#they gave me free shampoo and conditioner bars it was so so sweet

[staryarn]

I just remembered my special intrest ough

[thesoulesscollection]

Wrote a second part to this if anyone is interested cause I was bored and wanted to. 🤷‍♂️

What a pleasant way for Charles to wake up in the early morning, all snuggled up safely in between two men, both were warmer than he can be in comparison. Made even better yet in a nice, comfy bed that wasn't a stupid pull out with the thinnest mattress on a creaky cheap metal frame. 

Although exhaustion weighs on his bones, he managed to wiggle enough to get loose and sit up. 

Sweat drenched his skin like another layer of skin, likely nobody was willing to take a quick shower last night. Anything would have been nice to clean up with but quick to understand the thrill from the most recent task would've left anyone high and dry. The assignment still got him antsy, on edge but not necessarily in a bad way. More in the manner speaking, he got off on it, the thrilling excitement coursing through his veins. 

Otherwise though Charles doesn't intend to stay grimy forever so he hoists himself out of bed in one uneasy swoop, bare feet hitting the cold floors below. A chill startled him just enough to shiver yet pulled through tiptoeing to the bathroom, while discarding the clothing worn onto the wood floorboards. It's nowhere near the hamper close to him but at the time he could care less. 

The door thankfully had come with a lock so he flips it, keeping everything else out and he is within his privacy to relax. 

Once inside the bathroom he got everything in order to his very particular liking from the shampoo and conditioner to the sweet body wash and scrub. Way better then the simple, bland bar of soap he was given to use back on that wretched military base. Then as he turns on the faucet, raking it up nearly to the hottest setting, he gives up another pleased sigh. Another thing he enjoyed was the hot water, for some demented reason he didn't know why the government relished in letting their soldiers drown like shivering rats. He steps in, water harshly hitting his bare skin and he shuts his eyes, mind and body goes lax. 

Charles took his ample time with the shower, obviously deserving it with all the hard work he did to get everyone to this point. 

*** 

“Hng. Wha… Where is he?” Reginald asks in a disgruntled, sleepy voice. 

“Hear the shower on. Be in there?” 

The clan's leader shakes the sleep off, better able to hear the distinct sound of the shower on. When he did, was the moment he could relax. It's not like he couldn't trust their loyal partner, but sometimes there's that gnawing itching feeling directly under his skin telling him otherwise. 

“Bet didn't enjoy wakin’ up to dirt on him” He heard Right crack a joke, enticing a grin and chuckle out of him. 

“For the love of me, darling, I never get why he wanted to volunteer himself to join them. Well, I get it for the information. But they're an absolute mess. A waste” 

“Hmm” Right hums along, paying attention Reginald hopes, through closed eyes. “Well he's outta there. Got the stuff we needed so why botha?” 

The government has always been a pain in their asses for many decades, through the generations of leaders and Reginald surely had enough of it. When Charles, who he'll agree isn't an official Toppat but a scrappy young spy came into the picture like a plane crash on fire, offering free of charge his well endorsed services to settle out the issue, he simply couldn't turn it away. Which wasn't the only service the man was suggesting either when bringing it to the table, certainly such a thing Reginald should've kept his mouth shut on. Often they tell spies never to get attached to anyone, Charles would explain like it isn't a serious topic to discuss. Like it wasn't all too important either they did this all for the clan, for Right and for him. 

“Don't feel guilty ‘bout it, ‘kay” 

“I'm not. It's just. I don't know. Charles gave us his all, for what? To have one less issue on our hands and him, nothing?” 

Soon the redhead made a sluggish move towards Reginald, flinging his good arm around his waist. 

“Part of his job, that's all. Told us all the time that he goes jumping out one job to ‘nother. It means nothing” Right continues, burying his nose into the crook of Reginald's neck, “Don't think he'll go by Charles either now, wouldn't he?” 

Reginald's lips pursed, brows furrowed with hands laid out on his chest, deep in thought. 

*** 

Hands on his chest, big doe eyes that were a deep, rich forest green stares up longingly at him, Reginald should not be feeling this sort of way. He was married to his husband for over a decade and a half, leading his clan for longer, so in turn, he is much older and a lot more experienced in life than the other man here. It wasn't big of a gap, he supposed, as there were larger ones he witnessed before, but the mere thought tells him it's prominent to be a bit uncomfortable. 

Worse, yet unlike his deputy, ‘Charles’ can be doing this for reasons unknown. His past is of one that the leader could never delve into no matter the probing questions disguised as small talk. 

‘I do like them on the more seasoned side, my men and in power too’ The man, their new spy, ‘Charles’ breathes. 

However, what he doesn't know much about the spy, like his real name or age, or anything else should be at least a comforting mystery.

‘We shouldn't be doing this’ Reginald spoke up firmly, as he can in the situation. The spy laughs in his face. 

‘Don't you worry. I like your husband just as well’ If that was supposed to comfort him, he didn't know. Reginald merely sat in his seat, still as a bronze statue, looking onwards to the window. 

Clear skies are what greets him. That and the lips that breeze past his neck. A light kiss as he initially expected hadn't come to press itself against his warm skin. Instead the other lays their head on his tense shoulders. Arms hung around him, an embrace perhaps, their hands playing with the golden necklace worn on his neck. 

Unfocused eyes break away to look down at the man, uncertainty and worry washed over his facial features. 

‘It's going to be alright. I've got you’

*** 

Back from his long shower, all washed up in freshly cleaned clothes, Charles returned to bed.  

“Feel better?” 

The younger man is snug in the middle again and he nods. “Yeah. I prefer not stinking like dog shit” 

Right has them sandwiched, his broad chest against the double agent's back while Reg remains on his back, staring at the crackling ceiling and the younger man clung on to the leader. 

“That's a relief then. Since if it wasn't me who said something it would've been Right and let me say, he's quite blunt and harsh about it” 

“Oh, I know that” Charles rolls his eyes at the reminder, a playfully lopsided smile stretched across his round face, “You wouldn't believe the torment I went through for you'll and this is the thanks I get?” 

“Call it brutal honesty, then, dear. If I ought to be affectionate with you two then I don't want to be kissing an ashtray or something digging in the trash”  

The said men return with a laugh, Charles is boisterous as Reginald has a sense of calm dignity in how he does it. “Sure. Like you're any better. Mr. Gym Rat” Reginald comments freely.  

“At least the doll here enjoys it when I come back. You have this repulsed loom on your face every time” 

“Again I do love you, positively so but no way does the musk that lingers count”  

Decidedly then Charles bursts in with a topic changer, “Curious. When is it when your clan comes around to pick us up?” 

“Ah. Sometime later on. The early afternoon the last I heard from Sven” Right answers in his usual tone, gruff and firm but for them, it was smoothly easy going if it makes sense.  

“Okay. Cool. That's all I needed to know”

In The Name Of Love & Betrayal

I apologize for the lack of interaction but I do hope you enjoy this even with a rare ship and odder plot. 

CopperRightVin (I may try to think of a different ship name for my sake 🤔 just so it won't be mixed up with CopperRightMin)

Tw/Tags: Canon Divergence, Established Relationship, Double Agent Charles, Morally Ambiguous/Grey Charles, Ooc Charles (But for this it's in character if that makes sense?), Domestic Fluff, Minor Angst, & Plot/World Building Heavy(Ish)

From a day so prolonged, Charles is fatigued by the end of it. Within seconds, in a snap of the finger his life is altered drastically and he doesn't know what to ponder about it. Since then to now, tiredly slumped in the backseat to some luxuriant vehicle, he can't even use his brain, or even his body for that matter. 

"Look tired there?" In his haze Charles can hear the familiar accented voice up at the driver's seat. 

"Hmm, You don't look well, darling" A second, softer, smoother voice recalls. Gloved hands then cups his face that brought him to reality again. Past bleary eyes, which showed to be a momentary struggle for him to focus, saw a face looking genuinely concerned for his well being. "You should get some sleep, doll. We had a long day, didn't we, Right, dear?" Not too long after Charles did close his eyes, he barely hears the last conversation between the two men. Some he picks up on, either it relates to him and or the day that led them here, other topic pieces he ignores for the calmingly numb buzz sound in his head. 

"He should. Did so well for us earlier" 

With a broken little whine Charles can't help to preen at the glowing praise, "... I. Y-yeah… I did…" 

"You did. We're so proud. For putting all you knew on the line for us" Life as Charles ever known is uprooted, changed forever to which he can't back out on. 

"Never expect much outta you in the terms of a good strategy plan but that one worked out spectacularly" The driver, Right, says with a chuckle. 

"...They… Didn't know what hit them… I-it. It was amazing …" In between a yawn, Charles continues with them. Once he would've felt bad, still there's a nagging voice saying he should, although pushed back, he's actually expressing pure giddiness. "... You all. You should've seen their faces" He can picture them, no matter how he forced it to dissolve into a faint memory where it is permanently seared into his mind. The looks were an odd combination of shock, anger, sadness, and more importantly, betrayal, if they found out about his status.  

"Yes. We saw a few. They were utterly beside themselves in grief. They think you're dead" 

"... That's … Good" Decidedly Charles laid their head on the man's lap, curling into a tiny ball rather than bother an attempt to sleep in their stiff seat. "I should feel bad for them… I don't though…" Spoken softly in a hush, as if someone could hear them. Maybe that made the (ex) pilot a traitor in the law's eyes, in his old friend's viewpoint nevertheless he'll grow past it. 

"Eh' you shouldn't feel too bad for those dogs anyways" Right snidely remarks, earning a tutting noise from their partner. "You're back with the clan and us" 

"Yes. There's quite a few who miss you. We certainly do"

They cracked their eyes open a little, staring up at Reginald with a sullen expression when they replied, "Not exactly who I was referring to. I could care less, they saw me as a simple minded, naive fool they can use. You won't believe how many times I wanted to shoot them in their smug faces. Better yet crash the plane into the nearest building per my 'great plans' with them in it. Painfully ridiculous in what I had to deal with on a daily basis" 

While rambling on, Charles stops, sensing Reginald's fingers cautiously curl around his thick, white locs. "We know. So who do you mean then?" 

"There were these two people I was assigned to work with during my time with the military" Charles picked up, heavily exhausted, and he fought against it. "In order to take both you and the Toppats down" 

In the internal rear side mirror Charles saw Right perks a brow, suddenly curious. "You mean Stickmin and Ms. Rose?" His robotic eye turns a blazing red, and a scowl on his scruffy face. 

"Yes... A part of me does wish I could've told them. I knew better than to spill. It would've risked everything more than it already did. They were amazing in their skills" Charles sympathetically understood why he couldn't have at the time. His teammates, thinking he was their best friend, were regular, run of the mill thieves turning a brand new leaf for the government. 

Far too much a risk to his main cause. They were more trouble then what Charles thought their worth was to him. 

"You shouldn't miss them" Reginald took his turn to respond, looking rather bristled at the mere mention. "Likely they were only in it for themselves. They're a danger to the clan and I'm amazed we aren't totally inoperative" 

"I know. Still they were something" Charles sighs dismissively. 

"We're home. Finally" Right pipes up, curt, as he stops the car and exits. The back door is opened moments later, Charles stays put on Reginald's lap. A gentle persistent nudge at their sides keeps them awake, just barely. "It was a long ride for us. Do you need help?" 

"U-uh, no… No, I think I'm fine. I can handle it" 

Right hums, not believing a single word with Reginald helping the third party up and out the car. "You need it the most. Today was quite spoiled with excitement" He sleepily imagines Reginald fret over him. 

"Sure" He purrs, "I love a good tending to"

In one swift movement, Charles is swooped into the strong arms, obviously it was Right, cold metal earning a chilled shiver. Again he hears Reginald speak across his head to the man, the man's hands freely brushing a loc behind his ear. Well earned sleep came in a slow progression that is able to fully drown out his problems. Enough he for once could relax, to snuggle into the other's broad chest and notice in his daze they entering a house. Charles is met with a deeply intimate warmth seeping into their skin, soothes the aches in his body. A sleepy smile adorned their worn face, safe to be at ease, be with people he's known and loved for years..

[prettyboybarzal]

Dancing with Our Hands Tied (5)

A/N: I’m sorry for this being late, and thank y’all for being okay with that and not wanting to kill me. Come chat to me about this chapter after you read! I wanna hear what y’all think.

Word Count: 2.9k

Warnings: Smut, some ass slappin’, lots of cursing, bad attitudes... So, the usual.

Previous Chapter // Masterlist // Next Chapter

Pierre swore that you were full of shit when you said you wouldn’t fuck him again. But, it’d been two weeks since that little rendezvous in the bathroom and you hadn’t so much as looked at him since. In fact, you stopped showing up whenever the boys hung out which was a red flag all on its own. 

Each night that he inevitably ended up going home alone, he passed Charlie’s door wondering if you were in there with him, tangled in the sheets, faking another orgasm. His mind wandered to you and the sounds you made as he fucked you. How sweet they were and how clear it was that you didn’t have to fake with him. Admittedly, he thought about that a bit too much and he wondered if you thought about it too. He hoped you did. The idea of that night living rent free in your head was too good not to fantasize about.  

After a weekend of away games, Pierre returned home on Sunday night and found himself slowing as he passed Charlie’s door once again.

His dogs greeted him as he entered the apartment and he fed them before slipping down the hall to wash the weekend away in his own shower. Again, his mind wandered to thoughts of you as he massaged shampoo and conditioner into his scalp. And, despite his growing erection, he tried to drown the thoughts with the suds until, finally, he had to make the water temperature colder to shock it out of his system. 

When he finally stepped out of the shower, he wrapped a towel around his waist to continue through his routine. He was in the middle of brushing his teeth when an unusual sound floated through his apartment. He peaked out the door to check if it was the dogs, but they were both already laying in bed waiting for him. He turned the faucet off and stood still. 

“Pierre, fuck.”

His eyes went wide and he listened to the moans as reality crashed over him. He couldn’t believe it. You’d been so cocky, so clear that this would never happen again, but it was your voice that he heard moaning his name through the vents of his apartment building. 

Check mate.

---

You truly didn’t want Charlie past the sex, but still you stayed in bed with him overnight and snuck out in the early morning. You never planned on it, and you really never cared for it to happen, but it always did. The moment his arms wound around you and tugged you against his chest, you were done for simply because it filled a void. It’d been a long time since you’d been held intimately in a way that didn’t involve your legs being wide open. So, you just let it happen.

You knew you had to draw the line, though. Because why would you settled for post-sex cuddles when you could hardly stand the guy? Why did you stay over when you found yourself sneaking off to his bathroom to finger yourself to the thought of his neighbor fucking you over a bathroom sink?

You couldn’t believe you actually stooped that low and you were thankful Charlie didn’t wake up to hear Pierre’s name fall from your lips. It was a shock even to yourself when you said it because in the two weeks since the bathroom, you hadn’t thought about it. Then again, you were avoiding the topic completely and now you were just a wall apart from him.

You didn’t stop yourself after you said it, though. You let your mind wander to the way his hands felt on your skin and the dirty words he grunted in your ear, and the way you felt with his cum dripping down your thighs. After your orgasm subsided and you came crashing down to Earth, you realized that even the thought of Pierre could make you cum when Charlie couldn’t at all.

When you slipped from Charlie’s apartment that morning, you were determined to put it behind you once again. But then you ran into Pierre in the elevator. Again. 

You felt your stomach plummet at the sight of him.

“Morning,” he greeted as you entered and hit the lobby button that was already illuminated. He gave you the once over, eyes fixed on the men's sweatshirt draped over your body. He repeated, “Good morning.” “It’s too early for you to be smiling at me like that. What do you want?”

“I knew these walls are paper thin, but apparently so are the vents,” he murmured. Your body ran cold. “Next time you find yourself having to sneak off to his bathroom to get yourself off to the thought of me, just come next door. I can take care of you, you know that.”

“Oh, fuck me.”

“That’s exactly what I’m offering.”

“Pierre, just drop it,” you grumbled, fingers pressing the bridge of your nose as if to relieve a headache before it even came on. You looked back up at him when you were met with silence and glared. “Don’t you ever fantasize about shit you shouldn’t? It’s not a big deal.”

“Nope,” he answered, popping the ‘p’. “And if you’re referring to us having sex in a bar bathroom, I haven’t thought about it even for a minute. Until I heard you moaning my name and I thought, ‘I should be a good friend and offer her my services again’.”

“We’re not friends.”

“No, we’re not,” he spoke. “I’ll correct myself.” He faced you, all cocky and smiling, shoulder leaned up against the wall beside you. “If she can’t stop thinking about my cock, I might as well offer her my services again.”

The elevator dinged, signaling that it’d reached the lobby, and Pierre stepped away.

“I already told you it’s never going to happen again.”

“Let me know when you change your mind.” 

---

“Hands off!” you yelped as soon as you turned into the kitchen. Seth and Josh were standing at the counter, fingers picking at the meal you’d been slaving over for the last hour. You shooed them away with the dish towel that was resting over your shoulder and they jumped away, giggling. “You two are awful.”

“We’re starving, YN.”

“And you won’t be in about fifteen minutes,” you said. “Now, move.”

Seth made himself scarce with one more lunge towards the food and though you whacked him with the towel once more, he still got away with another string bean.

“Thanks for making dinner,” Josh said, leaning back against the counter as you shuffled about the kitchen with more seasonings. “The boys were all out of groceries, me included.”

“Well, you’re leaving for a roadie, so I was honestly kind of expecting you all to show up at my door,” you murmured. “Grab some plates for me?”

There was a rhythm to your make-shift team dinners, so he knew where everything went for serving purposes. The boys raiding your kitchen the day before a long road trip was a common occurrence.

Josh started grabbing plates from the cabinet and as soon as they were stacked neatly on the counter, his phone began to ring. He stepped away slightly and answered. Pierre’s voice ripped through the kitchen.

“Yo, do you wanna grab sushi?”

His voice sent a chill down your spine, so you busied yourself with the dishes.

“Oh, sorry, bro,” he murmured. “I just ate at YN’s.”

He groaned loudly and as Josh turned the camera to show you, you flipped it off. He smiled when he saw you, “YLN, spare me a plate, would you?”

“You can starve, Dubois.”

Pierre laughed it off, and Josh spoke to him a few moments more until you signaled for the boys to come in and he said goodbye. They served themselves and shuffled out to the dining room table that was only ever used when they came by. 

When you finally settled down with them at the table, they were already talking over each other, laughing at a story that one of them was telling.

“What are you all laughing about like pre-teen boys?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Boone teased, “It’s about PL.”

You resisted a heavy roll of the eyes.

“You’ve piqued my interest, do tell.”

The sarcasm was evident in your tone but Boone launched into the story regardless of the face it was clear you didn’t care about the story involving Pierre. At least, outwardly. 

“We’re just ragging on him, taking bets on whether or not he’s going to get a free show tonight,” Boone laughed. Your blood ran cold and you snapped your head up from where you were looking at your plate. 

“What?” It took everything in you to keep your voice even as you furrowed your brows, attempting to mask the panic in your expression. 

“Apparently the vents at Pierre’s place are as thin as the walls because he heard some girl’s moans coming into his bathroom a few nights ago,” Seth said, speaking through laughter. 

“He said she sounded like she was enjoying herself,” Boone added, only making your jaw clench tighter. Josh snickered to himself, “And he enjoyed himself.”

“What does that mean?”

“Oh, come on, YN,” Seth sighed, like she was stupid or something, but when he saw she was serious, he laughed. “He jerked off after.”

You weren’t sure if you responded to that revelation, maybe a soft ‘oh’ before one of the other guys jumped in to comment on it, but you couldn’t remember. It felt like you blacked out the moment it was said.

All week, you were embarrassed that Pierre heard you, and it was made worse when he said he wasn’t also thinking of you. But he was lying, because of course he would be, and now you wanted to kill him for making you feel so… vulnerable. 

---

As soon as everyone was gone, you marched out to your car and began driving in the direction of Charlie’s apartment building. Except this time, you weren’t going to see him. You marched into the building, up to their floor, and all the way to Pierre’s front door. You didn’t hesitate once before knocking at his door, and he didn’t hesitate in pulling it open.

“Why did I know you were going to come over?”

“You fucking lied to me,” you said, jabbing a finger into his chest. He took a step back and you followed as you spoke. “You made me think I was crazy.”

“You are.”

“No, fuck you,” you barked. “You were all ‘I don’t think about you’ and ‘You gotta get over it’, but you jerked it to my moans the other night, you asshole.”

“Care to come inside so we don’t alert your boy toy?” 

Pierre stepped aside and let you into his apartment. You glared at him as he locked the front door and headed into the kitchen, assuming you’d just follow him, and of course, you did. He noticed the tupperware in your hand then and smirked.

“You brought me dinner, too, sweetheart?”

“I poisoned it,” you growled, deadpan. He laughed and took the leftovers from your hand to slide them into the fridge before returning to the pulled out stool at the counter. There was a plate resting in front of him with some sushi rolls, and he continued eating happily while you stood in the doorway watching. 

“Aren’t you going to say something?” You snapped, arms crossed over your chest as you watched him all too contently eating his dinner. 

“What is there to say?”

“What is there to say?” you repeated, voice lowering as you glared fixed on him. His hands faltered as he brought another sushi roll to his lips and you could tell you had him right where you wanted him. “Admit that you haven’t been able to stop thinking about fucking me in the bathroom either.”

He turned on the stool to face you with a look of confidence and threw your words from the elevator right back at you, “Don’t you ever fantasize about shit you shouldn’t? It’s not a big deal. Right, YN?”

You rolled your eyes and tossed a curse his way before turning out of the kitchen to match towards the door. Pierre was hot on your heels, discarding his dinner plate with a clatter in the sink before he wrapped his fingers around your wrist and pulled you back to him.

“Be honest about what you want,” he spoke, voice low, eyes dark. His free hand curled around the base of your throat and he nudged your chin up with his thumb. “You want me to fuck you? We don’t have to like each other to fuck, angel.” He paused. “Is that what you want? Say it and we can both get what we want.”

“Pierre.”

“Say the words and I’m yours.”

“Fuck me.”

“Good girl.”

His lips met yours in a kiss that was all teeth and tongue, his hands all over your body, and he lifted you to wrap your legs around his waist so he could carry you down the hall. Your back hit his mattress moments later, hair fanned out below your head as he kissed your neck, only detaching his lips from your neck as he peeled your shirt from your body and took his with it. He didn’t spend much time on foreplay, both of you already feeling revved up from weeks without touching each other. 

After stripping you of the rest of your clothes, Pierre flipped you onto your stomach and placed his hand on the back of your neck to press you down against the mattress. It trailed along your spine until it finally curled around your hip, the other gripped the other side and he tugged your ass up to pull it flush against the sweats he was wearing. 

Goosebumps rose along your skin beneath his fingertips and he smiled to himself, shaking his head in awe as he admired your naked body in front of him. He was thankful he’d flipped you so you couldn’t see the way he looked at you. It felt like he couldn’t get enough and he desperately didn’t want you to know. 

You wiggled your ass, beckoning him to do something, and his palm came down hard on it. You lurched forward with a filthy moan. 

“Oh, fuck,” you sighed out, fingers gripping the sheets beneath you. He ran his knuckles along the mark he left on your ass. 

“You like that?”

You hummed an affirmative sound and he leaned down to leave a trail of kisses from your tailbone to your shoulders. He shuffled behind you and you heard the sound of his pants hitting the floor, then felt him hard against your ass. 

“Spread your legs,” he spoke. You did as you were told and he shifted closer to you, head of his cock brushing along your pussy lips. The sound of a condom wrapper tearing filled the room and he let out a deep breath as he rolled it over his member.

He wrapped his hand around his cock and slid it along your folds. He watched the tension in your back as your muscles constricted and your hands gripped the sheets again in preparation for his entrance. And then, finally, he was sliding into you with a groan. 

It didn’t take long for him to start railing you into the mattress. As he fucked you, he pressed you onto the bed and listened to you moan and scream as you took his cock. When he finally relieved that pressure on your back, you regained your composure enough to roll yourself back onto his cock and match his thrusts with a desperation of your own. His hands gripped your hips tightly as your ass bounced in front of him and he watched with wide eyes, mesmerized. 

“Taking my cock so well, sweetheart,” he praised.

“You fuck me so good.”

“Better than him?” he asked, pounding into you as he awaited your answer. You nodded, teeth biting into your bottom lip as you stifled more moans. His tone of voice held an animosity you’d never heard from him before, but his cock felt so good that the question was forgotten within seconds.

As he approached his orgasm, he curled around you, hand dropping to your clit to help you catch up to him. His thrusts were erratic and uncontrollable, and he huffed onto your breath as he moaned. 

“Come on,” he coached. “Cum with me.”

You chanted his name as he cursed into your skin. Your legs shook as your own orgasm washed over you and when you both finally came down, he eased himself out of you and rolled onto his back. 

There was a long moment of silence. A looooooong moment. And then you sat up and walked off to the bathroom to pee before gathering yourself in the mirror and retrieving your clothes from the floors of his apartment. 

Pierre was sitting at the edge of his bed with boxers on when you emerged from his bathroom. His head shot up at the sound of you re-entering the room and he watched as you approached the side of his bed to grab your clothes.

“Can you stop staring at me?” you snapped as you slipped into your thong. 

He cracked a smile and looked away, shaking his head in disbelief of your quick switch-up in attitude. He muttered, “You’re fucking crazy.”

“Yeah, and you’re fucking stupid.”

“Yeah, I really am,” he grunted as he stood. “I’ll be in the living room. Let me know when you’re leaving, I’ll lock up after.”

[crack-squirrels]

A FUN RANDOM CRYPTIC?! That’s perhaps my favorite compliment I’ve ever received! I’m screaming, like, actually screaming! And I love talking to you too! Literally first thing I did when I woke up was look to see if you had responded to my asks!

I love your costume idea! I hope you’ll post a pic of it so I can see! No pressure, of course. I am intrigued about the bar of soap? What happened with the bar of soap, if I may ask?

I’m sorry you had that dream:( I get those sort of dreams but with my dad instead. Usually he gets back together with my mom, and then I have a panic attack in my dream and wake up crying.

Are you close with your bfs mom? And what did you get while shopping lol?

My day was kind of weird too? I reached out to a childhood friend, because the nightmares I had were about her, and she was asking me to help her and check on her? So I did, and turns out she’s having a really hard time right now and then we talked about how we miss each other and how well always be important to each other and there for each other if we need help. It was really sweet and I’m happy I listened to my gut and texted her.

I’m actually going as a psychic cause I think I have some psychic abilities? Like, I could tell you some stories about weird things I knew would happen.

-🫀

omg I love those weird stories about like other worldly experiences bruh 😫 please feel free to share. I'm really sorry to hear about your nightmares though they always suck.

anyways I would love to tell the soap story. as a preface there is mention on mental illness, in patient living, and suicidal ideation.

so I was admitted to the mental hospital a few years ago, and I was put in an observation room across from the nurses station. it had close to no furniture. the only things in it were a bed with pillow and blanket on the floor, and a laundry basket with some things in it.

the things included a stress ball (we all played wall ball) a notebook, some markers, some coloring pages, shampoo, conditioner, a plastic cup, and of course, a small bar of soap wrapped in its own little wrapper.

all of our toiletries were kept in a drawer next to the nurses station and would be outside your room in the morning, before bed, and you could ask for them (or something from them) whenever needed.

now when I moved into a real room after a night I took everything with me. and when I got to my new room there were nightstands, bed frames, and shelves in the bathroom.

so I put all my belongings where I saw fit. cup, ball, notebook, book (from library), markers, and coloring pages when on/ in my nightstand. clothes and laundry basket were folded in my shelves in the bathroom. and I put my shampoo conditioner and bar of soap in my drawer.

well when the nurses did a walk through of my room they noticed I had no soap next to my sink and gave me another bar. but I already had one in my drawer.

so that night before bed I put my second soap in my drawer. the next morning there was a new soap. I think they thought I had used it up.

well this went on and on until I wound up with 14 soaps. so I took a oeice of paper from my notebook and wrote the nurses a note.

"you keep giving me soaps but as you can see I have plenty, thank you though" set it next to my sink with all of my soaps.

now I meant the note as a funny thing as I really enjoyed having so much soap I thought it was funny and I never had to panic about not having soap or having to ask for more.

but they thought I was complaining or something and they took my soaps while I was at therapy.

I came back and saw all them gone and lost it. I was panicking looking around the room seeing if they moved them I asked to have my drawer and checked for my soaps.

gone. all gone. I was gutted. I had 1 soap. so I was crying talking to the nice nurse about it and she said she didn't do it but couldn't give me so many soaps back at once.

I had 4 other therapy sessions that day and brought my soap up to a psychologist, psychiatrist, and to the group therapy leader.

my Dr said that if I could trick the nurses into giving me more soap that it wasn't against any rules. other patients who I talked to regularly also ended up sneaking me some extra soaps.

I ended up with 10 in like 4 days or something. I would just keep them in my drawer. nurses come into the rooms when ur at therapy and sleeping and they look through all ur stuff. so I had to keep soap outside the room.

so I ended up with 12 the next day (replacement from the nurse and 1 from a friend) and I put them into my drawer and gave it to the nurses and went to whatever activity I was supposed to.

I came back and only had 9 soaps. lost my shit but not as bad as the first time. when I had therapy that night my Dr told me he swiped the soap out of my drawer and that I have mild ocd. he gave me my soaps back and I was allowed to keep having soaps.

when I left the ward I took all my soaps with me and think somewhere I still have some. if I ever find them I'll show u.

also even though he diagnosed me with OCD I think that was a more autism thing bc the collecting of them was fun and funny to me but the sudden change of my belongings is what pissed me off. still not diagnosed but pretty sure I have it idk.

[sonichkkaaascreams]

Mountain with a Flower Crown (chapter 1)

Just a super long one shot that is broken into a bunch of parts

Zaraki Kenapchi X OC Yamase Yasu

wordcount: 3090~

this is the fist part instalation of Mountain With A Flower Crown. this was inspire by post made by @bleachhaven  and @shadowsnlace   who both made posts regarding Kenpachi and an S/O who is larger than him. I use their headcanons as inspirational sparks to my own greedy little imagination.

Kenpachi may seem a little off but eh, what can I do about it. it just happened. also the starting point of this oneshot came to me in a hormonal fever dream. this is gonna be a super fudging long thing. i think it may be a very well around 6 to 8 chapters knock on wood to keep up my writing mojou.

enjoy ;) and please let me know what you think. XP

Yamase Yasu prided herself on being an early riser. She had practiced the discipline of waking up before sunrise to another day of hard work no matter how tired she may be from an early age. As such, her current circumstances were less than ideal.

 She was not only awake, forced to endure the bright rays of the sun right in her eyes and listen to the damned feathery monsters sing annoyingly but also she was required to stay still and not move an inch.

 Unlike her, her beloved spouse was sound asleep free from all the worries of office work. She greatly envied the man’s ability to not only sleep through the annoying chirping of birds but also all the way through the morning to evening regardless of the loud ruckus his squad members made. The only thing that would make him open his eyes was if she moved about. Witch is why despite her dire need to get up, stretch, make breakfast for an entire squadron of men who can’t take care of themselves properly and go to her own squad office to work; she was laying on their futon and fighting the urge to coo at the slumbering beast.

 Contrary to the common belief of those who shared a futon or a roof with Zaraki Kenpachi, he is not by any means a light sleeper. Take away the threat of the man rolling on top of his partners and smothering them to death and the man sleeps like a bear through winter. And that extra layer of peace and ease showed on his face and the way he slept.

 For one, he was sprawled on top of her with no care in the world. No matter how neatly or sweetly they sleep he always finds a way to roll over her, using her chest or stomach as his pillow. And so long he didn’t drool on her she wouldn’t mind it. Another sign that he was deep asleep was the light yet deep and rattling snores. And even those were endearing and cute.

 This morning however it seemed her spouse was hellbent in testing her patience – witch she was never renowned for – he was not only sleeping with a slighting parted lips, lightly snoring, and had done this absolutely cute thing where he held a fistful of her sleeping Yukata, but also his stupid and unreasonably soft hair was fanned out over her, tickling her skin.

 She is only but a mere woman. She is flawed and weak to temptation. Especially one as sweet and divine as this one. Not many would describe the 11th captain of the 11th division who just happens to be the sole successor of Kenpachi Yachiru cute. But at the moment that was the only word she knew of, that could capture his peaceful slumber - And until someone made a better word her husband had to deal with being called so – as mentioned Yamase Yasu as disciplined as she claimed to be, was only a mere woman and of course, she gave in to the divine temptation and ran her fingers in her husband’s hair and feel the silky soft yet soapy dry hair – he refused to use any proper hair product and she had no right to complain since she was no better – running her fingers a little higher she reached his scalp and began to massage his head. Feeling every secret scar that charcoal black mane hid. And taking inventory of the one or two gray hair she would find.

 “hmmm.” The rumbling groan of his dry throat rattled her bones and resonated in her skull. How she truly found his voice calming. “you’re awake.”

 “Sorry I woke you up. I couldn’t resist.” Her voice equally cracked and dry was louder and clearer than his own. Zaraki Kenpachi refused to admit that even after 100 years of married life, her voice still made his heart race.

 “I’m not complaining.”

 With a grunt, he pushed himself up and pulled himself up towards her face. His unkempt mane falling around them like a curtain of privacy against the prying eyes of the sun and those birds – that Yasu, who also prided herself on being ‘peaceful’ wanted to kill one by one if they didn’t shut up and let her listen to Kenpachi’s voice and NOTHING else – it was a solid minute or two of them just staring at each other and by any bystanders, it was not only unromantic but also rather unsettling to have the beastly captain Zaraki stare at them for long periods. Usually, a glance was enough to make grown men lose control of their bladers. For this fated pair, however, this was a ritualistic habit of cataloging every scar and wrinkle the other had gained.

 The small scars on her face, the slightly chipped and torn lip, the small scar and the smaller bald patch it had resulted, a barely visible scar on her eyebrow, the shallow wrinkles around her eyes resulted by squinting at the sun, and the visible laugh line, the small blue veins he could see if he paid attention and the way every muscle twitched.

 “it’s a bit late for you to be still in bed.” He stated matter of factly in a way that only she would realize what it meant. It’s a bit late for you to still be in bed meant: did you sleep in again because you didn’t want to wake me up. And only she knew his matter-of-fact tone was not an observation or a statement but a self-condemnation.

 “why captain Zaraki! You think me so cruel that I would up and leave my beloved husband cold in the morning to go to work? Without saying good morning?”

 His grunt made evident that her teasing was effective. With a smile she continued to tease as she wrapped her iron grip around his waist and slide a finger on the arch of his back – she couldn’t bring herself to call anything on this man small even to describe the small of his back – “you’re not just a warm body my dear. I love to wake up to see you still asleep so peacefully. You look so cute I want to eat you up.” She giggled. The Mountain woman of Gotei, in all her 8’8 glory, giggled. “I love it when I get to run my hands in your soft hair and take in your scent and have your head in the crook of my ne-AAHH…” her insufferable cooing was brought to an abrupt end when the strongest Kenpachi hit her in the face with a pillow. Using her initial shock as a distraction he rolled off of her and buried his face in the pillow to cover the ever-growing deep blush that dusted his face. It wasn’t a feminine blush rather it was a dark, red almost brownish. And he was not cute. By gods, he was NoT CuTe. AT ALL. HE WAS THE CAPTAIN OF SQUAD 11 AND HE WAS NOT CUTE GODDAMIT. Well, at least he’s not cute as far as anyone else is concerned.

 Laughing loudly she rolled and embraced her husband in her arms, after 100 years of marriage and 50 more years of knowing the woman beforehand, it still amazes him how easily he is held in her arms. How well fitted his face is in her neck and how safe it all feels. Like he's a scrawny child all over again back in Zaraki woods but this time he’s safe and he doesn’t have to sleep with one eye open or dig himself a hole under a tree for warmth, hell he doesn’t even need to hug his sword for safety and safekeeping. No, he can just sleep, or rest, or just lean in the warm embrace and drown himself in the scent of sea salt, peaches and ink. Completely safe and loved. He’d never tell her that, no, he’ll take it to his grave and beyond. But he doesn’t need to. She doesn’t need him to. The simple soft hum that rumbles in his chest and the long, deep exhale on her throat says more than enough.

 “you’d think after this long of a time, you’d be used to my pampering chi-chi.” She cooed at him barring her nose in his hair. She loved how he always smelled so distinctly him. Just him. Nothing ever changed his scent. His sweat, his stupid cheap dry soap – that she also used because she is too busy to use the shampoo and hair conditioner and all the other dumb things lieutenant Matsumoto gives her every year for her birthday – and woods, the special pine woods only found in Zaraki. He always smells of those. And if he comes back from missions, blood. The metallic rusty smell of blood that always compelled her to ask for a full day off from her captain immediately to attend to her… private needs with her husband.

 “Unfortunately, love of my life, you are awake which means I have no excuse to stay in bed any longer. And if you and the boys want breakfast I better shake a leg.” She hummed as she left chaste kisses over his face.

 “Fuck them, the bastards can go eat shit for all I care.” He snarled. How dare they and their needs take his wife from his bed?

 “Honey, you need breakfast as well.”

 “No I don’t.” he – dare she say the word? – whined like a bratty child and gripped at her even harder. It wasn’t even a sexual groping, he just really really wanted the warm embrace to last longer. But from past experiences she knew if she catered to him any longer she would most likely not leave this room for about another years or so. And so as the sensible wife of the squad 11 she wiggled into a comfortable position and willed herself to her feet. Her 2 feet shorter husband refusing to let go, hung from her neck.

 “chi-chi, light of my life please don’t swing from my neck.” She lovingly stroked his back and hair beckoning him to be a little more mature. Earning a guttural, loud, ground shaking, ear-piercing growl as he tightened his equally iron grip. “ at least wrap your legs around my waist so I wouldn’t trip and fall on you. you wouldn’t want to explain to Isane-Chan WHY you have a broken arm early in the morning again…. Right?

 Given the choice of letting go of his precious peach-scented giantess and holding on to her like a monkey’s babe, you’d think the strongest Kenpachi would hold on to his dignity and let go. But no.

 The man had gone nearly 800 something years of his life touch starved with no real understanding of affection, the moment his beloved Yasu had begun to shower him with it his mind was simply blown. ‘Is this why Yachiru always hung off of his shoulder everywhere? Is this why she always ran to his arms like a crazed boar?’ because that’s what he wants to do with her.

 “She can keep her mouth shut.” He says taking in another breath full of sea salt and peaches. But finally, lets her go. It’s been 100 years for them and he knows she gets annoyed when she can’t go to her office on time. But he can sure make it difficult for her as he is still very much salty that she chose squad 10 over his own. “the hell you chose the Lil' brat over meh?” he had thrashed and at one point picked a fight with everyone from squad 10 – the captain in question, the Lil' brat. Refused to indulge her suiter at the time. – “you coming home earlier today? for lunch I mean.”

 Home. Another thing that made her heart flutter and bounces about like a lamb, is Kenpachi referring to squad 11 barracks as home. He had only started calling the place their HOME about 30 years into their marriage and Yasu firmly believed to this day he doesn’t realize he started doing so and if she pointed it out he would instantly stop.

 “Ahh, no. I promised to go to this new ramen stand that’s opened recently with Momo and others.” She smiled apologetically as she followed him to the adjoined captain’s bathroom. Kenpachi fast to strip to wash off before entering the basin of warm water and Yasu, who hated showering in the morning simply brushed her rust-colored crow’s nest, braiding the gray strands and adding her handmade decorations. Smiling at the second set of decorations that belonged to her beloved. They were much simpler and significantly less intricate than hers – just a few sharp wolf teeth and hawk feathers and one or two polished stones kept for special occasions such as date nights – which was just a stroll and wrestle in the woods and sex in the wilds night – and birthdays – the same as date nights but less walking, more sex and a lot steamier plus a gift is given as well –

 “I should seriously get going love, I won't be home for lunch but I’ll try to be home for dinner earlier so we can wrestle.” She smiled her big kind stupidly beautiful smile that made Kenpachi avert his eyes to avoid another humiliating blushing event. And he would have succeeded if Yamase Yasu, the mountain of squad 10 hadn’t bent down – he still can’t wrap his braid around the fact that she has to bend down for him – and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

 He deemed himself lucky that she left and didn’t see how that simple cherishing act turned his whole being into mush. And also very unlucky because now that she had departed for the barracks kitchen, he was left alone to deal with the aftermath of looking at her swaying hips in a thin, light white Yukata. As a married man, he should not have to deal with this predicament alone, however, he realized soon after actually living with Yasu under the same roof that, being an obstacle between her and her career is a fool's errand and it’s best if she is left to manage her time and duties herself. In fact, he begrudgingly admits, their afternoon wrestling is far more enjoyable than any morning quicky he could convince her into.

 On the other side of the barracks, newly dressed in formal black Shikaushou, Ymase Yasu was already in the middle of preparing breakfast for her hundreds of beloved morons. Ymichika, being an early riser himself was also present. Having retired from his morning shower he was enjoying a cup of tea as he helped Yasu warm up her habitual – albeit horrid and unsightly – blood milk. “you don’t have to help you know. I can manage myself.” She would politely say, which was her way of saying ‘please get out of my way.’ She had already stepped on his poor dainty feet and her mobility was further reduced by being careful not to barrel into the small, dainty fellow. “I know. I want to help dear. You don’t let me take care of your hair so I thought I’d do something else.”

 Oh, god. Please no. “ Yumichika, dear, I already told you, I don’t care for hair. It’s fine as it is. And you don’t need to help me in the kitchen.”

 “what she really means is that you’re small and get in her way. Stay around and she might accidentally step on ya like a bug.” Madarame Ikkaku, her husband's lieutenant and right-hand man – and in her personal opinion, the closest thing Kenpachi has to an actual friend. – may be rude and insufferable with absolute no table manners but she could always rely on him to tell the mean things she didn’t want to say.

 “that’s one way of putting it.” She smiled, offering him a full plate of the most protein-filled breakfast a man could ever dream of. “I put extra spinach, berries, and eggs for you; I hear it’s good for hair growth.” She adoringly said as she patted the lieutenant's shoulder. Making Ikkaku break his chop-sticks. Oh, how he wished he could kick her ass. Unfortunately, his captain would kill him if he so much as looked at her with ill intent. – something about her not partaking in violence witch was dumb, he’d seen the way they ‘wrestle’ once by complete accident and the image that’s unfortunately burned in his mind is nothing if not violent and he hears things. Violent-sounding things. How is she not into violence when she married him?- he shouldn’t think about his captain’s wife that way, he tells himself. And instead says:” I’m not bald…my head is shaved.” A vein popping on his head.

 “I didn’t say you were.” She deadpans causing Yumichika to snort into his tea. “just because I’ve never seen you shave your head, or your hair to grow out – even after spending time on missions or never seen you in possession of a single strand of hair – anywhere – doesn’t mean I said you’re bald.”

 Ikkaku Madarame respects his captain greatly. Sometimes, however, he thinks he married a devious demon.

 “you take that back you damn Yama-Oni.” He cries out attempting to draw out his sword but is held back by Yumichika who is using his mastery over his eyebrows to tell Yasu to ‘please don’t bully him.’

 “mountain- demon? Now that’s a new insult. I should write this one down.” She happily sings out as she prepares the last bits of breakfast and proceeds to ring the bells of the kitchen. Informing the squad that their breakfast is now served.

 Yamase Yasu is an eternal pain in Ikkaku madarame's behind, but he admits if it weren’t for her food that this squad would have A) starved to death and B) would have slept till evening. She managed to convince them to get up early and to eat a healthy diet. What was it that Yumichika had said? Something about a woman’s touch?  The berries are too tasty for him to care for anything else.

 And as she is about to leave to her own squad, to the one she actually works at, the members of the loudest, rudest, nastiest squad in Gotei all bow and thank Yamase-san. And the new ones who are still shy around the giantess bow and thank their ‘Oujou-sama’ which makes him want to laugh.

 Yeah…a woman’s touch. Or something.

[valkyrieofthehighfae]

Chapter 3

Warnings: Brief mention of drug use and potential alcohol abuse. 18+ only y’all!

Word Count: 3.6k Join my taglist here Tagging: @mcu-padawan​ Chapter 1 & Chapter 2

Coruscant: my home away from home, my sanctuary, my own personal little slice of heaven in this hellish war. I was positively thrilled to be back here for the next two weeks: I had new tattoos to get, places to be, things to buy, and people to see. I checked my chrono to see what time it was, pleased to see it was still early enough that I had time to go home and shower before meeting with Fives for drinks. Hefting my pack up, I took off towards my nice, cushy apartment Ivar had procured me after I graduated the academy, whistling a cheery little tune as I practically skipped home. All I wanted was to take a nice, hot bubble bath and relax for a while.

“Hey V!”

I grunted as a heavy arm draped around my shoulders, taking me off guard momentarily. Fives had fallen into step with me, chuckling when I playfully elbowed him with a scowl. “What is it with you and scaring me? Seriously, this is the fourth time today! I’m finding a bell or something to tie to your neck.” I teased him. In the few days I’d known him and Echo, I’d quickly grown attached to the two men, finding Echo’s love of puns absolutely wonderful while Fives and his dirty jokes always had me in stitches, almost quite literally when he chose to tell a real good side splitter when I was working with a scalpel on a practice dummy to get better at my stitching. “We still on for drinks tonight?”

“Wouldn’t miss it, Valks. We’re still meeting at the 79’s right?”

“That’s the plan, yeah. I’m gonna get my best friend, Koyi, to come along as a date for Echo. She could use a night out on the town honestly and I think getting those two together would be damn adorable. I’m going to soak in a hot bath first, I have been absolutely dying for a hot bath since we got word we’d be getting leave. We’ll head to the 79 in about an hour, okay?” I confirmed, gave him a quick hug while saying goodbye, and kept walking, super eager to get home. “Hey, Koyi, drinks at the 79’s tonight. You in?” I called Koyi up on my comm while walking through my front door, dropping my pack on the ground by my couch and headed into the kitchen for a snack.

“Yeah, sure. I’ll come by your place so we can get ready together. Be there in thirty.” She sounded absolutely thrilled to hear we had plans, her voice always pitching up in her inflection whenever something got her excited.

“Ouch, you weren’t even going to come see me first?” A voice behind me had me nearly leaping out of my skin, whirling to see Grave coming out of my bedroom, a towel around his waist, his chestnut colored locks wet from a shower.

“Grave? I wasn’t expecting to see you here!” I lit up when I saw him, practically jumping into the lanky man’s arms when he held them out to embrace me, his lips pressing tenderly to my temple. “I was going to come see you, but I had plans made to get some drinks with some friends first.” I pulled away from him to head into my bedroom, discarding my clothes into my hamper. The sterile smell of the med bay still managed to cling to me, the smell itself not totally unpleasant per say, but it was just enough that it felt as if I were still at work, which is something I was ready to forget about for the next two weeks.

“That’s a view I certainly missed,” I could hear the smirk in his voice as I leaned over to turn the tub on. “What happened to your nose, Baby Doll?”

“It got broken in a fight. Doesn’t look near as bad as it did that first day, but it’s still pretty tender.” I grumbled, reaching up to touch the bridge of my nose. It was still pretty bruised up, but it was a lot better than the first two days after it had happened.

“Who the fuck do I need to kill for laying a hand on my Baby Doll?” Anger lurked just under that calm surface, coloring his voice with an unpleasantness that had a shiver crawl down my spine. I’d only ever seen him lose his temper one time and it stuck with me, the sight of all the blood and sounds of screaming still sometimes invading my dreams.

“It was an accident, Grave. I was trying to break up a fight between a couple of our mechanics and got hit with a wrench in all the chaos.” I soothed, resting my hands on his chest. “I’m fine, I fixed it no problem.” Standing up on tiptoes, I wrapped my arms around his neck so I could pull him down for a kiss, sighing softly when he gently stroked my cheek with a knuckle.

“Accident or not, they damaged you. I can’t have you go out on the stage until you’re bruise free.” He murmured against my lips, one hand coming up to gently grip my chin so he could inspect the damage, treating me as if I were a piece of property that got damaged in a bar fight. My brow furrowed in response to his scrutiny, jerking my head away from his grip so I could step into the tub, hiding my frown behind my curtain of hair.

“You know I hate it when you do that. I don’t like it when you grab my face, it’s uncomfortable. I wish you’d listen to me when I ask you not to do things you know bother me.” I eyed him with an irate glare, huffing at his rough treatment.

“I’m sorry Baby Doll, you’re right. Can you ever forgive me?” Grave knelt down by the tub, taking a hand in his, pressing soft kisses along my knuckles. I melted all over again, a warm blush creeping up onto my cheeks as he pressed another kiss to the inside of my wrist.

“Fine, but only because I love you.”

“Hey Astrid! Where are you?” Koyi’s voice cut into our moment, Grave’s nose wrinkling in distaste when the Twi’Lek woman poked her head into the refresher. “Hey girl! Oh good, Corpsefucker is here too.” Her grin quickly soured into a look of disgust. She and Grave had a rather… rocky relationship with one another, neither of them caring much for the other. It made it hard to have both of them with me, the constant bickering and name calling getting rather old rather fast.

“Great to see you, too Tailhead. I’ll let you two get caught up. Baby Doll, meet me at the Crypt later.” Grave got up with one last parting kiss, slipping past Koyi with a sneer. She ignored him, coming to sit down at my vanity instead, opening her makeup kit she’d brought along so she could start setting up.

“I still cannot understand what you see in that creep. Seriously what is the appeal? He’s a kriffing asshole and he’s so ridiculously possessive.” Koyi was watching me with raised eyebrows, shaking her head a little. “You could do so much better than that wastoid.”

“C’mon Koyi, leave him alone. Grave really can be so sweet and he’s taken such good care of me -”

“Oh yeah, cuz treating you like property is taking such great care of you. Come off it, Astrid. You’ve been brainwashed by the creep, he took advantage of you at a vulnerable time and now look at what’s happening. You’re excusing his shitty behavior because you can’t see it. I love you, you’re my best friend, but I can’t sit by and not say something about this mess.”

I couldn’t meet her fierce gaze, looking at the bottles of shampoo and conditioner sitting on the side of my tub instead, tears welling in the corners of my eyes. I didn’t get why she wasn’t happy for me, why she couldn’t just support my happiness with Grave. Deep down, though… deep down I knew she was right. I’d started noticing it each time I came home on leave, there would be little things here and there that he would do that would always upset me, things that I would repeatedly ask him not to do that he would keep doing anyway. His apologies always seemed so sincere before, but now? Now I was beginning to have doubts.

“You’re right. I’m sorry, Koyi.” It was hard to say out loud, hard to admit that I might be wrong, but her words had my brain in overdrive, thinking over every little moment I’d shared with Grave, every word that had been said, every single little action that had ever occurred, and I felt hollow inside just thinking about it.

“Stars above, you don’t need to apologize to me. I just worry about you. It’s hard enough knowing you’re out there helping in this war out there in the field like the clones, I don’t want to have to worry about you whenever you’re home, too.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I get it.” I sighed before getting out of the tub, wrapping my favorite fluffy towel around myself so I could dry off and get ready for our night out. “On a lighter note, I got you a date for tonight.” My grin only got wider when Koyi threw my dress at me, the silky fabric and hanger hitting me in the face.

“Why do you do this to me?” Koyi’s face had gotten ten shades darker, covering her face with her hands to try and hide it.

“Because I love you and you’re my best friend and deserve to be happy. You’ll like Echo, he’s so sweet. And he likes puns, it’s a perfect fit!” I laughed, dropping down onto the chair next to her, digging around for my makeup with a grumbled curse. Where had I put it? “Where the hell is my… oh son of a bitch.” It hit me I’d left my makeup on the Resolute in my bunk. I was in such a rush to get outta there, I forgot to grab it.

“Let me guess, you left your makeup? Just use mine, I’ve got so much stuff here I haven’t even used yet,” Koyi snorted while slipping into the black bodycon dress she’d brought along to wear on our night out.

“Thanks,” I sighed heavily. “What do you think of the dress I picked? I’m still not sure about it.” I motioned to the light pink strapless dress I’d laid out on my counter. It was a gift from Grave that I hadn’t had an opportunity to wear yet and I thought tonight would be perfect but it seemed like it was so short.

“Put it on! Let’s see how it looks.” Koyi handed me the dress and I slipped into it, waiting for her to zip up the back. “Oh. Wow. You look great, but damn that is short.”

“I thought it looked short! You know what, it’s fine, it’ll be okay. As long as I’m not up on tables dancing, no one’s gonna see anything.” I decided to just take the plunge and wear the dress since I wasn’t sure when I’d get the chance to wear it out and about. It was too cute to just let sit in my closet and go to waste. “Okay, I think I’m ready. I just need to get some shoes.”

“Oh great, we’ll be here for six thousand years waiting for you to pick. You have so many pairs of shoes. Why? Who needs this many shoes?” Koyi was staring into my closet with wide eyes at the sight of my four shelves of shoes.

“I do apparently. Grave likes to surprise me with new outfits fairly regularly when I come home on leave.” I smiled softly at the thought of him always finding new ways to surprise me. “I think I’m going with these for tonight.” I picked up a pair of wedged sandals that laced up my calf.

“You actually made a quick decision with your clothes? That’s a first!” Koyi broke into laughter when I gave her the evil eye. She wasn’t wrong though, I always took forever to pick an outfit and shoes, even as a kid.

“Okay, rude. I think we’re ready to go, do you have everything you need?”

                                                          ~*~*~

When we arrived at the 79’s, I couldn’t believe just how packed it was tonight. Finding Fives looked like it might be a bit harder than anticipated. I held on to Koyi’s wrist so we wouldn’t get separated in the crowd, grinning flirtatiously at everyone who checked us out. I finally spotted Fives with Echo, Hardcase, Kix, and Jesse lounging at a table, playing a game of sabacc.

“Hey guys!” I waved to get their attention over the loud music, laughing when Hardcase looked up, jaw dropping in shock. This was the first time I’d actually worn something like this around them, usually I was in a crop top and tight pants with comfy boots, so the dress and makeup was a completely new side of me I was showing. Case nudged Jesse, who in turn hit Fives in the chest to get him to stop talking for a minute. “Sorry we’re a little late. Took a little longer than originally planned to get ready.” We snagged a couple of chairs that were empty, perching on them with grins. “Guys, this is my best friend Koyi. Koyi, these are some of my guys. That’s Hardcase, Jesse and Kix, Fives, and Echo.”

“Nice to meet you all.” Koyi gave a shy wave, blushing a little when she caught Echo checking her out. I nudged her with my elbow, hoping she’d take the hint, fighting back a laugh when she elbowed me back but got up to go sit with him so they could chat.

“I’m gonna grab a drink, anyone want anything?” I turned my attention back to the others who were still staring at me with wide eyes. “Okay, come on, knock it off. It’s just a dress and brighter makeup than what I usually wear. It’s not that shocking.” With a roll of my eyes, I got up to my feet and grabbed Fives’ hand to pull him after me for drinks.

“You weren’t kidding when you said you had a lot of ink. Is there anywhere you don’t have any tattoos?” He was standing close enough to me that I could feel warmth radiating off of him and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“You mean besides my face? Nope, I’ve got a tattoo pretty much everywhere.” I swallowed hard, my face getting hotter when he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “So, what’s your poison?” I motioned to the wall of alcohol behind the bartender.

“Surprise me, Valks.” Fives grinned down at me, laughing when I groaned at his continued insistence of calling me “Valks” instead of Valkyrie. It drove me crazy, but he was also the only one I’d let get away with calling me that cursed nickname.

“Okay,” I shrugged. “Could we get a Bad Motivator IPA and an Ellodeem nightflower?” I gave the bartender a brilliant smile, thanking him happily while handing over my credits to pay for our drinks. “Cheers Fives.” I raised the glass and took a sip, pleased by the balance of sweetness and tartness of the dark purple, shimmery liquid.

“So Echo and Koyi look pretty cozy. Look at them,” Fives nodded to where his brother and Koyi were dancing, the two of them laughing and chatting animatedly. I knew I made a good call by arranging for them to meet.

“Aww they’re so cute.” I joked, taking another sip of my drink. I made a note to order something a touch stronger once I finished this off, needing to get my mind off of Grave and everything else. I could practically taste the Z that I was so desperate to get into my system, I had to bite back a moan as I relished the thought of chasing that high that left me feeling like I was floating. I just needed to get through drinks with the guys first and then I could go to Grave for my fix.

Nope, no, don’t think about it. Focus on the moment happening right now. I shook my head a little, bringing myself out of my thoughts to try and keep my attention on Fives, who was talking animatedly about… shit what was he talking about? I’d been so zoned out, I hadn’t listened to a single word he’d said.

“Hey, anyone home?” Hardcase waved a hand in front of my face, a smirk on his face when I swatted his hand away with a glare.

“Sorry, I’m here, I just zoned out a little. It’s been a long day.”

“Yeah, are you alright? You seem really distracted tonight.”

That’s an understatement.

“Yeah, I guess I kind of am. Sorry about that, my head is just somewhere else right now. I’m gonna go grab another drink.” I half laughed, rubbing the back of my neck, embarrassed I was called out for zoning out. I carefully wound my way through people to the bar, leaning on it so I wasn’t in the way of people working their way past me and contemplated on a drink. “You know what, surprise me. Something really strong would be appreciated, though.”

The bartender nodded with a smirk, mixing up a drink that was a bright blue and smelled absolutely heavenly, the taste sweet, heavy on my tongue. I thanked him happily, turning to go back to the group when I accidentally bumped into someone.

“Oh, shit, I’m so sorry!” I blushed hard when my drink sloshed onto my dress and a little onto this person’s hand when they reached out to steady me.

“Whoa, hey, watch it.” An unfamiliar voice replied, steady hands holding my elbows to keep me upright in the blasted wedges. “You alright?” 

“Y-yeah, I’m okay. I’m seriously so sorry, can I buy you a drink to make up for my clumsiness?” I asked, resting a hand on his, biting my lip nervously.

“Ah don’t worry about it. I should be askin’ if I could get you a drink since yours spilled onto your dress.” He had a toothpick in the corner of his mouth, a cocky half grin on his mouth as he looked me up and down before reaching over me to grab the towel the bartender passed over, handing it to me. I took it with a shy thanks and dabbed at the spot of my dress, drying it as best I could.

“Oh, no, please don’t feel obligated! It was my fault anyway, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going,” I handed the towel back to the bartender. “I’m Valkyrie, by the way.”

“Crosshair. Nice to meet you pet.” Crosshair smirked, eyeing me with interest. I could feel my cheeks flare pink and took a seat with him at the bar. “You’re the five oh’s civie combat medic, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. I see my reputation precedes me and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.” I laughed nervously, wondering just what he’d heard exactly.

“Heard you’re a damn good medic, and you keep your cool under pressure. We could use a medic every now and then on Anaxis.” He gave a nod as the clone behind the bar handed him a glass of whiskey.

“I go where I’m needed, so if you guys need me there, it can be arranged with Captain Rex I’m sure. I’d be glad to help out. I’m not exclusively the five oh’s, I’m just with them primarily.” I tucked my hair behind my ears, a sweet smile on my face.

“Yeah? Great, I’ll make the arrangements to steal you away for a while.”

Wait. Is he… flirting with me? I mean, he was definitely cute and I was into it, but it definitely caught me off guard. I decided to test the waters, just to see if I was imagining things, and leaned in a little closer, taking up a flirtatious posture. “Steal me away, huh? My reputation can’t be that good,” I purred, tilting my head slightly and reaching up to tuck a strand of loose hair back out of the way again when it fell back into my face. He laughed, setting his empty glass down and touched my knee softly.

“You’d be surprised. Heard a lot of good things about you.” He was glancing down at my lips as he spoke, quick flashes and it confirmed my theory.

“I’m flattered, really,” I set my glass down next to his. “Oh, I love this song! Care to dance with me?” I hopped off the barstool with a smile, taking his hand in mine when he agreed. We passed by Fives and the others on the way to the dance floor, Fives whistling playfully at me, and I gave him the finger with a laugh. Koyi looked pleased from her place next to Echo, her arm looped through his and her head on his shoulder. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing up against him, rolling my hips to the beat, fighting back a gasp when his fingers tightened on my waist slightly. This was going to be a fun evening if things kept going well and I was eager to see where this was going to go.

[oh-its-souichi]

Trash

Shigaraki X Reader 

I have no idea why I wrote this

Warning- ANGST, unhealthy relationship, cursing, Shig is a little occ, it’s pretty soft, pretty fluffy

It had been the best day ever. 

You woke up in  each others arms, silently enjoying each others presence. Lovey-Dovey eyes looking into one another with nothing but appreciation. There was no name calling, no insecurity just love. 

After laying down in the bed for most of the day the two of you decided to get up, stretching sleepy bodes and carrying them out the door to pester Kurogiri to get some breakfast. He complied. 

The rest of the evening you sat at the bar lazily reading the news paper over Shigaraki’s shoulder while he grumbled about something or other opting to disintegrate the defenseless paper before you could read it. Your brain being to busy trying to comprehend how soft his hair felt against your face. 

You were sitting lazily on the counter with your head laid comfortably on your arm sipping on a Malibu- pineapple when Dabi came into the bar a smug look on his face. “Hey Dabi” you said kindly lifting your head lazily up. He sat on the stool to the right of you and rustled your hair roughly as his greeting.

“Will you be having your usual tonight?” Kurogiri said turning his attention from Shigaraki who sat to the left of you to Dabi. He gave a curt nod turning his blazing blue eyes to you. “Is that dress new?” Dabi said ephemerally looking to Shigaraki who grunted shifting uncomfortably in his chair. You, due to the pleasant buzz you had going, didn’t pick up on Shigaraki’s apparent irritation or the look of mischief plastered on Dabi’s face. A blush formed on your cheeks and you looked down at your dress, driving Shigaraki mad. His fingertips reached up his neck scratching at the already raw skin but again you didn’t notice. “Uh no it’s not new- well kinda- I haven’t worn it before” 

Dabi hummed looking over your body slowly. “It looks really good on you” he said his voice almost a low growl. You appreciated the compliment but grew very uncomfortable with the way Dabi was looking you over, like you were prey. Nervously you glanced at Shigaraki who had disintegrated the cup he was drinking out of. ‘shit’ you thought realizing your mistake.

“Did you get the schedule?” Shigaraki spit his left hand tearing at his neck as his shoulders trembled. Dabi smiled pleased with his work and took a piece of paper out of his pocket sliding it across the counter top. What exactly was on the paper you weren’t sure but figured it had something to do with the most recent attack on Yuuai that was being planned, set to occur in a few weeks.  “Yep” he said tossing back the rest of his drink. There was an uncomfortable silence that followed after his answer. the quietness was deafening and was heavy. The weight of it crushing your shoulders, your body crushing like a tin can. 

Making a bold move you turned to your love and set your hand gently on his arm a caring smile on your lips. “Do you want to go for a wa-” you attempted to say but felt your hand swatted away. “Don’t touch me trash. Both of you get out of my sight. ” Shigaraki spit standing abruptly up, knocking the bar stool to the ground. You flinched your body tensing up. “Why?” you whispered, sadness weighted down on you ‘Trash?’ you thought feeling like he had carved your heart from your chest. The hurt didn’t last for long being quickly replaced with anger. 

You began to shake and you felt your face flush, your eyes glaring at Shigaraki as he began to walk to his room. Behind you Dabi chuckled and stood up, his hand grabbing onto your arm. “Come on Y/N. He’s throwing a fit. I’ll show you a good time.” You rose to your feet and after Dabi’s question Shigaraki froze awaiting your answer nervously. He didn’t want you to go with Dabi you just pissed him off sometimes. You knew he didn’t like when you got to friendly with Dabi, with ANY male. 

“Whatever” you said walking to the door. Dabi smirked following suit, the both of you disappearing out the door. Shigaraki raked his neck with both of his hands closing his eyes. “Tomura Shigaraki” Kurogiri said cautiously, sweeping the dust from the disintegrated cup into a small trash bin. “Leave me alone” he grumbled stomping into his room thoughts of you plaguing his head. 

...

After that night you avoided going to the hideout choosing to dwell in your apartment. Which was odd to you. It had been weeks since you actually stayed there, giving the living space you used to cherish and being completely at home in a foreign feel. It crept under your skin making you feel like the real renter of the apartment was going to bust in the door and kick your ass for intruding. You felt uncomfortable and sad, most of all you missed him. It had been almost a week since you had seen him last. The thought of walking to the bar and saying how sorry you were for hurting him was tempting but you were far to stubborn to do that. There was no way for him to find you either unless he went digging for personal information you had all but eradicated before becoming a bonafide villain. You never told Shigaraki your address, the bit of information never coming to your mind. 

You were taking a hot shower when you heard your phone vibrate against the counter top. Curiously you popped your head out from behind the shower curtain peering at the device. 

There was a message from a random number the text reading. 

‘Come to the hideout’  

Immediately you put two and two together rolling your eyes. “Fat chance T” you scoffed closing the shower curtain feeling triumphant. “Who’s sorry now” you taunted ducking your head into the water washing the shampoo out of your hair. 

Your phone went off with another buzz but you ignored it opting to lather conditioner in your long locks while belting out your favorite song, to the distaste of your neighbors, for half an hour. 

When you stepped out of the shower you felt the blues that had drug you down the last could of days go away. A new sense of happiness refreshing you. 

Taking your sweet time you wrapped a towel around your body and walked out of the bathroom and into your bedroom dressing in a outfit of tight black pants and frame fitting black top. You thought you might go out to dinner, maybe at the new ramen shop that opened a few blocks away. It had been awhile since you were able to go out and do something for yourself. After getting dressed and putting on a pair of black sneakers you returned to your bathroom to blow dry your hair and apply a bit of make-up. 

When you were done you couldn’t help but appreciate how good you looked at the moment. You hadn’t had the opportunity to do yourself up and honestly it felt good. Leaving the bathroom you checked your phone with a smile seeing you had five new text messages, all from Shigaraki.

“It’s Important” 

“Now”

“Y/N come now” 

“your pissing me off” 

“I don’t have to time to waste on you. Never mind” 

Five seconds later your phone buzzed in your hand 

“Okay fine I’m sorry you made me mad. happy?” 

‘HAPPY!’ you raged inside of your head in complete disbelief and before you knew it you were furiously texting him back but stopped and erased what you had typed feeling the hurt return. ‘Trash’ you heard his acidic voice say in your head. At that you dropped your phone on your coach and left out the door. 

...

At the hide out Shigaraki was fuming “Who the hell does she think she is ignoring me” he seethed scratching at his neck. Dabi stared at him unimpressed while Kurogiri was sweeping by the door. “Just give her time” Kurogiri said trying to hide the vexation in his voice. Shigaraki had been going on about you for the last week and Kurogiri was at his wits end, All for One choosing to be conveniently silent on the issue. Shigaraki scoffed at his words. “I’m not going to say sorry” he said looking down 

“I didn’t say you had to” 

“Well I’m not going to” 

“You are free to act however you wish” 

At that Shigaraki growled taking Father off and shoving it/him in his pocket stomping to the door. “Fine if it will get you to shut up I’ll do it. I’ll say sorry. Dabi where does she live” He demanded feeling odd for having to ask where you lived.  

Dabi shrugged his shoulders “Don’t know” he lied knowing full well where your apartment was. After Shigaraki had thrown a fit he walked you home on the way the two of you had a conversation about the next mission. It was nice. “Liar. Tell me or it’s game over for you ashtray” Shigaraki said worried. If Dabi didn’t know where you lived then you walked home alone. Who knows what could have happened to you all you had was a healing quirk that wasn’t going to help with anything. You were practically helpless when it came to fighting... well kind of. He had actually seen you due considerable damage to a number of people but that’s not the point. 

“I told you I don’t know. She’s not my girlfriend to keep track of. Didn’t you just call her trash why are you going to look for her anyway?” Dabi said with a grunt. 

Shigaraki didn’t respond instead pushing the door open and wandering into the alleyway. You were a huge pain in the ass. Why did did you have to be so stubborn anyway? Deep down he knew it was his fault you hadn’t come back. After all, you did do exactly what he told you to do as you always had so he shouldn’t be upset. He just wanted you back. You were his. You had no right to wander off on him like that. 

Walking down the street he passed by multiple couples that were smiling at each other or hugging. He hated it. He hated them. What were they so happy about anyway. 

His walk continued for awhile until he was practically across town and in front of a new ramen place he had read about in the newspaper. It was supposed to be good, Not that he cared. You were the one who liked Ramen not him. 

As he walked past a familiar head of H/C hair stepped in front of him a smile coming to his face. He picked up his pace until he was inches from you and grabbed your hand, turning you to face him. Upon meeting his eyes to your face he was shocked. 

You looked different. Wearing more revealing clothes compared to the baggy shirts (Usually his) and tights with a skirt you normally wore. You had make-up on as well,  not a lot but enough to bring out the features of yours he already adored. 

You eyes widened when you saw him ‘How did he find me?’ you thought the two of you staring at each other silently as people passed by giving you odd looks. Noticing that you grabbed onto his wrist leading him down the sidewalk and into an alleyway where he wouldn’t grab peoples attention. He had become quite recognizable ever since the USJ incident. “What are you doing here?” you huffed. He stepped forward, coming closer to you raising one of his hands like he was going to choke you but dropped it. “You look.. pretty” he mumbled causing you to blush. You dropped your head embarrassed kicking a near by rock. “Thanks” you said quietly. 

No words were spoken between the two of you for a few seconds. The only voices to reach your ears were those passing by on the sidewalk completely oblivious to your presence. “I’m sorry okay” He finally said “I didn’t mean what I said so stop being difficult and come back.” 

You raised an eyebrow to his apology. “People don’t usually want their trash back” you muttered not meeting your eyes to him. He could feel himself becoming frustrated at your obstinance  but held back the bitter words he wanted to say. “Stop” he said dangerously stepping closer and pressing his lips to yours. He kissed you softly hoping to convey his apology without having to say anything else-he wasn’t the best at using his words. 

You kissed him back feeling your anger dissipate. You had never been good at being angry at him. Both of you resided in the kiss a few seconds longer before he pulled away grabbing your wrist with 4 of his fingers, his pinky stagnant in the air. “Let’s go” he said pulling you forward. You nodded happily letting him lead. 

As the two of you made your way out of the alleyway and onto the sidewalk Shigaraki placed a light kiss on your cheek. “Why are you all dressed?” he asked shoving his hands in his pockets. You tossed your hair behind your shoulder looking out at the city life around you. “Oh I had a date” you responded nonchalantly, toying with him. He stopped walking concern evident on his face. “You did?” he seethed glaring at you. You laughed stopping your own movements and reaching out for his arm. “No I was just joking. Consider that payback.” you laughed. He smirked not finding your joke very funny. “You could have thought of something better then that” he said looping his arm in yours stubbornly. You cocked you head to the side. 

“Oh yeah? Like what?” 

“I’ll show you when we get to my room”  

[wafflesetc]

Closing Time, Chapter 17 (previously)

To @missclairebelle and @kkruml: I owe you the world. Thank you.

A/N: Trying to cycle through and update some other fics since IBTFY Part 1 is finished.

Claire Beauchamp is a second year medical student. Due to many late nights with her clinicals, and studying for her pharmacology class, she’s at wits end. One Friday night she decides not to join Joe Abernathy and her other friends out at Church, their local hangout spot, but instead winds up in a dive bar close to her flat with a very nice whisky selection. In fact, one of the best one she’s ever seen. When the bartender calls her ‘Sassenach’ and pours her a double, Claire gets a feeling in her chest she’s never felt before.

I could feel his gaze on me before I opened my eyes.

“You’re thinking.” I whispered as Jamie placed his hand on my stomach. “I can hear you from over here.”

While I had slept comfortably in his arms the entire night, he had shifted to the other side of the bed at some point in the morning. The empty space felt like an emotional ocean between us.

“I needta know, Sassenach,” Jamie whispered back to me as he ran a finger down my cheekbone. “Were ye going to tell me?”

Opening my eyes, I found him gazing down at me, eyes with a pleading look in them. His cheeks were slightly flushed and I could tell he had been awake for some time by the bags under his eyes- I absently wondered if he had slept at all last night.

I took a breath and covered the hand that was cupping my face with my own. “Yes… I was.”

I paused for a second scanning his gaze to look for a sign of him actually believing me. His other hand moved to my hip and pulled me closer towards him, giving me the answer he knew I was searching for.

“I applied in January and then after a long work shift and study session I wandered into your bar- and it’s been a high speed car chase since.” I took a breath and scanned his face. “It’s been so quick-I… I found out the morning of your accident. I didn’t really know when or how to tell you. We were standing on a frozen lake and I was practically waiting for it to crack. I didn’t want to be the reason it did fall apart on us when we were just beginning.”

“But…” He whispered pulling my even closer so our faces were inches apart. “You are going to go.”

Confused, I pulled my head back from his and searched his face. “You seemed rather irritated about it last night?”

“I did and I apologize for how I reacted… It was just news to me.” He cupped my face in his hands. “But I willna be the reason ye dinna chase yer dreams. It’s only a month ye say?”

“Yes.”

“Weel then, a month. There is facetime and textin’…” He kissed the top of my nose softly. “And I am most certain that I can probably take a weekend trip to come romance ye in Paris?”

“Jamie…”

“No.” His voice was firm and covered in a fierce tone, as if he had made my mind up for me. “Ye’re going, Sassenach. There is no question about it.  I was just in shock, but I will be yer biggest cheerleader…” He kissed me then, soft and sweet.  “Always.”

The next week flew by. Jamie, still recovering, worked remotely from home while I returned to my almost normal schedule at the hospital.

I had slowly started to merge my belongings into corners of Jamie’s apartment. A toothbrush by the sink, my lavender shampoo and conditioner in his shower, my favorite travel coffee mug in his shelf, my dirty laundry mixed with his.

I had stolen his extra house key from the front door welcome mat and made a copy, replacing it with a shiny new one.

Our lives were merging and a rhythm was being set into what we were.

The early mornings were the only time I had me time. Time to think clearly, to keep myself grounded in this new found life I had found myself in. I had been finding it hard to accept my current reality: medical school, an apprenticeship program, finals coming up, and a serious boyfriend. But by the soft snores coming from the large Scottish figure beside me, I was constantly reminded that it was in fact my life.

I kissed Jamie’s forehead, leaving him sleeping in the dark. I turned the bathroom light off, flipped over the laundry, poured my coffee and left his apartment. As much as we were beginning what the start of our lives could be- I still could feel the small distance of a secret he was keeping from me. He had been screening and avoiding all the phone calls and texts from a gent named John Grey. Sooner or later I would be blunt enough to ask, but part of me was also waiting for Jamie to tell me about it. While I knew bone deep he loved me- he also had to trust me. If he didn’t, a piece of me feared what it could do to us.

Time, Beauchamp, give him time.

As I entered the hospital just past four am, I heard a familiar voice call from behind me.

“LJ, wait up!” Joe ran up to my side and engulfed me in his arms. “How are you? It’s been too long.”

“Joe!” I beamed in excitement, realizing just how much I had missed my dearest friend over the past two weeks.

“Being on separate rotations is not fun. I miss shit talking with you.”

“I know…. And I’ve been spending all my free time making sure my Scot is healing.”

We started walking to the employee lounge together.

“How is he, by the way? Things still hot and heavy between the two of you?”

I felt the temperature rise in my cheeks. “Uh…. Seeing as I am practically living at his place right now, I think so.”

“I figured as much. You’re wrapped around that man’s finger and have been since you walked into his bar.”

I stopped walking for a second and gave Joe a glaring look. He turned and laughed at me, rolling his yes. “Anyone with eyes can tell LJ.”

“He’s a good guy Joe… Better for me than you’ll ever know. Better than I probably deserve….”

Joe stopped in front of the lounge door. “I can hear the but coming at the end of that sentence, Lady Jane. And don’t. You’re just going to get in that head of yours… You deserve this and you deserve him.”

I sighed, rolling my eyes in defeat. He was right- I knew deep down Jamie might be hiding something. I also knew that whatever he was hiding from me, he would eventually tell me.

Secrets, but no room for lies. His words echoed in my ear as I once again tried to swallow the dry lump in my throat.

“You’re right. Let’s get changed before we round?”

“There ya go.” Joe smiled opening the lounge door.

Finishing my last dictation for the day, I signed out of the computer and grabbed my bag.

I reached into the side pocket, sending Jamie a quick text.

Heading home, do you want to cook or have me pick something up on my way?

The three bubbles popped up almost immediately.

Sorry, Sassenach. Had to head to the bar for an inventory issue with Murtagh. Won’t be there for another two hours. Get something and feed yourself, and save me a plate.

Rather bummed I’d be left to fend for myself for the night, I dialed my favorite Thai place and ordered our usual specials.

I walked the few blocks to the restaurant and picked up our food, finishing the ten-minute walk to Jamie’s flat.

As I rounded the corner I saw a man standing by the front door, knocking loudly.

“Jamie… It’s John,” The man said in a thick English accent. “We need to talk.”

“John Grey?” I asked as I walked to through the entry way..

“Yes, and you are?” He said rather curt to me.

“Claire, Claire Beauchamp.” I said sternly in my most professional voice. John curlty smiled at me and his cheeks flushed, I knew he could see right through me. “Jamie’s…Er… Jamie’s…. I’m not sure what I am.”

“So you’re the Sassenach he’s been talking about.” I watched as his shoulders rolled and the uneasiness dissipated from his body.

“Yes,” I reached into my pocket for my set of keys, “I am. He’s not here right now, but I picked up some food and there’s beer in the fridge. I think we need to talk.”

“I think we do.” John Grey agreed.

I opened the door and the knot in my stomach grew tenfold. Who was this man and what did my Jamie have to do with him?

[pbandjesse]

Im not feeling good all of a sudden. But today was a pretty excellent day. My day off was well spent but not productive. Im going to forgive myself for that though.

I was up to late last night. And didnt sleep well. So when my alarm went off i was really groggy. James was texting me that he was coming over soon. So i pulled myself out of bed and went to get dressed. James was outside and waiting for me to open the door since he has no key for that door. But I was still groggy and not thrilled to be out of bed. Even if I was happy to see my boyfriend.

He got me some cereal and we laid together. I half dozed for the almost 2 hours he was there. Which makes me feel like a jerk but i hope he didnt mind to much. Im glad he was there.

He left around 1130 and I fell right asleep. It was weird sleep though. I got up a bit after 1230 and felt a lot better. I cleaned myself up. Had a snack. And headed out.

I biked down to fells point. It was just so beautiful out today. I went to the goodwill. Got a neat little cup/bowl. And a brand new Abercrombie dress with tags for $10. Originally $65. Awesome. Gonna wear it tomorrow.

I walked around for a while. Enjoyed the water. Went in a few storesm I wanted lunch though and decided to go to Alexanders tavern because i know i like it. I ate at the bar. Enjoyed my podcast. The bar tender was real nice and i got to talk about some art history stuff and that was neat. And he didnt charge me foe the multible sodas i drank. So my bill was only $8 and so i gave him a 50% tip. He was nice.

I got my bike and headed towards harbor east. My first stop was the fancy beach store. But i didnt stay long. I really wanted to go to lush so that's exactly what i did. I let them baby me. Tried all the products and watched all the demos. And I got exactly what i wanted. A summer lotion to help with my heat rashes. And a shampoo and conditioner bar. Trying to use better products and less plastic. And she gave me 2 free samples. One deodorant and one hair oil. Im very pleased.

The girl was really sweet and I enjoyed my time there. And then headed to whole foods. I got soap for James. I got myself a tea and some fancy cookies.

I kept biking. Stopped at Chesapeake to see Tati because she was having a hard day. Hung out with her for a little while. And then kept biking.

I went up to mt vernon square and enjoyed my tea and cookies. Listened to my podcast some more. Enjoyed how beautiful it was today.

As my podcast was winding down i headed home. I took a nice shower and I really like my new products so far. My hair feels really nice.

It was after 6 at this point. I made a snack. And played with sweetp a little. I worked on some stuff. But mostly ive been chilling and watching videos. Its been really nice.

Im going to brush my teeth and get ready for bed. Tomorrow is a musuem day but its a free day! So its going to be busy I'm sure. But it will be a nice day. I am excited to give tours. And im going to go to the bank and get chipolte for lunch. I got it all planned out.

I hope tonight I sleep better. And I hope y2pu so too!

Good night everyone!!

[eclecticminded]

Hell Week

anonymous asked: I’m in the midst of finals could you write something extremely teeth rotting sweet adorable fluff with Barba please?

Sorry this took so long! Hope this is a nice post-finals treat!

You and Rafael are college sweethearts, and finals week just ended.

Warnings: Alcohol. Eating. Some cursing.

Tags: @southsiderepresent @glimmerglittergirl @madpanda75  @southern-magnolia @katmstanton @esparza-army @sweetsummertime99  @obfuscateyummy @lifeisbetterwithbarba  @lyssa1385  @hux-me-up   @bowieisawizard  @raulmonamour

Also I have a Kofi (link in blog description) if anyone wants to donate!

Finals week was hell. And that was putting it lightly. You thought it was a great idea to take six classes this semester, and now you were paying for it. The week before and of finals, you didn’t see Rafael except when you were falling into bed. He was studying for his own finals, and even though you shared an apartment, you were both busy beyond measure. To be honest you both survived on coffee and beef jerky that week. There might have been a pizza or two and some ramen, you weren’t sure.

 You last final was over before Rafael’s so when you were done, you cleaned up the apartment and crashed. It was the first time you slept for more than four hours and he couldn’t bear to wake you. But he also knew you needed to eat real food. So after setting the living room up, he gently kissed you awake. He started kissing across your forehead, down one cheek, across your lips, and up your other cheek before you realized it wasn’t a dream.

 “Wake up sleepy head,” he pecked your nose and each eyelid.

 “Lemme sleep Rafi,” you protested but leaned into his warm lips on your neck.

 “Mi amor, you have to eat. I ordered too much,” he pouted and you squinted suspiciously at him.

 “Only if I get more kisses,” you pursed you lips and he instead tickled you, sending you into a giggling fit.

 “So demanding cariño,” Rafael chuckled and kissed your lips. He threw the blankets back, and with a groan you followed him to the living room.  What you found took your breath away. There were candles on nearly every surface and Christmas lights hanging all over the room. On the coffee table there was a feast of a small pizza, a little bit of Chinese food, a little bit of Mexican food, French fries, and two slices of cake. A bottle of wine sat in the middle of it all.

 “You did this for me,” you hand rested on your chest in shock.

 “You had a rough week, you deserve to be spoiled,” Rafael pecked your lips and ushered you to sit down.

 “So did you,” you stuffed a fry in your mouth and reached for the fried rice.

 “You cleaned the apartment. That is my least favorite thing to do in the world,” he poured you both glasses of wine and dove into the refried beans.

 “We’re even then,” you laughed and stole a quesadilla from his plate. You were both so starved you ate mostly in silence, thankful hell week was over. You refilled the wine when it got low and Rafael, ever the goofball when it came to you, fed you your cake.

 “How about a nice long shower,” you gathered the left overs while Rafael tossed the trash.

 “Sounds perfect,” he went to run the water while you finished up. By the time you joined him, the water was ready and you climbed in behind him. Your head rested perfectly between his shoulder blades as you hugged him from behind.

 “I missed this,” you kissed his back and he turned in your arms.

 “I missed you, finals week is always killer,” he kissed the top of your head and moved you under the water stream. With expert fingers, he massaged your scalp into you practically melted, then added shampoo massaging more. The suds were rinsed and conditioner applied root to tip. Rafael’s next mission was lathering your body up, spending extra time on your back to work the kinks out, then rinsing you clean.

 “Your turn my love,” you swapped places and gave Rafael the same treatment, being sure to rub all the tension from his shoulders. When he was soap free, the water was turning cold, but you stayed in longer to kiss under the jets of water anyway. After you dried each other off, you were too tired to put pajamas on, so you fell asleep huddled under the blankets naked.

 The next morning you woke up before Rafael and made breakfast. It was a mixture of eggs and leftovers, and of course coffee. The second the pot finished brewing, he appeared like you’d summoned him.

 “Good morning,” he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sat down to eat.

 “Morning,” you sipped your coffee and nibbled on eggs.

 “Lazy day? Please,” Rafael yawned.

 “And drinks tonight? The have specials for hell week,” you smiled with a mouthful of fried rice and eggs.

 “Of course, but until then cuddles,” Rafael mumbled. After breakfast, you cleaned up together then crashed on the sofa watching an old movie. You snacked on leftovers until it was time to go out. Only then did you two change out of pajamas and into jeans and t-shirts. Thankfully the bar was down the street so you could both drink.

 And drink did you! Your friend got engaged and you took multiple shots to celebrate. A stranger bought you a margarita and was sorely disappointed when you took it back to Rafael.  There were a couple more drinks and the next thing you knew, you were singing karaoke. You pouted and pleaded for Rafael to sing with you and he reluctantly agreed to “I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner. When you finished you declared, screamed really, about how much you loved Rafael to the whole bar.

 “I love him so much! I’m gonna marry him one day,” your words slurred.

 “I love you too. Now let’s go home before they kick us out,” Rafael hooked his arm around you waist and helped you off the chair you stood on. The walk home seemed to take forever because you kept stumbling but Rafael didn’t mind.

 “Let’s get you in something more comfortable,” Rafael tugged your shirt over your head, replaced it with a nightgown, and shimmied your pants off.

 “Let’s have sex,” you sloppily kissed him and he pulled away.

 “Not when you’re this drunk. We can have sex when you sober,” he pulled his own clothes off and changed into a pair of sweats.

 “Party pooper,” you pouted.

 “Tomorrow, when you’re sober, I will fuck you silly. But for now, let’s get more food in you,” he tugged you into the living room and you collapsed on the sofa.

 “Promise,” you took the cold fried rice from him and quickly scarfed it down.

 “I swear,” Rafael ate a few bites of cake and when he went to offer you some, you snored in response. He rolled his eyes and finished eating, cleaning up when he was done. Gently he carried you to bed and tucked you in.

 “Love you Rafi,” you mumbled in your sleep.

 “Love you too,” he kissed your forehead, “And I plan on marrying you too.”

[thesiteofstyle]

ALEXA SANTORY 

The Site of Style’s Editor in Chief shares her curly hair secrets, bomb beauty products, and how not to fall victim to fast fashion.

“My name’s Alexa (@iconicsoul__) , I’m 23 and I was born and raised in New York City. Let me start this interview by saying that I'm so grateful for each and every one of the readers on the site. I came to Kara with the idea for this series while going through a lot in my personal life and it's been a dream come true for me to work on this and have it be everything I envisioned and more. I love talking about beauty and I love to hear others talk about it, too. Thank you for giving us the space to do so. Growing up in New York has taught me everything I know about about fashion and beauty and how to appreciate it. There’s a lot to look at and take in in New York; you’re always getting inspiration from somewhere. I like to think I’ve mastered the ubiquitous beauty routine. It’s become a personal joy of mine to talk about and try different things with makeup and skincare. I’m wearing a face mask as I write this.

I’ve been lucky enough to have had pretty okay skin for most of my life. My mom really only dealt with adult acne and my dad has never had a pimple a day in his life, so thanks guys!! I personally deal with hormonal breakouts or stress breakouts, which I’ve (kind of) learned to control. I’m obsessed with Lush’s Coalface cleanser; I use it morning and night. Then I tone with Witch Hazel, followed by a nice layer of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel moisturizer. If I’m wearing makeup, I apply a thin layer of Priming Moisturizer Rich as a primer. It looks really beautiful under makeup. I tone with Pixi Glow Tonic at night maybe twice a week, to help fade scarring and to brighten my complexion. It has glycolic acid, which is great for hyper pigmentation, anti-aging, and brightening overall. It burns a little, but I kinda like it. I use the Hydro Boost serum for extra hydration (lots of hyaluronic acid; good for keeping your skin supple), then a thick sexy layer of Priming Moisturizer Rich. It’s everything. I love the Mask of Magnaminty from Lush, and Catastrophe Cosmetic. I’ve tried just about every sheet mask from The Face Shop; their “Solution” line is crazy. I have keratosis pilaris on my arms (aka KP, aka chicken skin; it’s not as serious as it sounds) so I’ve been using Lush’s Buffy bar. It’s a game changer. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is and forever will be the only body lotion that matters to me.

Doing my makeup is almost as therapeutic as my skin routine. Even though it’s simple, I take it very seriously. I try to only do it in natural light because it’s the most realistic. I want to look as natural as possible, but still kind of extra. I start by mixing Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint in dark and deep, because that’s my actual skin tone but I live in a place with real weather. Then, I put a little Stretch Concealer under my eyes. Just a little, though, because trying to hide my dark circles is futile at this point so I’ve accepted them. They’re kind of sexy in a bedroom-y sort of way. I always wear a ton of mascara; I like gaudy lashes, what can I say? Better Than Sex is my go to, but I’m using Tarteist Lash Paint right now. I used to do eyeliner everyday; I love blue eyeliner because it enhances brown eyes really nicely. I use Boy Brow on my eyebrows. I don’t let anyone touch my eyebrows ever; I don’t even touch them that often. Their natural shape is perfect to me. Pink or coral blushes are my go to, like the Pixi Multi Balm or Cloud Paint. I love Colourpop highlighters; the formula is buttery and the pigment is really intense for only $8. Forget Me Not and Butterfly Beach are my two favorite shades. I'll put a little on my finger then spray my Pixi Glow Mist setting spray on it, then pop it on my cheekbones. It makes the highlight blinding. I never wore lipstick until college, which was where I tried my first dark lip, and I haven’t looked back since. I’ll try any color once, though; I wore purple lipstick (like purple purple) to a Beyonce concert (love you, Bey). Again, Colourpop because their lipsticks are fantastic too and also very inexpensive. Their greatest hits for me are: Love Bug, Toolips, Lost, and Stingraye (RIP). Cruella by Nars is my favorite red. I pretend to know a lot about makeup, but in reality, I know jack sh*t but fake it till you make it, right? Contouring, baking, all that, it’s a higher art form I don’t really have the patience for but I still admire watching others do it. That’s why I like to keep it as simple as possible and only wear eye shadow once a year.

My hair is, to put it lightly, a lot of f*cking work. I have a mass of curly hair that does what it wants when it wants. I’ve been doing braid outs since the beginning of summer and it’s honestly been a game changer. My hair has grown immensely, especially now after the haircut I gave myself. That and I’ve FINALLY found products that really work. I wash with Organix Extra Strength Argan Oil conditioner. Sulfate free shampoo and conditioner is so important, especially for curly hair. And because of my hair’s texture, it has the tendency to look and feel very dry, so I don’t want to use products that strip the oils away. I dry my hair with a cotton t-shirt to reduce frizz and then apply Organix Penetrating Argan Oil to my ends. I follow with a nice, even coating (code for: a sh*t ton) of Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk, then Curl Enhancing Smoothie, then I braid it. Deep conditioning is essential; their Jamaican Black Castor Oil masque has changed my hair for the better, as well as the serum. For slicked back styles, I use the Raw Shea Butter conditioner as a leave-in, some Queen Helene styling gel, a very old hairbrush that will forever be in my possession, and a lot of hope. When I straighten it, I make sure to deep condition before, because if I’m going to burn it between two extremely hot metal plates, I might as well give it some tender love and care first. I use L’Oreal Straightening Balm that acts as a heat protector and it also smells like candy, which is nice. My flat iron was all hype, but it’s by Remington. Once it’s straight, I wrap it into two low buns, put on a headband, and MOST IMPORTANTLY sleep with a satin bonnet. It lasts about 4 days.

CLOTHES!! Aw man, I love shopping, I always have; my grandma and I used to spend hours in Lord and Taylor and Macy’s and Century 21 when I was a kid. My family always let me take the lead on picking the clothes I want, which has definitely helped cultivate my champagne tastes on beer budgets. I’m sooooo picky when it comes to my clothes. I love anything easy, minimal, kind of lazy but still put together. When I shop, before I spend my money on anything, I always ask myself “will I see something like this on the rack next year? What about 5, 10 years from now?” If the answer is yes, I'll buy it. Fast fashion has sort of become this vortex of really corny fads, but if you look hard enough, you can find gems that can be timeless. I shop at Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo the most. Uniqlo’s jeans are the best jeans for me. I don’t wear a lot of color. That’s not to say I don’t like color, it’s just not what I gravitate towards. I’m very appreciative of the timelessness and simplicity of the t-shirt and jeans; so simple, yet so much can be done with it. It’s my uniform. High waisted anything is for me, especially jeans, and especially ones that hug my curves perfectly. Florals and stripes are the only patterns I really f*ck with. Give me ankle boots over any other type of shoe, or give me death tbh. I’m a shoe snob; I feel like Cher from Clueless when she says how picky she is about her shoes even though they only go on her feet. I’m a bag snob, too, unfortunately. I get it from my mom. Lately, I’ve been carrying a classic Coach backpack. My aunt gave it to my mom as a gift years ago, and now my mom has given it to me. I wrapped a vintage scarf from Spain around the top handle to add a personal touch.

My everyday jewelry is essential to my personal style; I feel naked if I go out without it. I wear: 5 rings (friendship knot, mermaid, arrow, snake, number 3), a Miansai screw cuff, a pastel stone bracelet (thanks Allyson!!!), a mal de ojo and red string (both blessed and given to me by my superstitious Cuban grandmother), a watch, earrings, and two necklaces. I mix gold and silver because I don’t follow the rules.

My Dolce Vita ankle boots from Urban that I found on a fluke visit. Kind of metallic, very pointy, just perfect.

I have a 100% silk robe my aunt bought in Hong Kong. It has a dragon embroidered on the back and two smaller dragons on the front. I wear it while I get ready; it makes me feel fucking fabulous.

Having a signature scent is very important; you don’t want to smell like everyone else. I’m hesitant to name the exact scent I wear, but it’s by Nest. It’s woody but floral, sweet but a little spicy. Overall very, very sexy. No one wears it like me.”

Alexa Santory interviewed by The Site of Style

[chasingafterinfinity]

Chapter Two.

1DFF  -  Wattpad  -  Tumblr

"Famous or not, love, you don't know him."

"Just know I'm right across the street so no funny business. Got it, mate?"

"Yeah, wouldn't dream of it, mate." 

previous chapter.

The first thing Harry noticed as his bleary eyes cracked open was that he wasn't in his usual building on the single mattress he'd found. Instead, he was cocooned in warmth and surrounded by the scent of vanilla with a hint of lavender. The leather beneath his cheek was warm from his own body heat and he was comfortable.

Then, he remembered the pounding behind his eyes, his entire body sore as his stomach churned uneasily. He felt like shit and couldn't remember how he got wherever it was that he currently was. His eyes darted around the room, taking in the large flat screen mounted in the wall across from where he was situated, a small entertainment center placed beneath it with a gaming system on top and various games on the shelf below it.

Craning his head, he glanced to the wall facing the top of his head. There were a few paintings decorating it's length before it dipped down into a short hallway where Harry could just make out three doors. He propped himself up on one elbow and craned his neck to glance over the black couch he was sprawled across, noticing how the wall on that side cut off and a kitchen bar took its place.

It was sleek and modern, the floors a dark hardwood and the countertops were a sleek black granite, beige walls tying it all together with the deep black leather furniture. Harry's gaze shifted to the bookcases lining the wall towards his feet, all of them filled with an array of books before he finally caught a glimpse of blonde hair.

She was settled into the armchair that was off the foot of the couch, blonde hair tied back into a messy ponytail with a few strands slipping loose around her face with notebooks and pens and highlighters spread out across her lap and the coffee table in front of her. A green highlighter was clasped between her plump lips as her head bobbed along to the quiet music filtering from her phone. Harry couldn't see much of her face, but when she finally glanced up and caught his gaze she took his breath away.

She had a round face, her eyes were round and deep set, a chocolate brown color framed by black-rimmed glasses. Her hair was golden blonde, strands slipping free and framing her delicate features. Her lips were a deep pink and plump as she offered him a soft smile. He was sure he looked like an idiot staring at her all wide-eyed and slack jawed.

"Oh, good. You're awake." She spoke as she began shifting everything from her lap to the coffee table.

Harry just nodded his head slowly. Partly because it was still pounding and partly because he was almost postive he was having a bad trip (or a good one, it was still too soon to tell). Her voice was soft and innocent, absolutely befitting of the thin girl in front of him. He watched her dainty legs unfold as she stood up, offering him a warm smile before shuffling over to the counter.

She was tall and thin, her figure moving gracefully back towards him with a glass of water in one hand and something else clasped in the palm of the other. She gave him a reassuring his as she handed it all to him, three pills with a glass of water. He took them gratefully, tossing the pills back and chugging the glass of water before sitting up straight on the couch.

A wave of embarrassment washed over him. He felt out of place in her sleek, clean home with his ratty clothes and the grime coating his skin. His cheeks flushed as he diverted his gaze to the floor, muttering out a stammered thank you. He began to twist his fingers together as she made her way back to the chair.

"I'm not sure how much of last night you remember, but I'm Skylar. I brought you home with me last night cos I found you drunk on the sidewalk after you got your arse handed to you. Umm, if you'd like, you're welcome to take a shower. I put some fresh clothes in the bathroom with a towel and stuff." She said quietly, her own nerves making her voice waver.

Harry's heart swelled with warmth. It'd been a while since someone had been so kind towards him. His own family and friends had eventually grown tired of his shit. Not that he blamed them. Since his divorce he'd spent more time staring down a bottle of whatever alcohol he could get his hands on than dealing with any of them. They'd all tried to help, but Harry didn't want help. He just wanted to numb the pain that came with the sting of divorce from a woman he'd spent nearly ten years hopelessly in love with.

Morgan Alford-Styles was a ruthless woman. It was what made her one of London's top music producers. She was just as beautiful as she was ruthless, though with striking green eyes and a head of chocolate colored hair. Her innocent, heart shaped face could throw almost anyone off her cold demeanor. But not Harry. It was one of the things he loved the most about her, how she never took any of his shit (not even when they were in secondary school). Maybe he should have known her well enough to know that she'd pull a stunt like the one she did.

Harry licked his lips, eyes darting down the hall because a long, hot shower and a good shave sounded just like what he needed before his gaze settled back on Skylar. She offered him another warm, reassuring smile and a subtle nod before he finally gathered himself enough to move off the couch. He shrugged the blanket off and stood on still wobbly legs before turning to face her with his eyebrows raised in question.

"It's the door straight down the hall all the way at the end. I'll start some tea and find you something to eat while you shower and stuff." Her voice was soft and quiet and it warmed Harry's body as he gave her a nod and began down the hall.

Her bathroom was just as spacious as the common areas he'd briefly seen, the counter spanning nearly the entire length of one wall with a walk in shower placed to the left of it and the toilet to the right with a stand alone bathtub placed by the wall where the door was situated. Harry noticed that there was a stack of neatly folded clothes nestled on top of a towel on the counter. An unopened razor, toothbrush, and can of shaving cream placed next to them along with a tube of toothpaste. He was grateful as he peeled his grimy clothes off his frame and started the shower up, letting the room fill with steam before stepping under the hot spray.

A sigh fell past his lips as he reveled in the feeling of the water washing down his body. He glanced around, eyes quickly narrowing in on a small selection of bath washes and shampoos and conditioners. As he picked up a bottle of Axe liquid bath wash, he wondered if maybe the reason she had it was because she had a boyfriend. It wouldn't have shocked him in the least. She was very pretty and to him, she came off as extremely sweet and caring.

He took his time methodically washing himself and his hair, staying in the shower until the water ran nearly cold. He slipped out carefully, toweling himself try before wrapping the towel around his waist and starting the water in the sink. He mattered his face up, taking his time to drag the razor across his skin. It was familiar and soothing, something he hadn't done or felt in months.

It had taken Harry nearly an hour to shower and shave before he was slipping into the soft, warm joggers that were laid out and pulling the thin white shirt over his torso. He padded out of the bathroom feeling like a new person as he made his way towards what he was sure was the kitchen.

She stood at the stove, looking soft in a baggy grey shirt with a small pair of matching shorts, a large spoon grasped in one hand as the other held onto the pan sizzling on the stove. She hummed along to a song filtering through the speakers of her phone. There wasn't much to her, she was short and thin, the dip between her waist and hips was nearly nonexsistent. But her legs, oh how they seemed to go on for days.

Harry was so caught up in his staring, he didn't notice when she turned around to speak to him. Whatever words were on her tongue died immediately, though as she hawked at him. Her plump lips parted and brown eyes wide in shock.

"Harry Styles?"

Disbelief coated her words as her eyes scanned his features over and over. Harry froze, muscles tensing up as he watched her carefully.

"Yeah?" He replied slowly, eyeing her curiously.

It'd been so long since someone had recognized him that Harry almost forgot what it was like. Almost. He relaxed again when she didn't say anything else but instead turned towards the now whistling kettle placed in a burner. She pulled two empty mugs down from an overhead cabinet and rolled them with the water from the kettle. A search through a bottom cabinet procured a box of Twinnings tea.

Skylar placed a mug of steaming water in front of him before setting a bag of unopened tea next to it with a spoon. She turned back to the stove, cutting all the burners off and spooning whatever she'd been cooking into two plates. She sat one in front of him with a fork before making her way to the fridge.

"You take milk or anything in your tea?" She asked, sifting through it's contents.

"Honey and a splash of milk, please." He replied, watching as she pulled the milk out before digging in another cabinet for the bottle of honey.

Wordlessly, she sat them down in front of him along with a plate with scrambled eggs, bacon and two waffles. Harry glanced down, his stomach rumbling loudly as he mixed the milk and honey into his tea while she let out a quiet giggle.

"Never thought you'd be sitting in my kitchen eating breakfast at two in the morning." She said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she stood across the bar from him, her own mug of tea and plate situated on front of her.

Harry let out a snort, shoveling a forkful of eggs into his mouth as he glanced over at her.

"Never thought I'd be in a fan's home." Harry said through a mouthful of waffle.

Skylar laughed softly, her eyes shining and the skin at the corners crinkling slightly as she grinned at him. It was silent for a few moments after, aside from the scraping of silverware on plates until someone suddenly burst through the doors.

"Skylar, babe?!" A loud voice booked from the entryway.

Harry's stomach dropped. He knew when he saw all the guy products in the bathroom that she had a boyfriend. He froze, body stiffening and eyes widening as his gaze darted over to Skylar. She playfully rolled her eyes, a good natured smile lighting her face as the face behind the voice finally appeared.

He wasn't much shorter than Harry, but definitely a little more stout with shaggy blonde hair pushed back off his forehead and the brightest blue eyes Harry had ever seen. Harry eyed him carefully as he stepped into the kitchen, a frown etched on his features. He eyed Harry suspiciously as he walked by, joining Skylar on the other site of the bar.

"See? We're fine, Niall. You can go home and go to bed now." She assured her blonde friend with a smile as she gestured between herself and Harry.

He watched the blonde boy, Niall's, frown deepen and his eyebrows tug low over his baby blues as he studied the pair carefully. He scooted closer to Skylar until their arms brushed and met her gaze with pursed lips.

"You sure? Cos I don't mind staying and sleeping on the couch." He liltes quietly, their conversation clearly meant for just the two of them.

"I'm sure, Ni. It's just Harry Styles." She replied dismissively before taking a sip of her tea.

"Famous or not, love, you don't know him."

Harry wanted to be offended by his words, but Harry also understood that while up until a year ago, his life had been highly publicized, they didn't know him pesonally. They didn't know all his quirks or how he likes his tea or that he was terrified of the dark (it made him feel particularly unmanly but lately it seemed like all his demons hid in the dark). They knew what news outlets had to say about him.

He eyed Harry once more, an unsatisfied huff falling past his lips in defeat before he met Skyla's gaze. There was a moment of silent communication between the pair before his shoulders slumped and she sighed loudly. Niall nodded his head slowly before his gaze locked on Harry, a fierce look taking over his gentle features.

"Just know I'm right across the street so no funny business. Got it, mate?"

Harry flinched at the harshness of his time before nodding his head with wide eyes.

"Yeah, wouldn't dream of it, mate." He replied, watching Niall with a guarded gaze.

Niall turned to Skylar, murmuring something low into her ear, obviously meant only for her before planting a sloppy kiss to her cheek. He gave Harry a curt nod on his way past, Harry's gaze not leaving him until he was down the entryway and he'd heard the front door slam shut.

"Well, your boyfriend seems like such a pleasant bloke." Harry said sarcastically, pick it up his mug of tea and taking a long drag.

Skylar spluttered out a laugh as she set her own mug down and grinned over at him.

"Niall's not my boyfriend. He's a mate that lives in the flats across the road. What ever gave you that idea?" She asked, bewilderment coloring her tone.

"The way he acted towards you all the guy stuff in the bathroom." He replied with a shrug of his shoulders.

She stared at him a moment longer before snickering.

"No, I'm as single as they come. More worried about my studies than guys, if I'm being honest."

Harry nodded along in agreement as he chewed on a piece of bacon, swallowing before he asked, "What do you study?"

"I'm in my second year of pre-grad for veterinary school." She answered, picking at what was left of her eggs.

"Ambitious, yeah?" He asked, chewing on a piece of bacon.

"I reckon. Always wanted to be a vet." She replied with a shrug of her shoulders before picking up her plate.

She scraped the remainder off into the rubbish bin before depositing the now empty plate into the sink. She turned to face him, her hands gripping the the counter behind her as her eyes roamed across his features.

"The spare bedroom is made, if you'd like to stay until tomorrow. Did you leave your clothes in the bathroom?"

"No, I'll just be in my way of you don't mind. Been a bother to you long enough." He said, giving a firm nod in her direction as he got up from the barstool.

She frowned for the first time since he'd let her. It was something he found very unbefitting of her, making his heart give a tiny squeeze in his chest. He didn't think he liked it when she frowned.

"Please stay. Just for tonight, at least. I'll wash your clothes too so they'll be clean." She murmured, big brown eyes connecting to his own green ones.

He found himself nodding in agreement with her as he stood, too caught up in those for eyes to say no. She offered him another soft smile, gesturing for him to follow her. Which he did, down the hall and to the only door on the right.

The room was small, but felt spacious. A double bed was pressed against the wall across from the door while a dresser with a TV day along the same wall as the door, just down and to the left. A desk occupied the right wall, a small lamp placed on it while book shelves took up nearly the entirety of the opposite side. A large, navy blue area tug was placed in the middle of the room. It matched the bedding that covered the bed.

"You can stay in here tonight. I'm in the room just across the hall of you need anything and you already know where the bathroom is. Please, feel free to make yourself at home, Harry." Skylar murmured as he took in the room before him.

She reached out, fingers skimming the bare skin of his arm for the briefest of seconds before she turned and left him alone, her own door clicking shut behind her. Harry felt like he'd been electrocuted, goosebumps covering his skin from her touch while he heart swelled up with so much warmth and gratitude for the tiny blonde. He wished there were more people out in the world like her.

The thought made his heart pang in his chest. She reminded him so much of the kindness from his close family and friends following his divorce from Morgan. He shut them out, though. Too caught up in his world of booze and pills to really give a rat's arse about them and how they felt seeing him like that.

It was then that he decided that she was too kind to be out through that. Too young and too innocent. He'd made up his mind to leave first thing in the morning, slipping out into the cold February weather before she even stirred in her bed. She deserved far better than to be caught up in his world and he knew that once he left, her chances of ever running into him again were slim to none as long as he avoided the dingy little pub down the block from the library.

Harry slipped beneath the sheets, letting the smell of lavender lull him to sleep as he cocooned himself in the warmth of the bed for the first time in more than six months.

next chapter.

[simusks]

LaLu Week Day 2

Prompt: War.

Word Count: 3246

Characters: [Laxus, Lucy]

When Lucy had walked in the front door, she could sense it.

Something was most definitely not right.

Looking both left and right she tip-toed past the kitchen, into the living room, her eyes drifting around. "What the fuck did you do now?"

She stepped into the bedroom, opening the door and stepping to the side, waiting for something to fall from the ceiling. She bent at the waist looking in all directions. Lucy tip-toed over to the bed, pushing on different corners, waiting for something to happen.

She moved herself into the bathroom, turning the tap on slowly. When nothing happened she hesitantly picked up the soap, sniffing it.

"Still the same."

Walking to the toilet, she lifted the lid, looking from all angels to see if he had put cling film over it. She flushed it once. Twice. Three times for good luck.

Frowning Lucy moved to the shower, the one place that he always resorted to. Taking the first bottle of shampoo, Lucy rubbed a bit on her arm. When nothing happened, she took the conditioner, doing the same. When she rinsed it off, Lucy looked on with satisfaction as a patch of her arm hair washed off.

She threw the bottle into the trashcan, the bottle going in effortlessly. She took her body lotion, rubbing it on her other arm. While she waited she unscrewed the top of the shower head, checking in the filter for anything suspicious.

Frowning, Lucy screwed it back on. She checked her arm, shaking her head at the darkened skin on her arm. Chucking the bottle in the bin, she continued on her quest.

Her hair mask had green hair dye in it, something that irritated her when taking into consideration just how expensive the product was. Her soap bar was left untouched, her shaving cream had been replaced – with what she could tell – with hair mouse, her razor had had the blades taken out of it.

She didn't even risk her toothbrush – not wanting to know what her husband could have possibly done with it – immediately throwing it in the bin. She had more hidden anyway. After she had checked the remainder of the bathroom, Lucy sighed and had a shower, one free of malicious pranks.

When she got out, dressed herself in her comfiest pyjamas, slippers on her feet and her hair wrapped in a towel above her head.

Still, the feeling of unease did not go away.

Sighing in defeat, Lucy carelessly walked out of the bedroom, opening her laptop. She was feeling in the mood to write. Lucy frowned, moving her wireless mouse, trying to get the damn thing to work. Groaning she flipped it over, pulling the sticky note off the bottom of it.

"Really, Laxus? Couldn't be a little more creative?"

Besides her mouse moving unbearably slow, Lucy was quite content. She didn't really need her mouse anyway. Cracking her knuckles, Lucy read over the last chapter of her novel. When she made the necessary changes she missed while writing it, she began writing the new instalment.

It wasn't until she was done that she began editing, not wanting to lose her flow while writing it, that her mouse started thoroughly pissing her right off. She picked it up again, checking the bottom again, slamming it onto the mouse-pad a few times. Groaning, she tried moving it again, that same agonisingly slow pace seeming to fuck with her more and more with each passing second.

Opening her browser, Lucy began typing into Google.

Why is my mouse mov-

And then her computer screen flashed black, coming back on to display the restart screen.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no–"

Close tabs?

Automatic closing in process.

"Don't you fucking dare!" her eyes drifting to the bottom of the page:

Do you want to cancel restart?

"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes–" she moved her mouse to the cancel button, it moving too slowly for her to actually reach it. Still, Lucy didn't give up, watching, eyes wide, as the automatic restart count was decreasing. And then her screen turned off. Coming back on with a loading page the word 'restarting' sitting proudly in the centre of the screen.

Lucy was very comfortable admitting that she stared at the screen for an agonizingly long five minutes. Even when the screen came back on, she didn't make an attempt to open the document.

Lucy stood, moving emotionlessly to the lounge, sitting down and staring straight into the dark screen of her TV.

"I didn't save." she mumbled. "I didn't save once." She laughed a little heh before it turned into a sob. Picking up her phone from the cushion to the left of her. Pressing on her husband's contact, she stared blankly at the numbers. And then the front door unlocked and in walked her husband, in all his smirking glory.

"Hello," he said, hanging his keys up on the hook. He took one look at her, another at the computer – at the untouched opening screen – and stifled a laugh. "That's for the ghost pepper cookies."

"My computer," she didn't look at him, keeping her eyes on the TV. "Is strictly off limits." She stood from the lounge, picking up her phone. "Put whatever you want in my shampoos, dye my hair any colour, shove my toothbrush as far up your ass as you want. But my computer," she looked at him, the iciest glare Laxus had ever seen was present on her face. "Is off limits."

Turning, she moved towards the bedroom. "Cook your own dinner. Good night."

Laxus may have been feeling a little bit guilty. As he sat in the living room, eating his dinner by himself, he reflected over everything that had led to this point. It had started off simple enough, Laxus had put baby powder in Lucy's hair dryer, and then she had retaliated by putting itching powder in his shoes when she knew he would be hiking.

And in that one retaliation, an all-out prank war had begun. And in the year that he and his wife had been at it, the pranks had slowly become more and more ruthless.

So, in order to get revenge after she had made his grandmother's cookies –with ghost chillies – he had stuffed around with some of her beauty products, all of which she had discovered. But, because Laxus was not a one-plan-only-man, he had called one of his college friends, Hibiki. Said man had kindly repayed Laxus an owed favour and had set Lucy's mouse to the slowest setting.

Oh and had programmed Lucy's computer to shut down each and every time she opened her Internet Explorer.

And maybe it had been a tad-bit mean, but revenge was revenge.

Which meant – from both the severity of the prank and Lucy's reaction – Laxus needed to watch his back. So, he called in his trusted ally.

She was on speed dial, and had picked up within the first two rings. "Levy, I need your help."

"What happened?"

"Lucy's very angry,"

There was a pause.

"I'll tell you as soon as I hear anything."

And then the librarian hung up.

Laxus and Levy's arrangement was a complete secret to Lucy. If the blonde found out that he was taking extra precautions – going as far as to get intel from his wife's best friend – then Levy wouldn't be told anything in the future. And that was something Laxus couldn't risk.

If he had no intel then he would have absolutely no way to prepare himself. And if he had no way to prepare himself…

Well he was well and truly fucked.

Lucy's favourite part of this prank war was the revenge part. More so the reaction than anything, but the planning, well that was fun too. The first thing she needed was an abundance of cotton balls. So she called one of her husband's best friends. "Hey Gajeel, how are you?"

"I'm not too bad, how are you doin, Bunny, heard about the BFG's prank yesterday. Sorry I couldn't help ya sooner."

Gajeel was her inside man. Not that Levy and Laxus knew – though they definitely thought she didn't know about their arrangement. But they still hadn't caught on to her and Gajeel's planning.

"You know that guy you get your supplies from?" she asked, "The one that gives you the good discounts?" The man was a childhood friend of the tattoo artist, one that gave him mass supply for cheap prices.

Just what Lucy needed.

He hummed, "What about 'im?"

"I'll pay you for everything, but I need you to buy. . . five-thousand cotton balls…" Hearing the silence on the other end she quickly added, "Please."

"Yea alright, but you gotta tell me what yer plannin."

Lucy giggled, "Of course."

"Alright, see ya, Bunny,"

Lucy grinned. "See ya!"

Lucy looked at the stand in front of her, looking down at her empty cart. At six dollars for a thousand, Lucy knew this was going to be ruthless. She took four bags, putting them in her cart before moving down the aisles and into the arts and craft section. Taking several tubes of glitter and adding them to the pile of sweet revenge, she moved to the register, ignoring the look the cashier was giving her.

There were many pros to having a split bank account, namely was the that neither spouse could see what the other had bought. Which meant that she could spend as much as she wanted on whatever she wanted, without having to worry about him seeing it.

It also meant that she could hire a storage garage and let these jelly balls grow without her husband knowing. So that's exactly what Lucy did.

After a short car drive she arrived at the storage warehouse and, after a pleasant conversation with the owner – who had guaranteed that there was in fact a water supply – led her to the garage she had hired. She had her supplies inside the staked tubs she had brought and set them on the floor, albeit one. She took the tub and filled it with water and then added the balls.

She continued until all the balls were inside the tubs. Then she slid the door down, locked it and returned home.

Laxus was on edge. Everyone had noticed, and everyone close to him understood why. And anyone else found out shortly after. He checked every room before he entered it and eyed everything suspiciously. When he had finally had enough – which was only after he picked apart the layers of his lunch, he dialled Levy's number.

"Has she said anything?" It was mumbled, and Laxus listened in the silence for any beeps that might indicate that Lucy had bugged his phone.

"The only thing she's told me is that you should definitely be worried."

Laxus groaned, sighing, "Great." He scowled, tipping out his mug of cold coffee – barely comfortable to admit to himself that he hadn't drunk it out of fear – "Just fan-fucking-tastic."

"I gotta go, Laxus, but I'll tell you if anything comes up."

After saying goodbye, Laxus hung up, locking the office doors and driving home.

It was while he was parked at a red light that he looked out his window. His wife's car was stopped next to him, waiting patiently for the light to turn green. He didn't need to roll down his window, because, as if sensing his stare, Lucy looked at him.

And then she smirked, her lips pulling up in a way that suggested she had well and truly won.

And Laxus was about ready to accept defeat.

Lucy had dropped into the library Levy worked at. It was quiet at this time of day, so – while still quiet – Lucy began chatting with Levy. It had started out perfectly fine, and then, oh so slyly, Lucy brought up Laxus' last prank. Lucy had to admit, Levy's shocked face was well and truly convincing, and if Lucy hadn't already known that her best friend and husband were conspiring against her, she would have fell for it.

"What are you doing for revenge?" Levy asked, giving her a wide-eyed look, "And I'm sorry about the chapter, Lu,"

Lucy waved her hand, "Don't worry about it, Levy," she smirked, "As for the revenge, well," she drawled out, "I might need your help."

Levy nodded excitedly, genuinely, "What do you need me to do?" she rolled back on the balls of her feet.

"I need you to convince Gajeel to take him out," Lucy grinned, "I just need one night, then everything will be in fine order."

"What are you up to, Lu?" Levy asked, apprehension clear in her voice.

Lucy shrugged, "I just wouldn't be wearing any of his going out clothes, that's all."

The conversation drifted soon after, and Lucy had excused herself, leaving the library so she could go and add more water to the jelly balls – not that she would tell Levy, of course.

So Levy waited until the coast was clear, pulled out her phone and dialled Laxus' number.

"Don't wear any of your fancy clothes, you're going out with Gajeel on Saturday night, buy an outfit. Do not wear anything you already have." She paused, "Goodbye."

When Saturday had in fact arrived, Lucy had been working while Laxus had had the day off. She had taken his car, making sure that when she arrived back home he wouldn't be there. It wasn't hard considering she had had to get the cotton balls from Gajeel – that had taken up the entire front seat and floor, as well as some on her lap – and the jelly balls from the garage, which had taken up her boot space and back seat.

And then she was at home, Laxus gone, having taken her car just as she had planned. She parked it in the driveway, stepping out, Lucy shivered. It was only six-thirty, but with winter drowning out the sun, it was already chilly, just as she had wanted.

She took the cotton balls out, stacking them on the driveway; she emptied the boot and back seat next to the cotton.

"It's gonna be a long night." She was grinning from ear to ear, shivering in the cold.

She put a hand on the front of the car, pulling it back quickly at the sharp coolness.

She took an extra tub, running over to the front yard tap and filling it. After Lucy managed to haul it back to the car, she took the first cotton ball. Squatting down low, she dipped it in the water and then pressed it to the bottom of the car. Like a tongue on a freezer, it stuck.

Lucy grinned maniacally, picking up the next cotton ball, continuing even when her hands were red and blotchy and had loss feeling.

After three long and cold hours, Lucy had managed to cover the entirety of Laxus' car. It looked like a walking fluff ball, and Lucy couldn't help but laugh looking at it. Opening the garage door, she drove in.

Grinning, Lucy ran inside, taking the glitter from her underwear draw, running back to the garage. She turned the car on, sitting on her calves so she was roughly Laxus' height. Turning on the heater, she began tilting the vents, making sure they all hit her face. Then she turned the car off, taking the little vials of glitter, she carefully lined each slot in each vent with purple, pink, blue, and green sparkles.

Stepping out of the car, she laughed once more at the appearance. Then, after dragging all the tubs of jelly balls and draining the excess water, she poured them into the car through the sunroof.

Once everything was done, Lucy put the tubs inside her car, locked the garage and the car, and stared at her work. Honestly though, Lucy thought it was a little underwhelming. So, taking the vials of glitter from its place on the floor, she emptied two of the vials inside the car, and with the rest, she emptied on the cotton balls.

Looking proudly at her work, Lucy went inside and slept like a baby, knowing Laxus would be far too tired to check on his car.

Laxus woke up pleasantly; Lucy was cuddled into his side, a long breath escaping her as she smiled softly. Leaning down he pressed a kiss to her hair, watching as her eyes flickered open. The soft smile was still on her face as she pulled him closer, her eyes closing again.

Yesterday was spent solely lounging around all day, as they had promised their Sunday's would always be. It was a nice change, he wasn't on edge, he was completely relaxed. Yes, definitely a nice change from his usual tenseness.

Turning his head Laxus checked the time, feeling his heart come out his ass, he jumped out of bed, pulling on the first clothes he could. "Fuck… fuck, fuck, fuck."

Lucy awoke at the noise, staring at him pull a button up shirt over his shoulders. Checking the time, she felt her eyes widen, "You're a bit late, babe,"

"You don't say," he pulled on his shoes and ran into the kitchen, slamming two pieces of toast into the toaster.

Lucy followed him out, putting on her slippers and dressing gown in an attempt to fight the cold.

Hopefully the cotton balls stayed on…

He buttered his toast at lightning speed – not even putting anything else on them – and shoved the first piece in his mouth. He speed walked towards the door leading to the garage. He had parked Lucy's car outside on Saturday night, his car all by itself in the garage.

Lucy held her breath, her grin forcing its way onto her face.

Laxus flipped the light switch on, his head still facing their kitchen, "See ya later, babe, love–"

Lucy figured that Laxus had turned his head forwards at that point, because there was a frost in the air as everything froze, and then a strangled noise came from him.

"Lu-Lucy…" his tone sounded so defeated that Lucy almost felt bad.

Almost.

"How do you like it?" she grinned.

Growling, and no doubt scowling, Laxus ripped the driver's seat door open. Lucy stifled her laughter as the jelly balls tumbled out.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Laxus, with his large hands, started sweeping the balls out of the car, decorating the garage floor with them.

Decorating his pants with the glitter.

"You've got to be FUCKING shitting me!"

After clearing as much as he could, Laxus started the car, slamming the door closed, Lucy watched as one lonesome cotton ball fell to the ground.

Laxus ground his teeth together. He fucked with her laptop, so she did this? He would enjoy the revenge immensely. His arse was already getting cold, the jelly shit had apparently started leaking, and his vigorous sweeping had only managed to mush them further into the seat.

Grinding his teeth together, he wound down the window, turning the heater on, "I hope you're fucking–" Laxus coughed, rubbing his eyes and choking as something small and grinding made its way down his throat. Looking onto his lap, he glared at the glitter surrounding him, gagging and spitting out as much as he could.

He could see Lucy on the step, laughing away as if this was the funniest fucking thing the world had ever seen.

"You're a fucking dick!" And with that he sped out of the driveway.

Walking into his office shouldn't have been as shameful, but with the entire company seeing his car do an impersonation of a giant acid-tripping q-tip, then him getting out of it, more of that jelly bullshit spilling out of his car like it was a unicorn's seeping asshole. Then all of them seeing his tangled hair, wet arse, and the glitter covering the majority of his body, Laxus knew he was never going to live this down.

And maybe he could have overridden it all with his proud ego, if only his grandfather hadn't come in for a surprise visit. Because after everything that had happened, all he truly needed was his Grandfather seeing him while he looked like the fourth PowerPuff Girl. He had been laughed at, which, if the roles were reversed, he was sure he too would have done.

But his Grandfather had been silent. Eerily silent. And then his wise old voice had muttered something that had Laxus collapsing into a chair:

"I take it the married life is doing you well."

All Laxus knew was that Lucy not going to like the taste of revenge.

[calicotown]

Empties in December 2016

I’m so proud of myself!

See New In December here.

KOSE Softy Mo Deep Treatment Oil - This is the first cleansing oil I ever tried and what i’ve chosen to go back to time and time again. Gentle, deep cleansing, easily removes anything I’m wearing, doesn’t strip my skin, and it smells lightly of citrus. I couldn’t ask for more.

Tony Moly I’m Real Rice Mask - Consistent with Tony Moly’s I’m Real formula. I discovered my skin likes rice! It's gentle, soothing, nourishing, and what I like to go to when my skin is feeling temperamental in a way that isn't necessarily linked to hormonal acne.

Etude House I Need You Damask Rose Mask - Consistent with Etude House’s I Need You performance. It has a very clean moisture and I find my skin is radiant for about 2 days after use.

Sephora Collection Almond Foot Mask - This was my first moisturizing foot mask vs peeling foot mask. I didn’t start anywhere desperately scaly (no cracked skin), but this did moisturize well and allowed me to take a pumice stone to my feet and make some real progress on my heels.

It’s Skin Masque Ginseng D’Escargot - Strangely, I won this mask on reddit! It’s lush, and not just because it was free. This is a the kind of thick but clingy, moist-but-not-slimy hydrogel masks I really like. It came in pieces so I could really mold it to my face as well. It calmed any blotchiness in my cheeks and made my skin look smooth, and bright. I already know the magic powers of the snail, but ginseng is something I definitely want to investigate after this mask. This is the kind of mask you preen after using.

Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter in The Brier Path - Consistent with the pumpkin butter formula performance— aka, excellent. I’m really fond of the fragrance. I’ll be picking up a FS perfume when the Haus brings it back (Summer, I think?). There’s something bright and balanced about it that makes it perfect for spring/summer. It’s fruity without going too sweet, rooted in rose and haus amber.

Notes: Sun drenched trail leading to a day dream of ripe berries and woods rose, rich forest loam, ozone, dark amber and cream.

Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter in Selkie - Consistent with the pumpkin butter formula performance— aka, excellent. I was obsessed with the scent too. I tried my best to save it for special occasions! After picking up a FS Selkie perfume, I can now make my own in a pinch, so I used up the rest of this guy.

Notes: The break of waves, gurgling sea foam, kelp, rain tinged air, sand smoothed driftwood and wild sage.

Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter in Aether - Consistent with the pumpkin butter formula performance— aka, excellent. This is unscented, thus perfect for all over the body when you’re turning into a lizard woman who doesn’t want too much fragrance to go heady. Performance isn’t changed if you add a fragrance to it either, so if you love this formula but want something from another parfumerie? You can have it!

Notes: Unscented.

Haus of Gloi Bubbling Scrub in Hex - Consistent with the Hex perfume scent. It fills the shower and clings lightly to the skin, but that scent does disappear within the hour. Also consistent with the bubbling scrub formula.

Notes: You’ve been bewitched! Brackish amber, aged vanilla bean and three dark fruits, veiled in darkness and otherworldly secrecy.

Haus of Gloi Whipped Soap in Driftwood - It has a light, soft, fluffy, texture. It is low lather, great for sensitive skin. I prefer using it with a loofa for a little exfoliation. I find it is the most moisturizing body cleansing option from HoG. The scent strength was completely wrong for me though! I actually gifted it away to my mom and she gave it back, haha. The scent is tronger than their pumpkin butter and when used, it filled the entire bathroom, but I find it clings to the skin lightly like their bar soaps.

Notes: Sun bleached driftwood, dry black musk, warm sand, dune grasses and a damp oceanic breeze.

Haus of Gloi Butterbomb in Leaf Pile - I didn’t love this scent. I do like the butterbomb though. It fizzes up a bit and softens the water, is lightly moisturizing without being greasy, and the scent does stay in the bath until the end (when my water gets cold).

Notes: Fall leaves, a touch of sweetgrass and hiba cedarwood. 

Shamanuti Activated Charcoal Cleanser - I like this. It’s very gentle, smells nice, and cleanses really well without stripping my skin. I like to take it when I travel because I feel I don’t have to double cleanse (after a full day of wearing makeup) when I use it. It do find that it softens the skin and helps with pore minimization.

Shamanuti Activated Seaweed Toner - This did just what I wanted it to, was moisturizing and balanced my pH for the rest of my skin care. I liked the nozzle on the spray bottle itself and it did smell nice. It has nice ingredients as well but it’s a little pricier than most toners I go for.

Cantu Shea Butter Cleansing Cream Shampoo - I gave this a shot after really liking the leave in conditioning cream. This did a good job cleansing/removing product build up, but I need something more moisturizing (which can betaken care of with conditioner, but I am using a shoddy one). So I'm 50/50 on if I'll repurchase it.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask - I don’t like this. The format was hard to work with and it was very thick. It was very emollient too but I found it was more of a surface mask rather than deeply nourishing.

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 - I've sampled this before and really liked the natural luminous finish it gives. Not too dewy, not too matte. I'd warn oily people away from this, though. It can be a little too shiny as it wears on throughout the day. Otherwise, it's a great BB option (if you find a good color match), it feels light on the skin and wears well.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector - THIS was the major culprit of build up on my scalp that gave me crazy flakes, which I freaked out and thought was dandruff for a couple weeks. I kicked it out of my routine about half way through the sample. It’s a shame because it really did look nice on my curls. It didn’t weigh them down, gave some nice shine, and definition. Their Full Thickening Mousse looks to be CG friendly, so I may give that a shot in the future. This one was a bust for the build up though.

[qualitytacolover]

20 fantastic curlers for short hair

New Post has been published on https://www.easypromhairstyles.com/20-fantastic-curlers-for-short-hair.html

20 fantastic curlers for short hair

A short-haired perm is a short-hairstyle for women achieved by curling or curling the hair and treating it with a perm solution to keep the style for months. There is now no barrier to achieving your curly hair goals, because with modern hairdressing techniques, nothing is impossible!

Short hair perms may have been created decades ago, but do not worry, because there is now a long list of contemporary styling options to choose from! Following the iconic steps of permanent wave goddess Shirley Temple are the modern personalities Lili Reinhart, Sarah Hyland, Emmy Rossum and Jaime King, who performed this lock inducing treatment and made us all jealous.

The hairdresser and texturing expert Ivanova Irina fills her food with remarkable examples of short-term hairstyles! Whether Bobs and Fairies, loose or tight curls – you will be impressed in no time!

Obtaining natural-looking ringlets by perm requires the use of chemicals, so there's a great chance your strands are prepared for the damage. To prevent this and get your perm, use sulphate-free products and avoid heat.

It's time to familiarize yourself with these fusions of a classic 80s hairstyle and today's hairdressing techniques! Below you will find the trendiest shorthair pearl photos!

Permanent black hair

How would you describe this look?

I call this look an "improved natural product". The model had natural curls, but it was so bubbly and dry. That's why I made a cold perm to give her hair stronger curls that go well with her face.

In Asia, many girls have curls and fizzy hair, but they like to smooth the hair, and after a few months the root starts to grow curly, but the length to the ends is straight. For me, that does not look good, so I always recommend customers who have curly or fizzy hair to style and improve their natural hair. The curls last longer, and you stay away from too much chemical service.

Any advice for someone considering it?

You have to take good care of your curls by using the right hair care. I always recommend the use of volume shampoo, conditioner and of course a curl cream to strengthen the curls and give moisture for more bounce and a little hold. Be aware of the use of hair care with keratin or a lot of protein that is too heavy. It will strain your curls. Try Natulique Volume Shampoo Conditioner and curls that define the hair cream.

Loose spiral perm

How would you describe this look?

This look is both simple and fashionable. My favorite thing about this look is that it's a softer curl, perfect for the beach and perfect in a cap when it gets cold!

Any advice for someone considering it?

Some advice I would give to a short-haired client who is considering getting a perm is to determine what the curl pattern should look like, what suits you best, and what makes you feel most beautiful. Then just join in!

Loose curling time

How would you describe this look?

I like very short hair. It will be a more attractive and modern style.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Facial features and head structure are very important for short hair. When deciding on the haircut and hair color, consider the face shape and skin tone of the customer. With beautiful waves I have created a voluminous, modern freestyle feeling.

Shoulder length perm

How would you describe this look?

I love that look. I used orange and peach sticks to create this look. My goal was to create a natural curl of various sizes. The customer wanted more volume and a more natural style. I feel we have both achieved things.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I think body waves and perms are great for texture and volume when styling straight hair. They are also great for fast-paced, high-mobility customers looking for a simpler hair routine.

Loose perm

How would you describe this look?

This look is free flowing, relaxed and lived. I love the volume she has, and the way we cut the curls makes a perfect frame around her face.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I would advise someone who considers perm, to understand what she's going to do with his hair. Yes, you get volume and texture, but you also get some damage and ripple.

The health of hair should always be the most important, and if you have damaged or dyed hair, use caution. Curly hair can look great on its own, but sometimes you have to use a good styling cream and dry with a diffuser for maximum volume, as we did in this photo.

Trockenperme

How would you describe this look?

This look is a natural curly perm. When my client came to me, she said she wanted her hair curly, but not "Shirley Temple" curly – rather larger and softer curls. I've cut it in a round shape with 90 ° layers to achieve a "natural frog" look. Her hair color is natural.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Anyone considering perming should be aware of the harsh effects of chemically reforming the structure of your hair. Deep conditioning and treatment of the curls, as if the curls were natural, with the appropriate curls (depending on the texture) help the style to live longer and strengthen the health of the hair.

If you can not afford curly products and a permanent wave or retouch, you may want to try different "home" roll / braiding / twisting techniques for heatless curls to see if you like the curls. Also, if you plan on shaping your hair with some heat after the perm, you probably just will not get one. It leads to further damage and causes your hair to become more brittle. The duration of the perm is about six months to one year, depending on the size of the bars. Narrow curls last longer, looser curls do not.

I think the curly style can be very pretty for most people. It depends on how an individual feels in it. If you're self-confident, you're going to rock everything, so I do not think style is necessary, as long as you feel sweet, what you're wearing. My goal is for everyone to feel good about themselves, in their bodies, and when looking at their reflection. I try to make each cut individually. If I gave someone a shaggy, long-sleeved cut, I would not make it the same for everyone. It's not about what I want, it's about what I can do for my clients.

Short curly duration

How would you describe this look?

The look I wanted was elegance and eccentricity. Your multi-dimensional hair-flame attracts your eyes, but then everything is tempered by their attractiveness. My favorite part would be the contrast between being stylish and alive! Fashion colors and curls are not considered stylish compared to other styles, but texture is what brings hair to life!

Any advice for someone considering it?

Find out about curly hair. The change in the hair condition can also mean a change in the daily routine! Curly hair can be as much work as any other hair type, so be prepared to work with it, not against it.

If you have short hair and are considering a perm, remember that you will lose a bit of length as you lose curls! Someone with a heart-shaped face might want more volume with layers, but someone else with a shorter, wider face should want more length.

Find blogs that are tailored to your texture. Is your hair curly, curly or tortuous? Understanding your texture is helpful if you are looking for techniques to improve your curls and treat them properly. Freshness and dryness must be maintained if you want your curls to be healthy and defined.

Even curly hair is very sensitive, especially when it's wet. Combing hair with conditioner under the shower can help prevent knots or damage. Most importantly, be patient! It will take time to understand how to work with a new texture in his hair. Have an open ear for new styling products and techniques – you might be surprised what your curls can do!

Body wavelength

How would you describe this look?

This look is a body wave bob. We made a big cut on this customer when she came in to donate her hair to Wigs For Kids, which is fantastic! I love donation cuts! She wanted to change her look completely, so we cut about 12 inches into a sweet, layered bob. Then with Redken's Inner Secret, with large rollers rolled to both sides in a tile pattern, I let her hair develop a little of a natural-looking texture in her hair.

Any advice for someone considering it?

It's a fantastic way to give your hair a natural body and curl it. It makes styling pretty easy. I recommend a curl cream like Loma's Curvy cream and a styling diffuser. It's also a simple style to scrub and walk!

Asian Perm

This perm, which is famous in Asian dramas, is a light, feather-light look that has both texture and softness. The pops over the eyes complete the bob pretty well to give it the sweet, aegyo look!

Perms for seniors

Adding these kinky curls to your hair is the perfect way to enhance the texture and volume of older ladies. Besides, everything looks cute and fluffy when you wear this perm, so try it now!

Beach Wave Perm

Such a smooth perm like this looks like you came out of the water. The light texture that the wavy strands bring with them is essential for this beach wave to look so effortless.

Perm rod set on natural hair

As the name implies, the use of a permanent wave to perm the hair may still cause spring to come to life. The reddish-brown curls radiate excellently and receive all the attention this perm needs.

Allowed bob with pony

This bob haircut with pony paired with permanent curls is perfect for ladies with fair skin and natural brown hair color. Texture and volume, which are given to this durable Bob with bangs, define these beautiful curls perfectly.

Perm for thin hair

An improved and modern version of the mullet hair in a length reaching down to the neck is ideal for making a perm. Nothing beats this thin hair perm with pony on dark hair color if it suits your retro fashion taste.

Soft perm

Where are my beautiful and modest ladies? This is the softness that is special for you. The large amount of texture and volume created by the gentle perm with the flexible rod is always addictive.

Wavy perm

The combination of French Bob Cut and corrugated board can make people to have short-term hairstyles. The soft waves on a soft brown hair create the most extraordinary texture effect you can imagine.

For very short hair

A clean vintage-look perm for very short hair is so mesmerizing for women with the oval face shape and classic black hair color. Short bangs and texture on the hair work hand in hand like magic.

Loose wave perm

For extra fun and sexy vibrations in the hair, these loose wavelengths have done a great job. Wear your best fancy smile and be the most beautiful woman in the room that people would look up to.

Digital perm

What makes a digital perm the best is that it helps ladies to feel seductive and look ordinary even on a normal day. The loose, thin curls give the hair much needed texture. Combine it with straight full pony hairstyles in a rich ginger hair color to show that they are unique.

Spiral perm

Give the short haircut and shiny, soft, brown hair color a new definition with these spiral beans. What more could one wish for, given the massive texture and volume created by layered, tight curls?

[easynaturalhairstyle]

20 fantastic curlers for short hair

A short-haired perm is a short-hairstyle for women achieved by curling or curling the hair and treating it with a perm solution to keep the style for months. There is now no barrier to achieving your curly hair goals, because with modern hairdressing techniques, nothing is impossible!

Short hair perms may have been created decades ago, but do not worry, because there is now a long list of contemporary styling options to choose from! Following the iconic steps of permanent wave goddess Shirley Temple are the modern personalities Lili Reinhart, Sarah Hyland, Emmy Rossum and Jaime King, who performed this lock inducing treatment and made us all jealous.

The hairdresser and texturing expert Ivanova Irina fills her food with remarkable examples of short-term hairstyles! Whether Bobs and Fairies, loose or tight curls – you will be impressed in no time!

Obtaining natural-looking ringlets by perm requires the use of chemicals, so there's a great chance your strands are prepared for the damage. To prevent this and get your perm, use sulphate-free products and avoid heat.

It's time to familiarize yourself with these fusions of a classic 80s hairstyle and today's hairdressing techniques! Below you will find the trendiest shorthair pearl photos!

Permanent black hair

How would you describe this look?

I call this look an "improved natural product". The model had natural curls, but it was so bubbly and dry. That's why I made a cold perm to give her hair stronger curls that go well with her face.

In Asia, many girls have curls and fizzy hair, but they like to smooth the hair, and after a few months the root starts to grow curly, but the length to the ends is straight. For me, that does not look good, so I always recommend customers who have curly or fizzy hair to style and improve their natural hair. The curls last longer, and you stay away from too much chemical service.

Any advice for someone considering it?

You have to take good care of your curls by using the right hair care. I always recommend the use of volume shampoo, conditioner and of course a curl cream to strengthen the curls and give moisture for more bounce and a little hold. Be aware of the use of hair care with keratin or a lot of protein that is too heavy. It will strain your curls. Try Natulique Volume Shampoo Conditioner and curls that define the hair cream.

Loose spiral perm

How would you describe this look?

This look is both simple and fashionable. My favorite thing about this look is that it's a softer curl, perfect for the beach and perfect in a cap when it gets cold!

Any advice for someone considering it?

Some advice I would give to a short-haired client who is considering getting a perm is to determine what the curl pattern should look like, what suits you best, and what makes you feel most beautiful. Then just join in!

Loose curling time

How would you describe this look?

I like very short hair. It will be a more attractive and modern style.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Facial features and head structure are very important for short hair. When deciding on the haircut and hair color, consider the face shape and skin tone of the customer. With beautiful waves I have created a voluminous, modern freestyle feeling.

Shoulder length perm

How would you describe this look?

I love that look. I used orange and peach sticks to create this look. My goal was to create a natural curl of various sizes. The customer wanted more volume and a more natural style. I feel we have both achieved things.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I think body waves and perms are great for texture and volume when styling straight hair. They are also great for fast-paced, high-mobility customers looking for a simpler hair routine.

Loose perm

How would you describe this look?

This look is free flowing, relaxed and lived. I love the volume she has, and the way we cut the curls makes a perfect frame around her face.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I would advise someone who considers perm, to understand what she's going to do with his hair. Yes, you get volume and texture, but you also get some damage and ripple.

The health of hair should always be the most important, and if you have damaged or dyed hair, use caution. Curly hair can look great on its own, but sometimes you have to use a good styling cream and dry with a diffuser for maximum volume, as we did in this photo.

Trockenperme

How would you describe this look?

This look is a natural curly perm. When my client came to me, she said she wanted her hair curly, but not "Shirley Temple" curly – rather larger and softer curls. I've cut it in a round shape with 90 ° layers to achieve a "natural frog" look. Her hair color is natural.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Anyone considering perming should be aware of the harsh effects of chemically reforming the structure of your hair. Deep conditioning and treatment of the curls, as if the curls were natural, with the appropriate curls (depending on the texture) help the style to live longer and strengthen the health of the hair.

If you can not afford curly products and a permanent wave or retouch, you may want to try different "home" roll / braiding / twisting techniques for heatless curls to see if you like the curls. Also, if you plan on shaping your hair with some heat after the perm, you probably just will not get one. It leads to further damage and causes your hair to become more brittle. The duration of the perm is about six months to one year, depending on the size of the bars. Narrow curls last longer, looser curls do not.

I think the curly style can be very pretty for most people. It depends on how an individual feels in it. If you're self-confident, you're going to rock everything, so I do not think style is necessary, as long as you feel sweet, what you're wearing. My goal is for everyone to feel good about themselves, in their bodies, and when looking at their reflection. I try to make each cut individually. If I gave someone a shaggy, long-sleeved cut, I would not make it the same for everyone. It's not about what I want, it's about what I can do for my clients.

Short curly duration

How would you describe this look?

The look I wanted was elegance and eccentricity. Your multi-dimensional hair-flame attracts your eyes, but then everything is tempered by their attractiveness. My favorite part would be the contrast between being stylish and alive! Fashion colors and curls are not considered stylish compared to other styles, but texture is what brings hair to life!

Any advice for someone considering it?

Find out about curly hair. The change in the hair condition can also mean a change in the daily routine! Curly hair can be as much work as any other hair type, so be prepared to work with it, not against it.

If you have short hair and are considering a perm, remember that you will lose a bit of length as you lose curls! Someone with a heart-shaped face might want more volume with layers, but someone else with a shorter, wider face should want more length.

Find blogs that are tailored to your texture. Is your hair curly, curly or tortuous? Understanding your texture is helpful if you are looking for techniques to improve your curls and treat them properly. Freshness and dryness must be maintained if you want your curls to be healthy and defined.

Even curly hair is very sensitive, especially when it's wet. Combing hair with conditioner under the shower can help prevent knots or damage. Most importantly, be patient! It will take time to understand how to work with a new texture in his hair. Have an open ear for new styling products and techniques – you might be surprised what your curls can do!

Body wavelength

How would you describe this look?

This look is a body wave bob. We made a big cut on this customer when she came in to donate her hair to Wigs For Kids, which is fantastic! I love donation cuts! She wanted to change her look completely, so we cut about 12 inches into a sweet, layered bob. Then with Redken's Inner Secret, with large rollers rolled to both sides in a tile pattern, I let her hair develop a little of a natural-looking texture in her hair.

Any advice for someone considering it?

It's a fantastic way to give your hair a natural body and curl it. It makes styling pretty easy. I recommend a curl cream like Loma's Curvy cream and a styling diffuser. It's also a simple style to scrub and walk!

Asian Perm

This perm, which is famous in Asian dramas, is a light, feather-light look that has both texture and softness. The pops over the eyes complete the bob pretty well to give it the sweet, aegyo look!

Perms for seniors

Adding these kinky curls to your hair is the perfect way to enhance the texture and volume of older ladies. Besides, everything looks cute and fluffy when you wear this perm, so try it now!

Beach Wave Perm

Such a smooth perm like this looks like you came out of the water. The light texture that the wavy strands bring with them is essential for this beach wave to look so effortless.

Perm rod set on natural hair

As the name implies, the use of a permanent wave to perm the hair may still cause spring to come to life. The reddish-brown curls radiate excellently and receive all the attention this perm needs.

Allowed bob with pony

This bob haircut with pony paired with permanent curls is perfect for ladies with fair skin and natural brown hair color. Texture and volume, which are given to this durable Bob with bangs, define these beautiful curls perfectly.

Perm for thin hair

An improved and modern version of the mullet hair in a length reaching down to the neck is ideal for making a perm. Nothing beats this thin hair perm with pony on dark hair color if it suits your retro fashion taste.

Soft perm

Where are my beautiful and modest ladies? This is the softness that is special for you. The large amount of texture and volume created by the gentle perm with the flexible rod is always addictive.

Wavy perm

The combination of French Bob Cut and corrugated board can make people to have short-term hairstyles. The soft waves on a soft brown hair create the most extraordinary texture effect you can imagine.

For very short hair

A clean vintage-look perm for very short hair is so mesmerizing for women with the oval face shape and classic black hair color. Short bangs and texture on the hair work hand in hand like magic.

Loose wave perm

For extra fun and sexy vibrations in the hair, these loose wavelengths have done a great job. Wear your best fancy smile and be the most beautiful woman in the room that people would look up to.

Digital perm

What makes a digital perm the best is that it helps ladies to feel seductive and look ordinary even on a normal day. The loose, thin curls give the hair much needed texture. Combine it with straight full pony hairstyles in a rich ginger hair color to show that they are unique.

Spiral perm

Give the short haircut and shiny, soft, brown hair color a new definition with these spiral beans. What more could one wish for, given the massive texture and volume created by layered, tight curls?

20 fantastic curlers for short hair