holes to make it more sexier so ivy looked really good.

sunoo interviews her with the camera and was busy filming fun little contents with her. that’s when jake walks in. his eyes fell upon her outfit.

“oh good lord.” he says as he trips on his own foot while staring at ivy. sunoo laughs, zooming into jake.

“jake hyung, are you okay?” sunoo asks in between laughs.

“y-yeah! just tripped somehow.” he says embarrassingly, clearly he was caught off guard.

#6. “would you date haeun noona? yes.” *with no hesitation*

jake was live during one of the America stops and so he decided to read some comments while listening to some music.

many of them were basically asking where the other members were and just asking him to do aeygo. the typical thing. that is until one question caught jake’s eye

“would you date haeun noona? yes.” with not a single hesitation in his voice. he moves on from there it causes a whole ruckus in the fandom and shippers.

#7. “KIM HAEUN! KIM HAEUN!”

jake was always ivy’s biggest fanboy as shown in the past few videos. in this en-o’clock episode where they played sports, it even more obvious.

“whoever gets ivy noona on their team instantly wins.” jungwon says.

with the teams split with the usual decision of rock paper scissors, heeseung falls to his knees.

“no, this is unfair.”

“HAH! WE GOT IVY NOONA.” sunghoon points and laughs at the other team.

“now, what do you mean unfair.” ivy says as she stares right at the two tallest boys. “if anything, I should feel unfair.”

the games start. it felt like a war zone, each of the boys getting more and more competitive. as it was ivy’s turn, she holds up the bow.

“KIM HAEUN! KIM HAEUN!” jake cheers. the editors placed a quick edited pompom and puppy ears on jake as he cheers ivy on.

[PUPPY JAKE cheering on IVY]

#8. "10 facts you didn't know about vivi noona, she's not yours."

during this live, there were tons of ENGENEs talking about the fact that ivy looked so good in her new hair. this time, she decided to go all natural and dyed her hair dark brown, similar to jay's colour.

"ivy looks so pretty with brown hair." ivy reads out in english. "aww thank you, i bet you guys are prettier." she gives a small heart to the ENGENEs.

"ivy is so perfect, she's so pretty and she's mine." jake reads.

"aww, yes ENGENEs. i'm yours." she blows kisses. jake snorts and rolls his eyes playfully.

"ENGENEs, i have some facts about noona you didn't know. wanna hear it?"

ivy tilts her head, "tmi today?"

jake hums, "here are 10 facts you didn't know about vivi noona, she's not yours." jake smiles.

"now, jaeyun-"

[video bleeps]

#9. "why is everyone calling vivi noona a mother?" "i mean, yeah. you're right. she's the mother. the mother to our kids."

and yet another live from jake but this time, he was solo. he decided to go live after their concert. despite him being tired, he wanted to make ENGENEs feel loved so he turned on the live.

"where is ivy?" he hums. "i think she's sleeping. she was really tired after the concert. she almost slept with her outside clothes on so there's that."

"hmm? tmi? yeah, that's true."

"oh, you guys saw her outfit today at the concert? yeah, the stylist tried something for her."

he reads through more of the comments, "why is everyone calling vivi noona a mother?"

that is until he had a bright idea in his brain. "i mean, yeah. you're right. she's the mother. the mother to our kids."

— MOTHER TO YOUR WHAT? WHAT KIDS SIR??

#10. "sorry, you can’t have noona. she’s mine.”

at an offline fansign during dark blood era, fans were enjoying ivy’s outfit style and the fact that she got a solo part during the second chorus of ‘Bite Me’. which led to tons of ENGENEs talking about how they would like to marry her.

there were tons asking her one by one the same questions. “are you single?” / “haeunie, can I be your girlfriend/boyfriend?”

so since jake was after ivy, the ENGENEs would continue to talk about her to jake.

“jaeyun-ah, can I marry ivy?”

“mmm, no.”

“why?”

"sorry, you can’t have noona. she’s mine.”

— okay, possessive boyfriend let’s go??

#11. “noona makes me feel safe. she knows when i feel anxious and nervous so she pays great attention to the little things.”

to end of the video, I would like to mention the interview where jake praised ivy. this was during one of their earlier days.

— “what is it like to have ivy on the team?”

jake reads the question. he hums, “noona…she’s just amazing.”

“despite, us thinking we would be just any normal boy group during I-LAND, seeing ivy noona and the many other girl contestants doing their best made me realise that we were all fighting for the same dream.”

“so when noona was announced, I wasn’t surprised. she’s amazing, heeseung hyung level of talent. what surprised me was that she cried a lot, she thought that she wouldn’t debut. she had a lot of doubts because they never announced other girls to debut with her so it was just her and us.”

“she started to feel down. worried that the fans wouldn’t like her but eventually, with a lot of encouragement and the positive comments praising her, she gained more confidence and started showing her true colours.” jake laughs.

“for me, noona makes me feel safe. she knows when i feel anxious and nervous so she pays great attention to the little things.”

“in fact, she knows whenever anyone feels down and tries to lighten the mood. she actually hates whenever it’s too serious when it’s not supposed to be. I remember her complaining about how all of us were too tense during practice and that we need to loosen up. true enough, when we loosened up, we did better.”

[video fades to black]

— thank you for watching ❤️

[vixstarria]

Kinktober Day 2 - Collaring

For every day of the month of October I will be posting a little snippet following prompts listed in this post. Most of these will not be full fics, but rather short snippets, set-ups, and, in a few cases, copied bits and pieces of fics I have already published. But, if there is a lot of interest and feedback on any of the snippets, they might just evolve into full fics, so keep that in mind.

He never really minded collars, despite what anyone who’s ever slipped one around his neck might have liked to believe.

Being collared was an excuse to dive ever deeper within himself. After all, it meant that he was expected, encouraged even, to let go and be something else. An extra layer between himself and anything that was happening to or around him. Turn his mind off. Wait for commands. Obey.

Through or perhaps despite some mental contortions and twisted logic, it was… liberating. Freeing. The collar released him from everything, even being himself.

“Deep down, you like being leashed, don’t you?” the hag Ethel had taunted him.

Ha!

Astarion idled, studying the pet collars on display at the leather goods shop, as Tav haggled with the shopkeeper over a pair of new gloves.

Most were solid and practical but boring, but a few caught his eye, though he couldn’t decide on his preference. Perhaps the one with the delicate bell that would jingle at the slightest movement? Or the one with the studs and spikes driven through the leather? Or, the dainty pink one, perfect to sit on the neck of a delicate, pretty, well-trained bitch.

“Which one do you like most, my sweet?” he asked, when Tav approached.

“I thought we decided against pets, for now,” Tav said, lifting an eyebrow. “Do you want to get a dog after all?”

“Oh, no, I haven’t changed my mind about that,” Astarion murmured. “But it’s not for a dog, darling.”

My Kinktober masterlist and prompts post

[herrmannhalsteadproduction]

Moodboard tag game

I was tagged by: @rdng1230, @nine-one-wanton, @racerchix21, @sunnywithachanceofbi, @bangpop91,

and @typicalopposite!

rules: Either: choose one of your published fics (or a WIP if you'd prefer), create a moodboard for it and share it along with a snippet. Or: Create a moodboard for your fave episode of the show, fave character, or a fic someone else has written that you love, and share it with some sentences about why it's a fave! (and tag people!)

Please clap for my first ever mood board 🤣

I decided to go with Just Trying to Keep Up just so I'd have the excuse to post one of my favourite scenes I've ever written:

He was the happiest he’d ever been and Evan wasn’t shy about sharing his feelings so Tommy was fairly certain it was the same for him. So certain that he was ready to let loose the three words that had been beating away in his chest for weeks now.

Words that were ridiculously soon to say, but Tommy couldn’t help it. He had to let Evan know exactly how much he meant to him.

But he had to do it right.

It might be wild and too soon and all of the other arguments he’d been through with himself, but the one thing he was going to make damn sure of was that it was going to be romantic.

Tommy plotted and planned and reined himself in until he had the perfect evening in place.

The two of them went grocery shopping together that day—Evan hanging onto his back like an octopus as he read the list over his shoulder, knowing what was already in Tommy’s kitchen off the top of his head—and Tommy thought, ‘I love you.’

They drove back to Tommy’s place while Evan sang along to Carly Rae Jepsen, horribly off-key, throwing the pretend mic Tommy’s way at every stoplight—and Tommy thought, ‘I love you.’

He and Evan were cooking together, taste-testing the sauce, laughing, and Tommy felt the words hammering at his heart, trying to come out. He broke away from a tomato-flavoured kiss, staring at Evan, thinking ‘I love you’—at the same time those three little words echoed through the cozy quiet of the kitchen.

Tommy blinked. “Did I just say that out loud?”

Evan, who had been staring at him wide-eyed, melted into a slow, sweet smile. “No,” he said, wrapping his arms around Tommy’s waist. “I did.” He pulled him closer. “Why? Were you thinking it?”

“All the time,” Tommy said, nodding dumbly.

[Read the whole fic on ao3]

No pressure tags for: @30somethingautisticteacher, @judymarch15, @exhaustedpirate, @beanarie, @xtarmanderx and anyone else who wants to play! If you join in, please feel free to tag me!

[yukidragon]

Sunny Day Jack Valentine's Day Ramble

To offset the heartache from yesterday, I figured I'd do an off the cuff Valentine's day themed headcanon ramble. I have no idea where it's going to go or how spicy it'll be until I finish and come back in to toss in whatever content warnings might apply, but I'm going to try and stick to fluffy stuff today instead of angst if I can.

No promises though. Once I get started, there's no telling the places my mind will go when given a writing prompt.

Content Warnings: A little bit of possessive yandere spice from Jack, but nothing major. There's also mentions of the way Ian and Alice's relationship failed how that affects her in the present, references to past childhood trauma, as well as hints of Joseph's darker past.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur @kurokrisps

Before we get started, what say I dress up for the occasion first?

Yes this was an excuse to show off my silly sprite edit for Valentine's Day. Self-love is important too you know. On that note, let's get on to the OTP indulgence!

Love and Cookies

While Alice is associated with and often smells like sugar cookies, her favorite cookies are the classic chocolate chip, and she's perfected her own personal recipe after much trial and error. It took a while to get them to taste juuuuust right. Her special recipe never fails to fill her with the sweet taste of comfort and nostalgia.

Though Alice doesn't realize it, she originally created this recipe long, long ago. A tradition that Alice unknowingly carried over from her life as Mary is to bake chocolate chip cookies as gifts for those she loves. In the present day she's managed to recreate the recipe she perfected in her previous life.

As you might expect, Mary gave plenty of these cookies to Joseph, even if she didn't have the spoons to bake them very often. He always helped her out whenever he could though. This means that Jack is going to find Alice's cookies are a semi-sweet bite of nostalgia.

Naturally, this is going to pop up sometime in Sunshine in Hell when I get going with it again. The only question is who bakes Mary's classic chocolate chip cookies first - Alice or Jack? I can imagine him unthinkingly using her recipe without remembering where he got it from. Whoever makes it first, the other is going to be mighty surprised by the familiar nostalgic taste.

I did consider writing a snippet along this topic for today, but I'm low on spoons, so I'm going to ramble about it instead. Maybe I'll manage a paragraph of writing or two sometime in this post as I go along. We shall see how it goes.

Even after moving out, Alice made sure to bake cookies and ship them to her family for special occasions. Being the oldest child, she would try to bake a big batch of cookies for her family for every noteworthy holiday, even if said holiday already came with its own distinct brand of goodies. Chocolate chip cookies are welcome at any holiday dessert buffet after all. Of course she also baked cookies for birthdays too, though sometimes they weren't chocolate chip if the recipient wasn't a fan of chocolate.

Sure, Alice knows how to bake other goodies, and is a decent cook with more savory dishes, but chocolate chip cookies will always be her favorite. It's a comfort food that never fails to make her happy.

Despite constantly being tired and pressed for cash, Alice does make sure to save up for a big batch of cookies to ship to her family and closest friends for special occasions. She doesn't bake as often after moving out, mostly focusing on birthdays for her immediate family and the bigger holidays. While attending college, she did make cookies for Ian and Shaun as well, including special Valentine's day goodies.

Shaun loved receiving a sweet homemade chocolate chip cookie shaped like a heart straight from his crush. Poor guy knew it was just a platonic show of affection to a friend, as she gave the same cookie to her other close friends at college. Sadly, he couldn't help but feel jealous when he saw that Ian got an array of chocolate chip cookie hearts, all elaborately decorated with homemade buttercream and little words of love. She went all out when she and Ian first became official.

Naturally, Ian doesn't get to taste Alice's cookies or buttercream anymore. He certainly misses it. He's gotten to enjoy them for years, since he was a child. He joined so many of the King holiday celebrations, as if they were his own family, and Alice would bake special cookies just for him, especially when she wasn't able to buy him a present.

Shaun did get to enjoy a bittersweet little vindictive victory when he got a shipment of heart-shaped cookies during the first Valentine's Day after Alice and Ian broke up. This time, he had nothing to envy Ian about.

Valentines Transition

I'm not sure where the first Valentine's Day Jack and Alice spend together will fall in the progression of their relationship. If it's before Alice starts really being aware of her feelings for Jack, she's going to be more focused on the fact that she has no Valentine to spend it with this year.

Of course on Valentine's Day of all days, Ian is going to be especially insufferable with sending Alice voice mails. If he knew where she moved to, he would've shipped her all kinds of gifts to show her just how much he still loves her.

The breakup isn't exactly fresh at the start of Sunshine in Hell, but it's not even been a year since it happened. Even then, previous holidays were a strain, to say the least, with Ian long distance and distracted by his new friends.

That makes me think of what Alice and Ian's last Valentine's Day might've been like. Without a vacation from college classes, chances are there wouldn't be time for one of them to visit the other, even if they could spare money for the flight.

Ian can't handle being alone, especially during holidays. It's not the first Valentine's day they had to spend apart, as this is at least his second year off at the new school. The first year apart, he was a blubbering mess, constantly trying to call and video chat with Alice. He wouldn't hang up the phone until they both fell asleep during a call. It was really sweet actually, even if they missed each other a lot.

The second long-distance Valentine's Day was anything but sweet. The first year at the new school was Ian's adjustment period, still clinging to Alice for support, even if he could only get it over text and calls. He was overwhelmed at first by all the attention he got at the new school. He was a fresh face in a new place, which is something of a novelty that drew others in, and he had fully transitioned into his glow up. Cautiously, he started making friends, not wanting to be alone, so far away from his support network. He quickly got addicted to the surprising popularity he found at the new school.

The first year apart was the start of Ian drifting away from Alice. He originally called at least once a day, texting even more. Then it went to texts daily and calls every couple days. Then a week or two, as things got busy. He made sure to call her during the holidays, when he missed having a partner the most.

During the second year, Ian was outright neglectful, forgetting to respond to texts or voice mails, leaving Alice on read more than once. His Christmas gift to her was a pricy piece of jewelry, not something personalized that she was really wanting like previous years. He used to be so thoughtful about stuff like that. It was something one of his new female friends helped him pick out for her, as he didn't know what to get her that year.

On Valentine's Day, Ian's friends had an event planned for the single people of the group. It wasn't hard to talk him into joining them, even though they all knew he was in a relationship. Alice is not here after all. He's practically single! They don't want him to be alone on Valentine's Day, being reminded of what he's missing out, so he should join them for drinks. Not feeling alone on a day for couples is why they're throwing this celebration after all.

Ian got swept away by the festivities and his friends, as he had been so often lately. He even shared his special Valentine's Day chocolate chip cookies from Alice with his friends. In retrospect, he regrets not saving them all for himself, not knowing they'd be the last he'd ever receive.

While it is tempting that this event is when Ian does cheat, it's just very close to that time. He's crossing lines, having an emotional affair with a certain someone, not realizing that's what he's doing, or that it'll soon become physical.

On Valentine's Day that year, Alice got drunken texts with sloppy typing. Ian did wish her a happy Valentine's Day, and said he missed her and wished she was there with him at the party, but his focus was mostly on the fun he was having and the warm fuzzy feelings the booze brought him. Though he knows she probably wouldn't have wanted to go anyway with all the drinking since she doesn't like alcohol, especially getting sloshed like this, so maybe it's better this way.

There was a call Ian made that was cut short. It was hard to hear him over the party music and all the talking. Alice tried so hard not to feel jealous when she heard a certain lady on the other end of the line, the same busty and sexy lady who kept appearing with Ian on his socials lately.

Surely the comment that lady made wasn't meant to be insinuating anything. Surely that wasn't intended to be innuendo. Alice trusted Ian. She trusted his judgment in friends. He was sensitive about who he let close to him after all. He wouldn't spend time with someone blatantly flirting with him or intentionally being sexually suggestive about him. They were friends, just friends. Ian wouldn't cheat. Whenever Alice dared to voice even the smallest of concerns, Ian always assured her she had nothing to worry about and worried so much about her doubting him. It made him feel awful she could even think such a thing. He would never be like his womanizing, absent, cheating, deadbeat dad.

Alice kicked herself later for not pressing harder about that woman. She should have asked more questions, called that lady out... but soon she realized it wouldn't have mattered anyway. She and Ian just weren't good for each other.

The second Valentine's Day being long distance was hard on Alice, but the first one after the breakup was harder. Alice felt so empty, so lonely.

Alice and Ian's relationship was unhealthy, and it was crumbling for quite a while. She knows breaking up for the best... but it left her feeling so painfully unlovable.

Sweeping Away the Crumbs

Alice can't sit still on a day meant for love with these thoughts eating away at her. She might have been slacking off a bit on baking cookies for her loved ones lately, but it's a good distraction. By focusing on appreciating what she still has, she won't have room to think about everything she lost.

Of course, Jack is an expert at redirecting Alice's attention to him instead of all the sad things bothering her. She assumed her first Valentine's Day alone after Ian would be lonelier than the previous year, but she isn't alone. Sure, no one else can see Jack, but he has this way of making everyone else disappear when she's with him.

This is especially true if Alice is starting to become aware of her feelings towards Jack. If this holiday hit before she realizes she's fallen for him, she would just be happy to have his company. Being treated sweetly by a good friend and roommate makes her feel so warm and fuzzy.

Naturally Jack would see Valentine's Day as an opportunity for him to get closer to his sunshine. The holiday certainly has changed in 40 years, but that's not a bad thing. There's all sorts of options for decorations, candy, and other ways to show love now. Back in the 80's, it was a lot more lowkey, though the cards were a lot cuter back then, in his opinion.

All the buildup to Valentine's Day allowed Jack time to come up with a plan. Sadly, he can't purchase anything in the state he's in, but he can absolutely spoil his sunshine. Pancakes in the shape of hearts is a must. Maybe even breakfast in bed! If Alice has a day off, he could let her sleep in and wake up to sweet blueberry pancakes and syrup while they enjoy cuddle time in bed.

Of course, with Valentine's Day being a pretty commercial holiday, Barry isn't going to give any of his staff the day off if he can help it. Oh, sure, I'd imagine Carol would manage to weasel her way out of working that day, maybe calling in sick when in reality she's spending the night off on some romantic escapade, but Alice is not so lucky.

Alice would be expecting this of course. It makes her miss her job at the library all the more. Even if she couldn't get a holiday off, she could at least spend the day someplace peaceful and quiet. Sadly, it just wasn't feasible to keep that job after she moved. Yogurtopia might be the pits, but at least it's in easy walking distance of her apartment to save her on gas money.

Ian doesn't know where her new job is either.

Expecting this, Alice starts baking her cookies a day or two before Valentine's Day. Instead of Jack catching Alice completely off guard with his big Valentine's Day plans, she surprises him first when he sees her choosing to cook after work instead of unwinding on the couch like usual. It's exhausting to jump straight from a food service job to baking more food, but it keeps her mind off of what she's missing. Also, she has to rush to finish them if she wants to get the cookies shipped by tomorrow.

Naturally, Jack offers to help Alice with her cooking, but she insists on doing it herself. It won't be the same if someone else bakes them for her after all. Just like Jack says his pancakes are made with love, Alice pours her feelings into these cookies. They're special. If Jack got involved, he'd take over the cooking completely like he usually does to lessen her work load. She appreciates his thoughtfulness, but this time it would defeat the point of creating a gift from her heart.

So Jack helps by cleaning the dirty dishes as Alice goes along and encouraging her to take breaks, getting her drinks, and keeping her company. Listening to him chatter is always soothing to her. It also helps keep her mind off of darker thoughts... including all the voice mails she's been too afraid to check lately.

With Jack's help, Alice can actually save enough energy to make her special buttercream frosting for the cookies and decorate them. When she gets to decorating, she can't help but notice the disappointing and longing look from Jack, and she does eventually give in and let him decorate some of them too. There's something about decorating sweets that is more fun together.

Besides, Alice would make sure there would be plenty of extra cookies leftover for the two of them to enjoy.

Times Change but the Feelings Remain

Of course, since Jack comes from the 80's before so many E.coli scares and such, sneaking a bite of the cookie dough is a must. He doesn't remember all the times where Joseph would playfully try to get past Mary's iron defenses to dip his fingers into the bowl and swipe a big scoop. She never really tried too hard to stop him, but she still acted scandalized by his thievery, as that was part of the fun.

Joseph almost always teased Mary with the suggestive way he licked the cookie dough of his fingers, swirling his tongue to get every last bit of sugary goodness stuck to his skin. He relished making her so flustered, tempting her to take a break from cooking to give him some sugar.

When Mary and Joseph were living together, the cookies she baked were mainly for the two of them. When she got closer to the SunnyTime Crew, she brought in some to the studio break room on special occasions once or twice, mostly at Christmas time. Valentine's Day though was just for him.

The Phoenix family didn't really appreciate Mary's many attempts to bake cookies for them, but Joseph always did. She tried to make friends with her cookies, and while her classmates did happily accept them, only Joseph was truly appreciative of them.

By the time Mary was an adult, baking cookies for anyone but herself and Joseph was a rare thing, especially with her health struggles and she had so much work with the SunnyTime Crew Show. Still, she made sure to bake a special birthday batch for her mentor and fellow writer and producer on the show, Diane, every year without fail.

Diane really was more like a mom to Mary than her real mother was, or like a cool aunt. Without her help, Mary would've never been able to make the connections to LambsWork or pitch the SunnyTime Crew show in the first place. Mary is forever grateful for Diane in her life and always made sure to show her appreciation when she could.

Sometimes Joseph would be a bit jealous of Mary showing affection to other people, which led to him being a little possessive and handsy. Mary would always indulge his clinginess and reassure him that she will always love him more than anyone else.

Mary might have baked cookies for people she cared for, but only Joseph was blessed with the privilege to lick the beaters and bowl when she was done, and snatch up some quick little morsels of dough before they were all baked. Joseph got to revel in being just that little bit more special to Mary in all things.

Sadly, Alice isn't going to let Jack get away with swiping some raw cookie dough. She'd be worried about him getting sick from unpasteurized eggs and uncooked flour. It'd seem silly to Jack to worry about such a thing, but also a shame that people today can't enjoy the simple pleasure of sneaking some fresh cookie dough.

Of course, Alice isn't completely sure Jack can actually get sick even if there was a risk of tainted uncooked food, but she's not going to take the chance.

Still, when her back is turned, Jack simply can't help himself. He snuck a little taste before she told him not to touch the dough, and the taste was just so good... so nostalgic, but in a good way.

Being with Alice in the kitchen while she bakes fills Jack with so much nostalgia. It's so familiar, so right. The smells, the closeness, the taste... it stirs up old feelings and memories.

Of course with feelings of familiarity comes a bit of anxiousness. Jack doesn't want to remember being Joseph and all the baggage that comes with it. He's not that person anymore.

But unlike the bad yogurt combo, it didn't bring up a specific and very unpleasant memory that brought him back to some of the worst moments in his life. Before Joseph found Mary again, he drowned himself in vice when he could, in alcohol, sex, smokes, and even drugs. He dangerously mixed rum with coffee and chased it down with cashews because the two drinks alone weren't really a pleasant combo. He still liked those three things individually and they were tied to other memories too, but that particular combination was something he indulged in during the lowest time of his life when he sold his body for food, a place to stay, and just the smallest sliver of affection.

The cookie dough and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are different. They smell and taste of home. They were a part of the best moments of his life, the bright spots that served as an oasis in an otherwise loveless childhood, and warm moments in his adult life when the worst seemed to be over and he was finally granted the happiness and love he would've died for.

Being playfully teasing with Alice is so comfortable, familiar. She falls into the banter so easily. It's just so natural with Jack. He might keep trying to sneak some cookie dough, and she might feel a little guilty not letting him have any, but it's kind of fun to have this little battle with him too. It's a game they play with her preventing him from getting a taste while Jack tries to work around her defenses.

In the past, Mary let Joseph win this game to sneak quite a few tastes of whatever she was making, but Alice is more serious about stopping Jack, so he allows her to win their playful little war. He doesn't want to risk actually upsetting his sunshine, and he knows she's just worried about his health.

They both know that his situation isn't normal, and it's possible Jack can't get sick... but he feels more like an ordinary human when Alice worries about his health anyway. She treats him like a normal human as much as his situation will allow. She wants him to feel normal, safe, and happy... just like he does for her, and he loves her all the more for it.

Alice does offer a compromise though. She gives Jack first taste of the cookies once they finished baking and promises that she'll make a big batch of edible dough for them to enjoy another time. Jack lightly teases her that the dough is deliciously edible as it is, but he'll defer to her expertise.

It's a cozy moment between them, though Jack feels a little jealous that this isn't a treat just for him. A part of him whispers that a moment like this, these extra special treats... it's just meant for the two of them, not anyone else. He doesn't want to give up a single cookie to anyone else.

But... it's what Alice wants. She has people in her life who she loves, a family and friends. A part of Jack feels defensive about her family, like they can't be worthy of her, like they're just using her. He knows it's irrational since everything Alice told him about her family is positive, but a part of him feels so certain that they don't actually care. He just can't shake that part of him that wants to protect his sunshine from her own family. The Phoenix family who only saw Mary as a possession to use and reflect on them than a cherished loved one. Until he can meet the rest of the King family members, he can't quite shake this suspicion.

Jack knows he's being too clingy, too greedy. It's selfish and not something the ever cheerful and kind Sunny Day Jack would do. He tries his best to fight such out of character feelings, but he gets a bit clingier as Alice decorates the cookies for other people. He goes out of his way to be helpful, an offer to mix up colors in the icing here, a suggestion of cinnamon hearts over the sugary ones there...

Names that are not his don't belong on these heart-shaped cookies that Alice baked with her love. But Jack can't be greedy. She would feel hurt if these precious gifts that she worked so hard on never reached their intended recipients. Even if he offered to eat them all instead, she would still be sad, and the last thing he wants is for anything to dim her beautiful shining light.

And she does shine now. Alice is exhausted all the time, going through the motions of things most days except when they're together, but when baking this sweet nostalgic treat that means so much to her, she's alight with purpose. She wants to show love to all the people who mean so much to her. She needs that, especially after the hurt she suffered from the last Valentine's day and the intrusive thoughts of Ian she's desperately running away from now.

Jack won't let her think of Ian if he can help it. He'll draw her attention back to him, to her baking whenever he notices her thought straying into a direction that's more bitter than sweet. He praises how delicious the cookies are and how the icing is sweet, but not overly so. He goes a bit overboard with the compliments until Alice gets flustered, but so happy.

By the time she's done baking, decorating, and boxing up the cookies, then rushing them out to a delivery service that's open late and does overnight shipping, the day is completely spent, and so is Alice. She's worked herself to exhaustion and desperately needs to get what sleep she can before work tomorrow. Jack insists on taking care of his poor exhausted sunshine. He whisks her into his arms as soon as they're back in their apartment and carries her to the bathroom, setting her down delicately before the mirror.

...

A Small Taste of Sweet Temptation

...

"Don't worry about cleaning up the mess," Jack said, his smile so tender and warm. "I'll take care of that for you so you can get ready for bed. It's important to brush your teeth after eating so many sweets you know." He winked to offset any strictness that might've come from him switching to teacher mode.

"Thanks, Jack," Alice said, returning his smile with a tired one of her own. "I don't know..." She couldn't finish the sentence, the rest of her words swallowed by a yawn she failed to hide behind her hand.

"What you would do without me?" Jack guessed with playfully raised eyebrows. "That's what I'm here for. I'm here to take care of you and make you happy."

It was a risk, but Jack gave in to impulse and all the feelings in his heart that threatened to explode outward. He wanted so badly to kiss Alice, to get just one more taste of that sweet nostalgic flavor he knew were still lingering on her lips and tongue. He wanted that taste so badly, that heat and love that bubbled to the surface of his subconscious mind, those old memories he both feared and ached for all at once.

Jack wanted to claim those lips so badly. He knew her lips, tongue, and every other part of Alice was his. He knew it deep down in his soul. It was his by right, by love.

But it was too soon. As painful and frustrating it was to wait for so long... over 40 years already... Jack would wait forever for Alice, even if it meant that he might lose his sanity in the process. Just as long as she was happy and continued to grace him with the gentle warmth of her beautiful light, he would endure these dark impulses churning in his heart. If he gave in, he would become consumed by his greed for her and turn into a beast who only cared to capture the princess and lock her away from the rest of the world.

Jack wouldn't do that to Alice. He couldn't take the risk. If he gave in to those greedy whispers that screamed to claim her as his own forever, then he would truly lose her. He would snuff out that beautiful light of hers. He knew it. Being trapped alone in the dark was no way to live, even if this time they would have each other for company. He could never let her suffer the way he did for so long.

Jack would wait. He would wait as long as Alice needed to accept all of his love without fear or hesitation. That didn't mean that he couldn't appease his hunger for her, just a little... just a small taste of her beautiful nostalgic sweetness that he would die and kill for.

Alice was too tired to register how close Jack got to her when he bent down until she felt his lips brush against her cheek. It was just a peck, a small feather-light touch that drifted in and flitted away just as quickly, but it left behind an explosion of heat in its wake, searing the impression of his lips into her burning skin.

Jack smiled in pleasure at his sunshine's reaction and the fluttering feelings he stirred up in her that now radiated from her. He almost gave in to temptation to keep going, to coax that fire further, but he held himself in check, straightening up to give her a little space.

Not yet, Jack reminded himself. Beneath the warm happy notes he caught from her were the uncomfortable jolts of nervousness and uncertainty. Alice wasn't ready, not yet. He couldn't risk scaring her away and erasing their progress.

Today was enough. Jack would be content with just that flustered, confused look, and the faint taste of chocolate chip cookies and icing on his lips. "Happy Valentine's Day, Sunshine."

Alice fumbled for a moment to right her thoughts. The first thing to come to mind was to remind Jack that it wasn't Valentine's Day yet, but then he pointed to the clock on the wall.

"It's past midnight," Jack said in answer to her unspoken, half-formed retort. "And you need to get some sleep. You have a big day waiting for you when the sun comes up."

"R-right," Alice stammered as she brought her hand up over the burning spot in her cheek where his kiss still lingered on her skin. She turned away from Jack, then dropped her eyes to the sink after catching a glimpse of her bright red face in the mirror.

Too much. It was too much to handle right now. These feelings fluttering in her chest were too intense, too full of conflicting feelings, fears, and joys. Alice was too tired to think of the implications or justify what just happened. Instead she redirected her focus to snatching up her toothbrush in shaky hands instead of the confusingly familiar, warm feelings Jack filled her with, and the lingering guilt and old aches that crept in on the edges of her mind.

Movement out of the corner of her eye drew Alice back to Jack as he turned to leave. For some reason, the sight of his retreating back hit her with an anxious jolt, and she lunged for the doorway. "J-Jack!"

Jack went still immediately and craned his head to look back over his shoulder at Alice. "Yes? What is it, Sunshine? Do you need something?"

The way Jack looked at Alice made her heart do a flip and brought back the burning impression his lips left on her skin. She faltered, caught up in her emotions that threatened to overwhelm her completely. The conflict of wanting him to stay near but also needing to retreat from this man who was just too good to be true for fear of being hurt again left her frozen in place.

Finally, Alice forced a few words out past her suddenly dry throat. "Happy... Happy Valentine's Day, Jack."

Jack softened, and the tender smile he gave only to her seized her heart in a vice. "Happy Valentine's Day, Alice."

Finally, Alice could move again, and she quickly retreated back into the bathroom to get ready for bed. She could feel his loving gaze follow after her until she closed the door with a bit too much force.

It was too much for Alice. For now. But maybe one day...

When that happened, it would be a day of love greater than any Valentine's Day in the history of the world. Jack couldn't wait to celebrate that day and their love with Alice, his one and only sunshine.

...

Hahaha, I did not expect I'd get inspired to write anything in this post, let alone something so long, but inspiration ran away from me. Success! Maybe I'll polish it up and/or add to it to post on Sunshine in Another World sometime. Or maybe I can add this to Sunshine in Hell proper when I finally get back to writing chapters...

Alice's First Valentine's Day with Jack

Jack sadly won't get that kiss on the lips from Alice that he so desperately craves this year. He won't get that romantic dinner for two he wants, or to spend a day alone with her. He does, however, keep her company as she handles the rush of couples looking for any sort of eatery to take a date to celebrate the holiday. A yogurt shop isn't exactly at the top of romantic date spots, but it works in a pinch when reservations fall through or are forgotten until it's too late to book them.

It's chaotic, but Jack does his best to assist and distract Alice whenever he senses her thoughts taking a darker turn. He can't talk to her much when people are around demanding her attention. He hates having to share so much of her. He wishes to go back to last night when they were having so much fun in the kitchen together, just the two of them... and when a moment's impulse allowed him to step just that little bit closer to her.

But Alice needs money to live. It sucks, and it leaves Jack wanting, but this too is part of taking care of his sunshine's needs.

At least Jack makes things easier for Alice throughout the day. He woke her up to breakfast pancakes in bed, just like he planned. Sure it was a short breakfast, and it wasn't as intimate as he liked, but it allowed her to have a few extra moments of sleep before she had to get ready for work, which he knew that she was grateful for.

The lunch break offered Jack another opportunity. He couldn't move many things around for risk of someone seeing items floating in the air, since there were a couple other employees working with Alice that day due to the rush, but while everyone was busy working in the front, he could sneak around the back to get a little surprise ready.

Alice appreciated a hot lunch ready and waiting for her when she slipped into the back to get a break from customers for a while and a bite to eat. She worried about Jack risking getting caught by her co-workers using the microwave in the break room to heat up up the lunch he made and packed for her that morning. Fortunately he was quick to soothe her fears by emphasizing his cation before distracting her with some praise and sweet words that left her flustered.

Barry, of course, had Alice work extra late that day. Though he takes advantage of her all the time to work insanely long hours, she at least stands up for herself enough to demand overtime pay for all the extra work. Grudgingly, he gives in, because she's his most responsible employee. Cleaning up alone after a long, busy, and very messy day of work isn't exactly her idea of an ideal Valentine's Day... but at least she's not alone.

Jack couldn't help her while there were still people around, but when the store is closed and it's just the two of them, he can help her clean up. He's had plenty of time to learn the ins and out of her job as well as any employee working there by now. After the hard day she's had, it was the least he could do to help her when he finally could. He tries to take as much of the burden off her shoulders as he can.

It's not the romantic evening Jack wanted them to have, but her gratitude and warm feelings towards him are priceless. When Alice suggests they get pick up some pizza to take home once they're done, he's more than eager to accept.

It's not quite a date, but snuggling on the couch, eating pizza and homemade cookies baked with love is still wonderful. It feels familiar and intimate too, another side to those beautiful nostalgic feelings they stirred up while baking yesterday. Alice even surprises Jack with a special cookie she made and decorated just for him, which touches him deeply, even if she doesn't intend for it to be a romantic gesture.

They watch a movie, the next in the list Alice made so that Jack could catch up with all the classics he missed in the past 40 years. Although a romance movie would be appropriate for the holiday, the prospect and whatever implications that might come with such a choice are too much for Alice to handle right now. Still, the movie does have a little romance sprinkled in that spark small thoughts that she shies away from.

Jack wants to stoke those sparks to a roaring flame of love and passion, but it's a delicate balancing act. Pushing his luck too far makes Alice retreat, even making an excuse to go to the kitchen to make popcorn when they have plenty of snacks already.

The day isn't as romantic as Jack was hoping, but it was still special. He still got to spend the entire day with Alice, as well as the day before. They made priceless memories that he would cherish forever.

Jack hoped that next year their Valentine's Day would look a little bit closer to the one he dreamed about. He couldn't wait to shower Alice with all the ways he thought of to show her just how much he loved her... and to bask in the warmth of all the ways she would show her love to him in return.

For now, Jack finds contentment in her warm body pressed so perfectly flush against his, her cheek resting on his shoulder, her arm against his back. Alice even allows him to wrap an arm around her waist in return, and he relishes holding her so close and cozy. She doesn't think too much about his hand resting on her hip, and he doesn't dare move it to call attention to the intimate position, for fear of making her too conscious of just how much he enjoys the feeling of her soft, curvy body molded so perfectly against his.

Her family, Shaun, and her friends only get to enjoy the cookies and a few words written in icing or on a card. Jack gets to enjoy Alice. Those other people might have gotten gifts from her, but only he gets to bask in his sunshine's beautiful warm glow for the entire day. He's the only one that got to banter with her, play with her, indulge in a private moment of her working so hard to create confections that carried her love in them. Now he had her all to himself, close and safe in his gentle but secure hold.

Jack had Alice. That was all that mattered. No matter where they were or what names they used, when he was with his sunshine, he was home. By her side was exactly where he was always meant to be. Helping her shine so bright and beautiful was what he was meant to do.

That greedy dark temptation squirming inside him might want more than she's ready to give, it might demand Jack claim her lips or to allow his hands to wander to forbidden places... but he can quiet it for now.

The simple pleasure of this moment with Alice manages to appease those hungry urges, even if just barely. Jack can find peace and contentment with what he has right now. He's warm. He's loved. He can feel it so clearly. Her love might just be platonic right now, with just the smallest hints of something more, but one day Alice will love him just the way he loves her, deeply and completely. It's a truth written deep down in the depths of his soul.

Every bite of delicious nostalgia in those cookies Alice baked with love allow Jack to remember that he's finally home. His sunshine was the only true home that he had ever known, regardless of his name. She was the peace and happiness that he searched for a lifetime ago and would seek out forever more, even if his memories of home were stripped away from him.

Alice saved Jack from hell and brought him home safe in her arms. Whatever else he might crave from her paled in comparison to the security he felt in the gentle warm glow of her love, no matter what form it took.

Today was a day of love, and Jack was happy to spend it basking in Alice's love while showing her as much of his love as she was ready to accept. He had all the time in the world to show her just how deep his love for her truly was.

I think I'll wrap up things up on that warm and fuzzy note. This ramble gotten pretty long and I need to post soon before Valentine's Day is over. Thanks for coming along for this indulgent ride of fluff, worldbuilding, and story writing with my OTP. I hope you enjoyed this sweet treat. Happy Valentine's Day!

[everythingwasalreadypicked]

War Prize Al AU Masterpost

This is a Fantasy/Royalty PJO AU with Percy/Annabeth/Alabaster (aka Percalabeth aka Smartwatermagic aka Percabethaster xd) set place on a fictional land

Since the war prize au has gotten way bigger than I imagined here it is!

World building

Random Trivia Part 1 + Part 2

Random Trivia Part 3

Random Trivia Part 4: Poseidon Fam Edition

How the war started

How the war went

Map of Sthenias-Atlantis-Epirus by @catihere

Religious background of the main three kingdoms + some others (coming soon)

Al is trans

How Ethan became Alabaster's lieutenant

Malcolm & Annabeth

Former Timeline

Al's freckles post by @bvckbiter

Potential endings of the au

Smartwatermagic's parents' lore

Poseidon & Al

Fake twitter memes

Fanfics

The fics are listed here in chronological order, while the dates are given in modern calendar, the au's characters most likely do not use that, so that is more for the convenience of the readers. This is neither how they're listed on ao3 nor the writing order. Please read the tags for the fic(lets) carefully.

decomposition (Set place in 1XX0, End of June-Early July)

[It was going to be a long ride to King Poseidon's court, too bad they hadn't let him take along his bags. He was going to be immensely bored without the books he had packed.]

Prince Alabaster has some misconceptions about what having had lost the war entails.

Or

Al's trip to Atlantis fic :3

sieged (Set place in 1XX0, Mid July)

"I'm going to kill her..." With just as fast as she came, Palas turned on her heels and left, leaving Lou blinking blearily behind her.

The first thing that crossed Lou's mind was: I need to shake the hand of whoever shook Palas this much.

The second thing that crossed Lou's mind was: I hope they continue to do so and give me an excuse to get rid of her.

Lou wants two simple things, really: Her family back and some control over her own life.

With a surprise visit, the latter may just get even harder to achieve.

but they've overcome their shyness (now they're calling me your highness) (Set place in 1XX0, Start to Mid December)

The way King Poseidon reddened in anger at the letter he got in reply the first time had been glorious, if Alabaster had to be frank.

If only it hadn't been overshadowed by Perseus still writhing with agony in his sickbed and Alabaster's life being on the line.

Defeated in war and sent to a foreign kingdom against his will, Alabaster has to navigate a foreign court with the unwanted company of Prince Perseus and Princess Annabeth. One problem: Someone tried to kill Percy and Alabaster is the main culprit.

instead you hoarded all that's left of me (Set place in 1XX1, January)

Alabaster hopes the frigid air does flay his skin off. Better him due to the freezing wind than Ethan and Poseidon’s head guard.

Drowning in guilt, Alabaster finds a perfect way to take it out on himself. Percy and Annabeth are left to pick up the pieces.

Tales of Epirus

They had been holding out their own pretty well in the war, or so Lou had thought. Until Alabaster's letters home started only being addressed to their mother, until they got less and less frequent and their mother started preparing for surrender.

The worst part? It wasn't enough the occupiers stripped the palace of anything valuable. They demanded Lou's brother, too.

Lou Ellen was never supposed to be the queen, much less a puppet one. Alabaster was supposed to rule, not be torn apart from his crown and family.

OR

Ficlets about this au. Centered on Hecate siblings for now.

Random scene musings

What it says on the tin. Snippets that were too short to put in "Tales of Epirus"

Lou and Alabaster fight

What it says on the tin, very short.

if only dust is what we come to (Set place in 1XX1, First Week of July)

Fanarts

The first anniversary of the war's end came faster than any of them could imagine; amidst all the ensuing succession crisis, the fanfare associated with court, the constant need to check over his shoulder at every step and learning the ropes of politics from the two people that might have actually been tricking him towards ruin.

Prince Percy has more or less adjusted to being crowned heir. Though he never thought he'd have to reconcile his loving father and Atlantis's hated King being the same person. Especially now, with the people discontent and an assassination plan brewing against the said father.

Princess Annabeth is resigned to being a chess piece on the board of politics, and relished when she's the chessmaster. But what can she do when her mother has eyes on the lands of her husband?

Alabaster, after one whole year of captivity, is back at home. One problem; he's not sure he wants his sister to see him like this. Queen Lou Ellen is not sure she wants to see him either.

Nico and Alabaster fanart + Alabaster in a fancy outfit

Smartwatermagic in Regency Era inspired clothing

Percabeth Wedding

Hecate Siblings Epirus Era Concept Art

Spin offs (by @bvckbiter )

Meme about writing Smartwatermagic

Alabaster doodle

your sweetest compromise (Set place in 1XX0, Start to Mid July)

“You will serve as an example of what fate awaits Atlantis’ enemies,” King Poseidon explains as Alabaster is dragged out of his cell, only to be shoved down to his knees before him. “While I understand that even former princes have their pride, it is my son’s wedding. This would be easier on both of us if you behaved civilly. Surely losing your crown does not mean you’ve lost your etiquette?”

Alabaster bares his teeth in an approximation of a smile. “Don’t talk to me about etiquette when you and your heir presumptive learned yours on the seas, amongst drinkers and whoremongers.”

Poseidon’s face grows dark with fury.

Stripped of his crown and made a political hostage, Alabaster's survival now entirely depends on the goodwill of Prince Perseus and Annabeth. Thing is, he's not quite sure if living is worth it. // or: how i imagine these three fuckers come to the arrangement they have in river's AU

Smartwatermagic -questionable- fluff

What it says on the tin

From the Annals of Epirus: The Warring Years, pp. 249-253 (Set place in 1XY0-1XY2)

Hypothetical bad end of the au. Part 1 of (?)

Good Boy

Somehow even more questionable smartwatermagic fluff <33

Alabaster fanart in fancy clothes

Smartwatermagic fanart

Chancellor Alabaster

For even more of this au; see #war prize al tag

Prince Perseus Concept Art

Fanart by @bugcitie

[zukkathirst]

ZUKKA THIRST Creator rules

See commenter rules here.

Hi horndogs, thanks for all the enthusiasm for the inaugural ZUKKA THIRST, an NSFW Zukka event!

The event is set to kick off 4-6 October 2024. It will actually be split into two events: one for creators, one for commenters. For the creators, the aim is to publish anything and everything you have!!! We're not looking for or requiring perfect intricate finished pieces—in fact, we'd love to see your horny pencil sketches, mini-fics and outline posts. Let’s flood the tag with glorious, glorious smut!

Creators are also encouraged to comment and vice versa; you can head on over to this post to see the commenter rules.

Here are the prompts! Head on down under the readmore and spin the wheel (cw: flashing gif).

Screenshot the gif below to pick your prompt.

Not challenging enough? Why not aim to score three in a row with our prompt bingo!

We'll be very excited to see any Zukka NSFW content you want to share, whether it's finishing up a sketch that's been languishing in your drafts, adding another chapter to an ongoing WIP, or a brand new and original piece you've been itching to create for a while and were just looking for an excuse. As long as Zukka are railing each other stupid in it, we're excited!

And while you're at it, why not check out our simultaneous commenter prize?

Event rules:

All works must be NSFW (i.e. M or E rating on Ao3). Click here for an explainer.

Post your work anytime during 4-6 October, 2024. We accept late submissions but not early ones.

Please post on Ao3. You are welcome to cross-post on Tumblr with snippets/thumbnails. We will have an Ao3 collection and you can tag us on Tumblr to reblog. Artists, you can use this guide to upload your art (or reach out to us if you’re stuck).

You can add it to our collection here! You can either hit "Post to Collection" on the page or type "ZukkaThirst2024" into the Collections section when you post a new work.

All works must be tagged appropriately.

We do not tolerate works that are made/"touched up" with generative AI, traced, or plagiarised. We respect the very real labour that goes into art and writing, and would rather celebrate original content made by real fans.

You don’t have to stick to the prompts, but we encourage you to use them for inspiration!

We do not allow works that perpetuate or encourage bigotry/harassment in harmful ways.

About | FAQ | Commenter rules

[sophie1973]

Several Sentence Sunday

So I have been tagged over the past week and today by @stellarmeadow @tinyarmedtrex @onthewaytosomewhere. Thank you !

2 days left of 2024, 2 fics to post. The first one is Roop's Birthday fic, 'Excuse my French', which will be posted tomorrow.

The second one is a little tooth-rotting fluffy oneshot I wrote for New Year's Eve, which will be posted on the 31 (duh). If you have read the December prompt (Si c'était ça le bonheur) I wrote for the Red Umbrella collection, it takes place in the same universe.

Have a little snippet here. Tags under the cut.

Dinner time arrives, filling the house with delicious aromas and lively chatter. Alex has prepared a feast, and even David and Stevie get their own special dog-friendly menu. The atmosphere is slightly chaotic but warm and full of life – just the way Alex loves it. He finds himself pausing between bites, taking in the scene around him: Henry laughing at one of Olivia's jokes, Emilia sneaking a piece of meat to David and Stevie under the table (not as stealthily as she thinks), with the TV providing a white noise background. After dinner, they clear the table and bring out the board games. What starts as friendly competition - Olivia definitely inherited his competitive streak -  quickly devolves into playful accusations of cheating, with dramatic gasps and laughter filling the room. Alex catches Henry's eye across the table during a particularly heated round of Game of Life, and they share a private smile, both clearly thinking the same thing – this is pretty much close to perfection. Alex can’t wait to make it even more perfect in about an hour. As the evening wears on, they move to the living room, gathering around the fireplace. Henry brings out the ingredients for s'mores, which the girls attack with enthusiasm, while Alex carefully monitors to ensure no one sets anything (or anyone) on fire.

Tagging with no pressure : @thighzp @tailsbeth-writes @theprinceandagcd @orchidscript

@anincompletelist @priincebutt @14carrotghoul @whoevenknows-things @jafffacakess

@wordsofhoneydew @suseagull5914 @bitbybitwrites @miharaikko

@blueeyedgrlwrites

@kj-bee @thesleepyskipper @shesfromboston @0npurpose

[twomanyfandomshelp]

If you haven’t listened to the Underworld Saga yet, here’s your spoiler warning.

@thekingofworems @jarondont @aaronofithaca05 @nyx-of-darkness-1620 did y’all get a chance to listen yet? I need people to talk about this with!

Apologies in advance for all the capslock you’re about to see.

Y’ALL

I CAN’T

MR. JORGE, MR. JALAPEÑO

WHY MUST YOU BREAK MY HEART LIKE THIS

THE UNDERWORLD

POLITES?!?! THE EMOTION IN ODYSSEUS’ VOICE WHEN HE HEARD POLITES?!?! QUIETLY SAYING HIS NAME AS THEY SAIL AWAY LIKE HE’S APOLOGIZING?!?!?! DJFNSISYDJSUDB

ODYSSEUS’ MOM?!?!?! I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT!!!! “Even if you’re the last thing I see I’ll be waiting” “I’m right here mom, can’t you see me?” OH MY FUCKING GOD SIR!!!! JORGE!!!! “I took too long and ventured too far” SIR MY HEART IS BREAKING!!!! “I’ll always love you, I’ll stay in your heart” SIR YOU’RE DOING THIS ON PURPOSE!!!! THE SOFT LITTLE “bye mom” AS THEY SAILED AWAY?!?! FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY JORGE JUST BELTING HIS HEART OUT?!?! *HIGH PITCHED SCREAMING* ALSO, THE NAMES LISTED ON THE SONG INCLUDE WANDA HERRANS, ARE YOU TELLING ME JORGE’S MOM VOICES ODYSSEUS’ MOM?!

NO LONGER YOU

MASON OLSHAVSKY’S VOICE IS SO GOOD!!THIS WHOLE SONG IS PERFECTION!! “This can’t be, we’ve suffered and sailed through the toughest of hells, now you tell us our efforts for nothing” EXCUSE ME MR. HERRANS WHAT THE HECK! “I see your palace covered in red, faces of men who had long believed you dead, I see your wife with a man who is haunting, and man with a trail of bodies” THE FORESHADOWING?! THE WAY ODYSSEUS REACTED WHEN TIRESIAS SAID HE SAW PENELOPE WITH A MAN WITH A LINE OF BODIES?! HIS OUTRAGED “WHO!!!”SIR?!?!?!?! THAT’S YOU MY GUY!!! YOU’RE THE HAUNTING GUY WITH A TRAIL OF BODIES!!!

MONSTER

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SONG SINCE I HEARD THE FIRST SNIPPET AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! OH MY GOD WHAT THE HELL I HAVE NO WORDS!!! THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE EPIC SONG!!! I kinda knew that was gonna happen but shh 🤫

I’m not gonna talk about this song because if I do it will end up being an essay. Might make a separate post about it though.

I WILL BE LISTENING TO THIS SAGA ON REPEAT ALL DAY AND NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!!

[theoneandonlysemla]

Tagged by: @sheirukitriesfandom Thank you so much! :)

Tagging: @skyrim-forever @dirty-bosmer @lillxart @vanilleeistee @thequeenofthewinter @hircines-hunter @sanza-17

This was so much fun and I hope you’ll have as much fun as I did doing this little challenge! Went with more than one line, because I can’t contain myself as always and picked from different fics and WIPs <3

When you get tagged, post:

A line from your fic that makes you laugh

“I may, my little pebble,” she chuckled and planted a peck on his mouth. He did not kiss her back, remained motionless. “Or do you like it better when I call you a dog?” “A little, if I’m honest. Sounds less… feeble.”

Faralda to Ancano, from Chapter 2 of „Crawl, dear“

Still cracking up about Faralda calling Ancano a pebble that she can kick around. Only can pat my back for that line.

A line from your fic that makes you sad

“Oh, don’t worry. I haven’t found a way to kill me yet.”

Nevri to Teldryn, from Chapter 1 of "Dealings with Daedra: The Curse of Molag Bal"

My girl has the depressos. Also heavily inspired by “The Rooster” by Alice in Chains.

A line from your fic you're proud of

“My heart, would you let me free you from the prison that is your body, would you let me snap every of your bones and drink your marrow to have you inside me forever?”

Mannimarco to Ria, from Chapter 5 of "A Taste of Death"

Going feral over that and the entire scene with it, AAAAAAAHHHHHHH

A line for your fic you think could have been better

Skipping this one because my perfectionism would make me put everything I’ve ever written in here.

A line from your fic that makes you want to punch a character

If Ancano hadn't had to support himself, he would have smacked Nirya right across the cheek.

From "One Last Time"

I don’t care that he’s bleeding, she tries to help in her weird way and he’s nothing but a mean ass man :( Need to punch him in his stupid face.

A line from your fic that makes you go 'aww'

Nodding, Brelas walked to the door, the silky garment hugging her body. It smelled like him, she noted; incredibly good. It would go to bed with her tonight.

From "A Perfect Servant"

They are the cutest babys. Ondolemar gave her his tunic, because he ripped her dress D:

A line from your fic that's full of symbolism

I’m so fucking bad at finding symbolism in my own fics, you can’t believe it. Maybe that whole maggot on nose incident from A Taste of Death, because of the theme of invasion but it should be read as the full scene. Find it in Chapter 3 of "A Taste of Death".

A line from your fic that contains an Easter egg

“’tis but a scratch.” He laughed. “A scratch? Your leg was broken.”

Canmal and Nevri, from Chapter 14 of "Dealings with Daedra: Boethiah’s Wrath"

Classic Monty Python. I had to.

A line from your fic that's shocking

Oh boi. Best I can do is disturbing (no, not the cum and fly bullshit, that will only be on AO3).  

The first cut of his dagger followed the line of her sternum, the blade scratched over the bone and separated the skin like a hot knife did with butter. He missed the bleeding of a living body, imagined how the red would spill all over his hands. Her screaming would ring in his ears, be as pleasant as the song of the early birds of a spring morning. Writhing and kicking under his weight, she’d have no chance to escape, only to bleed out. For a moment, he had to hesitate, gather himself. A delighted tremor had seized his hands and he gripped the handle of his dagger tighter, closing his eyes.

Mannimarco, from Chapter 6 (currently WIP) of "A Taste of Death"

Not him getting horny from dissecting a corpse and thinking about murdering her instead. My excuse? It’s in character.

A line from your fic you want to talk about more

“Whatever you’re trying to confess to me here, it is not real. You may think it is, because you’re blinded. But it is not that. What lingers in you is the urge to protect, a relict of what you have experienced. But don’t mistake it for affection.”

Nevri to Morotar, just a snippet of dialogue I have planned for a chapter. And as it is still WIP and I will get there in like 10 to 15 chapters, I want to talk about it all :P

[midoristeashop]

4, 9, 11 🤸🏽‍♂️

ALSO HNY <3 !!!

HI REN HII

4. Was thinking of my favorite character(s) I’ve drawn for a while now, and then I was drawing my hijack coded ocs and decided this is the perfect excuse to show them off LMAO (besides jack and hic they are all I think about 🥹)

9. New art mediums/Styles

Amazingly enough I’ve tried tons of trad mediums this past year (gouache and ink being the newest!) just anything that has the texture I need to replicate my digital style 😭 and ofc you’ve seen all my spiderverse studies those were so so fun to do <3

I did a trad piece for my portfolio (thats eh but whatever it’s progress) w/ watercolor, ink, colored pencil, etc. so here’s a snippet!

11. Artists that have influenced my style:

Literally tons I could have a whole post dedicated to my inspirations but here are the first that pop in my head…

Ami Thomson, Alberto Mielgo, whoever made that opening sequence to dance central/ love death n robots ice, tomm moore (song of the sea + secret of Kelly’s director!) james r woods, and so so many more!!

[lamprophonia]

》 [ yandere!Musician. ] 《

yan!musician x gn!reader: introduction. 1038 words. reader referred to as 'you'. cw for stalking, general yandere behavior. DO NOT USE OR REPOST MY WRITING ANYWHERE.

amir saba, or just amir on stage, was the latest up and coming sensation.

his first single stayed on top of the indie charts for weeks on end. his (by then, long awaited) debut album went platinum. he was skyrocketed into stardom practically overnight.

he met you by chance, through a friend that worked as part of his road crew. you weren't really supposed to be backstage — but the moment he saw you, amir couldn't take his eyes off you. how could he get mad or even mildly upset when your friend sneaking you backstage allowed him to witness perfection in human form?

he immediately had to learn everything about you, naturally. your first conversation was more of an interrogation, but he honestly just couldn't help himself. he asked every question in the book and the appropriate follow ups, and asked for your social media practically immediately.

he spent that next night stalking your entire online presence. every photo you posted, every tweet, everything and anything he could find. he went through your entire following list, as well as your followers, taking note of friends, family, acquaintances.

with every second amir spent researching you, he was falling deeper.

he didn't question the feelings you were stirring up in him. isn't this what everyone wants, after all? love at first sight, immediate, intense, and unconditional. he didn't need to think too hard about it to convince himself that the two of you were soulmates.

he was, ironically, glad he was on tour at the time. it made tempering himself much easier — he wasn't sure how he would have been able to stop himself from stalking you. instead, he settled for quietly working his way into your circle.

he remembered something you mentioned during that initial conversation-slash-interrogation you two shared, and he just saw something that reminded him of it while on tour! of course he took some time out of his busy schedule to text you about it. isn't that thoughtful?

how could he not be when you occupy 99% of his thoughts at this point?

it wasn't long before he was finding excuses to text you more and more frequently. once, twice a week, every other day, every day... he made his way into your life so naturally, so easily, it only confirmed what he already felt: you're meant to be together. plain and simple.

by the time he got back from tour, he was more than head over heels. he made plans to see you as soon as possible and slowly but surely continued to make himself from an acquaintance into a constant presence in your routine.

texts he sends you every day at 6 as he's sipping his morning coffee, sometimes updating you on something interesting, and sometimes just to wish you a good day. telling you what funny thing just happened in the studio when he's on his lunch break. asking your opinion on song snippets when he gets home, starting a conversation before you go to sleep just to have an excuse to end his day by saying good night to you.

and, of course, whenever he's in town, he's already making plans to see you. no matter the season, he'll find some way for the two of you to spend time together. music festival he's been waiting for for months and just so happens to have an extra ticket to. art exhibition his friend has been raving on and on about. he's been so stressed, he needs a break, and hey — a new restaurant just opened up downtown, so how about brunch?

the first few times you initiate hanging out with him, or even just text him first, he's sure he's going to have a heart attack then and there.

when amir's not monopolizing every ounce of your free time, you're monopolizing his — you wouldn't really know that, though. he just happened to run into you right as you're leaving your workplace. wait, you live in this area? crazy, he was just visiting a friend who lives right around here.

those are the times you do run into him, anyway. being on tour really was the only thing that kept him from stalking you.

he takes up more and more of your schedule as you get more comfortable around him. he does his best to pace himself and not become overbearing, but it's ridiculously difficult sometimes. why would you want to spend time with anyone else when you have him?

it's not even a surprise when he asks you out. you've practically been acting like a couple for a while before you actually put a label on it, and he's been making barely even diguised puppy dog eyes at you since you've met him.

his behavior only gets more intense from that point on. texting you practically nonstop, or at least as often as his schedule allows, dragging you out of the house or coming over every day; hell, he doesn't even need to make up excuses for why he's in your neighborhood or by your workplace so often. he just wanted to surprise you.

is that so bad? you're his partner and his muse, after all.

amir's shameless in how much he adores you. the muse thing is so much more than a nickname; he seriously has never felt more inspired in his life. he's been writing songs about you and how you make him feel since the day he met you, but once you're officially together, he starts showing you the best ones.

he definitely has to control himself a lot. he doesn't want you to realize he's written enough music for four different albums, all dedicated to you. after all, you've only been together for a few weeks. he wouldn't want you to freak out... but he'll gladly put forth the idea of releasing a single for you early in the relationship. how quickly he'll actually do it (because there's no doubt he will, sooner or later) depends on your reaction.

amir's obsession with you is nowhere near a slowburn. he just has to force himself to not go too fast, to cautiously make his way into your life for good.

and once he has you? he's not letting go.

[ivymarquis]

WIP Wednesday

A bit of a character study/me skipping ahead/dynamic fun stuff etc?

This is so far down the line for the price x single!mom verse it's not even funny, but I wanted to write it out and see how I feel about it when we actually get to this point in the fic. John goes a wee bit off the fucking deep end :)

Y'all know the drill! No pressure, feel free to post a snippet of something you're working on.

“You won’t always be around, you know.” Michael has apparently decided he’s not partial to being above ground anymore.

The smoke from John’s cigar coils in him before he exhales slowly. Realistically he knows that Love is a sore spot for him and he’s willing to do anything for her, and yet he’s still caught off guard by the depth of the rage that washes over him in an all consuming fire.

“Would you like to clarify that for me?” Wouldn’t want to go flying off the handle after all if this is simply a misunderstanding.

“You talk a lot of shit for a guy who fucks off the second your phone rings. That clarify things for you? I don’t know what you or the blonde did to fuck with those results, but I know Sam is my fucking kid and I’ll be damned if you twats are going to get in my way.”

As Michael throws down his inane gauntlet, John exhales his now-final drag on the cigar, eyes flicking across his surroundings to gauge who is looking.

The man sure has a knack for picking the worst fucking spot to threaten the family of a man whose job is to work outside the constraints of red tape. They’re just secluded enough that Kate can see them if she looks but no one else can. And Kate certainly won’t give a fuck about what John’s about to do.

Without doubt, John knows that Michael expects to buffalo his way through this conversation and stalk off feeling he’s done something. Because the average citizen cannot do what John is about to- wouldn’t even consider it.

It’s the sheer confidence that John won’t put his hands on Michael that lets him snatch the other man up by his collar and shove him further out of sight from any prying eyes.

He opens his mouth to protest John’s grip on him, the perfect opportunity for him to shove the smoldering end of his cigar into the man’s mouth.

John has just enough impulse control to not extinguish the damn thing on the back of his throat, settling for the knowledge that the flurry of movement has knocked the ash loose into the other man’s throat.

“I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page before we have this little talk,” John snarls. “I can be on the other side of the world and it doesn’t fucking matter, am I clear? If I catch wind of you sniffing around when you think I’m distracted, you’re going to find out exactly what I am capable of for a guy who fucks off the second his phone rings.”

John pulls out the cigar and shoves the other man away from him. “If we have to have this conversation again, I’ll be shoving the barrel of my service weapon in your mouth next and painting the fucking walls, understood? There will be a point where I decide you’re more hassle alive than dead.”

He’s not mollified in the slightest by the way Michael’s legs shake and he suddenly can’t look John in the eye- all the bravado sucked out of him with the realization that John is not beholden to the same rules he is.

“You’re fucking insane,” he sputters, hunching over and trying to cough up the ash.

“If you’ve got any sense to you, you’ll stay off my shit list.” John advises before tossing the remains of the cigar in the bin.

“Now if you’ll excuse me- I’m taking the missus and the rugrat out for lunch.”

@direwombat @gaqalesqua @strangefable @glossysoap @kneelingshadowsalome @deadbranch @bunnyreaper @mortuarywriting @391780 @divine--serenity @la-grosse-patate @g0dspeeed @luminousbeings-crudematter @ceilidho