#the photo is a year old because i am only capable of taking a selfie i don’t hate once every 17 business months

[isbergillustration]

Annual art vs artist recycling of content

[purpleshallot]

Followed You | Part 1

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x f!Reader

W/C: 2.6k

Summary: You meet this guy named Bucky through Instagram. Even though neither of you knows what the other person looks like, you two immediately connect. Things get complicated when you start your new job at Stark Industries and you catch a glimpse of the handsome Sergeant Barnes.

A/N: Big thanks to Jane @lunarbuck​​ for beta reading! Shout-out to Allie @alpineandbucky​ because I didn't realize while I was writing that I used her url as Bucky's name. 😅 Also many thanks to Alice @maladaptivexxdaydreaming​ for listening to me talk about this! Any and all reblogs/likes/comments are appreciated.

Series masterlist // Main masterlist // AO3

March 2nd

He had first commented on one of your Instagram posts after you posted that one picture of you holding your orange tabby cat, Mr. Beans. He must have been searching through the cat hashtag and found your post that way.

As someone who had no intentions of making it big on social media, you were still surprised when an Instagram notification popped up on your screen an hour after you posted your picture. Having a small friend group in real life meant that your Instagram page had a solid seventy-four followers, of which a max of ten people interacted with your posts.

You opened the app and clicked on the notifications tab, a red dot indicating that someone had interacted with one of your posts.

alpineandbucky liked your photo.

alpineandbucky left a comment on your photo: I don’t want to sound like a creep but your cat is very endearing.

And shortly after;

alpineandbucky started following you.

Immediately you clicked open the profile that had left the comment on your post.

Their profile picture was a black and white picture of a very adorable white cat staring into the camera lens. According to their profile, this person’s name was Bucky, which probably meant the cat in the profile picture was Alpine. There’s nothing wrong with picking an obvious username; yours wasn’t anything fancy either.

This person had only three posts; a picture of the same white cat in their profile picture sleeping on someone’s lap, a picture of a coffee cup on top of a napkin somewhere on a bench outside, and a mirror selfie from the neck down of a white person, presumably a man— looking at the built of the torso, in a black hoodie. You weren’t going to lie; a man in a black hoodie always made you feel some type of way. You opened the third picture to take a closer look at it. Some things you immediately noticed were the dark brown stubble on his chin, his left hand tucked away in his trouser pocket, and his right hand holding a black smartphone. The picture was posted two weeks ago, and the caption read: “Look Sam, I am a grown man capable of downloading an application onto my phone and uploading a “selfie”.”

One person had liked and commented on it, probably the Sam mentioned in the caption.

sam2378 Of course you named your profile after your damn cat.

alpineandbucky My “damn cat”? Next time you come, I’ll teach her how to bite ankles.

sam2378 You’re adorable, let me screenshot this for the group chat.

alpineandbucky Wait, what’s a screenshot?

alpineandbucky Don’t call me adorable.

alpineandbucky Sam.

alpineandbucky How do I delete comments?

Okay, so this person might actually be a very fit-looking eighty-something-year-old just figuring out how to use social media, and his grandson Sam is pestering him about it.

Bucky had four followers, all private accounts with no recognizable faces as profile pictures. He was following twenty people, including those four private accounts and a few popular pages. And now you.

You didn’t particularly like people who you didn’t know in real life following you, but you knew this was going to happen at some point, considering you didn’t have your profile on private.

You should probably block him. You opened the black hoodie picture again. Hmmm, or you don’t really have to block him. He wasn’t giving off any stranger danger vibes, just very digitally illiterate.

Fine, the random guy with the cute cat could stay. You liked his comment and didn’t think about it for another week.

March 10th

The new jacket you had purchased online had arrived, and you couldn’t wait to try it out with your outfit. Loving the fit and color of it, you posted a pic to your Instagram story with the caption: “What d’you think?”. You never showed your face in your pictures, liking the anonymity it gave you. Anyone who needed to know what you looked like, already knew. No need to remind them of your face every single day of the week.

Two of your friends sent you a message telling you that they absolutely loved your outfit, followed by some small talk about work and other stuff.

Thirty minutes after you had posted the picture onto your story, you got a notification.

alpineandbucky liked your story.

alpineandbucky replied to your story: I think it suits you very well!

Not having thought about him anymore, the message surprised you. You’d never had someone you didn’t really know react to one of your stories before, so you stared at your screen for a few seconds in bewilderment before liking the message. Okay, now you have to message him back, right? It’s quite rude not to…

yournamesomething: Thank you so much! 😊

You didn’t spend much time on your phone for the next few hours, keeping yourself busy with work and Mr. Beans. After dinner, when you finally had some time to relax and sit down on your couch in front of the TV, you checked your social media. While scrolling through your Instagram feed, you caught a glimpse of a picture of a white cat laying on top of a duvet with its eyes closed. Next to the cat was what seemed like a birthday card. You recognized the cat from that person’s profile picture. Interestingly, though, was that the number thirty-five on the card was crossed out, and written in black permanent marker was the number one-hundred-seven; probably an inside joke between him and the person who gave him the card. Funny joke aside, the not-so-subtle confirmation of his age made you feel at ease, knowing that the guy was in your acceptable range of ages to interact with online.

He didn’t add a caption, and the picture had only two likes and a comment of Sam wishing the guy a happy birthday. You knew that likes and comments didn’t dictate someone’s happiness, and you had only gotten about seven likes on your birthday post, but you somehow felt bad for the guy.

You quickly liked the picture and wrote a little comment; “Happy birthday! 🥳 Hopefully you had a nice day.”

You set your phone aside and continued watching some mediocre romantic movie on Netflix. Mr. Beans was contently purring by your side when, after a few minutes, your phone vibrated, and Mr. Beans' ears perked up.

alpineandbucky liked your comment.

alpineandbucky sent you a message.

Oh. Oh. An anxious feeling filled your stomach, and you took a glance at your sleeping cat to calm yourself down. Why were you feeling anxious about this? He’d messaged you before this morning, and you were fine then. But this was the second message that he initiated, and it somehow made you feel anxious and excited. Stop acting like a fool, you thought to yourself, you don’t even know what the guy looks like.

You opened the message;

alpineandbucky: Thank you for the birthday wishes! Figured I would thank you in person.

alpineandbucky: As much as this counts being “in person”.

You couldn’t help but giggle at the last message. By now, you were certain that this Bucky guy wasn’t really with the modern times. Maybe that’s why his friends had jokes about his age on his birthday card.

yournamesomething: I think it kind of counts, right? I’m a real person as far as I know…

alpineandbucky: Well, that’s a relief. My friend warned me about these “fake profiles”.

yournamesomething: Oh, believe me, you’ll know when a profile is fake. Two words: foreign MILFs.

alpineandbucky: MILFs?

yournamesomething: How long have you been on the internet?

alpineandbucky: I got this phone like 2 months ago…

yournamesomething: Oh Bucky… you’ve got a lot to learn. 🤣 A MILF is a sexually attractive older woman, meaning “mom I’d like to fuck”.

alpineandbucky: Oh…

yournamesomething: Are you sure you only turned 35 years old today? 😉

After your last message, the notifications stopped for the night. You could see that Bucky had seen the message, and you kept refreshing your Instagram app every so often but ultimately stopped checking after a while. Maybe he was at a party celebrating his special day with friends, or maybe he felt that your comment wasn’t really appropriate.

Whatever it was, you wouldn’t hear from him for the next couple of days.

March 20th

A lot had changed in the past few days; based on your portfolio and through some connections, you had been offered a job opening at Stark Industries on March 14th. When you looked at the job description, the salary, and the benefits, you just couldn’t say no to such an opportunity. Sure, it was only an administrative job, but compared to the one you had- it seemed too good to be true.

Taking a leap of faith, you had immediately put in your two weeks notice and were eagerly awaiting march 28th to arrive so you could start your new job.

Subtly wanting to let people know about your good mood, you’d posted a picture of your morning cup of coffee and a cheerful quote to your story.

As usual, nobody interacted with it. However, when you arrived at the office, you noticed the following notification, and your heart skipped a beat;

alpineandbucky liked your story.

You didn’t really know why you felt that kinda way when Bucky responded. You’d only interacted with him once, and as you reminded yourself before, you didn’t know what the guy looked like. You hadn’t followed him back yet either. It was the thrill of having someone anonymous messaging you that appealed to you. He didn’t know anything about you and vice versa.

He’d also proven that he could talk to a woman for more than five minutes without sending a dick pic or asking for sex, which in your opinion, was a good thing.

You also felt relieved that he had decided to interact with you again after he’d left you on read the other week. Was it selfish that you craved this stranger’s attention?

alpineandbucky replied to your story: Sorry for not messaging you back earlier, work got in the way. I’m glad that you’re having a nice day.

You looked at the message, clicked his profile again, and stared at the follow button. At this point, it’s only fair you follow the guy back. If he ends up being a creep, you can still block him, right? Please don’t let him be a creep… You clicked the follow button and returned to the message.

yournamesomething: That’s okay! I’m sorry to hear work had to bother you on your birthday though. I thought the MILFs had scared you off. 😅

alpineandbucky: It wasn’t too bad. And no the attractive mothers didn’t scare me away. :-)

alpineandbucky: That’s my first time sending an emoticon, hope I did it right. I looked them up yesterday. Also thank you for following me back.

yournamesomething: I mean it’s ugly, but I appreciate it. You know you’ve got emojis on your phone, right? And no worries it was about time that I followed you back. I’m pretty sure serial killers and stalkers are more up-to-date with how the internet works, so I’m in the clear! Right?

Instead of the quick responses, a few minutes passed again, but right when you thought he’d gone to work or something, his response appeared.

alpineandbucky: Right. :-)

yournamesomething: Can I ask, what d’you do for work?

alpineandbucky: Uhm… it’s kind of hard to describe? I guess you could say I’m in security. I have to travel for work often. What about you?

yournamesomething: Sounds interesting and I’m jealous that you get to travel! I’m in administration, not that exciting as security I’m afraid. Actually, I just signed a new contract last week. 😊 Next week I’ll be starting at a tech company.

alpineandbucky: Why wouldn’t it be as exciting? I’m sure you’re great at what you do. :-)

March 27th

You’d been messaging with Bucky every single day for the past seven days, and it felt great. You really felt connected to this stranger on the internet. Apparently, you both lived and worked in New York, adopted a cat from a local shelter (not the same one), and felt way too socially awkward to meet up in real life.

Most people on dating sites would’ve suggested going on a date after chatting for a few days, but you’d admitted to Bucky that you liked the anonymity chatting with a stranger gave you for a chance. You felt like you didn’t have to hide anything from him because he didn’t know you in your real life. Bucky had, to your surprise, had absolutely no objection to this proposition of staying anonymous to a degree. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think he was relieved.

Over the past few days, he’d revealed a little bit about himself. He’d told you that he had served in the army from age twenty-four till age twenty-eight but had to be relieved from duty due to an accident. You’d noticed that the subject wasn’t easy for him to talk about, so you hadn’t pressed further on the topic.

He’d mentioned that because of his years in the army and the consequences of his accident, he hadn’t really used social media when it first came into everyone’s life. Now, at a later age, his friends had pushed him to start exploring the internet. Apparently, he’d even tried online dating before, without much success. You’d admitted to him that you too had had little to no success in the online dating world.

After you’d shared some dating horror stories with him, he’d assured you that if he ever got comfortable with going out again, he’d show you what a real date looked like. As friends of course. And you’d gladly agreed.

Neither of you had shared a picture of yourselves with the other, it never got brought up in the conversation, and you didn’t mind. That didn’t stop you from imagining what he looked like, though. You’d imagined him with all types of faces and expressions, but eventually just accepted that in your mind, he looked like a faceless thirty-five-year-old white man wearing a black hoodie and trousers.

This evening you were feeling very anxious for tomorrow, your first day at Stark Industries. It was by far the biggest company you’d ever worked at, and having to meet all these new people and start over was making you nervous. When Bucky had asked you how you were feeling today, you’d answered honestly.

yournamesomething: Are you still awake?

alpineandbucky: I am, why are you?

yournamesomething: Can’t sleep. I feel like I’m going to fuck up somehow tomorrow. Why are you up?

alpineandbucky: Irregular sleeping pattern. Do you want to talk about it?

yournamesomething: I don’t know. There isn’t much to talk about, is there?

alpineandbucky: Would you like a distraction?

yournamesomething: … depends? What are you planning on distracting me with?

Your phone stayed quiet for a few minutes, making you worry that after everything, he might just send you a dick pic after all. At this point, you didn’t know if you’d be disgusted or would straight up laugh about it.

When you checked back after a few minutes, you noticed Bucky’s message. It wasn’t a text message. He’d sent you a voice message.

Immediately your eyes opened widely, and your heart started racing. You hadn’t expected him to send you a voice message because, let's be honest, who the fuck sends a voice message on Instagram. You counted to three and pushed the play button, not knowing what to expect.

“Hey erhm… I thought this might distract you a little bit um. My friend taught me how to do that today. Told me I should try it with you since we aren’t showing our faces and all. So yeah, um, this is my voice, I guess.”

And oh my god— his voice was so attractive.

✭

Taglist: @maladaptivexxdaydreaming​ @bxucky​ @shamevillain​ @eclecticpatrolroadlawyer​ @ajeff855​ @mysticatto​ @red42985​ @wordsbyilen @highly-functioning-mitochondria

[sombreboy]

Dining out⇢kth x jjk

⇢18+ ⇢pairing: Taehyung x Jungkook (brief ft.Namjoon & Jisoo) ⇢genre: Smut, fluff, mxm, married couple ⇢word count: 8k ⇢warnings: Profanity, dumb humor, lil secret touching under the dinner table, bratty sub tae, dom daddy jk, I swear the daddy kink is heavy for these boys sometimes and this is one of those times, puppy petname; CHECK, blowjob, finger sucking, fingering, filming their shenanigans with their phone, tae fucks himself on jk's big doink then gets fucked good, meme ending because i am too lazy but at least you got a good fucking in. xo

A/N: Serves as a oneshot within the Love Maze series AU, however can also be read on it’s own. Co-written with my lovely @velvetwicebang​​ <3

“Okay, remember to feed her every two to three hours.” Jimin nodded; blonde hair bobbing as he did so. The man carefully bounced the babbling baby on his hip, suppressing the need to roll his eyes at Taehyung’s constant reminders. 

They’d only be gone for a few hours; but Taeyeon’s fathers were treating this like a five-month vacation. 

“Her formula is in the bag, and so is her apple sauce! Sometimes she gets fussy right after she eats, so rub her tummy and give her a few pats on the back. Also, there’s diapers—“

“Guys, we know. We’ve looked after her before, remember?” Jimin reached out to place a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder; unknowing of Taeyeon’s infatuation with his boyfriend’s tattoos. 

He didn’t have as many as her daddy Koo, but her shiny, doe eyes curiously scanned over the new piece of art. She found his eyes cool..

“No, I know.” Taehyung sighed, knowing he needed to calm the fuck down— but, Taeyeon.. but their date night.. “Normally we would’ve left her with Namjoon and Jisoo, but obviously that isn’t an option.”

“Cool, we’re the second choice. Nice.” Jimin wasn’t truly hurt by his friend’s careless reveal, only chuckling as he reassured them of the best.

“Shit, Jimin, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. It’s just she knows them bet—“

“Tae, be quiet before I throw this apple sauce at you.”

Taehyung’s mouth was glued shut.

“Just go out and have fun, alright? We’ll look after Taeyeon, she’s in good hands. You seem stressed out as hell, I dunno, maybe even fuck it out while you’re at it.”

Tae simply sighed, detaching himself from Jungkook’s arm to press a soft kiss onto Taeyeon’s head, bidding his temporary goodbyes.

“Okay, well.. we’re leaving. We should be back soon. Thanks, again.”

"Thanks guys, don't hesitate to call us if you need to!" Jungkook chirped, a bit less worried than his husband. Surprisingly, Taehyung seemed to be the one who was always extra, extra protective and worried about separating from their little daughter. Now, Kook was a worrier himself, but he never thought he'd be the one tugging at the elder to finally be able to let go of being a father for just one second.

Kook's eyes met with the little doe eyes their daughter mirrored, his toothy grin growing as she quickly resumed her attention towards the tall man. He might've looked a bit intimidating at first, but everyone quickly learned that he was probably the softest one of them all.

Jungkook pulled Taehyung with him quickly, closing the door behind them before heading towards their car. They haven't been able to get this kind of time to be a couple for quite a while, and both of them were excited-- and anxious. It was routine by now with their child, and breaking it was harder than it seemed. BUT, fuck, did they need it. Stress was no joke with these men. Work, eat, sleep, clean, shit... Take care of the baby, make time for each other?

It wasn't easy, but they were a team. And did they make a damn good one.

"You look good." Jungkook grasped for Tae's hand to hold it cutely by the car. "We should take a picture of this rare occasion of both of us being properly put together at the same time for once."

“You’re right. This is rare as fuck..” Taehyung’s shoulders dropped to a less unnatural position, deep-set brows resuming to their place, ripening his facial muscles. He hooked an arm around Jungkook’s delicate waist, pulling him in until their sides touched. “Let the photographer do the honors, ey?” Cocky as ever, the elder’s hand uninvitingly reached inside of Koo’s back pocket, searching for the younger’s phone whilst he hummed into their short-lived kiss. Tae pulled away with a dorky smile, angling the high-tech device towards the starry sky, a wash of light shining down on them as if the cluster of stars themselves were on their side; working towards getting them the perfect picture.

It was cheesy— every second of it— but, Taehyung found his anxiety crumbling the longer they spent taking silly photos, so he said: ‘fuck it’.

“I like this one, you look like a full course meal.” Tae nudged his husband’s side, believable as he mercilessly teased. “Ah, okay. We should get going before Joon thinks we’ve bailed or something, you know he always thinks of the worst.” The elder climbed onto the passenger seat, twisting his body to reach for the seatbelt. “How much do you wanna bet Jisoo is holding him back from making a phone call right now?”

Jungkook's bunny-like grin grew at the compliment, the apple of his cheeks tinted with a rosy hue. He grabbed his cell phone back from his husband before sitting down in the driver's seat, deciding to post their selfie on his Instagram.

"I bet she took his phone away already. If not, they'll see our pretty picture." Kook scrunched his nose before placing his phone down in his front pocket. He starts the car and backs out on the driveway, giving their home one last glance before driving off.

"I'm excited, honestly. We haven't had a second for ourselves lately." The younger sighed, eyes flickering to keep his attention on the traffic. With one hand on the steering wheel, the other reached over to smooth over Taehyung's thigh as if to soothe him.. Koo could easily tell the elder was still having a bit of separation anxiety for leaving their daughter with their friends... "Let's enjoy this to the fullest, don't think too much. You know what would be nice? A few drinks to loosen up a bit."

“Yeah, I need that.” Taehyung knew Koo could see right through him. It was no secret that the elder’s mind lingered somewhere else; Taeyeon, to be exact. Tae knew he was extremely overprotective, it was never something he’d felt ashamed of in the past. What could you expect from someone who grew up in a hostile environment when they were younger?— it pained him to think this way, but.. If his own father could raise a hand at him, what would a stranger be capable of doing? Of course Tae didn’t think any of their friends would obtain such malice, nor were they strangers to Taeyeon. The opposite, in fact. Each and every one of their hyungs held a special place in the girl’s heart. The elder guessed that his past’s trauma arose now that he was a father himself. Taehyung wanted to do better.

Jungkook's smile didn't falter from his face the entire ride, the faint tugging of his lips in excitement a constant reminder of how relieved he actually is to be able to get some time alone to focus on his friends-- and especially his husband for the night. He pulled up into the restaurant parking lot, the scent coming off the building already hitting their noses even as they sat outside in their car. Kook inhaled with a content sigh, leg almost jumping in excitement. He was a foodie after all-- and since he finally has a stable income along with Taehyung, he's never had to worry whether or not there'd be food on the table. Cheesy one might say, but once in a while the younger still enjoyed to microwave some noodles on occasion either way.

"We're here." He cooed joyfully as he clicked the seatbelt off to lean over to the passenger seat, placing a haste kiss on Taehyung's cheek. He lingered, letting his lips hover over the elders skin. Taking a moment, he drank in the view. Taehyung has always been the most handsome man that Jungkook had ever laid eyes on, and as the years passed by quickly, that still never changed. One would say Taehyung only became hotter, aging like a fine wine.

"You look so good tonight... I won't be able to keep my eyes off you." Kook smiled, cupping Taehyung's cheek to draw him in for a proper kiss.

Taehyung giggled in the midst of their kiss, the sound so small and indistinct, but in the calming stillness of a parked vehicle it was impossible for its vibrations to go over one’s head. It definitely went noticed by the culprit himself, who blushed at the abrupt realization that even after many years spent by Koo’s side, the latter always knew how to make him feel beautiful..

“Thanks. You look really good too, baby..” Tae licked over his lips, able to still taste Jungkook despite the younger having pulled away. “Fuck, okay. Let’s go in; I’m hungry and Joon’s probably losing it by now.”

“Where the hell were you guys? We’ve been waiting for what—“ Namjoon’s eyes flickered down to his watch, “—fifteen minutes?”

Taehyung snorted, “What do you want us to do? Get down on the ground and bow at your feet?”

“You know what? Hell yea—“

Jisoo stepped in, speaking on behalf of her husband, “No need for any major bows here.. Ah, please sit down. Joon’s extra dramatic when he’s hungry.”

"You're not you when you're hungry." Jungkook recited the old commercial with a giggle, shaking his head at how bad it was-- but so funny to his young mind. He sat down in the booth across from Jisoo, with Taehyung sliding down next to him to sit across from Joon.

"Fifteen minutes is precious cooking time at a place like this, Kook. Don't joke--"

"Won't happen again hyung!" Jungkook saluted clearly, his toothy grin too effective towards Joon-- whether he wanted to admit it or not. His bunny-like smile would never cease to work as a secret weapon...

"Whatever." Namjoon grumbled as he picked up the digital device on the table used to order their food. 

"How have you guys been?" Jisoo chirped as she glanced over at the little tablet, clicking occasionally to help navigate Joon's confused behavior towards the device.

"Stressed." Jungkook sighed, leaning his head against Taehyung's shoulder. "Having a child is no joke, there's never a dull day. But I love it, though." Kook mused, waiting for their turn with the tablet, reaching out for it when Jisoo had completely taken over to order for her and her husband. He stares at the contents for a moment, showing Tae the various choices of alcohol, hovering with his finger over the stronger drinks with a coy eyebrow.

“You know me too well.” Taehyung returned the favor, imitating Koo’s raised brow before pointing at the drink of his choice; Tae was aware he needed to chillax. And alcohol never disappoints.

Once they were finished ordering their starting drinks, the elder dismissed the tablet to the side. He scooted closer to Jungkook until they were practically squished together in spite of the extra space; playing with his husband’s fingers from under the table.

“Yeah, Taeyeon’s a handful.” The corner of Taehyung’s lips twitched upwards as he amusingly breathed out through his nose, mind tracing back to their daughter. “But she’s cute though, so it makes up for it.” The elder turned his head to look at Kook, “Also, this guy right here is pretty good with babies.”

Jisoo voiced out her agreement, reminded of the older days when Jungkook would help her with Yuna once he was done with school. Now her friend was married, and caring after a baby of his own.. Proud was an understatement in Jisoo’s mind. Every time she looked at Koo her heart swelled; the boy she once knew had grown into a man. But then again, Jungkook had always been really mature. In a sense, it’s the same guy Jisoo’s always considered her close friend— and fed on the daily.. “Joon could learn a few things..”

The mumbling under the older woman’s breath didn’t go unnoticed by Namjoon, who came to his own defense as quickly as lightning strikes the ground, “I showed up to the wrong preschool once!”

Taehyung butted in, confused but amused, “You forgot where your son goes to school?” Tae’s shoulders vibrated as he laughed, suddenly feeling much better about his own mishaps as a parent.

“The drinks can come out anytime now..” Namjoon tried to swerve away from the topic; his failed attempt at being sly earned himself a couple rounds of laughter.

Yeah, maybe Taehyung needed this..

As the tray of drinks finally arrived, they were left to sip on whatever they've ordered while waiting for their dinner. Jisoo and Namjoon both opted for the simple choice; beer. While Jungkook was an avid enthusiast of alcohol, whether it be beer, tequila, wine... He did settle for a large glass of wine, perfect for the occasion on his end-- and perfect as it always got him pleasantly warmed up.

"Ah, I'm so hungry...." Jungkook groaned, waiting for that big, fat juicy steak he'd seen on the screen. Meat was his one true love-- if you'd disregard the fact that his husband existed. He worked out just as avidly as he did in their younger days.. Well, tried to, and therefore his appetite was comparable to that of a horse.

"You're always hungry!" Jisoo joked, slapping Joon's shoulder as she laughed.

"Yah! Why'd you hit me?!" Namjoon nudged her shoulder back with his dimpled smile.

"Ah, food!" Jungkook's big, doe eyes sparkled with a childlike joy when the food finally arrived, jaw hanging open in pure admiration.

Taehyung chimed out loud along with Koo, ignoring Jisoo’s and Namjoon’s playful banter in the background. All that was on his mind at the moment was, ‘must eat’. Taeyeon snuck in there once in a while, but Tae trusted Jimin and his boyfriend. They’ve always returned his baby back in one piece, so that’s that. Maybe the alcohol was helping; he wasn’t as restless.

“Fuuck,” Taehyung knocked his head back, resting it against the backrest of the booth whilst he chewed on the piece of meat, savoring the burst of flavor that’d just popped in his mouth. “Koo, here.” It didn’t matter that they ordered the same meal, Tae still cut out a small piece for his husband to try. He blew on it before guiding it into Jungkook’s mouth, “Fucking delicious, right?”

Jungkook chomped the piece of meat off the fork with his bunny teeth, chewing it happily. His eyes widened as he nodded, humming in content. Food did taste better when it was from your husband's plate, confirmed. "So fucking good, oh my god.. " Koo agreed. Both men were just feeding off of each other's plates at this point, letting out all their curses and groans occasionally. Being censored on the daily was harder than they thought, and finally letting it all out--- somewhat satisfying.

Namjoon eyed the couple with a mix of disgust for their cheesiness, yet the dimples proved that he couldn't hold his smile for the two. They were grown ass men, and yet they acted like dorky the teens they’ve always been the moment they are together like this. It was endearing.

"What? You want me to feed you too?" Jisoo nudged Joon with a coy smile on her lips, immediately laughing when he shook his head.

"Definitely not." He joked back. He hated to share his food-- but so did Jisoo, so it was okay.

The evening went on for a bit, everyone talking-- rather, Namjoon rambling about everything and nothing while the rest ate, drank, and drank....

Jungkook couldn't help but continuously look over at his husband. He was just so fucking hot, when was the last time he was able to truly admire him like this? Forever ago.. A few drinks in and Koo's cheeks were hot, hazy eyes only half listening to the rambling from the other side of the table, nodding absentmindedly. His hand, however, decided to snake over to the elder's lap, gently rubbing up and down the soft fabrics, feeling the firm muscle underneath.

Taehyung was just as buzzed; their conversations only stuck with him for a couple of seconds before he reached for his glass of wine, downing the remainder of the scarlet drink. He was loosening up, or so he thought.. The meat of the elder’s thigh clenched, and his dimmed eyes averted downwards towards the source of the unexpected caress on his leg. With barely any space between the two, Tae awkwardly shifted around in his seat— however, he didn’t bother on pushing Jungkook’s hand away.

He liked it..

It’s been a hot minute since his husband put this much attention on him. The touch was small, but even such delicacy had Taehyung’s hormones in a twist..

“What are you doing?” He leaned in to whisper into Koo’s ear, resting his own hand on the younger’s thigh. Tae told himself that it was for balance, but even he knew that wasn’t exactly the truth. “Fuck, you’re hard,” his hand had slithered upwards to Jungkook’s crotch, groping his husband’s cock through the fabric of Kook’s pants.

"What are you doing? ah.." Jungkook's thighs quivered, gently bucking up into Tae's hand as he desperately tried to act unaffected. Not that the other couple would notice-- they were just as buzzed, just rambling, occasionally bantering... Koo barely noticed their presence at this point.

All he could think about was Taehyung, Taehyung, Taehyung...

"You just look so hot, babe, how could I not be hard?.." He huffed quietly, the hand on Tae's thigh mirroring the elders movements by palming his husband's cock right back, able to feel the shape and girth of it through the fabrics. "Shit, what I'd do to have you on your knees below this table instead..."

Taehyung’s shrunken pupils vigilantly switched between his husband and the other couple in front of them, until he realized there was no need..

Joon and Jisoo weren’t quite at their level, but it was obvious the beer had gotten to their systems if the cheesy mumbles and sudden display of affection were anything to go by. They were never cheesy— in front of them, at least.

“Don’t tempt me, we’ll probably get banned from this place or something..” Tae’s drunken smile beamed in the dimmed lighting before his lips abruptly took the shape of an ‘o’. Embarrassed, he nuzzled his nose in the dip of Jungkook’s neck, continuing to rub and squeeze Koo’s prominent bulge at a fixed pace despite crumbling underneath the younger’s teasing himself. “It’s been so long since I really got to feel you like this, and it’s been too long since you’ve felt me; really felt me..” 

“Let us in on the secrets! Don’t be so secretiveee, it’s not nice, y’know.” Jisoo loudly sipped on her water’s straw, lips closing in on the frail plastic after her third try— her aim when drunk was amusing.

“This feels like all the way back to, uh, second grade was it? When all my buds talked shit behind my back ‘n crap.”

The woman pouted, “Awe, babe, fuck those kids. Look at you now, with mee! They wish they had me.”

Namjoon understood in spite of her strong slurring, “They’ll never have you, mine.”

Taehyung turned to look back at Jungkook, face reading; ‘what the fuck’. “Wanna get out of here? Kinda want some.. privacy.”

Jungkook couldn't even play it cool at this point, his eager nodding proving just how badly he wanted to get out of there as well-- if his throbbing erection wasn't enough to go by. "Yeah, please." Kook’s ragged breath whispered back, withdrawing his hand from Taehyung's crotch to inhale deeply. "Follow me... I have a fun idea." Since they couldn't go home, nor did they have a hotel room for the night-- there was only one option the younger could think of. A fun one, in his own mind. It's been a long fucking time since they did something a little risky... Jungkook was gonna try to say something to the other couple, but it was easier than he expected to have them accept their disappearance, so he simply got up, leaning down to whisper once again into Tae's ear.

"I'll be waiting in the bathroom... You have two minutes. No more, no less." He cooed, a mischievous grin on his lips as he placed a gentle kiss on the elders cheek before strolling off towards the bathroom area, closing the door behind him. The anticipation-- the small amount of waiting was enough to rile him up even further. And surely he hoped it did the same to Taehyung.

Fuck the bathroom, I’ll willingly get down on my knees right at this second— Is what Taehyung wanted to say, but he was far too stunned to even respond with a dumb nod of his head. Jungkook had strutted away without waiting for an answer, and for that Tae was glad.. Every time the younger asserted his natural dominance, Taehyung was left a flustered, unable-to-form-coherent-sentences mess. The elder was convinced the alluring words that slipped past Koo’s lips tasted like honey; they were sweet and sticky, making it awfully hard for Taehyung to forget them.

“I’ll be waiting in the bathroom.. You have two minutes. No more, no less.”

The man didn’t realize he’d been stalling until Jisoo asked him where Jungkook had gone off to.

“He’s.. somewhere. I’m going to the restroom, I’ll be back.” He kept it short ‘n sweet, knowing that whatever was going to happen in the secluded space would be anything but. Jungkook liked taking his time, and Taehyung enjoyed taking all his husband had to offer. The elder loved drowning himself in the moment, which is why he’d grown keen of using his beloved camera for other reasons.. Taehyung looked back on the films a lot— it was hot, and it gave him an excuse to miss Jungkook whilst he was away at work. More often than not Tae couldn’t act on his sexual desires; only settling for giving Koo a messy hand job before they called it a night. But today? It was going to be different.

Taehyung’s eager hand slowly turned on the doorknob, brows arched in anticipation when he’d met Jungkook’s gaze on the other side. It was a family restroom, meaning it was quite small. There were no stalls, only space meant for one. Or two..

Tae’s back was pressed up against the door as he pushed it shut, making sure to lock it. He stayed still in his place, arms shyly tucked from behind him. “I think I went over two minutes, daddy.”

"You did, puppy." The corner of Jungkook's lip curved into a smirk as he moved forward, barely a few steps before he was already towering over his husband. Internally, he was eager.. Impatient in every sense of the word. But tonight was a once in a while occasion, and it didn't occur often enough for him to waste it on a quick fuck. He'd been longing for this opportunity to truly feel Taehyung again, and boy.. was his body itching to feel everything.

"Can't even follow one simple instruction.." Jungkook tsk'd playfully, pressing up his body against Tae's, deliberately brushing their crotches together to make sure the elder felt just how hard he was for him already. "What do I do with a boy that misbehaves..." Now, Taehyung was anything but a boy-- but making the elder feel smaller was one of his favorite things to do, belittling him until he was nothing but a whiny, pleading sweetheart. Kook grasped Tae's chin in his long, tattooed grasp to demand eye contact, tilting his head lightly to the side like a curious pup would. "Do you need a reminder of why you call me daddy?"

“Hmm... I think I do..” Taehyung’s tongue peeked out from the small, surprised opening of his flushed lips, brushing over the moisturized skin and wetting it with its saliva. A hitched gasp followed suit, emphasizing the gloss-like effect he’d made for himself; Taehyung knew Koo was a sucker for the posh look. Slowly, his lips relaxed, and Taehyung’s intense gaze clashed with his husband’s. He allowed the latter to feel superior by standing tall before him, while Tae cowered in his place. The delicate, firm hold on his chin was beginning to make itself known, but the elder didn’t dare move out of Jungkook’s clutch. “Remind me, Koo.. why do I call you daddy?” Taehyung’s hands gripped at the younger’s hips, stifling his faint moans as their crotches pressed against one another.

It’s been too fucking long.

“What makes you worthy of that title?” He kept on pushing, wishing Kook would drop the foreplay and fuck him numb once and for all.. The elder was less patient, but he was just as needy.

Jungkook's lips curled into a smirk to serve as a response to Taehyung's daring words, knowing just how needy his husband was to just be stuffed with his cock already. But what the younger loved even more, was the buildup-- to make Tae so flushed and desperate that when he finally gets what he desires, it'll be more than worth the wait.

"Ah, my baby has already forgotten...." He huffs through heavy breaths, leaning forward to kiss his husband. As his tongue claimed the elder's mouth as his own to explore as he wishes, his hands hungrily roamed down his body, feeling and groping at every curve before they began to unbutton Tae's shirt, exposing his flushed skin. Without wasting another second, Jungkook's hands smoothed up Tae's stomach, his thumbs swiping over the elder's nipples softly-- at first. He groaned into the hot kiss, not stopping his hungry ministrations all while continuously teasing Tae's perky nipples, lightly pinching them between the calloused pads of his fingers.

Taehyung’s frail body squirmed in delight, the skin of his chest buried in small goosebumps whilst Jungkook spared him no mercy on one of his most responsive areas. The filthy noises of mild fulfillment scratched at the back of the elder’s throat, calling out for vocal release only to get pushed back down by Kook’s tongue. 

“Mmhm..” Tae vaguely hummed into the heated kiss, hot puffs of air slipping past his nose, warming Jungkook’s already sultry skin. Everything about the younger was hot; like a predictable summer’s day.. Just one kiss and Taehyung began melting against him, his smaller body frame molding against the barely-noticeable dip from Jungkook’s chest to his pelvis. Eager, Tae never stopped rubbing their crotches together, driving his husband’s hips towards his own.

“Fuck, babe...” Tae whimpered once he pulled away from the kiss, chest rising while his lungs worked to retrieve back air. Taehyung’s head tipped backwards, bottom lip caught in between his teeth as he nonverbally encouraged Koo to continue playing with his sensitive nipples.

“Daddy.. please film me.” Tae might not have his camera at hand, but something about the quality of a phone turned him on. The elder wants to be able to look back on this moment.. He wants to be able to see his reflection in the mirror while Jungkook fucks him— phone held tightly in his hand. Tae wants Koo to focus on the way his cock sinks deep into him, catching Taehyung’s loud, hiccupy moans on video. They’ve filmed themselves a few times in the past, but Tae’s camera was set up on a tripod. Now, they had the opportunity to pilot a phone how they pleased. Jungkook could pan in on whatever he wanted, get a close-up of the goodies.. “Please, daddy. I’ll be a good boy... I’ll squeeze around you so tight. I’ll be so warm.. fuck— I’ll be your little bitch until you stuff me full of your cum. Then I’ll be nothing but your cum dumpster..”

Jungkook's cock twitched heavily beneath the fabrics, the thought alone of filming his husband in such a scenario bringing him more excitement than he expected. Tae’s cameras were fun, the quality superb... but using his phone seemed so much more intimate, it had the younger heated in excitement.

"Fuck yes... I'll stuff you so well. But first..." Kook placed his hands on the elders shoulders, using his strength to force him down on his knees. With a swift motion, he unbuckled his pants and tugged them down, too eager to wait for his cock to be engulfed by Tae’s plushy lips. His cock bobbed when set free, letting it freely taunt Taehyung as he dug for his cellphone in his back pocket. "Suck on it, puppy." His low, raspy tone was laced with lust, eyes staring at Taehyung's lips through the camera screen on his phone when he pointed it down from his view. "When it's nice and wet, I'll fuck your tight ass until you can barely walk out of here."

“Whatever you say, daddy..” His warm hands skimmed upwards from Jungkook’s beautifully muscular thighs to the latter’s base, where Taehyung took his time feeling the younger’s cock. He began by lazily flicking his wrist, multitasking while the other hand kneaded his husband’s balls. Taehyung played innocent, staring up at the camera whilst his tongue circled around the head; his long eyelashes fluttering in a coy manner. 

“Daddy.. daddy, you’re so fucking hot when you’re in control.” Closing his eyes, Tae leaned back in, slowly taking all of Jungkook into the warmth of his mouth. He’s had plenty of practice, his gag reflex was practically nonexistent at this point in their relationship. Taehyung guessed all of those times he’d sucked Jungkook off under the covers when their friends were around— or when he got too impatient and gave Koo the suck of his life in the middle of the grocery store’s parking lot. Not to mention, the birthdays when he’d woken Jungkook up with his limp cock throat-deep in Taehyung’s mouth. They all paid off when it came to unplanned moments such as this one.

Tae hollowed out his cheeks, bobbing his head as he dragged his tongue from Kook’s base to the tip, leaving a trail of saliva along the hardened girth. He’d gotten so consumed in the moment, that Taehyung had forgotten all about the camera.

"Whoa, so pretty when you take my cock like that..." Jungkook's voice was shaky, already feeling the muscles in his thighs tense up. Taehyung knew exactly how to suck him off properly, every drag and movement done with the utmost purpose, hitting every sensitive nerve that riles up Kook to the max.

"I can tell you love it, fuck..." He stated as if it was a fact, and it was. Kook kept one hand gently combing through Tae's dark curls, brushing his fringe away to be able to get a proper visual of the elder through his phone screen, focusing on how his husbands plush lips stretch with the younger's girth, the slick saliva on his silky skin glistening even in his digital eye. "Okay, baby, that's enough... Spit on it and get up, pull down your pants and bend over the sink. Need a good view of your pretty ass."

Taehyung might be a natural-born brat in other aspects, but he never disobeyed Kook’s orders inside of the bedroom. Or a public restroom.. No matter how much Tae wanted to keep going, he did as his husband told, leisurely withdrawing from Jungkook’s cock as if it was the last thing he wanted to do. The elder stalled at the tip, glistening eyes peeling open to meet the phone’s unwavering perspective from above him, keeping a digital memory of Taehyung’s lightly damped, crimson cheeks. His swollen lips pulled off with a loud pop, eyes dimmed as they switched downwards to his husband’s cock. He gathered saliva, swishing the warm, thick substance around his tongue before allowing it to drip down on Jungkook’s already-drenched head.

“It’s so wet..” Tae’s thumb rubbed deep circles on the small slit, moaning to himself at the sly muscle spasms in Jungkook’s clenched thighs. Once Taehyung was satisfied, he followed through with the second order. Shimmying out of the tight jeans that hugged around his thick ass, Tae let them drop to his ankles along with his boxers.

He really was one impatient boy.. He couldn’t wait to get utterly fucked; Taehyung was always horny for cock.

With each hand gripping onto the side of the sink until his knuckles turned white, the elder stood before Koo, back slightly arched whilst his soft stomach pressed up against the cold surface.

“You like what you’re seeing, daddy?” He spoke, looking at Jungkook through the mirror, feeling more cocky now that he wasn’t kneeling down in front of his husband.

"Mhm." Jungkook hummed in approval, his eyes dilated with lust as he dumbfoundedly stared at Taehyung's full cheeks. He's seen his husband naked more times than he could ever count, but every single time it turned him on just as much-- He was insatiable when it came to Kim Taehyung. He angled the camera down as he approached Tae from behind, using his free hand to grab a handful of the flesh, squeezing hard just to see the skin redden underneath his fingers, watching the fat protrude in between his digits. "I love what I'm seeing... Fuck, I've been thinking about doing this to you all day--work was dreadful."

Jungkook's blunt nails dragged across the tanned skin, leaving faint pink marks in it's rake. He spread his cheek with one hand, just enough for him to see his unused entrance. By now the elder had gotten used to Jungkook's sizable stretch without much preparation, although some would still be needed... It had been a while after all. Kook switched the angle to the reflection, making a show out of the way he sucks his finger until it's nice and slick, however wasting no time in massaging Taehyung's delicate rim, and then finally sliding his middle finger inside of his heated flesh. He films Tae's expressions through the mirror before switching back to filming the way he drags his finger in and out of him. A low groan slips past Kook's lips, his cock throbbing as it rests against Taehyung's ass, still wet and impatiently waiting for it's turn to feel the warmth it craves.

"Stretched so easily tonight-- you're that cockhungry, huh." Kook digs his finger deeper past his knuckle, glancing back at the reflection to watch the blissful expressions on his lover's face.

The elder wasn’t given the chance to come up with a vague answer, only mewling softly as he felt his insides grip around Jungkook’s finger; the squeeze so tight while it clenched and unclenched that it almost forced Kook’s single digit out. Still, Taehyung worked on regaining his breaths, relaxing his muscles for a deeper stretch. Jungkook’s cock must’ve plunged deep into him over a million times, but that never meant Tae would lose his tightness. Every time felt just like the first.

“Oh my g-god.. move your finger— please.” Taehyung deliberately squeezed harder, squirming in delight when he felt the pad of Jungkook’s digit brush against his prostate.

Jungkook's lips tugged into a light smirk, a hot breath huffing through them at the beautiful sound of his husband pleading for more. Everything his man did turned him on, but the begging.. It was next level music to his ears. He kept the camera close enough to be able to see the skin of his finger coated in Tae's juices as he pulled out, only to shove in a second along with the first when he pushed it back inside, effortlessly with the sheer amount of force he used to refill the elders tight heat. Kook curled his fingers ever so slightly, just enough to reach that sweet spot better as he began to curl and uncurl his fingers a few times, relishing in the visible contractions around his digits.

"Your ass is squeezing me so tight... Ahh, the camera loves you.." He groaned, now fucking his fingers in and out of Taehyung, his stable hold on the phone capturing every single drag, clench and wet squelch. "You think you could take me already? It's gonna be a tight fit, but fuck... I want to feel your ass crush my cock."

As if the rest of his body was beginning to give out, Taehyung’s head dipped forward, panting heavily until he could make out the hot puffs of air grazing against his own chest. 

“D-daddy— fuuck..” His hips rocked into the younger’s nimble fingers, relishing in the toe-curling way Jungkook teased his prostate. “Y-yeah, ‘m ready. First— a-ahh..” Taehyung hissed, raising his head once more to look at his husband through the mirror, long fringe reaching his pleading eyes. “Can I have a taste? Wanna suck on your fingers.” Taehyung didn’t shift eye-contact; eager to swirl his hot tongue around the same fingers that’d been deep inside of him.

Jungkook's small dimples grew more prominent along with his smile, crooking a coy eyebrow as he slowly popped his fingers out of Tae's stretched hole, leaning forward to press his chest against his lover's back, his wet cock pressed between Taehyung's cheeks. He brought his slick digits to Taehyung's hungry mouth, filming the reflection to get a proper view of both men.

"Here you go baby. Daddy's fingers are coated in your lovely juices... Have a taste, give me a good show."

The hand closest to Jungkook’s let go of its numbed grasp on the sink, instead reaching for his husband’s wrist as Taehyung enveloped the two fingers whole. The elder moaned; one that advanced from deep in his chest and rang throughout the otherwise quiet restroom.

He tasted sweet. Tae fucking bet he’s the sweetest Jungkook’s ever had..

He grinded his ass against Kook’s pelvis, staring at his man through the mirror with an intensified gaze, tongue lapping around and between the delicious digits, lips puckered whilst Taehyung bobbed his head. Thick drool dripped from the corner of his mouth, running down his slobbered chin; but he didn’t mind. Having yet to avert his strong eye-contact, Tae arched his back further to really press against his husband, having fun teasing the hell out of him. 

“Mmm~..” Taehyung’s lips were past Jungkook’s tattooed knuckles, sucking roughly on the latter’s fingers as if it was the younger’s cock tucked in between his cheeks.

Jungkook's normally strong facade of stoism struggled to remain intact right at this moment. Too many things went on, from Tae's ever so piercing gaze, the way his tongue lapped at the younger's fingers, and last but definitely not fucking least; his plump ass grinding against Kook's aching cock. It was too much, and it had been way too long. Jungkook didn't care anymore, his expression morphing into that of pure admiration and lust for his husband, gawking like a dumbass at the show he did so kindly ask for.

"Fuck, that's hot... you're so fucking hot, puppy." He growled lowly, almost frustrated at how Taehyung was allowed to be this gorgeous. It should be illegal. Kook watched the elder work his fingers for a short moment before he had enough, withdrawing his hand to harshly smack his husband's ass. "You're too sexy, it drives me fucking crazy.." Another smack, this time keeping his palm on his ass before squeezing it hard between his fingers, spreading the cheek to grant himself better access to grind his tip against the lightly gaped hole. "Shit, look at this... All mine." Kook huffs under heavy breaths, panning camera down Taehyung's prominent cleavage of his spine runs down his back, until the lens settled on where the head of Jungkook's length prodded at Tae's entrance.

"Move backwards baby, fuck yourself on my cock." Jungkook commands, loud enough to clearly capture his voice in the recording-- knowing Taehyung will love looking back and hearing these specific words.

Taehyung’s body jolted forward with every firm, jaw-clenching slap to his ass; his cheek grew tender the more Jungkook’s palm came in contact with the agitated skin, leaving behind a noticeable outline of his hand to linger for days on end. If the video didn’t serve as enough of a reminder, the sting sure as hell will. The elder was on the brink of crying out loud, having to bite down on his lip to prevent himself from screaming Jungkook’s name.

“Feels so good..” Taehyung sank back until the slick head of Jungkook’s cock popped through the gateway to his familiar insides, instantly clenching down on his husband’s skin as a warm greeting. “Fuck, fuck... so big, daddy.” Moving backwards until he nudged Kook’s pelvis, Tae took a minute to adjust to the length, muttering filthy curses under his heated breath. “Is that tight enough for you, hm? You’re so hard inside of me, ahh..” Once he deemed himself ready, Taehyung slowly began fucking himself on Jungkook’s cock, stopping at the tip before he plopped back in with more force, wiggling his hips against Kook before repeating the action. “So hard, I can feel you twitching, Koo..”

"Ah, fuck-- Taehyung..." Jungkook doesn't hold back letting his husband know how good his ass feels. He runs his flat palm down the prominent line on Tae's back where his spine hides, keeping his hips still for a moment to allow the elder to fuck himself on his cock. Kook keeps the camera focused on the way his slick length disappears inside the stretched hole, in awe of the view through the screen. "So tight, you're so fucking tight-- good god... How could I ever get enough of this?" He hisses through his ragged breath. When satisfied with the good work Taehyung put into getting himself used to Kook's size, the younger decides that it's time to reward his lover.

With a rough snap of his hips, Jungkook thrusts forward to meet Tae's ass as it moved back against him, the loud echo of their skin slapping together drawing a guttural moan from the tattooed male.

"You're such a good boy for me." He redirects the camera back towards the reflection to capture Taehyung's jolting body as he began to build a momentum to the way he fucked into him, slow but rhythmical, forceful but precise. "Aren't you? My little good boy?"

A loud, unavoidable gasp left past Taehyung’s loose lips as he hunched over the sink, toes tightly curled in his shoes as one of his many reactions to Jungkook’s quickened thrust. His hands were balled up into fists; forearms resting on each side of the sink whilst he arched his ass further back. “Y-your good boy, yes,” the elder rasped out, voice as thin as ice, and tone as unstable as his legs while Jungkook fucked him. “Hngh.. I love you, fuck me harder.”

If harder was what Taehyung wanted, Jungkook was in no position to deny his wishes. He knows just how whipped the elder was for his muscles, and the endless hours spent building and maintaining them surely didn't go unnoticed by his husband. Rather the opposite, Kook loved the attention-- ever since they were younger, the elder seemed to have a special fascination towards the strength Jungkook possessed. He allows his body to serve as a response to Taehyung's request, the hand on his hip digging harder into his tanned skin, holding him in place as the younger increases the force of his thrusts, at first dragging his entire length in and out to ensure that every single inch of Tae's insides feels the friction of being filled to the brim.

"Oh my god.." Jungkook huffs out, throwing his head back, screwing his eyes shut in rapture as he pounds mindlessly, focusing only on how good it feels right at this moment to just fuck his husband dumb. The phone in his hand became less of a priority at this point, shaky and blurred, however it captured every wet sound of their bodies joining, every breathy grunt, and every single squeak of the sink as Kook's powerful hips jerked Taehyung's body forward roughly.

The gnawing weight of a hundred curse-words on Taehyung’s tongue never subsided. Every invasive jerk of his husband’s quick hips made him want to scream out in rapture; to sob from the overwhelming feeling of Jungkook’s rigid cock entering him over and over again until he was so fucked out that his eyes no longer saw the faded blue-wash of the tiles on the spinning bathroom wall.

Taehyung fuckin’ loved that. He felt as if he was floating on cloud nine; as if he was reliving his brief encounter with drugs when he was a young teen. His husband’s fucking was a heavy drug, there was never a time where Taehyung didn’t enjoy the high it gave him.

“I love it when you put me in my place, hmph!” Tae’s voice was sultry— breathy. Still as deep, but far more hitched. Every menacing smack of Jungkook’s pelvis against his rosy skin stole his breath away, gasps getting caught in the man’s throat before they were reduced to soft mewls. “F-fuck, daddy’s fat cock never disappoints..” The elder straightened his spine, caramel shoulder blades flexed as he depended on his weak arms to keep him in place. Taehyung stared at Kook’s diverse expressions through the mirror; internally praising himself. Moaning, one of his arms blindly reached backwards until his hand groped Jungkook’s ass, feeling the muscles twitch with every thrust. He tipped his head back against Kook’s shoulder, turning his head until Taehyung could smell the odor of built-up sweat on the small dip of Jungkook’s pale skin.

His back remained lightly arched, driven forward from every slam to his wet insides. “Ah, fuck.. yes, daddy!” The elder’s nose was burrowed in the crook of Kook’s neck, brows twitching slightly as a sudden warmth approached his lower stomach.

"Love when you call me daddy." Jungkook breathes out his words in a haste, grunts following with every thrust, smacking his pelvis against Taehyung's plump ass to feel it jiggle against him. He snakes one strong arm around his husband's torso, the one holding the cellphone to angle it back to film the reflection, as the other keeps a tight grip on his hip to ensure his lover doesn't fly forward from the rough effort he puts into every sloppy thrust.

"You're so fucking gorgeous, baby. Look at your pretty, big cock--fuck.." Kook couldn't look away from the view in the mirror, the elder's body was erotic in this position, skin glistening with sweat, cock swollen and red, looking as if it was about to burst at any second with how well Kook fucked into him.

"A-are you close? God, I'm gonna cum... fill your ass up so well, I want you to hold it in until we get home, okay?" Jungkook nudges the elder's cheek with his nose to bring them face to face. "Kiss me, wanna taste your pretty moans as you cum."

Taehyung enthusiastically attached his touch-starved lips to Jungkook’s smaller, sweeter ones. His warm hand extended upwards to eagerly cup his husband’s face, the pad of his thumb swiping across the younger’s scar whilst he deepened their messy kiss, low hums of approval ringing from profound in his rising chest. His squirming body jolted forward with more force, the ability to withstand Jungkook’s irregular thrusts slowly drained out of him, leaving Taehyung frail to every insignificant nudge.

“G-Gonna cum.. gonna cum so much..!” The elder leaned in once more, unable to take the empty feeling in his mouth. He generously sucked on Jungkook’s tongue, their drool running past his chin and slowly cascading down Taehyung’s neck, illuminating the way his Adam’s apple would bob with every forceful swallow. His husband’s spit was so warm. It was like medicine to his drained throat.. There came a time where Tae’s breathing was getting scarce; he pulled away with a soft gasp. His curtained eyes were glazed with fresh tears, vision blurry as he looked down at his swollen dick and the way it hit against the sink’s cooling edge.

So close..

“F-fuuck! Oh.. hngh, daddy, I’m gonna— A-aahh— ah.. hmm!” His high-pitched moans were muffled against Jungkook’s slick lips, mouth unmoving as Taehyung focused on giving his husband every drop of his filthy sounds.

He stayed still for a few seconds, twitching against Jungkook’s larger body, whining whilst his eyes fluttered shut.

“Fuck... I’m hungry.”

© sombreboy 2020. Do not repost, edit or translate.

[everywhereallofthetime]

Some Girl ... Part 15

Word Count: almost 1.8k

Warnings/Notes: A few cuss words. Overzealous, disrespectful fan, Shawn trying to be a sweetheart anyway. Brief mentions of Camila.

// * // * //

Monday / July 26th

At 9:03am Monday morning, Charlotte was at the front desk chatting with Jaime, her office assistant, when Ethan came rushing in, apologizing for being late. Charlotte waved it off and told him that it happened to the best of them. She then led him to the studio they would be starting in.

While they warmed up, Charlotte learned that Ethan was the single dad of a 15-month-old baby girl. The reason he was late, he felt the need to explain, was because he had his daughter over the weekend and he needed to drop her off at daycare on his way. She didn’t want him to go, so he gave her an extra few snuggles to try to comfort her.

Charlotte smirked. “She already knows she has you wrapped around her finger.”

“She absolutely does,” he chuckled. He showed her his home screen on his cell phone, which was a picture of her.

“I have a six-month-old son,” Charlotte offered with a smile of solidarity, showing him the photo of Sebastian on her own phone home screen.

They chuckled at the fact that they were ‘those kind’ of parents; showing photos of their kids without asking others if they even wanted to see them.

It was a nice jumping off point for them to connect and start getting to know one another on a more personal level.

On a professional level, Ethan was about 25 pounds heavier than he wanted to be. Charlotte reminded him that he would be trading fat for muscle, so his overall weight might not change much, depending on how muscular he wanted to be. She didn’t believe in weigh-ins except with their first session and again at their last. She told her clients to mark their progress with measurements, not the scale.

Aside from that, he was an absolute dear and very, very attractive. He had the darker skin of someone with mixed heritage and short dark hair, but his eyes were a beautiful sea green.

Ethan was also somewhat flirtatious. Charlotte had a feeling he was holding back and couldn’t help but wonder if it was because of Shawn. He had, after all, first met her when Shawn was standing beside her.

If she wasn’t so unsure of where she and Shawn may be heading, she would certainly be flirting back.

// * // * //

Charlotte was saying goodbye to Ethan, and how she was looking forward to their next session that Thursday, as her newest potential client was arriving.

Jetta was petite and cute, with blonde hair and dark eyes. Charlotte thought they might be close in age, but not in maturity. She had an air about her that said she was spoiled rotten and used to getting whatever she wanted. She hoped she was wrong in her presumption, this was only their initial meeting after all, but she was more intuitive than most people.

Nonetheless, Charlotte flashed a warm, professional smile in greeting. She then brought Jetta back to her office to begin their consultation. She was a no-nonsense trainer, not the coddling type. She was about to learn if Jetta had the disposition and dedication that she needed to be one of her clients.

After a straight-forward conversation with Jetta about the kind of commitment she would need to be successful, Charlotte could already tell she was wavering. Still, she showed Jetta the studios and equipment, and they had a brief workout to get a feel for each other.

When their time was almost up, Jetta excused herself for the washroom while Charlotte made a few notes, which ended with: Probably won’t be back...

// * // * //

Charlotte headed toward the front office, where she and Jetta were supposed to reconvene, and found Shawn chatting with Jaime at the front desk.

“You’re only supposed to flirt like that with me, Mendes,” Charlotte teased.

“I’m practically married already. It doesn’t count,” Jaime giggled.

“You aren’t married yet.” Shawn made the gesture of holding a phone to his ear and winked at her, mouthing ‘call me’.

“And he calls me ‘trouble’,” Charlotte said to Jaime, chuckling. She then gave Shawn a playful shove and said, “Go warm up. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Before he could make it to the door which led the way to the CrossFit studio, he was intercepted by a slightly overzealous Jetta.

“Hi! Oh my God! I’m a huge fan!”

Shawn was always unfailingly polite and full of gratitude. He flashed that brilliant smile of his. “Thanks!”

“I didn’t know you worked out here!”

“No one knows that I work out here, and I’d kind of like to keep it that way.” He said so in a way which asked Jetta not to say anything without actually asking her not to say anything.

“Sure, absolutely. I watched your Live last night.”

“That’s great! I hope you liked it.”

“Of course I did! I’m so excited for new music from you.”

“It makes me happy to hear that.”

“Can we take a selfie?”

“For sure, but then I’ve gotta go.”

Jetta handed Shawn her phone and posed beside him, standing as close as she could. As soon as the shutter clicked, she stated, “I’m glad you and Camila finally broke up.”

Shawn felt immediate dizziness fill his head. “Oh,” was the only response he could manage.

Noticing how he stiffened beside her and how red filled his cheeks, she quickly added, “It’s just that I never thought she was right for you,” as if that would make it better.

Charlotte felt the need to step in and end things. “I’m sorry, Jetta, but Shawn is here for a session and we should really get started.”

“Sure. Yeah, all right.”

Charlotte could see the very moment everything all came together in Jetta’s mind.

“You’re ‘starlit_charlotte’! You posted the basketball video!” Jetta turned back to Shawn. “She’s the friend you were talking about in your chat!” She looked from him back to Charlotte, and again at him. “Are you two together?”

“We’re friends.”

Jetta’s focus remained on Shawn and Shawn alone. “If you aren’t dating her, do you wanna go out sometime? With me? Here,” she said, shoving a business card into his hand.

Quickly glancing at it, he could see that it listed all of her social media accounts and usernames.

She placed her hand on his forearm and flashed him what she thought was her sexiest smile. “Feel free to slide into my DMs.”

Shawn tried to stay cool and cordial but he was ready for her to get out of his space, and he hating feeling like that around his fans. “It was nice to meet you, Jetta, but I really gotta go. We’re running late.”

“Oh! Okay, sure,” she grinned, oblivious to Shawn basically telling her it was time for her to go away. “See you around!”

Not if I can help it, Charlotte thought to herself while she did her best to smile pleasantly. She turned Shawn away from Jetta, placed her hands on either of his hips, and pushed him through the door. Over her shoulder, back to Jetta, she said, “Give me a call if you decide you’d like to start training and we’ll work out a schedule.”

// * // * //

Charlotte handed Shawn a jump rope. He started skipping and, after he found his rhythm, murmured, “I’m sorry, babe.”

“You never need to apologize for stopping for your fans, and for being kind, even when they don’t deserve it. If it had been me, it would have meant the world to me if you took time to talk to me and take a selfie. I’m sorry. You looked like you were beginning to get overwhelmed and I reacted, but it was wrong for me to butt in. I know you’re perfectly capable of handling things on your own. After all, you’ve been doing this for years.”

“In this case, you weren’t wrong. Sure, she was a fan, but I am also your client and we had a scheduled session that has now started ten minutes late. As my trainer you had every right to call attention to that.”

“Sure, but as your friend, I want to be supportive of you, and I want your fans to like me. It will make your interaction with them a lot easier if they do.”

Shawn shook his head as if in disbelief. “She was...excitable, eh?”

“She was rude,” Charlotte said frankly.

“I’m sure she didn’t mean to be.”

"You are too good for this world,” she sighed. “She insulted Camila and your relationship with her right to your face, babe. It was disrespectful.”

“I wasn’t going to be impolite back at her... She might be your newest client.”

“First off, no one would have blamed you, least of all me. And no. I don’t want to train her, and I hate saying that about anyone. Until she saw you, I had a feeling she wouldn’t have been back. Now that she knows you work out here, with me, she will be. I’ll see if Lina will take her on.”

“I wonder if she’ll say anything to anyone.”

“Of course she will. And I wouldn’t put it past her to embellish the story of your meeting. ‘He’s even more gorgeous in person!’ At least that wouldn’t be an embellishment. ‘He was flirting!’ She won’t bother to add ‘with the office assistant’. A business card for social media. Like, really? Is that a thing now? I’m only 23. Should this not surprise me?” Shawn started giggling. “‘I gave him my number and he said he’d slip into my DMs!’ She’s cute though; she’d be easy to believe. At least she caught you pre-workout and not when you were all gross and sweaty. Although, I don’t know, she might’ve liked your sweat and post-workout stink.”

Shawn was having difficulty catching his breath; it was hard to laugh and jump-rope at the same time.

“So much for subtly and slowly, eh?” he said between chuckles.

“More like clearly and quickly,” she giggled. Shawn opened his mouth to say something but Charlotte immediately shut him down. “Don’t you dare try to apologize again. Do I have to remind you of our conversation last night?”

“Okay, fine.”

“All right then. Twenty squats.”

“I fucking hate squats,” he groaned, dropping the jump rope.

“I can always make them buddy squats,” she threatened. “Come on, babe. They’ll make your ass look great.”

“You must do a lot of squats,” he smirked.

She rolled her eyes but still blushed. “Your charm will not get you out of having to do them,” she snickered. “Let’s go. Shit stuff first, then fun stuff. You know the drill.”

// * // * //

Part 16

[prettywarriors]

Fate The Winx Commentary

Good morning internet! Today is the drop of Winx: Riverdale edition! I sure hope you're ready for my aggressive and unnecessary commentary, because it is coming for you either way!

The netflix landing page lets us know:

Fate The Winx Saga

6 episodes, 48-53 minutes each

"Genres: Fantasy TV Shows, Teen TV Shows, Italian TV Shows"

"This show is: Emotional"

As mentioned elsewhere, my Winx knowledge is limited, so I will be coming into this fairly fresh and will try to be unbiased. As I have seen trailers, the keyword here is Try.

Episode 1

'To the Waters and the Wild'

CW: Animal Death, Swears, Implied Child Death, Blood, Implied Teen Sex, Burns, Weed, Fatphobia, Whatever the term pussie falls under

Episode 1 TL;DR: We meet everyone, learn their dynamics, have the basics of the magic system beat into us, meet our monsters, and name drop Harry Potter. Standard first episode stuff.

I do want it on record before we start that I got about halfway into the first season of Riverdale, and the first season of Netflix Sabrina. They were, well, bland and boring imo? I did get through a few seasons of Teen Wolf, but that's because it was capable of Fun and Jokes. My current expectations are a few unintentionally funny lines, maybe some almost decent magic effects, and because it's 2021, one whole gay character (I did hear one of the boys (there are boys?) is bi, but also an asshole so I'm hoping for some wlw)

TV-MA LANGUAGE AND SMOKING OH FUCKING BOY Almost full moon (waxing) in opening shot- I Will be tracking moon inconsistencies if it keeps showing up that is a pet peeve but hey look a bunch of sheep That's a good start (it's ominous though. don't hurt the sheep) Swears count: Feckin' 2 Mystical portal barrier. Oh yeah s5 of the magicians is on netflix now WELP THOSE ARE SHEEP GUTS RIGHT OUT THE GATE HUH For CW it's up a tree, and the dripping blood is a good warning of what's about to be seen :( oh and then the man who was looking for the sheep dies offscreen save for a spray of blood. THIS ISN'T YOUR CHILD'S WINX CLUB it seems to say. I assume. How much blood was in the original winx because this is already at least a full cup. (Also the monster noises for whatever was chasing the man (werewolf it was a werewolf trailers are bad guys) were not very good)

Opening credit scene is 5-6 different blooming elemental wings. They're pretty, but it's unclear if the last one is secret 6th member wings (because the second to last ones are fire which is the main character's element right?) so maybe we'll get a late 6th addition? (I am in I.T. please give me the most relatable character you cowards)

KIDS IN THE CORNER BY AMBER VAN DAY PLAYING I like where they shot this but that might just be european woods pretty. The opening location was nice and mossy save for the sheep blood Fancy big stone school establishing shots (it's nice, and huge) and we land on a red head who seems less than pleased to be here Courtyard shot of... whatever the name of the replacment plant girl is, holding a tray of various potted plants for an older man (father? first day of school send off maybe?) Aisha(?) walks by, not talking to anyone, Stella(?) is taking Magical!Selfies with at least 3 other girls, Musa(?) has a suitcase and headphones and smiles at a passing girl Oh boy a boy with a pocketknife doing little tricks with it! Nothing says edgy like an actual knife edge. Gonna take this moment to point out I have some level of face blindness and while the girls all look fairly different from one another, if there is more than one tall blonde white boy as I fear there may be, I WILL NOT be able to tell them apart. Not through maliciousness, just general incompetence, so anything I say about the boy characters (I want to say they're the knights to the girl's faeries? is that right? this whole thing smacks of gender) should be taken with a heap of salt I've come to accept tv just. displaying text messages on screen as a storytelling method. It's never my favorite but it just Is a modern story element. Also Bloom needs to meet stella at the alfea gates Alfea I presume is the school- does the name mean something? It sure feels like the word elf and therefore fae but I don't feel like googling anything this early in Oh look two more blondish tall white boys. Pocketknife was wearing something else i think, one guy has a brown jacket and pink shirt (bad combo), the other looks old even by tv highschool/college standards and his jacket has a jock vibe. Jock jacket also has an earring? Is this the bi character who is an asshole? From this one second of him, only in profile, I will assume yes, he is an asshole I like Bloom's backpack Pink shirt looks at Bloom from across the quad. I am already tired of this romance Cool he walks up to someone he has identified as lost, and is 'impressed with [her] confidence in the face of complete ignorance' COMING OUT OF THE GATE WITH A NEGG HUH PINKY He even states he wasn't offering help Then Why Are You Talking To Her Jackass Subs are going with the fairy spelling, and Bloom confirms she is a fairy and we confirm this is College. Unless this is a european thing where they call schools different things. I think that's just for public and private? And maybe just england? I'm American all they teach us is 1492-ww1 over and over for like. 10 years sorry Rest of the World 'What Realm are you from?' 'California' Speaking of ameri-centric, I'm gonna Guess that original Winx, the italian cartoon, didn't have their main character be from cali usa? I am presuming this is a side effect of making this property for a more global distribution than I'm guessing winx was originally conceived as back in the early 00s The Otherworld. I assume this is the fairy realm and whatnot? And the magic school. Seems to be located behind a magical barrier in the earth realm?? If that's right it seems weird if basically everyone who goes to the school is from the otherworld Pinky doubles down on his rudeness but in a Fun and Cute way because :/ and the Specialist hall is Very Pretty, oh and there's a fairy hall. Are specialists the boy...things? magi knights? bros of the blade? guys who wear those 'here come a special boy' sneakers from that one comic? Stella sees this conversation which is great because they drop the term mansplain. why would otherworlders know that term even??? Edgey(?) sees Pinky and they hug it out Stella knows Americans are the type to wander off so I guess there's a lot of inter-world connections?

Miss Dowling- is this teacher going to be like the pedo in riverdale who got *checks notes* killed off by one of multiple serial killers later on? Dowling is the headmistress, gotta keep the otherworld a secret from earthers, time and place for portal making. all standard fantasy stuff so far, nothing to make this stand out Stella has a gateway ring, and frankly isn't too nice? all the backgrounders clothing is Bland and very normal 7 realms of the otherworld, Solaria is where Alfea is, i like magic globe Incase you forgot this was a modern tale, people update their insta stories here. 'I was kindof bummed I didn't see a single pair of wings' YOU AND ME BOTH BLOOM 'We had wings in the past, transformation was lost, tinkerbell was an air fairy' This is either a cop out for your glittery cowardice, or a set up for the main girls re-finding transformation magic later. I did like the Tink bit Bloom is a fire fairy and the subtext of this conversation is that bloom's magic did Something bad. I hope it was burn down her old school's gym a la buffy movie I like miss Dowling but in the I wouldn't Be Surprised if you turned out to be Evil way, and I guess Alfea is a very privileged upper crust school. What types of college do normal fairies go to then huh? damn privileged fairies 'our students have gone on to do amazing things like re-discover long lost magics' We Get It. You will give me Wings, but Only If I'm Patient Dowling throws a jab at Bloom about power control, but I like her necklace so It's Fine

Bloom video calls her parents while unpacking in the dorm, which may have come pre-fit with a heck ton of board games? Love it. Or new plant girl brought them along with her many plants Stella has a fancy mirror and lots of jewelry and fashion photos and makeup, Musa has a laptop and apparently not much else, gotta get those establishing personalities down I guess 'Ladies of the Flies honey don't be sexist' Bloom's dad for feminist of the year (these jokes are bad but i guess we can call it a dad joke as justification) Asiha gives Bloom a look and saves her from the call with her parents- yay friendship step one achieved Blooms parents think she's in the alps because magic secrets and what not Aisha asks bloom if she's never read harry potter and I guess Bloom is a potterhead (that's the term right?). Is this self awareness that all magical school fantasy series have the same basic bricks?  Bloom is a ravenclaw sometimes slytherin, Aisha is a Gryffindor Stella is changing because she's the fashion one and has a fun pastel rainbow skirt, and uses magic to make a real aggressive lamp. She's also a mentor (maybe older than the others by a bit?) I am assuming Stella here is something along the lines of a diplomats daughter the way she talks about appearances. She better get down and dirty later on to show her growth about how some things are more important than looks yada yada Fairy magic powered by strong emotions, i am waiting for bloom's backstory to be movie x-men rogue style tragedy Terra! Which. Of course is the Plant Fairy's name. Stella is a little mean to her about the plants and she takes it with a smile and some subtle snark back using classic literature Oh that's fun Terra points out the name-plant thing, and name drops her cousin Flora. That's. The one they replaced with Terra right? Terra's dad works in the greenhouse at the school which explains earlier (and her mum is named rose) Stella is indeed a second year and Musa's eyes change for. Lie detecting magic? and loves her headphones (Overstimulation?) Aisha wants somewhere to swim and we cut to a 'pond' by specialist training. Assuming she wants to sim because she's a water fairy, why Don't they have a pool? also this pond looks. Unpleasant for swimming

Girl specialist! Does that mean we have boy fairies? Boys. Fighting. Talking about girls. All gingers are nuts. Thanks edgelord AMAZING SHAGS THOUGH 'I didn't realize your hand was a red-head' it's not truly edge if we don't talk about sex every 10 minutes Subtitles earlier only said boy 1 boy 2 but now pinky or edgy is Riv Edgy smokes weed, and pinky is a big brother figure to him, and the head? of the special boys doesn't like edgy. Me neither older guy Bit of swordplay, more girls, every specialist has black training outfits, very military Pinky is Sky who is son of Guy of Place. an important lad. without context this is meaningless to me There's a giggly boy who laughs at the idea of a war in the future and gets a talking to. I suspect this boy will be re-occurring enough to die- he has those tertiary character elements with his intro and such (and he's black so I am prepared for your standard racist murder choices) Burned Ones exist outside the barrier, which makes me wonder if dead shepard was in the otherworld? There was nothing establishing that he was in any type of Other place but :/ Oh look edgey is having a smoke cross the barrier while we learn about the creatures that live beyond it. Time to find out these creatures no one young has ever seen are still kicking Specialist leader had to kill his own pa after a burned one got him. They also. Used a shotgun when trying to fight it. Do specialists even have powers or are they just good with weapons? Edgey finds the shepards corpse. Mostly blood 'it's been 16 years since the last sighting' 'Rosalind killed all the burned ones' ahh magical creature genocide hey when is abarat 4 coming out. and is rosalind hot?

School, gossip, Aisha and Musa are snarking at Tera for thinking the guy died of natural causes because we need to have these characters not actually like each other to make it stand out when they do Aisha talks about how she eats a lot and if she didn't swim she'd be massive and we cut to the plus sized tera looking uncomfortable are we really doing this? Tera points out that Musa was ignoring her earlier and it's all just uncomfortable and not great character conflict (but I thought I saw Musa holding an honest to god ipod? it's blue but it could be a phone case. Her hand is in the way) tera and dad interaction is nice, i'm also convinced they couldn't afford more than 3 magic adults

Girl with braids and metal in her hair! There were witches in winx right? Like 3 minor antagonist girls? I assume this is one of them. Because she has alternative fashion and is therefore evil /s Beatrix. Names in this series leave something to be desired (that something is subtly. I get it, they're carry overs from a series for a younger audience, she-ra had the same issue, but i can still poke fun) Swear count: Arsehole 2 Bollocks 1 Shit 1 She's a weird ass kissing with clearly ulterior motives

Bloom is Studying and her notebook is just FAIRY MAGIC POWER = EMOTIONS LOVE FEAR? HARTED? FIRE FAIRY CONTROL? in case you weren't paying attention Oh a flashback already to the magic triggering event? Her mother had pointed out she's an introvert, and past!Bloom doesn't Party. She goes Antiquing and is a Weird Loner (her 'basic bitch' of a mom's words) Swear count: Bitch 1 Bad daughter count: 1 Bad mother count: 1 Magic glowy eyes for Bloom: 1

Bloom Hates Parties and asks Pinky I mean Sky where she can be Away from People and he fears he'll be Mansplaing to her to. vague that it's dangerous outside instead of saying 'hey there's monsters and someone was just killed by possible one of them stay in the barrier' Stella wants to talk to Sky because they have History. I did hear there was a love triangle between these three. I am bored and everyone at this party is a nosey bitch who is watching their tense conversation. Also Something? Happens when Stella gets upset [mystical warbling] Random magic effects in the (very pretty) forest Bloom is trying to practice her magic on her own, and to do that she's gotta look at sad teen pics. And look, her burnt bedroom from her first power usage The fire magic is pretty good. I think fire is like. the opposite of water when it comes to cg where it almost always looks pretty good, while I swear i've seen the actual ocean look like a shitty render Magic out of control, bloom can't control her emotions, Aisha can stop her with water magic which makes some nice steam Bloom is angry at aisha for saving her. So far 3 of the 5 girls are abrasive at best remember when people made characters likeable? Swear count: Shit 1 (but it doubles as the literal meaning because of flooded toilets) Swear count: Bitch 1 Ass 1 Taking away your teen's door is. Really shitty. Not almost burn down your house worthy but damn cheerleader mom I do not understand sleep shirts with buttons. That seems painful if you lie the wrong way? Her mom was seriously burnt by first magic usage that's a backstory Shit count +1 Main character aspect time: dormant fairy blood line? awfully strong magic for that. baby who died day after it was born and now she's here? ...I was going to say changeling thanks aisha A Barbaric practice loving hints at long term world lore Hell is a bad word for kids!! Cutting to headmistress and her secret passage after finding out bloom is secret pureblood? this really is a harry potter thing

edgelord offers giggly some booze, and says pussies twice because he's Edgey and does peer pressure Tera calls him out and knows he's a sad nerd in disguise not a 'badass' and he says she's 'three people in disguise' because fatphobia shit +1 arehole +1 tera. chokes out edgelord with a vine because she's had enough of this shit. good for her edgelord is Riv, and he lived

OBLIGATORY GOOGLE SEARCH FOR THE TERM CHANGELING REMEMBER BELLA'S VAMPIRE GOOGLE GOD I LOVE TEEN FANTASY AND THEIR INSTANCE ON GOOGLING COMMON FANTASY TERMS OH hey the lamp bloom brought with her is the one she was fixing at home that's a nice touch Stella bonds with Bloom about homesickness, and the takes a selfie Musa is a mind fairy. So she. Is a telepath with purple eye magic? Oh there's types of 'connections' Memory, thought (others but i am cut off from the lore) Stella did Something to someone who Talked To Her Man last year and now lent Bloom her teleportation ring to send her some because miss mentor really cares more about her shitty man then helping the girls she's in charge of First World- earth Old Cemetery? Very Sexy. and bloom sweetie don't leave a mystical gateway open, and how will you explain to your parents how you're back so fast Wait she's only 16? SO this really is some european college where that's a funny way of saying High School Fire guilt, bad feelings about life shattering revelations, better connection with mother. I gotta say I have low expectations of this show carrying the family connection through the rest of this. That conversation felt more like a Hey We Made These Movements Onto Other Stuff Now

Lighting choices are interesting, with green, orange and purple for creepy warehouse. THE Creepy Warehouse where she would sleep without her parent's knowledge wow right that GIRL DROPS THE DAMN RING AT THE FIRST SIGN OF burned one looked more alien than werewolf-y here Decent Horror movie looks, and dude stole her ring. Rude. Saved by the headmistress, and tera/aisha/musa are here to great her Stella can't be here though because she has to greet a half naked freshly showered sky because life is suffering and producers insist people like to see teens half naked (who. Who?) shit +1 and she dumped him. pity part of one and using it to try to get your bone on. HEY A SONG I KNOW. IT'S WHATSITCALLED FROM THE BAYONETTA COMMERCIALS WAY BACK WHEN. in for the kill la roux. I do wish netflix would either commit to telling you what song was playing or didn't tell you at all

Riv offers Beatrix a hit from his joint because what Is a Bad Kid hasn't changed in like 70 years Blowing pot smoke into someone's mouth isn't as sexy as ya'll seem to think it is Musa has cute sleep socks with little pom poms, and I love Tera's floral jammies Tera offers a bluetooth speaker so they can listen to music together Musa also calls out Tera's fake happiness this is the good shit character interaction i live for Musa Empath Mind Fairy 'somber indie music'

If you kill a burned one in the human world Something? Extra bad happens? So the headmistress knows Bloom's a changeling, and ohhh that's the last time a burned one was spotted. Is Rosalind the famed Monster Slayer the birth mother of Bloom? Tera text flirts with Giggly who IS NAMED DANE and has a thing for. Sky? Riv? I told you these boys all look the same to me so if it's a half naked pic on fairy insta i'm out of context clues. Crymeariv is the insta name that answers that. Is this the slow burn enemies to lover mlm i can't finish this sentence i don't care riv is a dick Stella and Sky are in a bed and she doesn't seem to have a top on so Implied sexy times? MYSTERIOUS HOODED AND ROBED FIGURE CROSSES THROUGH THE BARRIAR AND SHOOTS THE BURNED ONE WITH LIGHTNING MAGIC OH IT'S beatrix

alt-J – Adeline as an ending song

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

Arina and Nina used to only meet once a week - at activities organised for the care home where Nina lived. Now, Arina is applying to become Nina's guardian, giving the 27-year-old hope she might finally be able to leave the institution where she has lived her entire adult life.

For the past few months Nina Torgashova has been able to enjoy an independence that had always been out of reach for her - shopping, cooking and washing her own clothes.

Things that would be every-day life experiences for most 27-year-olds.

But not for Nina, who has always lived in institutions, and moved when she was 18 to what, in Russia, is called a psycho-neurological care home. When the pandemic hit, she was able to savour life outside the home, with a volunteer, Arina Muratova.

Nina recalls the moment she found out she was leaving.

"I never thought anyone would take me. I had thought: "Oh no, I am going to be stuck in the care home."

It was April 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic forced Moscow into lockdown. As visits to Nina's institution were stopped, charities lobbied for volunteers to be allowed to take responsibility for some of the residents until they could start up again.

Arina, a market research expert who loves nail art and embroidery, offered to look after Nina.

But when the 27-year-old got a taste for the freedom she'd never had, she decided she didn't want to go back.

Her 31-year-old friend was faced with a life-changing decision.

Arina has been involved in voluntary work for a decade - starting with helping children with learning difficulties and their families. She then became involved in adult care, which is when she met Nina through a Russian charity called Life Route. The charity organises trips and classes for the residents of some Russian psycho-neurological care homes (known as PNIs).

Arina started volunteering in PNI 22 - where Nina was living with hundreds of other residents - about four years ago. The care home looks after adults with a wide range of disorders, thought to relate to both cognitive disabilities and mental illness of varying severity.

Arina and Nina got to know each other through the charity Life Route which organises camps for the care home residents

Nina's diagnosis remains confidential to everyone except her care home director. This is usually the case for those residents the state judges are unable to live independently. So neither she nor Arina know why she is in the home, but Arina is surprised that she is.

Although Nina struggles with literacy and maths, Arina says she is very capable.

"She is such a quick learner and is well-adapted in everyday living," she says.

Nina was admitted to a home for disabled children when she was very young, before transferring to the PNI at 18. It is not clear whether she was taken to the children's home by her parents or was forcibly removed from their care.

She says they visited her there once, but she was frightened and hid under the bed.

"They were drunks. I was afraid. They stank of alcohol," she says.

Arina says Nina always stood out during her visits with Life Route, taking an active role in the activities and trips organised by the charity

"Nina was a very active person at her care home," says Arina. "She took part in various creative activities: amateur dramatics, arts and crafts workshops. She took part in sporting competitions, too: she played darts, she played football. Football was something she really missed after leaving the home."

When the lockdown last spring made these visits impossible, Arina suggested Zoom calls with the residents instead. But from the start is was clear this wasn't going to work - the home's internet simply wasn't strong enough. Other charities helping other care homes in Moscow and St Petersburg were facing similar problem

So these charities pressured the authorities to allow some care home residents to be released for the lockdown.

"It was all arranged in a day, and the next day the person was out. I cannot imagine anything like this before the pandemic," says Life Route's director Ivan Rozhansky.

Nevertheless Arina admits she was nervous when she made the initial decision to look after Nina. She was counting on Nina's relative independence, given she needed to work from home.

"There was a certain calculation in taking Nina. I had a lot of work to do, even during the lockdown. I realised I had to live with someone who'd be able to occupy themselves - at least some the time. With Nina it was clear that I'd be able to say: 'Now I have to work for three hours but afterwards we can make lunch together!'"

But Nina's move into the flat the charity had given the pair to live in during lockdown did get off to a slightly rocky start.

"She had very few possessions with her, just a small rucksack. She looked lost. While I was signing papers brought by the care worker, she walked around the flat. She didn't look especially overjoyed, and I had been counting on that.

"When I saw Nina looking so lost, I wondered if this had been a good idea. It's one thing to ask a person in a text if they want to move, but it's quite different to actually move them."

But not long afterwards, Arina shared a selfie with the other volunteers of herself with a grinning Nina, arms raised in joy.

Not only did Nina start shopping for food and cooking for herself, Arina arranged for her to have a maths tutor - important now she was buying things on her own.

"It's not that Nina doesn't understand things. She just never needed maths before," Arina says.

Arina herself began helping Nina with her literacy - she could read and write, but slowly and with difficulty.

"I need to be able to read and write," says Nina. "To be able to cook for myself, to go to work. I do want to have a job.

"I could make and sell friendship bracelets. I asked Arina: 'Do you know anyone who might want one?' She asked her mum, her mum was quite keen. I said: 'I will sort this!' Her mum picked the colours, Arina showed me a photo [of the colours], and I started making it."

Arina says she wanted to make sure she gave Nina responsibility for herself, rather than always taking charge, even if this did not always go to plan.

She cites the example of Nina wanting to learn to draw. Arina found another volunteer who could teach her over Zoom, and explained to Nina that she should make sure she joined the lessons. But after a while she discovered Nina had been missing some sessions.

"I don't want to chase another grown-up and pester them," says Arina. "I felt this was the kind of responsibility Nina could sustain, and we had conflicts around it."

But on another occasion Arina wanted to be more involved in Nina's life than regulations allowed.

Nina had complained of a terrible stomach ache and was admitted to hospital for several days of tests. Arina was not allowed to stay with her because she was not a relative or guardian.

"Pleas, send Nina some reassuring messages," she texted to the volunteer group chat. "Poor thing's terrified, she is having a third blood test and is scared."

Thankfully there was nothing seriously wrong.

As the Moscow lockdown eased in June, the Life Route charity was faced with a challenge.

"It became obvious that those people our foundation took to the assisted living flats for the duration of the quarantine did not want to go back to the PNI," says Ivan Rozhansky, the charity's director.

These institutions have been a focus of concern for some time.

In early 2019, Russia's deputy prime minister Tatiana Golikova ordered an inspection of living conditions in 192 psycho-neurological care homes. A consumer watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, discovered violations of health and safety and other regulations in around 80% of them.

In January of this year Russia's Ministry of Labour introduced a number of structural changes to the provision of care for those in PNIs, including a move to help social workers provide assistance for some people in private homes rather than in state institutions.

"Obviously, all these changes will not be realised immediately on January 1, 2021, but step-by-step the situation will be changing," Golikova said.

Maria Sisneva from the charity Stop PNI says the quality of life in Russian care homes is poor.

"At a PNI you will have 500-1,000 people living in close quarters, but with very different levels of ability, and different backgrounds, different needs. They live in extremely cramped conditions, at best they'd be two to a small room, often in corridors, in spaces similar to military barracks, isolated from the outside world. They barely have any real social experience."

The director of PNI 22, where Nina was living, is clear about the benefits of care homes, however.

"The main advantage of psycho-neurological homes is security," says Anton Kliuchev. "The residents are looked after by professionals, who know exactly how to help and support them, how to talk to them, how to take care of them."

Care homes for people with specialist needs and mental illness exist all over the world. But from the mid-20th Century in the US and some European countries, a process of deinstitutionalisation started, aimed at replacing long-stay closed facilities with care within the community. Yet, in Russia care homes are still the predominant model.

According to Russian government statistics, as of February 2020 there were more than 150,000 people living in PNIs.

Unlike many countries, Russia's assisted living provision is only in its infancy. National charities believe that if this alternative system were more established, many care home residents could leave their institutions.

"Right now the system in Russia is such that if a person is believed to be insufficiently independent by the state, there is nowhere for them to go apart from a PNI, or [for those with physical disabilities] an invalids' home," says Sisneva.

Life Route began to discuss how the assisted living arrangement could be made permanent for the nine people they rehoused during lockdown. The charity rented four apartments, including one for Nina to share with fellow care home residents Sergey and Ivan. Arina moved back to her own apartment, and began instead to spend one night a week at Nina's new accommodation on rotation with other volunteers.

But there was another hurdle.

The PNI can only release their residents' care permanently to Life Route if those people have what is termed "legal capacity" - in other words, the state considers them able to function independently in theory, even if in practice they are in a care home.

Nina does not have legal capacity - all decisions about her life are made for her by the director of her PNI. As Nina is so functionally able, it is not clear why this is, though experts say it can be simply a foible of the system. If, like Nina, someone has arrived from previous care such as a children's home, and has never been properly assessed, their legal status might never be challenged.

So Arina has applied to become Nina's guardian.

"One day it just sort of clicked. And I realised I had to do it."

If her request is granted, Arina will become responsible for every element of Nina's life - financial, practical, emotional and medical. As her guardian the PNI will finally share Nina's diagnosis with her.

The process won't be straightforward, she says, involving extensive financial, physical and psychological check-ups on Arina.

"Emotionally [the decision] wasn't easy either," says Arina. "But once I took Nina out of the care home, she became my responsibility."

This all-consuming obligation might explain why there are so few people who volunteer to become legal guardians in Russia.

While Arina waits to be granted Nina's guardianship, the PNI could demand that Nina - whose state benefits they are currently losing out on - return to them at any time.

Meanwhile, Arina says she is still working out the exact role she plays in Nina's life.

"I can never be Nina's mum. I will never be able to give her the childhood she deserved."

But she accepts that Nina sees her as much more than a friend. Nina expects her presence on all important errands: to the dentist, to get her ears pierced, to get registered at the local GP.

And these new responsibilities have come at a time when life has been tough for Arina in other ways.

"It wasn't just Nina who went through a big emotional change. I went through a lot emotionally, too - during this time my salary was cut; I have had complicated developments in my personal life."

But Arina says all this has brought them closer together.

"Once you have gone through all these experiences [alongside another person], it is hard to backpedal.

"I won't say I'm not anxious about it. I'm incredibly anxious. And there are certain people around me who freak me out even more. They keep asking me. 'Have you thought it through? It's for life!'

"I calm myself down by saying that we have a plan."

That plan is to work towards eventually restoring Nina's full legal capacity.

Nina needs to be deemed independent by the state if she ever wants to live alone or get a job.

Other than Arina, she has one other close relationship - with a man called Sasha, who she met in PNI 22, and who is now in assisted living in a different apartment. Nina regularly meets up with Sasha in the city, and is clearly fond of him. Arina is aware that Nina may want to eventually marry and she would need legal capacity for that too.

So Arina hopes Nina's tutoring will give her the option to be assessed at some point.

"Examiners look closely at a person's reading, writing and counting abilities," Arina has heard.

The process is not publicly available but anecdotal accounts suggest it can include everything from being expected to dance or sing a song, or even know the price of a loaf of bread.

Arina says they won't apply for Nina to take this test until she is as prepared as she can be.

In the meantime, Arina is involved in all the important moments of Nina's life.

"Maybe I'm just the type of person that is not afraid of responsibility. It is an unexpected - but actually a good thing - that has happened to me.

"I love her. There's not much to it. I love her very much."

My Friend from a Care Home is available to watch now on YouTube.

[hell-much]

For @twentysixthpercent prompt - 37. you jokingly suggest we send out holiday cards together as friends so we do, and now everyone is congratulating us for finally getting together

I had a lot fun with this, and added a social media twist. Hope that is okay :)  Thank you for the prompt! Enjoy the read!

----

Margaery blinked her eyes open and closed them again only half a second later, wishing desperately she could go back to the blessed state of being passed-out. Her body was not generous enough to grant her that relief, instead more and more discomforts worked itself into her mind. 

Her head was pounding a bit more with every thought, her mouth felt dry as sandpaper, and she thought she could taste the remains of red wine and something sugary. The lingering taste not helping along with nausea that enwrapped her entire existence.

A body shifted beneath with a groan. That, along with the sound of a hand tapping on the surface of the couch table, brought her attention to what woke her in the first place. 

"Shut up," Sansa whined pitifully, the obnoxious alarm sound of a phone coming physically closer, letting Margaery feel like her head would explode any minute. 

The silence that followed when Sansa, at last, managed to turn it off was nothing sort of divine. Margaery's body relaxed back into … well, it did not feel like her bed. 

Reluctantly she blinked her eyes back open, discovering her suspicion to be true. She was not in her bed, but instead on the living room couch. Half of her body was on top of Sansa, the other half squished between Sansa and the backrest. 

When searching her mind for an explanation of why she was here, and why she felt like dying, the memory of the previous night returned slow.

What she could see of the living room was chaotic. Remains of wrapping paper and ribbons were spread everywhere over the floor. Three empty bottles of wine lined up on the couch table, along with empty glasses, two cups and plates with half-eaten cookies. The half-empty bottle of gingerbread liquor had her stomach do a small turn, and she squeezed her eyes back shut before she could give the still glowing lights on the Christmas tree a proper examination. 

She buried her face into the warm darkness that the crook of Sansa's neck offered, bringing along a pitiful noise of discomfort. 

"Ditto," was all that Sansa muttered back, as she cuddled into the embrace, and brushed a hand through Margaery's curls. 

That certainly had escalated.

When she'd gotten home from work last night, the living room had already resembled a Christmas workshop. She'd found Sansa sitting on the floor, amidst various half-wrapped presents, shipping bags with all kinds of Christmas decorations and a cup of eggnog. 

Ugh. The eggnog. 

Margaery had known that Sansa felt homesick more than ever with not being able to go home for the holidays this year, but she'd had not expected that it would manifest in such sheer blind holiday activism; like the fir tree set up next to their TV or the smell of Christmas cookies hanging in the air, along with Christmas songs blasting through the speakers. 

Any other year Margaery was not someone who placed too much importance on Christmas. In the past, when still living alone, she'd barely bothered with more than one or two items of decoration, and maybe, if she had felt really festive, couple of light strings here and there. Unsurprisingly it had not taken more than Sansa cheerfully smiling at her and gushing about all she had planned to make their place more festive and Margaery had been infected with the holiday spirit. 

She'd quickly declared the decoration of the tree as her duty, simply because if she had to look at one in the middle of her living room, she refused it to be an eyesore. She trusted Sansa's taste any other day, but not in this level of enthusiasm; there were several multi-coloured packs of lametta within her shopping bags. 

The first bottle of wine -after they had finished the eggnog- had been, much to her dismay now, Margaery's idea. 

The second one had followed once the tree was beautifully decorated, and most of the presents were wrapped. 

Things got a bit blurry around the third one, but she did recall Santa hats, some dancing and singing along to Christmas songs, and an extensive amount of Christmas cookies. 

Sometime after that, somewhere during their drunken musings about Christmas and how it could never come back to the magic it had held during their childhood, they must have dozed off on the couch. 

Trying to recall all of that, was as much activity as Margaery found herself capable off and gratefully her body did grant her some more sleep.

When she woke again, it was already dusk outside, an indicator that she must have slept into the late afternoon. So much for productivity on her Saturday off. 

The worst of the headache seemed to have vanished, for now, only the dryness of her mouth and her queasy stomach prevailed. So much, that her need for a sip of water became stronger than her wish not to move. 

She detangled herself from a still sound-asleep Sansa and sat on the other end of the spacious couch running a hand through tangled hair and over still heavy eyes, feeling slightly dizzy sitting upright. 

Gods. No more drinking had just moved to the very top of her list for new year's resolutions. 

She dragged her way into the kitchen, and when she took the first sip of ice-cold water, she swore to never have tasted anything better in her life. 

Retrieving a second bottle for Sansa out of the fridge she made her way back to the living room, finding Sansa, now also awake, shifted up on the couch with her head propped against the armrest. 

Margaery held out the bottle in a wordless compassionate smile, that broadened to a small smirk when Sansa reached for it eagerly. 

"I love you so much right now," Sansa exclaimed in a groan, greedily drinking the fresh water. 

Margaery sat down on the armrest next to Sansa's head and emptied half the contains of her own bottle. 

She ran a hand through tousled red hair. "How are you feeling, darling?"

Screwing the cap on a half-empty bottle, Sansa made a face as she glanced up at Margaery. "I am never drinking with you again."

"I'm never drinking with myself again, either."

She looked around the disorder of the room. She could not be bothered right now, even if the type-A side of her personality was appalled by it. 

"I will go take a shower," she announced, getting back to her feet. After sleeping in her clothes, she wanted nothing more than get out of them as quickly as possible, yearned to feel clean again. "How about some nice greasy hangover take-out later?"

"Yes, please," Sansa returned with an enthusiastic nod. 

The shower rejoiced Margaery's spirits a good deal. She retrieved from the bathroom a good forty minutes later in a fresh pair of sweats and an old KLU shirt; her wet hair wrapped into a towel. 

It appeared that Sansa had used the time to take care of most of the chaos already, or at least, transfer it out of sight into the kitchen. 

Margaery plopped down on the couch, turning on her now recharged phone. "Any particular cravings?," she called out to Sansa who was rummaging around in her bedroom. 

"I would murder for Advarks' right now," Sansa's voice sounded through the half-opened door; a moment later she emerged, hair freshly brushed and wearing a bathrobe. "If that aligns with your own cravings."

"I would have reconsidered living with you if you'd suggested anything else," Margaery shot back, typing her PIN into her phone. 

"Will you get me a… ham and-"

"Ham and mushrooms, with extra mozzarella," Margaery deadpanned her standard order. "Brownie for dessert too?"

Sansa smiled and raised her eyebrows. "Is that a serious question?"

Margaery smirked at the roll of Sansa's eyes that was flung her direction before she disappeared behind the bathroom door. 

The same smirk melted into confusion, when, as wanting to dial the number of their favourite pizza place, notification after notification popped up on her phone. Her stomach dropped. Wasn't that just the last thing you wanted to wake up to after a night of drinking. 

Fifteen notifications from Instagram, eight unread messages and three missed calls. 

Always someone to rip off the band-aid quickly, Margaery tapped on the Instagram notifications, breathing an initial chuckle of relief when instead of some embarrassing picture or video exposing their drunken exertions. Instead, she found a selfie of herself and Sansa, wearing their Santa heads and posing in front of their Christmas tree. Their level of intoxication not visible at first glance.

She did remember that. They had actually gotten out the impulsively bought Selfie-Stick to get a decent photo of them and their tree. The one she'd -evidently- ended up posting was one where Sansa was smiling brightly into the camera, while she was pressing a kiss to her cheek; the lights and decorations of the tree lining the background. 

Her smirk broadened when she read the caption.

margaerytyrell Happy Holidays to all of our loved ones from Sansa and Margaery! 🎄 #makingitofficial #ourchristmastreeisprettierthanyourchristmastree #soblessedtobecelebratingwiththisone 

The relief once again drained away and replaced by freshly blooming irritation when she scrolled down to the comment section. 

dany.targ Cuties 💕Merry Christmas to you too! 😘

starkbrandon About time you two make it official!  arya.st Right?! @jon1310 Pay up. 

robbstark @san.stark 🤔 😏 So that's the reasons you are skipping Christmas at home?

jeyne.isthebest Fucking finally!!!!! 🙏 🙏 🙏 Want to hear all the details when I come back!

thereallorastyrell Congratulations you two! Happy the veil of obliviousness fell at last. arya.st @thereallorastyrell It was getting painful to watch. thereallorastyrell Gods yes.

c.tully-stark What great news! You two make an adorable couple, I am delighted that things worked out for you. 😘

brienne.of.t Congratulations and happy holidays!

stmya* Merry Christmas! 🎅 Enjoy your first holiday as a couple!

etyrell Insanely happy for the two of you! 💗 😘 Happy Holidays!

THE.greyjoy 🤨 You two. Together… 🤯 is more than my poor brain can handle. 🤤😏 yara.greyj @THE.greyjoy Don't be a creep. @san.stark @margaerytyrell Congrats you two!

baratheon.renly Could not ask for a better girlfriend for my favorite sister-in-law. 

Margaery did not know whether to laugh or to be horrified. What the fuck was happening here? So much for last night escalating. 

She scrolled back up and looked at the picture again. 

Fine, yes. Out of context, it could appear like something a couple posted. The caption did perhaps not help that impression along. But both she and Margaery had dozens of pictures like that on their phones. 

The way their friends and families -dear gods, Sansa's mom- commented sounded like… like what even? Like this was something everyone had just been waiting for to be announced? Like they had been unofficially dating?

It was ridiculous. Sansa was her friend. Her best friend. Her roommate for almost a year now. Sure, they were affectionate with each other, and maybe Margaery did have—

Automatically, Margaery swiped across the screen, finding that the missed calls were from Loras, as were the majority of the unread messages. 

Loras Tyrell, 08:43 I am disappointed Marg. I would have at least expected a personal revelation of this new development. 😪

Loras Tyrell, 09:20 So that you are not answering lets me suspect that you have better things to do? 🙄

Loras Tyrell, 09:21 Still mad at you btw that I had to find out along with everyone else. 😑 I thought our bond was more special, Marg. Also. I do literally live around the corner.

Loras Tyrell, 11:24 Just so you know, I am dying for details. Not that I ever doubted you, but landing Sansa Stark for sure is an accomplishment.

Loras Tyrell, 13:07 MARGAERY! ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ Sister of mine! Come up from between your girlfriends' legs and answer me.

Loras Tyrell, 14:02 You know… I had never known you as someone who just abandons everyone else for their s/o.

Loras Tyrell, 14:40 But what do you know… looks like you are THAT person. Again. Disappointed. 😶

While still contemplating, how to hell to get a hold of this mess, Lora's name popped up on her screen with an incoming call. 

She glanced quickly towards the bathroom where she could hear water running, then got to her feet and went into the kitchen, where she answered the call. 

"Hey."

"She has risen from the dead!," Loras exclaimed, way too cheerful considering her hangover and confusion; the way he said it she could not be sure he was talking to her or making an announcement in the room he was in. "Or risen from post-orgasmic bliss?"

Margaery leaned back against the kitchen counter, and the fingers of her free hand came to her temple, where she felt her headache from before resurfacing. "You got everything entirely wrong."

"No orgasm then?"

"No orgasm, or sex," Margaery hissed quietly into the phone. 

"I guess the two of you taking it slow should not surprise me," Loras quipped back. 

"There is nothing to—We are—," she took a deep breath, wrapping an arm around her middle. "This is all a huge misunderstanding."

Like always, he picked up on her upset tone immediately, dropping his teasing in the same breath. "What's going on, Marg? Is everything okay?"

"No," she breathed out. 

"Tell me what has happened?," he asked gently. 

Margaery turned to the window and brushed some remaining cookie crumbs off the counter. 

What had happened was that everyone assumed she and Sansa were dating. 

"That Instagram post," she still did not know how to put it in words. "All those comments... Why would everyone just assume Sansa and I are a couple?"

She could hear the smirk returning to her brother's face. "Eh, because we have watched you dance around each other for months now?"

"No." Margaery quickly shook her head. "There has been no dancing around. We are friends."

"Clueless lesbians is what you are," Loras deadpanned.

"Loras."

"Clueless bisexuals then," he joked, lightly while she felt more and more impatient. 

"We had a couple of drinks last night," Margaery explained. "We took that picture for fun. As friends. Nothing beyond that happened."

The line went quiet for so long that Margaery wondered if they had been cut off. When Loras spoke again, she wished the line had gone dead. 

"But you do like her?"

"That's not the point," she gave back quietly. 

"It's precisely the point."

He was infuriating when he knew he was right, and this time she remained silent, staring outside to where the sun had almost disappeared for the day. A knot formed itself in her gut when she thought of all the people assuming that they were a couple now. 

Yes, of course, she found was attracted to Sansa. One would have to be blind not to be. And perhaps she had the tiniest bit of a crush on her, but Sansa had not shown the slightest hint that she reciprocated that. It felt humiliating that so many other people had picked up on the feelings she harboured for her. 

The thought of having to clear up this misunderstanding made her want to sink into the ground at this very moment. 

"She likes you too, you know?" Loras surged ahead cautiously when a minute had passed without a single word from her. 

Margaery closed her eyes and swallowed the knot that had moved from her stomach to her throat back down. "She doesn't." A beat. "How would you even know that?"

"Because I have eyes," he returned, his tone somewhere between patronizing and exasperated. "And obviously I am not alone. For Gods' sake, we have bets running when you two fools will get to your senses."

"Really?" She hated how little and meek her voice sounded. 

"Did you notice how not a single person commenting seemed surprised?"

Margaery felt her heart rate pick up; the queasy feeling had returned to her stomach, only it had become of an different quality. Still, the nervousness and the reluctance did not magically disappear. 

"What if you're wrong?"

Loras laughed. "I'm not wrong. In fact, I'm never wrong." 

Gods, was she crazy enough to consider this? 

But what other options did she have? The stupid post was out there, along with all the reactions and congratulations from their families and friends; even deleting it would not make a difference at this point. 

"You've been wrong plenty of times," she shot back at him. "And if you are wrong with this; if she doesn't like me back, you better know that I am moving in with you and that I am taking your—"

Margaery didn't get any further, stopped in her twirling around, her free hand subtly reaching out for the kitchen counter for some much-needed balance. She found herself face to face with Sansa; still in her bathrobe, by the looks of it un-showered, her phone clutched in her right hand and the most adorable blush on her cheeks. 

"Stop being dramatic, Marg. You are acting like it's the first time you tell a girl you like her." Loras' voice was still sounding out of the speaker, pressed against her ear and in the silence in the kitchen, Margaery felt like Sansa had to be able to hear every single word. 

"I'll call you back," she told him curtly, ending the call and disposing the phone on the kitchen counter; not taking her eyes off of Sansa. 

Sansa was smiling and… damn it; being right about this was something Loras would never let her live down. 

[b4dluckbin]

I am evil but- 1 to 50, answer them all!! hahaha (if you only want to do this for one oc- then michaleas)

Hello, I hate you. I'm also not going to cut this because I have no idea how so have fun everyone.

This is for Michaleas Lament.

1. What’s their full name? Why was that chosen? Does it mean anything?

His full name is Michaleas Ermiah Lament. First part is because Michael,,, sounds tOO WHITE. Ermiah I came up with my myself but looking into it, it is kinda close to Ermias or Jeremiah. Hmmmm. Lament? He's a sad boi.

2. Do they have any titles? How did they get them?

One personal title he was given while in the military was "The Lamenting Giant". It was more to poke fun at their commander more than anything because of how tall he was and usually he has a distant, kind of sad look on his face like he was constantly thinking.

3. Did they have a good childhood? What are fond memories they have of it? What’s a bad memory?

Yes he did- until he was 9. It was pretty modest but comfortable until then. Fond memories he had would be are listening to his mother hum as he helped her clean around their little house, and looking over his fathers woodwork that he sold in town. For the last bit..... *SCOFFS* His entire life after 9 years old. That's all chock full of bad memories but if I have to limit it of his childhood,,, everything from 9 to 20 years old.

4. What is their relationship with their parents? What’s a good and bad memory with them? Did they know both parents?

He knew both his father and mother! He had a very good relationship with them both. They were very nurturing but stern when they needed to be (like when he wanted to go outside or into town with his father). A good memory he has of them is just them sitting together for dinner and his father telling him stories about the places he had been when he was younger.

5. Do they have any siblings? What’s their names? What is their relationship with them? Has their relationship changed since they were kids to adults?

He has no siblings.

6. What were they like at school? Did they enjoy it? Did they finish? What level of higher education did they reach? What subjects did they enjoy? Which did they hate?

He never went to school. He was taught what his father and mother had learned.

7. Did they have lots of friends as a child? Did they keep any of their childhood friends into adulthood?

He didn't have any childhood friends as he was cooped up in his house until he was 9. Then he was enslaved for about 10 or so years.

8. Did they have pets as a child? Do they have pets as an adult? Do they like animals?

No he didn't have any pets. He is neutral about animals.

9. Do animals like them? Do they get on well with animals?

He's never really interacted with animals before.

10. Do they like children? Do children like them? Do they have or want any children? What would they be like as a parent? Or as a godparent/babysitter/ect?

.... CONNA YOU REALLY SHOULD HAVE EXCLUDED SOME OF THESE- Oh god... He thinks children are cute from a distance but are very annoying. He has a son named Adiren. Because of the situation (no I'm not saying it to validate him in just trying to be like vague with how I'm saying this. He is a terrible father in main canon) he was a neglectful father. But in AUs I've had for him he is decent. He's just a tad bit over protective. As a god father? Uhhhh depends on if this is AU or Canon dad Michaleas. If it was an AU and all is Gucci then he'd be decent enough at being a caregiver. If it was main story well- he wouldn't really be worried about them.

11. Do they have any special diet requirements? Are they a vegetarian? Vegan? Have any allergies?

Michaleas is actually not allergic to anything. Except love. Also no, this big boi is a meat eater.

12. What is their favourite food?

Steak and potatoes.

13. What is their least favourite food?

Id have to say maybe fish? He doesn't really like the smell.

14. Do they have any specific memories of food/a restaurant/meal?

Stew,,, his mother made that a lot.

15. Are they good at cooking? Do they enjoy it? What do others think of their cooking?

He is actually fairly decent at cooking! He does enjoy it because it's something to take his mind off of whatever he's currently thinking about. He's been told it's really good but he doesn't,,,, care for compliments.

16. Do they collect anything? What do they do with it? Where do they keep it?

If there is a flower he has never seen before you best believe he will press it into his journal.

17. Do they like to take photos? What do they like to take photos of? Selfies? What do they do with their photos?

Lmao in a modern AU? He'd probably have a little blog or something dedicated to flower pictures. He won't take a picture of himself because he hates how he looks.

18. What’s their favourite genre of: books, music, tv shows, films, video games and anything else

If my boy was literate, I'd say he'd be into adventure stories. He loves acoustic jams because he plays the guitar. Tv or films??? Maybe family movies and comedys. Video games?????? Medieval-esque stuff. He'd be too into Dark Souls and rhythm games.

19. What’s their least favourite genres?

Tragedy (They just make him sad). For music it's anything too loud.

20. Do they like musicals? Music in general? What do they do when they’re favourite song comes?

I don't think he'd be a fan of musicals very much. Music in general? He likes. If his favorite song were to come on he'd probably just sit and hum along with a smile.

21. Do they have a temper? Are they patient? What are they like when they do lose their temper?

*insert laugh meme* Yeah. Yeah he fucking does and his blood curse revolves around it. Oh boy he's prone to yelling.

22. What are their favourite insults to use? What do they insult people for? Or do they prefer to bitch behind someone’s back?

He likes to use the word "privileged" a lot against people that are acting out.

23. Do they have a good memory? Short term or long term? Are they good with names? Or faces?

He has a good memory but he can remember faces better than the names that correspond to them.

24. What is their sleeping pattern like? Do they snore? What do they like to sleep on? A soft or hard mattress?

It isn't much sleeping as it is lying awake and staring at the wall. When he does sleep ooooh yeah he snores. Not like,,, super loud but noticeable. He likes a more soft bed because hard beds make his back hurt.

25. What do they find funny? Do they have a good sense of humour? Are they funny themselves?

,,, he has a dark sense of humor unless it's just something you really can't have a straight face at. Someone almost choke on bread? He will have a fit. He isn't really one for telling jokes himself.

26. How do they act when they’re happy? Do they sing? Dance? Hum? Or do they hide their emotions?

When Micha is happy he usually just has a smile plastered on his face for a while. He is capable of singing but doesn't like doing it, so he opts to humming. He doesn't know how to dance.

27. What makes them sad? Do they cry regularly? Do they cry openly or hide it? What are they like they are sad?

Remembering his past trauma. No he doesn't cry regularly and if he feels he will he will hide off somewhere and call himself a dumb ass. When he's sad he's desolate. He makes himself scarce and when he is around you get that brooding feeling.

28. What is their biggest fear? What in general scares them? How do they act when they’re scared?

Going back to the slave ring. Nothing really scares him. Maybe little jump scares but eh. When he's actually fucking terrified? He will close up on himself and leave. Fast.

29. What do they do when they find out someone else’s fear? Do they tease them? Or get very over protective?

Like Kai it really just depends on what the fear is. Spiders? You can handle that yourself. Groups of unknown people in an unknown place? Yeah no, come here and walk with him now so he can watch out.

30. Do they exercise? Regularly? Or only when forced? What do they act like pre-work out and post-work out?

Post military Michaleas hardly worked out any more, but when he was still there? Totally.

31. Do they drink? What are they like drunk? What are they like hungover? How do they act when other people are drunk or hungover? Kind or teasing?

Oh gOD THIS IS PART OF THE PROBLEM WITH HIM BEING A PARENT. He falls into a deep depression because of some shit and picks up drinking more so than he did before in the military. He really just wants to forget so badly. When he's hungover he's a complete asshole. When he's drunk it's just sad boi hours.

32. What do they dress like? What sorta shops do they buy clothes from? Do they wear the fashion that they like? What do they wear to sleep? Do they wear makeup? What’s their hair like?

He gets his clothes at any normal clothing store. Nothing fancy at all just basic shirt and pants. Sleeping is just pants no shirt. His hair? Messy short brown hair parted in the middle with Short cut bangs.

33. What underwear do they wear? Boxers or briefs? Lacey? Comfy granny panties?

Hi, the image of granny panty Micha is scared into my brain thanks- boxers my fam.

34. What is their body type? How tall are they? Do they like their body

Me, explaining Micha to anyone: Bara. But,,,, smaller,,,, he's like 6ft6-6ft7. Does he like his body? Eh. He doesn't like the scars that litter it.

35. What’s their guilty pleasure? What is their totally unguilty pleasure?

Guilty pleasure? Spending time with a certain fucking vampire. Unguilty pleasure? He likes,,,, sweets.

36. What are they good at? What hobbies do they like? Can they sing?

He's good at playing the guitar and fighting. If he was allowed I'm sure he'd pick up gardening. Who knows if he can sing? :3c

37. Do they like to read? Are they a fast or slow reader? Do they like poetry? Fictional or non fiction?

*quietly sobs* he's shit at reading.

38. What do they admire in others? What talents do they wish they had?

How some people can go about their lives so easily without a care in the world.

39. Do they like letters? Or prefer emails/messaging?

Talk to him,,, face to face. Dont be a coward.

40. Do they like energy drinks? Coffee? Sugary food? Or can they naturally stay awake and alert?

I mean,,,, does trauma count as a natural way to stay awake and alert? Because I feel like it is personally.

41. What’s their sexuality? What do they find attractive? Physically and mentally? What do they like/need in a relationship?

*leans into mic* He's gay. He is more both when it comes to someone. He needs someone who isn't just using him for,,, sex because hi- sex drive? There, but honestly kind of hates it. He wants someone to talk to and help him through his bad moments. Someone who won't talk shit to him about being weak because he does that to himself enough.

42. What are their goals? What would they sacrifice anything for? What is their secret ambition?

*leans into mic further* To be able to have a decent relationship with said vampire from earlier.

43. Are they religious? What do they think of religion? What do they think of religious people? What do they think of non religious people?

He isn't religious at all. He's Atheist actually. He thinks they're just sheep following a Shepherd. Non religious people, in his eyes, are smart to see through that shit.

44. What is their favourite season? Type of weather? Are they good in the cold or the heat? What weather do they complain in the most?

Michaleas likes the time around the end of winter because that's when the flowers start to bulb up. He thinks its beautiful. He fucking hates the heat. You can't escape it.

45. How do other people see them? Is it similar to how they see themselves?

They look to him as something like a pillar. He doesn't waver and they believe if they try hard enough they won't either. Which is,,,, completely different than how he sees himself. He hates hIMSELF AND THINKS HE'S WEAK LMAO.

46. Do they make a good first impression? Does their first impression reflect them accurately? How do they introduce themselves?

I mean,,, no. He's very fucking blunt with his observations of people. Yes and no with reflecting him accurately. He is very observant but he isn't like,,, that when you warm up to him. He plays around more and talks shit. Michaleas introduces himself as such. Michaleas.

47. How do they act in a formal occasion? What do they think of black tie wear? Do they enjoy fancy parties and love to chit chat or loathe the whole event?

He hates fancy events. He will wear what he has to but he isn't going to have his tie tied or creases ironed. He doesn't give a shit. He wants to leave.

48. Do they enjoy any parties? If so what kind? Do they organise the party or just turn up? How do they act? What if they didn’t want to go but were dragged along by a friend?

Regular parties where he can just drink and have fun? Totally. No one prissy there just a bunch of rough dumbasses. He doesn't plan parties he just turns up if he hears about it and is like "where is the booze".

49. What is their most valued object? Are they sentimental? Is there something they have to take everywhere with them?

He doesn't have anything like that. He has his sword for protection so I mean that counts as a need everywhere and anywhere. Edit: I lied. He has a journal with pressed flowers he normally has on him always.

50. If they could only take one bag of stuff somewhere with them: what would they pack? What do they consider their essentials?

Water, food, things to start a fire, tools and his sword.

[chippedcupanddustybooks]

Get to know me - tag I was tagged by @anotherplumbob so here you go! I tried to update my simself a bit. Even though my hair is way longer right now :D 1. What is your full name? Celine 2. What is your nickname? Chip 3. Birthday? june 22nd 4. What is your favorite book series? Definitely Harry Potter :D 5. Do you believe in aliens or ghosts? Not in the scary horror movie kind of way. I guess there’s probably some kind of life somewhere out there in the universe. And on the matter of ghosts: Sometimes I want to believe our loved ones aren’t gone completely and still watching over us in some kind but not in a spooky haunting houses kind of way :P 6. Who is your favorite author? J.K. Rowling  7. What is your favorite radio station? I only listen to my local radio station on my way to work in my car   8. What is your favorite flavor of anything? Lime 9. What word would you use often to describe something great or wonderful? awesome I guess 10. What is your current favorite song?  Writing down favorites is always so hard because mine change so much :D But I like the song “Odds of Being Alone” by Trent Dabbs & Amy Stroup a lot at the moment

Putting the rest under the cut for not spamming your dash!

11. What is your favorite word? mhm not really favorite word but my best friend is always saying I use the word amusing a lot even though no one really uses it anymore . Also nostalgic 12. What was the last song you listened to? see favorite song   13. What TV show would you recommend for everybody to watch? Everything on this list  14. What is your favorite movie to watch when you’re feeling down? One of the old Disney movies! I have almost every movie on DVD 15. Do you play video games? yes 16. What is your biggest fear? Losing loved ones 17. What is your best quality, in your opinion? I think I’m quit empathic and people say I’m good at giving advice and cheering them up. 18. What is your worst quality, in your opinion? I talk too much and am being sarcastic to protect myself way too much 19. Do you like cats or dogs better? dogs! 20. What is your favorite season? spring but autumn being very close second 21. Are you in a relationship? no 22. What is something you miss from your childhood? not having to worry about so much  23. Who is your best friend? I have a male best friend I met back in high school 24. What is your eye color? Dark blue with a partial heterochromia in my left eye 25. What is your hair color? dark rown 26. Who is someone you love? My family, friends and pets 27. Who is someone you trust? The persons I trust most are my mother and my best friend 28. Who is someone you think about often? Everyone I know that is struggling with something and people I lost 29. Are you currently excited about/for something? Hopefully celebrating christmas with my whole family again this year! Also having some days off around the end of december! 30. What is your biggest obsession? Constantly changing between my hobbys and interests - currently I’m back at obsessing about everything Harry Potter related 31. What was your favorite TV show as a child? As small child I loved House of mouse and Bear in the big blue house 32. Who of the opposite gender can you tell anything to, if anyone? my best friend 33. Are you superstitious? no 34. Do you have any unusual phobias? I absolutely terrified of diving and being pulled under water - especially after a teacher in school nearly drowned me when I was 11yrs old 35. Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it? I’m working in video post production and as a photographer so definitely BEHIND the camera! 36. What is your favorite hobby? ballroom dancing, sims, reading & photography 37. What was the last book you read? Currently rereading the Harry Potter series so right now I’m at chamber of secrets!

38. What was the last movie you watched? I saw phantastic beasts 2 last monday

39. What musical instruments do you play, if any? sadly I can’t play any instruments even though I would love to be able to play the piano 40. What is your favorite animal?  dogs 41. What are your top 5 favorite Tumblr blogs that you follow? That’s way too hard to decide :D 42. What superpower do you wish you had? going back in time   43. When and where do you feel most at peace?  cuddling with my dogs at home 44. What makes you smile? happy animals, seing my friends & family 45. What sports do you play, if any? I’m not a sports person at all - if you don’t count ballroom dancing 46. What is your favorite drink? coffee 47. When was the last time you wrote a hand-written letter or note to somebody? A long while ago back in school   48. Are you afraid of heights? no 49. What is your biggest pet peeve? narcissim and impoliteness 50. Have you ever been to a concert? no 51. Are you vegan/vegetarian? no 52. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to work with pets but I couldn’t bear seeing all the awful things at a vet or shelter so I decided to go for something different. I still volunteer at the shelter though! 53. What fictional world would you like to live in? The Harry Potter universe 54. What is something you worry about? I’m constantly worrying about everyone around me 55. Are you scared of the dark? no  56. Do you like to sing? in the car to myself yes but in front of others no way 57. Have you ever skipped school? yes I skipped a few useless classes sometimes 58. What is your favorite place on the planet? My favorite city is London. Favorite place is sitting on my window sill with the window open at summer nights! 59. Where would you like to live? London or somewhere in switzerland even though I love my home town 60. Do you have any pets? two silver labradors 61. Are you more of an early bird or a night owl? night owl 62. Do you like sunrises or sunsets better? sunsets 63. Do you know how to drive? Yes  64. Do you prefer earbuds or headphones? For working or at home headphones but for travelling earbuds 65. Have you ever had braces? yes from age 11-14yrs 66. What is your favorite genre of music? I don’t have a favorite genre it’s a wild mix of everything from calm alternative music to Rock’n’Roll from the 50s 67. Who is your hero? My mother  68. Do you read comic books? no but I read some Disney comics when I was younger 69. What makes you the most angry? people lying to my face, someone hurting my loved ones 70. Do you prefer to read on an electronic device or with a real book? I tried to like E-books but I just can’t get used to them and I love the smell of new books! 71. What is your favorite subject in school? Geography 72. Do you have any siblings? 1 half-sister but we don’t have much contact 73. What was the last thing you bought? a christmas present for my grandma and a Winnie Pooh notebook  74. How tall are you? 165cm / 5,4 feet 75. Can you cook? A few things 76. What are three things that you love? cuddling with pets, sitting on my window sill on a rainy day, sleeping 77. What are three things that you hate? having to wake up early, annoying people & animal abuse 78. Do you have more female friends or more male friends? female but it used to be the other way around for a long time 79. What is your sexual orientation? straight  80. Where do you currently live? Germany 81. Who was the last person you texted? a friend of mine 82. When was the last time you cried? two weeks ago on my way back from work after a real shitty week 83. Who is your favorite YouTuber? I don’t watch YouTube a lot so I don’t have one 84. Do you like to take selfies? not at all - my phone is basically 80% dog photos 85. What is your favorite app? the apps I use the most are Whatsapp, discord, tumblr & spotify 86. What is your relationship with your parent(s) like? My mom and I are very close/ my father and I have a very complicated relationship 87. What is your favorite foreign accent? I love the british accent 88. What is a place that you’ve never been to, but you want to visit? I would love to visit canada and ireland one day 89. What is your favorite number? 4 90. Can you juggle? no 91. Are you religious? no 92. Do you find outer space or the deep ocean to be more interesting? The deep ocean even though I’m totally scared of being under water 93. Do you consider yourself to be a daredevil? No not really more of the opposite 94. Are you allergic to anything? kiwis and most pain killers 95. Can you curl your tongue? no 96. Can you wiggle your ears? no 97. How often do you admit that you were wrong about something? I’m always open to admitting I’ve done something wrong in argument because it’s never jsut one person that did something wrong 98. Do you prefer the forest or the beach? forest 99. What is your favorite piece of advice that anyone has ever given you?  Not really an advice but a lesson I learned. Sometimes you can’t save everyone from themselves. So sometimes you just have to let go. 100. Are you a good liar? depends on who I’m lying to. I hate lying to people that mean a lot to me so those often notice something is wrong.  101. What is your Hogwarts House? Ravenclaw 102. Do you talk to yourself? yes sometimes 103. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? A mix of both. More of an introvert I guess but once I get to know people I can also be an extrovert 104. Do you keep a journal/diary? I used to a few years ago but not anymore 105. Do you believe in second chances? yes but I give way too many to people I like 106. If you found a wallet full of money on the ground, what would you do?return it or hand it to the police 107. Do you believe that people are capable of change? yes but sometimes people are wa better in changing for the worse 108. Are you ticklish? no 109. Have you ever been on a plane? yes 110. Do you have any piercings? no not even ear holes 111. What fictional character do you wish was real? Dobby!  112. Do you have any tattoos? no 113. What is the best decision that you’ve made in your life so far? applaing for my current job 114. Do you believe in karma? Yes 115. Do you wear glasses or contacts? no  116. Do you want children? I’m not sure if it’s going to change but at the moment I would say I don’t think so 117. Who is the smartest person you know? my mother 118. What is your most embarrassing memory? I’m so clumsy I’m getting myself into embarassing situations every day. But on the top of the list would be a mistake on my graduation that caused ALL my photos from my external drive ending up in the slideshow that was shown on stage... 119. Have you ever pulled an all-nighter? yes 120. What color are most of you clothes? all shades of blue, dark red, grey and brown 121. Do you like adventures? I’m a control freak so it’s hard for me to enjoy situations that I don’t know the end of 122. Have you ever been on TV? yes, I worked as a photgrapher on a pet adoption show and was seen in the background  123. How old are you? 21 124. What is your favorite quote? Sometimes the best book has the dustiest jacket and the best tea cup is chipped ;) 125. Do you prefer sweet or savory foods? Savory    I’m tagging @saurussims @simblrbreezycakes & @mlyssimblr (Feel free to ignore this if you don’t want to do it!)

[humanitys-shortest]

✨Simself Tag!!✨

I was tagged by the lovely @shyysims to do the Simself Tag, so here we go with the 125 bloody questions! (I commend whoever came up with all of them, because that’s a lot of brain power that I do not possess.) But! I’m so excited to do this, so thank you so much shyysims!! (●´ω｀●)

I will tag @calsea-ger, @alienshootlove, @wolfy-drawsstuff, @hallucinosims and @stories4sims - of course, you don’t have too! Only if you wanna & have the spare time. :D

Rules: You have to make a simself and include whatever you wish (like traits or anything about you) Then answer the following questions!! (✿◠‿◠)

And heeeree weee go~

Traits: creative, coffee lover(I liked the icon bcuz I love warm drinks but I actually hate coffee dont sue me), geek, music lover, a photo album, geek, loner, hearts(cuz I’m full of love duh) and bookworm!

I also included my aspiration - to become a photographer. 

What is your full name? Charlotte

What is your nickname? Char, Lottie, and Petey!

Birthday? February 22nd

What is your favorite book series? ..Twilight..

Do you believe in aliens or ghosts? Yep!

Who is your favorite author? I wish I could say J.K Rolling but I’ll go with Stephenie Meyer cuz Twilight fueld my younger teenage years.

What is your favorite radio station? Heaven knows

What is your favorite flavor of anything? Wellllll s’kinda confusing! I love chocolate flavoured ice-cream but I can’t have chocolate flavoured crisps, can I? I’m just gonna go with chocolate. 🍫

What word would you use often to describe something great or wonderful? awesomeeee possssummmm

What is your current favorite song? Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine

What is your favorite word? coolio

What was the last song you listened to? Lisztomania by Phoenix 

What TV show would you recommend for everybody to watch? Gotham!!

What is your favorite movie to watch when you’re feeling down? The Amazing Spider-Man

Do you play video games? Yessiree

What is your biggest fear? Moths & heights

What is your best quality, in your opinion? my storytelling? I’m pretty proud of the ideas I come up with, if that means anything. xD

What is your worst quality, in your opinion? S’always overthinking everything.

Do you like cats or dogs better? kitty

What is your favorite season? Autumn & Winter - can’t chooseeee!!

Are you in a relationship? Yep :)

What is something you miss from your childhood? I relate with @shyysims’ last answer - friends, lmao.

Who is your best friend? My Amber

What is your eye color? Dark brown

What is your hair color? Dark brown

Who is someone you love? My boyf and my bestfriend

Who is someone you trust? The above :)

Who is someone you think about often? Jack Napier

Are you currently excited about/for something? AVENGERS INFINITY WAR TRAILER POSSIBLY DROPPING TOMORROW

What is your biggest obsession? rn, batjokes ofc!!

What was your favorite TV show as a child? Ed, Edd and Eddy & Rugratz. c:

Who of the opposite gender can you tell anything to, if anyone? My s/o

Are you superstitious? kinda?

Do you have any unusual phobias? Not that I can think of? Ooh! I hate it when a single strand of hair lands on my skin or something. It freaks me out cuz it feels weird.

Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it? Behind. I take the photos, I ain’t in them :P

What is your favorite hobby? Writing! Followed by gaming!!

What was the last book you read? Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (script)

What was the last movie you watched? Fantastic Beasts, The Crimes Of Grindelwald

What musical instruments do you play, if any? The triangle.

What is your favorite animal? Wolves! I also rlly rlly love deers and elephants.

What are your top 5 favorite Tumblr blogs that you follow? mellie, freddie-luthor, wolfy, elijah & smolbeanjoker :)

What superpower do you wish you had? The power of SELF DAMN CONFIDENCE

When and where do you feel most at peace? Anywhere my s/o is.

What makes you smile? Jack Napier :)

What sports do you play, if any? I used to really love playing basketball and cricket. S’been ages.

What is your favorite drink? Any kind of hot chocolate. :)

When was the last time you wrote a hand-written letter or note to somebody? October for my bestfriends birthday. :D

Are you afraid of heights? b o i 

What is your biggest pet peeve? Liars?

Have you ever been to a concert? Not with this anxiety I haven’t 

Are you vegan/vegetarian? No. but full respect to those who are :)

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was in primary school, a zoo-keeper... high-school, an author.

What fictional world would you like to live in? The fuckin Harry Potter world please.

What is something you worry about? Life

Are you scared of the dark? Not really

Do you like to sing? Yep! But can I? Nope.

Have you ever skipped school? Uhh yes

What is your favorite place on the planet? My bed

Where would you like to live? Anywhere near a forest/woodland. Honestly Arcadia Bay is my aesthetic.

Do you have any pets? One doggo, three kitto’s.

Are you more of an early bird or a night owl? twittwoo

Do you like sunrises or sunsets better? Sunsets

Do you know how to drive? No :c

Do you prefer earbuds or headphones? Earbuds

Have you ever had braces? Nada

What is your favorite genre of music? The LIS Soundtrack is a genre of music, right?

Who is your hero? Peter Parker.

Do you read comic books? What do you think if my account is based on Batman hmmmm

What makes you the most angry? Liars

Do you prefer to read on an electronic device or with a real book? Real book

What is your favorite subject in school? Media

Do you have any siblings? two sisters, two brothers

What was the last thing you bought? a selection box. for myself. no no m’actually sharing with @crycel ;)

How tall are you? 5′3

Can you cook? Toast? Yes.

What are three things that you love? My boyfriend, my bestfriend and Jack Napier

What are three things that you hate? liars, my lack of self confidence n’ belief, and widowmaker auto-lockers

Do you have more female friends or more male friends? Female

What is your sexual orientation? pink yellow and blue baby

Where do you currently live? tea land

Who was the last person you texted? Ammmbaaah

When was the last time you cried? Last week?

Who is your favorite YouTuber? Depends on my mood! But recently it’s Shane

Do you like to take selfies? I do, because I really wanna try and bring my self confidence up. Buuuut most of the time it fails and I just feel worse about myself god dammit

What is your favorite app? tech not an app but ao3

What is your relationship with your parent(s) like?

What is your favorite foreign accent? Aussies!!

What is a place that you’ve never been to, but you want to visit? Bristol. To see my bestfriend.

What is your favorite number? 7

Can you juggle? xD

Are you religious? no

Do you find outer space or the deep ocean to be more interesting? Outer space 

Do you consider yourself to be a daredevil? Absolutely not

Are you allergic to anything? Some sort of washing power lmao my skin doesn’t likey much

Can you curl your tongue? nuuu

Can you wiggle your ears? nuuuuuuuu

How often do you admit that you were wrong about something? As soon as I realize I am

Do you prefer the forest or the beach? forest

What is your favorite piece of advice that anyone has ever given you? always try and see the good side of things

Are you a good liar? Mehhhh

What is your Hogwarts House? HUFFLEPOOF

Do you talk to yourself? not really?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? introvert 

Do you keep a journal/diary? used too! Now I have scrapbooks, if thats any consolation 

Do you believe in second chances? Yes. But it’s got me into trouble, lmao

If you found a wallet full of money on the ground, what would you do? Turn it in somewhere, whatever shop/place is closest if they’re trustworthy

Do you believe that people are capable of change? Yes and no

Are you ticklish? ...no

Have you ever been on a plane? Hell no

Do you have any piercings? all natural bby

What fictional character do you wish was real? Peter Parker. (but i’m the female version of him okay)

Do you have any tattoos? Not yet

What is the best decision that you’ve made in your life so far? HAH

Do you believe in karma? aye

Do you wear glasses or contacts? I think I need glasses tbf

Do you want children? no, my sim bbies are my children. and my cats.

Who is the smartest person you know? my bestfriend (sorry boyf)

What is your most embarrassing memory? we don’t go there

Have you ever pulled an all-nighter? what’s sleep? at least, CONISTENT HOURS of sleep?

What color are most of you clothes? Black from my emo days, but now I’m really into yellows and soft colours

Do you like adventures? Yessss, as long as I’m with someone I feel safe with

Have you ever been on TV? I hope not

How old are you? 19

What is your favorite quote? “ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” or  “worrying means you suffer twice”

Do you prefer sweet or savory foods? Sweet

YAY

[the-pontiac-bandit]

bring your good times and your laughter

amy santiago is the youngest captain in nypd history, and a freakout of corresponding magnitude ensues (feat: mentions of peraltiago babies, husband of the year detective jake peralta, and a ref to kokomo). title from celebration. as always, i owe my life and all my worldly possessions to @jakelovesamy and @elsaclack. also on ao3. 

The door shuts behind Captain Amy Santiago (she’s been in official possession of that title for a full three hours, and she has every intention to use it on even her takeout orders, just to hear the sound). The click of the doorknob is louder than expected, and she pauses for a moment, hand hovering, to see if anyone outside noticed, but the chorus of “Celebration” is blasting so loudly that the blinds are rattling against the windows. She shuts them, suppressing a reflexive sigh at the thought of the confetti littering the bullpen - her bullpen - and focusing on the overwhelming joy of this moment.

She moves behind her desk, savoring the feel of the new, heavy medals against her shoulder and the hat resting atop her perfectly smooth bun (she’d spent at least an hour ensuring every hair was in place. It could’ve been half that time, but Rae and Ana, nothing short of tornadoes, had spun through their bathroom halfway through the preparations, already in their pajamas for the babysitter, to grab Amy by the bun and plant large toddler kisses on her forehead, leaving bumps in Amy’s ponytail that refused to settle). Her desk is nearly bare, with only two framed photos perched below her desktop. There hasn’t been time for case files to accumulate, for her detectives and beat cops to need signatures or approvals or second opinions. The thought of the work excites her and terrifies her simultaneously, and it’s only as she’s sitting at this desk, so similar to that of her mentor’s, two precincts over, that the gravity of her situation hits her.

She, Captain Amy Santiago, is the youngest captain in NYPD history.

She takes a deep breath, and then another. Then she lets her eyes flit to the frames. In the one on the left, four smiling faces fill a simple 4x6 wooden frame, messily decorated with her daughters’ misshapen squiggles that Jake swore a hundred times were supposed to be hearts (the ones that he actually drew, decorating one corner, are only slightly more discernible). Wide smiles and scrunched up eyes from her three favorite faces ease the sudden tension in her shoulders at the thought of the work ahead, and her own eyes crinkle, the smile she hasn’t been able to wipe off her face all night widening at the memory of clutching Ana closer to her chest, tickling her chubby two year-old belly, while Jake pressed his cheek against hers and held Rae in a vice grip to prevent her escape attempts, Charles tearing up a bit as he furiously snapped pictures.

Then, almost on instinct, her eyes move left, to the far older picture, faded with time and years at a desk that got afternoon sunlight. Her ugliest selfie-worthy grin on a face nearly six years younger, with Jake grinning goofily beside her. The picture had been on her desk since she was a detective in the Nine-Nine, when he’d been in prison and she couldn’t bear to look up from their shared desks and see anything other than his wide smile. She updates everything in her life with meticulous detail - the picture in the frame on the right is updated every six months like clockwork - but this one, this one has stayed.

Her hand has drifted to the medals, pinned to her dress shirt only an hour before to thunderous applause from Gavin, her partner from when she was a brand-new beat cop whose kids - toddlers when she met them - sit in college sweatshirts beside him; from her current precinct, with a crew of unruly, talented detectives holding up meticulously decorated posters; from her family at the Nine-Nine, grins so bright she thinks she’ll go blind; and from Jake, making a Taylor Swift-style heart with his hands, pride shining from his eyes with such strength it’s nearly palpable. It’s all a little overwhelming in her head, this much love and this much success and seeing her dreams all come true in front of her, knowing there’s so much work ahead. She just needs a minute.

She’s startled, drawn out of the memory, by the sound of the handle clicking open, and she’s already babbling excuses, pushing out of her chair to get back to the party being thrown in her honor just outside (the song changed to “Happy” at some point when she wasn’t listening). But then, almost as though she’d summoned him, Jake’s sliding through the small crack in the doorway, his eyes shining with so much affection that a lump rises in her throat at the sight, mixed with a tinge of concern.

“Hey,” he says quietly, turning the lock on the door behind him as he moves further into the room. “You good? I saw you leave earlier, and—“

She’s already moving to meet him, has her head buried in his collar before he can finish his sentence. His arms wrap around her on instinct, careful to avoid creasing her freshly pressed new uniform as he envelops her in his warmth. His breathing is steady against her chest, the air tickling the back of her neck on its way out to the room, and for just a few seconds, it feels like she could be back at home in his flannel shirt, Rae and Ana sandwiched between them as he holds them all close. It feels like home.

She can feel the manic energy draining from her body, sense the tension flowing out of her shoulders in his embrace. Her breathing slows as the job ahead becomes instantly more manageable. She knows Jake can feel it, too, because his arms shift around her, loosening just a bit so that she can look up at him.

“So, you’ve had a weird day,” he comments, a glint of laughter in his warm brown eyes. “Too bad mine was better - there were bacon-wrapped quiches at the after-party, and I had twenty.”

A giggle forces itself out of Amy’s throat at the thought. “So that’s where they all went,” she replies, noting with surprise that her voice is a little shaky. “No fair – I wanted some!” She slides one hand up his back to hit him in the shoulder.

“Well, you snooze, you lose,” he shrugs. “You were busy, and they just kept bringing more out. Someone had to eat them.”

“I was busy being congratulated by the chief of police of the NYPD for my ‘outstanding achievements’!” she retorts, hints of braggadocio and their old competitiveness driving the uncertainty from her voice.

“Damn straight you were.” His voice is unexpectedly soft in a way that brings a lump to her throat. He’s looking at her as though she hung the moon and the stars, and it melts her just as completely as it did this morning, when he caught her eyes over their daughters’ heads while he made oatmeal and she pulled silly faces to entertain them, and as it did nearly nine years ago when she pulled away from his lips in the evidence locker of the Nine-Nine.

It’s only when he pulls one hand off her shoulder blade and brings it up to swipe his thumb across her cheek that she notices she’s crying, that his thumb is wet and there’s a matching damp spot marring the collar of his dress blues.

She starts to babble an apology, her hands jumping to his collar to straighten it before the words spilling from her mouth find any semblance of coherency. But then he’s laughing, swatting her hand away, and reminding her firmly that a day when tears are the only thing that end up on his shirt counts as a win. At that, she lets out a watery chuckle, her fingers finding the spot on his chest, strategically concealed beneath his medals, where he’d spilled the applesauce he stole from their pantry in the car as they drove to One Police Plaza and poking it pointedly.

“Yeah, so maybe you took all the wins today, Ames. Some of us had to make sacrifices to the karma gods for this.” He pretends to be offended, but he can’t wipe the smile off his face long enough to look affronted.

“I swear, you’re worse than Rae,” she laughs, the memory of her daughter’s ketchup-covered Sesame Street pajamas soaking in their kitchen fresh in her mind.

“She had to get it from somewhere,” he reminds her, unexpected pride in his voice. “I mean, the badassery, that comes from you, but I’ll claim the messy eating.”

“Badassery isn’t a word, Jake.”

“Fine, then,” he replies with an exaggerated eye roll. “Badassicism, badassness, badassion, bada--point is, you’re it.”

She laughs as she leans in to give him a firm kiss, her lips smiling against his as his nose presses into her still-damp cheek. “I love you. So much,” she mumbles quietly as she pulls away. Her voice cracks a little bit on the last syllable, so she buries her face back in his shoulder.

“For realz, Ames, are you okay?” He asks, concern once again coloring his voice as he rubs small circles on the center of her back. She pauses for a second, trying to find her voice, to reassure him that she’s fine and thrilled and totally freakin’ capable and definitely not panicking, but the words don’t seem to come. Three seconds pass, and then three more. And then Jake takes a deep breath, moving his shoulders against her cheek. “You know, it’s fine if you’re not.”

She looks up then, a little surprised. “No – I’m ok. I’m happy, for sure. And excited for the challenge. And still a little shocked that I actually pulled it off. I’m just…really overwhelmed.” Her voice gets smaller at the end, shrinking to almost a whisper as her eyes drop away from his down to the buttons of his shirt. “What if I can’t do it?”

“Ames. You nerd,” he replies, without hesitation. “You just got promoted to your dream job, and you’re so badass that you’re the youngest person to have the job in history. That’s a pretty great reason to be overwhelmed, and it’s okay to be terrified. You know I would be.”  

He frees an arm from her back, uses it to push gently against her chin so that she’s forced to meet his eyes, before he continues. “But you’re gonna do it. And you’re gonna do it better than anyone else yet. Because that’s what you do. And it’s okay to be scared, but tomorrow you’re gonna come into work and you’re gonna start kicking ass and as soon as the first case shows up on your desk you’re gonna relax because this is what you do. And you do it unbelievably well. Okay?”

He holds her gaze, his brow furrowed in concern. She’s busy remembering a similar speech, on a rooftop a billion years ago before what she was sure would be the scariest moment of her life. But for the gray touches by Jake’s temples and the hat perched on her head, she’d swear they were in the same spot, that she was an eager detective terrified of moving forward on her life calendar. But she’s not anymore. She’s done a billion things scarier than that test in the years since, Jake’s hand in hers, and he’s never once been wrong – she’s always been fine. So she squares her shoulders and nods firmly. “Okay.”

She wants to find the words for how much he means, for I love you and thank you and I couldn’t have done it without you. But she’s not sure her voice can manage to convey the sentiment, so instead she settles for a kiss on his cheek, her fingers brushing through his fluffy curls (she makes a mental note she needs to schedule him a haircut).

His eyes are closed, savoring the moment, for a few seconds after she pulls away. By the time he opens them, she’s busy smoothing her uniform, dabbing at her cheeks with the edge of her sleeve.

“Am I good?” she asks him, standing to attention for a uniform check.

“You look gorgeous, babe,” he replies, his entirely serious tone contrasting sharply the goofy grin slowly breaking across his face.

“Not what I meant.” She rolls her eyes at him – a breach of stance nothing short of shocking – and waits patiently for his proper answer.

“Perfect uniform, Captain Santiago,” he replies, standing to attention and saluting, his face as serious as she’s ever seen it. At the sound of her new title, though, a smile so wide it threatens to crack her face in half breaks across her own.

“Ready to face Charles’ playlist?” he asks, only half kidding as he holds out a hand for her to grab, lacing their fingers together when she takes it.

“Never, but I don’t think I have a choice,” she groans, remembering for the first time in a while the party that awaits her on the other side of her door.

“Nope! I heard he added ‘Kokomo’ - perfect dancing music!”

“Don’t break a hip on the dance floor,” she grumbles, her smile widening as she gives his hand a squeeze and he opens the door, beyond which friends and laughter and octopus donuts await.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Captain Santiago.”

[whenyouwriteyouwrite]

the punchline

Word count: 3,407 words

Characters: Nona, Mezuma, Mikla, Oserious

Warnings: Some violence. Blood. Swearing.

First | Previous | Next

Mezuma was lazily flipping through a magazine, laid out comfortably in her pajamas on Nona’s bed. She wasn’t even looking at the contents of the magazine because she was watching her girlfriend trying, and failing, to tie her tie.

“So.. I can’t come to this party because...” she asked, pretending to look at the magazine when Nona looked at her.

“It’s a private gathering of Oserious’s associates. He holds it every year at his home to.. celebrate the growth of his empire.”

“Still doesn’t answer why I can’t go.” she huffed and rolled over onto her side, completely ignoring the magazine now in favor of putting all her focus on Nona in her suit.

“Because, Mezuma...” Nona gave an annoyed sigh after the hundredth failed attempt at this tie, then tossed the fabric onto the floor and went towards the other woman laying on the bed. “You are not an associate.”

“Yeah but, I’m bangin’ the Blue Demon’s biggest baddy.” she grinned at Nona’s eye roll. “Doesn’t count as somethin’?”

“It does not.”

“Well.. can’t I be a plus one?”

“You will not have fun at this event, I promise.” Nona leaned down and gave her girlfriend’s pouty lips a quick kiss. “It is an excuse for old demons to gather and drink and discuss matters I have no interest in hearing. I do not enjoy these events, but I must attempt.”

“I could make it fun.” Mezuma grinned wickedly.

“That’s preciously the reason why you will not be going.” Nona was caught by Mezuma grabbing at the collar of her shirt and bringing her down for a slow kiss. The green haired woman hummed against her mouth and gently bit her bottom lip before pulling away. “The answer is still no.”

“You’re no fun at all.” Mezuma whined and gently shoved Nona away, who was chuckling in amusement at her. “I think you’re afraid of me meeting Oserious.”

“I would very much like the two of you to meet. But I would rather it be during a setting where he isn’t impossibly busy the whole evening.” Nona went to the tie on the floor and picked it up, knowing she would be disappointing Mikla if she didn’t have the tie on to complete the look. “We have been dating two months.”

“Two and a half.” Mezuma rolled off the bed, landed on her feet, and went over to Nona to grab the tie from her. “Professional killer can’t tie a tie.”

“Hush you.” Nona stood still as Mezuma looped the fabric around her neck, tucked it under the collar and started to loop the fabric, easily, into a clean knot. “My only hope for some sanity at this event will be Mikla’s company.”

“You two are friends~” she replied in a sing song tone.

“You tease me for this?”

“Not teasing.” Mezuma finished the tie knot and tucked the fabric within the vast of Nona’s suit. “Just happy you’re finally with the program that you’re a likable person that has friends.”

“Friend. Singular.”

“Baby steps.” she grabbed at the knot and dragged Nona down for another kiss. “Speaking of, when is Mikla pickin’ you up?”

“Should be soon.” Nona made Mezuma jumped out of the way by lightly pinching her hip. “He insists on coming up to show off his outfit.”

“He did tell me photos wouldn’t do it justice, or he would’ve sent me an insane amount of selfies by now.”

“You two often send each other photos of yourselves?”

“Mostly outfits. He likes seein’ the outfits I wear when I perform at the lounge. And I like seein’ what crazy patterned shirt he’s bought. Don’t worry.. I save the good stuff for you.” Mezuma winked at her.

“As much as I appreciate.. the photos.” Nona cleared her throat. “If you could not send them when I am in Mikla’s company or out working a job-”

“That’s the point of nudes, Nona. They’re wonderful surprises for your girlfriend.”

“Yes but.. I would rather Mikla not be present to see how.. flustered I get.”

“I like that I make you flustered.” Mezuma sauntered over to Nona with a smirk on her face. “I can’t wait to take this suit off you tonight.”

“If you’re a good girl, I’ll let you.” Nona cupped Mezuma’s chin in her hand and smirked at the slack jawed, wide eyed reaction she got out of the other woman. Before Mezume could even snap out of it and respond, there was a knock on the apartment door that captured both of their attention.

“Mikla.” Nona greeted when she opened the door.

“You ready to party, Nans?” Mikla entered the apartment, adorned with a fur lined brown leather jacket over a brown and red plaid suit.

“You are an eyesore.” Nona rubbed her forehead with her fingers.

“You kiddin’ me? I make this look good.” Mikla grinned, his gold toothed fangs shinning in the kitchen light. “You look fabulous by the way. I knew this would be a look and you are absolutely KILLIN’ it, Banans.”

“Please stop.” Nona shoved him away to stop him from dancing around her.

“How do we look, Mez?” Mikla immediately struck an over exaggerated pose next to Nona.

“Ready to break some hearts.” she replied with a laugh.

“No heart breakin’ tonight, ladies. Just demons and business.” he clapped his hands and did a slow spin. “Car is awaitin’ Nans, time to blow this joint.” he slipped on sunglasses he pulled from his pocket and shimmied his shoulders as he backed out into the hallway.

“Try not to kill anyone.” Mezuma helped Nona put her jacket on and grabbed her face for one more kiss.

“I can’t make that promise.” Nona quickly kissed her back. “Call me when you are off at the club. I will see if I can leave by then and come get you.”

“Nah, don’t worry. I’m a tough girl, I can make it home on my own.”

“I know.” Nona took her hand from her face and kissed her palm. “Just humor me.”

“I’ll call.” Mezuma promised and blew both of them a kiss as they headed toward the elevator.

~~~

Guests started arriving at the Oserious manor as soon as Nona and Mikla arrived. There were guards at the doors checking each guest to ensure that each demon had invites to the party. It was done to not have another repeat of the sniper assassination attempt on Mikla at the last gathering that was held. Nona was, as usual, hiding in the more hidden areas of the room, preferring to keep an eye on everyone rather than interact with them. But, seeing as Mikla has his own associates at the party, he was very insistent on Nona meeting them.

“Please stop forcing me to interact with demons.” Nona huffed angrily at Mikla after the last demon they spoke to left them to go mingle with the other guests.

“You gotta make nice with my associates, Nona. We’re gonna be workin’ with them to figure out this copy cat situation we’ve got on our hands here.” Mikla nudged her side as he started walking towards one of the long tables covered in food.

“That is why I would rather not ‘make nice’ with any of these demons.” she glanced angrily around the full room. “I do not trust a single demon in this room. Anyone here could be an allie to this ‘copy cat’ organization.

“Nah, I don’t think no one here would be. These are long time friends and partners of Oserious. None of them would even have the balls to even consider turnin’ their backs on him cause they know what he’s capable of.”

“Still.. I do not trust anyone here.”

“You hardly trust anyone anywhere. I could probably name everyone you trust on one hand.”

“You would only need three fingers.”

“Oh? Am I one of those fingers?”

“Please don’t phrase it like that.” Nona glanced over at a small gathering of demons surrounding Oserious. “I haven’t had a moment to speak to Oserious since he’s come back.”

“I did but it was to inform him of the situation and how much more information we’ve gathered from our trigger happy, locked up friend downstairs. Which, unfortunately, ain’t a lot of information. These fellas ain’t talkin’ and it’s really startin’ to frustrate the Hell out of me.” Mikla plucked a grape from the plate on the table and popped it in his mouth. “Poor ol’ man hasn’t had a break. Goin’ from travelin’ for work to hostin’ a party.”

“It use to be worse. He use to do everything on his own before you came into the picture and helped relieve some of his duties.”

“Aw, that sounds like a compliment, Nans.” he looked up at her with a pleased expression and a hand over his heart.

“Please do not make a big deal out of this, Mikla.”

“Alright I wont. I still thing the ol’ man deserves a day or two off tho.” he picked up a small plate and put a few pieces of dessert items from the end of the table on it. “Check it out, Nans, they got that chocolate you like.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked, her attention now focused on Mikla.

“Listen, don’t play dumb wifh me, Nona. Despite what you think, I’m an incredibly observant demon. And while you’re very good at hidin’ most of your interests from me, you can’t hid your odd and ridiculous sweet tooth from me, my friend.”

“You are mistaken.”

“Am not.” he set his plate down and picked up a second one to load it with several pieces of chocolate. “Uncle buys the stuff almost as quickly as it runs out in the house. Now, I know he don’t like sweets that much and I never touch the stuff. So who’s the one eatin’ it? Cause I only see the stuff gone whenever you come by round here.”

“You are exaggerating a simple observation.”

“But am I wrong?” he held the plate out to Nona and smiled at her. “I wont tell no one about your little chocolate secret, Nona. Well... maybe Mezzie. She’ll definitely wanna know this.”

“I curse the day you two ever met.” Nona gave him and the plate he was holding a once over before she snatched it from him.

“Cheers! There ya go, Nans. Let loose a little. You don’t always need to be workin’.” he picked up the plate he made for himself and ate a small square of white chocolate.

“My job is to make sure you don’t get into any trouble.”

“And you do your job spectacularly. But I can handle meself, Nans. I’m a big boy now and I’d like to think I ain’t as stupid as I was before.”

“Arguable.”

“Regardless, nothin’s gonna happen here tonight. There’s about 70 plus demons here, presumably on Oserious’s side, and hired guards. These copy cat demons would have to be daft idiots to try and pull somethin’ here, especially with all these armed fellas and you here.”

“We thought the same thing before you were almost assassinated in a similar scenario to this.”

“Yeah but that didn’t turn out well for that demon, did it? He’s still locked up and we’re both still standin’ here. Everythin’ works out. Don’t get yourself up in a tizzy worrin’ about every little thing, Nans.” he patted her check before sending her a quick salute and wondering off into the crowd of demons.

Nona observed from the table for a little while. She was mostly waiting for the opportunity to speak with Oserious without a crowd of other demons around him. But she was keeping on eye on things. Even with how confident Mikla sounded about everything running smoothly here, Nona didn’t want to take that chance, so in her mind everyone here was suspect.

Dinner was finally served some time later. The wait staff carried out trays of food to each of the tables in the dinning area, where most of the demons were starting to gather. Oserious was finally left alone at his table when his food had arrived, so Nona quickly made her way over to him. Hopefully her presence near him would ward off any unwanted interruptions.

“Nona, it’s been too long, my dear.” he greeted her with a warm, yet tired, smile.

“It has, yes.” she set her plate down on the table and sat in the empty seat next to him. “How have your travels been?”

“Eventful in their own way, I suppose. You wouldn’t be at all interested. I am, however, interested in what has been going on in my absence. I’ve heard we’ve been making some headway with this organization that thinks it can copy my weapon designs?”

“Yes.. we’re trying to find the organization but it’s proving difficult. The demon we captured from his failed assassination isn’t giving us any information about who it is he works for and what their overall goal is.”

“I have complete faith that they will be found and stopped. I trust in you and my associates who are undoubtedly working hard. This is a very important matter and stopping whomever these demons are is top priority for us.” he took a couple quick bites of his meal and washed it down with some gulps of water. “Now, there is another matter I wish to discuss with you.”

“That would be..”

“I’ve been informed by my great nephew that you’ve gone and got yourself a girlfriend.”

“Oh well..” Nona shifted a bit in her seat and picked at one of the chocolate’s on her plate. “Yes I have. I mentioned her to you before actually. The woman I had inadvertently rescued during that raid with Kozic.”

“You have mentioned her, yes.. That was some time ago.. two months?”

“Two and a half yes.”

“Must be serious then. I barely hear you with partners to begin with, let alone the same one for more than a week.” Oserious chuckled and sipped some water. “Well go on then, what is she like? What does she do for a living?”

“She’s a singer. She just got a job at this burlesque lounge, Fatal Ecstasy. For now, she works three nights out of the week. But she has been told she could be included in more acts.”

“This girl must be a talented to have Lady Jou hire her. That woman is not an easy demon to please.”

“Mezuma is.. she’s.. wonderful.” Nona sighed with a small smile on her face, it made Oserious chuckle again. “I have only seem her perform a couple times but she’s... amazing.”

“You are quite smitten, my dear.” he nudged an elbow against hers.

“Am I that obvious?”

“Yes. And it’s refreshing seeing you doing things for yourself. I should like to meet this Mezuma one day.”

“That was actually a topic of discussion tonight.”

“Oh?”

“Yes.” Nona laughed a little under her breath. “She wanted very much to attend this party for some reason.”

“Well, obviously she would have been more than welcome, but I hardly want to be here and I’m hosting the bloody thing. I don’t think she would have any sort of fun here.”

“That’s what I told her.” Nona chuckled.

“Besides, I know the unfortunate nature of my associates here.” he gestured at the filled tables of demons with his fork. “You bring a pretty lady here and the topic of conversation will be about her. And I’m sure you will have broken your fair share of wrists by evenings end.”

“I would not harm anyone here.. On purpose.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t.” Oserious humored her with a chuckle and a playful wink. “When I am not weighed down with business and travels, you will bring her here for dinner. I am a little offended that my nephew had the chance to meet her before I did.”

“He was very... persistent on meeting her.”

“Ah yes, in typical Mikla fashion. Did they get along?”

“Terrifyingly well, yes.”

“Mikla has always had a rather trendous gift of getting along with everyone. How he manages to have any sort of entertainment at these gatherings I will never know. Why, he’s probably talking the ear off of some poor demon.”

“I would not be surprised.” Nona glanced around the room, trying her best to focus through all the energies in the room to find out where Mikla was since he wasn’t in eyesight of her. The moment she pinpointed his heartbeat, she heard it stop for a moment longer than it should before stutter back to life.

“Nona?” Oserious gently put a hand on her shoulder, alarmed by the completely out of character expression of shock on her face. Nona looked over at him with wide eyes before roughly shoving her chair out of the way and running from the table.

~~~

Mikla had spent most of the evening working the room and chatting with pretty much every demon invited to the party. When dinner was served, he retired to the balcony to have a moment to himself and have a quick cigarette. He had just lit his cigarette when a dark purple demon approached from his side and leaned up against the railing next to him.

“Mind if I bum one off ya?”

“‘ey Vanee, yeah sure here.” he handed the pack to the other demon and tossed the lighter. “Haven’t seen ya in a while. Whatchu been up to, mate?”

“Boss M’s got me runnin’ errands for him all the time.”  Vanee light his cigarette and blew some smoke out. “Really annoyin’ actually, haven’t had a day off in weeks.”

“I’m sure everyone’s busy with these new copy cats around. Any help is appreciated, mate.” Mikla blew smoke out over the railing. “Still, a party’s a nice break. You enjoyin’ yourself?”

“Buncha rich demons talkin’ about how much money and power they got? Yeah I’m havin’ a grand ol’ time.” Vanee spoke viciously.

“Yeah, these ol’ stiffs do brag about their expenses a lot, but no one here’s braggin’ about power or anythin’ like that.” Mikla looked at the other demon with a slightly confused expression.

“This whole party is a power show, Miky. Only demons gettin’ in here are the ones with the money and the power, you and I both know this.”

“Yeah, they’re powerful, but so is any other gang out there. The demons in here just happen to have agreements and morals that they’re abiding by, Vanee, you know this.”

“Morals, rules, policing, it’s all a human made construct. We’re demons. Why do we need morals?” Vanee flicked his half finished cigarette over the railing. “We ain’t got laws down here, we’re not meant to, so why do we got other demons, thinkin’ they’re better than us, tryin’ to enforce some sort of rules and guidelines on everyone else.”

“This place would be chaos if we weren’t doin’ anythin’, Vanne. Oserious wanted to give us some sort of order to this place, otherwise, demons would be tryin’ to kill each other left and right.”

“So him makin’ a demon killin’ weapon is really the solution to the ‘demons killin’ other demons’ problem.”

“Admittedly it wasn’t a great solution but at the time it was all he had. Unerverse was shit and someone had to do somethin’ before it was too late. But that’s why he’s so careful about who he’s given the weapons to. He makes sure they’re trustworthy and not gonna do anythin’ indecent with ‘em.” Mikla stood up straight so he wasn’t leaning against the balcony anymore. “Where the Hell is all this comin’ from, Vanee?”

“This shit happened in the past, Mikla. Remember The Riot?”

“Yeah I remember The Riot. Some group of demons like 60 some years ago wanted to do what humans do and enforce laws and regulations for all of us to follow. They called themselves.. ‘police force’ or somethin’ like that. They did it so we weren’t eatin’ each other alive.”

“But everyone else didn’t like it. They didn’t like these high and mighty demons actin’ like they run the place just cause they have money and use it to buy power. False power. Makin’ it hard for poor and destitute demons to survive. So they rioted and tore down everythin’ those demons stupidly worked on. Cause they was easily outnumbered.” Vanee’s face twisted in disgust. “We aren’t meant to have rules. Sooner or later, this shit’s gonna happen to you and your Uncle. The worst part is, he gave everyone ammo to take him down.”

“I don’t like the way you’re talkin’, Vanee.” Mikla dropped his cigarette on the ground and snuffed it out with his boot. “You’re talkin’ an awful lot like one of those demons..”

“It’s common sense, you know it’s gonna happen, Mikla. That copy cat group is already workin’ on remakin’ your Uncle’s demon killer weapons. As soon as they do that, they’re comin’ after you and every other snooty demon in this room.”

“I don’t appreciate you comin’ here and bad mouthin’ me and my Uncle.” Mikla grabbed a fist full of the other demon’s shirt and yanked him towards him.  

“I’m speakin’ the truth, Mikla. The Blue Demon is a plague on Unerverse who thinks he’s as righteous as a God. Life thrived before him and it will thrive after him.”

“Is that a threat?”

“It’s fate.” Vanee grinned maliciously at Mikla.

“You ain’t just bad mouthin’.. it sounds like you-” Mikla felt a sharp pain underneath his ribs. His grip loosened on Vanee’s shirt and he fell to his knees in front of the other demon.

“Look familiar?” Vanee held out a jagged knife to Mikla, covered in his own blue blood. “That’s your Uncle’s symbol, innit?” he pointed at the carving on the base of the knife. “I get you with this again.. you ain’t survivin’.”

“Traitor.” Mikla spat out.

“You know, I was stupidly on your side when Boss M made that deal with your uncle when I joined his crew. But.. this hidden legion of demons showed me the way. Chaos is inevitable. Order will only survive when those in power are still alive. And after you’re gone.. it’s just your Uncle we need to deal with. All those demons in there.. will crumble after you’re both gone.” he lined up the blade against Mikla’s throat, ready to slice into his flesh.

“You’re forgettin’ someone.” Mikla said with a bloodied grin.

“Cocky for someone about to die. Alright, I’ll bite.. who did I forget.” he suddenly stiffened when he felt the cold barrel of a gun against the back of his neck.

“Drop the knife.” Nona growled.

“Heeey Nans.” Mikla fell against the railing of the balcony and shakily pressed his hands to his wound. “Nice of ya to join us.”

I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner.” Nona kicked away the knife Vanee dropped and made him stand with his hands in the air.

“Nah, don’t worry much about it. Just a flesh wound.”

“Miklazal!” Oserious burst through the door of the balcony, ran to his nephew on the ground, and knelt down beside him. “What in the Hell happened here?” he demanded.

“This is one Hell of a shindig you’ve thrown here, Uncle.” Mikla chuckled weakly. “Seems Vanee here’s workin’ for this.. what did you call them?”

“Legion of demons.” Vanee spat out as he fought Nona trying to tie his hands up.

“Yeah them.” Mikla wiped away some blood from his mouth, wincing when his uncle put pressure on his wounded side. “Thems the copy cats, I reckon. He’s workin’ for the enemy.”

“Nona, get this demon away from my nephew and locked up somewhere. I will deal with him later.” Oserious pressed a finger to the ear piece in his left ear. “Send help on the balcony.”

~~~

Causing a panic was the last thing Oserious wanted to have happen at this party, so he had a couple of the guards quickly and quietly bring Mikla into the manor and down to one of the medical areas. The guests were unaware of what had happened on the balcony and Oserious made sure they were left in the dark about it. He had to continue to entertain them, which meant he couldn’t be by his nephews side.

“He’s lost a lot of blood. But, the blade doesn’t appear to have pierced any organs.” a greenish blue demon was summoned from the party by one of the guards to look at Mikla. “It was done by an Oserious weapon?”

“Yes.” Nona stood anxiously at Mikla’s other side as he was laid out on top of a metal table to be examined.

“It wont heal properly on it’s own, but it can heal. Unfortunately, it will leave a rather noticeable scar, since it is one of Oserious’s weapons.” the demon went searching through one of the cabinets in the room until he found a package of needles and some flexible wire. “There’s a human made medical concept called ‘stitches’ that could possible help. It keeps the ends of the wound close to together to help the flesh heal.”

“Use to do those growin’ up.” Mikla joked weakly. “Youngin’s liked doin’ human stuff like it was some type a weird fad.”

“We should start to see some improvement when I’m done, given your naturally quickly healing.” the demon threaded the wire through one of the needle holes and started piercing it through Mikla’s skin to sew the wound shut.

“He will be okay?”

“Aw Nans, you do care.” Mikla reached his hand up, slowly, and patted Nona’s face.

“Mikla, please, you’re injured.” she took the blue demon’s hand away from her face but kept a tight hold on it.

“You never hold hands with me anymore, Nona. And how come you never look me in the eye when we make love.”

“Stop speaking, you are delirious and you need to rest.” Nona felt her phone buzz in her pocket before it started ringing.

“Speakin’ of makin’ love.” Mikla giggled at his own joke. “Probably ya girly, eh?”

“Yes.” Nona pulled her phone from her pocket to see the caller ID. “I will... call her back.”

“Nah answer it now. She’s gonna get worried if ya don’t.” Mikla patted her hand with his other hand. “I’ll be here when you get back.. Promise.”

Nona stared at him for a few seconds and squeezed his hand one more time before ducking out of the room to answer her phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey babe, I just got off. How’s the party? Havin’ fun?”

“No. Not really.. I..” Nona breath shook in the phone, a very unfamiliar feeling bubbling up in her chest.

“Babe, what’s wrong?” the concern in Mezuma’s voice made the feeling in Nona’s chest worsen.

“There was.. another attempt at Mikla’s life.. I was.. I was almost too late.”

“Holy shit, Is he okay? Are you okay?”

“He has lost a lot of blood.. a demon from the party is giving him.. ‘stitches’? I believe that’s what he called them.. he told us they would help Mikla heal.”

“Please tell me you caught the demon that did this.”

“I did yes. He’s been locked up. Oserious will handle him at a later time...”

“I hope he tears that guy a new one. Fuckin’ asshole.” Mezuma gritted through the phone.

“I am sorry, I wont be able to get you from work-”

“No, no, no, I completely understand, Nona! You stay with Mikla as long as he needs you. I’ll just go to your apartment and wait for you there, okay?”

“Yes.” Nona took a deep, shaky breath. “Please let me know when you get there. I do not want to worry about you too.”

“I’ve got my gun on me. I’ll be fine. You just.. keep me updated on Mikla okay?”

“I will... Stay safe.”

The call ended and Nona shoved her phone into her pocket as she went back into the room where Mikla was still laying down on the medical table, half awake.

“They seem to be working already.” the demon spoke from Mikla’s injured side. “His body is already starting to heal itself with the stitches’ help.”

“See, Nans? I’ll still be able to play piano, no problem.” Mikla spoke with slow, slurred voice.

“He just needs rest to make up for the amount of blood that he’s lost.” the demon finished up stitching Mikla’s side and started covering the wound with gauze. “Plenty of food and bed rest for the next couple of days should do it. I will go inform Oserious of your condition.” he bowed his head at the two of them and left the room.

Nona looked down at her tired partner and took his hand in hers again. He responded with bringing their joined hands up to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to the top of her hand.

“I wasn’t worried, Nans.. Knew you’d come for me.” he tiredly patted her hand.

“You have too much faith in me, Mikla. I was almost too late..”

“Nah.. came just in time.. ‘m still here, ain’t I?”

“You would not have gotten hurt if I had acted sooner.”

“I wouldn’t have gotten hurt if Vanee wasn’t a traitorous prick, Nona.” Mikla appeared to have sobered up for a moment and made hard eye contact with the taller woman. “He betrayed us. He betrayed.. me. He joined this.. fuckin’ Legion or whatever and he caught me in a moment of weakness when I was unarmed and unguarded. You were right.. before.. I was stupid to think I could put my trust so easily into these demons. I ain’t about to make that mistake again, Nona. You and.. Uncle O are the only ones I’m trustin’ now.”

“You have.. a very calm demeanor for someone who was just stabbed.”

“Ain’t the first. Wont be the last.” Mikla let out a sigh as he relaxed into the table. “’m sorry I didn’t take your concern seriously before, Nans.”

“Now’s not the time. You need to rest.”

“Yeah, probably right.” Mikla sighed again and slowly let his eyes close. By the time Nona had pulled up a chair next to the table Mikla was laying on, he had already fallen into a deep sleep. Nona stayed by his side, focusing on his steady heart beat and nothing else until Oserious finally joined her a couple hours later.

“How is my nephew?”

“Asleep.” Nona didn’t dare look away from the young demon for a second, afraid he would stop breathing the moment she did.

“Nona..” Oserious went over to her to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Go home. It’s been a long evening for all of us. You should rest. I will watch over him.”

“You need rest as well, Oserious. You have not had a break in months.”

“And I will get my rest. But right now my concern is that both of you are well.”

“You needn’t concern yourself with me. I am fine.”

“You are not and that’s quite alright, Nona. It’s hard seeing your family get hurt.” he squeezed her shoulder.

“I imagine it would be difficult seeing your nephew this way-”

“I meant you, Nona.” Oserious ran his hand along the back of Nona’s head with a soft smile. “My dear.. you must know by now that I have considered you family for a while.”

“F-family? Me?”

“Yes and I know my nephew shares my sentiment.” he tucked his hand under Nona’s arm and physically made her stand up from the chair. “Now.. I have a driver ready for you outside to take you home. It would be rude to keep him waiting.”

“But.. I..”

“No arguing.” Oserious pointed a finger at her and took her seat next to Mikla. “Get home. Try to rest. I will keep you informed on Mikla’s condition, should there be any drastic changes. But for now, you must take care of yourself. I’m sure Mezuma is worred and wondering where you are.”

“Mezuma..” Nona automatically went for her phone in her pocket to check it and saw she received a message from the other woman hours ago saying she had arrived home safely. She looked back up at Oserious one last time and he waved her off as she left the room.

~~~

It was around three in the morning when Mezuma heard the door open to the apartment.

“Oh Nona.” she rushed over from the kitchen table and looked over at her girlfriend’s exhausted features and red eyes.

“He’s okay.” Nona spoke through a lump in her throat. “Oserious is.. he’s watching him now. He’s resting..”

“Babe..” Mezuma stepped back for a moment so Nona could removed her jacket, tie, and vest. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t know.” she answered in a small, quiet voice. “I don’t know what is happening to me.. I.. I’m-”

“It’s okay.” Mezuma gathered the other woman up in her arms and stroked her back. “It’s okay-”

“I heard his heart stop.. for a second I thought.. that he..”

“He’s okay, Nona.” she cupped Nona’s face in her hands, making her look down at her. “You said so yourself.”

“I was almost too late.” Nona felt a tear roll down her cheek and she took a deep breath. “I let my guard down- he was.. stabbed and almost killed because of me.”

“You can’t think like that, Nona. You didn’t hurt him. It wasn’t your fault.”

“I didn’t move fast enough!” Nona backed away from Mezuma and paced around the table in the kitchen. “It is my job to protect him and Oserious. If either one of them gets hurt, it’s my fault!”

“You weren’t the one stabbin’ him, Nona!” Mezuma stopped Nona from pacing with a hand against her chest. “It wasn’t your fault he got hurt!”

“You don’t understand.. If I had not gotten there in time he would be dead. It’s my job to protect him, Mezuma. It’s my fault.”

“It’s not your fault! Gods! We are you arguing with me about this?! You didn’t hurt Mikla! This was some random attempt by some murderous freak! Nona.. You saved him! You don’t have to be around him to protect him 24/7 ! You’ve got your own life! He can handle himself and he knows he's got you when things get rough! But it’s not your damn fault he got hurt tonight! Why are you puttin’ so much blame on yourself!”

“Because he’s my family!!” Nona shouted with such emotion that it made her physically reel back at what she said. They stared at each other wide eyed for a long time before Nona’s face crumbled and she sank to her knees on the kitchen floor.

“Oh Nona.” Mezuma knelt down in front of her and wiped away the steady falling tears from her girlfriends cheeks. Nona’s sudden confession made something break in her as well and she felt a little teary eyed. “Sweetheart..”

“Oserious said I was family.. He looked at me.. he said I was family. He said Mikla.. Mikla thinks I’m family... I have a family..” Nona looked up at her with a pinched expression. “That’s why.. I can’t let anything happen to them. They’re all that I have, Mezuma.. I can’t lose them.”

“Babe..” Mezuma brought Nona in for a hug and allowed the taller woman to slump against her. “You poor thing. Nothing’s gonna happen to them, okay? Mikla is one of the toughest demons I know. And Oserious is so powerful, no one would ever mess with him. Tonight was a fluke.. I know they wont let it happen again and I know for damn sure you wont let it happen again.”

“He puts so much trust in me.. I was almost too late.”

“Stop thinkin’ like that, Nona.” Mezuma demanded. “You listen.. Mikla is fine. He’s gonna wake up tomorrow and be back to his old self. And he’s gonna keep puttin’ his trust in you. Because you’re gonna be the reason he’s able to wake up tomorrow. You’ve gotta have hope, Nona.”

“Hope..”

“Yeah.” Mezuma chuckled a little bit. “Not a common thing around these parts. But hope is what lead me to you. And I can’t turn my back on the thing that brought me the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

"Hope.” Nona pulled herself away from Mezuma and sat back on her knees. “I will try.. to have hope then.”

“Okay.” Mezuma wiped away another tear from Nona’s cheek with a small smile. “Let’s get you out of this suit and into some pajamas, yeah?”

“I don’t deserve you.” Nona allowed Mezuma to help her off the floor. “I don’t deserve you taking care of me like this. I’m sorry.. for the way I am acting.”

“I like that I get to do this..” Mezuma confessed as she started to unbutton Nona’s dress shirt. “That I get to take care of you sometimes.. Cause you’re always doin’ things for me and takin’ care of me. And.. I know you said you’d do anythin’ for me and I wouldn’t have to do a single thing in return but.. I would do anythin’ for you too Nona. Cause I want to. Cause I.. I care about you so much.”

Nona was silent and stood patiently for Mezuma to finish unbuttoning her shirt before sliding it off her shoulders. When the shirt was tossed over one of the chairs in the kitchen, Nona backed the other woman up against the wall, crowding her there. Nona stared at her, as if she was planning her next move before she did anything. So Mezuma just waited quietly.

“You make this so easy.” Nona finally said. “Before you, I’ve never felt the things I feel now with anyone else. You’ve made it so easy for me to feel vulnerable and normal.” she leaned into Mezuma, pressing her body along the other woman’s, and resting her forehead against hers. “You’ve made it so easy.. for me to fall in love with you, Mezuma.”

“Yeah?” Mezuma grinned, her eyes filling with tears that she tried to blink away, and brought her hands up to wrap around Nona’s neck. “You mean it? You love me?”

“I do.” Nona looked down at her with a sudden sad expression. “I apologize if it’s too much-”

“You’re an idiot!”

“I-what?” Nona looked at her with confusion.

“I said you’re an idiot.” Mezuma laughed. “Because I’ve been in love with you ever since that first night you spent at my apartment.”

“But you’ve.. you’ve never said anything before.”

“I was afraid of sayin’ somethin’ too soon and scarin’ you off.” Mezuma admitted quietly. “Truth is.. I’m afraid of losin’ you just as much as you’re afraid of losin’ me.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good. Neither am I.”

“Good.” Nona ran her hands along Mezuma’s sides. “There’s so many things I want to with you..”

“Later. You’ve been through a lot tonight. I’m exhausted and you must be dead on your feet.” Mezuma pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. “We have plenty of time together, Nona.”

“You’re right..” Nona backed away from the other woman’s space and went over to the bed.

“I’m always right.” Mezuma followed her and hopped on top of the bed.

“You are.” Nona fell easily into her girlfriends open arms and curled up half on top of her.

It was quiet for a long time. The first colorful rays of sunshine peaked through the window when Mezuma finally fell asleep. Nona closed her eyes soon after that and fell asleep listening to the steady heart beat of the other woman.

[margaritaris]

(100 things) I have learned in my seventeen years of life.

1. Some of the people you think are going to be around forever, will not. Nothing in life is ever certain nor guaranteed. Cherish them and love them wholly and fully every single day that you can.

2. You are capable of just about anything. You can push your mind to unthinkable limits. You just have to keep pushing, even when you feel like you can’t. You are stronger and smarter than you think or could ever believe. You truly are.

3. If you view someone else’s behavior towards you as a reflection of themselves and not you, then you will truly learn to cease all.

4. Think thoroughly and check your surroundings before you say anything about someone else. Is it positive and will it benefit someone else to say it? If it’s not positive, it’s better to keep it to yourself in many instances

5. Schoolwork and college are not everything

6. Eat that damn taco

7. Your feelings are not irrational, you have the right to feel whatever it is you feel at any moment in time, do not let anyone tell you otherwise, as they do not take precedence or insignificance over or under anyone else.

8. You have to be hurt at times. It’s how you learn and experience and heal and grow.

9. Life is short but long. Life might be a happy medium of the two. Enough time for you to enjoy moments and remember them forever, but short enough to inspire you to live and experience it to the fullest.

10. There’s nothing wrong with being independent

11. There’s also nothing wrong with admitting that you need help, too.

12. Don’t ever be ashamed of the music you like.

13. Listen to your music as loud as fucking possible!!! 

 14. You don’t have to bend your morals for some else’s ideals.

15. Your pain does not have to be justified or simplified. You cannot compare your pain to someone else’s’ and say that you don’t deserve to be sad because someone else has it worse. That’s like simply saying that because someone has it better, you can’t be happy.

16. You can’t always control situations, but can always control as to how you react to them.

17. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

18. Just because someone is doing something differently doesn’t mean it is wrong. There is no wrong path to growing in life

19. Keep a journal or diary and write in it often. There will be seasons for remembering to write in it and seasons where you will forget. But you won’t regret coming back to it and seeing where you once left off, and seeing how far you have come in such time.

20. Jealously will get you nowhere. Learn to be happy for other people’s strengths, no matter how much you wish you had that certain strength or ability. Everyone is different. Be happy for their talents and happy for yours! Difference in people is pure diversity and that is what makes this world so colorful and abstract

21. Talk about the things you love more often than the things you don’t. It does no good to talk about things you dislike all the time and brings no peace to either person in the conversation

22. Say your prayers and pray often. Pray everyday. Pray before you make a decision, pray when you’re struggling, pray always. It changes things.

23. With growing up comes, of course, a stronger sense of maturity. Forgiveness, patience, and selflessness are three traits that are heavily learned, at least I had to learn and practice with through seventeen years of my life. I struggled with some more than others.. Some came naturally and others, took time and still take time to this day. Forgiveness is one of them that I had to work on because I can be pretty sensitive and stubborn at times. Don’t worry so much over quarrels or little arguments you may have with your sibling, dad, aunt, or even teacher or friend. They’re not worth sulking for hours on end over something so little unless it lies deeper and hurt a great deal towards a much larger issue. Otherwise, just rise and be the bigger person. Forgive those who trespass against you, as holding a grudge is one of the many poisons of life. Forgive and move on.

24. Your body does so much for you that you don’t even know about. You can either choose to be with or against yourself, and you are going to be in this same body your whole life, so try and treasure it as you can! It loves you.

25. Being stubborn all the time can lead to regret.

26. Don’t wish you were another age older than you are. You’re only young once, is it over yet? Because as much as you wish to be older, it still won’t happen until due time and you can spend this current time enjoying the age you are exactly and the things it has to offer instead, because soon enough you will be at that other age. So just enjoy what life offers you right now. Be present.

27. This is your life. Nobody else can be you, nor can you be them. Therefore, I’ve realized that you cannot dictate how somebody else chooses to live. You cannot tell them who to love, what to do, or what to believe in. This world is becoming such a diverse complex and people are voicing their opinions so often because times are changing and everyone clashes. What I personally believe is that everyone is entitled to love, and do whatever makes them happy, and by letting people do that, and live their life because you are living yours, is the right thing. You can’t force someone to believe in something. All you can do is encourage, not force. You must respect all people, even if you don’t understand. 

28. When someone says, “Love yourself” it isn’t as easy as that to just “love yourself.” I’ve learned it takes, and will take, many years and tears and triumphs and mountains to climb and experiences to shape and to cause you to fully learn to love yourself. But you can. You can love yourself in the moment, just as you are, as little as you maybe be able too. It’s all in your mindset. Sometimes it’s quicker for others, and others much longer. Everyone takes things at different paces and there is nothing wrong with that!

29. Cut your hair the way you want to. It will always grow back at some point

30. No text or call is worth the risk while driving. Never.

31. When curious for inquiry for yourself, the worst someone can say is no. But you never know until you ask.

32. Take the leap!!!! You never know what could lie on the other side of fear or doubt!

33. Kids, and teenagers, should be heard and not just seen. I’ve been shut out, and not allowed to speak or voice my opinions or put in my input because of my age. I believe that age has no boundaries for knowledge or experience. You become wise with experience, not age. And experience comes to you at all different times and cornerstones in life. A twelve year old could have more experience with grief than someone in their forties. You never know. So listen to the little ones, for they deserve it just as much

34. Dress up for as long as you can on Halloween. It’s a hell of a lot of fun and pride or a certain reputation won’t give you memories to remember or cherish when you’re old and gray.

35. Whether you like it or not, life goes on. After a terrible experience… life will still go on. The people surrounding you will continue on, and you will soon get back into the flow of things. Mending doesn’t always run parallel with things moving forward.

36. Drama is worth nothing. You either create it, or let it escape into your life if you’re constantly surrounded by it. Sometimes it just comes out of nowhere, but there is always a way to avoid it somehow, even if you can’t escape the people around you speaking it you can simply turn a blind eye and ignore it all with other thoughts. Either way, you can cut it out completely. But you have to make the conscious effort and choice. Not to say it won’t appear again, because it will, this is life, but you will always have the choice to ignore it and stray far from it.

37. There’s always a bend in the road.

38. Read very often. I’ve just now as of recently have gotten back into the joy of reading books, (I have read fan fictions so much before) and I’ve re-fallen in love with it.

39. How many friends you have do not define you.

40. Having one single person who understands you to the core and simply just loves you for you and knowing they would do anything on this earth for you and being able to call them your best friend, is one of the best blessings life could ever offer.

41. Wear whatever the heck you want!!

42. The world is going to judge you anyway, so do whatever the heck you want too.

43. Don’t be embarrassed to dance in public

44. Even the most kind and down to earth people you could know and meet, still will have darkly flaws. Nobody is perfect. People lose their tempers and everyone says things they don’t mean. It’s life, and you have to accept that humans are humans and are bound to do things that could seem terrible at times and they make mistakes. But it doesn’t make them a terrible person. Seeing a flash of a different side to a person you care for and knowing that is not who they are, does not mean they are any different than the person you know and love.

45. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being shy. If this is who you are, take strength in it. Silence does and can speak louder than words at many times.

46. Just because people have bad habits, it does not make them a bad person.

47. Take numerous photos and videos of anything and everything but remember not to, too. Admire things without a lens.

48. Not everything about life needs to be shared online.

49. You can learn things, and know them, but it takes one step at a time and patience to incorporate and remember them in your life. As I know all these things I am writing, I still make mistakes and trespass over the “do not’s” so often. But that’s a human for you.

50. Don’t worry about what your feed or social media looks like so much. Don’t worry about the perfect selfie or aesthetic if you don’t want too. It’s energy being wasted on the most unnecessary thing.

51. Don’t let adults try and deprive you of this generation and age. They may try and say that the music they hear now is garbage, and that people are too self conceded nowadays, but that’s not true. We take pictures of ourselves because self love is important and something that has been shifted underneath the rug for all the generations prior. Your parents had their unique generation and trends, and your grandparents sure thought the same thing your parents might think right now, so you are allowed to have your own time to blossom. Enjoy this time and don’t care about taking a selfie in public or listening to music aloud. Delve into the uniqueness of this time period! You’ll have many stories to tell eventually

52. You should never outgrow imagination. It’s a gift, and if you are able to imagine things you are very lucky. Sometimes, imagination could be your only comfort during hard trials

53. You’re NEVER selfish for doing something for yourself that you need. Self care is often taken and perceived as the object of selfishness. Don’t believe that for one second of your life

54. Visit elders. Visit your grandparents and great aunts and uncles often. They were young like you once too, but try not to worry much about thinking that you’re going to be that ripe old age soon because you’re not at the moment, and you must enjoy how you are now. It is not boring if you’d open up your heart. But you will be an elder at some point and elders enjoy the company as many are always lonely. Just ask them of their old days and watch them smile. It always brings peace to my heart and I’m sure it will to yours as well. Even they can expand your mind too if you just let them.

55. You’re going to have as good of a time as you make your mind up to be.

56. Do the most random acts of kindness you can anytime you remember, and also always remember to remind the people you care most about how much they mean to you.

57. Don’t rush driving if you’re not ready and only want to do it because everyone else is. You’ll have so many years to drive later on. Your teenage years aren’t even but a fraction of your life.

58. You don’t have to do everything at once.

59. Also, there’s no point in trying to have perfect grammar and spelling all the time

60. Tomorrow will always be a new day, with no mistakes in it yet.

61. People do not think about you as much as you think, in the sense of they do not judge you every single second of everyday. People are busy with their own lives to think of this so much, so don’t worry. They could be looking at you but trust me, they’re thinking of themselves a lot of the time in that mind of theirs

62.No person is worth changing yourself for. They need to be able to accept you in the midst of your storm. Let them walk beside you as you learn to love yourself, but don’t give them the benediction or power to morph you into what they want you to be. Let them walk beside you and help guide you but not drive you.

63. Not one single person and their opinion of you defines you. Ever.

64. Social media is but pure and best vanity. It is mostly, only the good pieces and things in people’s lives. You want to share only positive things, of course. But even in the photos or paragraphs people can share, it could still all be a mask to hide the pain. Don’t believe everything you see on social media, please

65. You don’t have to be sixteen and on a hardcore diet with an even more straining exercise routine. But also, if you truly want to do it for yourself and yourself only, then there is nothing wrong with eating as healthy as you want or exercising. It’s your life, do whatever will make you happy! Just know you’re still young and you’re beautiful just as you are in any state.

66. Do things that are genuinely good for your soul.

67. Be honest, but know when you can spare someone’s feeling

68. Learn to be okay with your own silence and your own company. It won’t then feel so lonely when you are alone at times.

69. Everything happens for a reason, no doubt about that one. I can’t seem to contradict it as every good and bad thing that has happened to me has placed me to where I am now.

70. Fighting fire with fire will never amount to anything or make anything better. You will end up saying something you regret, and you will feel inevitably worse in the end.

71. Know that you won’t ever know everything you need to know in life

72. Do not cut yourself short because you haven’t dated anyone or kissed someone by the time you’re seventeen. Remember, your teenage years are but a fraction of your life. You have many chances ahead of you and just because you don’t have someone now, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. But in the meantime, enjoy yourself. Take your teenage years to explore and learn about yourself and strengthen your relationship with God, before you can with anyone else.

73. Not every soul will agree or like you. Don’t take it personally

74. Celebrating your birthday is not a selfish thing. It’s a blessing to have lived another year, remember that!

75. Pay for someone’s coffee or drink behind you if you can sometimes.

76. Give a smile, if it’s the only thing you can give, to the homeless. There are many stories about them that make people believe they are untruthful, but I have learned to not believe that to be completely true. They have nothing but the biggest hearts sometimes. If you can, give them a few dollars or maybe a small gift near Christmas. I try so hard to do this even if I’m not able. Giving is one of the most valuable things I have learned in seventeen years. You gain nothing but the comfort of knowing you helped someone, and that is beautiful.

77. Pay people genuine compliments. I’ve learned there’s no sense in giving a compliment that isn’t sincere. Always be honest but truly do give compliments as often as you can! It could be the brightest part of that someone’s day, even if it is hard to muster up the courage to tell them.

78. Don’t try to grow up faster than you are. You will regret it many times in the future.

79. Take other peoples opinions and views with grains of salt. Just because a certain person believes this something doesn’t mean you have to, too.

80. You can’t be her/him. You can’t look exactly like them. You can’t ever have their nose, or humor, or smile. But you don’t need it. And there’s no point in downing yourself because you aren’t like them when it’s nothing you can control. There is nothing wrong with having idols or inspirations, but you must not try to be them. Be you in all your ways. Have faith in yourself. You’re imperfectly beautiful and there are no standards that you have to own up to.

81. You’re allowed to be proud of yourself.

82. Nothing will and ever could be perfect. And not everything will always turn out as you envision it to be, so don’t be disappointed! It’s life and life has to be lived.

83. Tell your best friend everything. From the littlest, and most minor inconvenience to the best or the biggest embarrassment. They’re the one person in this world who isn’t going to judge you and will love you the same after all is said and done anyway

84. But it’s also perfectly okay to keep some things to yourself from people too. You’re inclined to that.

85. You owe not one single soul anything. You’re not responsible for them or their actions.

86. No means no. If someone says no, its means no. Leave it at that. And if you say no, stand firmly by that.

87. Determination is a great thing. If you’re determined, nobody can take that away from you. Never. You will carry this through the rest of your life and will benefit you so greatly. If you want something and love it, dive in determinedly and give it your all.

88. Don’t let grief suck you in whole. If you lose someone, let yourself grieve, but not completely forever. You have to move on… and it can feel wrong many times, as you think, “How can I feel happy for a sliver of a moment when they’re not here anymore?” “How can I laugh when they’re not here to laugh with me?” It will feel like that for awhile. But they want you to be happy as soon as you can be, and you have to move on. You have too. And there is nothing wrong with that, it is natural and you need to do so.

89. There will always be someone who cares and loves you fully.

90. Don’t ever be ashamed of anything that you love. No matter if someone tells you that it’s wrong or different or strange to them, it is not. Never.

91. Not everything has to be taken so seriously!

92. Don’t push away the people who love you because you don’t feel worthy. You are worth more than enough. A thousand times enough.

93. Hiding your insult with the excuse that it is an opinion is not okay.

94. You need to do whatever it may be for yourself, and only yourself. Using all of your energy to focus on changing for other people will do you no good.You must have the geunine intention that you want to do it for you and only you

95. Dogs and cats truly do give the best cuddles sometimes.

96. EAT THAT WHOLE OR HALF PIZZA AND THEN A CUPCAKE AND SOME ICE CREAM AFTERWARDS ALL BY YOURSELF HELL YEAH

97. Always smile at strangers.

98. Living in the past or looking ahead into the future always will drain you. Practice and do things that take your time and cause you to focus on the present.

99. If you can, take time to spend moments with your family. Do not spend all your time on your phone or electronics. Just don’t do it all the time, trust me. Instead of choosing to watch Netflix for the rest of the evening, spend it with your family. You’re so busy growing older that you don’t realize they are too.

100. Always have hope. Never lose hope. Even when the hardest thing to do is hold onto hope. Keep hope sheltered in your heart no matter where you go or what may happen to you, as life is indeed uncertain.

These are just some things that came to my mind when I pondered on what I have learned these many past years. Obviously this is not all of them and just what I have personally learned. I haven’t been excited about turning a year older lately, because the truth is I don’t want too, but looking back I can see all the knowledge I’ve gained and how blessed I am to be turning another year older. God’s given me more than I deserve.. and I am extremely grateful and happy for it. Here’s to the year of seventeen, wow!! Yaaaaaaaay!

[khunvegas]

Saphael Fanfic Rec!

Here are the works I’ve been saving throughout last year since the show first aired and up until this point. Amazing works that show this wonderful pairing and each characterization. All the love to the authors! 

As usual, I couldn’t find some authors’ user names. So, if someone knows the user and tag them, that would be very appreciated

87. Careful is my middle name by tveckling

"And where exactly do you think you're going?"

Raphael's voice came from behind him. Simon hoped his twitching hadn't been too noticeable and turned around with a bright smile that he hoped wasn't too fake. "Just going out."

A Holiday Encounter by @demiromanticmickey

Admittedly, Simon volunteered to help Raphael to try to talk to him, get to know him better. Unfortunately, that wasn't working out so well. It turned out that managing a food drive was a lot harder than Simon had anticipated. And whenever he did try to engage Raphael, he was met with short one word responses before ordering Simon with another task.

A Word Between Two Friends by ofEmeraldStars

“You love him.” It wasn’t a question and Magnus’ voice almost sounded awed by what he said, what he realized, when he looked at his friend at his side whose head snapped to look at him, no longer watching his fledgling.

Answer me (please) by all_their_intricacies

To Simon <3 (3:02 AM): i love you  

To Simon <3 (3:03 AM): so fucking much

Appreciation of art by @fangtasticsaphael

He managed to sit on the bench for at least ten minutes before his phone was in his hand and he started browsing Twitter for anything entertaining before updating his account with a Clary abandoned me in the art museum once again message with a sad emoji before he decided to take a silly selfie for Instagram to kill some more time. Just when he took the photo and the camera sound went off - of course, he forgot to mute his damn phone when he went into the museum, fuck - a shadow fell on his form.

Baby, I'm not made of stone by izzyasavestheday (stilessexual)

“Did I ever tell you that we feel everything? The clan, I mean. If I focus enough, I can tell you who’s sad and who’s angry and who hasn’t been sleeping properly. I can tell you who’s been having nightmares. There are no secrets here.”

(Fix-it fic)

Baby's First Steps by Luuna (you_know_them_trees)

Simon wasn't flustered, he really wasn't. And Raphael checking up on him all the time wasn't a big deal. It wasn't like he had a crush or something.

It might have been true... if only Raphael stopped calling him baby.

Before I ever met you by izzyasavestheday (stilessexual)

“You know that moment,” he said “when you wake up and turn over to put your arms around someone –someone you love, someone who means everything to you.” Magnus’ expressive eyes were soft, soft, soft. “Oh, Simon.” “I feel so alone,” Simon whispered. “Not in the post-Clary sort of way, either. In the way that I’m supposed to wake up to someone and they’re not there.” “I’m missing something,” Simon went on, voice cracking. “I’m missing someone but no matter how hard I try I just can’t fucking remember.”

Bitter Sweet by @abluelightinthedark 

“I… I’m sorry. You just looked like the typ of person who drinks their coffee black.“ Simon stutters and rubs his neck, trying to hide the shaking of his hands. “What do you want then?“

The guy actually smirks at him and lets his eyes wander over Simon for a moment, before he answers.

“What I want from you would be really inappropriate to say out loud in here…“ he trails of for a moment, letting the words sink in and then smirks even wider when Simon flushes bright red in the matter of seconds. “But for the coffee, I would like a caramel macchiato.“

Or

The one where everybody thinks that Simon has a sweet tooth and Raphael loves the bitter stuff, but it's actually vise versa.

Bleed out in my veins by @eversall

How do you stop loving someone? How do you separate your world from theirs, when you’ve been on a collision course since you were six and sharing crayons, your smiles so intertwined that death doesn’t separate you? How do you say goodbye? You don’t, Simon thinks dizzily, dropping to his knees in front of Raphael. You say hello to someone else.

Breathing Is A Side Effect Of Being Alive by booksandanime

When you're alive, your heart beats, your breath catches and comes in gasps, you age and fall in love and die.

When you're undead, your heart pantomimes beating, you gasp for air that isn't needed, you never age, you fall in love, you stay together if you decide to.

This is a story of how Simon Lewis let go of normalcy and thoughts of being a monster in favor of falling in love with Raphael Santiago. (It's not a bad trade, really.)

Brooklyn, brooklyn, take me in by psyches

Honestly, no matter which way you put it, telling anyone you live in a hotel is pretty fucking weird, and it’s not like Raphael has the excuse of a twin brother or a singer mother who works there or the wacky hijinks that ensue.

Or: a brief look at Raphael in a world where Shadowhunters no longer need to exist.

Call me, maybe? by @fangtasticsaphael 

"You're not planning on giving him a plain black shirt for a few hundred bucks, right?" Raphael asked when his best friend was about to enter one of the fancier clothing stores the mall had to offer and the other raised an eyebrow at him.

"I'm not planning on buying him a black shirt at all."

"All he ever wears is black. The most colourful your boy gets is wearing grey," he commented dryly and his lips curled into a smirk when Magnus huffed, unable to disagree because Alec really didn't wear any other colours. If black and grey could even be considered a colour.

"Well, that's why I brought you because you always wear clothes as dark as your soul and might actually be helpful in this case," Magnus replied sweetly and glanced at the store before looking back at his shorter friend questioningly.

Candy Kisses by @abluelightinthedark

Three times Raphael doesn't enjoy Simon's kisses + the one time he craves more

Coffee & Spanish by ofEmeraldStars

Simon's eyes land on his good looking guy at the table next to him and when he and his table partner start talking in Spanish Simon find this as the perfect opportunity to test out his Spanish knowledge.

Cookin' up love by @moonlightmaia

“Simon! Dios mío, what the hell?” Simon dropped the fire extinguisher, a sheepish look on his face. The stove behind him covered in smoke and fire extinguisher gas. “Uh, I was just, uh, trying to make dinner?” Sure, Simon wasn’t a great cook, but he certainly wouldn’t consider himself a horrible cook, Raphael’s kitchen was just… very different from what Simon was used to using. Raphael was a professional and so was his kitchen.

Devotion’s desire. by @saphaeldaily

a character study of raphael santiago and how nothing goes the way he wants.

side of simon/raphael.

Disasters that lead to pretty boys (are worth it) by gayinsight

"My friend is out of town and I’m supposed to be taking care of her pet fish but it died and you work at the pet store help me find one that looks the same so she won’t notice!"

Don't just leave it all up to chance by @accordingtomel

“Shut up, Jace,” Izzy commands, glaring at him before turning her attention back to Simon. “Okay, so you know how Clary and I are in charge of the Senior Prom Fundraiser?”

“Oh yeah, sure?”

“And you know how we told you we had everything totally covered?” Clary adds.

Simon glances over at Jace in confusion, but Jace just shrugs.

“Well, we kind of need some help now,” Izzy says.

“What kind of help?” Simon asks slowly.

Magnus snorts like he can’t help himself, which means that he must know what's going on too.

Silence falls over the table for a moment too long before Clary finally comes out with it. “We need you to take a shift at the kissing booth.”

***

Simon gets roped into working at a kissing booth. The consequences, however, are much better than he could've ever expected.

Fight Me On That by @themadtilde

"Well, someone must tell you the straight fact that Gandfalf beats that old wimp Dumbledore so hard that Dumbledore wouldn't even have a chance if they were to duel."

Simon's anger, that slowly had stopped boiling, quickly flamed up again.

"Oh yeah?" he hissed heatedly, slamming his cup down on the table and standing up to be eye-to-eye with Raphael. "Well, fight me on that!"

And then, before Simon could really comprehend what he just had said, he was lying on the floor with Raphael hovering over him, and he felt a throbbing pain in his skull.

(inspired by the tumblr post one day im gonna say "fight me!" and someone's just gonna fuckin deck me

Fire and Gasoline by @degrassi-fanatic

“Those two are like fire and gasoline.”

That’s what everyone said about them.Raphael Santiago was a fire and, Simon Lewis was the gasoline that only further fueled the other. ---- “I’m in love with you.” he came out as barely a whisper.If Simon didn’t have vampire enhanced hearing, he might’ve not heard that.

Forever isn't too long, when i'm right where i belong by moriartyscupoftea

Raphael sat on the living room chair, the cup of tea Magnus had practically forced on him balanced on his knee, while Magnus himself was slouched on the sofa, laughing. "You," he wheezed in between hysterical fits of giggles, "are going to propose? ToSimon?" Raphael pursed his lips, praying for strength from anyone.

Gazing into your eyes, I know I'm home by ofEmeraldStars

Simon didn't expect for Raphael to corner him in the abandoned building, but yet there he was pinning him on the spot with his intense gaze.

How to make your local clan leader blush by scalira

Simon realizes vampires are capable of blushing after he sees Raphael getting flustered, and after that it becomes his mission to get Raphael to blush again.

I dont understand Quidditch (or Love) by @slytherinsimon

Simon Lewis is a Hufflepuff that seriously needs to pay more attention around him. Especially the part where he thinks that his best friend, Hufflepuff seeker Clary Fairchild is secretly dating his Slytherin chaser crush, Raphael Santiago.

I Hope So Too by @bathildahotshot

Simon's not in love with Raphael.

I know what you are (say it) bisexual by thankyouforexisting

Simon tells himself,

It’s not gay, it’s not gay, I’m totally not checking him out, he just had that stain on his right trouser leg….

Raphael is, apparently, a rich as fuck vampire, because the suit shop they go in is fancy as hell. They park in the basement, because, uh, sunlight, and even though dusk has fallen it’s better to be safe than sorry (sorry meaning dead). Raphael keeps smirking, which does nothing to help Simon’s inner mantra that consists of

I’m straight, I’m straight holy fuck is he licking his lip- I’m straight..

“This,” the vampire announces as they walk into the shop, smiling faintly, looking, almost for the first time since Simon’s met him, as if he’s relaxed, “is the greatest place in the world, Simon Lewis.”

He looks at him then, grinning, eyes dark, shining, looking more polished than ever but somehow oddly vulnerable, and Simon’s breath hitches, his insides turning to goo.

His mantra becomes

Let me not jump him, or, at least, not in public..

I Watch It All From A Far (heaven help me) by @geckette

Clary took a sip from her coffee before putting it back down, her face slipping from confused to serious. “Simon. Are you serious? You didn’t know?”

Simon sputtered, his fancy pastry that cost him a pretty penny of 5.78$ flying everywhere from his mouth. Of course, the one time he decides to spend money it gets wasted. “Clary. Oh my god. Clary, I’m dating Raphael."

Based Off This Prompt: Saphael, College roommates AU who find that they have been totally boyfriends for months and hadn´t even realized. Brownie points for cuddling!

If i ever had your number, i think i would use it by @eversall

“Er.” Simon says, but that seems to be enough. “Simon?” Raphael asks. “The one and only.” He says weakly, making jazz hands even though he knows Raphael can’t see them. “Heyyy, Raphael.” “You – why is your number in the Pandemonium bathroom?” . It starts because Jace and Simon get drunk together one night without Clary, and since Clary serves as about eighty-five percent of their impulse control they’re hammered within two hours and ready to implement all of their Very Bad Ideas, the ones that are horrifying enough to make Alec grind his teeth and potentially slap them upside the head.

If you wanna find love then you know where the city is by @eversall

Simon comes back to them immediately. He’s pounding on the door the next night, and Raphael stiffens as he smells the scent of the fledgling. “I’ll go get him.” Lily says, and runs off, her face harsh with anger. She appears a second later, hauling the boy by his collar. His face is ashen with fear – Simon is no good at hiding his feelings. What was it he’s said before? He was born afraid? And his eyes are dark and beautiful, just like always, and Raphael wants to shake him until he understands what heartbreak feels like. . Of course Simon comes back, and of course Raphael is still unbearably in love with him.

In all that's left of you and me by igniteyourbones

how the saphael reunion really went down.

--

“You look awful.”

“Thank you, Raphael, really. This is truly the touching reunion I had imagined for us,” Simon says, ignoring the fact that he’d imagined several possibilities but all of them had ended in Raphael ripping him to pieces.

It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time by heartsdesire456

Simon ends up in the ER after a drunken dare and meets the potential love of his life.

It's a small crime and I've got no excuse by mostlikelydefinentlymad

Raphael's other half is sat across from a beautiful girl with auburn curls and a copy of Jane Eyre on the table.

He's gesturing at a gray box and giving away a smile that once belonged to mid-afternoons spent tracing the contours of Simon's body, laughter seeping into the halls of the hotel.

Kindred by White_Marker

Once, hidden in the dark and uncharacteristically intimate for both of them, Raphael had mimicked Simon’s movement in bed, inch by inch, like a game. Simon burst out laughing, pulling an outlandish face, and gripped Raphael’s chin. Raphael reached out and pinched his chin in return.

They lifted each other’s faces, moving it left and right, leaned in and pressed their foreheads together. They let go and traced a finger slowly from their collarbone to their belly button.

Like a challenge, they held each other’s eyes, all traces of humor gone.

For a little while, Simon and Raphael felt as if they were mirrors of some kind. Opposite, but the same.

Soon after, though Simon hadn’t made the connection, the first flicker of blue had appeared.

a.k.a.

 Soulmate AU where you slowly start seeing color. Let the angst begin!

Like a halo in reverse by @gilmarverdes

The feeling began to become home. More of a home than vampirism would ever be. He'd stand alone, attempt God, and feel the pain. This is how it is, this is what I deserve, this is what I have become. I am this now. I will always be this. I deserve to hurt—

Until the day that God finally left his lips and remained in his throat, no choking, no burning. Just Raphael and God, severed.

Simon, on the other hand...

"Raphael," he whispers, "I'm so sorry. I thought—"

Raphael feels a twist in his stomach. It is a feeling that he hasn't experienced in a very long time. He needs to lead the clan, he needs to give them justice, but he's alone with Simon, most secure room in the Hotel DuMort like a past life, and all that he can feel is want, hunger, need. There is no room for justice in human want. It's sick. Raphael is very, very sick; this is the only explanation for the humanness, the only explanation for the twists. 

"Do it again," Raphael says, his entire being turning into a betrayal right against Simon's body. "I need you."

Livin' just to find emotion by @joanthangroff

When Simon has to transfer to another school - the DuMort Academy -, the only thing that could save him from going mad would be to join the school's Glee club. Of course, life is not as easy as it could be, and he is denied to join just yet. He somehow manages to persuade the club's leader, Raphael, to prepare him so he can join in the next semester.

Mail for Ezekiel by @fangtasticsaphael

"Hey, buddy," Simon greeted the animal and reached out, gently scratching behind the dog's ear. Ezekiel tilted his head, playfully nudging the man's lower arm and stared up at him in clear anticipation. He huffed out a soft laugh and reached into the pocket of his light jacket, presenting the dog with a thin postcard with the message "Mail for Ezekiel" with two hearts scrawled next to it and beneath it he had written "have a dog-tastic day". Ezekiel seemed pleased as usual and ran off with his delivery while the off-duty-postman turned around to leave.

Master of pillow forts by @fangtasticsaphael 

"What do you think you're doing, idiota?" Raphael asked wearily and frowned at the other's surprised yelp, followed by a pained sound when Simon dropped the heavy book right on his sock-clad foot. He quickly picked the book up again before directing his wide-eyed gaze at the clan leader who stared back at him with the most unimpressed expression possible.

"You're back already?"

"Obviously." Raphael's expression was a mix of disinterest and boredom but his gaze swept over the things strewn across the room in a silent order to answer his question instead of stating the obvious.

Never just that simple by @fangtasticsaphael 

"It's not fake concern. I...I know I've been preoccupied with my own problems and that I didn't...that I didn't think much of the consequences or of...of the position you're in," Simon mumbled sheepishly, hands pushed into the pockets of his hoodie and head lowered while trying to keep up with Raphael's quick steps. It was actually pretty difficult to stick close to the clan leader despite the vampire speed because Simon still wasn't fully used to it and he could more quickly but not as smoothly and effortlessly looking as Raphael.

"The position you put me in," Raphael bit out, correcting Simon's statement with a bitterness that seemed to cut right through the slightly foggy air.

Not Actually Homophobic by @mymalecshinesbright

Raphael was extremely confused. Extremely. He didn’t understand this. He had never felt this before, and yet here he was, feeling it and he didn’t know where it was coming from. But it was here and now he had to deal with the fact that he was apparently homophobic because the sight of seeing his roommate kissing another boy made him want to vomit.

Not Like I Care by ChangeForTheBetter

Simon gets sexiled and seeks refuge in Raphael's room. (Again.)

But maybe Raphael doesn't mind so much.

Of all of the faces, you were the one next to me by  mostlikelydefinentlymad

//if I love you // is that a fact // or a weapon

Of Sleep Deprivation And First Kisses (Or, How Tea Solves Problems) by PossiblyNobody

“You’re my roommate who’s super cute and it’s the middle of the night and you’re cramming for your exams in your flannel pajamas and disheveled hair and it’s becoming increasingly hard for me not to kiss you” AU.

Saphael Tumblr Prompt

On the List of Things (Read: People) Simon Thought He’d Never Do by @rainybookshop

Obviously Simon had missed the memo about his sexual orientation, but he can’t help thinking there might have been smarter ways to find out than by letting himself be seduced by someone who sort of scares the shit out of him.

One cup of coffee (is all it takes to fall in love) by @abluelightinthedark

Simon walks into the Starbucks in only a thin shirt, because he’s an idiot and forgot to take his jacket with him in the middle of november, and opens his mouth to greet his friends, but they are not there. Instead there’s another dude standing behind the counter, his green apron doing nothing to hide his beautiful body and sadly neither his grumpy expression.

Paved paradise by @simonxraph

Not only has Raphael stolen his parking spot and infiltrated his friend group, now he knows that Simon thinks he’s attractive.

Please Daddy by TrickyVicky3

Simon wilts under the pressure, but needing to have the last word he replies sarcastically, “Sure thing Dad”.

Raphael’s eyes widen “What did you just call me?” Simon looks up at him, placing the now empty glass back on the table in front of him as he licks fresh blood off his lips, “Dad, y’know, Daddy, cos like you’re making me –“

Raphael waves his hands in front of Simon “Please stop” he looks around uncomfortably before speeding away.

Professor knows it all! by @shadowhunterships

I saw a prompt on tumblr : I usually talk to my friends through sign language in class but… apparently you know sign language too… and now you know I think your butt is cute.Simon secretly loves Professor Raphael's butt and accidentally spills his secret to the professor himself!

Rhododendrons by @gilmarverdes

Part of him was hoping that he would never have to see Simon again; you rip the bandage off fast so it's less painful, you stitch up the wound quick so it's less painful, you let it heal slowly. These things take time.

But - who was he kidding, he's going to be entwined with Simon until the end of time, it seems. Quite literally.

Set me free by @fangtasticsaphael

His dark hair stuck against his forehead in wet, messy curls and every annoyed huff showed in form of a little white cloud leaving his lips and disappearing into the sky. He was a supernatural being but it was obviously too much to ask for some kind of immunity against the temperatures. Sure, he had to appear human but that didn't mean he basically had to be human.

"Just find the target, make the guy fall in love with the girl and the freezing is over," Raphael mumbled to himself through chattering teeth and pushed his hands deeper into the pockets of his hoody. At least he couldn't get sick but this didn't make the weather any more comfortable. His whole body seemed to be slowed down and stinging from the cold, icy wind pulling at the material of his jeans and the hoody he wore over his t-shirt, his boots kicking up snow with every step.

Shattered hearts by @fangtasticsaphael

"You can't say it back. Why haven't you said so earlier? All the other times I said it? I thought you just weren't ready yet but if you already know you can't love me, why not say it outright instead of leading me on?!" Raphael tried to hide the pain and anger swirling in his chest, masking his emotions with a cold mask.

Magnus had warned him, told him it was a bad choice to start something with Simon because the guy had almost managed to two-time and even if he had been 16 at the time, he still seemed so very undecided when it came to his love life. He clearly couldn't make up his mind about what he wanted, not back then and not now. Raphael had known it was a risk and he had to fight down the urge to place the blame on himself - to revert back to the thinking that maybe him being asexual and aromantic was the reason why Simon couldn't commit to this.

The one person he developed romantic feelings for, the one person he actually fell in love with, and here they were, apparently about to break up on Valentine's Day. It felt like a big, cosmic joke and Raphael suddenly felt so damn tired.

Shelter by @fangtasticsaphael

"I know you're about to close but maybe I could get a coffee?" Simon asked and his voice almost broke on a few words. He squinted a little because of the beads of water on his glasses that probably blurred his sight but Raphael could see that his dark eyes were mostly unfocused behind the smudged spectacles.

"You look like you rather need some tea and a bed," he commented dryly and rounded the counter to walk up to the door, flip the sign and then the lock as well. Raphael didn't care that they were supposed to be open for 20 more minutes. Nobody came in at this hour anyway and Simon's current state was a more pressing matter anyway.

"So, that's a no? You do realise I can't leave when you lock the door, though, right?"

Simon was fidgeting and raised his arm to hide a cough in the crook of his elbow, the sound muffled by the wet material of the hoodie he was wearing - not exactly the right choice of clothing for October if you asked Raphael.

Sign of the times by @joanthangroff

When Raphael is hit by a mysterious spell, Simon has to teach him how to be human.

Simon la Exploradora by RaphaelSantiago

Five Spanish words Simon learnt from watching Dora the Explorer, and the times he said them to Raphael.

Strange crossings. by @sadlyamundane

The universe works in strange ways, maybe that's why Magnus cancelled dinner with Raphael, maybe that's why Simon's blind date doesn't go as planned.

What ever it was, this was definitely the universe crossing their paths.

Sweetheart by @fangtasticsaphael

"It's Valentine's Day, someone probably just wanted to lighten the mood," Lily commented with a shrug and it might have been a slightly weird thing to do so with almost insulting messages on pastel coloured candy hearts but most clan members did think they were funny and a few had actually started a competition about who could find the most hearts - and the ones with the best messages.

"There's one with lol no balanced on top of the picture frame in the main hall. I have no idea how they even got it up there," Elliott informed them while strolling into the room and he stopped behind the couch, right next to Simon's shoulder who tilted his head back and blinked up at the other vampire frowning at him.

"You have one stuck in your hood," the other informed him and before Simon could react he had already snatched it up, eyebrows rising when his eyes read the message on the piece of candy.

Te Extraño (I Miss You) by andy_ros3

To Clary: I don’t think I can do this Clary. Is this even a good idea?? From Clary: Simon you have to do this. For yourself. Don’t worry, no matter what happens I’m here for you. To Clary: You’re right, thanks Clary. Omg we just pulled up outside the club. From Clary: Go inside and stop freaking out. To Clary: I’m not freaking out To Clary: I know your eyebrows are raised. Okay, yes, I’m freaking out. I miss him and I want him and I don’t know why he invited me here. It’s been 3months and 16 days Clary. Why now? Why would he wait so long to contact me for whatever reason? Why was I such an idiot? Oh god what if it’s just to return something I left at his or what if he tells me he’s met someone new and he’s moved on. From Clary: Simon stop. Stop overthinking this and go inside. Simon is about to text back to delay entering PanDEMONium but Clary beats him to it. She knows him too well. From Clary: You’re going to be fine, just go. Simon enters PanDEMONium expecting it to be the usual vibrant, enthralled and booming place but it’s empty apart from a grand black piano where Raphael sits playing a few notes. Simon knows he does that when he’s nervous.

Tendons too torn to beg (for you to let me back in) by @gilmarverdes

What hurts the most, the thing that makes him really ache, is how familiar he is with Simon. He knows the way that Simon smells; sickly, because every fledgling smells sickly, but with Simon it’s all different. Simon smells like – life, like something sick coming back to life. Like hope crawling out of its grave.

 He knows the way that Simon sounds; the unnecessary breaths, the way that his voice mumbles when he talks because he still hasn’t gotten used to his fangs, the wrong thing in his mouth, and the way that he taps his fingers, the exact sound that he makes when he wakes up in the morning. A yawn like a wolf’s howl.

 But worst of all, he knows the way that Simon feels.

The Game of Life by raphaelsontiago

“Why is school so damn expensive?” He grumbled, putting his money back in the bank.

“Maybe it’s because you have six cars full of kids, mi sol?” Raphael smirked and Simon wanted to throw the board across the room.

“It’s not my fault I got stuck with such a big family!” He protested. Raphael chuckled quietly and bit his lip.

“You know, a big family wouldn’t be all bad. Six cars of kids would be a bit of a hassle, but I think four or five kids would be nice.” Raphael’s gaze dropped to the floor and Simon nearly choked.

Raphael was asking to have a family with him.

 or, the one where simon and raphael play life but they spend more time talking than playing the game

The Morning After by simonsantiago

Simon sits up and stares at Raphael’s back. “Are we…uh…dating now?”

“No,” Raphael says and Simon’s stomach sinks. “I don't date people who don’t let me sleep.”

The Path To Self-Discovery by @killjoyrow

Simon is the kind of bright, happy guy who needs everyone to be frends with him. Raphael would prefer to have no friends and save himself the headache.

In theory, they're far better off as distant colleagues - the contrast between them akin to day and night.

In reality, despite claiming to hate each other, the two couldn't be more perfect. It might just take them a little while to realise it.

The Punishment Fits The Crime by  Hailhydration

When daylighter Raphael Santiago is forced to kill a rogue Warlock, the warlock's deranged lover curses him to never have a happy ending. Whoever falls in love with the vampire is destined to die if they touch him. To Raphael, who has long viewed himself as unlovable, this seemed like nothing. Of course, he didn't count on the persistent idiot known as Simon Lewis.

The Thing Is by foggynelson

The thing is: Raphael doesn’t want to love Simon. The thing is: he does anyway.

There is in it, the idea of the fall by scalira

“Angels touched by man cannot stay divine, Raphael. I thought I was very clear on that matter.”

And Raphael knows. He knows. But when he thinks about letting Simon touch him, about his lips pressing down on his, about his fingers tracing his skin, Raphael does not feel doomed. He does not feel tainted.

He feels infinite. He feels bigger than himself.

He feels… he feels human.

This is not what I dreamt it would be by @flying-on-the-wind

Raphael Santiago had always known that his soulmate would not be anything like what his mother had dreamt for him. Simon Lewis, on the other hand, had always dreamt of a soulmate that was nothing like what he got. But are dreams all that important? When real life is a thing that happens, and that you get to actually live?

This is the second part of a series in which soulmates are found upon the touch of skin. Each part will have a different pairing at it's centre, though all three are linked and together they form a fuller story.

Through Hell or High Water by @shadowcastershq

When Clary drags Simon to his local pool, he’s immediately smitten with the gorgeous but completely unapproachable lifeguard.

Till the sun comes up by @aleclwb

Simon takes a deep breath. “71.”

Clary gapes at him. “71?”

“Yes,” Simon snaps, “Yes, Clary, my number is 71. It’s right there,” he waves her wrist around, a little too aggressively, so it’s actually impossible to read. “The seven and the one. 71. My soulmate’s going to be 71 when we meet.”

Or, everyone has a number on their wrist that indicates how old their soulmate will be when they meet. Simon is trying to deal with the fact that his is abnormally high. It turns out not to be such a bad thing, after all.

Turnabout is Fair Play by @accordingtomel

“Uh, Raph?”

Raphael glances over at Simon with raised brows, using a finger to hold the place in the book he’s reading and shifting his attention towards him.

“Is there a reason that Magnus is sending you pictures of him and Alec kissing?”

Simon turns the phone around to show Raphael said picture.

“I think the better question is why you’re reading my text messages in the first place,” Raphael says, and reaches his free hand out, gesturing for the phone.

***

In an attempt to annoy Raphael, Magnus starts sending increasingly adorable pictures of him and Alec kissing. However, it's Simon who comes up with the perfect solution to get him back.

Until We Say "I Do" by heartsdesire456

When they had become engaged, it had been like a switch had flipped with their mothers. They were still very happy for them and they both were waiting with open arms to welcome the other into the family. No, the problem was not dislike.

The problem was that for some reason, the minute a ring came into the picture, both Raphael’s mother and Simon’s mother somehow immediately and independently became obsessed with their son’s future husband converting to their religion.

Upheaval by crystalclark94

Simon, well, he has the most unusual / off the beaten path twist of words etched across his ribs that he’s ever heard of. The font is an elegant black crawl with perfectly dainty pretty loops and swirls, and it says “Dios, I’m going to eat you if you don’t shut up!”

Variation on the word (sleep) by mostlikelydefinentlymad

"You can stare at me later you complete sap, come'ere." Simon pats the bed, awaiting the slight dip of the mattress. Raphael remains where he is, adoring.

Simon grumbles into his pillow about romantic vampires and kicking Raphael out to sleep on the sofa if he doesn't get his ass in bed.

Warmth & Light by foggynelson

“I’m cute, huh?”

“Oh shut up,” Simon says, lifting his heading up and looking at Raphael. “You’re absolutely gorgeous and you fucking know it.”

Wear my heart a little louder by @eversall

Raphael sucks in a sharp, unnecessary breath, eyes snapping up to meet Simon’s gaze, and he sounds, for the first time, the way Simon feels; like he’s coming apart at the seams with no hope of being pulled back together. Simon looks away, wants to backtrack and erase his temporary moment of weakness, because he’s not allowed to have that. . It always comes back to this - Simon trying to run away but being rooted to the spot by everything that lies between them.

When “You mean nothing“ turns into “You mean everything“ by @abluelightinthedark

There are two ways someone can whisper into your ear with their lips against your neck.

For one, it can be sweet, gentle, soft, hot, pleasant. A warmth, the feeling of being loved, someone taking care of you, kisses, relationships, compliments.

And then there are the times it’s threatening. A knife against your throat, death so close in front of you, fear. You feel scared, uncomfortable, want to cry. Screaming, kicking, then staying still, shaking, hurting, hoping, praying.

Simon unfortunately had to experience both ways in his rather short period of living.

The thing is, it was the same person every time.

Where my heart and future lies by scalira

Raphael hasn't been home for the holidays in years. Still being haunted by a tragedy that happened years ago, he isn't planning on visiting this year either. Until he gets a very persuasive email from a very angry man named Simon Lewis.

Where There is Fire by CastingMoonlight

Raphael is patient when Simon spirals into despair.

Because Raphael knows, and now Simon knows, and Fairchild will never understand what she did to him in the name of love.

Words of the prophets are written on the subway walls by @joanthangroff

After a fight with his current roommate Raphael Santiago is left with moving in with his old friend Magnus Bane. Naturally, this means lots of headaches for him and weird people stepping into his life.

You were always gold to me by mostlikelydefinentlymad

They take away the good in Raphael and reduce him to teeth like talons, a heart of stone. They don't even have to say the words when his name comes up - "He's a monster."

No, Simon wants to say. You've never witnessed him stripped bare, armor lying at his feet with a softness in his eyes that makes Simon want to turn away. But they were present when the high walls around his heart became a weapon. They heard the words "Kill them" and glossed over what wasn't being said - 'Of all the people, why did it have to be you? I wanted you to stay.' Nor did they hear the full extent of Simon's betrayal, how it cut straight into tendons where it bled the most - 'Is it too late to go back?'

They cannot see the gold in him.

You’re an asshole, Mr Santiago! by @fangtasticsaphael

He heard the sound again and it made his hair stand on end because the creaky wood noise sounded like someone walking very slowly, dragging their feet with every step and it was like right out of a horror movie. Simon suppressed the ridiculous urge to go knock on the door to his mother’s and sister’s room but he also felt like these sounds were far from normal and what if ghosts were real after all?! It was the middle of the night, he was still tired and his brain did not function properly - he was allowed to think stupid shit!

Simon couldn’t tell why it seemed like a good idea to snatch up his key and leave his room but that was exactly what he did. Not to investigate the creepy sounds, he knew how such things turned out and he didn’t have a death wish, but to get further away from the noises. The dimmed lights in the hallway made the old hotel look even eerier and a few steps away from his door he severely regretted the decision to leave his room. He turned around to head back, saw a dark silhouette at the other end of the hallway that definitely moved and…he bolted. No.fucking.way!

You're in the right place by ghostfacers 

Simon Lewis is an average high school teacher just trying to make sure the future generation gets there. He never asked to get his room moved next to the one guy in the whole school who probably hates him the most. That's all Luke's fault.

You're the one that I want by @sadlyamundane 

“Hypothetically” Simon said pushing his Spanish text book away, he leaned back in his hair and watched as Raphael chewed on the bottom of his pen in concentration. “Hypothetically” Raphael repeated, propping his head up on his hand to show that he was listening. “If I liked someone, but I don’t” Simon hastily said when Raphael quirked an eyebrow “but if I did and I wanted to know if that person likes me back, what do I do?”

For more Saphael Fanfics

[weliveunbound]

Mountain Therapy

I’m standing on top of Ijen Volcano in Indonesia hoping that this surreal, pandora-like landscape will not only make me look cool on Instagram but also give me some sort of clarity.

So I’m staring at the sun come up thinking, I would now like an answer to the question that is often in the forefront of my mind please. The question is a simple one – what future do I want to create for myself?

But when you’ve lost touch of yourself in a sea of open tabs and lucrative detours then the answer is not that simple.

As the clouds clear to reveal the turquoise lake below, any sort of insight is smothered by the need to capture this moment and… well… look cool on Instagram.

But there’s another reason why I’m not getting the inspiration I came for. It’s because this place was too easy to get to (well not that easy, a 3 hour night hike through the jungle) and if there’s anything I know well it’s that struggle creates meaning.

For example, when flying many people prefer the aisle seat even though the view from an airplane window can be incredibly beautiful at times. But let’s say they hiked five days for that view. Then it all of a sudden becomes the most wonderful thing they’ve ever seen.

So I know what I need – a real adventure.

I’ve been editing Reality TV the last four months, I’m so freaking hungry for it. And it’s all good because I’m about to get it in the form of a four day trek to the summit of Mt. Rinjani, Lombok. 

What you’re looking at is Lake Segara Anak (child of the sea), a 4.4 square mile lake inside the crater of a 12,200 ft (3700 m) Volcano. And yes, that’s another Volcano in the middle of the lake. Really? Yes, really.

Just a quick break down of the mission:

Day 1:

7:00 am hike 7 hours to the top of the crater / 8 miles (13 km) / 5000 ft (1525 m) elevation gain  

Day 2:

2:00 am hike 4 hours to the summit for sunrise / 4 miles (6.5 km) / 3600 ft (1,100 m) elevation gain

8:00 am hike 5 hours to the bottom of the lake / 7 miles (11 km) / 5600 ft (1700 m) elevation drop

Day 3:

9:00 am hike 3 hours to a different spot on top of the crater / 3 miles (4.8 km) / 2000 ft (610 m) elevation gain

1:00 pm hike 2 hours towards the base of the mountain / 2.5 miles (4 km) / 1000 ft (305 m) elevation drop

Day 4:

9:00 am hike 2 hours to the base of the mountain / 2.5 miles (4 km) / 1000 ft (305 m) elevation drop

I can’t wait!

I thought Mt. Bromo in Java would be a nice warm up but I’m quickly learning that it’s a bit of a tourist trap.

The problem isn’t so much that people are asking me to take their photos (thanks selfie sticks), it’s that they want me in the photos. I’m a nice guy of course so I agree but I’m plotting out an escape plan.

I see a narrow path alongside the edge of the crater and without any hesitation, I head in that direction. There’s no one there except a German couple who tell me to be very careful if I attempt to walk all the way around the crater.

An hour later I understand what they’re talking about.

The path is uncomfortably narrow and one side is a 60 degree slope ending in what I thought was lava but it’s just boring old sulfur. Either way I wanted an adventure and I’m definitely getting one.

But the experience isn’t really the moment of clarity I was hoping for. Too much focus on keeping myself in the manageable risk zone and not going too far. I mean what’s up with the ground here?? It pretty much falls apart when you step on it. I have no idea what I’m doing in Volcano land. I need a guide.

It’s 5:30 am when Hamdi, the Reza Trekkers Rinjani guide knocks on my door yelling, “Are you ready for this?” Still half asleep and not really sure what’s happening I instinctively respond, “Hell ya I’m ready!” Then I realize I’m not ready at all and I’m late.

Three hours of intense hiking in and out of clouds later, I’m noticing that the porters are zooming past me. Which is pretty impressive considering that they’re barefoot and carrying 85 pounds (39 kg) of supplies.

For real, I’m a bit baffled by this especially because some parts of the trail are borderline rock climbing. Hamdi tells me that he used to be a porter and on the first day of the job he cried. I think he was joking but maybe not.

He says they wear flip flops and sometimes hike barefoot because shoes are too heavy. Hmm… interesting. After my third fall of the day on the crumbling volcanic rock, I asked Hamdi if they ever slip. He gets all serious and looks at me straight in the eyes saying, “No, porters never fall.”

On hour five I'm covered in sweat, my legs are shaking and I start to wonder, “Why am I doing this?!” Then I turn the corner for a new incredible view.

Oh ya, that’s why.

I don’t want to make it seem like this is some superhuman trek. Actually anyone fit can do this. But I will say that some parts are pretty grueling or what one local called Indonesian torture.

We finally make it to the crater rim where Alto, our porter, hands me a plate of fried bananas covered in chocolate and cheese.

As I take a bite out of this unexpectedly delicious Indonesian delicacy, I feel connected to my six year old self who insisted on putting chocolate spread on top of every meal.

The clouds clear just in time to reveal a sunset so magical that I forget all about the mental struggle I had to endure to get there.

I pass out for a couple hours before my alarm goes off at 1:30 am for one of those, where the hell am I, wake up moments. I unzip the tent to see countless stars not only above my head but also straight in front of me. I remember that I’m 8000 ft high on the edge of a Volcano crater in Indonesia.

Awesome!  

I strap on my trusty Forsake kicks and follow Hamdi into the darkness.

Three hours of zombie-like hiking later we reach the final mile which is an extremely steep, sand-like dirt ridge, 12,000 ft above normal, breathable air.

There’s that thought again – “Why!?”

But as painful as this is, I feel like some force has me hooked and is slowly reeling me up towards the peak.

Every couple of steps I look up at the Milky Way which is as visible as one of those long exposure photographs. I do a 360 while staring up at the sky, desperately trying to take it all in. I do this often while traveling – frantically scan the landscape as if I’m trying to catch a last glimpse before it disappears.

Then I realize that everything around me isn’t going anywhere and it’s me who will be disappearing. Hopefully after a long life but just in case it doesn’t work out that way, I’ll go happy because of experiences like this.

I’m actually thankful for this unsettling notion that there’s an end creeping up in the horizon. After all it’s this awareness that’s pulling me up the mountain.

It fuels this wild, one way ticket lifestyle of world and potential exploration. It reminds me to choose experiences over possessions, failure over regret and uncertainty over comfort.

In the exact moment the sun shows it’s first spec of light, we reach the summit. The Pyramid shaped shadow of Rinjani in the horizon stands next to Mt. Batur in Bali and the Gili Islands.

The sunrise is over way too fast just like my 20s and it’s already time to begin the long journey down to the crater lake. I take the first step without having to ask myself, “Why?!”

Did someone slip a molly in my cheese banana? Because I’m feeling way too giddy right now considering it’s a five hour journey, 5600 ft down. And wait, is that a monkey??

We descend further and further into an enchanted fairyland that I thought only existed in Disney movies.

On the other side of that grass hill I'm surprised to see a waterfall with hot spring pools on the bottom. Hamdi, that sneaky man, didn’t even tell me where he was taking me. I take a full shower with shampoo and soap under the waterfall. Whatever, I like to be clean, don’t judge!

We walk to a secluded spot on the lake where Alto has already set up the tents and is now fishing for our dinner.

The clouds are covering the Volcano but Hamdi tells me that it’s about 500 ft (150 m) away. He says that a year ago he was at this spot when it erupted.

He couldn’t hike out because there was too much ash so overnight he got the lava show of a lifetime. I told him I wish I could have seen that and he said, “No you don’t. I cried.” Joking again? I’m really not sure.

As the sun sets we have Ikan Goreng (deep fried crispy fish) for dinner which tastes even better than the fancy Bali food I had a week earlier.

At 7 am I unzip my tent to see that the clouds have cleared and the Volcano is right in front of my face. Hamdi hands me a cup of Lombok coffee, I put on some Bon Iver and sink into some sort of trance-like euphoria.

My mind clears. As if a massive delete button was hit on all the unworthy thoughts that dominate my thinking. In this emptiness, something is brewing. Slowly expanding into what I came here for – answers!

For the past couple years I’ve been on a mission to catch up to this 2.0 version of myself that creates the incredible work I know I’m capable of. I know because I’ve caught him before and he elevated me to new heights in record time. Giving me a taste of success and then disappearing.  

But in this moment, I can feel him here. I get hit with a flood of ideas for creative pursuits and an unshakable belief in my ability to see them through. I pull out my journal and try to write them all down. 

This leads to an important realization. In order to align with this higher self, I have to stop chasing and instead create an environment where he’d want to live.

I think of it as having a good signal. Four bars means that my mind is fully open to possibilities, I work in a peak state with maximum enjoyment. One bar means I’m going to need a lot of coffee just to produce something that I don’t really care about and I doubt anyone else will.

For example, I know that adventures which push me physically and mentally give a certain energy that running on a treadmill in LA fitness just doesn’t create.

As I write down other conditions that could trigger a good signal, I feel an urge to shut my brain down and go for a morning swim in the lake.

After all, I’m not chasing anything right now. I feel content. I’ve arrived somewhere.

After spending some quality time with Lake Segara Anak, we hike up to the top of the crater and then down into the jungle.

I follow Alto on a detour to find a water pipe so we can refill our bottles. We finally find a thin pipe that runs for miles from a river up top to a small village below where it provides clean water for one hundred houses.

He detaches the tube to fill up the bottles and before attaching it back, I take another shower. I make a bold decision to not use shampoo today. Crazy I know but what can I say, I’m living on the edge.

Surrounded by curious monkeys, we set up the tents then have ramen for dinner. I go inside to relax but accidentally doze off and sleep like a baby until the morning.

We wake up early and complete the trek with an easy two hour hike down to the base of the mountain. I say goodbye to Alto and Hamdi who are still making fun of my ridiculous shower needs.

Feeling accomplished, I make my way to the south of Lombok where I can do nothing on the beach for a couple days.

If any part of you is intrigued by doing a trek like this then you should absolutely book a ticket right now. Just be careful because if you’re anything like me, your automatic excuse generator might kick in saying things like – I’m not fit enough, too old, can’t sleep in tents, scared of heights, not now maybe next year… etc. etc.

If this happens, try telling this voice, “Sorry buddy. I’m gonna go ahead and do this one anyways.” It’ll make one more desperate attempt to stop you, “Wait! What about altitude sickness??” Just hit him with a calm, cool, “Nope. Sorry.”

Why? Because sometimes it feels like you become as tall as the mountains you choose to climb.

   - Yali

P.S. Whenever life's craziness causes anxiety, I just think of the Rinjani porters and I feel okay again. I used to think of my greatest accomplishments but this works much better.

[sed-segredosentredimensoes-blog]

Secrets Beetween Dimensions

Meeting in the tunnels

Back in the tunnels, the group apparently let themselves to be guided by Mary and stopped to rest, since there seemed to be no one in those tunnels, even Eliora insisting that this was the place where that souls were to be traded and the flag Mary pointing out that Missy was there

Emily- (after a long time containing her anger, she gets up) How much timr are we still going to lose standing here? What are you waiting for, a sidereal cavalry attack?

Molly-Emily ...

Emily-I'm tired mom! (she let her arms fall around herself in frustration) We have to go on and find my brother ... and Ray

Belle-I'm also very worried, but ... we have to be careful, Missy can ... is capable of anything ... and we need to find Ray and Hamish safe.

Emily: Then why are we standing still? Let's move carefully

Belle-Eliora, can you tell us if this ... dealer is here now and what does he want with Missy and Moriarty?

Eliora-Yes he's here I just don’t know him and I don’t even know the reason to him to be interested in our enemies

Emily- (anger in her voice, gritting her teeth) So how great are you if you don’t know anything?

Eliora-I'm sorry, I don’t understand why I'm bothering you, but I'm on a special assignment that my father assigned me

Emily-Really ?! And your mission is to remain in our midst and not know anything?

Eliora-You want to act hastily I've seen my brothers do this many times and the consequences were catastrophic, often the best weapon is not strength but thought, think long before you act

Emily-Your brothers then you don’t ...

Belle-Eliora is right now let's find my goddaughter before Eliza kills me

Mary: Okay, let's go.

Not far from there, Sam walked through those empty tunnels, his footsteps echoing, the only sound that was heard ... until the sound of footsteps intensified. Someone was coming.

Dean- (whispers) Sammy you heard this? (seeing that Sam did not respond, stepped on his foot)

Sam-Ow! What? Shouldn’t you be here and our plan?

Sherlock-I wasn’t going to make your father worried sick.

Dean-Do you want us to lose everything? Get killed? Of course not, right! You die because that's what's going to happen to you here

Sherlock-So go away, get out while they may already be the daleks who want me, I'll face them alone

Doctor- (leaves where he was and goes behind the boys staring Sherlock in the eyes) Honestly, in the books you seem to be smarter dear Mr. William Sherlock Scott Holmes

Sherlock jumped back, unable to contain his fright. Then his expression became serious as Sam and Dean tried not to laugh.

Sherlock-Where did you get in?

Doctor- (shrugs) You're the detective here.

Sherlock-A detective trying to unravel his greatest mystery, the Doctor with no sense at all ... so while I can’t formulate what to say or think I prefer to resort to the old ways of the deluded civilians and ask, if you don’t mind

Doctor-Well …

Mary-Dad!

John-Mary! And everyone

Dean-Great, now we're all going to die here.

Missy-How great! I'll take a selfie as a beautiful family photo.

Doctor-Hey Missy! How long ... sorry you're already leaving

Missy: No, I'm not, and who are you?

Doctor-Wow, yes ... you have no idea who I am, right? But I can’t reciprocate the same sentence as you a few years ago ... after all Doctor is a word without gender

Missy-There it is (starts laughing wildly) Doctor! I can’t really take it seriously, I can’t

Doctor- (rolled his eyes impatiently) are you done Missy?

Missy-Funny you want to act together when you've always been so lonely and now you're walking with this crowd behind you

Doctor-It must be because now I have to protect them, They are my family and I am with them, follow this example too my friend because advice is good and it is free

Missy-Look at you! Has your brain regenerated as well? But ... are you stupid now?

Doctor-Tell me what your purpose at all

Missy-See? You are dumb, isn’t that what you spent the last few weeks investigating? I just need the celebrated Mr. Holmes to come forward.

Sherlock- (taking the lead of the group) I'm here, let's go to business

Missy-Oh no no no no no! We have to wait two more guests, you have your little friends Doctor and I also have mine, we don’t go to business until they arrive to accompany me

Dean-Gran ... we’re not going to do anything?

Doctor-Just follow me Dean, trust me.

Missy- (stops and turns back) No conversations, Aunt Missy is concentrated here

Sherlock- (rolls his eyes with his restrained indignation and approaches his wife and daughter) Molly, Emily (said softly)

Molly- "(she whispers, half-worried about where they were going, and realizes Emily's face of frustration at being interrupted as she tried to mark the way) -what happened?

Sherlock-Are you okay? Me and John and the boys tracked down Sam's girlfriend and got here

Molly-Wait, Amelia? We're fine but Hamish ...

Sherlock-He's fine, it's better to tell the kids are okay for the good of our goddaughter.

Emily-Are you serious, father? I was so worried

Sherlock-Yes, but it seems our hostess did not realize it.

Emily-From the little I've deduced she may well know and be pretending

Missy- (arrives in a dark spot and soon lights a torch) Elizabeth and unscrupulous scientist come here. I want you to be in the front row to see this.