#they will ask 'where is the bright orange paper' as you are holding the bright orange paper right in front of their faces

[swagging-back-to]

i dont get why people who watch kids are expected to watch them 24/7 by parents who barely watch them for 7 minutes.

i think babysitters should be allowed to sit in the other room while the kids entertain themselves. teachers should be able to sit in the corner doing paperwork while the kids do their thing.

as long as there is an adult present and at least partially attentive to whats happening i truly do not see what the difference is to the parents being there.

oh wait it's just that a lot of parents refuse to admit any fault in themselves and hold everyone else to extremely high standards so they have someone to blame their child's failings on :)

[khioneee]

𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐃.

simon makes weekly visits to your flower shop, leaving you curious about the person he’s mourning.

pairing. simon ‘ghost’ riley x reader

word count. 4.2k

Every Tuesday, exactly at three in the afternoon—never a minute early, never a minute late—he walks into the shop. Simon always looks the same: tired and drained, pale skin stark against the bruised shadows under his eyes. The cracked red of his lips stands out like a wound, and the way he moves, slow and heavy, makes it seem like sorrow clings to him, weighing him down like an old coat that doesn’t quite fit. Among the bright flowers and soft light of the shop, he stands out like a dark cloud against a summer sky.

"Just a bouquet," he mutters, his voice rough, as though speaking is a struggle.

You grip the counter a little tighter, his presence unsettling yet familiar by now. "Any flowers in particular?" you ask, knowing what the answer will be.

"Doesn’t matter," he says, shaking his head. "Whatever works. I’m not staying long."

He avoids your gaze, as he always does, like looking at you would be too much. The question lingers at the edge of your tongue—Who are the flowers for? Why every week?—but you hold it back. The weight that surrounds him warns against prying too deep, like a thin layer of ice ready to crack.

Instead, you turn away and begin gathering the flowers. You choose yellow and orange roses, soft lilies, daisies, and carnations—delicate blooms that contrast with his rough edges. For some reason, the usual kraft paper wrap feels wrong today, so you arrange them in a small white basket instead.

He always drops more than enough money into the animal shelter’s donation bucket by the door, so you add a few extra roses—your own small gesture to a man who seems to be carrying too much on his back.

When you finish, you find him standing at the far end of the store, idly turning over small trinkets in his large hands. His fingers brush the edges of old picture frames and porcelain figurines, movements careful, almost reverent, like he’s touching something that once meant something.

You approach him quietly, the bouquet in hand. "Will you be back next week?" you ask softly as you hold the flowers out to him.

Your fingers brush his—just for a second—and it’s enough to make him freeze in place. His breath catches, and something shifts in him, like a fault line trembling just beneath the surface. His expression flickers, the tired vacancy in his eyes replaced by a sharp, aching sorrow.

"I… I shouldn’t be here," he mutters under his breath, as if he’s only now realizing it. His hand retreats from the bouquet, and for a moment, he stands there, lost, as though the ground beneath him has crumbled.

Before you can say anything, he takes a step back, stiff and disoriented, his shoulders weighed down by something unseen. "Sorry…" he mumbles, though you’re not sure who the apology is meant for.

Then, without another word, he turns and strides toward the door. The bells jingle softly as it swings open, letting in a gust of cold, rain-scented air. You watch as he disappears into the storm, swallowed by the rain, leaving only the faint scent of flowers—and the feeling that he’s carrying far more than anyone ever should.

You don’t see Simon for three long weeks. And when he returns, it’s not inside the shop—but at three in the morning, under the flickering glow of a streetlamp outside.

He stands there like a shadow—silent, worn, and distant, as if he exists somewhere far from this moment. His hood is pulled low over his unkempt hair, and his black jacket, torn across the chest, looks like it’s been through just as much as he has. One hand rests in the pocket of his jeans, the other dangles at his side, knuckles split and raw, as if he’s been fighting battles no one else can see.

At his feet lies a crushed rose, its petals scattered near the bushes where it must have fallen. And for a moment, you wonder if his heart lies there too—shattered and discarded among the ruins.

You step out into the quiet street, the cold biting your skin as you approach. Words linger on the tip of your tongue, but you’re not sure if anything you say will be enough. The silence between you is thick, oppressive, as if the night itself is holding its breath.

A distant siren wails through the empty streets, and a group of strangers staggers past, their drunken laughter too loud for the hour. One bumps into your shoulder, and the force sends you off-balance—straight into Simon.

He catches you easily, his grip steady and firm. But he doesn’t react. No flicker of emotion, no sound—just the same vacant stare, his gaze lost somewhere you can’t follow.

"Does any of this even matter?" His voice is low, frayed, and cold, as if it’s been left out too long, ready to snap.

You crouch down, gathering the crushed petals by his feet. "What do you mean?" you ask softly, trimming away the thorns with the small scissors always tucked in your work bag.

"Buying flowers for someone who’s gone…" He pauses, his words falling heavily from his lips. "What’s the point? They’ll never see them. They’ll never know they were meant for them."

The crack in his voice is small, but it slices through the night, sharp and raw. You know that kind of grief—the kind that lingers beneath the surface, waiting for a moment to break free.

"Maybe it’s not for them," you say gently. "Maybe it’s for… the ones left behind. Trying to find something beautiful in the loss."

For a moment, his gaze softens. Just slightly. Just enough for you to see the exhaustion hidden beneath the rough edges.

"Do you need a ride home?" you offer, voice careful, trying not to push too hard.

He shakes his head, glancing down the empty street, his expression slipping back into something unreadable. "I shouldn’t have come here," he mutters, raking a hand through his tangled hair, frustration bleeding into his tone.

"You called," you remind him quietly. "Don’t you remember?"

You must be insane, coming after a man this massive. When his call came, you answered without hesitation, not stopping to think how reckless it was to trust a customer you knew nothing about. Rationality had left you somewhere along the way.

“Such a savior you are.” A bitter laugh escapes him, more a sigh than sound. "You shouldn’t waste your kindness on someone like me."

After months of quiet visits and fleeting conversations, it’s hard to believe he was ever a stranger. You’ve learned the way he pulls away just before he opens up, the way sorrow clings to him like an old wound that refuses to heal.

Simon flicks open a lighter, the tiny flame flickering between his fingers. The cigarette at his lips glows faintly as he inhales, the smoke curling into the cold air.

"You shouldn’t try to save me," he mutters, more to himself than to you. "I’m already lost."

You don’t push him for answers, knowing he won’t give them. "I’ll call a cab," you say gently.

"Why?" His voice cracks, raw and tired. The cigarette trembles slightly between his fingers. "Why are you being kind to me?"

Your heart tightens with the weight of everything you can’t explain. There’s no logic to how you feel—no clear reason for the pull that keeps drawing you to him. All you know is that ever since Simon walked into your shop, something within you shifted, and the thought of letting him slip away now feels unbearable.

"I don’t have anywhere to go," he admits quietly, his voice breaking under the weight of the confession. "She’s gone. There’s no one left."

The way he says it. It’s not just a statement. It’s a confession, a truth too heavy to carry alone.

"Loving someone that much…" You search for the right words, careful not to tread too heavily. "It’s not something you just let go of. It stays with you because it mattered."

He doesn’t answer right away, his gaze drifting toward the sky where the moon hides behind thick clouds. The weight of the night presses down on both of you, but you stand there with him, sharing the quiet until it feels just a little less overwhelming.

And this time, Simon doesn’t walk away.

Simon’s frame fills the entrance, broad and imposing, but the way he stands, rigid and hesitant, makes him seem smaller somehow—weighed down by something invisible yet heavy.

"Hi, Simon," you greet him gently, already sensing the weight he carries. "Visiting her grave today?"

For a moment, his expression flickers, as if your words pulled him back from somewhere far away. "Who—?" He catches himself, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah… yeah, I am."

You nod, knowing better than to press. Some things are only said when the time is right. "Anything specific you’d like for the bouquet?"

He shakes his head, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Whatever you think is nice… something you’d like."

The simplicity of his words catches you off guard, unexpectedly personal. Your breath hitches, but you hide it behind a small smile. You step behind the counter and begin gathering flowers: soft pink roses, delicate white lilies, and sprigs of lavender. Something light, hopeful, but not too much—a bouquet that balances beauty and sorrow without overwhelming either.

The silence stretches between you. Not uncomfortable, but thick with things unsaid. You can feel his gaze following your hands, watching as you arrange the flowers with practiced care. You wonder what it must be like for him, visiting her grave week after week, carrying a grief that never really leaves.

"It can’t be easy, coming by this often," you say gently, your voice soft as you focus on the bouquet. "That must be hard."

He shifts slightly, his shoulders sagging under the weight of something invisible. "No… it’s not," he admits, his voice low and rough, as if the words scrape on the way out. "But it feels right. I’ll do anything to see her."

You pause, heart aching at the rawness in his voice. As you finish tying the bouquet with a soft ribbon, you hand it to him. "She must have been lucky to have you," you whisper. "If you’ve been giving her flowers this often."

Simon’s hand hovers over the bouquet for a second, the compliment hitting him deeper than you expected. He shakes his head slowly, a sad, bittersweet smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Not as lucky as I was to have her," he murmurs, voice quiet but filled with something raw and unguarded.

For a moment, the world narrows to the two of you. His hand brushing against yours as he takes the bouquet, the warmth of his fingers a sharp contrast to the cold weight of his words.

"I'm sorry, by the way," he mutters, glancing down at the flowers, then back at you. "For disturbing you the other night."

His apology catches you off guard, not because it’s needed, but because it’s so unexpected coming from him.

"It’s alright," you say softly, offering a small smile. "You didn’t disturb me."

Simon gives you a subtle nod, as if the exchange carries more meaning than either of you will say aloud. Then, with the bouquet cradled gently in his hands, he turns toward the door.

The bell chimes softly as he steps out into the night, vanishing into the shadows beyond the streetlamp’s flickering glow. You stand there for a moment longer, heart heavy with something unnameable.

Simon’s presence was different today—darker, heavier. The quiet energy that usually followed him had given way to something more burdensome. His broad shoulders sagged as if carrying the world, and his gaze was distant, clouded with thoughts too deep to share.

You offered him a small smile, though you could feel the tension radiating from him. “Hey, Simon.”

He tried to return the gesture, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Hey,” he muttered, voice thin and tired, like it barely crossed the space between you.

Concern stirred in your chest, tugging you away from the counter. “You seem… off today. Wanna get out of here for a bit?”

He blinked, surprised by the suggestion, but didn’t protest. Maybe he was too tired to refuse.

“Come on,” you said, grabbing your jacket from the hook by the door. “I’ve got a place I think you’ll like.”

The drive was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Simon sat beside you, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, lost in thoughts he wasn’t ready to share. You didn’t press him. The hum of the tires on the road filled the silence, carrying the two of you away from the noise of town and into somewhere softer, quieter.

The sun hung low in the sky by the time you arrived, casting the field ahead of you in warm hues of gold and lavender. Wildflowers swayed gently beneath the breeze, stretching out toward the horizon as if they could touch the fading light.

Simon stepped out of the car slowly, his breath catching slightly as he took in the sight before him. The field seemed endless, open and free—a stark contrast to the burdens he carried.

You sat cross-legged among the flowers, and Simon followed, settling beside you with his arms draped over his knees, staring out at the horizon like he was searching for something lost in the past.

For a long time, neither of you spoke, the breeze carrying the scent of flowers and filling the silence between you. Eventually, Simon’s voice broke through, low and rough like a confession.

“It’s been a year… since she passed.”

The words were simple, but they carried the weight of deep, unrelenting grief. His gaze stayed fixed on the sunset, as if watching the sun disappear beneath the earth brought him closer to her.

“I’m sorry, Simon,” you whispered, wishing there was more you could offer him. “What was she like?”

At first, he stayed quiet, and you wondered if you had asked too much. But then, in a voice soft with nostalgia, he said, “A lot like you.”

The simplicity of the statement caught you off guard.

“How so?” you asked, glancing toward him.

A faint, bittersweet smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“She loved flowers,” he murmured. “Used to fill the apartment with them, even though I told her it was too much. She’d just laugh and say there was no such thing as too many flowers.”

You could see it clearly—a home bursting with blooms, her laughter filling every corner, her presence bringing life to everything she touched. Now, it made sense why he returned to your shop so often.

Hoping to ease the heaviness in the air, you plucked a dandelion from the ground and held it toward him with a playful grin.

“Make a wish.”

Simon eyed the dandelion, a tired chuckle slipping from his lips.

“Wishes don’t work like that,” he muttered, shaking his head.

“Maybe not,” you said, twirling the stem between your fingers. “But it’s worth a shot, isn’t it?”

He huffed another quiet laugh, the sound brief but genuine.

“Any chance you got a whole field of these somewhere?”

You tilted your head in mock consideration. “Not yet,” you teased. “But we’ve got this one, and I’d say that’s a good start.”

He shakes his head lightly, but the corners of his mouth lift ever so slightly. It’s a small smile—barely there—but it’s something, and that’s enough for now.

After that quiet evening in the field of flowers, something shifted between you and Simon. His visits became longer, lingering beyond the brief exchanges of bouquets. What had once been fleeting moments stretched into hours—sometimes the entire day—as if your presence gave him a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in years.

But Simon didn’t just idle. He threw himself into the heavy work around the shop without a word. If there were heavy pots to lift or supplies to haul, Simon was already on it before you could even ask.

"I’ve got it," he would mutter whenever you tried to help, brushing you off with that quiet determination. He lifted bags of soil with ease, rearranged displays as if it was nothing, and hauled boxes of supplies like they weighed no more than feathers. He’d even repair things you hadn’t realized were broken—fixing wobbly shelves or leaky faucets without waiting to be asked.

He worked with an intensity that didn’t match the simplicity of the tasks, as if lifting heavy things or rearranging displays was more than just helping—it was his way of staying close to you. The repetition, the quiet rhythm of it, seemed to steady something deep inside him, keeping him grounded. If exhausting himself with work meant he could be near you a little longer, he’d do it without a second thought.

Some days, the two of you would talk as you worked side by side. You’d tell him the little frustrations of the shop—how the clippers were always dull, or how the ribbon spools always seemed to run out at the worst time. You’d walk him through the same explanations, over and over again, with the same quiet enthusiasm every time. And every time, Simon would listen. Closely. Intently. Like your words were something invaluable.

But the truth was, it wasn’t new to him.

He knew the rhythm of your voice, the way you moved effortlessly between tasks, your hands brushing over scissors, twine, and ribbons with ease. It was too familiar, a life he once knew—now distant, fragmented, slipping through his fingers.

And every time you smiled at him, he had to remind himself: She doesn’t remember. She doesn’t know me.

You weren’t the same woman who had once filled his life with flowers and light. The way you arranged bouquets, the way you laughed, the way you tilted your head when you talked—it was all a little different now. Not enough for most to notice, but to Simon, the subtle differences were glaring.

And still, the pull of familiarity was there, undeniable.

There were moments when he stood too close, lingering a little too long, as if searching your face for something lost to time. When the memories became too sharp, he’d force himself to remember: She’s not her. She’s not the same.

But the words didn’t stop the way his heart softened toward you.

The quiet comfort of your presence, the sound of your voice filling the shop like sunlight through the windows—he found himself craving it. If he could stay busy hauling heavy pots, rearranging shelves, or carrying supplies just to stay close, then that was what he would do.

You weren’t the same woman he’d lost. But in ways that scared him more than anything, you were becoming just as important.

“Here,” you said, holding the flower out to him.

Hyuck blinked, caught off guard. “For me?”

You nodded, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Yeah. It suits you.”

He stared at the rose in your hand, hesitant at first, as if he didn’t quite know what to do with it. But then, with a small, uncertain smile, he reached out and took it. His fingers brushed against yours in the exchange—soft, fleeting, but enough to make something stir quietly between you.

“Why a rose?” he asked, twirling the stem between his fingers.

You shrugged, tilting your head thoughtfully. “Because it’s beautiful, obviously.”

He gave a short laugh, the kind that carried both amusement and disbelief. “Did it remind you of me?”

“Maybe,” you teased, your grin widening. “Or maybe you just needed one. Ever think of that?”

He looked down at the rose in his hands, the smile lingering on his lips. For a moment, the usual shadows behind his eyes seemed to lift, replaced by something softer.

“Thanks,” he murmured, his voice quiet but sincere.

You leaned against the counter beside him, close enough that your shoulders nearly touched. “Roses are special, you know. They mean different things depending on who gives them.”

He glanced at you, curious. “And what does it mean when you give one to me?”

You smiled, the answer slipping out before you could stop it. “It means I want you to keep coming back.”

For a moment, Simon just looked at you, his expression unreadable. His breath hitched, and the weight of your words settled between you like the scent of roses on a warm breeze. Something flickered in his eyes, something that looked almost like recognition, but not quite.

He gave the rose a little twirl between his fingers before tucking it carefully into the pocket of his jacket, as if it were something precious.

"I’ll keep coming back," he whispered, the words low like a vow meant only for the two of you.

In that quiet moment, surrounded by flowers and the slow hum of the day, something shifted between you—something delicate, like the first petals of a rose unfurling under the warmth of spring. You felt it bloom, soft and new, even though you couldn’t fully name it.

But Simon knew.

Because as much as he tried to convince himself that you weren’t the same woman he had once loved—weren’t the same person who had filled his world with light—this moment, the way you smiled at him, felt like a memory he had been chasing for years.

And as he stood there, with a rose tucked safely in his jacket and the sound of your voice lingering in the air, he knew he was already lost to you—just as he had been once before.

And this time, no matter how hard he tried, he wasn’t sure he could let go.

So, Simon stayed—lifting, moving, fixing—working himself to the bone, not because the tasks needed doing, but because he needed this. Needed you. Even if you didn’t know who he was, even if you couldn’t remember the life you once shared, he remembered enough for both of you.

And being near you, no matter how different things were, was better than being without you at all.

The evening settled over the quiet town, the cool air thick with the scents of late autumn and flowers nearing the end of their bloom. Simon's steps dragged as he made his way toward your flower shop, exhaustion settling deep in his bones from weeks away on deployment. His body was used to this kind of weariness, but the heaviness in his chest, that was something else entirely.

Between his fingers, he toyed with the rose. The one you’d given him weeks ago, now dry and brittle, its once-vibrant petals curled and shriveled. He had carried it with him everywhere, like a lifeline, as if holding onto it might somehow keep him connected to you.

As he approached the familiar glow of the shop’s windows, Simon slowed. When he peered through the glass, he froze.

You were inside, dancing under the soft overhead lights—not alone, but with another man. His hands rested at your waist, and your smile was radiant, carefree in a way Simon hadn’t seen in what felt like a lifetime. Even through the glass, he could see the happiness in your face. Happiness that used to belong to the two of you.

The knot in his chest twisted painfully. He knew things had changed. People moved on, especially when left with no answers, no promises. But seeing you like this, with someone else, felt like a knife to the gut he wasn’t ready for.

He thought of the accident—the one that had shattered your life and stolen your memories. The memory was jagged and relentless, lodged in his mind like a blade he couldn’t pull out. He could still hear the screech of tires, the shatter of glass, and your voice, soft and afraid, just before everything went dark.

You had been with him that night. Trusted him. And he had failed. The guilt twisted in his chest, blooming like thorns, sharp and unforgiving. If he had been more careful, maybe you wouldn’t have ended up in that hospital bed, lost to the world. Lost to him.

Inside, the man twirled you effortlessly, your laughter filling the shop with warmth. To you, the accident, the hospital, and everything you shared with Simon had never happened. But for Simon, it was a moment he could never escape. A scar that bled every time he thought of it.

He remembered sitting at your bedside in the hospital, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling the room. Your body had been bruised and broken beneath the white sheets, and your mom’s sharp voice echoed in his mind.

“You prick yourself because you don’t know how to take care of flowers,” she had said, her words as cold as the machines keeping you alive.

Simon hadn’t argued because she was right. He didn’t know how to care for flowers—or for you, not without breaking something delicate in the process. He’d tried. God, he’d tried. But trying hadn’t been enough. And now, he stood outside your shop, watching you dance with someone else—watching you live a life where he no longer had a place.

If it were before—before the accident, before the memories slipped away—he might have begged for more time. A proper goodbye. Maybe even a lifetime spent loving you until the flowers grew over his grave, the weeds plucked away so only beauty remained.

But now, he stood outside, a ghost at the edge of your new beginning.

The worst part wasn’t seeing you in someone else’s arms. It was knowing that you had no idea what you once meant to him. That every time you’d asked, "Visiting someone special?" you never realized it was you—your memory—he was mourning.

You didn’t remember the nights when your fingers ran gently through his hair, quieting his restless thoughts. You didn’t remember the mornings tangled in bedsheets that smelled like the roses from your shop, or the lazy afternoons when you’d hold up dandelions with that teasing grin of yours.

"Make a wish, Si," you’d say, eyes bright with playful mischief.

And every time, he’d push the flower back toward you with a soft, knowing smile. "I don’t need to. I already have everything I need."

And back then, it had been true.

But now, standing outside your shop with the brittle rose clutched between his fingers, Simon realized just how much he had lost. Not just you, but the version of himself who once believed love could be enough.

He knelt slowly at the threshold, placing the dried rose among the wilted petals and fallen leaves scattered near the entrance. The petals cracked under his touch, their fragility mirroring the ache in his chest. He didn’t bother plucking the petals—didn’t need to play the old game of ‘she loves me, she loves me not.’ Love, he knew, didn’t need an answer. It just was, even if it went unremembered.

Through the window, he watched you again, the man spinning you under the soft light, your laughter carrying in a way that felt like a distant memory.

And despite the sharp ache in his heart, Simon smiled—a small, sad thing, but genuine.

He had loved you once. More deeply than words could ever express. He still did. Even if you didn’t remember. Even if you never would.

Maybe that had to be enough.

With a deep breath, Simon tucked his hands into his pockets and turned away from the shop, his boots heavy against the pavement as he walked into the night. Behind him, the dried rose rested among the dead petals and brittle leaves, marking the spot where he let you go—not because he wanted to, but because he had no other choice.

The cool night air wrapped around him as he walked down the empty street. He thought of those dandelion afternoons, how you used to hold the flowers up to him with a grin, urging him to make a wish.

And for the first time, Simon let himself wonder what he would wish for now, if given the chance. But deep down, he knew the truth. No wish could bring back the version of you who had once loved him.

With your laugh still lingering in his mind, Simon kept walking.

It wasn’t the ending he wanted, but it was the one he had.

And this time, he would learn to live with it.

[the-kr8tor]

Hi my love 🤭

I'm pretty sure that Christmas doesn't exist in the Arcane universe so maybe a NYE event of sorts featuring Ekko and Reader?

They're either decorating or preparing some fireflies-fireworks. And while Ekko tries to hide his feelings for you, the fireflies around him keep turning into hearts behind his back! They aren't helping at all!

The end is up to you! I know you'll rock it 🥳

Thank you for the request, pookie!! I hope you like it ☺️❤️❤️

Pairing: Ekko x fem! Reader

Word count: 2.2k

Tags: No use of Y/N, no specific physical description of the reader (except for clothing), R has nicknames, cw food mentions, cw alcohol mention, cw injury mention, established relationship, best friends to lovers (speed run edition), love confession, lovestruck! Ekko, firelight! Reader, fluff!

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The entire hideout is busy, firelights running around, trying to get everything together before the sun sets. But it's not for some operation to bust a shimmer delivery or to keep some chem barons out of their territory— no, it's for something more festive. An occasion that's more happy that entails some alcohol, twinkling lights, greasy food and most of all great company. Ekko stares fondly at you from across the hideout as he thinks that your presence is his favourite. But Ekko doesn't let it show, or he hopes it's not noticeable.

His hands busy themselves with the wires needed to light up the lanterns. Fingers mindlessly twist around the red wires, but his eyes are nowhere near it. He looks at you as the orange glow of the sun bathes you in its light. Skin shining under it, smile blindingly bright as you grin at a fellow firelight who's helping you hang the rainbow streamers. It was your idea to celebrate the new year all without using loud fireworks since it would give away the hideout's position. In place of the traditional firework celebration, you've suggested sparklers and lanterns that people would tuck their wishes in before letting the paper lanterns go. The lanterns’ hot air would stop just before it reaches the top of the tree so that it doesn't escape the hideout.

With the help of Ekko's genius, and your expert pyrotechnics, the firelights can finally celebrate the festivities properly all without being worried of giving their location away. And with the help of the entire commune, preparing food, putting up decorations and setting up the table, it's all going according to plan.

Ekko thinks that you two make a great team. He can't help but smile at your back as you stand on your tiptoe to reach a tree branch. His oversized jacket looks great on you. He draped it over you this morning after he saw you walk out with a flimsy jacket when the chill in the air has turned into the negatives. You haven't shoved it off, he even pretended not to see you cuddle close to it whenever a breeze passes by.

You stand precariously on a ladder, body stretched up high. He sighs, looking like a lovelorn schoolboy. All the years of knowing you and having feelings for you, he has never felt like this, as if his heart is about to burst out of his chest and jump away towards your hands. He blames all the quiet nights you two have spent together planning the celebration. His mind keeps going back to the small moments where your knee would nudge his own, shoulders kissing his, and eyes aglow under his work lamp as you stare softly at him.

He jumps when he suddenly felt a spark on his fingertips. Following the electric shock, there's loud laughter around him.

With narrowed eyes, he finds the source. “What was that for?” Ekko asks Scar, nose scrunching up at his right hand man, whose finger was just pressing on the on switch. The others are holding in their laughter when Ekko glances at them.

“You were ogling.” Scar says with a teasing smirk.

“I wasn't.” Ekko goes back to connecting the wires, realising that he has forgotten to put on his gloves before working because he was staring at you from the get go. “I was making sure she doesn't fall.”

“From all the way over here?” Scar raises a pierced brow, eyes glinting with playfulness. Ekko blames Scar's light heartedness to the sweet mocktails a firelight concocted for the occasion.

“Shut up.” Ekko clicks his tongue, shaking his head as he pretends to finish up the wires.

“Sure.” Scar hums whilst there's snickering around him. Some even make kissing noises behind his back. They're lucky he's in a good mood or he'll send them to patrol the area instead.

“This one's done.” Ekko practically shoves the lantern in Scar's arms. He was caught in the act, but he'll be damned if he shows his flustered state.

“The next batch is near her by the way.” Scar leans to whisper, “you're within catching distance if she falls.”

Ekko's in a forgiving mood, and he can't keep hiding his clammy hands from everyone. So with a slight shove at Scar and quickly snatching his gloves, he makes his way towards you.

You heard his almost silent footfalls that's oh so familiar before you could even take a peek at him. “Hey, bossman, how're the lanterns?”

“Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that?” He looks up at you, hand stabilizing the ladder while you stretch yourself further up.

“The meaning of the nickname was lost on me years ago, Ekko.” You glance down, smiling sweetly at him. Unbeknownst to you, the sun shines directly behind you, giving you a heavenly aura as he sighs and grips the ladder tightly from the sight. “Besides, I'm used to it. It's a cute nickname.”

“Yeah, suits you, bossman.” Scar adds from way across the hideout. Ekko almost throws a light bulb at him, it would've hit him dead on.

Scar and those big ass ears of his. With a roll of Ekko's eyes, he turns back towards a giggling you, and his brown eyes immediately turn soft.

“Aren't you supposed to be making the sparklers?” Ekko can't help but give you a gentle smile as you tilt your head at him.

“Ah, now I remember why I call you bossman.” You take a few steps down to level with him. Leaning on a step, chin pressed atop your elbow, you meet with his brown eyes. “Finished it a few hours ago with some help from Vi.” Your eyes dart down at his hands, blinking at his slightly singed fingertips. You take his hand worryingly as his eyes zero in on your hand bracelet around his wrist. “What happened?” The pad of your thumb ghost over it carefully.

“I'm surprised Vi didn't set anything on fire.” He looks at your face while you stare with concern at his minor injury. “The thing suddenly turned on.” He's hoping that you can't feel his rapid pulse under your hand.

“What?” You almost break your neck at how fast you look at him. “We made the right calculations—”

“It's fine.” Ekko turns the table, hand reaching up to your elbow, cupping it gently. Your breath hitches in your throat, he notices, making him gulp down his nerves. His hand moves away in case you're uncomfortable from the touch, but you take his hand before he could fully leave your side. His heart leaps in his chest, anymore movement and it'll finally escape into your hands.

“I'm fine, trouble.” He squeezes your hand once, eyes darting quickly at your intertwined hands to remember it by.

“You sure?” Thumb running along the inside of his wrist, you can feel his pulse hammering wildly against his skin. “Alright, just check the damn thing before touching it, okay?”

“Yeah.” Ekko nods, mind telling him to press a kiss on each of your knuckles that he refuses to indulge himself in. “Now who's being the boss, hm?”

Chuckling, you roll your eyes as you reluctantly release him. His touch lingers for a moment longer, fingers grazing down your palms before you climb back up. “Go back to work or we'll be stuck preparing here until midnight.”

“On it, boss.” He mockingly says, walking away and towards the unfinished string of lanterns.

The sound of the ladder creaks as you step up, it has Ekko's worry knocking behind his back. And just as when the creaking turns into splitting wood, he's already turning around, bolting towards you at a speed he didn't even know he could manage.

The next thing you know, you're in his arms. “Holy shit!” You screech whilst firelights circle around you in a hurry. You can hear their sigh of relief when they see you and Ekko alright. He has fallen on the dusty ground with you on his lap, but you both got out of the fall without a scratch. Noticing him being under you, you grasp at his face, eyes wildly checking him for injuries. “Shit, are you alright, Ekko?!”

He groans, face falling atop your clavicle, arms still wrapped around you protectively. In truth, he's hiding his face from everyone else, knowing that they're snickering amongst themselves. His behind aches, but he's glad that he caught you in time. He can't begin to imagine if he didn't.

“Ekko?!” You call for him when he still doesn't respond. “Medic—!”

“I'm okay.” Grasping your bicep, he takes a deep breath before leaning away from you. “No medic needed—!”

Your sudden embrace has his face buried in your chest. Cheeks warm, his arms hovers around you in surprise for a second before hugging you back.

“I thought I killed you!”

“Mmfmfmmhmf.” His muffled voice has you moving away quickly lest he dies of suffocation instead. He takes in a deep breath to stabilize his staggered breathing while you still cradle his face. Pupils blown out, he refuses to look at the circle of firelights who are certainly making kissy faces at him or giggling amongst each other. “I said I'm fine, trouble. Are you okay?” Hands over your back, he sees your eyes glimmer under the light, lip jutting out into a frown.

Your arms unconsciously wrap around his neck, relief evident on your face. You're the one who fell from twelve feet, and yet you're worried about him. You could only nod, moving to embrace him again. Gentler and softer this time as you hide the tears clinging to your lashes against the crook of his neck. You'll never forgive yourself if you hurt him.

Ekko's hand rubs along your back, hugging you against him as he quietly shoo away his people. Scar helps disperse the crowd, but not without sending a quick wink at him.

The air around him seems to lull him to sleep, or was it your comfort that has him relaxing in place? He could stay that way with you forever, if you asked, he would gladly grant it.

“At this rate we'd be here until midnight.” He whispers against the shell of your ear. Chin placed atop your shoulder, he looks at the shattered pile of wood that used to be a ladder.

“I'm sorry.” You suddenly move away, subtly wiping away at your eyes. “Thank you for catching me.”

His heart wretches out of his chest. “I didn't say you should go.” Hand around your own, he stops you from standing up, but gives you enough space to leave.

You stay, squeezing his hand as you fall back into his lap. “You sure? We're right in the middle of the hideout.”

“I figured you weren't ready to leave just yet.”

Your hand reaches towards his cheek, staying there to rub affectionately away the dust sticking to his skin. “I thought I hurt you. Please tell me you're alright.”

“Better than.” He leans against your hand. Giving you a minute, he takes you in. From the curve of your lips, to how your cool hand feels on his warm skin, and to your frostbitten nose. He laments under you. Eyes darting around, it finally occurs to him that you two are right in the middle of everything. For what he plans next, he wants it to just be you and him. “C’mon, let's get you some water, yeah?”

Inhaling, you rub away the tears and stand up. You help him up with a hand, and he doesn't let go until you're both inside the tree house all alone. He knows that he should wait for the countdown, but he can't wait for a second more. Not when you look at him like how he looks at you. With longing and unequivocal love.

So when he spills his guts to you, all the soft and gentle words he has scrawled in his mind over the years, all with the thought of you— you didn't waste time crashing your lips against his own.

Ekko staggers forwards, hand bracing so you don't hit the wall. But you'd be too busy to notice anyway whilst you're kissing him fervently.

When he couldn't breathe anymore from the air stealing kiss, he leans his forehead against yours. Irisis blown out, hands cupping your cheeks as he inhales your scent and memorizes how you hold him close with your arms wrapped around his waist— he can't help but chuckle.

“Should I have waited for midnight?” He breathlessly asks, affection dripping from his words as he leans away to fully savour in your besotted state.

“Ekko, I've been waiting since you kissed my cheek when we were kids after I saved your ass from an enforcer.” You giggle as he mirrors your smile. “No, you shouldn't have waited. A kiss and a confession at midnight is cliché anyway.” Joking, you wipe away the sheen off his kiss bitten lips while you admire his lovestruck gaze that you're awfully fond of.

“We can still do it, kiss under the lanterns but this time without our teeth clashing and you almost tripping when you pounced on me.”

“I didn't pounce!” You feign an offended gasp, hand on your chest as he laughs and chases your lips. Kissing you with every breath you take. “Oh a very happy new year to us.”

Ekko takes it as a big yes for another kiss when the clock strikes twelve. Hopefully more in the new year, and for years to come.

[seoltzuki]

Taste

nayeon x gn reader

fluff, suggestive, not proofread

ice cream, love, running, kissing, tasting

“Think we can make it back home without the ice cream melting?” you ask, nudging Nayeon gently. She doesn’t respond right away, her eyes fixed on the colorful menu of the ice cream place, lips slightly parted as she contemplates the array of flavors.

“Nayeon,” you repeat, a little louder this time.

“Hmm?” She finally looks at you, her expression a mix of confusion and amusement. “Did you say something?”

You sigh, shaking your head with a grin. “I asked if you think we can make it back home without the ice cream melting.”

Nayeon glances back at the menu, then at you. “I think I want to try a new flavor,” she says with a big, playful smile. “I’ll get cheesecake.”

You groan at her lack of response to your question and already knowing where this is headed. “You always say that, and you end up not liking it and begging for my ice cream. Just get hazelnut, your favorite.”

She pouts playfully. “But what if this time is different?”

“You always say that,” you huff. “Promise you won’t steal mine?”

“Sure, sure,” she says, clicking her tongue and pulling you closer. “Now let’s get these cones and race back.”

After making your selections and paying, you’re both dashing out of the shop, ice cream cones in hand. The late afternoon sun casts long shadows on the pavement, and the heat is tangible, making the cool treats in your hands even more precious. The thrill of the impromptu race adds a spark of excitement, a playful competition that brings a rush of joy to your hearts.

Nayeon’s laughter, bright and infectious, echoes in the warm air as she pulls ahead slightly, her hair flying behind her in the golden light. Every glance back she throws at you carries a mischievous grin, her eyes twinkling with delight.

“Come on, slowpoke!” she teases, her voice light and full of love, challenging you to keep up with her.

You pick up the pace, your feet pounding against the pavement as you try to close the gap between you. The ice cream starts to drip, little drops of sweetness running down your fingers, but you don’t mind. In this moment, the world seems to narrow down to just the two of you: the sun warming your skin, the sound of her laughter filling your ears, and the cool, sweet treat in your hand.

As you draw closer to home, you feel a mix of triumph and relief. Breathless and sticky with melted ice cream, you finally catch up to her, matching her stride for stride. By the time you reach the front door, it feels like a small victory.

“We made it,” you say triumphantly, holding up your half-eaten cone.

Nayeon grins, a smudge of vanilla on her nose, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “Barely,” she laughs, breathless and glowing. “But it was worth it.”

You unlock the door and step inside, the cool air of the house a welcome relief. You turn to Nayeon, who’s already wiping the melted ice cream from her fingers. You grab a paper towel and gently clean the vanilla smudge from her nose, the simple act bringing a smile to her face.

She blushes, her eyes softening as she leans in and kisses you lightly. “Thanks,” she murmurs.

You pull her into a hug, feeling the sticky sweetness of the moment in every sense. “Anytime, beautiful... Let’s take these out,” you suggest, leading the way to the sliding glass doors.

Stepping onto the balcony, you both settle onto the cushioned couch, the city skyline spread out before you. The setting sun casts a warm, golden glow over everything, the sky a canvas of pinks and oranges. You take a seat next to Nayeon, and she snuggles up against you, her head resting on your shoulder.

“This is perfect,” she murmurs, taking a lick of her cheesecake ice cream. “I don’t think I could ask for anything more, baby,”

You smile, watching the sun dip lower in the sky. “I agree.”

As you finish your ice cream, you notice Nayeon eyeing your empty cone.

“Can I have a taste?” she asks, a teasing glint in her eye.

You feign annoyance, rolling your eyes dramatically. “I knew you were going to ask, Nayeon! It’s too late. I already ate the whole thing.”

She moves closer, her thumb gently brushing over your lower lip. “No, I want to taste it from here, baby,” she says softly, her voice low.

You raise an eyebrow, your heart skipping a beat. “From my lips?” you clarify, bashful.

Nayeon nods, her gaze intense. “From your lips.”

Before you can say anything more, she pulls you into her lap, her lips capturing yours in a slow, deliberate kiss. The remnants of the ice cream’s sweetness linger on your tongues as they dance together, the taste mingling with the warmth and passion of the kiss. Her hands move up to cradle your face, fingers threading through your hair as she deepens the kiss, her body pressing intimately against yours.

You respond eagerly, wrapping your arms around her neck and pulling her closer, the ice cream cones forgotten on the table beside you. The world narrows down to just the two of you: the sensation of her lips moving against yours, the softness of her skin, and the intoxicating mix of her scent and the lingering sweetness of the ice cream.

Her tongue lightly brushes against your lower lip, seeking entrance, and you part your lips to welcome her. The kiss grows more passionate, more urgent, as you explore each other’s mouths, tasting, teasing, and savoring every moment. Her hands slide down to your lower back, then your ass, pulling you even closer, eliminating any remaining space between you.

You can feel the heat rising between you, the intensity of the kiss igniting a fire within. You press her back against the cushioned couch, your hands roaming over her body, feeling the curve of her waist, the softness of her hips. She responds with a soft moan, her fingers now digging into your thighs, urging you on.

Breaking the kiss for a moment, you both gasp for air, your foreheads resting together as you catch your breath.

“I’ve wanted this all day,” Nayeon whispers, her breath hot against your lips.

You nod, unable to find the words to express how much you wanted this too. Instead, you kiss her again, more deeply, more passionately, pouring all your feelings into the kiss. Your hands move up to cradle her face, thumbs brushing over her cheeks as you lose yourself in the sensation of being so close to her.

She whispers your name between kisses, each lock of lips becoming more fervent, more demanding. You trail kisses down her neck, savoring the taste of her skin, her scent enveloping you as she tilts her head back, giving you better access.

“You’re driving me crazy, you know that?” she murmurs, her voice breathless.

You smile against her skin, feeling a rush of satisfaction. “Good,” you reply, your voice equally breathless. “Because you’re driving me crazy too.”

She pulls you closer, her hands gripping your shoulders as her kisses become more insistent, her need evident in every touch. You respond in kind, your kisses growing hungrier, more urgent.

Nayeon shifts beneath you, her body pressing more firmly against yours. You can feel her heart racing, matching the rapid beat of your own. Your lips travel from her neck to her collarbone, leaving a trail of soft, lingering nips that make her shiver in your arms. Her fingers weave through your hair, holding you close.

“My pretty- fuck- baby! Don’t stop,” she breathes, oh so needily.

You have no intention of stopping. You kiss your way back up to her lips, capturing them once more in a searing kiss. Her hands move restlessly over your back, your shoulders, anywhere she can reach, as if she can’t get enough of your touch.

You finally break the kiss, both of you breathless and flushed, your foreheads resting together as you share a quiet moment of intimacy. Nayeon’s eyes are half-closed, her swollen lips parted, a soft smile playing on her face.

“I love you,” she whispers, her voice full of emotion.

You smile, your heart swelling with love and happiness. “I love you too.”

As you both catch your breath, your bodies still entwined, you whisper mischievously, “Did you get a good enough taste?”

Nayeon’s pupils are blown wide, sparking with love and lust as she gazes at you. “Only a little,” she breathes, her fingers trailing lightly down your chest. Then she leans in closer, her breath hot against your ear. “There’s something else I’d like to have a better taste of.”

Her words send a shiver down your spine, as she gently bites your earlobe, making you whine. Without another word, you lean in to capture her lips in another passionate kiss, your own teeth tugging at her lower lip.

"Let’s have a better taste in bed then."

[pookietv]

new territory | arthurtv

okay so this was written with the intent of being a part two to set up (which you can find here!) but it works as a stand alone so i figured i'd post it as is, but if you want to read where it originated please do! :)

getting ready for a date with arthur, your best friend, hadn't exactly been something you had seen coming, though you most certainly were not complaining.

as you had been getting ready, slightly curling your hair and making sure it fell how you liked it to, you did feel slightly nervous, which felt odd to you - this was the guy who had seen you be violently ill after too many shots, or incessantly lazy and lying in bed or day, and now suddenly you were terrified if you didn't look good enough?

he had told you he would come to your apartment to pick you up, not telling you where you were going, only that it was out for food, so you had been left slightly confused on what the hell to wear, but eventually landed on a milkmaid style dress, waiting anxiously for the knock on your door.

and when the knock came, it took practically everything in you to not rush straight to the door and instead walk calmly, swinging it open as you were greeted with arthur, in a white shirt with a sage green button up left open on top of it, paired with black jeans, holding a small bunch of flowers, wrapped in brown paper with a grin on his face, and you couldn't help but look at him with a shy smile.

"hi, arthur! you, um, you look good," you said, and he laughed a little and quirked his eyebrow in response as he looked at you up and down for a moment.

"i'd argue you clean up a lot better," he said, "you look much different than when i see you in your pajamas all the time," he teased, before gently thrusting the flowers your way - tulips, your favourite, before continuing slightly awkwardly, "not that you don't look good in pajamas! just, you know, you look pretty."

his slightly gauche approach made you giggle slightly as you took the flowers from him, a slight blush spreading across your cheeks, "well, thanks, arthur! and for the flowers, too, they're really pretty," you said, before turning slightly with a pause, "i'm just gonna go put them in some water, then we can go?" you said, and arthur nodded, following you in.

you quickly grabbed a vase, filling it with water whilst arthur stood in your kitchen, turning to him with a smile as you placed them in the vase.

"so, am i allowed to know where we're going yet?" you asked him, and a smug grin played on his lips as he shook his head.

"can't you let a man have a surprise in peace?" he retaliated, and you rolled your eyes at him playfully, before he took your hand, his larger fingers intertwining in yours, and you must have been bright red at this point, thankful that he was instead dragging you out of your own apartment and laughing rather than looking at your pink face, and you couldn't help but acknowledge how normal it felt for arthur to hold your hand, and how much you quite liked it.

as you walked around london for a little, arthur assuring you it wasn't a far walk as you playfully teased him to make him tell you where you were going, with his strict half smile and assuring you that you were the most impatient woman he had ever met, you arrived to a small restaurant, a japanese place that you had been telling arthur you wanted to go to for a while.

"awh, arthur!" you smiled as he stopped walking in front of the place, holding the door open for you as you walked inside, the place small and authentically cosy, with warm lighting and oak brown tables, chairs accompanied by orange pillows as you sat down opposite each other at a table by the window.

"this whole you being nice to me thing is weird," you teased him slightly, causing him to roll his eyes once he had sat down himself, carefully shrugging off his jacket.

"hey, you know i'm the nicest to you," he said, a half smile playing on his lips as you raised your eyebrows in a joking manner.

"you're only nice to me 'cause i'm the one who knows your most embarrassing secrets," you cheesed to him, and his cheeks went slightly pink also.

he grinned, "like what? you have nothing worse on me than i have on you!"

"oh really? what about getting catfished by the same fake account three separate times? or being convinced you were going to be a magician aged thirteen?" you giggled as he shrugged his shoulders with a slight embarrassed look on his face.

"fine, fine. well, anyways, maybe you just need keeping on your toes, and that's why i tease you," he mused.

"is that what you call this? keeping me on my toes?"

he leaned in, mock conspiratorially, "maybe. or maybe i just wanted an excuse to flirt with my very pretty friend,"

"well, mission accomplished." you laughed slightly, your stomach tightening slightly at the compliment as your voice softened slightly, bashfully grabbing the menu in hopes to look down so arthur wouldn't see you reddened face.

"so, what do you think you're fancying?" he asked, gesturing to the menu, and you quirked your head a little.

"well, i always get miso soup, so probably that... but i'm stuck between the gyozas, rainbow rolls, or california rolls," you explained, and his lip curled into a soft smile.

"well, what about if we just order one of each and share?" arthur offered, and you looked up at him with a small smile.

"sounds good to me," you said sweetly, "that is, if you don't mind racing me before i scoff all the sushi all together,"

he scoffed in return, "hey, you've seen the way i can inhale my food, i think you've gotta worry about me finishing it all," he joked.

once you had both placed your order, you found yourself slipping familiarly into the way you and arthur had been, the familiar banter that you and him had always ricocheted against each other, although now there was a slight undercurrent of electricity or flirtiness, conversation being batted back and forth as the food came.

"you do look really pretty today, though," arthur said as he took one of the sushi rolls, "i know i said earlier, but i really like that dress."

"well, thanks, it's kinda new-ish, i haven't worn it much," you said as you also took a bite of your food before giving him a slight smirk, "did you have to practice that line in a mirror?"

he chuckled, shaking his head. "i'm afraid that was my god gifted flirting talent," he joked, "although i have been practicing the magic tricks you so despised,"

"god, not the magic tricks," you laughed, "i think i will be forever scarred from you joining the school talent show and dropping your entire deck of cards everywhere."

"yeah, i can't say that i don't still occasionally keep myself up at night dreading all that attention on me," he snickered.

"well, you've always had my attention, if that helps. i just didn't really realise it." you said, feeling a little embarrassed as the words left your mouth, looking up to see his eyes lit up in the most adorable way as his eyes were fixated on yours.

"well, i'm glad to know i've been on your radar, even if it did take you far too long to realise," he grinned, his eyes a mix of affection and amusement, "and you know you've always had my attention, anyways."

"you certainly know how to make a girl feel special," you teased.

he chuckled slightly, taking another bite of his sushi, "that's the goal, right?"

"well, its working," you grinned at him, and his slight smile grew, the warm ambiance of the restaurant giving his already kind eyes a gently looking glow.

"you've always got a way of making me feel better, don't you?" he murmured, the smile tugging at his lips only getting wider.

"well, maybe. but i've also gotta keep you grounded with all your confidence, no?" you giggled a little, and he nodded, the sound of his laugh warm and familiar as he replied.

"trust me, you do a great job of that too," he said, his hand gently brushing your fingertips from across the table, "but, seriously, i am really glad we're doing this. feels right, i think."

you nodded shyly in response, basking in the comfort of his thumb rubbing against the back of your hand.

the rest of the night passed in a blur, much to your disappointment, the nervousness that you had felt of the prospect of the date melted away as it grew easier to be romantic with each other. as he walked you back to your apartment, his hand had found yours once again as you walked back, his fingers intertwined peacefully as if they belonged there.

once you reached your door, you turned too him, not an unfamiliar sight to see arthur walking you home, but under the new circumstances, your stomach felt warm.

"thank you so much for tonight, arthur," you said softly, smiling up at him, "it was amazing, really."

he smiled, his thumb still brushing against your hand.

"pleasure was all mine. i'm glad you had a good time, or our friendship right now would be in a very awkward situation," he awkwardly joked, and you giggled in return, before he continued, "so, we should do this again? the uh, not just friends going out thing?" he said.

you nodded, a shy smile on your face, "i would love that."

as he leaned in to give you a kiss goodbye, it was only more confident and assured than the previous one, and you kissed him back, a unique feeling of comfort and a familiarity you were beginning to grow.

"so, what about that documentary marathon this weekend?" you grinned up at him, and he laughed in response.

"only if you can promise not to fall asleep half way through," he retorted with an eager nod.

[fraugwinska]

Hello Dear!

I hope your requests are open, if not then totally ignore this.

Can I get a reader x alastor where reader is doing something Charlie asked her to do like writing some scripst or some stuff and sing along with a song from a Radio ( you put a spell on me, from Austin Giorgio )

Just for alastor to come in teasing her to dance with him while he's doing just the things the song says?

>~< >~<

Djj3jdu3bkdkeik don't forget to eat and drink water!

Hello gorgeous! First of all: Thanks for a new addition to my 'Alastor'-Playlist ;> Second of all: YO, I live for promts like that - seeing that my main fic has a lot of scenes involving songs ;>

I experimented a little, leaving the end open for maybe a follow up, if wanted :P Enjoy, dear Frauchen @penelope-potter

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

You put a spell on me

Your mouth felt dry. How many envelopes had you closed now? One hundred? Two? You had stopped counting.

You cursed your bad luck at drawing sticks - it was the reason you had to sit back alone, working on getting recruiting letters for the hotel into cheap envelopes while the others were on a day out at LooLooLand.

Not that you were particularly interested in going to this amusement park (roller-coasters gave you vertigo and clowns the creeps), but it felt lonely being the one left behind.

Finding the silence in the foyer where you put up your work station too depressing you had quickly turned on the clunky cathedral radio that sat in the corner. Dialing back and forth, you finally found a nice station, a good mix of old and modern songs alike, and it made the repetitive task easier. You hummed along with those you knew, and tapped your foot to those you didn't.

Grabbing another envelope, a song you knew well came on, a favorite of yours that had dominated your playlists when you were alive. The piano and smooth voice of the singer echoed in the empty hall, creating an effect similar to a concert hall. You smiled to yourself, now glad that you were alone, and sang along.

You put a spell on me

I'm losing my mind

You better stop these things

It's a matter of time

You folded the letter in front of you, you body softly swaying by the sound of the music. How long has it been since you listened to it? Must've been months, you've almost forgotten how sensual the lyrics were. Your fingers slid over the fold of the paper you made, slower and more overly dramatic than before. Your smile widened at your silly reaction – you always had a thing for theatrics.

Before I hunt you down

Grab your chin and kiss your lips

You bring me back

I lay you down and grab your hips

And we lose all control

And before you know it

Deciding your work could wait for just one song, you put down the things you had in your hand, pushing yourself off the sofa. When would you get another opportunity like this? Forgotten was the frustration to be left on their own – this was an unexpected opportunity. Freedom.

You rounded the loaded coffee table full of papers and just danced, just for yourself, like you had so many times in that dingy, little living room in your old apartment, with no one to judge you.

Closing your eyes, you turned on the balls of your feet, hands moving over your body wherever you felt like they should, feeling almost alive again. You turned and twisted in what could be a waltz, could be anything, really, hips loose and movements fluid, you felt like a red satin scarf caught in the wind at night.

I put a spell on you

Now you're mine

I've got a hold on you

At least for the night

Another step forward, turning around yourself, something made you shiver. You didn't realize how much you missed this, missed losing yourself in your favorite piece of music... that was the reason your hairs stood up at their roots, wasn't it?

You opened your eyes to catch the flickering lights of the hotel decrease in intensity, going from shining in a bright orange into burnt amber.

That's odd. You thought just as you had the feeling of fingers brushing your waist.

You know I can't help myself

When you ask tenderly

If I'd dim the lights

As your hand brushes me

And the floor swallows your clothes

And your silhouette puts on a show

You startled when you looked down, seeing not your own, but a familiar looking shadow swirling through your feet, it's eyes and mouth pulled into a menacing grin glowing in cyan. You stopped in your tracks, frozen in place. You knew that shadow. And where that shadow was, there also was...

“Oh, please, don't stop on my behalf, darling. It was just getting good.”

Alastor appeared from the shadows next to the radio, his grin full of mocking glee. You felt your cheeks burn with embarrassment. Oh please Satan no. Why was he back? He went out with the others, you had seen him leaving with the rest of the gang.

“I thought you went to LooLooLand....”, you said nervously into the now quiet foyer. Alastor had put his hand on the radio, silencing it when you had stopped moving.

“I decided that childish attractions and cheap shows weren't really my kind of entertainment when...”, he laughed, tilting his head. “... there's a much more invigorating spectacle awaits right at home.”

You wanted to sink into the ground. Alastor always liked to tease you, saying he liked how you get flustered oh-so-easily, and he wasn't wrong. Part of why you didn't do things like these in the hotel was that you were incredibly shy, to the point of even being ashamed of the things you liked. A nice little memento from your past life – the weird one. The strange-hobbies one. The funny-looking one. The one-who-talks-too-much. And him being the teasing one didn't make it any better, given he was – yes you dared to think it – really handsome. The kind of handsome that could make you think about at night. In your bed.

“I was just... I thought I was alone.”

“That I could see.” Alastor chuckled, walking towards you with heavy-lidded eyes, hands folded behind his back. “Neglecting your drab duties to twirl around alone like a sad little figurine on a music box.”

“I-I... just took a break.”, you stuttered reluctantly, your fingers picking the skin of your arms.

“Mhm... only from what I'm curious. Who knew you like to use your free time to sing and dance?” He halted one step away from you, grin wide and toothy. “How come you didn't share these feeble talents with us, dear? Charlie would've been delighted.”

The spot of skin where you scratched yourself repeatedly started to turn red and sore. “I'm... not really comfortable... showing... I'm not good, anyways.”

“Ah, always so timid, so easy to pick on. You do make it too easy for me, darling, presenting yourself to be the perfect prey.”

He stepped forwards, pulling you in at your waist and taking your hand into a dance position. For a second, you forgot to breathe, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. The heat in your face was unbearable now, and you tried to writhe out of his grasp, but his grip was iron-clad. He smirked down to you, one brow up.

“How about we make it a tad less pathetic? Hm?”

The radio illuminated again, this time in a shade of moss green, not the usual warm yellow, and the song started again.

“Come on, little one, let's see if you're any braver with the addition of a partner.”

You put a spell on me

I'm losing my mind

You better stop these games

It's a matter of time

Alastor pulled you through the room, light footed and with a superior confidence. You were too stunned and much too intimidated to protest, just focused on preventing yourself to - god forbid - step on his toes and not to make more of a fool of yourself.

This really was hell – he'd think you were a complete idiot, talent- and useless. Dancing by yourself when no one's there to see your mistakes or silly choices was fun and all, but dancing with someone, less Alastor? You didn't want to think about how much of a loser you must look to him.

But he was only smiling, leading you with such force the steps came automatically. He was a skilled dancer, you knew that, and he proved it in this moment. With every passing note your feet became more steady, your back less tense until you flowed with him rather than struggled within him.

Alastor grinned, as if he just won a bet, and with his hand still on your waist, guiding you in another turn, he freed his other hand from yours and leaned in.

Before I hunt you down

Grab your chin and kiss your lips

Then you bring me back

I lay you down and grab your hips

And we lose all control

And before you know it

It all happened so fast, too fast to really process. His fingers pulled your chin up to him, and before you knew it, his lips caught your own in a sudden, electrifying kiss. Sharp teeth cut the tender, mavue skin, spilling a droplet of blood which he stole from the source, leaving you with an iron taste on your tongue and a frazzled mind.

Just a gasp later, he pulled you into a dip, his hands on your waist and hip hovering you just above the ground. You felt dizzy, your exposed neck right in front of his hungry mouth, so close you felt his breath, hot and wet. You trembled in his arms as he slowly pulled you up again, his eyes glued onto yours, mesmerizing and burning with the command – Don't you dare look away now.

You give me fever

And drive me insane

You keep me going in circles

With potions and bottles

And I can't escape

There wasn't any fancy movements now, just the sway of both of your bodies, closer than before, like waves crushing from the ocean to the shore. You didn't know what he saw in your face, but if it was a reflection of what you felt, it could only be a sick mixture of confusion, longing and desire.

Which was exactly what was written in his. Behind the smile that never seemed to leave him, there was no more of that mischievous, mocking attitude. More serious than you've ever seen him before, he was looking Hungry. Eager. Captivated.

I can't escape

Oh, I'm lost in your ways

Oh, I can't escape

Baby

Alastor pulled you again into the dance, moving through the room with you, the whole world around you turning instead of the other way around. But this time, the distance between you left no room for even a sheet of paper – you were pressed into him, he was holding you so damn close to him. A perfect fit, two pieces of one mold.

In a single motion, he put both of your hands on the back of his neck, while his flew to your back, sliding to your hips in sensuous trails. You felt his clawed fingertips through your clothes, sending delicious little tremors through your nerves up your spine.

Your head had stopped thinking straight - or at all - completely flooded with the feeling of his warm body on yours, his hands where you'd never thought they'd be, and that god forsaken look on his face. Even sex couldn't feel this intimate.

I put a spell on you

And now your mine

I've got a hold on you

At least for the night

At least for the night

The song ended, abruptly, and when the last note hit, you came to a halt, still entwined in one another, still connected through your gaze. Neither of you said anything, you just stared into each others eyes. Unspoken words hung in the small space between your lips, words you felt were better not said. The gnawing insecurity of yours crept back into your mind, threatening to break the spell you both were under by making you say something stupid. Alastor slowly let go of you, the last thing leaving you were his hands from your hips as he stepped away from you.

“How about that?”, he said quietly, more to himself than to you. Then, without another sound, he just melted into his shadows, vanishing from the foyer and leaving you with flushed cheeks and a torn heart - alone again.

[dreadsuitsamus]

Family | Kakashi Hatake x Reader |

author's note: i love family man kakashi and i'm not sorry!! papashi has me in a chokehold, and i love, love, love writing these domestic au's that aren't entirely romance centered. this can be read as a standalone but serves as a follow-up to blessings

pairing: kakashi hatake x fem!reader

warnings: light angst, modern au, naruto and sasuke are adopted

"Incoming." Kakashi says lazily from his spot on the couch, watching out of the window as the school bus drops the kids off right in front of the house.

You smile to yourself in the kitchen, already having plated the sliced apples with a spoonful of peanut butter, plus some quartered string cheese sticks onto paper plates. Your boys are always hungry coming home from school, and lord forbid if you were running just a bit late.

The front door bursts open and your two second-grade sons, Naruto and Sasuke, rush inside. Naruto immediately jumps onto his father, his laughter bright when he starts to receive tickles from Kakashi's nimble fingers.

"Pa!" He shrieks, wiggling around and fruitlessly attempting to get away.

"Whaaaaat?" Kakashi snickers, still tickling his blond boy. "I thought you wanted to say hi to your Pa? This is hello!"

While Kakashi and Naruto play on the couch, Sasuke sulks into the kitchen. He's quiet as he sits at the table and pushes his plate aside to set his homework down, putting down two worksheets and his pencil pouch; his face is unreadable as he starts reading the instructions. He's a very diligent student already, which doesn't really surprise you much, so you smile and set down a pouch of fruit juice.

"Good afternoon, honey." You press a sweet smooch to his forehead. "How was school today?"

"S'okay." He mutters.

"Mm, alright." You give him another kiss and head back to the sink of dishes you'd put together to wash before your sons came home. Sasuke was always more reserved than Naruto, yet the feeling that something's wrong creeps up your back. You can't figure a way to explain it that makes sense— but you know your boy better than anyone else, even his father. Something is eating at him.

"Naruto, darling, come eat your snack and start your homework please!" You call out, and his speedy footsteps start rushing to the kitchen. Before sitting down, Naruto slings his backpack under the table and rushes to you, hugging the back of your legs.

"Thanks, Momma!"

Goodness you can't help the swell of your heart every time he calls you that. "You're very welcome, sweetheart. Go on now, before your juice gets warm."

Naruto runs to the table and immediately starts working on his snack, whereas Sasuke is diligently practicing his handwriting worksheet, snack forgotten. For his age he has incredible handwriting, unlike his brother's absolute chicken scratch. Hell, you think he just might have you beat too.

"Where's my snack?" Kakashi hums while walking into the kitchen, placing his hands on your hips and kissing just behind your ear. You chuckle softly and continue scrubbing a plate while your husband works his nimble fingers where your thighs and hips meet, ghosting his lips along the back of your neck.

"Hmmm, something tells me it's not in the kitchen."

"On the contrary, yes it is." He nips your neck sharply, smooching the same spot with a small, apologetic kiss.

"You want my apple, Pa?" Naruto asks, suddenly at your side, holding up an apple.

"Sure do, kiddo." Kakashi picks up Naruto, kissing his cheek before opening his mouth up for Naruto to place the apple into his mouth. He returns Naruto to the table and fishes his homework from his bag, setting it out in front of him as he finishes the bite. "I also want you to get these worksheets done."

Naruto pouts, but Kakashi pulls a chair to sit beside him. "Come on, they'll be quick and easy, and then you'll get to go play before dinner."

"Okay, Pa!" Naruto gets a pencil from his orange pencil pouch, and from there he and his father tackle the handwriting worksheet.

You finish the dishes and wipe off the counters, listening as Kakashi and Naruto work on the little one's homework. Your heart is always full in these moments, the ones where Kakashi can quickly transfer between husband and father with ease and be the man he's needed to be at any given time. He's the perfect man for this family.

Sasuke is just finishing his work up, neatly placing the worksheets into his folder and packing it back into his bookbag for safekeeping. You smile at your son when his eyes meet yours. "You didn't eat your snack, honeybunch."

"Not hungry." He sulks away and starts heading upstairs.

You frown and look back at your husband, whose eyes are met with yours. He nods in the direction of the stairs, his silver hair falling in front of his face. You sigh and begin heading upstairs to talk to Sasuke, Kakashi and Naruto's voices fading with each step upwards.

"Pa, you need a haircut!"

"You think so?"

"Uh-huh."

"Hmm, maybe you're right."

With a careful sigh as you walk to Naruto and Sasuke's room, your eyes sparkle in amusement at the various signs they made for their bedroom door, including one appropriately titled NO GIRLS (XCEPT MOMMA) with a drawing of a girl that looks suspiciously like Sakura crossed out.

You knock gently. "Sasuke, can I come in?"

"... Okay."

You open the door up and step in, noting the mess you didn't get to clean up today. Dinosaur toys litter the floor and their clothes are, frustratingly, everywhere but the hamper. You'll get to it tomorrow, you decide, and sit down on the edge of Sasuke's bed, where he's curled up with his Nintendo in his little hands.

"Talk to me, baby." You say softly. "What's going on?"

"Nothing." He shifts uncomfortably, eyes on the screen of his handheld.

"Mm, I know you better than to believe that, Sasuke. I can help you make it better if you tell me what's up, y'know."

His jaw tightens and his eyes darken. You've seen him angry before, typically at his slightly younger brother, but this is different than minor irritation. "I'm fine, Momma."

"Alright." You hold your hands up. "I'll let you play your game." Perhaps Kakashi will have better luck; Sasuke's always adored his Pa and their bond is stronger, just as your bond with Naruto is.

You stand and head for the door, glancing at the picture of your brother hanging on the wall beside Naruto's bed. Your fingers are gentle against the glass for just a brief moment as you look at the photo, touching it like how you long to just hug your brother one last time. The pain of how fast everything happened still echoes in your heart, even after seven years.

I miss you, Minato. I hope you're proud of me.

You shut the door behind you, unaware that Sasuke had watched your interaction with the photo. He sees it every time you do it. He and Naruto are aware they were adopted; you and Kakashi had sat the boys down a handful of months ago and told them the truth after Naruto asked why the man in the photo looked like him. Believing they deserved to know their own origins and wanting to teach them about their parents, you and Kakashi told them everything. That man was Naruto's biological dad that died when Naruto was born, along with his mother, Kushina. It rocked Sasuke to his core to learn that technically, you and Kakashi weren't really his parents. But you both had loved him and raised him all the same, and as far as he was concerned you really were his mother and father.

But the more he looks at Naruto and the picture of that man on the wall, the harder it becomes to not be jealous of his brother. That man on the wall was his dad, and you were that man's sister. He came from a completely different family and was only connected by a piece of paper because you felt sorry for him. He was placed into your life abruptly; you didn't choose him!

His real mother is dead, his real brother is gone, and his real father is in prison for the rest of his life. More and more he feels like he doesn't belong, even though he wants nothing more than to be here. He wants to continue being loved like he had been, and wishes every day that he didn't know the truth.

What were his parents like? His brother? Would he have been potentially even happier than he is now? Or would it be worse? He doesn't have an older brother, since Naruto is technically younger than him. Would Itachi have loved him? He hears Gaara talk all the time about his older siblings and how they play pranks on him sometimes, or how they can be mean to him. Was that the kind of brother he would've had, versus the energetic, annoying yet kind and loving brother he has now?

Would his real mom and dad love him as much as you and Pa do? He can't imagine what it would be like to not have you in his life. What if something happens and you send him away? Or what if his real father gets out of prison and he has to go live with a complete stranger?! He doesn't want to be alone.

Sasuke sniffles and turns off his Switch, curling into a ball and crying into his arms.

"No luck?" Kakashi murmurs in your ear once Naruto has finished his homework and gone outside to play with Gaara and Rock Lee.

"No." You shake your head, worrying your lower lip with your teeth as you rummage through the cabinets for some olive oil. "He doesn't want to talk with me about it. He doesn't even admit that there's something bothering him in the first place."

Kakashi's strong arms slip around your waist, halting your anxious rummaging and easing your nerves with a strong squeeze. "I'll give it a shot."

"I just want to know what he's so upset about." You whimper, sniffling as you brush away a tear threatening to slip from the corner of your eye.

"I know, baby. Just relax— what're you searching for?"

"Olive oil, I'm making yellow rice tonight." You murmur.

He turns his head and glances at the shopping list on the refrigerator, olive oil being the very first thing listed. Sasuke's heavy on your mind if you've already forgotten what you wrote down mere hours ago— and he'll be damned if he allows something to threaten his wife's happiness for long.

"I'll go pick some up."

"Thank you." Another sniffle is followed by two fresh tears falling down your cheeks, and Kakashi kisses them away before delicately pressing his lips into yours.

"I'll be right back." He promises, and as he scoops his wallet and keys into the pocket of his leather jacket, he takes one glance at the staircase before jogging up and heading towards Naruto and Sasuke's bedroom.

"Knock, knock." Kakashi says as he opens up the door; he's a little less afraid to invade the boy's privacy than you. "Sasuke, you're coming to the store with me."

"I don't wanna." Sasuke murmurs into his pillow, the fabric of the pillowcase thoroughly soaked in the midst of his post-cry, thousand-yard stare. He's facing the wall and away from his father, but the sound of Sasuke's congested voice is telling enough.

"It wasn't a request, Sasuke." Kakashi's tone is firm but gentle, and Sasuke knows better than to go against his father when he uses that voice. So he pushes himself up and slips on his favorite Crocs, head lowered as he follows Kakashi down the staircase. Kakashi turns his head in the direction of the kitchen, calling out to you. "I'm taking Sasuke with me, baby!"

"Be careful, I love you both!"

"I love you!" Kakashi yells back before heading out the front door with the boy, allowing him to sit in the front seat.

"Why were you crying?" Kakashi hums softly as they wade into traffic, stopping at the red light.

"I-I wasn't-"

"Sasuke, I've known you for your entire life. I know when you're upset, when you've cried— I even know when you need to poop."

"Pa!" Sasuke whines, chunky cheeks reddening.

"And so does Momma. Who, by the way, is worried sick about you."

Sasuke drops his head. He didn't mean to worry you; he just didn't want anything to happen if he opened Pandora's box. "I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be sorry, honey." Kakashi sighs softly, pressing his foot to the gas when the light turns green. "But I would like to know what's been making you so upset lately. You're not acting like my little boy. More and more you just seem so sad."

Sasuke sniffles as the tears rise back up again. "I am sad, Pa."

Kakashi turns into the parking lot of the grocery store, quickly finding an open spot and settling the car into it. "Why, baby? What happened?"

Sasuke's little hands cover his face and a broken sob leaves his lips, and in an instant Kakashi is out of the car and opening Sasuke's door, pulling him in for one of his strong, reassuring hugs. "Shhh, baby, it's okay…" He coos softly into his son's dark hair, rubbing large, warm circles against his back.

"I-I…" Another sob cuts him off and Kakashi feels the tears soaking his neck. What on earth has Sasuke so worked up?? It's entirely unlike him to be this way; neither of the boys ever had a penchant for crying, though if Kakashi had to pick a crier of the two, it would be Naruto.

"Take a deep breath, Sasuke." Kakashi murmurs, continuing to rub the little one's back. "Big, relaxing breath. In through your nose, out through your mouth." He coaches gently, pressing a soft kiss to Sasuke's raven hair.

"I don't wanna go away!" Sasuke's cry is muffled into Kakashi's chest, and the doting father blinks.

"Sasuke-" Kakashi pulls back enough to see his son's red, tear-stained face. "Why do you think that would happen??"

"B-Because I'm not s'posed to be here! I-I'm from a different fam'ly!"

Kakashi's poor heart shatters at the idea that's been running through his boy's head, and he gathers up Sasuke in a tight, warm hug, nearly crushing the boy to his chest. "Sasuke." He chides softly. "You're here with us because that's where the universe decided you needed to be; and while you may have been born under a different name, you are my son."

"B-But what about Naruto?" He asks, sounding so small and frightened and god Kakashi has never been happier that Sasuke confides in him rather than you, because if you were to hear this from Sasuke directly, you'd surely create a new Nile river from your tears alone.

"What about Naruto?" Kakashi hums. "He's with this family for the same reason you are; you needed us. And we needed you guys just as much. I'd dare say me and Momma needed you more than ever." You two have certainly grown closer and developed an even stronger marriage as a result of the sudden parenthood.

"But he's Momma's nephew." Sasuke whimpers, and that's when it truly clicks for Kakashi.

"Sasuke, honey… Did you know that your Momma was adopted too?"

And judging by the blink and the physical recoil as Sasuke finally looks into his father's eyes, Kakashi deduces that he did not.

"She- She was?"

Kakashi can't help but laugh; to him you're so obviously not biologically related to Naruto, but he supposes children wouldn't think twice about it. And they shouldn't, he reasons. You all are as much of a family as any other; he loves his babies, and they are his. "I speak nothing but the truth, kiddo."

"Oh…" Sasuke wipes at his wet eyes, Kakashi supplying him with a napkin from his glove compartment.

"I don't know what's gone through that mind of yours, but listen to me now, Sasuke. You make this family whole. If any one of us were to go away, it would be incomplete. You and your brother are mine and Momma's greatest blessings; do you understand? We love you, Sasuke. We have since the very day you were put into our care, and that's why we adopted you."

"Not just 'cause you had to?" Sasuke murmurs as Kakashi takes over the napkin operation, wiping away Sasuke's tears and snotty nose.

"Of course not; if we didn't want to raise you, we would have sent you to foster care. And that was absolutely not going to happen."

"Okay." Sasuke sniffles again, but his heart fills with hope at his father's promises— Pa doesn't tell lies, after all, so he trusts the claims.

"C'mon now, we gotta get Momma some olive oil." Kakashi stands and tosses the napkin into a nearby trash can, chuckling softly when Sasuke slips his little hand in his father's much larger one.

They retrieve the oil quickly, and at the checkout Kakashi picks up a candy bar with a sly wink to Sasuke. "Don't tell your mother we had candy before dinner. And absolutely do not tell Naruto." Kakashi could never dream of sneaking in some candy before dinner with his other boy, as much as he loves him. He's just too damn talkative!

Sasuke smiles, tears and worries already long forgotten by the time they finish their chocolate bar and head home. Sasuke rushes in for a big hug, and while it briefly shocks you (Sasuke never does this; it's certainly one of Naruto's signature moves) you manage to get it together and hug your little man. "Hey baby. Thank you for going with Pa to get Momma some olive oil."

"You're welcome, Momma."

"I'll go get Naruto." Kakashi hums, leaving you and Sasuke to cook the rice together and set the table after giving you a kiss and a hidden smirk, and you smile to yourself— Kakashi's taken care of everything.

Kakashi returns after a few minutes with Naruto on his back, and loudly your son begins explaining how he and his friends were playing ninja, and that he was so clearly the best one. Sasuke frowns and interjects— clearly he would be the better shinobi, and you laugh to yourself as they begin to argue.

Kakashi follows you to the kitchen, holding you from behind as you get the rice going. "He's all better now."

"I can tell." You coo and turn your head to recieve a kiss from your husband. "My magic man…"

The corner of your husband's lip quirks up, and he gives you a lingering kiss, gently swaying with you until you've got the rice set and turning you to face him for a slow dance in the middle of the kitchen. You hum a soft tune and follow his lead, the sound of the boy's arguing over what wins between wind and fire tuning out when Kakashi's soft, pink lips are back on yours once again.

"I love you." You murmur against his lips.

"I love you more." Kakashi presses his chin on the top of your head, pulling you impossibly closer and slipping his eyes shut. "Without you, I don't have this family."

"We're all equally important in that regard." You kiss above his heart. "We made this together."

Kakashi smirks and catches Sasuke's eye once he realizes they boys have stopped arguing, giving him a subtle wink and feeling his heart grow impossibly fonder of his family when Sasuke grins at him. He could never, would never find a better life for him than the one he's got now.

[kur-ooz]

The taste of sweetend apple juice invades your tounge before you allow it to slip down your throat.

Another day with restless kids who want to be hero’s, famous colleagues, and stressing over papers to grade.

As much as you like to say you’d hate it, you couldn’t find it in your heart.

You looked at the clock as it continued to tick down time until it was time for you to go back to work.

You were in the break room enjoying a small lunch that you were barely able to pack this morning from how fast you were trying to rush out of the door.

You let out a content sigh, and picked out the bag of chips from your bag, grimacing when you notice what they are. “Ah shit.” You cursed under your breath.

Cheetos, and not the good ones, just the normal plain ones, you hissed angrily at the blatant orange packs with the tiger staring back you, mockingly.

Throwing the fifth back into your lunchbox, suddenly the break room door opened to reveal colleague, and crush.

You suddenly became aware of your posture and appearance, smoothing out your hair before he shut the door with a grunt. He turned to look at you, his bright eyes lighting up. “Hey! I didn’t think anyone was in here! Sorry.” He chuckled nervously.

Acting like you didn’t know he was even there (you did) you smiled, “it’s fine, how’s work going?” You asked before taking another bite of your sandwich.

He sat down, and pulled out his lunch box, you immediately noticed it was all might themed.

Cute

“It’s going fine, the kids are super excited for the hero stuff today.” He responded, while opening his lunchbox, revealing a beautifully prepared bento.

Before you could stop yourself you asked. “Did you make that?” He looked up slightly suprised, the apples of his cheeks glowing. “Uh yeah.”

You began to flush to, you didn’t mean to embarrass him if you did, “Sorry! I didn’t mean to make you feel weird about it.” You quickly apologized.

He looked up once again and then chuckled, “you didn’t, it just uh, kinda embarrassing when your lunch is all might themed.”

“I don’t think it is.” You responded softly, you didn’t think anything he could do would be embarrassing in your eyes, considering your infatuation with him.

His scarred hand stopped midway, “yeah?” He asked for confirmation. “Yeah.” You confirmed.

He smiled and then continued to reach for a small sausage in his lunch box.

Izuku was so interesting to you, he was so open but so shy at the same time, there was so much you wanted to know about him.

You looked back up from your bland sandwich and to him, he was focused on getting another bite of food.

“Izuku.” You called out, he looked back up awaiting for you to speak again.

“Have you ever gotten everything you wanted?” You asked.

It was melancholy, the way his eyes softened, the way his body un-tensed in an almost instant.

“No—but I got really close.”

He responded, you continued to stare at him, his eyes holding some withheld sadness, as if he wouldn’t allow himself to feel it.

You didn’t fully understand, but you weren’t dumb, you’d always noticed it.

There was a time in your career, highschool to be exact, where izuku was everywhere, fighting along side his peers, at some point you began to admire him, because he was always so much stronger than you thought you could ever be.

But you weren’t dumb.

You noticed how he’d look at his friends.

The want, no, the need to be equal again.

Something feral and carnal inside him, even an idiot could notice it, how badly he wanted it.

How sad he looked when he knew he couldn’t.

Honestly you felt like it was torture, sitting him down in the very same classroom that got him to the point he’s at now.

But you knew he didn’t feel that way, everybody knew that.

Because even though he wasn’t equal, and how badly it hurt to have what he wanted most snatched away from him right at the cusp of his life.

Everyone knew he didn’t regret a thing, and that’s why you admired him so much.

Izuku Midoriya.

Bye I was trying not to sob while making this, GIVE HIM BACK HIS QUIRK NEOW! Anyway this was inspired by an edit I saw, it was so good

[miyuhpapayuh]

22

Rolling over to grab her ringing phone, she blindly slides her finger across her screen and groggily says hello.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Leon chuckles on the other end, making her join in with her own tired laugh.

“Shut up,” she mumbles back. “Always been a morning person.”

“I thought it woulda rubbed off on you by now!”

“Maybe one day, but not today!” She quips.

“Happy Valentine's Day, anyway babe. I was gonna wait until you were already up, but I couldn't wait anymore.” He says, and she can see his smile from where she was laying.

“Aww, you are so cute! Happy Valentine's Day, baby. I can't wait to see you later and give you your gifts.” She gushes.

“Aw, you got me something??”

“Of course I did! One of them you can wear on our date tonight– but the rest are surprises!”

“Oh shit, there's more!” He exclaims, making her laugh. “Well, your first gift is sitting on your kitchen counter, when you do get outta bed.”

“Alright, I'm getting up now.” She says, sliding from underneath the covers to head out of her room, into her kitchen. A big orange bag sits, awaiting her.

“Aw, it's orange!” She frowns, walking over to it and looking inside, gasping at the potted plant— her very own poppy plant! It was also orange.

“A poppy plant?! Wait, I'm gonna cry!”

“Oh, don't cry!”

“No, no it's okay! They're happy tears!” She laughs, wiping her face, as she puts him on speaker, sitting her phone on the counter.

“Okay… you okay?” He asks.

“Yeah,” she whimpers. “Ugh, there's a card! More tears!”

Pulling that and the pot from the bag, she giggles at the bright bubble-lettered Zora that's painted on both sides.

“Aw, did you paint this??”

“Of course I did, baby. You like it?”

“It's the cutest thing I've ever seen, Leon. I love it. Nobody's ever bought me a plant before.”

“Well, I've never bought anybody one before, either. Look at us, being each other's firsts.” He exclaims, making her laugh and wipe away another tear.

“Shut up,”

“Ah— open your card, please dear.”

“Okay,” she grabs it off the counter, pulling it from its envelope, “you have to go soon?”

“Yeah, it's been nonstop since I got here, but the moment my supervisor gave me a break, I came straight back to call you. He’ll be looking for me soon.”

“Okay, I won't hold you up too much longer.” She says, looking at the pretty pink card with the holiday name emblazoned on the front in gold calligraphy, opening it up to read what's inside.

“Happy Valentine's Day to the sweetest woman in the world, I love you and cannot wait to see you later tonight. 

In the meanwhile, I've decided to send you on a scavenger hunt— what?! That's so cool!!” She yells.

“I thought you'd say that!” He yells back.

“Once you get to work, there'll be three things for you to find; something big, something tall and something small— all orange, of course.”

“Linda let you hide presents in her restaurant?? Wow, she must love me for real.” She snorts.

“She loves me too, ya know? Told you, we're besties.”

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The first gift she found was her “something tall”– a lava lamp. Not just any lava lamp, the specific one she had been eyeing from one of her favorite online shops.

Orange and black. A curvy designed frame that stands at about two feet. She was in love, already having a place to put it in her mind.

Putting it in her car for safe keeping, she begins looking around for the other two.

“Hmm..” She roams around the dining area, until she sees an orange piece of paper sticking out of a napkin dispenser.

Pulling it out, she begins to read it before squealing. She quickly covers her mouth and looks around, thankfully going unnoticed.

“I'm gonna kick his ass,” she laughs to herself, before reading the card once more. “Happy love day, angel face. There is a certificate attached for a one of a kind bouquet from your favorite flower shoppe. I know you jumped for joy cause you love your flowers! I love you and I cannot wait to see the look on your face. I worked so hard on  this. My fingers hurt. I love you, again. Bye.”

She giggles again, loving the neon orange paper clip that's holding the certificate to the card, how the certificate has poppies and cosmos on it, also wishing her a very happy Valentine's day.

“Goodness, there's one more thing! I might just die in here.”

A small group of customers coming in had her stuffing the card into the front of her apron and moving back behind the counter.

Once everyone was settled, she started to move away from the counter, until something told her to look to her left.

A flat black box is tucked by some papers. She pulls it out and stares at it, her brain mulling over what it could be.

“Hm. It's a lil heavy,” she playfully shakes it, before reading the note taped to the right corner, telling her to open it after work.

Which was a great idea, cause once she pulled the top off the box and found the burnt orange scrapbook Leon made her, all types of screams and expletives flew from her lips.

“Is he fucking serious?!” She screams, again, flipping through the pictures he'd candidly taken over the course of their relationship, so far. The food, the flowers, the dates, many moons and sunsets, baby ducks in ponds, the two of them in their element, and so many more special moments.

“He is so cute,” she tearfully laughs, wiping her face as she hears a knock at her door.

Opening it up to reveal her man, she jumps up in his arms as he laughs and walks inside, closing the door behind himself.

“Heyyy, baby!”

“Damn, girl! You missed me?”

Many kisses are exchanged.

“Absolutely! Been waiting to see you all day!” She exclaims, looking up at him with doe eyes as he pecks her nose.

“Why you think I got here so fast?! Did the mad dash for ya.” He says with a wink.

“I'll let it slide, today,” she snickers as he lets her down. “But, this right here! Best gift I've gotten today, so far.”

“Really? I had so much fun putting it together, too!”

“It looks like it, babe. And yes, you had me in here ugly crying! The pictures of the ducks took me outta here!”

“They were good models that day, for sure,” he laughs, running his hand over her hair, pulling her back to him.

“You're so cute,” she frowns.

“I'm about to get cuter, I fear.”

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Soon, they're at her favorite place on earth, getting ready to unveil the bouquet Leon handcrafted for her.

“Okay, close your eyes, sweet girl!” The owner, Inara, says.

“Okay, they're closed!” Zora squeals back.

“Hold out your hands.” Leon says, placing the bouquet in her trembling hands.

“Okay, open!”

Her wide eyes land on the most beautiful bouquet she'd ever seen.

“Wow, you love me a whole lot!” She whispers, watching as her vision gets super blurry with tears. He's right there to wipe them away.

Oranges and pinks and purples. Peonies, cosmos, poppies, a couple white roses in the mix. It was beautiful!

“I love you so much.” He says, wiping her wet eyes, once more.

“He's such a sweetheart,” the owner exclaims. “Made sure he got your favorites and some extras— lord, you taught him well about these flowers!”

Zora giggles, wiping her own eyes, this time.

“He did such an amazing job,” she frowns up at him, those sweet kisses he places on her makes her frown deeper.

“Anything for you, baby.” He cheeses. “Speaking of, I got one more thing for ya.”

She looks up at him in disbelief. “Really??”

He chuckles, an mhm leaving him before they wave to Inara and head towards the exit.

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She gasps. “You got me a kitty???”

“I sure did, baby. Meet Coco.” He says, carefully handing over the tiny orange kitty, smiling at the way she immediately curled up in Zora’s arms.

“Oh, this is what love feels like.” She frowns, rocking herself as she pets her head, snickering at the way her ears flicker.

“Hey sweet baby angel!” She coos.

He smiles, taking a picture with his phone. “Nothing but love, baby.”

“Nah, this is a new level! I don't think we've had too many conversations about cats or dogs, or any of that type of stuff.”

“Cause we're not that kind of couple. I trust my gut when it comes to you. I pay attention to you, and you've never struck me as a dog person.”

“I'm not, no.” She shakes her head, nuzzling her face against Coco's, making Leon laugh at the sight.

“I mean don't get me wrong, dogs are cool! But cats are so independent and I like that. Plus, look at this face!”

She turns her around to face him, those big green eyes looking up at him. He frowns and reaches out to pet her.

“She's adorable! The cutest out of the litter, too. Had to scoop ‘er up.”

“Aw, the cutest of the bunch?! Go you!” She coos, earning tiny squeaks back that make her heart swell.

“How old is she?”

“About a month old? I've got her papers back at the crib.” He says.

“Aw, can we take her home now?!” She asks excitedly.

“Yeah, let's get her signed out and she's all yours, babe.”

With her free hand, she pulls him into a hug, thank you falling from her lips about a thousand times. He kisses her hair, a smile stuck on his face.

“Anything for you, my love.”

Back in her apartment now, she sits Coco down in the fluffy cat bed she'd bought on their way back, loving the way she curls up in it.

“Ugh, she's so cute! I can't believe she's mine.”

“Imagine if I had missed the mark on this,” he snorts, making her laugh too.

“Nah, you nailed it without me even having to say it! I also wanna rename her.”

“To what?”

“Okay, now don't think I'm corny.. but, Valentine.”

“Aw! That's actually really precious.”

“Right?! The sweetest valentine present I've ever gotten from the sweetest valentine I've ever had!”

She squeals as they share a sweet kiss.

“You think she'll respond to it well?”

“Well, let's see..” She looks over at her, her little tail wagging slowly as she looks up at them.

“C'mere Valentine.. c'mere baby girl!” She coos, cupping her hands as she slowly moves away from the fluffy bed.

“Look at her trottin’ over,” he comments, “takin’ her sweet time.”

“It's okay, I'm new!” She whispers, still cooing and calling her by her new name, getting more and more excited as she gets closer to her fingertips.

The minute she hopped into her palms, she had to stop herself from screaming for joy all over again, as the baby kitten peers up at her.

“She's so cute, I cannot take it!” She squeals, watching her roll around and lay on her back, inside her palms. Leon pokes her exposed belly, earning squeaks that resemble laughter.

“Awww!” They coo in unison.

“I've heard that orange cats are sassy,” he notes, and she nods.

“Yeah, one of my aunts used to have one. She was something else. Jumped out the window one day and never came back.” She sighs, looking down at Valentine.

“You are not jumping out of windows okay? No jumping off walls and up onto high surfaces. Mama don't play that, mmkay?” She scoots her into one palm and holds the other up, snickering as her paw connects.

“Like she understands you, for real.”

“Just you wait, we're gonna have our little system up and runnin’ in no time!”

Soon having to get ready for their date, Zora drops Valentine off at auntie Nique’s, who might've been a tinge more excited than Zora once she saw those big green eyes.

“Oh my goodness, look at this sweet baby!” She coos, scooping her up.

“Right?! The most precious kitten I've ever seen!”

“I'm almost shocked she's not gray,” Nique laughs.

“Or black! I love the witchy kitties, too! Maybe she can get a sister later on.”

“Aw, not a slew of em! Lean on me is so in love with you, it's crazy!”

Zora's face scrunches up at the nickname she'd given Leon.

“Lean on me?”

“When you're not strong, yes.” Nique nods, before snickering.

“Anyway, dawg. I'm glad you could watch her for me tonight. God knows I won't be any good after he gets through with me.” She whispers the last part.

“Daaamn, you gettin’ strung up by the ceiling or sumn??”

“Girl, no! I just know ima get put through the mattress once I put this new lingerie on, though!” She whispers again, cackling as they slap hands.

“Just freaky frogs! I love it!”

“So do I! Now, tell Darnell we said hey and he better put his whole foot in whatever he's making you tonight!”

“Either that or my foot's goin’ up his a—” her sentence cuts off as he comes around the corner with a spatula in hand, squinting at her with a sly grin.

“You talkin’ shit, huh? You know I gets down in here for you.”

“I was just playing, babe.”

“Mmmmhm. Hey Zora.” He flashes a smile.

“Hey, boyfriend!” She mocks, making him laugh, before cutting his eyes back at Nique.

Zora snorts, looking between the two of them.

“Should I take Valentine to ma’s?” She jokingly asks.

“Bye, Zora Jean!” Nique laughs, pushing her towards the door.

“Okay, okay! You girls, be good, tonight! Don't give uncle Darnell too much trouble, okay?”

“We gon’ give him hell, girl!” Nique looks at Valentine, before smiling at Zora.

“If you find Nique strung over the balcony, I didn't do it!” He yells from the kitchen, making them laugh.

“And that's my cue!”

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Reservations at the Mimosa Grill were made in advance, which gave the couple ample time to get all dolled up for love day.

Smoothing her hands over her black, floor length dress, Zora gives herself a once over in the mirror. Nude lip. Smokey eye. Minimal jewelry besides the citrine earrings Leon had also gifted her. And nothing goes with a dress like that, but big hair!

Voluminous curls sit pretty on her head as she tousles them, loving each way they fall.

She felt so pretty.

Leon is across the hall in her bathroom, fastening the belt to his pants and cuffing the jacket of his all black ensemble, making sure the world sees the icy chain she'd gifted him. The light reflecting off the diamonds had him periodically letting out a “woo!”, making her giggle.

Low fade Leon had come out tonight, and Zora was more than a happy camper. Those waves were a dangerous tide pulling her under, and she already knew neither her nor her panties would survive the night.

Crossing the threshold, they both let out a whistle of appreciation, sizing each other up.

“Damn girl, this is sexy,” Leon says, running his finger along the curved and plunging neckline of her dress, watching the smirk on Zora’s face grow.

“Anifa does it again, I fear.” She laughs, touching the diamonds of his chain. “You iced out!”

“Thanks to my stylist and stunna girl,” he compliments, twirling her about, unable to resist smacking her on the ass.

“Ooh! You better be glad we've got reservations, sir.” She playfully warns as he dips down to kiss her, making her giggle.

“Don't tempt me, girl, I'll bend you ov—” she presses her finger to his lips, shushing him.

“Before you seriously get me started, we better go.”

“Yeah, you right,” he chuckles, releasing his hold on her to grab his keys and lead the way.

Clink!

For the occasion of love, the restaurant was decorated to the nines! Strings of pink and red hearts swayed from the ceiling between the open spaces, vanilla candles sat in the center of each table, along with a single rose wrapped away from the silverware.

“Did you pull strings and make sure this rose was orange?” Zora asks, a smirk covering her lips at his sly smile.

“You know I do my best for ya, poppy.” He winks, making her duck her head down and giggle. He laughs, taking a sip of his drink.

“I knew that was the right moment to use that on ya,” he adds.

“You are ridiculous, Leon. And I love it.” She says with a grin, reaching for his hand across the table.

“And, I love you, Jean.” He uses his height to his advantage and leans across the table for a kiss.

Taking a sip of her own drink, she briefly squeezes her eyes shut at the bite from the moonshine.

“What did you order again?”

“The mooshine sangria,” she laughs to herself. “I knew it would be strong but damn.”

“Is it good, though?”

“Yeah, yeah it's delicious! Just strong,” she smiles, skimming over the menu.

He stares at her a second longer, before doing the same.

Soon their waitress returns to put their orders in, and they're alone again, twiddling each other's fingers.

“Happy love day, as you call it,” Leon says, clinking their glasses together for the second time.

“Yes, happy love day! It's been so overwhelming in the best ways possible.” Zora sighs, chin in palm, staring at her man.

“Had to make our first one memorable, ya know?”

“In true Leon fashion, indeed!”

Their sweet conversation turns from the special occasion to Zora wanting to finally get back into her art world, Leon couldn't be more ecstatic. Even more so as their food finally arrived at the table.

“That's great, babe! When does all of this get set into motion?”

“Well, I still have to talk to Linda about quitting, hopefully she understands. I mean, either way, I'm leaving, but ya know what I mean.”

“Yeah, totally. If she tries anything funny, I'll be on standby.” He says with a couple pats to his chest.

“Stand down, please,” she laughs, continuing to sip her drink. “I'm sure it'll all be fine.”

“Yeah, you heard what I said, though.”

“Yes, father. I'll call if I need ya,” she salutes, as they both laugh.

“But, seriously. What's the next step after that?” He asks, chin in palm like she.

“That's actually a surprise,” she sweetly smiles, “but it'll be so worth it, I promise!”

“Aw, no fair!” He playfully whines as she laughs.

“Aw, come on! Be a good sport!”

“Fine, fine.” He playfully sighs. “But, I will let you know that I'm quitting my job soon, too.”

“Really??” She asks. “And doing what??”

“It's a surprise,” he mocks with a smile.

“You better be glad it's a lovely evening, Leon.” She snorts, sipping her drink as he snickers at her expression.

“Not so funny when the shoe’s on the other foot, huh?”

“Keep it up,” she nods, unable to stop the laugh from coming out.

“Okay, okay! But, I do have one more surprise I can share with you.”

“What is it?”

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Zora stomps excitedly in her heels as Leon guides her into their hotel room.

“This blindfold is killing me!” She squeals, making him laugh.

“Okay, okay,” he fiddles with the knot, making her stomp again, her giggles filling his ears.

“Happy Valentine's Day!”

Her wide eyes stare at every girl's dream. The decorated hotel room. And boy was it decked out for his favorite lady.

Oranges of every hue in the room, from the arrangement of cosmos and poppies, many balloons littering the ceiling, homemade cake all the way down to champagne flutes.

“Oh my god…” is all she's able to get out as she takes it all in.

“You l-like it?” He asks, feeling his nerves kick in.

“I love it, babe!” She throws her hands up, turning to face him with glossy eyes, to which he smiles brightly.

“Oh, come here, my big baby,” he chuckles, pulling her into his arms, careful not to smear her makeup.

“I'm glad I didn't do a full face now!” She laughs, the sound muffled by his chest. He joins in the laughter.

Pulling away a bit, they stare back at each other, bursting into more laughter.

“You're goofy,” he pokes fun at her.

“You're goofy,” she pokes back, actually poking him in his side.

“You started it,”

“What are we, fifteen?” She laughs, again.

“No, of course not. We're newly legal, apparently.” He playfully scoffs. “Haven't had that many shots since my college days, honestly.”

“Me, either. I'm praying we don't have hangovers in the morning.”

“You know I'm stocked up on aspirin and water, don't worry your pretty little head!” He places a kiss on the crown of her curly mane.

She felt precious all day long. Those butterflies just kept on multiplying, and now she felt like she was gonna explode.

Unwrapping her arms from him, she grabs his face to pull him down to her level, kissing him deeply.

His long arms completely cage her in, holding her up as he slightly dips them, getting drunk on her lips now, too.

Tongues tangling together, the promise of a night of bliss being spoken between them.

Pulling away, Zora’s chest heaves up and down as she stares up at Leon, who's just as breathless.

“I've got a surprise for you,” she lowly speaks, trailing a finger down the middle of his button-up shirt.

“Yeah? I must need to sit down for this.”

“Unless you wanna fall to your knees.” She quips, making him raise his eyebrows.

With that, she grabs her bag from the counter by the door and disappears into the room to change.

Carefully stepping out of the prettiest dress ever, she shimmies into the orange lingerie she'd fallen in love with, fighting the urge to squeal at how sexy she felt and looked!

Leon was gonna freak!

Adjusting her garters, she grabs the matching satin robe to hide such a set, and heads back out to where her beau is patiently waiting.

His smirk makes her insides clench. She strides over to him, stopping right in front, reaching out to rest her shaky hands on his broad shoulders.

“What's up under here, huh?” He asks, his long fingers fiddling with the knot on her robe.

“Untie it and find out.” She winks.

Doing just that and letting it fall open, he blows out a breath that makes her clench all over again.

“Mmm… all this for me?” He asks, reaching out to touch her anyway, gripping her thick hips, his sweet lips peck her belly and make her giggle.

“Yes, all for you, baby.”

“What a lucky man I am.”

Reaching up to push the silk away from her body, his hands roam back over her curves, kneading and groping as she bites into her lip.

“All for me.”

Standing to his feet, he picks her up and carries her into her their room, kicking the door closed. He drops her on the bed before climbing on top of her.

Her laughter fills his ears as he kisses all over her face, big hands tickling her sides.

“Stop” at different octaves came out of her as she flailed underneath him, slapping at his hands.

“Babe!” She squeals as he finally lets up the tickling, but not the kissing.

Laughter melts into moans, his kisses getting wetter the lower they get, traveling over to her thighs for a nibble in between.

Her garters are pulled at with his teeth before he spreads her legs wider, running a finger over her damp panties.

He watches as she bites her lip in anticipation. He smirks, continuing to tease her.

“You look so good like this,” his finger presses harder, earning a moan from her, “there it is, baby. Don't be shy.”

Her head falls back against the bed, and his free hand finds her neck, another moan leaving her.

Pulling her panties to the side, he whistles at the string of arousal clinging to them. Her head lifts back up and the look on his face makes her clench.

“So fucking wet,” his tongue swipes up her slit, sending her eyes back, her hands coming up to cradle his face as he continues the action.

“Oh my.. oh— oh my,”

His teasing humming puts a smile on her stuttering lips as he starts pulling that first nut to the surface.

“I'm gonna cum!” She pulls his hair, smushing his face against her, losing her mind when he wags it.

Not letting her recover, he makes her cum once again, her thighs beginning to shake in his hold.

“Baby, please..” she moans, softly rolling her hips against his face.

“Mmmm,” his humming sends shocks through her, his hands rubbing her sides.

In a flash, he's right where she needs him, deep inside, rocking against that spot so nicely.

“Look at that,” he mumbles, making their heavy gazes move down to where they join and rejoin again, those gushy noises are music to their ears.

“Feels so good,” she whispers.

His eyes dance back up her face and stay, as his heavy strokes land right into her spot.

“Say it again,” he says.

Like clockwork, she looks up at him, further melting and quaking as his brown eyes stare back.

“Mmmm, so fucking good!” She moans a little louder, earning a smirk from him.

Her pouty lips mouthing such sweet filth, as the man of her very dreams rocks her world.

“Fuck, baby,” her grip on him was beginning to loosen as he continued to fuck her into the mattress.

“Mmhm,” he moans, placing his hand at her chin and his thumb right at her bottom lip.

A faded smile appears on their faces as his thumb makes its way between her lips, coming in contact with her warm tongue and making his eyes roll like they did when he first slid inside.

“Mmmfuhh,” she whimpers around his thumb, feeling her thighs begin to burn.

“You cummin’,” he mumbles, removing his thumb to rub her clit, “let it out, baby.”

Her hands find his face, cupping his cheeks as her mouth drops open at the feeling brewing in her gut.

“Oh my god,” she gasps harshly, losing the rest of her oxygen as he swallows it in a kiss.

Pulling away, their lips retouch as he gets closer and closer to tossing her off the deep end.

“Just like that,” she nods fervently, “don’t stop.. don’t fucking stop.”

“Gimme that shit, babe..”

His hand slides to her throat, gripping tight. His other gripping into the sheets, as he’s close to the edge himself.

“Oh shit,” she moans, immediately feeling the air get sucked out of her lungs as her orgasm rocks through her like a heavy wave.

“I love you,” he groans, his own peak crashing toward him, sending him collapsing on top of her. Her giggles tickle his skin.

“I love you too, baby,” she sighs, her body twitching underneath his own.

“Catch your breath, cause I'm not done.” She whispers, kissing every inch of skin in her reach.

Ch 23

@ghostfacekill-monger @honestpreference @harmshake @henneseyhoe @blackerthings @soufcakmistress @megamindsecretlair @motheroffae @abeautifulmindexposed @thegifstories @starcrossedxwriter @mauvecherie-writes @twistedcharismaaa

[luveline]

can I request more bodyguard James? he’s just the cutest and I’m happy to read anything about it!!

thank you for your request! you and James go shopping and get mistaken for a couple ♥︎ fem!reader 1k

James looks like your boyfriend, sometimes. There are moments that he deems low risk in your life where he won't wear his radio or his utility belt, opting instead for plain black civilian clothing. In those moments, you aren't proud of yourself for doing so, but you like to pretend he is your boyfriend. 

He's looking through broccoli's for you. You hadn't asked him to. His hands sift through huge trees until he's found the most vibrant, holding it up for your inspection. 

"Perfect," you praise, opening your small paper bag so he can drop it inside with the rest of your hand-picked veggies.

The only thing left on your list is extra virgin olive oil, but you don't want to go home yet. You like the way people look at you and James when you're together,  awed and a little jealous. They might wonder how you nabbed a man like him, and of course you haven't nabbed him at all. That's your secret to keep. 

You meander down the vegetable aisle, your eyes skipping over snap peas and cabbages, bags of wonky carrots and parsnips. James grabs a bag of rooster potatoes before you can stretch over the crates for them. 

"Gotta wake up earlier in the morning to beat me, angel," he says. 

"I don't think I could." 

James wakes up at 3AM every morning, if he's to be believed. It makes sense. He wakes up, does bits around the flat, works out, has breakfast, and is waiting smiley and bright-eyed when you emerge from your room at 6:30. You're never as put together as he is, usually in your nightgown or one of those matching pyjama sets that make him look you up and down (though you both pretend he doesn't). 

No matter how bleary your vision is, it's impossible to miss the way he smiles at you every single day, like you're the sun coming up over the horizon. His pretty brown eyes squint, his thick crop of eyelashes threading together at their corners, and he says some warm variation of, "Morning, princess. Is it me or did you get prettier while I was gone?" 

"We could try it out. Of course, if you wake up at three, I'll have to start waking up at midnight," he says now. 

"I don't know how you do it," you say. Your voice is softened by genuine admiration. 

"I get to see you. Makes it easy." 

He's flirting, but with James you can never make out where the line is. Does he want you to flirt back? Does he want you to want him? You'd say without hesitation that James is your best friend in the whole world. He'd say without hesitation that his best friend is actually a duo, Sirius and Remus. That makes it hard. 

But it's okay. You don't need anything more than this: his hand on your shoulder guiding you across the aisle to the fresh fruit punnets, the smell of his cologne a familiar treat. 

You pick up a couple of things you like, mostly stuff you know you can convince James to share. He likes oranges best, so you grab a bag of huge ones and drop them in your basket with the veggies. It's getting heavy. You can practically see James' holding in an offer to carry it for you.

You're somewhere in the spreads and grains aisle when an older lady approaches you, or rather James, tapping him on the elbow gently.

"Hey, hun, you couldn't help me reach something?" 

"I'd be happy to!" he says cheerily. 

"Thanks so much. I've never been very tall, and every year I seem to shrink. It's just over here." 

James legally isn't supposed to stray from your side, so he threads his hand under your upper arm and pulls you with him. 

The elderly woman points to a box bragging organic, dehydrated strips of applesauce. "It's those right there if it's no trouble for you, hun." 

"No, of course not." 

James grabs her box with little to no effort expended. He doesn't even need to go on toes. 

"God, he's so tall," the elderly lady says to you. 

"He's super tall," you echo, your sunny talking-to-strangers voice in play. 

"And very handsome. You're a lovely couple." 

You fall into silence with your lips parted, not sure what to say. It isn't worth correcting and potentially embarrassing her for a harmless assumption, especially when you like that she thinks it, but you don't want to embarrass yourself in front of James by looking to eager. 

"She's the lovely one," James says, offering the applesauce with a huge beaming smile. 

She presses her hand to her collar, basket proffered until James places the applesauce carefully on top of a punnet of plums and a TV magazine. 

"Thank you," she says. "Getting old's no fun when you're short. And my husband was even shorter than I am! You hold on to this one, love, you never know when you'll need something from a tall shelf."

You and James laugh in a mirrored delight at her easy-going joking, his hand falling against the top of your shoulder, fingers spread and clasping. You swear, heat radiates like the sun from his touch alone. 

"I'm holding on about as tightly as I can," James says, "she couldn't get rid of me if she wanted to." 

You look at him, startled, and meet his earnest gaze. "I don't want to. I don't think I'll ever want to." 

James smiles. 

The elderly woman nods like this is something she'd suspected. 

"Good. You're a perfect pair," she says.

James rubs the space between your shoulders affectionately while he finally steals the heavy shopping basket from over your arm. You're too flustered from his touch to kick up a fuss. 

"I've been thinking the same thing," he says. 

[zablife]

Nothing's Going to Hurt You

Tommy x female reader

Summary: You wake in the middle of the night afraid and anxious, but unwilling to wake Tommy. However, he knows your fears and exactly how to comfort you.

Author’s Note: Requested by a lovely anon who asked for a fic where Tommy comforts an anxious reader. Inspired by Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby by Cigarettes After Sex. Set during the S2 war with Sabini.

Warnings: anxiety, slight angst, ends with fluff

A low rumbling outside the bedroom window broke your peaceful revery, eyes scanning the stained ceiling overhead for some recollection of where you were. As a storm rolled through the city, the painful realization flooded you once more. You weren’t in your bedroom, but trapped in a dilapidated safe house Tommy had found and your chest began to tighten at the thought of never returning to Watery Lane again. 

You tried to block the thoughts that crowded the forefront of your mind, focusing on the ticking of Tommy’s pocket watch on the bedside table, then counting the cracks in the ceiling to distract yourself. However, everything acted against you, agitating you to the point of madness.

Looking over your shoulder at Tommy, you found him sleeping for the first time in over a week and you gnawed at your trembling lower lip to keep yourself from calling out for him. An aching sense of dread filled you from head to toe the more you thought of the fate that surely awaited you both now that a new war had begun. You reached for him, feeling the warmth radiating from his chest, but even Tommy’s body heat, which usually comforted you, wasn’t enough to help settle your nerves.

The twitch in your limbs made you feel as though you might be sick if you didn’t have fresh air soon. Tossing the covers from your body in one swift movement, you attempted to move from the bed without disturbing the ancient bedsprings. 

You barely made it to the desk by the window on tip toe, gulping harshly when you finally made it there. You rested your palms against the cool wood to ground yourself, thinking how much you’d enjoy a drive to clear your head. However, Tommy had forbid it. He said it was too dangerous for you to go out alone, especially at night. Only last week Ada had returned home with bruises and a black eye, proving the Sabinis would hurt women as well as men if given the chance.

The thought of who or what might be outside waiting for you made your brain fire endlessly with possibilities and your nerve endings tingled with uncertainty. Nothing felt safe anymore and you wondered if it ever would again.

Pins and needles coursing through your fingertips made it difficult to grasp your lighter and cigarettes and you fumbled unsuccessfully in the dark before finally capturing them in both hands awkwardly. Making your way to the window, you shimmied the sash up just enough to take a seat before attempting to fish a cigarette from the pack. A streak of lightning lit up the sky, startling you and your heartbeat nearly tripled. 

With badly shaking hands, you couldn’t help but drop the pack of cigarettes to the floor with a harshly whispered, “fuck,” escaping your lips in the process. You left them where they lay at your feet as you attempted to light the cigarette between your lips, but your thumb poised on the lighter wouldn’t cooperate. You huffed out little sighs of frustration with every miss, wanting nothing more than to see that bright orange flame and hear the comforting sizzle of the rolling paper as you took that first soothing inhale. You could feel the tears burning at your lash line, hot and heavy as you fought to blink them back, inwardly scolding yourself for being unable to hold it together.

“Y/n? What’s wrong?” you heard the low timbre of his voice before you felt his fingertips caressing your shoulder softly. You jumped slightly at the shock of seeing Tommy before you as you looked up. He reached for the lighter tentatively as he might approach one of the horses when they were frightened. His movements with you were slow and easy when you were anxious because he knew a gentle touch was required. You offered it without question and allowed Tommy to take you by the hand.

Guiding you to the chair by the desk, Tommy sat you on his knee and smoothed your hair. You realized it was wet from the rain, though you had only just noticed. Tommy took your chin in his palm and searched your eyes in the bright moonlight. “Y/n? Are you alright, love?” he asked again in a low voice, though still rough with sleep. You realized how tired he looked, the dark circles under his eyes more prominent in this lighting and you felt ashamed of yourself for waking him. A wave of emotion crashed over you and your shoulders shook involuntarily with the cries you’d been trying so desperately to suppress.

A garbled sob escaped your throat as Tommy brought you into his warm embrace, rubbing his hands along your back. “Fuck, why didn’t you wake me,” he said, voice dripping with guilt that he hadn’t been there when you needed him.

Tommy clutched you tightly to him so you could feel the rhythm of his heart, strong and steady against your cheek. “Breathe for me,” Tommy implored you. You stayed that way for some time and when you felt your tears subside, you placed your palm over the sun rays emblazoned on his chest and began to take a few shaky breaths set to the pattern of his own. 

When Tommy felt your body begin to relax against him, he wiped the tears from your cheek with pad of his thumb and placed a kiss to your forehead. Reaching a hand up to caress his face, you drug your fingertips against the stubble along his jawline and whispered, “thank you.”

“Don’t have to thank me, sweetheart,” he assured you as you sat up to face him. You pressed your mouth to his in appreciation, a lingering taste of salty tears on your full lips. He lingered for a moment before brushing his nose against the shell of your ear whispering, “Unless you’d like to stay awake a bit longer. Then I could think of a few ways that lovely mouth could thank me.” He pulled away to reveal a mischievous smirk and you broke into a smile.

“Pervert,” you chided playfully as you looked out the window to hide your amusement and you heard Tommy chuckle.

As the silence grew, the rain brought the melancholy rushing back to you and you couldn’t help but ask “Are we going to are alright, Tom?”

“As long as you’re with me, you’ll be fine. No one’s gonna hurt you,” he vowed, pulling your shirt over your exposed shoulder so softly you barely registered the gentle motion.

“N-no, that’s not what I meant,” you stuttered, trying to find the words you wanted to ask, but were too afraid to say aloud until now. You knew Tommy needed a partner to handle the business and the family. At times you weren’t sure you were strong enough to be what he needed. You had to know if Tommy harbored those doubts as well. “You and me. Do you still want this? Do you still want me?” you asked earnestly. Although you were too afraid to tear your eyes from the drops of rain sliding down the window pane, you could feel him studying your profile and you watched him reach for you instinctively.

Capturing your face between his calloused palms, he forced you to look at him as he proclaimed, “I love you, Y/n. I couldn’t do any of this without you and I wouldn’t want to.”

You teared up at his words barely able to reply. “I love you too, Tommy,” you said before he pressed his lips to yours for a languid kiss. The deft movements of his mouth and tongue against yours were enough to silence your overworked mind and the patterns he traced against your thigh slowly lulled you into a soporific state.

When Tommy noticed your eyelids growing heavy, he carried you bridal style back to bed, taking up the spot closest to the door as he always did in case of trouble. Then he pulled you in close to his side protectively, allowing you to snuggle closer by intertwining your legs with his. The rain pattered against the rooftop softly as he brought the covers to rest over you, feeling pleasantly warm. You hummed in satisfaction as you felt Tommy’s hand tangle in your hair, rubbing your scalp the way he knew calmed you best. And just before your consciousness faded, his chin grazed the top of your head slightly, mumbling one last promise into the darkness. “Nothing’s ever going to take you from my side.”

----------------------------

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[l33bang24]

OMG It’s You…(Part 8)

YouTube!Fem reader x Stray Kids

Summary: Y/N’s YouTube channel is taking off after her reactions to Stray Kids MV God’s Menu. Now she’s making videos nonstop along with working a full time job. What would happen if she got offered a job of a lifetime and met the boys of her succession?

⚠️Warnings⚠️: reader feeling down, crying, people pleaser, (orange is Korean being spoken)

🏷: @laylasbunbunny @weirdowithaphone @silverstarburst @jusanontstuff @anxiousskylar @drewsandsebastianswife @amararosesblog @niaalove (Taglist open)

Series Masterlist

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Previously on OMG It's You…

Third Person POV

Y/N never imagined that she would be summoned to the conference room at her workplace, especially by unfamiliar individuals not from the United States. Nevertheless, they were seated on one side of the table, while Y/N found herself on the other, facing a stack of papers with the word "CONTRACT" emblazoned across the top.

“Are you interested in collaborating with us?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N’s POV

I have also been content with working in the evenings as I am a natural night owl. I also inherited punctuality from my father and typically arrive at work at least an hour early to have time to eat and fully wake up before my shift. Although I don't love my job, I am grateful for it as I have been in worse situations previously.

As I was about to start my shift, my boss sent me a text asking me to call immediately. I quickly dialed the number and waited anxiously as it rang. When my boss finally answered, they informed me that I was needed in the conference room in Building 1 right away. My mind raced as I wondered if I had done something wrong. I couldn't think of anything that would have led to this sudden summons.

I can feel my anxiety starting to creep in. “I'm not aware of what’s going on, Miss Y/L/N. I’ve just been told to inform you to come up here. It’s the conference room facing the front of the building.” I nod, but then realize they can’t see me. “Okay, I’ll be up there shortly.”

As we bid our farewells, my body starts to rebel. My heart races, my head throbs, and my hands tremble. I grab my belongings, preparing for the worst – getting fired. The short ride to Building 1 feels like an eternity as I battle my escalating anxiety. Upon parking, I make my way to the main entrance. Climbing the stairs, I unexpectedly encounter our CEO at the top. If my anxiety was bad before, it's now off the charts. I attempt to calm my racing heart, but it feels like it's about to burst out of my chest.

“Good Afternoon Miss Y/N," she said with a bright smile. I did my best to smile back, but my nerves were evident. "I'm sorry to call you up here, but there are some people who would like to talk to you." I froze up again, but this time for a completely different reason. "So then I'm not getting fired?”

"Oh heavens no! You're one of our top employees!" I let out a breath I was holding, then I remembered what she had just said. "Wait, who's here to see me?" She beamed and said, "Why don't you go see for yourself? It's the last door to your left. Take your time. Your boss knows where you are. Just let them know when you're done." I thanked her and took a few deep breaths. ‘I wasn't getting fired, but who could be waiting for me?’

As I walked to the door and opened it, I was greeted by a group of people I had never met before. To my surprise, they were all from Korea. I flashed a smile and said hello, and they returned the gesture, acknowledging my presence. After introducing themselves, I took a seat at the opposite end of the table.

"I'm sure you're curious about why we've come to see you." I chuckle softly. “I couldn't help but feel like I was getting fired today," I admitted. "We're sorry for the inconvenience. We came earlier this morning, but we were told you didn't start until later, so we had to leave and come back.” one of the ladies added.

“It's alright. I never imagined someone would come looking for me at my workplace.”

“I'm pretty sure you got a call from us a few weeks back," I nodded. "Yeah, I did. I did send an email in response later, but with work and the channel taking up most of my time, I just haven't had the chance to get back to you.”

“The channel is the reason why we're here.” I look to them in confusion. “In South Korea, you are one of the most popular channels. We have a diagram to show you.” They gave me a diagram that shows all the most watched people and/or channels in South Korea and I'm within the Top 5. Looking to the side, I see all the names of the people who are also listed along with the dates of when this was recorded.

“We've been keeping an eye on your channel for a while, and we're enjoying your content. Have you ever calculated how much you typically earn from your videos?" I pause and meet the man's gaze. "It all depends on the views I get. It can range from $150 to $500 per day and $5,000 to $9,000 per month. It varies based on the video.”

“How much are you pulling in at this job?”

"This job has the potential to bring in (your weekly earnings/twice a week) before taxes, and around (your weekly earnings/twice a week) after taxes. Any overtime you put in could really boost those numbers!" He nods in agreement and shifts his gaze to a stack of papers sitting on the table.

The conversation took an unexpected turn as the women across the table revealed their intentions. "We're here to offer you a job with us," one of them stated. I couldn't hide my surprise, "You want me to work for you?" The room filled with laughter as one of the ladies replied, "Yes, we would like you to work for us. We know it may seem surprising to you, but to us, it's quite simple. You see, there are multiple companies, including Music Industries like JYPE, who are interested in hiring you. That diagram we have isn't just to tell you that the majority of your viewers are in South Korea. It's to show you how popular you are in South Korea. In a sense, you could be just as popular as K-pop idols, if not more."

As I heard those words, I felt like my head was about to explode. The thought of being as popular as K-pop idols seemed too far-fetched to be true. However, as I glanced back at the diagram, a part of me started to see how it could make sense. After all, numbers don't lie. When I looked up again, I noticed that everyone around me had gentle smiles on their faces.

“So, what exactly are you hiring me for?” The gentleman to the far left speaks up. “That’s where I come in,” he begins. He proceeds to outline their proposal to bring me on board as a full-time content creator. The position would require me to relocate to South Korea and would come with a dedicated space for shooting videos. This would be a significant upgrade compared to the limited space I currently have in my room. Additionally, they offered me a part-time editing role when I'm not creating new content. Both positions came with generous compensation, but the amount they were willing to pay for my videos was almost beyond belief.

"Wait, $9,000 to $15,000 per video?!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My eyes must have nearly popped out of my head. Typically, a video with 150,000 views a day would earn around $620 to $1,035. On top of that, they were offering to pay me for each video, in addition to my regular YouTube earnings. It was hard to wrap my head around why they would offer so much. Finally, I couldn't hold it in any longer, and I asked the one question that had been consuming my thoughts all along.

“Why does it feel like everyone is trying to fight over me in some way? I mean, take a look at this diagram." *Showing them the diagram* "I get that I'm supposedly very well known over there, but why pay someone so much for videos that never get paid that much?”

The gentleman positioned in the center let out a small sigh before responding. "Due to your widespread popularity, everyone desires to have you working for them. It's a way of demonstrating that 'My company has become even more popular now that I have y/c/n working with me.' That's essentially what it signifies."

"So, essentially, that's your intention here. You want to have me under your company name to help your business expand." They all nod, and I turn my gaze to the left. "But what guarantee do I have that another company won't come along and offer me a better opportunity? What about that?" Before they can reply, I speak up again.

“Listen, I appreciate the offer, but I won't engage in this if it's solely about gaining popularity. I value my worth as a human being and refuse to be objectified or treated as a trophy. If I decide to pursue this, it will be on my terms. I'll only associate with a company that respects me as an individual, values my content creation, and allows me to work on my terms. I might consider additional projects in my spare time, but my integrity as a content creator mustn't be exploited. I seek a professional partnership without the need for flaunting or seeking fame.”

“We are committed to supporting your growth. Rather than simply showcasing you, we want to nurture your potential within our company. Your creativity and dedication could lead you to a producer role here. If necessary, we are open to adjusting the contract terms to better suit your needs. We envision a promising future for you, not only within our company but also in your personal life.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Four days have passed, and here I am at my grandparent's house with most of my immediate family. We're gathered around, discussing the contract I've been revising with the company. They've been cooperative, working with me to include what I want and exclude what I don't want in the contract.

The updated contract sparked a lively discussion, or rather a heated debate, among my family members. Initially, they were all thrilled when I shared the news. Well, almost all of them. The mood quickly soured when I mentioned that I would have to move to South Korea.

“Why do you need to move? Can't you just remain here?”

“Why are they offering her such generous compensation?”

“It's likely a ploy to entice her into joining their team.”

“Have you considered the potential risk of experiencing a similar episode to your last one at WD? You've never had the experience of living independently, and the one time you did, you struggled to fulfill your financial obligations.”

“How are you planning to support yourself? Will the income be enough to cover your expenses?”

I excused myself and made my way to the back porch, hoping for a moment of peace. As I sank into the couch, I couldn't shake off the feeling that things were spiraling out of control. Just a few days ago, I had left the conference room on cloud nine, but now everything seemed to be falling apart.

It's tough to admit, but I've always been a people pleaser. I've spent my life doing what others thought was best for me, even when it made me unhappy. When I finally mustered the courage to pursue my passion and start my own channel, my family didn't support me. It was disheartening, and almost made me give up before I even started. However, with the encouragement of a few close friends, I found the strength to pursue my dreams. And now, I'm proud of how far I've come.

As I reflected on their questions and concerns, I found myself contemplating aspects that hadn't crossed my mind, such as the possibility of this opportunity being a scam. My once-envisioned dream job now seemed to be losing its luster. Just as my thoughts started to spiral, a familiar figure emerged to join me outside. I desperately needed to avoid any further negative discussions about the situation. Surprisingly, it was my stepmother (or someone equally close to me). Despite not being my biological mother, she has consistently been my pillar of support when others have fallen short.

“Hey there, are you holding up okay?" I give a small nod. "I'm hanging in there, I guess. I get why they're worried about this, but every time I start feeling a little hopeful, they shoot it down. I even spoke to the company about delaying my relocation, but they refuse to listen. It's like they don't hear me at all." I pause, looking at her, struggling to hold back tears. "Just once, I wish they could be happy for me. I'm finally making progress in my life, and I just want their support, not their doubts.”

As tears streamed down my face, my stepmom did her best to wipe them away. She pulled me close, and it was as if all the emotions I had held in for so long came rushing out. After I finally composed myself, she gently pulled away and looked at me with concern.

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with you Y/N. You know your grandparents and your dad adore you and would do anything to see you happy. I've always encouraged you to pursue your dreams and not let anyone hold you back. I still stand by that. I understand they may not be thrilled about you moving away, but if it means living the life you've always envisioned, then go for it. You know we'll always be in your corner, no matter what. Our collective wish is for you to find genuine happiness. Don't let their words steal your joy, okay?" With a nod, I couldn't help but smile a little brighter.

When we returned inside, everything had calmed down. They expressed their happiness for me and their concern about me being so far away. My stepmom even seemed to have said something to them before she emerged, as she winked at me when I turned to her.

I thought long and hard about it, but in the end, I took the leap and reached out to the company, letting them know I was ready to dive in. Within a week, I had the contract in hand, and soon after, I was receiving payment for the videos I'd already uploaded. Two weeks later, I handed in my notice at my job and officially transitioned to working full-time from home. I made it clear that I wanted to secure a place in South Korea near the company before making the final move, ensuring all my belongings were shipped across the seas.

In just one month, I'll be making the official move to South Korea! I couldn't be more thrilled about this incredible opportunity!

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

☀️for all papyrus☀️

His s/o points to his neck and asks if he likes the new perfume, then as the skeleton leans in, surprises him with a tender kiss on the forehead.

Undertale Papyrus - Well done. Very well done. He didn't see this coming. You win this time. But if you expect The Great Papyrus to stay on a defeat, you're wrong. Be prepared to be tricked to death for him to kiss you back. He's a master of traps, you think you can win? He won't let you. He might be so excited you find him later hanging by the feet in the kitchen as he fell into his own trap to catch you. You kiss him again. Now this is just a war declaration.

Underswap Papyrus - You kiss him then you hear a loud "thump" as he was so suprised he didn't realise you were not holding him and fell face first on the floor in a pathetic "nyeh?!". Now, with the face entirely orange, Honey is slowly sinking in the floor to escape embarrassment. He can't believe he just did that.

Underfell Papyrus - He flushes furiously and immediatly straightens, like you just burned him. His face is bright red and he's doing all he can to avoid you eyes as the good tsundere he is. He coughs awkwardly, whispers a small "you smell nice" and walks-runs out of the room to go lock himself in his room. He needs a moment to recover.

Horrortale Sans - He raises a brow. "IF YOU WANTED A KISS YOU COULD JUST ASKED." He then kisses you back, making you blush furiously instead. He is really proud of himself as he's going back to his cooking. Willow has no shame. That's a game you can't win, he's too powerful for you.

Horrorswap Papyrus - He lets go a soft purr as he's slowly blushing, suddenly all shy. He can't really kiss you back since he doesn't have an inferior jaw so he just rubs his face against your chest and hugs you close to show he's happy.

Horrorfell Papyrus - He quickly tries to escape to mask his feeling but he forgot the breaks of his wheelchair are still on. It's funny looking him struggle so much to get away, more and more distressed as his face is blushing. He's trying so hard to avoid your stare.

Swapfell Papyrus - Your lips find paper and you frown, before noticing a UNO reverse card sticked on his forehand. You gasp loudly when suddenly the huge skeleton throws himself at you for you to smell him while he kisses you instead. You're screeching in shock, so loudly Nox comes out of his room to make sure you're not getting murdered. You beg him for help, he just rolls his eyelights at you, flips his bird and leaves. RUDE.

Fellswap Gold Papyrus - He got startled. So he headbutted you instinctively. Now you're both on the floor, whining in pain as both your heads are hurting. His face is bright orange and he keeps apologizing again and again, scared you're mad at him. You're just laughing hysterically. Wine walks in, stares at you like you're a moron and leaves, still staring at you judgementaly.

Outertale Papyrus - And here he goes. Sun is so happy he starts to fly and finds himself stuck on the ceiling, face entirely blue. He needs a few minutes to come down.

Dancetale Papyrus - He stays still for a second, shocked, then looks at you intensely. Oh boy, here he comes. Salsa drags you to him and starts kissing you all over your face and neck. Oh dear.

Dancefell Papyrus - You try to kiss him but he suddenly makes you fall in his arms and kisses you instead. You think you can trick him that easily? Try better. His dating powers are too strong for you.

Farmtale Papyrus - He runs away, in shock. You find him a few minutes later hugging a sheep in the barn, looking like he fought in a war or something. As soon as he sees you, his face turns bright orange. He can't talk anymore. He will be like that for a few days.

Mafiatale Papyrus - He puts a hand in front of your mouth. How do you want him to sniff you if you try to kiss him at the same time? You then go for two very long awkward minutes where he sniffs your neck intensely. Demon is looking at you two from the couch, frowning and deeply concerned about what the fuck you two are doing. You want to disapear.

Mafiafell Papyrus - He gasps loudly as he realises he was tricked. How dare you did this to him at his weakest moment? Yeah, he's very dramatic as he stomps off, blushing furiously. A few minutes later, you hear him screech in the closet of his office, and you can't stop smiling.

Disbelief Papyrus - Oh. He blushes, all shy, and slowly kisses you back, desperate for more affection. You start to pet his head, it's over. Delta ends somehow on your laps, hugging your waist, his face burried in your stomach. Yeah, it's cuddling time apparently.

[adminbryantsaki]

Greek God Barista AU

Greek gods Café Au x Female! Reader.

(I do not own Hades, Poseidon, or Zeus. They belong to Homer. And references to Epic: the Musical belongs to Jorge Rivera-Herrans. Nor do I own any franchises or brands mentioned in the story. If this isn’t your cup of tea, blend of spices, or brew of coffee, move along. Reader discretion is advised)

TW: Greek gods, mention of multiple lovers, dating with a god, flirting, going on a date, romantic interactions

WC: 10,263

We open to three unique cafes with their own special styles. One is placed within a forest protected by the National Park Service where the owner is assisted by a group of young ladies, another is a café truck along the side of a boardwalk in a beach city with a beautiful backdrop of the ocean surrounded with the noise of crashing waves, and finally, deep in the inner workings of the large city nearby is our last café, bearing a darker themed shop, holding a sharing bookshelf where customers can read a book or even donate some books to enjoy during their visit there.  Zeus

We focus in on the first café. The medium-sized building is set in a small clearing along the main road of the National Park that is it’s home. The shop looked like any other Starbucks that you’d see outside of the park but there was something different about this one. Something that seemed to lure you to this specific coffee shop.

You open the door and the smell of coffee and freshly rained-on grass fills your nose. You enter the shop and see a small table with three plates of cookies sitting there, You saw chocolate chunk cookies, snickerdoodles, and peanut butter thumbprints all labeled with a sign that said ‘help yourself and make yourself at home, someone will come give you a menu momentarily.’ You took a cookie and wandered around the shop, checking out some of the other merchandise before you went to one corner of the shop that had an oak barrel as a table and chairs made from barrels as well. You sat down in one of the chairs while you ate your cookie and looked around at the rich forest green and navy blue that lined the walls, with an accent wall of a forested silhouette of trees all colored various shades of green.

Chocolate brown stained wood framed the painted walls and lined the floor, helping to make the colors pop. An ambient soundtrack of thunder and lightning storms added to the environment to pull you into a relaxed state, allowing you to close your eyes, just for a moment. You felt something poke you awake. You opened your eyes to see a young woman with green hair and pink streaks throughout look at you with warm brown eyes staring at you with a look of concern.

“Are you alright?” She asked. She wore a green and brown plaid shirt, blue jeans, and a black apron over her clothes with leather hiking boots on her feet. She held a menu in her hands that she wanted to give you. “I’m fine. This place just seemed so relaxing when I came in that I thought I’d lay back and close my eyes for just a moment.” You told the waitress and she looked relieved.

“That’s a relief. I’m Juniper. I’ll be your server today. Here’s a menu and take your time. Welcome to Olympic Brews.” She said and handed you the menu. You thought the name a little odd but it fit the masculine theme of the shop. You read over the menu, seeing your options displayed on the recycled paper that had been dyed green from what looked to be matcha powder and spinach leaves. On the menu were the many options that the café offered. You read the items silently to yourself.

~~Drinks~~

Bull- classic redbull with fruit flavors added.

Storm- London fog tea

The Divine Wrath- blueberry lemonade zinger refresher

Master Bolt- Four shot americano.

Springtime drink- pomegranate salmonberry refresher with a black rice inclusion.

Morning Sunshine- breakfast blend tea with bright orange and lemon flavors.

Evening Moon- nighttime tea made from lemongrass and chamomile.

~~Food~~

Wise Owl-kale salad with balsamic raspberry vinegarette, strawberries, crasins, pinenuts and sunflower seeds and optional feta cheese.

Ram-Line of jerky with different flavors. Turkey, chicken, pork, beef, pea protein, chickpea, and tofu.

Hephaestus(forging/creating)- some kind of build your own food.

Hermes( messenger)- envelope sugar cookie and a caduceus shortbread cookie and the flying shoe cookie.

“Thunder Bringer”- a protein packed snack box with hard boiled eggs, ham cubes, turkey cubes, cheddar, mozzarella, grapes, peanut butter back, apple slices, nut mix ( cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds) yellow thunder bolt toothpick across the top.

Aegis- dark chocolate chip cookie.

 Scroll- phyllo dough in the shape of scroll. With fruit filling

Oak tree- solid chocolate acorn with white, millk, and dark chocolate. 

Steer- beef au ju ( bread , meat, beef broth)

Lightning bolt- bolt shaped phyllo dough pastry with either mxed berry filling or goat cheese filling.

Eagle- smoked salmon bagel with goat cheese ( dill or grape chevre) with capers.

~~Assortments and add-ins~~

The Vinyard- grape juice box. Frozen grapes as a treat. Cookies in the shape of a grape cluster iced in green or purple.

Nectar shots available and aquafaba cream cups for your pet upon request.

You looked over the menu again until Juniper came back to get your order.

“Did you decide your order, hon?” She asked and you looked up at her and told you wanted. “I’d like the ‘Thunder Bringer’ and the ‘divine wrath.’ I’d also like to know what nectar is.” You asked and Juniper’s eyes widened. “Do you not know what nectar is? Its only the drink of the gods. I haven’t had it myself but the boss says that is sweet like honey and very good! It gives a boost of energy too.” She spoke as she held a menu tightly to her chest.

“Why not? Add some to my drink, love.” You spoke and she took your menu, running back to the kitchen to put in your order. “WE HAVE ANOTHER ONE.” You heard her call out to her sisters in the kitchen. A small cheer can be heard coming from the kitchen. You see a tall, middle aged man with white streaks in his otherwise black-as-night hair coming off his temples and down the middle of his beard, an olive skin tone and strikingly blue eyes walk over to you with a gentle kindness in his eyes. He sat across from you in another oak barrel chair. He wore a similar uniform to Juniper, just he had a black and white plaid shirt instead of the green and brown one, blue jeans and the same black apron. He also wore a light brown knitted beanie on top of his head.

“I see you’ve heard of nectar before? Have you heard of the Gods as well, little one?” You asked

As he leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “I Have. I read about them in books when I was little. They seemed to be all fictional though.” You spoke and the older man chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with crow’s feet as he laughed, showing a sign of his age. He fatherly air about him seemed to give you a strange sense of familiarity and comfort as you gazed into his eyes. He watched you as your eyes widened as you realized who he was and laid back in realization that all the stories about the Greek gods and monsters were all real and not just made up. You noticed a small flame of attraction sparking inside of you as your looked at him more, growing ever more attracted the more you watched the man. You finally averted your eyes when Juniper brought over your food and drink on a golden platter.

“Here you are, love.” She spoke and set the drink and box of food on the table next to you. She saw Zeus and jumped a little. “Oh, I didn’t expect you to come out here, boss.” She said to the man who waved her away as he wanted to be alone with you a little longer.

Juniper hurriedly walked away with her head down as she followed her boss’s order to leave him alone with you. “Tell me, what is your name, my dear?” His deeper rumbling voice sounded, sending a shiver down your spine. You couldn’t resist not answering him so you instinctively responded with your name while keeping your eyes shut. You heard a quiet, almost thunderous chuckle come from the man when he heard your name. “Such a nice name for such a pretty lady. I’ve seen you around the visitor center before and I’ve had my eye on you for a while now. I’m glad you finally came to visit my shop.” He spoke and your eyes widened. You had seen him around the more populated areas of the park with a coffee cart serving drinks to the people enjoying the park and the views. You would catch him staring at you as he served the patrons their orders from the cart. You looked up at him with a serious look in your eyes.

“Who are you?” You asked as a glimmer of lightning flashed across the man’s eyes. He leaned forward with his elbows across his knees as he watched you lovingly. “Take a guess darling.” He spoke with a hint of mischief. Your mind wandered as you thought back to the menu you read only a few minutes before and thought back to the bedtime stories of Greek heroes like Heracles and Perseus, and the gods and goddesses that your mom would tell you as you grew up. You looked to the man and I finally realized who he was.

“You’re Zeus.” You said in an excited realization. The man smiled as a crackle of electricity flashed across his eyes.

“You’re correct, sweetheart.” He spoke and leaned forward on his knees with his elbows. He called for one of the girls that you were now realizing were dryads top to the seating area. The one you recognized as Juniper come to the front carrying a brushed gold tray in her arms.

“Juniper, darling? Could you bring me a Master Bolt with some of the cashew cream please?” He asked her while looking to her and holding her hand gently. Juniper blushed visibly, nodding in agreement, and running back to kitchen to make Zeus’s order. The god looked back at you, leaning back in his seat, and crossing one of his legs over the other.

“I’m glad you came to visit today, what drew you here today?” He asked “I hadn’t visited this place yet so I thought I should.” You said stiffly as the memories of how many women he slept with over the millennia came coming back from the stories you read and had read to you when you were a child by your parents. “Well, I’m glad you came to visit anyways, y/n. I would love to see you visit mem more in the future. He says in a flirtatious tone that makes you feel disgusted. You knew he wanted to add you to the long list of lovers he had and you were insistent that you wouldn’t be as you knew his reputation. You also knew the result of his lovers when his wife, Hera, the goddess of marriage found out that her husband had cheated on her yet again.

 You stood up and went to the door. Zeus grabbed your wrist to make you stay. “Where do you think you’re going?” He asked, a look of frustration in his eyes, hinted with worry that he will never see you again. “Oh no, you don’t. I won’t face the wrath of your wife.” You spoke, grabbing your food and drink to sit outside. Zeus’s face flashes with disappointment as he watched you leave. He received his own drink and followed you outside as you sat at one of the outside tables to pick at the food in your snack box. Zeus sat across from you with his arms crossed across his chest, occasionally sipping at his coffee as he watched you try to read your book.

“ Stop ignoring me and pay attention.” He says in almost a whiny tone. “I’m not going to entertain a man-child just because I don’t fall into his arms when he throws his charms at me to try and woo me.” You say, closing your book, finishing your drink, and taking the rest of your snack box with you back to your truck to go back to your cabin. Zeus was at a loss for words as he watched you leave his café and drive off. Days pass and you go about your duties at the park , cleaning up trash, refilling the flier holders, and answering questions from visitors of the park.

As you did so, you’d constantly see Zeus standing in the corner of your eye or see Juniper and her friends who you found out later were dryads attending the cart they would bring out in the popular areas of the park and hand out information to where their café was in the park. You’d avoid the cart when Zeus was tending the cart and swarmed by a group of women who all thought him attractive and trying to get his number. But you’d try something else out on the menu only when the Dryads were tending the cart and Zeus noticed. He furrowed his brow when he saw you at the cart when he wasn’t there and it got under his skin. He decided to do something about it.

One day, you were milling about a larger crowd of people that were at the visitor center that day helping answer questions and take care of crowd control. You could see Zeus not in his normal attire like he was in the café the first time you met. Today he was wearing a navy-blue button up shirt with the top two buttons undone and black slacks. Not your usual garb when going to spend a day in nature. He had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to just past his elbows to show off his muscular forearms that had simplistic lightning bolt tattoos on his arms and laurels around his wrists.

You pretended to ignore him but to no avail. He had gotten in line to get a question from you when asked for people to make lines to make some sense of order amongst the crowd. He just had to choose the line you were at the head of. He kept his eyes on you as the line went down and he grew closer and closer to you. You kept a neutral expression until you noticed him right in front of you. “Hello there, how may I help you today?” You asked as you checked something on the desk in front of you before you looked up into his piercing blue eyes. He seemed upset about something and you raised an eyebrow curiously.

“You need to stop avoiding me. I know you have been purposefully trying to avoid me, Y/n.” He spoke as he placed both hands on the desk, staring you right in your eyes. You remained your aloof expression, only letting a slight grin spread across your lips.

“If you have any comments, complaints, or requests, please fill out this form and send it in. Our park rangers will get back to you in one to three business days.” You said and handed him the slip of paper he needed to fill out. Zeus took the paper and left the visitor center disgruntled. You watched as he got back into his 4x4 truck and drove off, probably back to wherever a god stayed when they were living alone in the woods.

A few days later, you’re outside the visitor center again and Zeus is there, looking a bit sheepish. He was holding a stem of your favorite flower and a box of pastries from his shop in hand. You saw inside the clear plastic box that there were: two filled lightning bolts, a scroll, the caduceus, the envelope, the flying shoe, and a couple chocolate cookies in the box as he stepped forward. Zeus looked to have an envelope in hand that he passed to you. You opened it in front of him and it was the slip you gave him only a few days before. It read:

“I am sorry I was too forward, Y/n. I did not mean for you to just be another woman added to my list. I care for you and I find you attractive. I’d be honored if you’d at least go on one date with me. That is my request.” You read to yourself and looked up to the god.  He handed you the box of pastries and the flowers, waiting your answer. You accepted the flowers and the treats, looking at them before looking up to Zeus who was hoping you’d say yes to just the one date.

“Fine. One date. If I don’t want to see you again, then that is that. If I want to see you again then we will talk. But I will not be sleeping with you on the first date. Is that understood?” You asked, keeping your gaze and tone firm. Zeus looked up at you with a look of understanding. He nodded and rubbed the back of his head.

“When would you like to go out?” He asked.

“This Friday at 7:30pm. We will meet here.” You spoke, crossing your arms across your chest.

“Very well then, I’l see you here this Friday at seven-thirty pm.” He spoke and turned to leave. “See you then, God of thunder.” You spoke as you watched him get back into his truck and drive off. You were secretly excited for this date and you hoped it would go smoothly. You went about your normal week, only to realize that on Thursday evening you needed to be ready for tomorrow’s date and you hadn’t done any planning whatsoever. You quickly rushed into your bedroom to dig through your closet, hoping you had something appropriate for a date. You luckily found a little black dress that you laid out with some matching black converse and scanned the dress for any stains or tears in the fabric since you hadn’t worn the garment in a while, happy to see none as you hung the dress up on the back of your door, waiting to wear it tomorrow for your date with a god. The next day as you were working your normal shift at the visitor center, Zeus was pacing his silver bullet shaped trailer located in the nearest campsite that the park had given him to live in while he ran the café, stressing over how he looked. He had changed his outfit several times already and had requested that one of his loyal cloud nymphs to assist him in choosing an outfit and the poor creature was at its wits end with the god’s indecisiveness on his appearance.

“You look handsome, my lord. Y/n will think you look good in anything, sir. You’re only taking her to dinner at Lady Demeter’s place, aren’t you?” The nymph asked as they watched Zeus fiddle with his tie in front of the mirror.

“Yes, that is the plan. But I’m nervous! You know how she gets when she finds out I’m with another woman.” Zeus spoke, saying the last part in a hushed whisper as if he were afraid that someone was listening. The nymph raised its head in acknowledgement as they knew Zeus was referring to his wife, Hera. Hera always had known where Zeus was at any given moment, except for now. This was a National Park, a forest that was on his protected land and apart of his domain where Hera couldn’t track him or touch him whatsoever. Zeus had also taken further precautions when making the menu for his café, from avoiding using cow’s milk to denying who he was to his own sons, Apollo, and Hermes when they came to check in on him after he had been absent from Olympus for a noticeable amount of time.

He was careful. He didn’t want to be found. He didn’t know how long he wanted to stay hidden but he wanted to be hidden from his family but he knew that he didn’t want to be found right now. Zeus shook the uncomfortable feeling that Hera was onto him and sending people to seek him out in her stead and adjusted his tie one more before leaving his trailer and getting into his truck to drive down to the visitor center around 7:15pm.

Zeus found a parking spot and got out. He looked around the visitor center area to find you sitting on a bench scrolling through your phone while you waited for him to show up. You looked beautiful to him in your outfit from where he was observing you in his truck. He took a deep breath and grabbed the items he bought for you and exited his vehicle and walked over to you with another stem of your favorite flower in hand as he approached. You looked up at him when you heard footsteps approaching. “I see you decided to show up.” You said and checked your phone again as it was 7:25.

“I Almost thought you were going to stand me up, Zeus.” You told him as you put our phone away and stood up to face him. “I would never.” He said and handed you the flower. You accepted the flower and took his arm and walked with him back to his truck.

“So, where are you taking me tonight?” You asked as he opened the passenger door to your car and helped you inside. Zeus went around the front of the car and got in on the driver’s side.

“I am taking you to a restaurant on the other side of the park. I think you’ve heard of it. Its called ‘The Golden Harvest.’” He says as he starts up the truck and begins driving. You had heard of that restaurant before you’ve wanted to visit the place before but the waiting list was months out. “How did you get a reservation so quickly?” You asked as you looked at him while he drove down the long road to the other side of the park.

“I know the owner. She and I go way back.” Zeus said as he kept his eyes on the road. You looked at him quizzically as your brain was trying to piece together who this friend of his was.You thought of the name, ‘The Golden Harvest’. Then you thought of any other names associated with any of his family members that had to do with the harvest before it dawned on you and you looked over to Zeus. “Your ‘friend’ is Demeter, isn’t she?” You asked as you watched his face for any change in expression.Zeus rubbed his face with his hand as he drove as he forgot for a moment that you were a smart mortal.  “Yes, You’re right. She promised to help keep my location here a secret form Hera while I’m here so I promised that I’d learn how to make vegan or use how to use dairy alternatives so she’d keep her end of the deal.” He spoke and kept driving, keeping his hands on the wheel, almost white-knuckling the wheel out of anxiety.

“Why do you use non-dairy alternatives? Is it because one of Hera’s symbols is a cow?” You asked as he kept driving. “Yes, It is. If I used cow’s milk it would be like sending a homing beacon off to her.” He spoke as he went to the exit that led to Demeter’s restaurant. He parked in one of the vacant spots and turned the car off. He got out and went over to the other side to let you out and he puts his arm around your waist, guiding you into the green, pink, and brown colored restaurant that smelled of jasmine and had a heavy natural and organic food theme. Zeus led you inside and over to a table near the back that had a ‘reserved for Zeus’ sign on the tabletop. where a cluster of wheat sheathes were tied together and placed in a glass jar and set on the windowsill as the décor.

 A moment passes and a flower nymph with little daisies sprouting from her hair that was styled into a braid that fell over her right shoulder handed both of you menus and glass cups filled with water. “My name is Daisy; I’ll be your server for tonight. Anything we can get you started with?” She asked. “We would like two cups of Demeter’s blessing with nectar added.”  Zeus spoke and the nymph’s eyes widened. “Right away, Lord Zeus.” She spoke, walking away to get the two of you the jasmine tea and let you be so that the two of you could decide what you wanted in silence. Daisy set the cups of tea in front of you both before leaving again to tend to another customer. After a few minutes of perusing the menus, Zeus looks up at you, wondering what you’ve picked.

“I’m going for the chicken pasta, what about you?” He asked as he looked at you while you were perusing your menu still. “The mushroom pasta looks good.” You said before looking to him and handing him your menu so he could order when Daisy come back. The nymph came back with a small tablet and pen in hand a few moments later, ready to take your orders. “Are you two ready to order? What would you like?” She asked, looking to the both of you.

“I will have the chicken pasta and Y/n here will have the mushroom pasta.” Zeus said and handed the menus back to Daisy who took them and tucked them under her arm after she scribbled down the order on her notepad.

“I’ll get those cooking right away, sir.” She spoke and walked off to put the orders in. “Now that we’re alone, why don’t you tell me more about yourself?” Zeus asked. You talked about how you grew up going to the National parks with your parents every summer and how you grew to love helping others learn about the parks and care for the parks too and how to care for nature. Zeus set his head in his hand as he watched you talk about things you were passionate about while the two of you waited for your food to come out.

“I think that’s enough about me, why don’t you tell me why the King of Olympus is hiding out in a government protected forest?” You asked as you leaned back in your chair, looking back to the god.

Zeus looked at you with widened eyes before he looked at the unfinished wooden table sheepishly. “I’m hiding from my wife… she and I had a big fight over another child of mine popping up recently and she caused that devastating twister over the American Midwest. I want to be free from her so I can do what I want without the consequences of being married to Hera.” Zeus spoke as he held his head in his hands. “You could divorce her.” You suggested. Zeus’s eyes widened. “I couldn’t do that! Yes, I’m tired of her causing a fuss every time I father another hero and either turning their mother into some animal or plant or causing stress for my kids.” Zeus spoke. “You know what you do by ‘fathering other heroes’ is what us humans call ‘cheating’ right?” You asked the god.

“Yes, I am aware… but your people… the women of your kind are so… damn attractive, I can’t help myself to some of the best in each generation.” He spoke with a soft, reminiscent smile spreading across his face. Daisy came with your food just in the nick of time allowing Zeus to avoid the subject for now as you wanted to enjoy your hot food. You thanked Daisy and began to eat your food while staring Zeus down, telling him that this conversation wasn’t over with the look in your eyes. You ate a couple bites of your pasta in silence, contemplating his words as they made you disgusted and your stomach churn at first until you thought them over and realized he might have a point.

“What kind of women did you deem ‘the best’?” You asked. “Smart, strong, and wise women, queens, and leaders. Powerful women that caught my eye with their beauty. Women like yourself that contribute their time to their community to upkeep nature and educate others in how they can help keep the world clean and care for the forests around them.” Zeus spoke as he held your hand in his. You realized that you fall into the category of women he found attractive.

“I can’t date you… but we can be friends.” You said, giving him a soft smile. Zeus looked a little disappointed but relieved that you still wanted to at least be friends with him.

“I understand your reasoning. You are wise to think that.” He spoke and ate a piece of chicken. You took a few bites of your pasta before thanking him and casually chatting to Zeus for the rest of the evening, asking him questions you had about the stories you read about his lovers, how Hera made Leto not have any rest and how she kidnapped the goddess of childbirth so Leto couldn’t have Apollo and Artemis in Greece, or how he kept Dionysus in his leg after Hera zapped his mom before he was born, and why he ate Metis because of some prophecy and how his head felt when Athena burst forth from it. Zeus chuckled and answered all your questions happily as the two of you ate and split a dessert before he paid for the meal and walked you back to the truck so he could take you home.

“That was a nice meal. Can we do that more often… even just as friends?” He asked as he opened the passenger door for you and helped you inside. “Of course. Just as friends though.” You spoke before he closed the door and got in on the driver’s side of the truck. “Right. Just friends.” He spoke and turned the engine over. “Where do you live? I’ll drive you back home.” He spoke. “Oh, I live in the park with the park rangers.” You told him. Zeus nodded and drove you to the ranger’s residences near the visitor center, stopping in front of your cabin and letting you out. You hopped down from his truck and he walked you to your door. “I hope I’ll see you again at my café again… maybe become a regular customer?” He suggested. “We will see about that.” You told him.

“This is me. Thank you for a nice night, Zeus.” You spoke and went inside. Zeus waited a moment on your front step before going back to his truck and going home, looking forward to your future friendship. The end. Wasn’t that nice? Lets move onto our next Café, one along the sandy beaches and rolling waves of a quiet coastal town.

Poseidon You were walking along the boardwalk in your coastal village on a lazy sunny afternoon when you found yourself craving something to drink and you wanted something sweet to eat. You happened on a type of café on wheels parked on the edge of the boardwalk with the sign of ‘Tidal Wave.’ You walked up to the window and you saw a pretty woman with olive tone skin, green eyes, and black hair look down at you. You saw the name “Amphie” on her nametag as she addressed you.

“Hello there, what can I get for you today?” The Amphie asked as she looked at you with a tender, motherly look about her.

You looked at the menu and saw the drinks and foods they had.

~~~Drinks~~~

Poseidon’s menu

Make It Rain- Refresher. (orange mango pineapple with blue spirulina)

Seagrass- blue and green spirulina smoothies.

Earthshaker- Strong coffee like espresso

Trident- a selection of fruity zinger teas (orange, raspberry, blueberry, or lemon)

Ruthlessness- double strong grey tea

Riptide- coconut water with passionfruit and pineapple energy drink.

Ask for ‘extra sweet’ with your order for a special surprise!

~~~Food~~~

Skol-a tuna melt with dill.

 Hippocampi- giant naturally-colored seahorse shortbread cookies. At least 8 inches long (Mom loves seahorses and she helped me plan this menu. Shortbreads are her favorite cookie and seahorses are her favorite underwater animal)

 Conch- phyllo dough conch cannoli with cream filling, 

Clams- clam shaped lobster po’boy.

 Equine- horse head pastry with sugar sand dusting on mane and blue berry filling dyed with blue spirulina.

Ocean wave- berries for pearls in their ambrosia with candy pearls on top with some kind of cream

 seafoam- seafoam candy (Lots of holes and very light)

Salt water taffy

 Salty sailor sandwich-

Sushi ( breakfast sushi, lunch rolls [California rolls, cucumber rolls, salmon rolls], sashimi, musubi)

the ocean- A seafood chowder or stew (for the lactose intolerant)

You read the menu to yourself before looking back to the woman to tell her your order.

“I’d like a large earthshaker with some cream and the blue hippocampi cookie please.” You asked.

“Of course, sweetie. Anything you’d like added like whipped cream or extra sweetener?” Amphie asked.

“I see on your menu to ask for ‘extra sweet’ for a surprise.” You spoke and a man appeared from the back of the truck and looked to the woman whose eyes were wide with surprise. He had long black hair tied up in a bun, similar olive tone skin, and ocean blue eyes. He had a short beard and he wrapped an arm around the woman’s waist, telling you that Amphie was his wife.

“Looks like we have another ‘interested customer’.” He spoke with a smile to Amphie.

“What do you think, Amphie? Do you think they’re another one of them?” The man asked whose nametag said “Caspian’ asked Amphie, who looked to be his wife nodded. She told you the total of your order and went into the back of the truck to work on your food. You heard the espresso machine whirr to life and Caspian came to talk with you.

“Tell me, my dear, have you ever felt yourself drawn to the ocean? Hear it call your name at night, beckoning to walk among the shores? Did you ever go on the beach after a storm and find the most exquisite stones or shells, almost as if they had been placed there for you to find?” Caspian asked, a familiar gleam in his eyes as if you’ve known him from somewhere before but you couldn’t quite put your finger on where you’ve seen him before.

You thought back to the many times you and your parents would go to the ocean and the many times you felt the ocean calling to you, as a picture of either a stony shore or a sandy one popping into your mind at the most random of times. You looked up to the man who was looking down at you with a gentle smile on his face as he watched you. Amphie, who you realized was Amphitrite handed you your order and smiled at you gently.

“Have a good day, sweetheart.” She spoke and walked back into the truck to clean up and prepare for the next order. Caspian, who you were slowly realizing was Poseidon himself as you drank your coffee, wondering what was in it that was giving you more than the normal buzz. Amphitrite also hands you a small blue pastry with their card under the pastry.

“Here is your surprise. Have a good day, sweetie.” She spoke and handed you the horse head shaped pastry that was filled with blueberry filling dyed blue. You took a bite and your eyes shot open as the treat had the same sweet flavor like in your coffee.

“What’s in this?” You asked as you looked back to Poseidon and Amphitrite.

“Its nectar of the Gods, dear. Like it?” Amphitrite asked. You nodded and took another large bite of the pastry that was shaped like a horsehead.

“Thank you, ma’am.” You said and walked on, processing the fact that you had just met two gods and survived.

“Of course, darling. Come back anytime now, you hear?” Poseidon spoke as he withdrew into the truck and went about prepping some other item on the menu. Poseidon would occasionally peek out of the walk-up window to watch you walk back up the boardwalk which earned him a playful smack on the arm as she told him to focus on making the dough.

A couple days later you found yourself walking the boardwalk again, wandering in the direction of the truck again, finding that Poseidon sitting out back in a beach chair, enjoying a quick coffee break. You didn’t see any sign of Amphitrite which made you a little concerned for her wellbeing.

You approached the truck and stood up on your tiptoes to peer into the truck, only to find it being empty and a ‘be back in fifteen minutes’ sign sitting on the order window. You sunk down from the bar and paced on the gravel patch in front of the truck, waiting for Poseidon to come back so you could talk to him.  A few moments pass and you heard the side door open and saw Poseidon enter the truck and move the ‘back in fifteen’ sign from the bar and his ocean blue eyes stared at you.

“Hello there~,” He said when he saw you. “What can I get you for today?” He asked. You looked over the menu and decided on the ‘make it rain’ refresher.

“Want it ‘extra sweet’ like last time, hon?” He asks as he writes down your order. You contemplate how the nectar made your mind buzz like it hadn’t before and opened your eyes to the differences around you, revealing the true identities of the god and goddess in the food truck.

“Sure, why not?” You said as the god scribbled something down on the sticky note before attaching it to the active orders and getting to work on your order. You found yourself staring at Poseidon for a bit too long as you were trying to wrestle with yourself about the feelings you had for him as you had feelings for the god.

You wanted to confess to him but he was married. You didn’t know then that he wanted you too but the god wasn’t aware of your feelings for him too as he worked on your drink and placed it on the window. You stopped your pacing when he called your name over even though you were the only customer there. You took the plastic cup from him and your fingers brushed together, making your cheeks flush bright red and you handed him the money you needed to pay for the drink.

“Don’t stress it. It’s been slow today. Its on the house.” He told you with the same smile on his face that gave you a warm fuzzy feeling in your chest. The timing of him being alone in the food truck with his wife nowhere to be seen was almost too perfect. “Where’s Amphie?” You asked as you looked up at him before you took sip of your drink, your eyes widening as the nectar hit you and your eyes widened as the buzz of the sweetness hit. Poseidon looked at you with a raised eyebrow, wondering why you were concerned about his wife.

“She took the day off. She had other things to attend to.” He spoke as he went to clean a piece of equipment and placed a chocolate shell-shaped cannoli in a paper bag and handed it to you. You took the treat and raised an eyebrow back to the god. “Its your surprise you get when you ask for a drink ‘extra sweet.’” He told you before watching you a moment longer, his eyes looking you up and down before he retreated into the truck to care for other items. You lingered around the truck to munch on your cannoli before Poseidon peered out the truck again at you.

“I close the truck around five. Come back then and we can talk.” He spoke and smiled at you. You thanked him for the treat and went about your day, enjoying some time on the beach, building a sand castle, and milling about the shops while you waited for five pm to roll around. You made it to the truck right at five o’clock. You found Poseidon putting away the last things into the truck and locking it away.

“There you are. I was wondering if you were even going to show up.” He spoke as he put the keys into his hoodie pocket and walking over to you. “What did you do during the day?” He asked as he approached you with his hands in his pocket. “I went to the beach and built a sandcastle over there, then I milled about the sand looking at the animals and finding some shells I left on the beach or put on my sand castle before I went back to the town and milled about the shops… really just killing time before coming back here.” You told him.

“Sounds like an eventful day. Do you want some ice cream? I know where a good stand is nearby.” He offered as he walked away from his food truck, leading you down the boardwalk to a little ice cream cart that was run by a man with tan skin and blonde hair who was scooping some ice cream into a cone for a mother and her child as they were headed home for the day. You saw a golden sun as the logo on the front of the cart with the name “Golden sun farms” You about face-palmed when you realized Poseidon had brought you to Apollo’s ice cream cart to talk. The sun god glanced up at the two of you and he flashed you a smile and Poseidon a knowing look since he usually brought his love interests to his cart when he had an interest in them.

“What would you like?” Apollo asked as you look over the flavor options. There was vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, a espresso flavor, a mint chocolate chip, a peanut butter and chocolate one, a pralines and cream, French vanilla bean, Oreo, Neapolitan, a mixed berry flavor, a cookie dough flavor, and a strawberry cheesecake flavor, and finally a berry pie flavor that had visible chunks of pie dough in the ice cream, a sunflower seed butter one that was an alternative to the peanut butter flavor, and a selection of dairy-free gelato flavors. You looked away from the cart since you were overwhelmed with the options. Poseidon put his hand on the small of your back, making your flush bright red as you scanned over the ice cream options. Poseidon leaned in and his breath brushed over your ear.

“Pick what you want. Its on me.” He whispered into your ear, noticing your indecision. You gripped the handle of the cart and told the Sun god what you wanted. You watched him scoop the ice cream into cones and handed your order to you and Poseidon’s order to him. You began licking the sweet treat as Poseidon paid and the two of you kept walking down the boardwalk while eating the ice cream in tension filled silence.

Once the ice cream was eaten and napkins thrown away, Poseidon led you onto the beach to watch the sunset and talk about yourselves a little before it got too dark and he led you back to the lit-up boardwalk.

“It’s getting dark, May I walk you home? Where do you live?” He asked in calm manner. You told him which part of town you lived in and he walked you over, making sure to stop at the end of your walkway to watch you and make sure you got inside your house. You paused to turn to say thank you for the evening with him but he had already disappeared into the night, having left  a beautiful seashell he must’ve found on your walk on the beach together on the porch with a business card to his café and a note.

‘I enjoyed our conversation and the walk on the beach. I hope to see you again at my café soon, y/n.’ The note said. You held it against your chest before going inside your house. The end That story was my favorite out of them all so far. Now onto our final location, the Café of Hades. Hades. You’re walking down the street with your head down with your leather bound book tucked under your arm as you head down the busy city street to a new, hole-in-the wall café you were told about named ‘Stygian Sips’. Your jacket moves with your pace as you’re determined to get somewhere. You duck into an alley way, blending into the shadows as you enter the café, hanging above the doorway to the café was a red neon sign that read the name of the café and glowed brightly against the dark contrasting brick wall.

You slipped inside and found yourself in the queue to order. You looked around the place, seeing the walls lined with floor -to-ceiling bookshelves and reading nooks with accompanying tables for the avid reader to enjoy a cup of coffee and read a book from their lending library. You took in the cozy, dark academia feeling of the café as you got closer and closer to the counter to order. You scanned the menu as you waited in line.

~~~~Drinks~~~~

Menthe- Dark chocolate mint mocha

Kore- Mint pomegranate refresher

Queen of the Underworld- mint tea, hot or cold.

600- 6 shot americano

Hades’ helm- Sheep’s milk latte.

Bident: pomegranate boba tea with coconut tapioca pearls

ask for ‘extra sweet’ for a shot of nectar.

~~~~Food~~~~

Pluto- candied fruit dessert containing blueberries, peaches, apricots, strawberries, cherries, and pineapple.

Serpent- rattlesnake kebabs with roasted vegetables.

Persephone’s garden- Ambrosia cup with pomegranate fruit, berries, honey, mandrins, coconut, pineapple, topped with cashew cream, red onions, and a balsamic reduction. Topped with a sprig of mint. (cashew cream can be swapped for coconut cream for those with tree nut allergies)

Cornucopia- éclair dipped in dark chocolate. Filled with either red bean or matcha cream.

Sacred sheep- sheep-shaped cakes filled with red bean, matcha, or pomegranate coconut cream.

If you have a canine or feline friend with you, we have Cerberus shots for your friend. Either have your pet with you or show a picture to get an aquafaba cream shot cup for them.

You read over the menu, deciding what you wanted as you waited for the line to go down. You looked around more to take in what the shop had to offer. Next to one window was a line of white poplar and cypress saplings for sale as a main feature of the shop which you had heard when your friend had told you about the café. You also saw a large bin of coffee grounds for one’s garden next to the lineup of tree saplings. Your turn to order finally arrived and you walked up to the counter. A young woman with blonde hair with green and pink streaks throughout her hair was a striking contrast to her black, gothic clothing and makeup.

“Hello there, what can I get for you today?” She asked in a cheery expression which also seemed odd for someone with her aesthetic. But one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. “I’d like an extra sweet Bident please and a matcha flavored Sacred sheep.” You  told the woman and her eyes widen when you told her to make the drink ‘extra sweet.’ Her expression was kind to you as she rang up the total.

“Very well, that’s five-ninety-five.” She told you and you handed her the cash and walked away from the register to watch the strong, burly man in the back make your drink while the lady who’s name tag read ‘Seph’ heated up your pastry. You watched the man pour in the coconut tapioca pearls into the plastic cup and pour the pomegranate-infused tea over the pearls and put a shot of a bright-pink liquid into the cup before setting it on the pick-up counter and calling out your name.

“Bident for Y/n!” His deep voice called out into the room and you walked over, a deep blush over your face as you grabbed your drink, thanking him in a quiet tone.

“T-Thank you, sir.” You muttered and held your drink close to your person while the pastry was being heated. Seph handed you the treat.

“Be careful, love. Its hot.” She spoke and went to take the next customer’s order. You took the pastry and your drink before going to find a seat, not noticing the man watching you walk away. Seph drew his attention back to her and kissed him to remind him who he belonged to. She seemed to mutter something to him and you saw a glint of a black diamond ring on her finger, signaling to you that he was married to her.

You found a cozy corner to sit down in to enjoy your drink and pull out your book and begin reading. As you sipped at your drink, you noticed small changes in the environment as a customer looked to have translucent skin, another patron’s cat looked a bit too skeletal, and the couple running the stand seemed to pale and their skin turned slightly grey as you kept drinking your tea. You decided to finish your drink and eat your pastry, wondering if you were just daydreaming or that pink liquid the man put in your drink was some kind of hallucinogenic drug. You finished your drink and pastry before tossing their empty wrappers into the appropriate waste containers.

You went back to your seat to keep reading your book on Greek Myths. The story you were on just so happened to be the marriage of Hades and Persephone. As you were reading about how Persephone’s father, Zeus who had arranged her to be married to his brother, Hades who was also her uncle.  You felt internal rage and a twist of disgust in your stomach a you glanced over at the couple running the register and making the drinks seeming to be very relatable to the couple in your story and how some of the features of the pair seemed to match the pair that was in your book seemed to be more and more similar until it dawned on you that the couple being the real Hades and Persephone, the café you were in was themed like the underworld, seeing as four veins of gold, white, red, and a shimmery black metal were striping through the four corners of the stone floor of the café  and meeting at the counter where the transactions were made.

Each one of the veins represented one of the rivers in the underworld. You then noticed a three headed dog silhouette on the swinging door that gave people entrance to the Café which represented Cerberus. You saw a man lingering in the hallway outside the Café who looked to be a type of bouncer. That must be Charon, the man who’s known to ferry people into the underworld. You looked around the room to see more and more references to the underworld until you saw Hades stealing glances at you as he made orders for customers as they came through. On his next break, Hades made his way over to you, walking by as he slipped a business card to you and quickly walked away to where his wife was staring daggers of hatred at you. You picked up the card and read what was on it: Hades and Persephone, King and Queen of the Underworld and Co-owners of Stygian Sips Café along with their contact information. You tucked the card away into your pocket before picking up the book and making a quick exit before the woman who you knew to be Persephone decided what house plant to turn you into and add you to the collection on the windowsill. You arrived home safely before going back to your book.

Meanwhile back in the shop, Persephone had pulled Hades aside. “You can’t be serious about that mortal, Hades. You’re married to me. You won’t be sleeping with any others after Menthe.” She says. Hades fiddles with his fingers. “Iknow, I know. They just looked so cute, my love. Can’t I have them as a friend at least?” Hades asked. Persephone glared at Hades. “It better be just for the companionship. They did have an intelligent look about them after the nectar hit. Go on and try to befriend them love. I trust you with this one.” She told him. Hades looked relieved that she wouldn’t turn you into another plant to add to her garden out behind the café.

Days pass and Hades begins to grow worried that you won’t return. His doubts are swayed when he sees you walk through the door, seeming to have finished the book on Greek myths and wanting to return the book so others may learn the stories being held within the pages. You got in line, waiting to get to the counter, looking up to the menu to decide what you wanted. When you got to the counter, you saw Hades behind the counter and no sign of Persephone.

“Where’s Seph?” You asked. “She’s tending to her garden today.” He told you, a friendly gleam in his eye as you told him what you wanted. “An extra sweet Hades’s helm and a Persephone’s Garden too, please.” You ordered. Hades rang it up and told you the order. You paid and went to the pickup counter. You gazed over the titles on the nearby shelf while you waited for your order to be made. “Order for Y/n!” Hades called out and set the caffeinated drink on the counter, stealing a look at you before tending to the constant stream of customers that came in. You grabbed a new book off the shelf, replacing the book with the Greek myths one before you grabbed your coffee and food and went to go enjoy the book. While you stayed there, Hades kept trying to sneak away to talk with you whenever he could but he either got caught up with another coffee order or a transaction for a tree sapling. Right when he gets the chance is when you’re leaving the café with the book tucked under your arm. Hades frowns ans silently curses his wife for insisting they sell the tree saplings in their shop.

Another day goes by and you come into the café again, this time looking to get a white poplar sapling. Hades watches as you walk over to the counter hefting the giant pot and placing it on the counter with a couple bags of used coffee grounds. “I’d like to get just this please.” You say and Hades rings it up, hesitating to ask you what you’re going to do with the sapling, and hoping you’d offer up the information. “I want to plant it in my backyard and see it bloom in the spring. It will look amazing!” You tell him excitedly. Hades can’t help but smile and point over to one of the built-in bookshelves near an arrangement of succulents.

“That whole shelf should have books on gardening. Feel free to take some home with you.” He spoke, watching you carry the sapling over to the bookshelf and pulling a couple books off and tucking them under your arm, now struggling to carry the plant. Hades puts his ‘on break’ sign up and goes over to help you. “Need help with that?” He asked. You looked up to him and nodded. Hades took the sapling from you and followed you side the café to were you had parked your truck outside the building. Hades set the potted plant into the bed of your truck before turning to you. “Would you like to hang out sometime? As friends of course. We wouldn’t want my wife to get angry.” He suggested. You pulled out of the cab of your truck to look at him.

“Are you sure about that? I don’t want to get turned into an aloe vera for being seen with you.” You spoke as you noticed someone lean against the wall wearing a leather trench coat, fedora, and dark sunglasses. You could see the woman’s yellow eyes staring you down hungrily as if she were waiting for the right moment to pounce on you. Hades followed your gaze to the woman leaning against the wall and his eyes narrowed at the woman. Her eyes widened and she pushed off the wall, quickly blending into the crowd and disappearing.

“I swear she doesn’t trust me.” Hades spoke as he looked back to you as you were a bit shaken up. “What was that thing?” You asked. “That was a Harpy that my wife sent to watch me. Persephone has trust issues you see… One of the times she was on the surface because Demeter still wanted to have her daughter on the surface for half the year, I slept with a nymph named Menthe and Persephone found out and turned her into the mint plant…” Hades said. Your stomach twisted in knots at the absurdity of the event that gave humans mint.

“That makes sense but that’s disgusting… and she’s on your menu? Who suggested that?” You asked. “Persephone did… I think she wanted it to serve as a reminder as to what happens to the women I sleep with and she finds out. But I only wish for your companionship, nothing more.” He says, almost hesitating on that last part.

“I understand. I’ll take you up on that offer. I’ll hang around the café when you’re manning it alone and you can spend one of your breaks with me, okay?” You suggested and Hades nodded, happily going back inside the building, awaiting the day he’d be manning the café alone. You’d come back day after day, getting a small queen of the underworld, hot and reading a book you’d either bring from home or take off the shelf.  Hades was frustrated as Persephone always was nearby or within sight of you, preventing Hades from being able to approach you.

You notice Hades’s stress and get up from your seat, draining your cup and walking over to the goddess to begin chatting to her about gardening and what would be the best way to keep pests off your tomatoes and what to do with your plants when winter comes and they die off. Persephone perks up and begins chatting away about natural pesticides such as spicy peppers or garlic depending on what you wanted to use. You nodded and thanked her as you wrote down the information, watching as Persephone gave Hades a nod of approval before going to her garden outside. Hades took the opportunity to approach you and put his hand on your back, just above your shoulders.

“Shall we take a seat?” He suggested as he was holding an iced tea in his hands. You nodded and he led you over to a table in a quiet corner of the café and let you sit before sitting across from you and asking you what you were talking to Persephone about. “Oh, I was asking her about natural pesticides to use on my tomatoes. The squirrels love eating them.” You told him. Hades smiles and watches you with a look of admiration on his face. “I have some questions for you.” You spoke after a moment or two of silence.

“Oh? What might that be?” He responded. “How do you handle it all? How does one run an entire realm and have a three-headed dog running about the place all the time? How are you not stressed and worried all the time?” You asked. Hades chuckles like a deep bellow rumbling from his chest. “I keep away from my brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews on Olympus. That place is crawling with stressors. Like every other week Hera is at Zeus’s throat with him having his squeeze of the month and the next half-blood that comes up claiming Zeus to be their father… I don’t know how they handle it. I’m glad where I am in the underworld with Persephone, even though she has me on a short leash.” Hades says as he glances out the window to his wife  who was watering the plants. “You love her, don’t you?” You asked as you saw the way he looked at his wife. “I do.” Hades said. The two of you then chatted together. It was a beautiful way to start a friendship The end

[tellmealovestory]

Crochet Sweater

Summary: You started a new hobby and your first project doesn't come out the way you hoped.

Warnings: A few lines of suggestive dialogue.

Spooktober Masterlist

“It’s finished!” You exude excitement as you skip up to Eddie carrying a black bag stuffed with orange tissue paper that crinkles every time you swing it back and forth in your hands.

“Took you long enough,” Eddie teases, grimacing when you slap his chest playfully. “Ouch, lady! You wound me.” 

You roll your eyes at his dramatics because you clearly didn’t. Shoving the bag into his arms you wait with bated breath as he pushes aside some of the tissue paper to peer inside. His eyebrows meet in the middle of his forehead, lips turning down into a frown and your stomach twists and turns like a pretzel. 

“It’s a Christmas sweater?” he asks with confusion. “Little early for Christmas presents isn’t it? Only October last I checked.” 

“What? No,” you say. “It’s the sweater that Freddy Cougar wears from that movie you won’t stop talking about.” 

“Cougar? You mean Kreuger?” 

You shrug your shoulders and scrunch your face up. Cougar, Kreuger it’s all the same to you. It’s a horror movie villain and you refuse to watch horror movies because you get scared easily and despite Eddie’s promises that he won’t let anything happen to you you still refuse to go to the movies and see it with him. 

“Huh,” Eddie says, pulling the crochet sweater fully out of the bag. The tissue paper crinkles again and he carelessly tosses the bag to the floor, his confusion only growing when he sees it fully. 

All he had told you were the colors were red and green so naturally you had chosen colors that were bright and cheery. A bold green, almost neon like something the Grinch’s fur would be covered in. A red that was cherry colored, the color of ribbons and bows strung up on porches during the holiday season. 

Holding it up to his body he doesn’t even try to hold back his laughter that bursts out loud and hard until his shoulders are shaking and he can barely breath. One sleeve is far longer than the other, covering his rings that rest on his fingers, the other only about a quarter long. It’s wide, but short and as you stare at it and then him you’re mortified. 

“Oh…” 

It’s the ugliest thing you’ve ever seen in your life. In your defense it was your first attempt at a new hobby, but still…

“You don’t have to wear that,” you blurt, reaching out for it to take it back and shove it in the bottom of a dumpster in a part of town that no one goes to, but Eddie is quicker than you, pulling it out of your reach as he slips it over his head. 

Dear god it’s even uglier on him and he’s a man that could pull anything off. 

Your face hurts from how hot it’s burning, but Eddie seems to be having the time of his life. Using the arm that has the longer sleeve he flops his hand about in the air and grins like a mad man. There’s a sliver of midriff showing where you didn’t get the measurements quite right and when he turns around and spins like a ballerina you can see some of the yarn you used already unraveling near the back and the bottom.

“Eddie. If you care about me at all you’re going to take that thing off and burn it in the backyard.”

“Naw. Gonna wear this on our next date. Make everybody in this town jealous. Hey, you ever thought of making one for yourself? We could wear matching sweaters on date night.” He wiggles his eyebrows like he’s come up with the best idea in the world.

This time when you slap his chest you make sure to add a little more force so it hurts. 

“Gonna sleep in this. Gonna wear it till it falls off. Gonna make sweet, sweet love to you in this,” he says, eyebrows dancing higher and that’s the final straw. 

“Oh my god,” you mutter, face burning hotter because only Eddie would think of saying something like that. “I swear to god if you plan on wearing that while we’re making out the only person you’re gonna be making love to is yourself.” You say putting air quotes around the last few words. 

His boisterous laughter is the last thing you hear before he’s enveloping you in his arms and the ugly sweater, mouth covering yours as he kisses you. “I really do like it,” he murmurs against your lips. 

You want to call him a liar because how could anyone love something that ugly? But before you can get a word in edgewise he’s kissing you again making you lose your train of thought.

[cowboythighs]

🪻Under a Bluebonnet Sky🪻

In the heart of Texas in 1977, two strangers meet at a county fair. A night spent under the stars might change Eddie and Steve’s lives forever, if they let it.

[Cowboy/Bull rider Steve and Mechanic Eddie]

🪻🎡✨🥧🌱

The county fair buzzed with bright colors and noisy excitement the night they first met. At the edge of the midway, the warm summer evening was filled with mingling scent of deep fried dough and barbecue—a welcome change from the earthy smell of hay and livestock.

A cowboy stood near the ring where the bull-riding competition had just ended, his hand still smarting from holding the rope too tight. He’d come in second—good enough for a cash prize but not good enough to satisfy him. Steve was nursing a cheap beer when he saw the mechanic for the first time.

The mechanic was leaning against a fence, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, the orange ember glowing in the creeping twilight. When their eyes met, Eddie tipped his head, almost like he’d been waiting for Steve to look. It was enough to stir something familiar and warm in Steve’s chest.

They crossed paths later near the food stalls. Eddie had a paper plate full of funnel cake in one hand and a grin in his voice when he said, “Hell of a ride out there.” He held out a bottle of beer to Steve like an offering.

Steve tipped his hat, trying to keep his tone casual as he took the bottle. “Thanks. Thought I had it.”

“You looked good out there,” Eddie said, his gaze steady. “Real good.”

Steve felt his ears burn under the brim of his hat. “Good enough to lose,” Steve muttered, tipping the bottle to his lips.

“Second place ain’t losing,” Eddie said. “Just motivation to do better next time.”

Steve glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity. Eddie just shrugged, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “It’s what my uncle always tells me when I don’t win something. Did it help?”

Steve let a hesitant smile shine through. “Don’t know. Maybe. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.” After a pause he asked, “You ride?”

Eddie smirked. “Nah, not like you do. You from around here cowboy, or just passin’ through?”

Steve hesitated, tilting his hat back as he glanced up at the sinking sun. “Passing through,” he said finally, his voice carrying a heavy kind of weariness.

Eddie leaned back against the fence, crossing his arms loosely. “Figured as much. You’ve got that look.”

Steve raised an eyebrow. “What look?”

“The kind that don’t unpack,” Eddie said with a small shrug. “I used to think about leaving every day, you know. Dreamed about taking off, going anywhere but here.”

Steve glanced at him, curiosity flickering across his face. “What stopped you?”

Eddie looked out toward the fair, where the lights twinkled against the dark sky and the laughter of kids carried on the breeze. “Guess I started realizing this was home. Not just the place, but the people. The little things, like knowing which fencepost needs fixing before it breaks, or who’s got the best blackberry cobbler in town. One day, it just hit me—I didn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Steve gave a faint smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Never had that. Always felt like I was looking for something I couldn’t find.” He paused, the words catching in his throat. “Sounds nice, though. Knowing where you belong.”

Eddie’s gaze lingered on him, thoughtful. “Maybe you just haven’t been in the right place yet.”

Steve tilted his head, a hint of something wistful in his expression. “Maybe.”

Eddie nudged his shoulder lightly, breaking the moment. “Well, if you stick around here long enough, I’ll let you know where you can get a mean blackberry cobbler.”

They wandered after that, Steve sipping his beer as Eddie pointed things out to him—rickety rides, rigged games, a building filled with locals’ art exhibitions which ranged from hilarious to breathtaking. The livestock barn was quieter, the air heavy with hay and the earthy smell of animals. Eddie leaned against a stall, hands shoved in his pockets, while Steve rubbed the nose of a curious calf.

“You do this often?” Steve asked, breaking the silence.

 

“What, buy cowboys drinks and then take him to go pet baby animals?” Eddie's smirk returned, but there was something softer in his eyes. “Not really. You?”

 

Steve huffed a laugh. “Not often enough.”

They walked around until they ended up back on the midway for another beer. And another. They talked long enough that the lights of the midway started to dim and the crowd began to thin. Steve found himself liking Eddie’s easy confidence, the way he leaned against anything like it was put there just for him. And Eddie liked the way Steve’s voice softened when he spoke, like he wasn’t used to being listened to but appreciated it when someone did.

 

The fair was winding down for the night, the laughter and music fading into the hum of generators and the shuffle of tired feet. Eddie leaned against his truck, lighting another cigarette, while Steve stood nearby, fiddling with the brim of his hat.

Steve expected to say goodnight. Instead, Eddie looked up at the sky and said, “Too many lights here. When’s the last time you had a good look at the stars?” Eddie flicked his cigarette onto the ground and stamped it out.

Steve glanced at him. “Not for a while.”

Eddie grinned. “C’mon, I know a spot,” he said, lighting another cigarette as he slid into the driver’s seat.

 

Steve hesitated for half a second before climbing in. The truck smelled faintly of tobacco and motor oil, the kind of scent that lingered on work shirts and stuck to a man even after a shower.

 

The truck rumbled along the dark county roads—headlights cutting through the endless stretch of night.  A cool breeze slipped through the windows, laced with the soft, green scent of dewy grass and the faint tang of juniper trees from somewhere far off.

 

Patsy Cline’s voice spilled softly from the truck’s worn-out speakers, her words filling the cab with an ache they both felt. Steve leaned against the window, his hat resting on his knee, the glow of the dashboard painting his profile in soft, flickering light.

 

Eddie kept one hand on the wheel, the other drumming idly against his thigh in time with the song. He didn’t say much, but every now and then, he glanced over at Steve, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.

 

“You like Patsy?” Eddie asked finally, his voice low.

 

Steve smiled faintly, still staring out at the sprawling plains beyond the window. “Yeah. Always felt like she was singing to me, somehow. Like she knows what it’s like to be... in-between.”

 

Eddie nodded, his gaze returning to the road ahead. “Yeah. She’s good at that.”

 

As the song faded, the stars seemed to shine brighter, the weight of the moment settling over them.

Eddie turned off onto a dirt path lined with overgrown grass and mesquite trees, pulling up to a wide-open field on his uncle’s property. He killed the engine, and the night swallowed them whole, the quiet stretching endlessly beneath a sky full of stars.

 

Eddie hopped out, motioning for Steve to follow. “You don’t get skies like this in town,” he said, climbing into the bed of the truck and leaning back on his elbows. Steve joined him, lying stiffly at first until Eddie nudged him with a boot.

 

“Relax, cowboy,” Eddie teased.

 

Steve huffed a laugh, but his shoulders softened as he settled in.

For a while, they just looked at the stars, the night pressing around them like a blanket. Then Steve turned his head to study Eddie's profile.

 

“Can I ask you something?” Steve said, his voice low, almost hesitant.

 

Eddie glanced over, his expression open but unreadable. “Shoot.”

 

“Why’d you ask me to come out here?”

 

Eddie was quiet for a moment, his gaze returning to the sky. “I don’t know. Just felt like you might need it as much as I did.”

 

Steve blinked, caught off guard. “What makes you think I needed it?”

 

Eddie smirked, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’ve got that look. Like you’ve been holding your breath so long you forgot how to let it out.”

 

Steve felt his chest tighten, the words hitting closer than he’d like to admit. “And what about you?” he asked, his voice quieter now. “What are you holding your breath for?”

 

Eddie exhaled a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Don’t know. Guess I just figured it might be easier to remember how to breathe if someone else was there to do it with me.”

 

For a long moment, they just looked at each other, the silence stretching out between them. And then Steve smiled—small, almost shy, but real.

 

“You’re not what I expected,” Steve said.

 

Eddie raised an eyebrow. “Good or bad?”

 

Steve shrugged, the corner of his mouth twitching up. “I’ll let you know.”

 

Eddie laughed, the sound warm and full, and Steve felt something shift. It was the way Eddie seemed to see him, not just the pieces he showed the world, but the parts he kept hidden, too.

 

When Eddie reached for him, brushing a hand along Steve’s jaw, Steve didn’t pull away. Their kissing was slow, unhurried, like they had all the time in the world.

 

Afterward, they lay side by side, Eddie's jacket draped over them, their hands brushing in the space between.

 

“I wish…” Steve started, then stopped, shaking his head.

 

“What?” Eddie asked softly.

 

Steve exhaled, his breath curling into the cool night air. “I wish it didn’t have to feel like this—like something we have to hide. Like we’re the only two people in the world who’d understand.”

 

Eddie was quiet for a long moment before he said, “Maybe that makes it special. Knowing we’ve got something no one else does.”

 

Steve didn’t reply, but when he closed his eyes, he didn’t feel so alone anymore. He lay nestled in Eddie’s arms, his breaths slow and steady, teetering on the edge of sleep.

Eddie’s fingers traced lazy patterns against Steve’s bare shoulder, his voice soft when he finally spoke. “Mrs. Mae’s Kitchen,” Eddie murmured, almost to himself.

Steve stirred faintly, his voice drowsy. “Huh?”

Eddie smiled, the warmth of it carrying in his words as he repeated, “Mrs. Mae’s Kitchen—that’s where you can get the best blackberry cobbler in town.” He paused, brushing his lips against Steve’s hair. “Worth stickin’ around for.”

Steve let out a contented hum, barely audible, and nuzzled closer, his voice slurred with sleep. “Cobbler, huh? Sounds nice.”

“Real nice,” Eddie said, his arms tightening just a little, as if anchoring them both to this moment.

And under the expanse of the quiet sky, Steve let the world fade, trusting Eddie’s voice to carry him into dreams.

✨✨✨✨✨✨

The fair felt like a dream by the next evening, the kind that lingered at the edges of Steve’s mind while he went through the motions of a new day. The echo of Eddie’s laughter, the taste of his kiss, the weight of a denim jacket slung over his shoulders—all of it stayed with him, filling the quiet spaces where loneliness used to sit.

 

But they hadn’t made plans to see each other again, not explicitly. Steve didn’t even know if Eddie wanted to see him again, or if what they shared under the stars was a just one night fling—two strangers seeking a moments comfort to get them by.

 

So, when Steve walked into Mrs. Mae’s on the last night of the fair, dusty and tired from another long day of riding, he didn’t expect to see Eddie sitting at the counter, nursing a cup of coffee like he’d been there waiting all along.

 

For a moment, Steve froze. He thought about leaving, about sparing himself the possibility of Eddie looking up and not remembering him, or worse—pretending not to. But then Eddie turned, and their eyes met, and that grin, sharp and knowing, spread across his face.

 

“Figured you’d be halfway to Amarillo by now.” Eddie drawled, leaning back against the counter.

 

Steve tried to play it cool, even as his stomach flipped. “I was told the blackberry cobbler at Mrs. Mae’s was worth stickin’ around for. Figured I should see for myself.”

 

“Blackberry cobbler, huh? That all you’re here for?”  Eddie asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

Steve felt his face heat, but he didn’t look away. “Well, heard the company might be worth stickin’ around for too.”

 

Eddie’s grin softened, the teasing edge giving way to something quieter. “Sit down, cowboy. Let me buy you a coffee.”

 

A cowboy and a mechanic sat in a diner, sharing a slice of blackberry cobbler. Outside, the stars stretched wide above, endless and bright under a bluebonnet sky. There was something in the air—a quiet tug—like the first hint of tentative roots unfurling and sinking in.