#they get the gorgeousness from their mama

[deadbaguette]

THE CHILDREN OF NYX ARE SOOOOO FINEEEE

[hoodzgyal]

jason todd grunts into your ear when he’s close. you’d be riding him, pretty hands encasing his gorgeously thick neck, bouncing on his huge cock which is literally splitting you open- and your boyfriend, his massive hands glued on your waist, matching your rhythm with harsh thrusts into your tiny cunt. he’s cursing, and praising you, whispering how you’re such a good girl, how much he loves you, how close he is, shamelessly sinful and low grunts of pleasure escalate to more frenzied, erratic whines, his previous rhythm jagged, his hands now roaming your beautiful body, squeezing your tits, your thighs, bouncing you on his cock, chasing his high, before rubbing your clit with such ferociousness and intensity stars cloud your vision.

you come together, your whines and moans mixing in such an erotic way his eyes roll back in pleasure.

fuck i need him so fucking bad

ODJABSCIHSBSDB OKAY OKLAY BDVIKJSDN WAIT OMG.. UR SO RIGHT ???? BAIUBABAKJ NEED HIM NEOWWW.

ngl i think cowgirl might be one of his fav positions. he loves to watch you, plush two-toned lips swollen and slick from kisses, makin’ that pretty little ‘o’ shape as your approach climax. your tits and thighs are bouncing as you continue rocking on his cock, tired, but drunk off his praises.

his hands are on your waist, thumbs pressing into the faint outline of his dick bulging from your cute tummy. while hes still coherent, he takes your hand and presses on the spot with it, humming, “feel how deep i am, ma. doin’ so damn good for me.”

as he gets closer, whines of “so fuckin’ good for me, mama,” and “don’t stop, baby. ride that shit f’me,” fall from his lips like rain falls from the sky. his huge thumb is deliciously rubbing your clit, ensuring that you both cum together.

[tomorrowsgardennc]

Seed Sourcing Guide: An Opinion

i was listening in on a seed saving nerd zoom meeting last night when one of the best quotes ever said was said said: "the best seed 'store' is your own backyard." and the lady is totes right. downside is... you gotta source the seeds before you start saving them. with it being seed buying season, and a lady totally saying the best quote for any and all seed nerds to fuel my drive to finally sit down and write this, i have come up with:

tier list for seed sourcing websites NOT SPONSORED BTW

✨ top tier best tier ✨

ok so, i never really heard of true leaf until last year. but i have been sourcing almost all of my seeds from them since! they're not the same grow zone as me, but utah has some of the best soil in the nation so maybe that's why their seeds are the absolute best when it comes to germination. they also have a huge variety of seeds, all gorgeously designed in a quick-to-understand format (like their icons for heirloom versus hybrid, container friendly or not, etc.) their information is all legit and comprehensive as shit. my microgreen farmer friend gets all his microgreen seeds from here, too. couldn't recommend them enough!

if your looking for tomatoes specifically, then tomatofest is legit the best. they were recommended to me a few years ago by my farmer mama, and legit they are the best for any and all tomato types. if i ever need a new tomato variety, this is where i go no matter what. if they don't have it, then must not be worth growing. germination rate is always high, the plants come out great, and always fast with shipping.

i have not met a home gardener or farmer friend who doesn't have hoss in their seed library. their selection is small and their website is mid, but damn do they have the best germination rates out there along with the healthiest looking plants i ever did done see or grow. and tbh that's really what matters at the end of the day - not the germination rates, or shipping, or quantity, but rather how the vegetable or fruit plant thrives and produces. and hoss ticks off all those boxes beautifully.

😐 middle tier is mid 😐

eden brothers is mid tier only because i have attempted to germinate about 12 different seed types from them over the past 5 years and never have i ever gotten anything better than 10% germination rate. but their BULBS, their bulbs are absolutely amazing! if i need a flowering bulb to add to my cut flower garden, then this is where i source them from. never any issues with molded bulbs, and they grow true to what they say they will and how (so information is accurate). just... don't bother with the seed section.

i really truly and honestly and want to put renee's garden seeds in top tier... but i have tried over 20 different herb seeds from renee's and the herbs just never germinate. ever! the flowers, amazing. the vegetables, pretty good. selection, absolutely amazing. but the herbs, bro i don't know where they're sourcing their herbs from but it ain't happening. at least for me. maybe others more north would have better luck.

grow organic is great for supplies such as fertilizers and such, but not so much for seeds. i sourced my California softneck garlic from them and they were wonderful. i've had another farmer friend say she gets all her onion starts from them as well and her onions are phenomenal. but i've tried only 3 seed varieties from them with decent germination but didn't live long at all. if you're looking for tubers or vegetable bulbs, then totes. otherwise, be weary of the seeds even if the germination is great. (me thinks they save seeds regardless of how the plant lived, compared to saving seeds only from healthy plants.)

💀 worst tier don't bother 💀

johnny seeds used to be my go to for seeds when i was only focused on transplants. this was because they're the only one who sells in bulk, and honestly that's the only perk for them. you have to buy their seeds in bulk to get any decent germination out of them. but if you want 200 basil plants, then buying 500 basil seeds from them will be just fine. if you just want 2 basil plants, then don't even look at this website. they have one of the best seed starting soil mixes, but the shipping costs more than the soil. and they have some nice supplies. but this is a seed tier list, not a supplies tier list.

hopefully the fiasco with the purple galaxy tomato in January of 2024 has shed some light to how bad this company is, but if not then i'm including them on this list. they were pretty bad before that, but at least they live up to their name. i have sourced a few vegetables from them, but only because nobody else had them. which honestly should be a red flag. BUT c'est la vie, i bought seeds from them 3 years ago and haven't gone back. they're overpriced, germination rate is OK but considering the price tag their germination rate should be better and they're not. they try to pull themselves off as the "small guy" when they're clearly not.

https://www.burpee.com/

burpee seed company is legit the worst. they're so bad that a link to their website breaks tumblr and makes my tier list look ugly. they might lure you in with their gorgeous website, and with the huuuuge variety they have. but the website NEVER works, the varieties are almost 99% hybrids that don't grow or produce well, and the germination rate is abysmal. yes, they sell in all major and minor box stores but that's because capitalism, not because they're the best. stay. away.

🏅 honorable mention 🏅

so first off, let me say i have never bought from this website. but i have been gifted many seeds from them from several people. not sure if that's good or bad, hence the honorable mention category.

the seeds i've been gifted from 3 different farmers, and they're all winter varieties. and they've all done amazing!! i did buy some flower and herb seeds from the local hardware store, and the seeds were acceptable for germination rate. i do not blame that on the company, though, since that hardware store is so old school that they don't even have A/C inside. creaky wood floors, smells like old metal, that kind of hardware store. so not the best environment to store seeds in. but i will be buying some for this year to try out directly from their website, seeing as how if 2 year old seeds germinate pretty good and ones stored in horrible conditions are OK then fresh from the source MUST be great!

📝 let me know who i forgot and where you would rank them 📝 plz thnx luv u

maybe i'll do a tier list for even smaller seed companies, like my size seed companies?? whatchu think?? i've only tried a few so it would force me to try out some more!

[foreverinthepagesofhistoryy]

Is there any OTMA anecdotes at christmas you know about?

Hello anon! Yes there are plenty!!! I’m so happy you asked this because Christmas is today and what better way to learn more about Romanov Christmases than to hear it from their own words! ❤️

“We had a Christmas party for all who live in the house with us. During the evening of the 24th, at 9 1/2 o'cl. we had a vsenoshnaya, rather late, but the priest could not get here calier, and at the table, with all the icons [we] set up a tree and lit it up. It stood there during the entire vsenoshnaya. It was very nice and cozy. We did not hang anything on the tree.” - Letter from Tatiana to Countess Zinaida Tolstaya, 16 December 1917

“Hello my dear Ritka! Well, the Holidays are upon us already. We have a Christmas tree in the corner of the hall and it dispenses a wonderful scent, but not at all the same as in Tsarskoe [Selo]. This is some special kind of tree called "bal-sam." It smells strongly of oranges and tangerines, and there is resin flowing down the trunk constantly. There are no ornaments, but only silver streams and wax candles, of course from the church, since there are no other.” Letter from Olga Nikolaevna to friend Margarita “Rita” Khitorovo, December 26th 1917

“We generally spent Christmas at Tsarskoe Selo. It is less observed than Easter in general, but in the palace it is a great festival. There were no fewer than eight Christmas trees in various parts of the palace. The Empress dressed them all herself, and personally chose the presents for each member of her household, and for each officer, to the number of about five hundred. A tree was arrayed for the Cossacks in the riding-school. The children and I had a tree for ourselves. It was fixed into a musical-box which played the German Christmas hymn, and turned round and round. It was indeed a glittering object. All the presents were laid out on white covered tables, and the tree stood for several days an object of intense interest and admiration to the children. They were very sad when it was dismantled just before we went to St. Petersburg, but they were consoled by being allowed to help, and to divide the toys between the members of their own household.” Six Years At The Russian Court by Margaretta Eagar

“The little girlies were delighted to se her [Empress Alexandra Feodorovna] so gorgeously attired; they circled round her in speechless admiration for some time, and suddenly the Grand Duchess Olga clapped her hands, and exclaimed fervently, "Oh! Mama, you are just like a lovely Christmas tree!" After divine service was finished there was a drawing-room, at which all the debutantes were presented.” Six Years At The Russian Court by Margaretta Eagar

I hope you all have an AMAZING Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! 🎄🎉🤍

[pennybunpirate]

I'm not a fic writer, but I have this AU idea in my head that won't leave me alone and so I'm putting it here to get it out of my brain.

So, my day job is at a small furniture upholstery workshop. Some of it is dull, but some of it is lovingly giving new life to wonderful old pieces of furniture and I CANNOT stop picturing an AU where Stede is an upholsterer.

Imagine: The gentleman upholsterer. He exclusively works with these wonderful old pieces. His workshop is warm and cosy, tidy but full of all these wonderful things related to his craft. His fabric sample books are gorgeously presented. Everything from the smallest curved needle to large tools are carefully kept and maintained. He donates fabric scraps to a local queer craft group (the crew) (the sheer amount of scraps we get at my work that are too small for furniture but still very usable pieces of fabric is WILD, so this is very plausible hah)

So many fine fabrics. (From only the best sources of course) "Sometimes old things are the best things". Using care and attention and love to get to know every single piece of furniture he touches, getting them to *shine* again. Wearing his little glasses when he works (esp on finicky details).

I'm not sure how Ed comes into the picture yet. He has something to be upholstered obvs, but idk what. A single precious object (a family/mama Teach object and related feelings about it?), or he runs a successful business that needs several pieces done and he starts hanging out at Stede's workshop instead of at his workplace because Izzy's annoyed at him for spending a crazy amount of money on this (proper upholstery is expensive guys).

Feel free to use this as a prompt, I'm more than happy to assist on upholstery matters 🙃

[missamyrisa2]

I'm a shy but naughty girl who loves how deviously creative your mind is, and I'd definitely love to know what sorts of machines you'd use to get gigglegasms out of someone's royal girly buttons as well <3

Welllll~ since you asked nicelyyy~

Let's talk about how to milk the girly parts ~ but a good proper milking doesn't start with going right after that sweet pearl, uh uh ~ we have to coax her out first, make her so overloaded with affection and teasing love that she's practically begging for that milking ~

Ohh yes, we're starting with the humble feather. These were just ~made~ for working girly parts, I swear ~ So, open up those thighs. And because you're not opening them for me I'm going to have to tickle them ooh yes. We start with the niiice squeezies above the knees ~ mmmhmm squeeze here and heeeere and riiight up up to get your legs loosey-goosey. Come on now, let's loosen up girl ~ I'm gonna massage until you doooo ~ there's those thighs ooh yes, such sweet luscious thighs ~ We're gonna tickle those nice and sweetly and mhmm my lips are going in tooo ~ you need kissies, let's kissy away all that resistance now. Come on, open up that royal area ~ I'm gonna kiss your thighs until you dooo ~ there's a goood girl ~

Now, about the feather ~ see how it has these soft edges ~ sooo flat and yet loaded with sensation for you. Perfect for tickling that lovely sensitive area between your thighs and girly parts. Also lovely on your hips hmm? Right on the hip dipssss~ feather feather feather? These are sweet spots to tickle but I want the girliest sweetest part of you oooh yes I dooo~ every little thread like a tiny feather of its own. And because it's so nimble, yet gently stiff, I can just drawwwww the feather up your girly lips and introduce you to my tickly friend up and close ~

All the way up your royal lips now, slowwww slow slow and fast fast fast riiiight over to the pearl's regal resting spot. Mmmh. She's not ready yet oooh now, we need that gorgeously ticklish pearl sooo hot and bothered before we can milk. Let's start at the bottom of the lips and we'll go uuuuup and oooh yes, squeeze those thiiighs and your hiiiiip mmmhmmm wriggle it out for your giggle mama ~ riight into my adorably tickly feather. Ahh yes, your royal button is betraying you I do believe ~ you say you aren't ticklish you say you don't want it but loooook ~ look at what's happening down heeeeere~ you naughty thing, you naughty naughty girly girl ~ you wanna be so naughty huh? Want someone to tap love messages on your lil tablet? Awwwe too bad ~ only tickles for my amazing ticklish girl ~

Thereee, there there ~ now now don't fidget ~ your pearl is getting so rosy and bothered. We can use the feather tip now to get it sooo blushy down there. Just the tip ~ and just my feather again~! Amazing things, aren't they? First it got you to open up your clam and present your pearly pearl for me and now it's gonna just take you riiight to the brink ~ And look how it waves. Mmhm. Yes, my waving feather is gonna get you sooo worked up and then we're gonna milk out allll those giggledrops from you ahh yes ~

Oh you can moan and struggle and giggle and gasp all you like ~ it's not stopping. We're on a mission now, this is for the science after all~

With your girly pearl so perfectly poised, it's time to vibe out your drops ~ and we're gonna do that with a pair of machine friends. Of course you probably know my magic wand, my lovely Wanda ~ and we're also going to use Gina, she's quite good at finding that little tickle button you're hiding in there. Look at her luscious curves, tickle girl ~ Gina is soooo thicc and lovely ~ and she's gonna just milk you to bits ~

Sooo ~ I'd say open up for mama butttt you already have ~ ahh yes and look you're already soooo drippy droppy~ are these your giggledrops mmmh? Let's see how many you have in there. Wanda is gonna start on loooow right here on your pearl, and now Gina is gonna part your wet curtain and find that adorable Gee inside. Oh ~ and did I mention? Gina comes with a special power. Let's turn it on, shall we? Yesss she does a lil buzzy thrust ~ bouncing around your girly walls to tackle that button and milk it for all your moaning giggles~

Mmmhmm, was that a fuck fuck fuck? Yeahhh? Naughty thing. Oh yes, fuck fuck fuck ~let's goooo~

Like the feather we're gonna use these machines to coax out your milking ~ we're not just going full speed ahead nuuhuh ~ Wanda stays on low, we'll keep your pearl nice and edged so that Gina can work her magic inside. And then we'll switch ~ Wanda cranked up to make you cackle with gaspy moans while Gina barelyyyyy touches, teasing your girly area and making it wanting that big buzz ~ that's the trick with the girly areas, we have to keep you guessing ~ which is why i'm gonna kiss and zerbert along your hips and thighs and belly throughout your milking ! ooh yes, gotta keep the sweet tickles going~! You aren't gonna know what to feel ~ but I'll draw out every reaction and sip up every sweet noise you make ~

Oooh there we goooo, look at you producing so many gigglecum drops ~ leaky faucet to ocean wave, huh? Just from your ticklesss how sweet ~ and ooh I know, you're not done yet. You have sooo much more sweet ticklemilk to give don't ya? Nooo I didn't forget about your girly chest buttons ~ I wanted to wait until Wanda and Gina take a break and we break out Suzanne ~ Oooh yes, my pink sweet friend, she comes equipped with her own little carriage and she's just gonna ride riiiight into your girly royal area and get every last bit of those cumdrops out ~

But first we need tighter restraints oooh yes ~ when milking a naughty girl to the max we have to keep safety first. Keep those legs spread, keep them secure. And while you're nice and spread on this chair I can set up Suzanne right between them and we'll start with a little test milky ~ She'll go in nice and slooooow and I'll guide her in and ooh yes, you're sooo wet my girly girl~ she barely needs any slipperydrops huh?

And I can hold this remote riiight by you and you can watch me slide Suzanne up and down, making her go fastttt fast fast and sloooow slow. In and out ~ innnn and outtt of your girlihood ~ Don't worry, she buzzzes and twists and bounces and has alll those tickly nubbins to just drive your girlihood wild ~ so I'm free now to play with these chest buttons. I think I'll just ~sit~ on your lap, which is to say I'll hover right her up close and giggle and coo at your blushy milked form and tickle your royal chest buttons soo tauntingly. I knowww you love it ~ you looove being sooo bullied and handled and teased and taunted don't ya?

Don't lieeee I'll tickle milk you allll night if I have to ~ and I think I shall because there's just nooo end to your tickledrops is there? Maybe we need some makeup brushes on these nipples while Suzanne takes a little breather riiight on your Gee. Yes, she can nestle in and vibe away and we'll just see how many giggledrops we can get from ya with my blush brushes on your buttons ~ gotta get all now, all of it ~ all of your giggledrops for your gigglemama or we're starting alllll over with the humble feather and I'll just milk you until there's nothing left ~<33

[hexpea]

Ch. 8 - A Mother's Broken Heart

You and Toji had a successful first outing. When you returned to the Zenin estate, those there seemed to have no second thought about your return. It seemed as though all had gone as planned! Although, you did understand the caution that was needed to continue those types of outings. 

With two full weeks of caring for Megumi under your belt, you decided to utilize some of your time away. Just like outings with the baby, you had to send your need for time off to be approved by the Zenins. They mentioned five hours per week, so it was no surprise when your application for time off was approved. 

You were desperate to visit Tsumiki, so you took a bullet train home. You could hardly keep yourself together during the ride. Both anxiety and excitement were bubbling about your brain as you made your way back home. 

As soon as you made it to the front door to the apartment you shared with your estranged husband, you fumbled to get your key in the door. But before you could even turn the lock, the door opened suddenly. What appeared to be a bombshell stood before you; large breasts, gorgeously blonde but obviously dyed hair with her black roots coming in, full face of makeup, and a certain snobbish look on her face. She looked you up and down before turning back inside the apartment to call for Masaru. "Did you order some kind of cleaning service?" She called out. 

You were entirely speechless. Your suspicions that were already validated were confirmed even further. Masaru lightly jogged into view from a different room with a panicked look on his face. Panic turned to horror as soon as he saw you.

"Y/N!" He gasped, gently pushing his mistress out of the way. She gave a little, angry "hey," as he moved her. "What are you doing here...unannounced?"

"Unannounced," you scoffed, "to my own home. Where's my daughter?" You asked seriously. "I came here to see my daughter."

"Y-yeah," he nodded quickly, moving out of the way to let you in. "She's right over there," he motioned toward the living space where she happily played in her playpen. 

"Mama!" She exclaimed with sheer joy as soon as you walked in, coming to her feet clumsily. You rushed to her side and picked her up in a big hug. 

"I've missed you so much, Tsumiki!" You snuggled her close, a moment of peace from the complete anger you felt at the door. You were quickly and easily reminded of what you were there for, why you had taken the job you had. 

With pain in your heart, you did your best to keep a smile for her. You spent the time that you had playing with her, making sure to give her a small souvenir of a stuffed animal from Tokyo as a way to keep you in her mind when you were away.  Meanwhile, your husband and his mistress kept to themselves considering the awkwardness of the situation.

"I plan on coming when I can," you assured Masaru as you stood on the other side of the door again to leave. 

"Can you..." Masaru's face looked awkward and ashamed as he asked, "can you please let me know beforehand? So I can prepare?" 

You glared at him for a moment. "Yeah," you replied coldly, feeling a knot begin to form in the base of your throat. "And please...limit her time with Tsumiki. I don't appreciate you bringing strange women around our daughter. We'll discuss what's going to happen between us later."

He gave an awkward nod in response and a slight wave to say goodbye. He shut the door gently and you remained standing in front of it for a short time, processing everything that you just experienced.  The knot in your throat grew to be unbearable and you just had to let the tears out. You put your back to the door and slid down to the concrete. With your face in your hands, you allowed yourself a moment to your emotions. 

Somberly, you made your way back to the Zenin estate. You were in a daze as you continued your routine in getting Megumi ready for bed. It was around eight in the evening when you were finally changing his diaper for the last time before putting him down.

"Hey there," a familiar voice appeared in the open shoji door's threshold. 

You jolted out of your trance at his sudden appearance, making sure to keep a hand on Megumi so he wouldn't roll off the changing table. "You're early," you sighed, your free hand on your chest to prevent a heart attack. "Also, I thought our outings would prevent these night visits."

"Yeah, well...I lied," he shrugged and further stepped into the room, now taking over your job of changing Megumi. A pleasant surprise...

You stepped back and crossed your arms over your chest as if to keep warm from the cool night air. "So what brings you here?" You asked, your voice a little shaky from the day's earlier happenings.

"Just a visit," he answered dully. "What's wrong with you?"

You were taken aback by his question. Was it really that obvious? "What do you mean?" You tried to play dumb as Toji picked a newly changed Megumi up from the table. He was now in a pajama onesie, a snoozing panda decal on its front. 

"Your face, it's red and your eyes are swollen. You've been crying," he pointed out the obvious as he hushed Megumi to sleep, the baby gently resting on his shoulder while Toji rubbed his back. Though he was right, you gave an offended expression.

"Nothing," you replied quickly but then realized your defensiveness was even more telling. "It's nothing..." you reassured him with a slower tone, watching as he meandered over to the crib to put Megumi down. 

"You think I'm going to believe that?" He scoffed. "Did my uncle do something? Or was it my wonderful brute of a brother?" He asked with his own set of crossed arms, his stature one of confidence while yours looked like one of defense. 

"No, it wasn't your family," you answered, avoiding eye contact. "I went home today...to see Tsumiki."

"Oh, so you just miss her," Toji released his crossed arms. "Got it. I'll keep out of your business." 

You suddenly became a bit angry with his assumption. "No!" You said a bit too loudly, causing Megumi to stir for just a moment. "I went home and my husband had another woman there..." you continued a bit more quietly. It was as if Toji had used a tactic to get the information out of you.

"There it is," he smiled and placed his hands on his hips. "Now, was that so hard?" He teased. You pouted and chewed on your cheek before continuing.

"And I don't want her around my daughter," you sniffled, beginning to feel choked up again. "Tsumiki, she looked happy... I don't want that woman to make my daughter happy." 

Toji's casual, cool gaze softened and he bit the inside of his cheek in protest of his uncontrollable change of expression. He audibly sighed before speaking up. "She was happy to see you, not happy about the bitch in your place." You stared at him in silence as a warm tear found its way down your cheek. "She's two, she probably doesn't give two shits about the stranger her dad brought home. But you, she knows you're her mother." You gave a light smile to his encouragement and he quickly turned to look out of the open shoji door to avoid your appreciation.  "I can...take care of them. If you want," he offered, back still turned toward you but his head cocked in your direction. 

"What?" It took you a minute to process exactly what he was trying to say. "No! No, definitely not that," you chuckled as if what he said was completely ludicrous and impossible. 

"Offer's always on the table, I'd even do it for a discount," he chuckled and stepped back outside. "Catch you later," he gave a small salute of a wave, two of his fingers extended, before slipping away into the night. 

"Yeah...catch you later," you mumbled to yourself. 

[chaisarinawat]

HOW CHAI MET RACHI

Chai's last job was at a nightclub that operated as a regular bar during the afternoon. He had been there for a few months now, not his first bar job so he had experience, but it just was at a new location. He had met P'Korn at his first one and well... the man frequented the place, and Chai didn't want to risk seeing him again.

One night, Chai was working, mixing drinks and sliding them over to the patrons when an interesting person sidled up to the bar. Well, 'interesting' might not be the best way to describe them - they were dressed gorgeously, like a model, and they were wearing stilettos so high that Chai didn't know how anyone could walk in them, let alone dance.

The beautiful stranger ordered a few shots and a cocktail, his smile almost blowing Chai away from how disarming it was. Chai made them quickly, sliding them over and watching as the man downed them one by one in succession, clearly intent on getting a buzz going. Then he took a sip from the cocktail Chai had mixed for him.

"You make nice drinks, cutie!" The stranger shouted above the music to Chai before wandering off, leaving behind some money for the drinks.

Chai remembers feeling a little shy at the comment, going pink in the face, but watched as the stranger slithered his way across to the dancefloor. The way he moved his body was hypnotic and Chai was amazed - he could even see others giving that man attention, a few dancing with him at one point in a way that looked so freeing.

Chai didn't think he'd see the beautiful stranger again, after all there were so many bars and nightclubs in Bangkok and people liked to keep their options open; but he returned, each time ordering a drink from Chai. He started to become a regular and Chai would mix his drink for him before he even asked, and they'd make small talk about their day.

"Cutie, you've been making me drinks for weeks now but I don't even know your name," The man said one night after ordering. "Care to share?"

"Chai," Chai replied, his cheeks going pink when the other called him 'cutie'. It was how the stranger greeted him, always.

"A sweet name for a sweet boy! Aww, look at those cheeks of yours! So full and pink~" The man commented, leaning forward. "I'm Rachi."

'Rachi' was unlike anyone Chai had ever met. Their small talks started to become deeper, especially on slower nights or when Rachi decided to swing past the bar during the day before it turned into a dance floor. They became so comfortable with one another that they even talked about their relationships. It was nice to have someone to talk to about P'Korn, and Rachi seemed to be able to relate to being so unlucky in love. They bonded quickly, become fast friends -something Chai would have never guessed to happen!

Rachi was... wow, he was everything Chai wasn't! He was loud and self-assured and super confident, not afraid of any kind of judgement or scrutiny. Chai really admired him, often listening in awe to the other's dramatic stories. Sometimes Rachi's stories would become raunchy, and Chai would squeal, pretending to cover his ears while Rachi laughed loudly at his reaction. They even started calling each other nicknames, with Rachi teasing Chai by calling him his 'son' and Chai doing the same by calling Rachi 'mummy'.

One day, when Chai was off of his shift, debt collectors had come looking for him. When his boss got into contact with Chai, he fired him, not wanting to risk any trouble. Chai had been crying outside of the club, worried about not having another job to go to when Rachi appeared to comfort him.

"What happened? Tell mama Rachi. I'm here for you baby-boy."

So Chai let spill that he was up to his ears in debt and no other way to pay it, having already borrowed money from various people and the bank with no more options to turn to. Rachi had hugged him, assuring him that things would get better and mumbling that he had an idea that might help.

Shortly after, Rachi had contacted Chai, a huge smile on his face.

"Loo, my dear cutie Nong Chai," The man said happily. "I told you mommy would make it all better - because I got you a job!"

And with that... Chai began his work as the assistant to Khun Danuphon Sangchareon, film producer under his family's company Dragon Entertainment.

[thesinglesjukebox]

MIRANDA LAMBERT - "WRANGLERS"

Use promo code "JUKEBOX" at checkout to get 20% off your first pair of jeans...

[5.36]

Alfred Soto: She didn't write a note or a word for this, and I can tell. It's as if someone typed "Gunpowder and Lead" and "Mama's Broken Heart" into ChatGPT and out came "Wranglers." The brawny production hinders: every rote syllable gets punched up. [4]

Aaron Bergstrom: Miranda Lambert knows her way around a great revenge song, so I have no idea how something as bloodless as "Wranglers" made it past quality control. This sounds like if "Kerosene" was taken over by a hedge fund. [4]

Nortey Dowuona: Someone needs to get Audra Mae on the record on how long Wranglers take to burn. We would all learn a great deal. I mean, they're jeans, how long do they -- wait. [10]

Ian Mathers: See, other jeans burn like this [crowd goes "ooooh"] but Wranglers burn like this [crowd loses it, uproarious laughter]. Wranglers be burnin', amirite folks? [crowd goes absolutely feral with joy, rips up seats, destroys stadium] [6]

Katherine St. Asaph: As a bar, "Wranglers take forever to burn" sounds badass until you think about it -- so you're what, waiting around your no-good ex's house for a couple hours watching yourself fail to commit arson? As a piece of maybe-product placement, it's no "Wrangler butts drive the cowgirls nuts." [5]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: Just as schlocky as Chris Stapleton's take on prestige-country RAWK; just as charming, too -- you get the sense that Lambert knows she could do a little better than replicating the feel of "The Chain" for the Taylor Sheridan aesthetic universe, but she's clearly having fun. The drums unfortunately sound like Stadium Arcadium-era Red Hot Chili Peppers, but everything else is gorgeously-wrought in the way that Lambert's best singles sound: it's not subtle and brilliant in the way that "Bluebird" or "Vice" were, but even unsubtle Lambert can be an exceedingly good time. [7]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: The way that the chorus descends -- as if engulfed by flames and consumed by vitriol -- is satisfying as hell. This one is for your inner pyro.  [7]

Taylor Alatorre: One of the purposes of a song like "Wranglers," even if Lambert will deny this, is to demonstrate how much more "real" its performer is than Nashville newcomers like, for instance, Dasha. Which is fine on its own: gatekeeping, in forms both benign and ugly, has been a country tradition since it was still being called "hillbilly music," and it makes more sense to police the authentic in a genre whose very name embeds it in the soil. Lambert certainly sounds more comfortable tossing around the signifiers of battle-scarred, woman-scorned country than Dasha does -- maybe too comfortable, if all the instant "Kerosene" comparisons are any indication. But there's one fatal flaw that "Wranglers" shares with "Austin," and it's the intended wham line in the chorus that serves only to douse the narrative in the cold waters of an anti-climax. Steer your mind away from the familiar abstractions of vengeance and female autonomy, and actually picture what Lambert is asking us to picture here: does a pile of faded blue jeans burning in the desert sun for half an hour longer than expected really sound all that satisfying to observe? Why write a revenge fantasy where it can be assumed that the revenger is impatiently checking her watch every few minutes, waiting for the fantasy to be over already? [3]

Jonathan Bradley: A far cry from “Kerosene” or “Gunpowder and Lead,” what’s supposed to be a barn-burner turns out to be a damp squib due to a muddy mix that chokes the guitar in indistinct haze, taking Lambert’s own voice with it. Soggy kindling results in little heat and so much smoke you can’t make out much of anything at all. [4]

Mark Sinker: A pop song is after all no more than a cluster of commodities circulating within a set of interlinked markets -- so how is a Brit listener my age (me) still faintly rattled when said song’s burden is a straight-up major brand-name placement? As if that’s somehow not allowed (or anyway not really cricket). Blame the BBC’s straight-up long-term ban on any hint of advertising in anything they broadcast, and the penumbras of ideology beneath and alongside that ban, the smoke and the steel shaping my inner mind: it’s like The Who never Sold Out; like the late Nick Kamen kept his laundrette Levis on to Marvin’s “Grapevine,” like Sigue Sigue Sputnik never sold literal ad-space slots on their first LP (for L’Oréal, EMI, i-D magazine and more); it’s like Run DMC went barefoot. I escaped it enough that Vybz Kartel, Gaza Slim and Popcaan excitedly hymning their nice new furry suede shoes is one of my all-time favourite Jukebox entries. Sadly this is no “Clarks”: after a misleading Morricone lens-flare it slumps quickly into charred serge and claggy ash. No ethical immolation under capitalism! [5]

Michael Hong: If this is Miranda's attempt at returning to being the shit-talker and the fire starter, well, it sounds like she's got her kindling stacked too neatly and forgotten her matchbook at home. [4]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

[doingthehardthings]

Scenes from around the house yesterday, where the temp dropped & it was gorgeously grey and cold. I made a stunning batch of pot roast that was hearty and delicious and filled the apartment with such comforting smells.

Oli's lymph nodes continue to swell. A biopsy has been taken, and the vet noted it is likely something "systemic." I am engaging in some measure of cognitive dissonance while I wait to hear back, and loving up on him a lot. Maybe too much. He's like mama, leave me be. My Best Friend. Here's today:

Morning

Check emails & respond(1,2,3)

Check bank account

Check Nelnet

Oli pills

Call vet, get the tea on the pills

Text R, message J

Afternoon

Letter of Rec. for student

UM public speaking grades for two students: grade their speeches, send them feedback, input their final grades: (1, 2). Done, but waiting to hear back from LR RE: Demo speech.

Follow up re: Family Comm. exam question. Emailed, waiting to hear back

Grade CM demo speeches

TC Misc. items

UM PS misc items

Family Comm: input zeros for missing assignments.

OopS! Open other PS module for the week + create quiz+ course announcement. & input zero's for missing assignments.

Evening

Walk with R (walk total: 6.29 miles)

Meditate

Lift & abs for 25 minutes

Stretch

Journals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Vitamins

Play with cats

Clean kitchen, load dishwasher

[mus1cnmov13f311nn]

hai im isa (d1 yap session ahead)

“there is no other, she is my lover” - me thinking about all my favs

just a lil about me !! (scroll to the bottom for my fav bottoms)

- i LOVEE winter n im december baby (IM 18 NOW GUYS I PROMISE) but halloweens my fav holiday ever

- sharks n dinosaurs are my fav animals

- i listen to a lot of music 😻😻 more so rap, kpop, drill, indie, n metal !!

- eyedress, alex g, a$ap rocky, kay flock, seventeen, gojira, wallows, n playboi cardi are my favs !! but i def like many more artists just ask away !!

- ive been meaning to get into more things !! like watching more shows n animes n movies n listening to different music so if you have any recs pls feel free to share !!

- i dont game a lot BUT i do love games like roblox, minecraft, until dawn, fnaf, at dead of night n a bunch more that ive watched but havent played yet lol

- i also love many shows like soy luna, gravity falls, demon slayer, criminal minds n a lot others i cant think of rn lmao

- i LOVEE movies like snow white, mulan, corpse bride, alice in wonderland, killer klowns from outer space, american physco n many others !!

- i really love movie franchises like friday the 13th, it, childs play, harry potter, the karate kid, scream, avatar n a lot others !!

now onto my opinions about fandoms im in n opinions about my fav ships !!

- obvi i respect everyones thoughts on ships that i ship as well even if i do not agree !!

- but i like what i like n i just like my favs taking it 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

- believe me im TRIED reading the other side of my ships but i just dont enjoy it yk

- basically i literally only interact with fics n stuff that are smutless or my goat is bottoming ����‍↕️

the following are of ships and/or characters that are my favs !!

bottom! johnny ‘pretty boy’ lawrence from “the karate kid” franchise

my fav n has been my fav for years tbh hes so pretty n gay n girlfriend coded n i just love william zabka

- regarding ships n stuff i literally love shipping johnny with everyone in the series !! more specifically the cobras i love the lil polycule they have going on !!

bottom! ao’nung from the “avatar” franchise

also one of my favs !! wrote a few fics of my lil fishie boy but i have toned it down a bit as i grow older n older than this alien

- with shipping i like ao’nung more with lo’ak n rotxo than neteyam but i do still like the pairing !! i just think all of the outcomes ive found with avatar fics ruined netenung for me a lil bit

bottom! draco malfoy from the “harry potter” franchise

love draco sm hes just such an angsty character with issues that just add to his gorgeousness bc zoo wee mama is he a sight

- also i enjoy shipping draco with lots of different characters !! i do find myself reading a lot of him x blaise n harry bc their just so perfect for him n truly handle draco which i love !!

bottom! shidou ryuusei from the “bluelock” anime

i love shidou hes my fav gyaruo to ever walk the earth n hes genuinely so unhinged n deranged its impressive n i love him

- ngl i also love shidou with everyone else !! ig more so with the itoshi brothers bc ive read more fics about them n just love the dynamics authors come up with

i have a lot more lmao like shouto todoroki, eli moskowitz, max goof, victor criss, jj maybank, theon greyjoy, zuko n A LOT others but the reason i didnt zero in on them much is bc ive either not finished the series theyre in (jj, theon, todoroki, eli) or i have n just havent found any moots that like it too lmao (zuko, vic, max)

anyways dni list is to like be a decent n not hateful person n ill probs tag everything with isa yaps or some variation of that :P

don't know what imma post in the future probs just gonna be hcs n reboots n other random shi BUTTT my ask me anything is right there ask LITERALYY anything i love to yap :3 ty for reading :D

[rose-tinted-juls]

WHAT IN THE JESUS CHRIST OMG!!!! i was waiting for this chap SO BAD since the cliffhanger of chap 7, finally it's here and it's even more insane!

1. sophie lying about elise to max: a bit painful but understandable; also just to think she's mick's kid AWHHH 🥺

2. tbh it's very funny for me that this fic singlehandedly makes me like max more every time. like when i watch him race (and win almost every single freakin race) and/or in interviews (or whining like he did with the george thing in baku) i don't like him kinda at all, but then i read a bit of wymtm and suddenly when i hear his name in a podcast or whatever i just start grinning-giggling. this makes no sense, but it further proves the talent and power of Dani. (also why was emotional and maybe even the tiniest bit sad when they agreed on staying just friends. as if i didn't wish for this for many chaps lmao)

3. ELLIE SAID DADA!!!! AND TO MICK!!!! two things about this: one, my heart burst reading it omg and i still get giddy when i remember it; and two, poor girl's gonna get confused if and when the time comes for the actual dad to get in the pic and take on his role, will she think that suddenly she has two dads? 😭

4. actually now i think about it, you gotta give it to her that she's a smart baby. she has the most perfect timing, saying dada but also not saying mama. i love her and this tiny cute smartness and reading the scenes with her gives me real baby fever tbh hehe

5. "he painted another picture. he can't remember the last time he had a surge of inspiration, since his fingers ached for a paint brush, mind foretelling stories he had yet to put on canvas. he felt like himself again, happiest in a mess of paint, happiest creating something worth sharing with people." THIS RIGHT HERE. such a gorgeously written paragraph, i'm speechless. also, the fact that sophie brought this out from him, that her mere presence and personality could do this is so awhhh 🥺😭❤️

6. UH OH MAX AND PIERRE WILL HAVE A TALK!!! and one of them knows the baby is sophie's, the other thinks she's mick's... ooh the up and coming drama!!

7. while daniel is being clueless to this whole situation still lmao. just waiting for their date happily, painting away <33 i love this man with my whole heart if you can't tell.

...similarly to how i love Dani. you queen, one of the most important pillars of this fandom, i bow to you and would kiss the back of your hand in admiration if i could. thank you for blessing us with this masterpiece.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖

MASTERLIST

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲; more lies and another shift in dynamic. what's changed? 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭; 7.8k 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬; explicit language

“H-hi. Can I come in?”

The sky is angry, howling and blowing rough air into the apartment. Elise hides her face in her mother’s chest, tiny hands gripping on her soft cotton shirt, catching bits of Sophie’s skin and making her wince. Rain patters onto the cement in front of her door, she can hear the way the water splatters against it. It’s rapid, loud, violent. She feels the soft vibrations of Ellie’s whines against her skin, but she can barely hear it above the sounds of the storm 

She’s stuck, frozen, unable to move as she stares at Max standing at her front door. His white button up is soaked through, sticking to his pale skin and defining the muscles along his abdomen. The top two buttons are undone, and the knot of his dark blue tie hangs lowly. Dirty blonde hair sticks to his forehead, allowing the droplets to slide from strand to skin. She sees the way he grimaces at the wind’s taunting whistles, the sound of thunder booming, but most of all she sees the wide stare that he gives her and the baby in her arms. 

“Sophie?”

His voice brings her back to reality. The storm is louder now, it's angrier, shaking her doors and beginning to make a mess of the inside of her home. She can hear things begin to clatter behind her, the sound of frames and vases threatening to topple over.

“Sorry!” Sophie yells over the wind, “Yes, yes. Come in. Sorry.” 

Sophie steps aside, allowing Max to step in and out of the storm raging outside. He shuts the door for them, fingers fiddling with the lock before twisting it shut. Max leans against the white painted wood, letting out a huff as his fingers fiddle with his tie to undo it completely. It hangs over his chest, heavy from the rain. She watches his fingers find their way to his soaked hair, pushing it back and off his forehead. He looks around him, staring at the puddle forming at his feet.

“I’m sorry, I’m making such a mess.” 

Sophie could care less about the puddle of water at her front door, or the way Ellie has yet to stop pinching the skin over her breast. She’s numb, her ears are ringing. The world ceases to exist for a moment, she feels like she’s floating, watching the scene unfold before her. It feels like her head is throbbing, but she wonders if it’s just her imagination. Maybe she’s dreaming, that the overwhelming week behind her has caught up to her and her dreams. Maybe Max really isn’t here, maybe she and Elise had fallen asleep a long time ago. Maybe she’s just imagining the baffled look on Max’s face, his curious blue eyes that stares at her expectantly. 

Max clears his throat. Ellie pinches her a little harder. Fuck, she thinks, this isn’t a dream. 

Sophie hisses softly, prying the baby’s fingers one by one off her. Ellie has grown quiet, wide blue eyes staring at the man in front of them. She’s still huffing, trying to catch her breath from the fit she was throwing before their guest arrived. Sophie rubs her baby’s back, follows the little girl’s gaze all the way to the man at their front door. There’s no fear, no usual look of skepticism that Sophie expects from her daughter. The one year old just stares curiously, studying the very wet man who just smiles at her and offers her a gentle wave. 

“Hi there,” He says softly. Max’s gaze flickers up to Sophie, index finger pointing weakly at the girl resting on her hip. “Is… is she…?”

Max’s finger shifts slightly to the left, pointing straight at her. Yours, his finger finishes the question for him. Is she yours? Panic settles like it had been threatening to for the last couple of weeks, the feeling all too familiar. This is the part where she stumbles over her words, she’s backed into a corner, she has to tell him. What choice does she have? There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. She’s stuck in her home, in the middle of a storm, with Max staring at her expectantly. There’s no escape— she has to try to stop escaping.  

Sophie turns her head and looks from her daughter back to Max’s wandering finger.  

“Uh… no.” The lie slips past her lips easily, way too easily, “No no. Friend’s kid. He works nights and I watch her for him.”

Max clicks his tongue, “Ah.”

Relief. It’s a nice feeling.

Max doesn’t poke or prod like she expected him too. Instead he waves at Ellie again, who just stares at him. His smile is boyish, he looks younger in the soft light of the moon coming from the balcony window. His dirty blonde hair flops back over his forehead, his cheeks are rosy, and there’s a slight chatter of his teeth. But he makes no fuss and pays no mind to his own discomfort, instead trying to get a smile out of the little girl. He twitches, shiver running up his spine.

“I’m so sorry, let me get you something to change into.” 

“That would be nice.” He smiles, teeth clicking against each other.

A pair of Mick’s shirt and shorts, plus a soft white towel later, Max is seated comfortably on the opposite end of the couch from Sophie and Ellie. Not a peep from the little girl since he’s walked in. Her eyes are still wide, still curious, still trying to figure out if she can trust him or not. Elise’s brows are furrowed, lips in a slight pout, as she stares at Max. She still holds onto Sophie, but her head remains turned. 

No one says anything, just letting the wind and rain make all the noise. Max sets different toys in front of Ellie, hoping to elicit any reaction from the stoic little girl. But Elise just looks at the toy as he sets them down for no more than a second before staring back up at him. It’s amusing to watch unfold, to see the pile of toys grow in size and Ellie’s lack of reaction.

“It’s okay baby girl,” Sophie coos, flattening the wild curls on the crown of her baby’s head, “He’s nice.” 

Max’s smile widens, shifting a little closer to her. His grips onto one of the toys the little girl had refused earlier, reaching it out to her as a peace offering. Ellie eyes the toy skeptically, eyes flickering from it to the man holding it out for her. 

“I’m Max,” He says softly, “What’s your name?”

Elise looks up at her mom, eyes searching for reassurance. Sophie smiles, nodding. “Say, my name is Elise.” 

“Elise,” Max repeats, “that’s a very pretty name.”

Ellie turns back towards Max, reaching out and shoving the toy out of his hand. Max smiles, chuckling softly before bending over and grabbing another toy to offer the little girl. The little game goes on a couple more rounds before she finally accepts her favorite plush giraffe. The storm is quieter, aside from the wild winds and heavy rainfall. Elise isn’t phased by the large drops of water beating on the glass, too distracted by her favorite toy in between her fingers. Sophie rubs her baby’s back, pressing a kiss at the top of her head before looking up at Max.

“What was going through your silly little head to drive out in the middle of the storm?” Sophie raises her brow.

He laughs softly, “Not much honestly. I just wanted— needed to see you.” 

“Couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”

He shakes his head. “Unfortunately not. But I am sorry for intruding on babysitting duties.” 

A pang in her chest. Guilt is loud, it mocks her, makes her confidence waver a bit. But Max is too busy smiling at Ellie to notice the way Sophie’s gaze scans the room, or how she shifts nervously in her place. 

“Well… it’s not such a bad thing.” Sophie mumbles, “She was crying for a while, and I was at my wits ends on how to help her. You came just in time I think.” 

Max smiles, nodding wordlessly. His stare is kind towards the little girl. Sophie watches quietly, eyes flickering from Max to Ellie, and back. Rain beats down on the glass of her balcony doors again, much harder,  even more relentless and angry than a couple minutes prior. It’s the only sound that fills the otherwise quiet air between them. Elise pays no mind to the way her mother fidgets in her seat, or how Max uses her as a distraction while they try to find something to say. She didn’t mind it one bit.

“The lines were down.” Sophie speaks up again, lifting her daughter off her lap and onto the couch in front of her.

“Hm?” Max doesn’t look up from the game he plays with Elise. 

“I was trying to return your calls but the lines were down… I wasn’t trying to avoid you or something.” 

The guilt is evident in her voice, it pulls Max’s attention from Elise. He straightens his posture, nodding as he comprehends what she’s said. He finds a bit of comfort in her words, a bit of reassurance that everything isn’t as bad as what’s been brewing in his mind. He offers her a warm smile, reaching over to rub the top of her knee. “I know. I was trying to call you too.”

The balcony doors shake with the wind again, and Ellie freezes in her place. Sophie sees the grip on the giraffe’s neck tighten ever so slightly and knowing her daughter, her bottom lip is probably quivering. Though the thunder and lightning has let up, the wind and rain are still relentless. It comes in waves of slow and hard, beating down and shaking the windows wildly. Sophie feels the uneasiness in her daughter’s body. Max’s gaze drops to the little girl on the couch, pouting just as much as the little girl is. He scoots a little closer, index finger coming up to rest under the girl’s chin. Sophie holds her breath, watching her daughter warily as Max tries to comfort her. 

Ellie is not the most trusting baby. Not one to cry or wail when a stranger is around, but she’s guarded enough to not melt into a new person easily. And on any given day, a stranger that entered their home not even thirty minutes ago offering to hold her would receive a cold shoulder and Ellie’s version of an icy stare. 

Max holds his hands out to her, offering to hold her, “C’mere doll, it’s okay.”

Ellie looks up at her mom again, searching for a bit of reassurance. Sophie smiles, giving her an exaggerated shrug and a flick of her chin towards the man who still has his arms out for her. The baby looks back at the large hands in contemplation. She only takes another second to contemplate it before releasing the giraffe from her tiny hands and lifts her arms up towards Max. 

Sophie’s heart skips a beat, watching as Max grins and lifts Ellie up and over onto his lap. She quietly observes the interaction, how she sits so comfortably in his lap, arms reaching out and resting on his chest. Max coos, mumbling softly like they’re having some sort of secret conversation. Sophie doesn’t listen, her own thoughts drowning out the world in front of her. She can’t help but smile, relaxing and resting into the couch as she watches Ellie clap along with Max. 

“You’re really good with her,” She says softly, “And she seems to like you.” 

“What’s not to like?” Max asks, voice pitched and his lips curved upwards as he gives the baby a warm smile. Ellie reaches out for him, and he takes her tiny hands in his own. Max shakes Ellie’s hands in his own, making a face at her, before smiling at Sophie. “My sister has two boys. Love them like my own, so… I love kids.” 

“Didn’t know you have a sister.” 

“You never asked.” 

Sophie stares down at her lap, biting down on her lip. She doesn’t expect to see his hand rest on her knee, giving her a gentle squeeze.

“I’m teasing.” 

Her smile is tense, even as she rests her hand on his own. He wraps his hand around her fingers, his hold never leaving hers. Sophie looks back up, head resting on the couch as she looks up at Max and her daughter. Her heart nearly melts at the sight of Ellie resting on his chest, Max’s other hand rubbing small circles on her back. Ellie’s eyes begin to droop, far too heavy for the little girl to keep open. 

“Don’t move,” Sophie whispers, “She’s finally falling asleep.” 

Max cranes his neck enough to catch the flutter of the little girl’s lashes. He smiles, leaning his head back onto the couch and returning his gaze to the girl sitting next to him. They sit quietly, letting the roaring wind and ever present rain lull the baby to sleep. It’s almost sweet, the way they sit there, Sophie’s hand in his, exchanging gentle smiles, while her– albeit, maybe their– daughter falls asleep. The idea of him maybe finding out, the idea that maybe Max could be Elise’s father, doesn’t scare her as much as it did. She finds a bit of comfort in the way Ellie lays on his chest, the way he holds her so comfortably. For a brief moment, she imagines a life where she could share Ellie with Max.

Or Daniel. 

Fuck, maybe even Pierre.

When Sophie is sure that Ellie is in deep sleep, she helps Max slowly lay her down on the couch. His hand supports her head and neck, the other on her back, as he slowly leans forward to rest her body onto the couch cushion. They sit on either end of Ellie, unmoving and quiet, watching as the baby shifts around to get comfortable on the couch. And when she finally stills, they both move to sit on the floor by her. Elise’s head rests by Max, feet by Sophie, and she snores softly. She stares at her daughter affectionately, fingers gently brushing curls away from her face. 

Max steals a glance over at Sophie, and he can’t help the way his heart softens at the sight of her. She looks down at the baby girl, eyes holding so much emotion and joy. It’s a side of her that he has yet to get acquainted with. Though very reminiscent of the girl he met in the bar, there’s something different. There’s more solemnity in her gaze— a bit of gentleness he’s never seen before.

“You take care of this little one often?” Sophie lifts her head to look up at him. She nods, refusing to give any other kind of explanation. Max hums, “Ever want one of your own?”

His stare is serious, not a glint of playfulness or humor. Blue eyes shift left to right, searching her face for an answer. The lies sit at the back of her throat, but she swallows them down. 

“Do you?”

Max chuckles. “One day. I’d want a little boy and girl.” 

Sophie smiles, nodding. “I think you’ll be a great dad.” 

“I hope so. I never had a great relationship with my dad.” Max  confesses, “I didn’t have the greatest male role model in my life. And one day, when I have kids I want to be everything that my dad wasn’t for me.” 

She gives him a questioning look, watches as his gaze shifts down to his lap, expression suddenly sullen. She doesn’t say anything, but Max clocks the clear worry on her features. He smiles— it’s small, almost beckoning for her to clip the pity smile because he was fine. Really he was. It was a sad reality, but one he has lived with all his life. He doesn’t know any different, so he’s fine. 

Sophie sighs softly, reaching out to grip his hand in her in a comforting squeeze. He watches as she shifts in her seat, moving closer to him before resting her head on his shoulder. The silence, the little gesture of affection is comforting. Max can’t help the smile on his face, head coming down to rest on top of hers. Goosebumps litter his skin at the gentle gesture, at the closeness, and her subtle form of comfort. They sit quietly, letting Max’s honesty simmer above them. 

He picks up his head, getting a better look at the baby, watching the rise and fall of her chest, the way she sleeps peacefully. “She kind of looks like you, ya know. Do you get that a lot?”

Sophie looks back, studying her baby’s face. She has always been told that Ellie looks a lot like her, save the curly hair, bright blue eyes, and– according to Mick– her nose. Sophie shrugs, “Sometimes. But I think it’s because we spend so much time together.” 

Max chuckles, nodding. Sophie retracts her gentle touch, but stays put in her spot right next to him. They’re shoulder to shoulder, arm to arm, and yet Max’s hand misses hers and the way she held on so tightly. But he doesn’t say a thing about it, just offering her a tight lipped smile instead. The door rattles against the wind picking up again. They both turn to watch the balcony door shake with the wind until it dies down again. It’s funny really, the way they seem to tiptoe around conversation and take any and every opportunity for an interruption. And yet they sit right next to each other, side to side, skin to skin, Sophie can feel the heat his body radiates. 

The boy turns his face, truly unaware of just how close they were. Their noses brush, breath fanning over the other’s face. His heart beats sporadically, her’s in the exact same state. Neither make a move, just reveling in the butterflies of being just close enough. Sophie’s breathing is shaky, shallow, her nerves clear with every inhale. But before either of them could make a move, Ellie shifts behind them. Max coughs awkwardly as Sophie turns around to pat her daughter’s chest and hush her back to sleep. He shifts over to give her room, licking his lips as he stares up at her, watching as the baby girl stops fussing, falling back asleep. 

There’s a bit of frustration that festers in his chest over another missed opportunity to move forward in whatever they share between them. He feels a little stuck with Sophie, a bit stagnant with the way he seems to be pulling her close all while she pushes him away. And maybe it’s not on purpose— truly maybe her life is a lot more complicated now than when they had first encountered each other. But even then, he wishes there was a way for her to see that he just doesn’t care. He wants to help, she just has to let him in.

His mind wanders over to Pierre, the words they exchanged hours earlier. What does he know that Max doesn’t— and more importantly: why does he know? He thinks about the screaming match he witnessed between the two, the disgust in Sophie’s eyes when she looked up at the Frenchman and furthermore the… anger in his own. There was a clear passion between the two, in some form or another, and it only further agitates Max. Why him?  

Sophie turns back around when Ellie has settled back down, leaning into Max’s side and her head resting against his shoulder. Her stomach does turn when he wraps his arm tightly around her, the way he presses his nose against her hair, inhaling softly. No kiss, no attempt at making a move, just a simple form of affection. 

“Tired?” He mumbles against the top of her head.

She shakes her head, humming softly. “No, I'm fine. You?”

He shares the same response, pulling away to offer a small smile. Sophie looks up at him to return the gesture and once again they find themselves in the same predicament just moments before. Noses brushing, lips only a few centimeters from the other. This is it, someone should just make the move. 

But Max is frozen, stuck in a weird limbo of wanting to kiss her and a fear of rejection. So he opts for the next best thing.

“I like you Sophie.” 

The words tumble past him without much thought. His heart begins to pick up the pace, nerve endings coming alive. He sees the way Sophie’s body goes rigid under his arm before it relaxes, the gentle look in her eyes as she looks up at him. There isn’t a hint in her facade to tell him whether or not she feels the same way. It’s quiet, just soft breathing and the harsh winds outside the four walls of her little apartment.

“I like you a lot actually. I liked you when I met you in the bar in London, when your chair got stuck and you nagged the barkeep for pasta. And I like you now, all guarded and yet so sweet. And I wish that I could meet the you that you’ve become, but you won’t let me in. I feel like I can’t reach you most times no matter how hard I try.”  

Sophie can feel her heart trying to climb up her throat, it rattles her ribs and thumps in her head. She wonders if he can see the panic in her eyes, in the way she had stiffened for a moment too long. She didn’t know what to say, how to respond to a sincere confession. The way he said it, filled so much care and desire. What can she say? The guilt is back, louder this time. It chants her lies back in her face, chants her wrong doings. It paints his sad eyes in the forefront of her mind, a sort of reminder of how her selfishness and unwillingness will ruin a man as kind as Max.

“Do I even have a shot Soph?” The hope in voice almost kills her. “Is there something more here, or am I crazy?”

She doesn’t know. She looks at Max and she can’t decipher a single thing about the way she feels for him. It’s hazy, confusing. The attraction is clear, it’s always been there, Sophie knows that. The foundation of their very relationship was built off a night of attraction and the consequences of it. And while they are fond memories, ones that make her blush and enjoy his company, it does beg the question of the possibility of something more. Because if Sophie is being honest with herself– and Max– she’s never considered it. She’s never had the time to, and truth be told, she’s never thought that she would ever have to. 

She likes Max, she really does. But perhaps not in the way he likes her.

“Max-” 

“Oh no,” Sophie can see the way his expression shifts from hopeful to hopeless, the pained smile and sad eyes. “I guess I am crazy.” 

Sophie shakes her head. “I like you. You have to know that I do. I like you, I care about you.” 

“But?”

“But…” Sophie pauses, inhaling deeply. “But it’s not the same.” 

Tears sting at both their eyes, it's evident in the way they’ve glossed over. There’s more to the reality, more that Max is unaware of to no fault of his own. If anything, Sophie is to blame. She should’ve said it, should’ve admitted it right then and there. Let this be the first of honest interactions between one of the three possibilities. But the truth is stuck in her throat. She debates if it would just be salt to the wound, if she’d be aggravating the pain she can already read on his face. 

“Maybe we were never meant to be more than one night in London.” The chuckle he lets out is dry, almost pained. He pulls his arm from around her shoulder to ruffle his hair— a nervous tick. “I wish it weren’t the case.” 

“I’m so sorry Max.” 

Guilt. It’s all she feels. 

His smile is sad. “Don’t be Soph. I’m still so glad that I know you. And really, I’d still like to. Even if there isn’t a shot for me to be something more to you… at the very least I’d like to be your friend.” 

Tears fall onto Sophie’s cheek. Max’s smile is pained, but sweet. It reassures her that everything is okay… that he is okay. He lifts his hand up to cup her face, thump swiping away the trail of wet left by her sadness. 

“I don’t want you to feel like I’m using you Max. That’s not fair to you.” She confesses.

“Oh Soph, you could never make me feel that way.” He cups her cheek, “You’re a girl I’d love to know forever, in any capacity.” 

She jumps onto him, arms wrapped around him as she squeezes him tightly. Max’s arms snake around her middle, hugging her close. They hold each other in the dark apartment, a feeling of a chapter writing it’s end, and a new beginning. Sophie twists her head, pressing a kiss against Max’s cheek before she pulls away to hold his face in her hands. She can see the redness in his eyes, the bit of sadness and the piece of hope in those baby blues.

“Friends?” He asks, hopefully. 

Sophie nods, a few stray tears falling onto her cheeks. “Friends.” 

He nods, turning his head slightly to press a kiss against the palm of her hand. “Okay.” 

Quiet. It settles between them comfortably as Sophie’s hand slides down into his own, giving it a soft squeeze. It’s easier to breathe now. The tension that was once there dissipates, and all that’s left to do is laugh. They giggle softly, wiping away tears and bumping shoulders because they are far too awkward to know what to do now. She shakes her head, eyes taking a quick glance over at her daughter before looking back at Max, who opens and shuts his mouth like he has something to say. 

“What?” Sophie asks.

“Well in the name of this… newfound friendship, I just wanted to say that you don’t have to like you have to run away when things get tough for you.” Max says softly. “I feel like we’ve crossed a couple boundaries of awkward and… well… boundaries in general. And I know we agreed on friends all of five seconds ago but… sorry, this is just a round-about way of me saying that if you have problems, then I can help you. Or try to, at the very least.”

Max shifts in his place on the floor, straightening his posture and taking Sophie’s hands in his own. She tilts her head, confused at the sudden declaration. 

“Where is this coming from Max?”

He contemplates mentioning Pierre, the conversation they had hours earlier. I’m just trying to save you the trouble… And I’m trying to save her too. There’s a bit of jealousy that sparked up inside of him when Pierre said that. The only memory he had of the smug fuck is that of when he barged into Sophie’s shop unknowingly to stop a screaming match. He’d never forget the anger, the hurt, on her face when she stared up at Pierre. The way she begged him to leave and he just refused. He has the villainous image of Pierre that he can’t quite shake, and the fact that he might know a little bit more than him makes him a little sick.  

Instead he shakes his head, “I just don’t want you to feel like you need to push me away if you’re going through stuff.” 

Sophie nods, scooting closer to him. She reaches out to him, cupping his cheek. He leans into her touch, an almost sad smile splayed on his lips as he stares up at her with his ocean blue eyes. 

“Okay Max. But everything is okay now, okay? So don’t worry.” Max nods and Sophie pulls her hand away. 

Sophie rests her head on her arm on the seat of the couch. Exhaustion begins to take over, and her eyes begin to feel heavy but she fights it. But Max catches the tiredness in her features, and he pats her lap. Her head jolts up at the sound, and he laughs softly. 

“C’mere.” He tugs on her hand, urging her to move closer. 

She yawns, sitting up and shaking her head. “No, I’m fine.” 

“Sophie Adams, just lay down on my lap.” 

She can’t help the grin, the blush of her cheeks as she crawls the short distance to rest her head on his lap. His finger combed through her hair, a soft hum buzzing from the back of his throat. Somewhere between Elise’s fussing and aimless conversation between the two of them, Sophie falls asleep on his lap while Max keeps his head propped on his hand. It’s uncomfortable, but he dare not move and disturb the girl fast asleep on his thigh.

It’s a knock and Elise’s soft babbles that wake them the next morning. Sophie is the first to jolt up, hair a mess and eyes bleary with sleep. Max groans softly, the muscle of his left thigh aching as she lifts her head, hand coming up to rub the area. Sunlight pours in from the balcony doors harshly, it burns his eyes and he’s forced to turn away and bury his face in the couch cushions. He would’ve left his head down, maybe even fallen back asleep, if it weren’t for the little hands patting the back of his head. And he wouldn’t have cared if it weren’t for the threat of those tiny little hands pulling on his hair. 

“Ellie, no thank you. That’s not very nice.”

Sophie pays no mind to Max, pays no mind to the way he stares up at her, or the way she suddenly feels about her appearance. If her daughter was her reflection– with her curls wild and dried drool on the corner of her lip– then she must look like a wreck. Her hand comes up to flatten her baby’s arm against her side, a way to discourage her previous actions, before she messes with the curls on top of her head. Another round of knocks, Sophie has to fight a groan. She’s about to answer the door when the knob begins to jiggle. She holds her daughter closer to her, taking a few steps back as she eyes the door, waiting to see who would poke their head in when the culprit would finally manage to unlock it. Max has moved to his feet, stepping in front of the two girls. His arm is stretched behind him, hand on her hip firmly. 

“Hey Soph, you awake?” 

Sophie releases a breath. It’s just Mick.

Her best friend steps into the apartment, blue eyes shifting from curiosity to shock as he comes face to face with Max. No one says a word, no one moves a muscle. Fuck, Sophie thinks, inhaling sharply, Mick. 

“Max,” Sophie pips, stepping around his hold and over to Mick, “This is Elise’s dad, my good friend Mick.” 

Almost on cue, almost as if the one year old is on the dirty little secret, Elise reaches up towards Mick. She flicks her hands open and closed, waiting for her uncle to pay any mind to her. But he’s far too busy giving her mother an incredulous look and awkward smile to Max. She begins to whine softly, resting all her weight against her mother’s arm, leaning towards Mick, babbling louder and stretching her arms as much as her little body would allow her to. But to no avail, he still doesn’t notice. The little girl is frustrated, wriggling in her mom’s arm as she begins to whine even louder. 

“Dada!”

Sophie, Mick, and Max all look down at the little girl, who still reaches out for her Uncle. In any other circumstance, Sophie would be over the moon. But right now, all she wanted to do was throw up. Mick coughs up an awkward chuckle, taking the pleading child from her mother’s arms and into his own. 

“H-hi baby girl,” Mick says, his tone barely brushing with excitement. “Did you have fun with your m-”

“Aunt.” Sophie cuts in. 

Mick’s eyes grow wide as his gaze flickers over to her, “Aunt. With your Aunt.” 

Elise doesn’t respond. She rests her head on Mick’s shoulder, nuzzling her face closer to his neck and her tiny hands against his chest. Max on the other hand, doesn’t seem to notice the messy lies being told. Sophie wonders if it was all believable, or if he was too tired to notice. Her anxiety is through the roof because truly, there is no way that she could actually get away with this. Not with the way Mick stares at him, and definitely not with the way Ellie only knows two words now. What was she gonna do if her daughter called her Mama? What then?

“You have a lovely little daughter, mate. Hope you don’t mind that I intruded last night, I just wanted to keep Sophie company.”

“Hey, no problem mate.” Sophie could kill him for his overly friendly tone, the bit of sarcasm laced between his words, “Glad you could. Soph gets into a bit of trouble when left to her own devices.” 

Mick shoots her a quick glare at the last part, one she gladly returns. 

“I should go.” Max chuckles, picking up the bag of his sopping wet clothes. 

“I’ll walk you to the door.”

“It’s right there.” Sophie’s ears grow hot over Mick’s words, head quickly turning in his direction.

“Don’t you have to feed your daughter or something?” Sophie raises her brow, eyes wide as she begs him to shut up and leave her alone. Mick rolls his eyes, grumbling as he turns toward the kitchen counter to make the baby girl a bottle. Elise is enthralled by her uncle, smiling widely up at him as she babbles dada over and over and over. 

Sophie walks Max two feet to the door, holding it open for him to walk out first before she follows behind him. She leaves the door slightly ajar, hands still holding onto the golden knob, twisting anxiously. 

“We’re okay right?” Max asks, scratching the back of his neck. 

“I was going to ask you that.” 

Max’s smile is small, a light nod as he reaches out towards her. But he stops himself, hand falling back to his side. “We’re okay. Friends right?”

“Friends.” She affirms. 

It feels nice. Sophie feels a bit more at ease, lungs light as they expand with every breath. She never thought it would feel this nice, to have Max right in front of her and her daughter right behind her. Sure he was unaware of the circumstances, of the possible connection he might have with the baby inside, but those little details didn’t matter to Sophie at that second. All she cared about was that for once, things are nice.

She wonders if it would be this nice with Daniel.

Probably not with Pierre. But maybe Daniel.

“Come visit the hotel when you can,” Max offers, “And bring the little one too if you’d like.” 

Sophie smiles, nodding as she releases the doorknob and takes a step towards the Dutch man in front of her. She lifts herself onto the tip of her toes, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I’ll visit when I can.” 

“Good.” Max chuckles, finally taking a step back. “Give Elise a hug for me.”

“Drive safe.”

“Always.” 

Sophie stands outside of her door until she see’s Max climb into his car, waving at him once more before slipping inside. She backs up against the door as she shuts it with a smile and a huff. She doesn’t acknowledge the way Mick squints his eyes at her, studying the way she prances over and plucks her daughter from his hold. 

“You’re nuts.” Mick concludes, handing Sophie Ellie’s bottle. She hums softly, handing her baby the eight ounces of milk, sitting her in her chair before moving about the kitchen to prepare breakfast. “In what scenario do you think that all this is gonna end well?”

The niceness from a minute ago dissipates with Mick’s words, rising above them and evaporating in the now humid Kamari air. Sophie rolls her eyes, pulling out pancake mix and maple syrup. She knows Mick has his arms crossed over his chest, wild blue eyes burring holes at the side of her head as he awaits her answer. She tiptoes to grab a spatula and pulls open a drawer for some measuring cups before she finally turns her head to see Mick in the exact form she pictured him in. 

“I know lying is going to bite me in the ass, but I just need a bit more time. I’m not ready Mick, I’m just not. Everything is happening way to fast, I just need to fucking breathe.” 

“Sophie-”

“I’m gonna tell him. I’m gonna apologize and I’m gonna tell him, but the timing has to be right. Forgive me if I thought telling him after he drove through a storm to see me was not the appropriate time to say ‘hey this is my daughter and she could be yours too!’” 

Mick throws his hands in the air, defeated and turning away. “I’ll make the eggs.” 

“I’ll make pancakes.”

They huff as they work on opposite ends of the kitchen, all while Elise sits in her high chair watching the scene before her unfold. She’s not phased by their bickering, a little too preoccupied by the little more than four ounces of milk left in her bottle. They cook in silence, allowing all their aggression to be passed into the breakfast they prepare together. The metal fork clinks against the inside of the bowl as Mick beats the eggs, a little louder than necessary. And at the other end, Sophie is shutting her fridge a little more firmly than she normally would. 

Breakfast gets done just before Elise gets fussy, the bottle now empty and the little girl whining for a little more to quench her hunger. They eat without much conversation with each other, only engaging with Ellie who does not mind one bit. It isn’t uneasy or uncomfortable, even if the earlier conversation was technically left unresolved. And when plates are empty and bits of pancake left uneaten, Mick sets his fork down and looks up at Sophie.

“What are you doing Sophie?” His voice is defeated, face stoic and void of any sympathy that used to be there.

“Listen,” Sophie drops her utensils, “I’ve been doomed the moment Pierre stepped into the shop-“ 

“You doomed yourself. You keep lying Sophie and for what?” Sophie had never seen him so frustrated. He is reminiscent of his father with the way his brows are tense and eyes darker. He is biting down on his molars, she can see it in the way his jaw muscles flex. “Is this really for Elise or yourself?”

“Watch it.” Sophie warns. 

“No be honest Sophie, it’s just you and me. What do you get out of this? Because one second you didn’t need any of them and now you’re playing house. So what do you want at the end of all of this?”

She’s frozen. Maybe she had lost a bit of purpose in the whirlwind of Pierre, Max, and Daniel. She just didn’t expect anything that happened in the last year or so. To lose the better part of her 20s to a product of one of three one night stands. She didn’t expect to have a baby so soon, didn’t expect to see any of them after the one night. But here she is, with a one year old and unknowing fathers. She never thought her brief moments of fun would come back to her, didn't think that she’d ever have to consider letting them into her and her daughter’s life. 

But Mick was right, what changed? What was suddenly so appealing about any of them? 

“They remind me of who I was.” Sophie bites down on her lip. “Which sounds so stupid but I look at them and I remember who I was before Elise. I love my daughter, I love her with everything in me but… Sometimes I miss who I was before her. So hopeful and excited. And when I see Max and Daniel, I just think of her.” 

Mick’s expression softens. “Oh Sophie.” 

“I’m going to tell him. Them. Then it’ll be their choice. I know that even if they run I’ll be fine because… Because I’ve always been fine without them. And I have you, and Corinna, Gina, Teddy. I have all the people who matter to me and Elise.”

Mick doesn’t say anything to her profession. To her swearing that she’ll tell them because frankly, he isn’t sure he believes her. But he smiles anyway, nodding as he reaches over the table to squeeze her hand. 

Quiet again. Sophie’s learned to be well acquainted with it, to enjoy the brief moments she has of it before she’s thrust into more bouts of chaos. She loves the quiet, awkward or not. 

“Ellie said Dada.” 

There’s a bit of pride in Mick’s smile, blue eyes flickering from Elise and Sophie, who share the same expression. Sophie looks over at her daughter, reaching out to run her fingers through her curls. Ellie leans into her mother’s touch, eyes still cast down on one triangular piece of pancake she had yet to eat. 

“She did.” Sophie says softly. “Where the heck did she learn that?”

Mick chuckles, shrugging, “Dunno, beats me.” His index finder comes up to rub Ellie’s cheek, pulling the little girl’s attention from the sticky breakfast food. “Can you say Uncle Mick?”

“Dada.”

“No, no baby, Uncle Mick.” 

Her stare is blank, blue eyes boring into his. 

“Dada.”

Monday doesn’t come soon enough. Daniel would be lying to himself if he said he hadn’t been waiting for the weekend to pass by, watching the hours tick away on the analog clock across his desk in his office. He’d become well acquainted to the cadence of the red second hand, ticking by each number over and over and over. It was hard to focus when all he seemed to think about was her. 

He painted another picture. He can’t remember the last time he had a surge of inspiration, since his fingers ached for a paint brush, mind foretelling stories he had yet to put on a canvas. He felt like himself again, happiest in a mess of paint, happiest creating something worth sharing with people. 

He used a lot of warm colors— reds, oranges, yellows— all a connotation to the way he had been feeling inside. Warm. Trees with extended branches, orange leaves holding onto dear life while the yellow ones are mid-air, just about to kiss their inevitable end on the ground beneath its home. The landscape extends further than his canvas will allow, at least that’s how Daniel remembers it. He stared at the painting, stared at the line that shifted from the grass to the peachy sky. He could still see what lies beyond the plain, just over the small hill he worked so hard to emulate on the canvas. He remembers the hours that would tick by while he laid there, the tickle of each blade of grass against his tan skin, the gentle kiss of a soft breeze that cools his skin. He’ll never forget the pure contentment he felt lying there. 

Daniel had searched long and hard for that kind of serenity, everything falling short of the same satisfaction except for when a paintbrush was in his hand or when he had first met Sophie.

He wonders if he comes off silly for holding onto a woman he spent one night with for as long as he did, wonders if he had finally lost his mind like most artists do. Has he succumbed to delusion, succumbed to the idea that maybe she was holding onto him too? 

Maybe. 

Pierre sits at the desk in his hotel room, teeth biting down on the back of his pen as he watches the sun set. His phone lies face up, like he’s expecting something. 

He is. 

He groans softly, pushing himself off the chair to pace the room. He stares at his feet as they tread the tan carpet. Back and forth, back and forth, over and over. The pad of his thumb takes the place of his pen, teeth pinching at the skin. Maybe she tossed his business card? Maybe she misplaced it, I could drop off another… no but then she’d kill me at that point. Keep your distance Pierre.

His patience is running thin, tethered together by a single thread and Sophie’s lack of communication threatens to break it. She doesn’t owe him anything—he knows it. He knows that at the end of the day, he can never be mad at her for not reaching out. Never in a million years could he ever be mad at Sophie for the choices she made beyond him. To some degree, he gets it. He understands why she ran, why she resents him, why she keeps him at an arm's length. He fucked up, he doesn’t deserve another morsel of her time. And yet he prays for it. He looks up to the heavens when he lies in bed, the cross at the end of the chain clutched tightly in his fist as he mumbles to God. He prays for forgiveness and just one more chance.

He just wants to explain. He only asks for a small portion of her time, to sit and listen to what he has to say. He doesn’t deserve it, but it’s all he wants. He won’t beg, he won’t instigate, he just wants to talk. And if at the end all she does is shut the door in his face then that’s it. He’ll quit for good and he means it.

He’ll walk away even if he remembers the way she looked at him last. The bit of sympathy in her eyes, the bit of hope that it gave him. He saw how she looked at him when he begged her to tell him, to say that that beautiful little girl is his. Pierre saw the way her face softened at his cries, and it lit a fire inside of him. Her lack of an answer was only fuel to the flame. Hope is cruel, it holds him on a leash and keeps him stuck on the same cycle until someone comes to cut him loose.

“Ah, merde.” 

What was Pierre if not persistent? He’ll just tape a new calling card on the door of her shop and slip away before she sees. It’s fine. 

Pierre twists the knob of his front door, hand slipping one of many pieces of cardstock into his back pocket while doing so. What he wasn’t expecting was to see Max in the hallway in front of his room, fist raised like he was about to knock. 

“Max?”

“We need to talk.” 

NOTE: i didn't realize that the last time i posted a chapter was in march. oops. my bad. anyways, how are we feeling about this chapter???? i hope you liked it and are excited for the next one because.... you're not ready.

as always, s/o to my bestie @ricc3rodeo for beta reading <3

& ofc, feedback is always appreciated. smooches.

TAGLIST HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED if you want to be notified for updates, follow @carlosjpg and turn on notifications.

[dabis-azure-songbird]

TWST Chars x Single Mom Reader/Yuu

A super cute idea hit me while I was playing Twisted Wonderland and I just absolutely had to share these after watching one of Lilia’s vignettes.

Characters: Lilia, Vil, and Mal

Warnings: SFW, not really any besides maybe heart-melting

Lilia Vanrouge

Obsessed with your belly and growth if you’re around him at that stage

If his cooking smells at all good, probably one of the only times you have seconds! Blame your weird cravings, but Lilia is absolutely ecstatic

Mal, Silver, & Sebek just stare in awe & possibly blanch

Lilia gets closer and protective of you

Tries not to pop up and scare you too much…

Very supportive

Prepare yourself, when your Angel arrives, Papa Bat is in love

Will hold them as long as you will let him

Amazing babysitter, but scares you a bit too! Papa Bat please don’t float the baby around like that…

You fall for him watching how he is with your baby, if you hadn’t already

He’s the perfect dad for baby and definitely doesn’t care about them not being blood

Rest of Diasomnia saw it coming and don’t really mind, but take good care of Papa!

One huge happy family

Baby is giggly & spoiled rotten

Vil Schoenheit

He’s a little harder to earn in his affections than Lilia

Probably softens a bit on you when morning sickness hits hard and so do the stretch markies

Then BOOM! You squeeze into his heart

Who else will ensure you get your beauty rest, masks, lotion rubs, and vitamins after all?

Absolutely enthralled by your glow

Not too sure of your little one at first, let’s be honest

It blurbles, spits up, poops- just uh-uh!

He definitely softens for them too though-

Dresses your little one up gorgeously and makes them giggle by playing with their tootsies

And Vil finally holding them while they sleep because you’re so tired on your feet and they won’t let you set them down without cries filling Pomefiore long enough to get your schoolwork done?

He gets a little head over heels, just don’t ask him to burp or change them- he will holler for you

But maybe baby isn’t so bad, especially when they coo & softly grip his silky strands in their little fist to fall asleep after staring up at him with glittering doe-eyes

Malleus

Please-boy has no idea what is going on-for the love of God, help! Besides what he knows from helping Lilia with Silver

Amazed at the process & very curious

Loves feeling your belly & admires how wondrous you are, mama!

Definitely goes to Lilia and Silver for help when flustered

Very intrigued & does whatever he can for you, whatever it is

Definitely wings it a little, but tries his best I promise

Loves the little one as soon as they pop out, even before then

Nope, sorry, they’re his now

Definitely smitten & your little one is just as smitten with him too

He was already yours!

[kthynes]

oh so romantical?

pairing: chris evans x fem!reader

request: Chris is a romantic guy and the reader isn't. But what if she surprises him with a romantic movie night with his favorite food and drink. 😭😭 - anon

warnings: some course language. This is another bout of fluff and the teeth rotting kind.

a/n: I'm truly loving these requests that I've been getting as of late. They're super cute and keep me inspired to write - so thanks for the lovely request nonnie!

Taglist: @patzammit @mrs-djokovic - if you wish to be added to this list lemme know

The timer of all proportionate disasters goes off right as you set up the Netflix cue. Dodger immediately barks for your attention and you get it. You suck at being the romantically inclined partner. You don't think twice to do these things, not that it ever comes easy for you.

"Ahhh.” You’re flustered, dropping the clicker and then shuffling over to the kitchen that awaits for your next mess. “Alexa, play Lovers Jive."

"Playing Lovers Jive on Spotify." The first tune is befittingly his favorite, My Girl by the Temptations.

"Okay Dodger here’s the plan. You listening?” The pup howls and then cleverly tilts his head. He’s been trotting by your side all day, being a lending ear and a pillar of moral support.

“Your daddy and I are going to have a nice home cooked meal and then have some dessert, watch a movie or two — his choice of course and then cuddle, talk, I’ll give him—“ You falter. Dodger's ears perk up and he becomes knowingly weary as his beady little eyes look at you. “And you, I’ll give you both head rubs. It’ll be perfect.”

Dodger barks with agreement. So that’s that then.

From what you know, it's slated that Chris will be having an 18 hour work day. He had left at the crack of dawn, peppering you with some text updates in between and then leaving you to go about your day. It's unimaginable that he works the way he works which is why you decide to treat him with all his favorites.

As the 18th hour approaches you take a good look at your spread and conjure up the nights festivities which becomes plentiful.

There’s a wide array of candies, gummies and sweets set on the island along with his favorite meal - a gorgeously stuffed manicotti that sits in a deep baking dish with rich aromas that fill the air.

You don't make it the way his mama does but it does come close. Truthfully speaking, it's one of your best cooked meals that Chris has been asking (practically begging) for you to make but with work you never got the chance to, until now that is.

With the soused sauciness of a good manicotti, you also took the liberty of running down to the local liquor store to grab some Sam Adams and a couple IPAs because you remember how much Chris enjoys the light refreshment of having those as well.

You were essentially trying to be a romantic partner. You were pulling all the stops, proving the fact that you were fully capable of reciprocating Chris's advances when your creative juices got to work, of course.

Your love definitely does not stop giving. Not one bit, not at all.

Dodger barks into the oblivion. He's on the prowl but that's because it's time, his daddy is home. The door clicks open and you draw in a deep readying breath, pulling out the manicotti to cool as Chris happily greets Dodger down the hall.

"Hey bubba." He laughs while rounding the corner with the dog bouncing by his side. "Mmm hey babe...”

Chris smells the wafting deliciousness in the air, it's a heartier smell which makes him extra happy to be home again.

“Woah what is all this?" He sees the lit tea candles that are strategically placed around the random nooks of his home along with a large vase of flowers that he was certain were not from him. "Who sent those?"

"Oh they're for you baby." You coyly mention over your shoulder and he's blown away, staggering with laughter. "From me, of course."

"You don't say. And look at that, they're red rose too, nice." Chris takes a delicate whiff of the arrangement and then slowly makes his way over to you.

Somethings up. Chris internally dissects while you pull of your over mitts with an overzealous look that could be fencing crazy if you extended the corners of your mouth up any further.

"Just how you like 'em." You wink at him. There was a time when Chris joked about wanting roses, being spoiled, wined and dined, the whole shebang. That he too and you quote "wanted to be a recipient of grand gestures."

This was it, his lucky night so to speak.

"So who am I bailing out of jail?" Chris asks while dropping the car keys on top of the counter before opening the freshly stocked fridge. He notices the different assortment of beers, he plucks one and then effortlessly cracks it open as you start plating him some food.

"Not my dad this time. Now come, sit, eat, unwind, tell me about your day." You twirl around while convincing an unconvinced Chris who's trying his hardest not to laugh at you. He's taking sips of his beer while you toss up some salad onto his plate before taking his hand and guiding him back to the dining table.

Chris was onto you.

"Okay now I see where this is going." He chuckles under his breath while taking a seat and then making you sit on his lap, warming up to the playful banter that was about to follow. "Alright I'll bite."

"First this." You point to the steaming plate of food in front of him.

"And then you?" He relays, bouncing up his knee and causing your body to jerk up a little at the tone of his quirky innuendo.

"Ha ha." You flatly laugh, sipping on your red while casually watching him take his first big and crucial bite. "I'm just trying to be... romantical?"

"Romantical?" He muffles, spearing and passing you the next bite which you lean into and graciously take.

"It's a word." You chew, swallow and wash down the remnants with more wine.

"Doubt it. Also this is fucking amazing by the way." He points his fork at the meal and you boastfully smile.

"Look I don't do this enough for you so allow me this one time will you?" You watch him clear his plate clean before giving you another second of his time. His eyes are bright, blue and satiated as he makes you look at him.

"I truly appreciate the effort." He tucks a piece of hair behind your ear as your eyes thin out with unsureness. His fingers gently brace your jaw as he leans in to give you a stern, lingering thank you peck. "I mean it. Thank you baby, this is more than expected and definitely more than enough."

"Round two?" You proposition almost immediately to this.

He chuckles. "Sure, I can eat."

Chris eyes you as you're heedlessly waltzing around the kitchen. This is domesticity, one that comes with unfamiliar territory and redolent of your relationship.

With you, Chris has always known that you were a silent giver. You'd express your love for him in inexplicable ways and that was more than enough. He wouldn't have outwardly asked for any of this but he can see that it truly meant a lot to you. You were simply trying to maladapt to his love language and Chris is every bit indebted to your diffident effort.

"Here you are." You place the plate down and Chris doesn't let you escape from his grasp, grabbing you back into him as his own little lap bunny.

"Let's eat." He suggests.

"You know, I could've easily fixed myself a plate." You're being fed like an infant by Chris who keeps you squirming and close to him. He's missed this, missed you.

"Sharing is caring. So what's on tonight's itinerary?" He takes his next bite while you swirl around your wine.

"Well after this I thought we could cuddle and watch a movie. Maybe get around to seeing that Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer docuseries."

"Oh! That's a good one." Chris rumbles with approval.

"You've seen it?"

"Countless times. Now open up." He swivels another forkful off the manicotti into your mouth as it leaves some sauce to appear on the corners of your mouth. "You'll enjoy it. It's quite virtuous of him along with his faults."

"We'll have to see." You say while masticating the rest of your meal, wiping your lips clean. "Also there's dessert!"

"You're a terrible baker hon. Please tell you didn't attempt to make that dank lemon meringue pie again." Chris stifles his laughter as you thwart him for reminding you.

"No jackass, I let the manufacturers of Starburst jellybeans take care of dessert for tonight." You huff as Chris pulls close to press a kiss against the side of your head.

"You're the best." He whispers in your hair. "And oh so romantical!"

"Ugh, here let me clear that up for you." You grab his plate before he could object so instead he shakes his head and chuckles, suavely knocking back the rest of his beer.

So the night is a big success. You and Chris spend quality time watching the docuseries before flipping over to DisneyPlus and exhausting out all the Disney movies. You both sing, banter and love your hearts out.

It becomes a renowned feeling that you both will choose to cherish as a way of tradition.

[radiowallet]

A huge thank you to Maia @shite-art for creating this adorable Frankie cat and taking a truly hilarious idea and making something so unique and special- a perfect birthday gift for our dearest @jazzelsaur Maia was a dream to work with and their commissions are OPEN! You can find all their details here!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESS!

This Birthday Surprise #1 was commissioned as a gift to @jazzelsaur for her birthday today! My dearest wife- We wanted your day to be as fun and amazing as possible and what better way to achieve that than with a Francisco!Cat taking his piggies dippin! You are such a kind and generous spirit to everyone you meet and you deserve all of that and more in return! We hope that your day is incredible- filled with fun, relaxation, and all the birthday cheer! Happy Birthday!

Some love for you, below the cut!

(We welcome everyone to reblog with your own message for Jess and tag @jazzelsaur so she sees it!)

From @magpie-to-the-morning

Jess!! You are wonderful and talented and we adore you. It's not just your wicked sense of humor, or your gorgeously hot smut, or that big beautiful brain of yours, it's YOU, all of you. You're marvelous and loving and talented, and you share yourself while also balancing writing, fandom, work, and being a person in the world during this truly bonkers time. You're an inspiration and one of the best people I've had the pleasure of meeting on this hellsite (affectionate). I'm so honored and delighted to call you a friend. I hope you have the best birthday and that these gifts and messages put a smile on your gorgeous face. Lots of love!! ~Emma xoxox

From @heartsofbeskar

to my sugar mama, throuple partner, little scrungly, chubba bun, across the lake lover… happiest of birthdays! its feeling very “i love thee let me count the ways” in here as i try to wrack my brain to describe just how much you mean to me. the truth is there isnt words, but there is feelings— the laughter at our exchange of tiktoks, the fondness when you call me any of numerous nicknames, the pride at your talent in writing porn. perhaps mostly importantly, though, is the warmth of your kindness and love and support that burns steadfastly in my heart and helps keep me going. even through the vast abstractness of the internet, you’ve been an invaluable part of keeping me sane, and i can never thank you enough. you’re a beautiful, intelligent, curly haired goddess, and you deserve the absolute best this universe can give. p.s. can i get my allowance? xoxo

LOVE YOU!❤️ olive aka scrimbo

From @sharkbait77

Jess honey ❤️ I've not had as much opportunity to get to know you as well as the other lovelies here, but you have never failed to make me feel so seen, so listened to, & just be a great friend & person to me in general. In a world like ours, it seems like pure, beautiful souls like yours are so hard to come by, but when we do have the luck to know a person such as yourself, it makes all the difference to someone like me. Always know how appreciated you are for your friendship & talent & know that you're always on my mind & I'm always sending good vibes & well wishes your way. I'm happy to know you Jess! Have a very happy birthday & I hope you have very many, great birthdays to come ❤️ Love, Lex 😘

From @asta-lily

Jess my most favourite hot mess, where to even start? You always credit me with being the one who first befriended you in the tumblrverse but you're the one who truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Always going out of your way to send love and golden hearted wishes and never asking anything in return. You are a prolifically beautiful writer and person and I am so so grateful to know you. Have the most special day, and make sure Dr hot mess is spoiling you as you deserve. Love you lots angel, keep being the ray of light that you are - a true diamond 💎 Love, lilsabeth 💙💙💙

From @djarinsbeskar

Darling Jess, from the first moment I met you I knew you were a special bean. You possess so many traits that I think everyone should aspire to have even some of; filthy, fabulous (i mean just look at those curls 😍 ) fiendishly talented and utterly fearless in your exploration of the human psyche through your writing. Your presence has been such a wonderful gift in an otherwise stressful year and your humble, selfless kindness is truly something so rare and precious that I hope you never forget it! I hope you have the most wonderful day surrounded by love and attention (yes, phd or not I'm looking at the doc in the house) and that you enjoy your gifts! Happy birthday!!! xxx

From @thirstworldproblemss

Happy Birthday, Jess! You are such an amazingly funny, strong, supportive, really-freakin'-talented human being, and I'm so glad to have fallen into your circle. Chatting with you is always a kick in the pants in the very best way, and whether you are detailing the relative merits of wookie-fucking, talking me down during a tough day, or just committing puss-on-puss violence, it always makes my day a little bit brighter. I am so very glad to know you, and I hope that your special day is every bit as lovely as you are! <3 your fellow angsty clown whore, twp

From @the-ginger-hedge-witch

Jess- You talented, brilliant, kind, fucking hilarious, fiendish human. I adore you. You are such a bright light, not just because of how wonderfully you write, but also because of how warm and lovely you are to the people around you. You make people feel seen and loved and appreciated. And I feel so lucky to know you. I hope you have a wonderful day and a wonderful year, Jessafina. You deserve nothing less!! ❤️❤️❤️

From @mandocrasis

Happy birthday Jess! You are an absolute treasure and I'm so so glad to have met you. Your writing constantly makes me want to bust a nut, both because it's beautifully written and because of the top notch, chef's kiss, whore-ny content you provide ❤️You are so kind and caring and offer so much love to those around you. I feel so lucky to be anywhere within your light ❤️ I hope your day brings you every joy imaginable!! 😘

From @leslie-lyman

Jess - Just seeing you on my dash always makes my day brighter. I still remember the first time we slid into each others’ DMs - I literally could not believe that one of my favorite writers was interested in talking to me! You’re always so generous with your time and your talent and your support and I am thankful every day for it. You are such a beautiful person who creates such beautiful things. Thank you for sharing them and your wonderful self with us. I just freaking adore you and hope you have the absolute most amazing birthday! Love, Leslie

From @letterfromvienna

Lady Jessica, my dear—happy birthday! what can I say about you that’s enough? you’re wonderfully talented, so funny, creative, sweet, and supportive. really, just an all around delight. you’re such a bright light in our community: you’re always so welcoming to others, always ready with a funny message or a reply or a supportive comment that really means the world. you put so much of yourself into your work and your friendships—your lovely personality always shines though. I feel so very lucky that this fandom brought us together and I love you to bits (even if you keep sending CiCi @ Law after me) ❤️ thank you for being you and happy birthday, lovely!

From @honestly-shite

Happy Birthday Jess, you gorgeous person!! You are one of the most kind and supporting people I have met on this hellsite, not to mention you are a beautiful writer. You've made me cry with Frankie and Ellie's emotions too many times to count tbh and I love that because through them, you give me the wonderful gift of falling in love. Please know that whenever I see you in my notifications, I do a happy squeal, and whenever I see you on the dash (probably affectionately whoring it up) I read and smile and laugh. You're so lovely. Thank you for always supporting my art 💚 Here's a birthday smooch for you 😘 have a lovely day, you talented lady!

From @loversandantiheroes

Happy big damn birthday to one of the coolest, kindest, funniest, and horniest nerds I know. Thank you for blessing us with your talents, antics, and friendship. We are all the better for it, despite any legal forms you may or may not have received on account of 🐱damages. May your day be filled with love and joy and booze and as many dicks as your whorish little heart desires. 💖🥳🎊🎉🍆💦✨

From @frannyzooey

Happy Birthday to one of the most amazingly sweetest people I know! Thank you for gifting us not only your superb writing, but also gifting us YOURSELF - our lives are all made better by having you in them. Your massive, incredibly enthusiastic reblogs honestly sustain me and I am so very thankful to have you in my life. I love you and Happy happy birthday!

From @astroboots

My favourite whore in the whole wide world (except don't tell the other whores in my life, cause you know how jealousy they all get over this title) you're not just my favourite whore but also one of my absolute favourite people in my world, whether it's virtually screaming horrific nicknames to each other affectionately, debating on the cockulations of wookiee sex, cry-laughing about fat cats on tik-tok, or simply daydreaming about our favourite helicopter pilot husband, you always bring me so much joy in my life. I still remembering reading your humble little poly-story and how I felt like I was being physically attacked by talent. And I don't know if it was the wealth of talent embedded in the story, how your empathy and emotional intelligence shone so brightly in your words, or the filthy porn that had sprung forth from your mind— but what I did know is that I knew from that moment on was that I wanted to befriend this talented filthy horny genius, and I am so glad I did, because I have one of the most supportive and rewarding online friendships I've encountered. You are warm, kind, talented, funny, and just all around best, and I hope that this birthday and even this year against all fucking odds will be absolutely amazing for you, because you if anyone deserves it. All my whorey love, CiCi xx

P.S. The dino-cock was my idea.

P.P.S. you should be so grateful I didn't have Maia draw graphic wookiee porn as part of your birthday gift

And from me:

Jess-

My love, my wife, my whole damn heart! It of course stands to be said that I have let you know just how much your mere existence means to mean on many many occasions. But I'm going to say it again, because as far as I'm concerned, it cannot be said enough. From our very first conversation about writing I knew you were someone I wanted to be around forever. Your kindness, enthusiasm, joy, humor, and love were utterly intoxicating. There hasn't been a day since that very first conversation where I haven't counted myself so very lucky for having you as a friend. Whether we're making terrible jokes together, laughing about our sweet husbands, or giggling about our fictional men, I enjoy every single second of it. Your kind heart and your generous spirit is a gift, and your ability to break me (and my puss) down with your words is unmatched. I am so thankful that I have found a supportive and loving friend that I can count on in all times. You are funny and warm and so so wonderful. I hope you have the most fabulous day where you are pampered with wine and cheese and all things that make you happy. You deserve the best day today and every day!

All of my love to you, Cat

Stay tuned... ;)

[ellitx]

Okay okay before you turn off asks I had a big brain moment about how both Papa Himmel and Venti would react to the question "Where do babies come from?"

--Venti

It was a warm summer afternoon and the four of you decided to spend some time in the backyard and have a picnic, mostly just a few snacks and some watermelon which each of the twins fully dug into when curiosity hit one of them

"Hey papa! Where do babies come from?" The one dressed in blue shouted, thier father going wide-eyed with mouth agape he quickly looks in search of some sort of make up answer, they were still a bit too young to know the truth.

His eyes wondered down to the left over fruit and when the idea hits him, lifting his hand to gesture both of his little ones to sit besides you both, you give him a curious glance and think 'oh what does he have up his sleeve this time..'

"So you really wanna know huh?" He says with a grin, watching both of them nod with much excitement, pulling them into his lap. He put two watermelon seeds into hand shows it to them.

"They come from watermelon seeds~ Your Papa poured all his love into two seeds, gave them to your Mama, she ate them, and then had you two!"

"Did we really come from these papa?" One of them questions He simply nods and continues with you holding back your laughter

"Oh but much love, care and thought must be put into it, the two people must be fully in love for it to work or else nothing happens, and I loved your Mama so much that it was seamless"

Both children looked at the both of you in awe, gesturing to each other, then gave you the look that ideas were running through their heads.

"I want Mama to eat 8 seeds!" The one in orange exclaimed, sending the both on you into a daze

"You want mama to eat 8 of them?! You want to have that many brothers and sisters!?" He said through his own laughter and bewilderment.

Later that evening you found a note with poorly handwriting, next to your bed along side a single watermelon seed.

"Deer moma, pleez eat these I want a sibling.."

You squint at the handwriting it looked too familiar so you turn to your lover and question

"Venti did you write this?" He just shrugs and plays it off with his own question

"Well do you want to do some gardening tonight~"

----Himmel

He had his little one sat in his lap, gently brushing through their hair getting it ready to braid it up with small flowers, while she brushed through the hair of her doll which left her mind to wander.

"Papa?"

"Yes dear?"

"Where do babies come from?"

Her question causes him to drop the brush and his mind to race, was she already asking these kinds of questions? He thought and remembered the old tale his grandmother once told him

"Well before you were born Mama and I would go out and look at the stars, both praying to them hoping they would bless us with our own little bundle of joy, we would go out there, everyday for three years and say "Please may you send down one of your stars for us to care for?" As we would hold each other and wait, until one morning an angel had appeared on our door step, and that little angel was you my darling" He exhaled beginning to gently twist and burry small blooms into his daughters hair.

"Wooow, could we go out there right now?! I wanna little sister! She could stay in my room!"

The small girl grinned, bargaining with her father making him let out a soft chuckle.

"Maybe when your Mama's done with dinner well try" He said leaning down to place a kiss on her head, making her clap her hands rapidly unable to contain her excitement

When night had rolled around Himmel had you securely pressed against him and then whispered

"Do you think you could grant us our wish..?"

---Xiao (short sorry sjdkdb)

"Dad?"

He simply hums in acknowledgement

"Where do babies come from?"

"Vaginas"

"What's a Virginia?"

"Ask your mother"

(Im sorry this is so long and probably poorly written i had to get it out skdjdjd -💚)

I CHOKED READING XIAO’S AISJSKK

venti’s was funny, attempting to copy his children’s handwriting so he can make a “garden” for his family lmaooo i can imagine him giving puppy eyes to you, even trying to invite you in by pulling you to sit on his lap to give soft kisses on your neck and slipping his hands under your shirt wink wink

Himmel’s really cute and sweet 🥺🥺 i like that baby comes from stars concept and it’s just so beautiful and innocent that really tugs my heart and that ending? Aahhhh so sweet and so gorgeously inviting to be close to himmel. Hey, their wishes will come true ;3c

As for the asks, dw! There’s still few days left before I’ll close it around may 19 6AM (GMT+8)