#they help each other and comfort each other and know each other

[rafesangelita]

♡ “i think i’m a little bit, little bit, a little bit in love with you.”— your ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement with rafe comes to an ultimate end when he suddenly says the ‘L’ word while he’s inside of you..

warnings: fwb!rafe, f2l, unprotected sex, praise, slight angst, confessions, mutual pining, fluff, soft aftercare

a/n: now presenting… ‘BE MINE?’ 🤍 me and ‘little bit’ by lykke li will always be locked in!!

link: VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION ໒꒰ྀི｡- ˕ -｡꒱ྀི১

ignorance truly was bliss.

here you were, ignoring the way your heart fluttered and ached at the sight of the man who was currently fucking you into oblivion. of course, rafe wasn’t just any man— no, he was your best friend. while you two were terrified of messing up your friendship with a label other than ‘just friends’, it didn’t stop neither of you from falling for each other, both of you resorting to sex with a bullshit ‘no strings attached’ rule that you two obviously didn’t follow. if spending your nights tangled up in each other’s sheets was the only way to be together non-platonically, then so be it.

rafe had his thumb inbetween your lips, your hand wrapped tightly around his wrist as he slammed into you at an unforgiving pace. you don’t know how long you two have been going at it, or how many orgasms you’ve had, but the only way you could describe how you felt right now was stupid. unable to form a single thought, you sucked on rafe’s digit while he lost himself, his head rolling to the side as your walls sucked him in. “h-holy shit!” his hips stuttered, a whimper leaving your lips when you felt the hot spurts of rafe’s cum paint your insides.

rafe felt the shocks of his orgasm ripple through his body, his body collapsing on top of your own as he writhed in pure unadulterated pleasure. “i.. shit— i fucking love you.” he panted, cradling your head before leaving sloppy kisses against the sensitive flesh of your neck. you sucked in a breath, his words hitting you right where it hurt. blinking rapidly, you heard your heart beating in your ears as your mind began racing a million miles per minute.

did he really mean that?

was he just talking about the sex?

what if he just said it on accident?

you couldn’t focus on anything else. it wasn’t until rafe rolled over, his lips trailing across your chest before he saw the conflicted look on your face. “what’s wrong? are you okay?” you wanted to scoff but settled for a slight shake of your head instead. “you just said you loved me.” rafe’s chest was rising and falling as he swallowed thickly, both of you looking at each other with a knowing look in your eyes.

“i know.”

rafe watched as you sat up, crossing your arms over your chest. “you can’t just say that casually, rafe..” you muttered, suddenly feeling exposed despite being naked in front of him a countless amount of times. rafe moved closer, his hand trailing underneath the plush comforter. rubbing circles into the soft flesh of your thigh, rafe sighed before flashing you a soft smile. “there’s nothing casual about what i said,” he started, “it might’ve came out at a questionable time but i meant it.” rafe met your gaze under the dim lighting of his room, the intensity in his stare making goosebumps spread across your skin.

you stayed silent, pondering his words and the weight they carried. of course you felt the same, there was no doubt about that, but to say that you weren’t scared of what this meant would be a lie. you two were entering a new kind of territory. this wasn’t just ‘friendly’ sleepovers anymore, it was more complicated than that. you had sworn off any man that wasn’t rafe, your best friend consuming every fiber of your being. little did you know, rafe had been exclusive with you since he realized he couldn’t stand to not be near you. he needed to see you, talk to you, touch you everyday.

you had undoubtedly made a home for yourself in his brain and his heart, and he had no intentions of ever kicking you out. “do you really?” you couldn’t help but ask, your fingertips finding his under the covers. rafe studied your face, engraving your features into his mind as he thought about what to say next. “i’m gonna tell you something..” he pulled you close, caging you between his arms as he traced the soft curve of your lips, “i can’t pinpoint exactly when i started feeling this way, apart of me thinks i always have, you just made it easier for me to realize it.” his breath fanned your cheek as he spoke.

“everyone on this island has their own idea of me, but you? you know me for who i really am. i’ve never had to put on a show, i’ve never had to fear judgement from you. you just get me, you know?” you felt so warm and fuzzy inside, you couldn’t help but bury your face in his chest. “i love you too, rafe.” he felt like he could breathe when that sentence finally sounded from your mouth, his shoulders relaxing as he released a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “yeah?” he pulled away to cup your face as you nodded. “yeah, i just— i didn’t know how to go about something like this.”

rafe hummed in agreement, both of you looking at each other momentarily before leaning in for a kiss. once your lips touched, you felt relief wash over you; months of pent up tension leaving your body. rafe couldn’t believe that everything was out in the open now. “well, our anniversary date is impossible to forget since it’s on valentine’s day.” your heart fluttered in your chest at the proposition. “anniversary date?” you repeated. “yeah.. you didn’t think we’d be single after this, did you?” you giggled against his lips, welcoming him between your thighs again.

“no, i suppose not.”

[muffinlance]

Some spirit manages to get the gaang and zuko a link that connects their minds. They can share thoughts and their past with each other.

Tweaking this to “and they share dreams” because that’s how I started writing it.

---

“Okay,” Sokka says, wrapping his sleeping bag around himself, and grabbing a comfort Momo, too. “Who’s dream was that?”

No one ‘fesses up. But it was kind of a rude question, and also a little rhetorical, anyway.

They all have nightmares with fire.

Having the Fire Lord himself looming over them, while they were on their knees? Not exactly a stretch.

---

“Okay,” Sokka says, “how does Prince Jerkface keep finding us?”

---

“Okay,” Sokka says, “how did he know that seal jerky seasoned just right with honey—not too much, just enough to add a sparkle of sweetness to the depths of savoriness, a perfect balance for the distinguished tongue to relish—was the perfect bait for his Sokka and Sokka-affliated-parties trap?”

“Maybe if you stop dreaming about it, Sokka,” Katara snaps.

...And they all stop.

---

“I’m going to think really really hard about being friends,” Aang says.

“I’m going to think really really hard about that time my boomerang hit him,” says Sokka.

---

Snatching the boomerang out of midair? Impressive.

Ignoring the Avatar to go hit Sokka with it? Repeatedly? Uncalled for.

---

“Sokka. The city is under attack. Right now.”

“Okay,” Sokka says. “But this is a strategic nap, Katara. We need to know what evil things our Evil Other is up to.”

It’s not like the evil fleet part was a surprise, at least. They’ve been dreaming of it for weeks.

---

“Okay,” Sokka says, looking down. “So the ship-blowing-up-thing. Not a nightmare?”

“No,” says Zuko, glaring up with his glare-face all glare-ful but his thoughts mostly full of bruises so deep they’re making Sokka’s ribs ache, and also his legs are going numb.

“Going to get out of the turtle-seal tunnel now?” Sokka asks, still standing over the opening. With his boomerang.

“...No,” the Prince of the Fire Nation says, as he clings onto the edge of the hole, his legs still very much in freezing water.

---

“Okay,” Sokka says, when they have a Fire Prince all tied up in Blankets of Imprisonment. “So. What actually was your plan here? Do not,” he interrupts, before the teenage-shaped bloodhound-leech can do more than open his mouth, “say ‘capture the Avatar.’”

The prince closes his mouth. Glares. And kind of fuzzes at the edges, in the way all of them do when they’re about to fall asleep.

BOOMERANG, Sokka thinks, and Prince Largely Ineffective As An Enemy jerks back upright. His Momo hat chitters a complaint.

“Since we both know your answer is ‘I had no plan, Sokka, ‘plan’ starts with ‘p’ and there’s no ‘p’ in ‘Avatar’’, we’re going to play a game instead. It’s called ‘sleepy prince free association interrogation time.’”

“...What?”

“Battle plans,” Sokka says. “Attack. Fire Navy fleet. Ship numbers.”

Alas, “Fire Nation intelligence” is not something with which the prince’s brain is overly burdened.

“...Are you insulting me?”

“Are you proving my point?”

Elsewhere, Yue laughs in all their heads. Zuko flinches. The prince has a very marked reaction to the laughter of princesses.

---

“Okay,” says Sokka. “So that just happened.”

Commander Mutton Chops is groaning. Kind of flopping. Much like the bag he tried to fireball. Yue picks it up, and gently wrangles a fish back into water. Sokka is still not clear on what the fish-napping was about.

“It’s the Moon,” Aang says. “Or maybe the Ocean?”

Aang’s thoughts are full of a FACE STEALING EVIL CENTIPEDE MONSTER THAT IS JUST ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE THIN VEIL OF REALITY and that is NOT helping Sokka think.

“Okay,” he says again. “So. At least we can all agree on one thing.”

This is a very diplomatic way of saying they all wanted to dropkick Zhao. But some of them wanted to do it more than others.

The prince of the Fire Nation is even paler than normal, and staring across the clearing at his uncle.

“I can explain,” the prince says, while he’s thinking, oh shit treason oh crap uncle wouldn’t hurt me thought that about father too

Sokka wordlessly plucks Momo from the edge of the pond, where he’s been swiping at the spirit-fish, and drops him on the prince’s head.

Everyone needs a comfort Momo, now and again.

---

“A raft, Zuko?” Sokka says. Outloud. Because it makes things louder when you say it and think it. “A raft?”

Aang is bouncing on his toes. “We should go get him.”

The Avatar is grinning. And thinking, really hard and deliberately, as behind them the Water Tribe ship finishes packing, We should capture the Fire Prince,

“Okay,” Sokka says, with a grin.

[theivorybilledwoodpecker]

Every single eagle, hawk, and vulture at my local zoo would have died if they had been left in or returned to the wild. Each is in the zoo either because they were injured in some way or found abandoned or orphaned as a baby and imprinted on humans.

The otter was found separated from her parents during a horrible storm. No one knows where her family is, so reunion was impossible. The wildlife rehab center really tried to get her to the point where she could be returned to the wild, but they couldn't. So a home with the zoo's other otter (who unfortunately recently passed) was the next best thing.

At one point, the zoo had two cougar siblings. Their mother had been preying on livestock, and a farmer killed her to protect his flock. He didn't know she had kids. Had those cougar babies been left in the wild, they would have died.

The alligator was someone's pet. They abandoned her in a creek right before winter, likely realizing how dangerous a growing alligator could be and not caring enough to find a rescue. She would not have made it long in the cold. The zoo took her in, and she has a nice heated pool, a sun lamp to bask under, etc.

Not all animals are rescued, but all are treated with great care and provided with enrichment.

Older animals are kept in comfort until they die naturally or need to be euthanized to avoid pain. It's different for every animal.

If an animal is sick or injured, they are taken off exhibit and cared for, whether that means disappointing zoo visitors or not. The animal's welfare is put first.

The zoo is part of a species revival program where it helps save endangered species. Several Chacoan Peccaries, once thought to be extinct, have been born at the zoo. As have two jaguars.

When an animal needs to be moved to another zoo, great care is taken. For some species, the babies set out and start their own families at certain points in their lives. The zoo tries to match transfers with these stages.

People have this romanticized idea of the wild, often saying things like "Life finds a way."

No, no it doesn't. And zoos are vital to helping species and individuals survive.

[00valentina-writes00]

Could you do Ambessa and Sevika with a reader who's really introverted? Thank youu🫂❤️

���♥︎ 𝕊𝔼𝕍𝕀𝕂𝔸 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝔸𝕄𝔹𝔼𝕊𝕊𝔸 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕒𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕥 ♥︎♡

♡𝕊𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕜𝕒♡

♥︎ Sevika respects your need for space. She’ll give you the quiet moments you crave, but she also won’t hesitate to check in, making sure you’re okay. She’s the type to simply sit beside you in silence, just feeling your presence without pushing for interaction.

♥︎ She’s not much for small talk, so she’s perfectly content with your more reserved conversations. She likes the deeper, meaningful moments, especially when you share something you’ve been thinking about in the comfort of silence.

♥︎ Sevika notices the subtle signs that you need time alone. She won’t ask questions—she’ll just leave you to your space without making you feel guilty about it. She knows when to give you space without making it an issue.

♥︎ When she does interact with you, it’s always in a way that feels comforting rather than overwhelming. Her low, steady voice helps keep your anxiety at bay, and she always speaks in a calm, no-nonsense tone.

♥︎ She understands when you don’t want to go out, and she’ll stay in with you. Whether that means watching something low-key or simply spending time in each other’s company without the need for words, Sevika gets it.

♥︎ Despite her tough exterior, she’ll sometimes offer small, thoughtful gestures. Like making sure you have a hot drink or making your favorite meal, even if you never asked for it.

♥︎ She won’t push you to be more social. If you don’t want to deal with people, she’s more than happy to take care of things without dragging you into them. She values your peace and understands your boundaries.

♥︎ Sevika’s got a weirdly soft side when it comes to you. She’s the type to gently brush her fingers through your hair or rub your back when you’re feeling overwhelmed, always keeping it quiet and steady.

♥︎ She doesn’t make a big deal out of it when you’re not up for physical affection, but she makes sure you know she’s still there with a hand on your shoulder or a quiet touch when you need it.

♥︎ At times, she’ll give you a look, almost like she’s checking if you’re okay. She’s so observant, catching even the smallest shift in your mood. Sometimes, all it takes is a nod from you, and she’ll know how to adjust without saying a word.

♥︎ She’s a master at knowing when to be quiet and when to speak. If you’re deep in thought or in your head, she won’t try to force conversation—she lets you come to her when you’re ready

♥︎ Sometimes, when you’re feeling anxious, Sevika won’t ask what’s wrong. Instead, she’ll just do something familiar—like sitting with you, offering a cigarette, or doing something that feels grounding for both of you.

♥︎ She’ll never judge you for being quiet or withdrawn. There’s no pressure to be anything other than yourself with her, and she’s one of the few people who sees the value in your silence.

♥︎ Despite her commanding presence, Sevika has a weird way of knowing exactly how to make you feel safe when you’re overwhelmed. It’s in the way she stands, the way she quietly observes, always creating space for you to be yourself without fear of judgment.

♥︎ She doesn’t mind if you’re the type to retreat into books, music, or your own thoughts. She’ll sit next to you, just existing with you, content that you’re sharing that space in your own way.

♥︎ Sevika understands your need for independence. She doesn’t try to fix everything. Instead, she lets you deal with things at your own pace, offering support only when you ask for it.

♥︎ When she sees you come out of your shell—even a little—she’s oddly proud of you. There’s a soft edge to her smirk when she catches you laughing or talking with someone. She’ll never outright compliment you on it, but you can tell she’s impressed.

♥︎ She’s the type of girlfriend who will insist you take breaks and step away from stress, but she’ll also respect it if you want to handle things on your own. It’s all about balance for her.

♥︎ When you get overwhelmed in a crowd, Sevika will always find a way to get you out of there. Whether it’s making an excuse to leave early or simply pulling you to the side for a quick exit, she’s got you.

♥︎ She knows you might prefer just one-on-one time, so she’ll do what she can to make sure you’re never pressured into group settings that make you uncomfortable.

♥︎ Sevika’s loyalty runs deep. When you’re down, she’ll stay by your side, a steady presence in the background, quietly supportive, offering you the space you need while also being there when you want her.

♥︎ Finally, she’s the kind of partner who’s happy to let you be exactly who you are—quiet, introverted, and uniquely you. She appreciates your calm, your quiet strength, and the way you help her see the world from a different perspective.

♡𝔸𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒♡

♥︎ While Ambessa is commanding and often larger-than-life in her presence, she knows how to make you feel safe in your introversion. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, she’ll create a space where it’s just the two of you, letting you retreat into the comfort of silence.

♥︎ When you’re too tired to talk, Ambessa will gently remind you that you don’t need to say anything—your presence alone is enough for her. She understands that sometimes, silence speaks volumes.

♥︎ If you’re ever feeling drained after a long day, Ambessa will offer you her company without demanding anything from you. She might pour you a drink, sit beside you, and simply exist in your space without pressuring you to be anything other than yourself.

♥︎ She’ll occasionally tease you, but it’s always lighthearted and with affection. She enjoys seeing the subtle shifts in your expression when you try to hide your smile or laughter at her dry wit.

♥︎ Ambessa knows the value of personal time, and she’s perfectly content with letting you retreat into your own thoughts. She’ll never take it personally if you need space; she understands that your quiet moments are just as important as your shared moments.

♥︎ When you’re feeling particularly introverted, she’ll find ways to give you space while still being close. She might work nearby, allowing you to feel her presence without being forced to interact if you’re not up for it.

♥︎ Ambessa will sometimes look at you in a way that says everything—those deep, knowing glances that speak volumes without words. She’s incredibly perceptive and can sense when you’re feeling overwhelmed without you saying a thing.

♥︎ If you need a break from the chaos around you, Ambessa will ensure that you can escape to a quieter place. Whether it’s her private office or just a secluded corner, she’ll make sure there’s peace for you when you need it.

♥︎ When she knows you’re feeling anxious or stressed, Ambessa will offer her hand or give you a touch of reassurance. She’s not the type to force conversation, but her touch is often all you need to feel grounded again.

♥︎ Despite her intimidating persona, she’ll soften her voice when she speaks to you, knowing that you’re more comfortable when things aren’t too loud or intense. Her words come with purpose, but also a gentleness that helps ease your mind.

♥︎ Ambessa doesn’t mind when you’re introverted around others. She’s proud of your calm, quiet strength, and she’ll often give you a knowing look, silently acknowledging that you’re doing just fine without saying a word.

♥︎ She enjoys watching you in your element when you’re doing something you love, whether it’s reading, sketching, or simply taking a walk alone. Her gaze is full of quiet admiration as she watches you retreat into your thoughts, appreciating the depth of who you are.

♥︎ When you’re not feeling like talking, Ambessa will give you small affirmations to remind you that you’re valued. It might be a compliment, a small smile, or simply a soft “I’m proud of you” when you least expect it.

♥︎ Ambessa knows how to read your body language, and she can tell when you’re beginning to feel drained. When that happens, she’ll shift gears and create a more private, calming environment for you without making it awkward

♥︎ If you’re having trouble navigating a social event or gathering, Ambessa will be your rock. She’ll make sure you don’t feel pressured to perform socially, and she’ll give you an out if you need one.

♥︎ When you do choose to open up, Ambessa listens with unwavering attention. She never interrupts, never judges, and always values the words you do share. Her silence in those moments is the most supportive kind of presence.

♥︎ Ambessa is fiercely protective of your peace. If anyone or anything threatens to disturb your calm, she’s quick to put it in its place. She’ll handle it quietly, often with a few choice words, making sure your introverted nature isn’t pushed out of balance.

♥︎ She’ll often surprise you with small gifts or gestures that show she’s thinking of you. A book she thinks you’d love, a quiet walk around the city, or even a cup of tea with your favorite flavor—it’s her way of showing she cares without overwhelming you.

♥︎ When you need to recharge, Ambessa will make sure to give you the time you need. She won’t pressure you to interact with her or others, knowing that sometimes the best way to show affection is by letting you be yourself.

♥︎ She’s not the type to need constant reassurance, but she’ll make sure you feel seen. When you’re with her, it’s like nothing else matters; it’s just the two of you, with her providing the kind of quiet strength that balances out your own.

[theoneandonlysourcandy]

HARLEY SAWYER X TOY READER

OK OK I KNOW IT SOUNDS BAD BUT READ IT, YOUR NOT A KID OR ANYTHING IN THIS PLSASE GUYS-also uggiivvoh it felt so awkward writing some of this WHYYYY and I’m so used to over explaining everything because of how character ai bots work I’m trying not too gjfjggjj

Machine Harley:

📺 - When He had been turned into this. . Machine, he couldn’t see you at all anymore. The one person he cared about-the one tolerable person-the one person he LOVED. Could he at the very least get to see you?

📺 - But, after the hour of joy, when he had managed to hack into the cameras and reunite with each other, it was like he had gained a part of himself again. He has very little sympathy and care in him, and all of it goes to you and you only.

📺 - He can’t help but feel some sort of resentment of you though, your like all the other experiments he made, those aggressive and bloodthirsty animals. But, your not like them, so why does he feel this way? Perhaps it’s just how he is.

📺 - He’d try his best to give you both a better life down here. There’s not much, but, it’s certainly better than how any of those pests are living.

📺 - He usually keeps you close, or, just watches you on the cameras. You and him need to be careful-your more fragile as a toy. Like, actually, what if your made of porcelain? Or stuffing-fabric is easy to tear, isn’t it?

📺 - If you break, he could easily fix you up, but he will be a bit mad about it. He told you to be careful, didn’t he? But, he can’t entirely blame you for it.

📺 - He’d randomly pick you up in a princess carry if he needs too. . Or if he just feels like it. And he can very easily, being a robot now. Your feet hurt? He’s carrying you. Your tired? He’s carrying you. Your perfectly fine? He’s carrying you. It makes him feel powerful.

Human Harley:

🩺 - He had no choice. He couldn’t let you die, it was his only option.

🩺 - He keeps you close to him most of the time. He misses you, even if your right there. It doesn’t quite feel like you. He wishes he could hold your hand one more time without it feeling plastic, or plush. . Or metal-you get it.

🩺 - He’d let you wear his lab coat, it’s a little big on you, but It’s comfortable. Plus, it makes you look smaller, and adorable.

🩺 - No way in hell would you ever be used like huggy wuggy or mommy long legs. If anyone tried to turn you into some sort of marketable plushie or even get the idea, he would be fuming. That is his wife! But they were only children.

🩺 - Your probably the one toy in that whole factory that’s around to roam freely, not confined to a cell or a game station. He’d keep you far away from any of the bigger bodies or the prison, though, even if you know what truly goes on behind the scenes now.

Chat this is so ass 💔

[marysfics]

In Sickness and in Sight

Alexia Putellas x Vision-Impaired!Reader

Small blurb.

Fluff

The first thing Alexia noticed was the heat.

She stirred from sleep, her body instinctively moving closer to you before she realized something was off. Your warmth wasn’t the usual comforting kind—it was feverish, burning against her skin.

"Mi amor?" Her voice was thick with sleep, concern lacing every syllable as she propped herself up on one elbow. She reached for you, pressing a hand to your forehead. Too warm. Too much.

A soft whimper escaped your lips, barely audible, but it was enough to make her heart clench.

"Bébé, wake up."

You blinked sluggishly, the dim glow of the bedside lamp she had just turned on feeling like knives against your eyes. Everything was blurred, even more than usual, the world swimming around you in an unsteady haze.

"Ale?" Your voice was hoarse, weak. "I don't feel good."

Alexia was already in motion, her fingers gently brushing damp strands of hair from your face. "I know, cariño. You're burning up."

You groaned, squeezing your eyes shut. "Can't see well either. Worse than usual."

That made her chest tighten. She knew your vision fluctuated, some days better than others, but being sick always made it harder. And right now, the helplessness in your voice nearly broke her.

"Okay, okay. Let me take care of you, yeah?" She whispered, pressing a kiss to your temple before sliding out of bed.

You felt the mattress dip as she left, and then the sound of her moving around the room, opening drawers, running water. Moments later, the bed shifted again as she returned, cool hands pressing a damp cloth against your forehead.

"Too hot," you murmured, leaning into her touch despite your words.

"I know, bebé." She smiled softly, rubbing slow, soothing circles on your arm. "I’m going to bring your fever down. Just relax."

She helped you sit up slightly, her arm steady around your back as she lifted a glass of water to your lips. You took small sips, each one grounding you a little more.

When she was sure you had enough, she guided you back down, tucking the blankets around you with the utmost care. "Is the light too much?"

You barely nodded, and she quickly dimmed it, plunging the room into the soft glow of the streetlights outside.

"Better?"

You hummed in response, already feeling yourself drifting, the exhaustion pulling at you. But before sleep could claim you, you felt Alexia press another kiss to your forehead, her arms wrapping around you securely.

"I'm here, mi amor. Always."

And with her warmth beside you, steady and safe, you let yourself sink into the comfort of her love.

[jabbasyogainstructor]

Just to add:

I remember hearing romanticized stories about Persephone and Hades when I was a kid and I predate not only Tumblr, but all social media. Tumblr is a place where ideas like that take off, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that social media is their origin.

The myth of Medusa has had many versions, and whether she had snakes for hair depends entirely on teller (Ovid, for instance, OP brought it up) but also on place of origin. The Romans changed many of these stories to suit their audience. In their version of events, Persephone and Hades, (or Proserpina and Pluto as they called them) definitely cheated on each other plenty. Roman aristocracy saw it as odd that a married couple would love each other, cheating was very much the norm and it was expected to be discreet. Marriages were for political gain, not love; the idea was love your mistress and be dutiful to your wife. The Greeks weren’t wholly different in this, but it was pretty common among Greek men (especially in Sparta) to have your lover be of the same sex.

Also, Hades and Persephone were feared and not generally referred to by name. They were referred to as “the dread” and “the dark one.” There is some evidence that the Greeks believed that Hades would be infertile due to being the lord of the dead, so any children they had were usually associated with Zeus (her own father) and generally not consensually conceived. Zagreus and Melinoe are the usual two, although sometimes she is also occasionally mentioned as the mother of Dionysus (in most other cases his mother is Semele).

Arachne is better known for having claimed she was a better weaver than Athena and was turned into a spider for it. Her name is the basis for the word Arachnid: the spider family. I’ve never heard of her being punished by Zeus, but these stories are so old that there are multiple versions of all of them.

Artemis and Apollo being gods of sun and moon were due to the decline of the titans. The few older generation deities who helped Zeus overthrow Chronos were allowed to continue as they were: Helios and Selene were in charge of the sun and moon but over time people started changing the stories to say all the titans were overthrown. It was probably just easier, but Apollo and Artemis, as the twins, were a really convenient choice for replacement, given that they were “as different as the sun and moon.”

And lastly, because this just bugs me every time I hear it: it was NOT the norm in ancient Rome to eat and eat and eat and then throw up to fit more food in. I know what you’re all thinking, the vomitorium, right? The vomitorii were the exits to the Coliseum. When the games ended and everyone left, there were so many people that it looked like the Coliseum was throwing up people. Now, it has been the norm just about anywhere, in ancient times and present day, for people to drink so much that they throw up. That’s not what I mean. The story that the Romans would deliberately stick their fingers down their throats and vomit in order to continue at the banquet, is a falsehood. I will not take any arguments, just go look it up. It is why they laid down to eat. They believed it was more comfortable and spread the food out in their body so that their lavish banquets could be so long. People were eating very small items; at some noble banquets, bird tongues and stuffed dormice were considered delicacies. Hard to really gorge on that. Think of it as micro tapas. You would have to eat all day and not stop to need to vomit. And they would have made entire species extinct. The word has the same root, but the historical inference is completely wrong.

a quick psa to anyone recently getting into greek mythology and is a victim of tumblr and/or tiktok misconceptions:

-there is no shame in being introduced to mytholgy from something like percy jackson, epic the musical or anything like that, but keep in mind that actual myths are going to be VERY different from modern retellings

-the myth of medusa you probably know (her being a victim of poseidon and being cursed by athena) isn't 100% accurate to GREEK mythology (look up ovid)

-there is no version of persephone's abduction in which persephone willingly stays with hades, that's a tumblr invention (look up homeric hymn to demeter)

-as much as i would like it, no, cerberus' name does not mean "spot" (probably a misunderstanding from this wikipedia article)

-zeus isn't the only god who does terrible things to women, your fav male god probably has done the same

-on that note, your fav greek hero has probably done some heinous shit as well

-gods are more complicated than simply being "god of [insert thing]", many titles overlap between gods and some may even change depending on where they were worshipped

-also, apollo and artemis being the gods of the sun and the moon isn't 100% accurate, their main aspects as deities originally were music and the hunt

-titans and gods aren't two wholly different concepts, titan is just the word used to decribe the generation of gods before the olympians

-hector isn't the villain some people make him out to be

-hephaestus WAS married to aphrodite. they divorced. yes, divorce was a thing in ancient greece. hephaestus' wife is aglaia

-ancient greek society didn't have the same concepts of sexuality that we have now, it's incorrect to describe virgin goddesses like artemis and athena as lesbians, BUT it's also not wholly accurate to describe them as aromantic/asexual, it's more complex than that

-you can never fully understand certain myths if you don't understand the societal context in which they were told

-myths have lots and lots of retellings, there isn't one singular "canon", but we can try to distinguish between older and newer versions and bewteen greek and roman versions

-most of what you know about sparta is probably incorrect

-reading/waching retellings is not a substitute to reading the original myths, read the iliad! read the odyssey! i know they may seem intimidating, but they're much more entertaining than you may think

greek mythology is so complex and interesting, don't go into it with preconcieved notions! try to be open to learn!

[greensagephase]

Getting Freaky with Miguel Includes... [spelling Valentine's]

warning: nsfw, so minors DNI, female reader

V - Velvet ropes/handcuffs

Miguel thinks you look so pretty when you're tied up for him 🎀 and at his mercy, so he'll tie your wrists. You like to tie him, too, sometimes for some activities.

A - Ass spanking

Miguel is an ass [and thighs] man [don't ask me how I know], so he loves spanking you. It's not necessarily harsh spanks, unless you're into that, but he simply enjoys watching the way your rear moves after he delivers the spanks. And of course, the cute moans and whines you make are another reason he enjoys it.

L - Lube, lots of it

He has plans which he cannot tell you about right now because the haters will try to sabotage him -- He wants to take a trip to poundtown with you, and since Valentine's is on a Friday this year, he decides a weekend trip there is just and necessary, so lube is a must.😌

E - Erotic massaging

You both love to massage each other's sensitive spots to get all riled up before the deed, focusing on stimulation and pressure on those spots. Other important factors: ambiance music [hehe]. Oils are a must, obviously, and Miguel really enjoys this part. He loves watching you grow more and more needy and aroused as he massages the oils onto your skin, and watches you in awe at how glowy and pretty your skin looks.

N - Nipple play

Miguel delivers light caresses, circular motions, gentle sucking and biting, licking, pinching, and rolling to your nipples, adding on to the teasing. No hard play unless you like that.

T - Thighs

As stated, Miguel is also a thighs man. He loves thick thighs and will worship yours like you're a goddess. He'll mark them with love bites and hickeys! His home is between them, and you better accept that.

An extra on thighs, Miguel loves having you ride his. 🤭 He loves how desperate you get for friction, so he likes to tease you by stopping your movements by grabbing you from the hips. He later helps you by guiding you, whispering how pretty you look leaving a mess on his skin.

I - Intercourse

The p in v, of course! After roleplay, he will ravish your kitty until he has you chanting his name like it's the only word you know. Since this will be a weekend situation, he'll switch it up between rough, slow, or gentle -- whatever you're both feeling in the moment and with your consent always. You'll also switch it up with positions from missionary to doggy style to mating press for, um, research purposes.

N - Nutting inside

Miguel will nut inside you every time. He's not wasting a single drop. 😌You both love the feeling of him finishing inside [breeding kink... *sighs*😔🙏🏼]. The sight of his hot cum and your juices combined dripping out of your pussy is always so hot and satisfying for you both. If going multiple times in one session, he'll use it as lube for sure and push it back inside with his tip [clawing at the walls of my enclosure rn; i'm ovulating, sorry].

E - Edging

You equally love edging each other until you have the other whining and whimpering for release. Miguel will finger you, use toys, or use his cock to edge you to that moment before climaxing only to stop with a teasing smirk while he hears your pleas for release. In return, you play with his cock and balls with your hands and/or mouth to edge him on. You enjoy doing this when he's all tied up, especially.

S - Spooning in Aftercare

To add some fluff to this spice, spooning. Miguel always spoons you after each session. Of course, this is after he helps you clean up and makes sure you're all comfortable. He wraps his body around yours to make you feel loved and safe, whispering sweet things into your ear, like how well you took him, how beautiful you look, and how much he loves you.🥹

Oh, and that he hopes a November baby will be part of your lives in the upcoming future 🤭

♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡_♡

Thought of this literally today. I'm ovulating, your honor. 😔 Thank you for reading!

Alondra❤️

[gracie-eilish]

🦋thinking about gentleness (prologue)

warning: contains smut

“are you sure, baby?” billie looked at you with the softest, most gentle look in her eyes as she asked. her hands were clasped with yours, her thumb rubbing over the top of your hand.

“i’m so sure. im so so so sure…. a little nervous but im sure!” you squeaked out, face flushing a shade of pink billie had deemed as her favorite color.

she smiled softly and warmly before leaning in to press a gentle kiss to your cheek, only pulling back a pinch to look you in your eyes.

“you have nothing to be nervous about love. we’ll go slow, and i’ll explain everything you need me to and you tell me if something makes you uncomfy or hurts or whatever. my top priority is that you feel safe and good, okay mama?” you could have melted into a puddle there at her tone. no one had ever had this much patience and warmth for you. no one had ever made you feel so loved and adored before.

you nodded and she smiled, bringing your clasped hands to her lips. only releasing your hands to scoop you up in her arms bridal style, making you giggle and blush furiously.

“what? i gotta make it special!” you smiled at her and leaned up to kiss her cheek. she made everything special. she made breathing special.

your heart was beating faster and faster as she approached her bedroom. you always felt more cozy at her place.

the door creaked a twinge as it opened, and then creaked back as billie shut it with her foot, making you chuckle at her little skill.

billie couldn’t help but feel better at the sight of your smile, knowing you were feeling so relaxed. she wanted to make this perfect for you, something you had expressed to her that terrified you for years, was now something you wanted more than anything.

softly, billie laid you down on her bed, the comforter feeling soft and clean and cool under your flushed skin. she pressed a kiss to your forehead before padding around the room making the ambience perfect. she opened the curtains and squeaked open the balcony door, letting the room flood with the sounds of the ocean and the moonlight reflecting off the water. she then made her way to her dresser where she lit a vanilla scented candle, one that made you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

she looked back at you and smiled. you laid there comfortably just watching her make the moment perfect, while somehow looking even more perfect then when she left you. finally she made her way back to the bed, slowly moving to hover over you, straddling your hips lightly.

“hi mama,” she whispered softly.

“hi lovey,” you giggled back.

“can i kiss you please?” she said in her signature little voice making you snort.

“yes baby, please for the love of god kiss me!”

and with that she leaned in and kissed you softly once, twice, three times…

there was no rush, just two people feeling each other, touching each other, loving each other. she pulled away from your lips to pepper kisses to your jawline and down your neck, smirking when you let out a soft gasp as she found your most sensitive spot.

“you feel okay lovey?” she murmured into your neck, only continuing her kisses when you nodded.

you stated to squirm, the feeling of her lips brushing and sucking on your skin sent shocks to your core.

“patience lovey, i’ve got you. don’t worry.” her voice was sweeter than honey, fogging up your brain.

once she was satisfied with her watercolor like marks on your neck, she pulled away and sat up, now fully straddling your hips.

“can i take this off baby?” she asked softly, playing with the hem of your shirt. nervously you nodded causing her to shaker her head at you.

“nah uh. i need words mama,” she said making you whine at her sultry tone.

“yes billie, you can take it off.” you whined out, making billie chuckle at your eagerness.

one by one, she unbuttoned your shirt revealing your delicate lace bra adorning your tits. of course you had prepared for this.

the thought of you trying things on and deciding what would look best made billie’s heart clench. all you wanted was to be pretty for her.

billie would never think otherwise.

like a butterfly, she pressed kisses to your breasts, taking her time, truly just worshipping your body. she reveled in your little gasps and soft moans you were letting out. she was so proud you were so relaxed and comfortable with her.

she continued her descent and kisses until you were nearly bare, only in your bra and panties. when you suddenly lost your confidence, grabbing billie’s forearm as her hand rested on you breast. she pulled away from you neck, decorating the other side with a hickey.

“what’s wrong mama? you okay?” her blue eyes wide with concern. had she pushed you too far? did she hurt you?

“i’m just.. i’m just a little self conscious.” billie took note of the way your hands slithered back around from her waist to rest on your tummy, picking at your nail nervously, and the way your gaze shifted down towards your twiddling fingers. she knew what you needed.

she sat back up before opening up her own buttons to her top. one by one, opening her top revealing her own decorated breasts, adorned in lace, making your mouth water in a way it hadn’t ever before. she then hopped off your lap to remove her jeans, leaving you both in your underwear.

when she returned to hover over you, your eyes had gone softer, the warmth returning to them a bit. billie rested one hand on your cheek and the other on your waist, dipping down to press a kiss to your nose.

“better?” you nodded happily, smiling so bright.

“just..” you cut yourself off, looking up at billie. “go slow.”

billie leaned down to kiss you on the lips, so softly yet passionately.

“i wouldn’t dream of anything else mama,” she replied with a wink.

her fingers continued their exploration, gently pinching and tugging at your sensitive nipples, sending sparks of delight through your body. as your moans filled the room, billie’s hands traveled downward, tracing the lace that covered your stomach. she played with the elastic waistband, teasingly pulling it down just enough to reveal a hint of your navel, before slowly inching it back up. the anticipation was driving you wild.

“please, billie," you whispered, your voice laced with need. "i want more.

she smiled against your skin, her lips leaving a trail of kisses down your torso. she positioned herself between your thighs, her breath causing goosebumps on the sensitive skin. with deliberate slowness, she hooked her fingers under the lace and slowly rolled down your panties, revealing your glistening folds.

"you’re so wet, sweet girl," she whispered, her voice thick with desire.

with gentle expertise, billie parted your folds, exposing your clit. she blew softly, sending a rush of sensation through your body. then, with deliberate slowness, she lowered her head and took your bud between her lips, sucking gently.

"oh god billie!" you exclaimed, your voice high-pitched and breathless. "please, billie, i want you inside me," you pleaded, your voice hoarse and raw.

“it’s okay, baby," billie whispered, her voice soothing. "just relax and let me love you.”

billie’s tongue continued to flick and tease, her lips sucking gently, driving you to the brink of ecstasy. as your orgasm slowly built, billie inserted a finger into your tight hole, curling it upwards to find that magical spot within.

“you okay mama?” billie asked softly, her other hand rubbing softly on your thigh. her eyes searched yours for any sign of discomfort or pain as you opened your eyes slowly, meeting billie’s gaze. you reached up to cup billie’s cheek, bringing her down to kiss her softly.

“i’m okay baby,” you whispered in her lips. “please keep going mama, feels so- god it feels so good.”

billie thrust her fingers back in, her pace quickening as she saw your body relax more and more into it. your breath hitched and your moans were high pitched and choppy, signaling to billie you were close.

“it’s okay baby,” billie mumbled into your neck, kissing the area. “let go f’me princess, let yourself feel it.”

your body convulsed as waves of pleasure washed over you, your juices flowing freely as you climaxed for the very first time.

the air is thick from your recent activities. your chest heaving, legs shaking a bit, hands slowly losing their grip on the sheets…

when you start to feel tiny kisses being placed up your tummy, so soft like a butterfly landing on your bare skin. as you catch your breath and swallow, you let your eyes open and lift your head to look down to see her, looking right at you with those big blue eyes, while pressing more kisses. she’s never seen anything so beautiful.

you go to prop yourself on your elbows but she places a hand on your chest, silently telling you to lay back; she’s got you.

the kisses continue over your collarbones, soothing the pink and purple watercolor like marks she left earlier. up your neck before finishing on your cheeks. teensy butterfly like kisses all over.

she finishes her butterfly migration with a few soft but longer kisses. to your left cheek. and right. the tip of your nose. your forehead. the corner of your lips. and the other corner. and finally she kisses your lips, sat in your lap straddling you, holding your face in her hands like you were made of glass. running her thumbs on your practically stained pink cheeks.

“hi mama,” she’d whisper, pulling away, her smile growing tenfold watching the pink stain grow to your nose, completing your blush.

“hi lovey,” you’d reply, smiling so big you felt like you had an upside down hanger stuck in your mouth.

your hands sat comfortably on her soft hips, rubbing soft circles as the two of you just looked at each other, smiling, blushing, softly giggling. basking in the love bubble you had just created making love for the first time.

“you okay babygirl?” billie cooed, peppering kisses to your forehead and hairline.

“mmhmmm” you nodded sleepily, making billie smile and you swore you could see a hint of a blush on her cheeks. “thank you for making me feel so safe.” you whispered.

“oh baby,” billie melted, leaning in to cradle your face, kissing your cheek before wrapping her arms around you.

she’d never let anything happen to you.

“can i clean you up lovey? maybe we can relax for a bit? your body just did a lot for the first time.” you nodded at billie’s request, letting her help you stand from the bed, her arm around your waist as you both walked to the bathroom. she picked you up and helped you sit on the counter, kissing your nose, before turning around to start the bath.

“billie?” you mumbled. billie turned around, a worried look in her eye. but the look softened when you reached your arms out and spread your legs a bit for her to come stand in between them. you wiggled your fingers willing her closer, making her heart officially melt for the thousandth time that night.

she walked over stepping right in front of of you between your legs. she took your wrists and delicately placed them on her shoulders, and her own arms went to wrap around your waist, both of you simultaneously pulling each other closer. her head went to nuzzle in the crook of your neck, pressing kisses, eyes closed.

billie made a mental note that you liked cuddles and being close after sex.

“how ya feelin angel?” she pulled away a little bit to see your face, pushing some of your hair out of the way.

“good,” you whispered with a blushy smile. one billie took a mental photo of to remember forever.

with one last kiss to your lips, billie slipped out of your hold to light a few candles and put some bubble bath into the warm water before turning off the lights and helping you off the counter.

she held your hand as you stepped into the bathtub and settled into the warm water, billie following and settling behind you, arms wrapped around your waist pulling you in tight.

the two of you stayed like that for a while, no words were exchanged. just soft kisses to cheeks and hands and shoulders and fingers. and hands wandered over tummies and thighs and grasped each others fingers. billie even threaded her fingers through your hair, french braiding it to keep it dry and out of the water.

no words were exchanged, but you had never been so certain of anything in your life.

billie loved you.

she didn’t even have to say anything right now. and you knew.

and you loved her.

so much.

you could feel it in the way she massaged her body wash into your shoulders, enveloping you in billie’s woodsy vanilla scent. you could feel it in the way she wrapped you up in a warm fluffy towel, patting you dry making you giggle. you could feel it in the way she lotioned your arms and legs for you. and the way she dabbed moisturized on your face, sneaking a kiss to your cheeks.

as you snuggled into billie’s arms that night in bed, and her fingers wandered on your back tracing shapes, you could feel it even more.

“i love you,” you mumbled, already halfway to dreamland.

“i love you baby, so much.”

to some, this may have just been sex but to you it was so much more.

[codnasties]

Hi! Love the stuff so much I don't have any links or anything but hear me out-

Reader and Simon are like friends or something and maybe they invite him over to watch a movie in their apartment (COUGH COUGH 28 DAYS LATER COUGH COUGH) yeah uh...they end getting hot and bothered half way through and just like fuckin go at it

movie night w/ghost 👻 (🌽 link)

having ghost as a friend is, simply put, amazing. contrary to his tough exterior, he's a softie. all he wants is to make sure that you are safe and happy and that no one messes with you. always there for you, in joyous moments as well as when you need a shoulder to cry on.

so when you told him to come over, an innocent invitation to watch a movie, just as friends, neither of you thought you would end up naked and straight up fucking in the couch. because all it took was a raunchy scene or two to get you both horny.

the proximity, almost cuddling, didn't help at all. two people alone, comfortable with each other, and all hot and bothered? that only leads one way. in the blink of an eye, you just ended up naked, sitting sideways in ghost's lap as his thick cock stretching you open.

holding you close while the movie still plays in the background. desperately fucking up into your wet cunt, loving the way your spongy walls seem to be pulling him in and how your slick is slowly accumulating at your entrance and running down his balls. when your walls started fluttering around him with an impeding orgasm he had to fight hard to not spill his cum inside of you and fill you up - even though he wouldn't have loved anything more than that -.

what you did not know was that was the last push ghost needed to officialy ask you out

[heinousarrogance1]

the post above was the inspiration for this little fantasy, thanks @cutenbrattyyx for aloowing me to use your post here. A Room to Let 

(TW Non-Consent Fantasy)

One of the great things about living in a college town is the number of sophomore girls eager to get off campus housing.  A house conveniently located within easy walking distance of both the campus and the party strip downtown with a fairly spacious bedroom, with a private bathroom, and run of the rest of the house, a cleaner who comes twice a week, and an almost ridiculously low rent, I have a regular stream of applicants every fall. It’s a pretty easy sell even if I am a single older man.

After showing the room a couple of dozen times, I settled on taking in Jenny as this year’s tenant. A cute but also kind of timid girl, never objecting if I was standing a little too close or looking a little too long.  She showed up to move in the weekend before school started ,  and I handed her the key, gave her the wifi password, and helped her move her boxes upstairs.  The whole fatherly helper vibe.

For the first month all was well, she got comfortable around the house, even hand a couple of friends over for a study group in the dining room,  and enjoyed the absence of an RA giving her shit for stumbling in drunk at 3 AM on the weekends. Now if there is one thing you can count on from young women just out of the nest with too much freedom  it’s overspending. The first of the month rolls around and when I knock on her door and ask about the rent she’s sheepishly admitting she is a bit short and can she have a few days.  Of course Jenny.  We keep up this charade for a week and a half.  And it’s Friday night, I hear the shower run in her bathroom and the sounds of her blow dryer going so I know she's getting ready to go out.

Time for my move.  A quick rap on her door and I open it without warning,barging in  to find my cute little sophomore Jenny taking naked mirror selfies.  I stepped over to her, talking loudly about the overdue rent, but the entire time my eyes were on her lithe naked body.  One hand grabbed the wrist holding her phone,twisting it to see that she was taking photos, not video and the other went to the back of her neck, bending her swiftly over the dressing table.I pinned her down with a grip in her neck, her face almost up against the mirror.  “Rent is Due! Jenny..”

She began to beg, “please no, don’t please.. I’ll get the money..” but I just held her naked body down with one hand  in her hair at the back of her neck, as the other freed my cock. She tried to struggle but pinned down and against the dressing table there was no escape.  I pushed my cock into her and she was already wet. God she was so tight and warm around my cock. “The little slut likes showing off, doesn’t she” I growled in her ear.  

 I slammed into her over and over, each thrust bottoming out painfully inside her unwilling little cunt.   Soon her tears started and her objections and resistance  trailed off into deep wracking sobs, as if her body, if not her mind accepting that this is what had to happen.  That’s when I reached around with one hand to rub her clit, a finger gliding over it in time with each thrust into her. It didn’t take long for the little slut to respond, her hips starting to push back, grinding her ass against my almost of their own volition, which only made the rubbing of her clit more intense. It didn't take long before her tormented body betrayed her, cumming hard as she was raped in her own bedroom. 

 I paused, not wanting to cum yet, holding myself still inside her as she came down, then I  started to thrust again, this time slowly, methodically building her back up towards another orgasm.  Her sobs shifted to moans, and again my hand slipped under her to caress her hard little bud, as I moved slowly inside her. This time her orgasm built more slowly, but finally  came crashing over her in waves, making her body shudder. Her moans were feral, like an animal in heat.  I thrust in deep and began to cum inside her, groaning with the pleasure of taking her like this the first time. I would not be the last.  I picked up her phone, sent a quick text message to her friend group begging off the weekend’s activities because she felt sick. Now I had the whole weekend to fully break her.  It’s going to be fun.

bend me over and r@pe me? 🥺

[antifainternational]

Tips for first-time protesters?

So many tips!

Before The Action: -Watch social media for announcements about the action or any last-minute changes to the plans for the action (like start times, rally points, etc). Be sure that the information you’re seeing is coming from a trusted source.-Probably a good idea to tell someone you know who’s not going what your plans are for getting there and what time you expect to be back. Maybe set up a time to call them to check-in. That way if you don’t call, they’ll know that something’s up. -Check the laws in your area around police powers to detain and arrest people. Find out what information you are legally obligated to provide the police and under what circumstance. Do you have to identify yourself if asked to by police? Do you have to show ID if asked to by police? Do the police have the power to detain you without charge? The answers vary depending on the country or region you’re in - best to find out what your rights are in advance! -Try to get a good night’s rest before the action and arrive sober and not hungover - you’ll need a clear head to make fast decisions on the go!-Try to go with someone else or, better still, a few other people that you know and trust (e.g. an affinity group). That way you can have each other’s backs and bolster attendance numbers too! If that’s not possible, you could try to make contact with a local antifa group and see if they’d be willing to let you join them in arriving at the action. 

-If you are going it alone, that’s totally fine, too! You can probably expect other anti-fascists at the protest to be a little bit wary with you at first (due to the tendency of plainclothes police to infiltrate and try to provoke shit), but that’s not a big deal. The worst thing that might happen is that you’ll feel uncomfortable and leave early, but we bet it’s much more likely that you’ll be making some new friends!What To Bring: -Having some kind of official/government ID with you might mean that the cops don’t have an excuse to hold you even longer while they identify you.  But this doesn’t always apply or make sense (e.g. for actions where delaying the cops by not revealing identities is part of the tactics). Many antifascists advise against bringing ID with you - it really depends on the region you’re in.  

-Cash money - avoid bank card/debit card/credit cards

-Public transit tokens -it’s probably a good idea to bring some N-95 masks for health reasons alone, but concealing your identity is also very generally a good practice (provided you’ve checked local laws about wearing masks at protests beforehand!)

- Wear comfortable shoes. You’re going to be standing for a long time. And possibly doing some sprinting! Dress accordingly! -Wear clothing appropriate for the time of year and season for being outdoors for several hours, just in case.

- Bring water, shouting at nazis is thirsty work

-write down the phone number for legal support in case of arrest.  -a change of clothes can help disrupt intelligence gathering by the opposition or police and also make you less conspicuous. For example, one member of our crew likes to bring a small backpack containing a different-coloured jacket, a hat, some sunglasses, and a tote bag big enough to fit everything in (including the backpack) and has been known to quickly duck into an alley or public washroom and switch jackets, put on the hat & sunglasses, stuff the backpack into the tote bag, and emerge looking like a completely different person! This has been a handy tactic when leaving a black bloc-style action to do recon of the opposition, for example.

What NOT To Bring:

-We’d recommend not bringing your phone or shelling out a few bucks to bring a burner phone that you’ve taken precautions to not connect to your person.  That phone shouldn’t have contacts listed under real names, etc.  If you do bring a phone keep it on lock - we know of cases where the cops or the fash got a hold of someone’s phone that wasn’t locked and then had all their contacts, photos, text & voice messages, access to their social media accounts, etc.  Not good!  Also remember that the cops could be using technology to intercept calls & texts.  Basically, never communicate anything on a phone that you wouldn’t say in public. 

-Don’t bring drugs or alcohol for what we hope are obvious reasons.

-Wearing identifiable clothing (i.e. with distinct logos, patches, patterns, colours, etc.) is not a good idea. Try to blend in with what others are wearing (that’s typically an all-black ensemble). Of course, having a change of clothes into something that doesn’t look like protest wear is probably a smart move (see above).  At The Action: -If you didn’t organize the protest or are traveling to another area to attend it, it’s good etiquette to follow the lead of the organizers and not start shit that they’ll have to answer for after it’s said and done and you’ve left. -stick together - try to stay with the group during the action and not get cut off from them. -It’s not really ever a good idea to take photos of your side/the good guys at actions although there should be obvious reasons why you might want photos/video of the bad guys.  Certainly never take pics of undisguised folks on your side without permission and certainly never post them publicly on social media, etc. You should try to avoid getting photographed if at all possible. -if police are there, use the STFU strategy. Shut The Fuck Up. Do not speak with them. If they ask you a question, “no comment” or “I don’t answer questions” suffices (providing your local laws allow this - be sure you’ve checked beforehand!).  -as a general rule, use common sense and pay attention to the situation at hand and let that determine what you do/don’t do.  Final tip: don’t over-worry yourself here - for sure make some common-sense preparations before you go but make sure you go! After The Action -make sure you’re safe to leave the action. This might mean traveling with others along a route you pre-planned. Or it might mean arriving at a pre-planned rally point afterwards to make sure everyone’s OK. Watch for people you don’t know following you. It might be a good idea to not travel directly home, but instead go to a public space or a few public spaces first. GOOD LUCK/LET US KNOW HOW IT GOES!

[ladyrosemone]

The Other Side Of Paradise

Using Google Translate here! 🗣‼️‼️ This is an intermediate of part one, as the Batfamily's point of view just like you had yours, official part two coming soon! Also my question box is open (I think) and without further ado, enjoy the read! (Thanks for enjoying the read 😭🫶🏼)

Tw!: Profanity (use of prostitute as a derogatory insult), murder, murder scene described, negligence.

Tag List: @tsuniio, @simpingpandas, @dakotali, @softycheol.

Dick is always first.

The first child acrobat of the circus, the first son of Bruce Wayne, the first Robin, the first brother, the first everything.

And he was proud of that, from being an orphan to the pride of Gotham it was not an easy path and much less a happy one, but amidst so much pain and loss he is grateful for having a constant; his family.

Dysfunctional and somewhat shaky, where violence and beatings are the language of love, they find comfort in knowing that they have each other.

He has Alfred as his honorary grandfather, who is the wisest person he will ever meet again.

Bruce, who even with his flaws is his father, who gave him a chance and never abandoned him, making him the man he is today.

Jason, the most distant but beloved of his brothers, knows that he can always count on him and his strength at all times.

Tim, his chair boy, his best confidant, and the best detective in the world, trusts him with his life over anything he can't find.

And Damian, his little brother, his favorite boy in the whole world, the Robin to his Batman, what he wouldn't do for his sharp-tongued brother; even when he came to the mansion threatening and stabbing everything, never gave up on him and the result was completely worth it.

His sisters are also dear to him; Stephenie and Cassandra are strong and independent, but also loyal and loving. Barbara may not be a sister -she still has her father- but she has earned a place in the family and is considered sister as much as Steph and Cass.

Of course he will never leave Duke behind, the newest, the ray of sunshine among them all, he expects great things from him.

Dick is always first.

Dick is the last one to remember you.

Jason hates remembering his life before the well.

He doesn't want to forget, there are memories that still keep him sane; his mother, when Bruce adopted him, his first patrol as Robin. You.

But if it were up to him, he would never talk about them again or even acknowledge their existence. They are chains that bind him, quicksand that make him sink whenever he tries to move forward and personally he is fed up.

Because no matter how many villains he catch and how many more kill, how many people save, nothing will take away the guilt of not having saved that person. Don't save you.

Of not finding the strength in himself to look for you now, because for you, there is nothing but shame and shame for himself. The first friend he had, the first brother he had, his first great loss, his only great regret.

Jason hates remembering his life before the well.

Jason hates being the first to discover your new identity.

Tim is a genius.

Genius falls short, his brain works like a computer within a computer within another; Wires instead of neural conduits and electricity instead of energy is what happens in that brilliant brain of yours.

He was never an ordinary person, he is ambitious and resourceful, intelligent and determined to get what he wants.

That started with the mantle of Robin.

When Jason was still in the portrait, he wanted to be part of the duo; He trained and prepared, ready to help from the Batcave until the Joker thing happened. And even when it felt bad to carry the title of the bat's henchman, he felt proud that his perseverance took him to the top.

And it was the beginning of his destiny.

Robin, Red Robin, the robin's mantle is and will be a part of him that he will never let go, but he is also the one who remembers every detail of every case of every villain of every attack in Gotham, is the one they turn to when they need to confirm exact information. Nothing escapes him, ever.

Tim is a genius.

Tim passed you by and lost.

Damian is the perfect heir.

His father is the most powerful man in Gotham and Batman himself, his mother is a skilled and lethal assassin, daughter of a dynasty of the world's fiercest assassins, and he is the result of the cross between the two.

He is perfect.

That is why he will never deign to look down on the unworthy; Richard is fine, Jason is worthy because served his mother and grandfather, Tim still doubts it, women are strong allies and that new boy has potential. Alfred and his father, of course, are worthy of his obedience.

And you? You are worse than a disappointment.

A stain, a mistake, someone who should never have existed, rotting his perfect legacy, you should be thankful he didn't kill you when he had the chance.

It's not that you deserve it, you don't deserve anything from it.

You are so insignificant to him that not even in his dreams did he worry about your whereabouts, of course he knew that you were no longer there, he had to watch you in case you stole something when you left like the thieving prostitute who was probably your mother, but when you did not return, he felt triumphant for having taken care of -without killing- the family problem.

Damian is the perfect heir.

Damian feels like his throne means nothing in front of you.

Bruce is a father.

He never considered himself one, maybe he wanted it once, when his own father was alive to learn from him, but that dream died when his people did it in the alley.

Despite everything, he tried to be a father to Dick, and his efforts, although questionable, worked. Then Jason with his bright eyes and bubbly personality, taken away too soon, let go too soon.

Even now, so near and so far, it is his greatest loss as Batman, as Bruce Wayne.

Tim was...complicated; arrived when he had not overcome his grief and treated him in the most atrocious way he had ever imagined treating his children. Still, he proved to him time and time again that was more than expected.

Damian was unexpected of an unexpected union; son of Talia Al'Ghul and grandson of Ra's Al'Ghul, he awaited a bloodthirsty and indomitable child. Which started badly ended well, his youngest son is on his way to writing his destiny far from his ancestry, and in his heart knows that did the best he could.

Barbara, although not their daughter, is part of their family, Stephenie and Cassandra are their beloved daughters, and Duke is officially their new son.

Bruce is a father.

Bruce is not your father.

Do others really have a voice in this narrative? You barely remember them, you barely knew them, much less you care about them. Yes, even Alfred.

"I don't understand, there's nothing more" Tim murmurs, looking at the images on the Batcomputer, reading the documents at the same time, his eyes bloodshot and his fingers trembling from the coffee laced with an energy drink that just drank "There must be more"

"You searched enough, you should get some sleep" Barbara intervenes, in her wheelchair "I'll cover you"

"No, there's something I'm overlooking" he insists "I know, I just have to look carefully"

"Tell me it's not that thing again" Jason complains, arriving at the Batcave with his Red Hood suit on, barely removing his helmet.

Dick nods, his usual smile not drawing his face, just a grimace "We're close to finding it, just...something's missing"

The image is clear; a party room, with people dancing and laughing, as precise as a painting but recent that appeared in the newspaper. All of these people are families of dangerous underworld groups.

Lords of drugs, weapons and human trafficking, ex-convicts and people who work for villains are...enjoying the party.

It wouldn't be relevant if it weren't the photo before the tragedy.

⚠️ Description of crime scene, bodies and blood under the cut ⚠️

All of them, women and men, young and old, nothing more than a combined mass of blood and bones, guts scattered on the walls and decorations of the room.

The floor, the stairs, everything contaminated, women's bodies -which were getting smaller, then only limbs such as arms, hands and finally, fingers- arranged on the main staircase. They all point to something;

⚠️End of scene⚠️

A painting.

In the two photos, the painting of a house is what steals the attention; nothing special, nothing grand, just a painting of a gray wooden cave house, with the background of a distant city and without a signature, almost overlooked as another photo if it weren't for the canvases and the paint under his fingers when he touched it.

In both photos the painting is at the top of the stairs, in both the light was shining on them and in both it draws attention before anything else.

Why? What does it mean? What does it tell them?

"There must be something more than that, hidden among the corpses" says Damian, the most obsessed -besides Tim- in discovering the identity of the one who, for months, has left them clues after helping them anonymously, only a pseudonym in your name; The Savior.

Or that is how those who bring your messages to them have referred to you, speaking of you as a Saint, a savior among men, God himself who came down to protect them.

And they can't let that continue.

They must know if you are dangerous, if you are a potential threat or potential ally. They must discover you.

Alfred arrives with more coffee, because he knows his words won't be heard at that point; When the family becomes obsessed with something, they hardly let it go until they get their fill of it.

His eyes pursue that house; small and misaligned, painted in a very specific way, too specific.

Jason doesn't like to remember the past.

"Wasn't there a phantom surcharge on the accounts months ago?" He says in a low voice, almost lost if the echo of the cave had not returned the word to him.

"There are many like that" Tim murmurs without thinking about the matter "Hey-!"

Jason pushes him aside, typing furiously and searching through files, searching and searching remembering remembering until...A contract, simple and almost empty, with a late date and an unknown signature, the name blank but with an address and a photo; the photo of the painting.

The house.

"How did you...?" Tim was surprised, looking at that contract as if he had never looked at it before, reading carefully, sleep and fatigue fleeing his body.

Bruce looks on without speaking, but those who know him know that a war of insecurities is raging inside him; How did it happen? Who was it? When did do it? Has access to all he private accounts? Do has know their identities?

The clue has been revealed, the answer discovered, and the game is just beginning.

"I think it's time to arrange the pawns on the chess board" you say in your luxury suit, the highest in the tallest building in Gotham, looking at the flashing lights that fill the streets, looking at the outskirts of Gotham, looking at your next move, looking at the wide-screen camera that's embedded in the painting's window.

[unluckilyimnot]

valentine's gift ! – sae, rin, isagi, kaiser, reo, bachira

Note: i did it with inherent Fandom but finished Jones of them beside bllk sorry I was busy preparing valentine's day for my gf. I'll post them tomorrow !!

m.list | rules

Sae has a list with all the things you once mentioned or showed him. It includes clothes, books, perfume – you name it. He’s also closely following all your new books and pieces so he doesn’t get it twice, for books only if it’s a prettier edition. He doesn’t care that you don’t like having things in double, he’ll get it. Any of this, if not all of it, along with a bouquet of your favorite flowers. He’d also love see you try the clothes he just got you

Rin prefers to offer you an experience, so maybe he’ll get you a place for an exposition or an escape game ! Something you can share with him, having pictures on your wall and good memories. That also can be going to the movie theater to see a cheesy movie so you two only laugh all along.

Isagi is more shy about it, he really doesn't want to mess it up ! He's asking his friends and even his mom for advice before offering you a homemade meal – that he did himself, with his mother's help. He thought that only chocolate would be boring, so why not enjoy a whole meal and some show you currently have going on ?

Bachira is all about handmade gifts, he's a DIY king. And his mother is always here to help him if he's stuck with something. He would make you a paper bouquet, the kind of letter or box when you open it there's pop-up hearts. He tries every year to make you chocolate but he still hasn’t found a good recipe it seems.

Kaiser is all too much, every time with gifts. He has money so why not spend it on you? He wants you to brag about it, even if he knows that's not the type of gift you cherish the most. That's why every year he takes you to a new or small restaurant, held by natives. It's really out of his new comfort zone, but so that you two can make special memories, meet new people and cultures. Because he never had the occasion to go to this kind of restaurant before, he wants to discover each of them with you.

Reo doesn't want to rely on money – well, not too much. You'll ALWAYS have a giant bouquet of roses, but he tries his best to make the rest meaningful. Yes, he'll buy you that pretty ring you saw the other day as well, and that perfume you said was too expensive. But you'll also have a handwritten, 4 page letter about how much he loves you and how you bring light to his life every day. You'll find a plushie of your favorite animal he made himself in crochet (he learned it just for you) on your bed. It's all about the implication he puts that makes it beautiful.

Let me know if you liked it !

[lay-z]

barbed-wire kisses | 1

Synopsis: Soap, the SAS and 141's most prized explosives detection hybrid and demolitions expert, gets a new handler.

Pairing: hybrid!John ‘Soap’ MacTavish x fem!handler!Reader Warnings/Info: 18+ | Soap is a purebred German Shepherd hybrid. Despite ears, tails, and their adopted nature/instincts/personalities, hybrids have human features. | enemies strangers to lovers; forbidden love; angst; hurt/comfort; heavy smut; eventual romance; canon-typical violence; military inaccuracies; dom/sub elements; forced submission; cussing; humour (Please mind the warnings for each chapter!)

Based on this idea 🩶

Big thanks to my bestie @bloodytalefeathers for helping me handling our boy Soap 🐶

It’s always a rather impersonal affair as a hybrid serving in the military–getting a new handler assigned and vice versa.

John sniffs you out, of course, before Captain Price even has the chance to properly introduce you. When the Sergeant is given your file along with the handlership documents on a random Wednesday in February–the ones you’ve already signed a few weeks prior–he gets one deep whiff of your musk still lingering on the paper and starts prowling the base on the lookout for his new target.

Despite the many familiar, surrounding scents among the different smells announcing the beginning of spring, it doesn’t take too long for a specimen like him to pick up on and find you on the large military base, letting the winds do most of the work for him.

He's just way too good at his job, and his little self-imposed challenge leaves his chest puffing with pride and the blood in his veins buzzing with an odd eagerness to meet you once he finally spots you among the large crowd of soldiers on the training grounds.

John decides to skip his lunchbreak and watch you instead. He takes a seat on a well-positioned bench with a good view of the field where you’re currently going through drills with a platoon that you’re serving as their temporary CO. His tail swishes lazily against the wooden planks of the bench, pushing off some dry leaves that gathered there.

He’s read about you, knows that you’ve just come back from a five-month overseas deployment in Al Mazrah–supporting their local forces with the training of the serving hybrids, among other duties.

John can see it in the tension you carry in your neck and shoulders, in the way you keep checking your surroundings while you give orders to your soldiers, and with the dark circles under your eyes–all of it speaks volumes of how well you’ve adjusted to living on base again so far, and, boy, does it look bad.

On top of that, you’ve just been transferred to Hereford from your previous base and task force–after getting your new orders while you were still deployed–so you must be twice as stressed and thrice as vexed about this whole new arrangement you’re finding yourself in right now, thanks to the brass. He also knows that you’ve already moved and settled into your new place close to the barracks. Close to where he lives, too.

Fucking brilliant, John thinks, and his large furry ears twitch as he grins wickedly. It’ll be more than easy to get rid of you if you’re already feeling this worn out; perhaps even easier than it went with the previous handlers he’s had since boot camp.

None of them ever made it past the six-month mark before they were transferred again due to their incompetence, though none of the higher-ups has ever admitted fault and called it what it is.

No, it’s always just been ‘Soap being a bloody handful’, slippery and clever as he simply happens to be, and yet the brass still keeps refusing him that exceptional permission which would finally grand him freedom–the freedom to operate without a handler on, and to a certain degree, off duty.

He is a canine hybrid, yes, and his nature might make him extraordinary, aye, but he’s not a fucking toddler in need of assistance and guidance 24/7. It’s bad enough that his rank as Sergeant can easily be outranked by a human subordinate simply because he happens to be a hybrid.

His thought process is disturbed by the crunching of boots on the gravelly road leading up to his makeshift recon spot, when a group of soldiers walks up the rolling hill to have a smoke break.

Scrunching up his sensitive nose at the stench of cigarettes despite being used to the smell, John gives up his seat for the group, straightening his shoulders with a curt nod at them before he makes his way back to HQ.

There’s a meeting he needs to prepare for after all.

A few hours later, the briefing room clears again when everyone claims to not have any questions left to simply get it over with.

“Right,” Price utters roughly. “I’ll leave you two to it then. Lieutenant,” he gives you a curt nod and John has to suppress a smirk when the Captain shoots him a glare as soon as his back is turned towards you. “Soap.” And John can hear the stern warning underlying Price’s voice before the latter leaves the briefing room and shuts the door behind him with finality and a raging ball of concern lodged in his guts.

And even though Price has left, and took his commanding aura right with him, the room feels even smaller and stuffy now with only you and John, standing across from each other like it’s a Mexican Standoff.

While John lets his eyes roam freely, assessing you thoroughly and searching for weaknesses, you simply keep your sharp eyes trained on his with a kind of effortlessness that is slowly making the fur on his tail bristle–up, up, up his spine until it tickles his neck and makes his ears twitch involuntarily.

Your hands are firmly clasped behind your back, your stance relaxed as your hip leans against the table behind you; keeping your whole front exposed and vulnerable while you’re oozing nonchalance and confidence with no trace left of all that tension and fatigue he’d noticed earlier when he was watching you train with your platoon.

You almost look… bored now that you’re finally alone with him, and John doesn’t quite know what to make of this reaction.

His thick brows furrow and he caves, despising the tense silence already. “Ye not gonna say nothin’, lass?”

Suddenly, your lips twitch into a humourless half-smile. “That’s still ‘Lieutenant’ to you, Sergeant,” you reply coolly. “We’re no friends yet.”

“Right,” he half-snorts, half-huffs in response. “Well, ‘am lookin’ forward ta workin’ with ye, ma’am.” If you’re just a wee bit clever, you could easily pick up on the sarcasm in his words, and judging by the way your eyebrow twitches, you can. His tail swishes proudly in response, and then John mirrors your stance; clasping his hands behind his back before rolling his broad shoulders and straightening up to his full height.

“Oh, are you now?” It’s a rhetorical question, and John finds the way you tilt your head to the side like a wee pup utterly adorable, along with the fact that he’s taller than you, forcing you to crane your neck if you want to maintain eye-contact with him despite the thick-soled combat boots you’re wearing.

“Well, in that case–” You bring your arms forward suddenly, clutching a black collar in your hand; brand new and personalized, the scent of its full-grain leather still fresh and thick in the air. His eyes zero in on your name and rank stitched into it, along with your emergency contact and military ID number. “May I?”

John’s tail stills, bright eyes widening imperceptibly as he stares at the collar and processes the implication behind your words. He doesn’t get collared like this, no; usually grabs the damn mandatory thing and puts it on himself to get it over with.

“Ye insistin’ to put it on me, la–Lieutenant?”

You simply stare up at him with those unimpressed, gorgeous eyes – eyes that have seen as much, perhaps even more, horrific crap he has in combat–and his heart starts jumping in his chest in return. “You tell me, Sergeant. You wanna be a difficult pup?”

He swallows hard, clenching his teeth and wrinkling his nose at the raw condescension in your voice. Aye, he wants to make this difficult, wants to get rid of you already and let everyone know that he doesn’t need a handler–doesn’t need you–and yet he can only shake his head slowly while you stand before him so confidently, triggering his natural urge to please, to submit to a leader.

None of your predecessors ever made him feel quite like–this–so effortlessly. They always tried to force it yet never succeeded.

Almost subconsciously, John steps forward, towering over you though you still don’t move a muscle before he leans down, bracing his palms on the table you’re leaning against, now practically bracketing you in. “Go ahead, then,” he hums roughly, lowering his gaze to hide the way his pupils are dilating while his skin begins to prickle at the sudden close proximity to you.

As you unclasp the collar to bring it up to his neck, he gets a real whiff of your scent and nearly groans; an all-natural concoction of female pheromones, sweat and skin hidden underneath a layer of artificial peach-scented body wash and deodorant. His mouth starts salivating and he gulps it down harshly, fingers twitching against the table as you fasten the collar around his neck.

“Atta boy,” you mutter and your warm breath puffs against his rapidly flushing skin, making his pulse jump in his neck. His dog ears twitch as he leans in closer until his nose nearly brushes against your shoulder and he exhales a shuddering breath as the collar finally wraps around his throat.

“Need it a wee bit tighter, ma’am,” he rumbles and his breath hitches as you oblige; he swallows thickly, barely able to, while the leather creaks and tightens, pressing against his Adam’s apple snugly. You fasten it with nimble fingers, leaving goosebumps in their wake and his pulse sky-rockets at once. “Aye… perfect,” he breathes, almost panting now, his voice strained while another tingle runs down his spine that has warmth pooling between his thighs, and his cock chuffing in his boxers with interest.

An unexpected chuckle makes his eyes flicker up to meet yours again. “I see how it is, Sergeant,” you muse, a hint of a smile playing on your lips that makes him smirk boyishly in return.

Then, your index finger hooks through the metal loop for his leash, and another gentle tug makes his heart flutter and his chest rumble with a playful growl.

“Well then, let’s get to fucking work, MacTavish.”

And it’s the firmness in your words or the pure determination twinkling in your eyes that leaves John’s tail wagging.

Perhaps both.

[kiwriteswords]

Sweet Comic Valentine [Aaron Hotchner x Best Friend!Reader]

Ki2k Masterlist||MainMasterlist (not updated, sorry!)|| Ao3||Word Count: 600|| AN: a lil v-day fluffy friends-to-lovers ficlet for my ki2k Fluff day! Requests are still open for Ki2k!!

Tags/Warnings: female reader, Valentine's Day, friends-to-lovers, fluff, no use of y/n, bau!reader

Summary: Why spend Valentine's alone when you could spend it with your boss, who is halfway in love with you?

The bullpen at Quantico was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that only a holiday like Valentine's Day could bring.

Desks were empty, computers slept, and the usual hustle of agents seemed like a distant memory. Only the soft hum of the fluorescent lights filled the air as you sat at your desk, drowning in paperwork that didn't know it was a day for lovers.

You had always been close to Hotch, your boss and, somehow, your closest friend within the rigid walls of the FBI.

The two of you had mastered the art of dancing around each other's emotions, a choreography too complex to disturb with confessions or truths that might disrupt the balance you had so carefully maintained.

But the truth was there, simmering beneath every shared glance, every half-smile in the hallway--both of you harbored feelings deeper than the façade of friendship you presented.

He was meticulous, always two steps ahead in every case, yet you could almost read his mind when it came to his next move. And he…well, he seemed to hear your thoughts before they ever made it to your lips. This silent understanding had become your unspoken language, comfortable and familiar.

As the clock ticked closer to the end of a seemingly endless day, you were resigned to spend another Valentine's Day alone, surrounded by cold cases rather than the warmth of a romantic dinner. That was until you heard his steady footsteps approaching your desk, an uncommon sound in the stillness of the evening.

"Hey," Hotch started, his voice breaking through the quiet like a soft but unexpected melody. He stood by your desk, hands in his pockets, looking uncharacteristically hesitant. "I was thinking, instead of both of us spending tonight here, buried under all this," he gestured vaguely to the mountains of paper on your desk, then to his own, "maybe we could go grab dinner?”

As Hotch's invitation to dinner hung in the air, you couldn't help but let out a scoff, eyebrows raised in disbelief. "You do know what day it is, right?" you asked, half-amused, half-serious.

His response came with a hint of amusement, as if he was in on a joke you hadn't heard yet. "Yes, I'm aware it's February 14th," he said, the corners of his lips tugging upward slightly.

"Yeah, Valentine's Day," you pressed on, folding your arms over your chest, "which means any place worth its salt is booked solid. Finding a reservation now would be impossible."

Hotch's smile broadened, clearly pleased with himself. "I know what day it is," he repeated, "which is exactly why I made a reservation weeks ago."

Your confusion was evident as you processed his words. This seemed a little over the top for just two friends grabbing dinner. "What if I had a date tonight?" you asked playfully, challenging him. "You just assumed I’d be free?"

He looked back at you, his amusement clear. "Given that we've spent the last few Valentine's Days in the same way--working late, alone--I figured it was a safe bet. Besides," he added, his tone teasing yet gentle, "I wouldn’t take up your evening without making sure you had a memorable dinner to look forward to."

There was a warmth in his voice that made it hard to stay mock-offended. Hotch had always been thoughtful, but tonight, it seemed there was something more tender, more deliberate in his planning. It was hard to keep up the pretense of casual banter when it felt like there might be layers to his actions, yet unexplored.

"Alright, Hotch," you conceded, shaking your head with a light laugh, both at his foresight and your own unexpected excitement. "Dinner it is. Lead the way." You reached for your jacket, closing your laptop shut. 

As he turned towards the elevator, you followed, a curious flutter in your stomach. Maybe, just maybe, this Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be like the others after all. And perhaps this dinner could turn the page to a new chapter for both of you--one that neither of you had dared to read out loud yet.