#this could be flattering myself but i think me and my partner figured it out right after the album released

[cosmignon]

greetings current spg fandom i have a poll formed from curiosity

if u are learning this from my post, you vote the "someone else" option.

I am rly curious just bc despite it feeling like extremely obvious and sense making to me the album itself doesn't ever tell you out right the connection is there, or that there's a concret split timeline, just scatters little hints hither and thither

[lamiadrowned]

Hellooo! those jinx dating headcanons were so cute, could you maybe expand on Silco meeting Jinx's partner? 🩷

*:･ﾟ✧ silco meeting jinx’s partner

jinx x fem!reader | sfw

this made me so happy to write, the flashback we got of younger silco is heavy on my mind :,) missing him

it would definitely be a lot less intimidating than you’d expect!

in the month or so that you’ve been with jinx, silco isn’t immediately distrusting of you since she talks often about how great you are. not only that, but he can see the difference you’ve made in her life and her mental state. how cheery she becomes when she talks about you. how big her smile gets when he asks about you.

however, it seems she’s a bit embarrassed at the idea of introducing him to you. so, being the protective father that he is, he takes the initiative.

one day, as you’re heading home from work, you quickly reach for the switchblade in your back pocket when you feel a hand on your shoulder behind you.

you turn around to see there’s a woman (who is considerably taller and buffer than you) standing there, clearly surprised to see a knife pointed at her. “my name is sevika, i’m here on behalf of silco. he wants to see you in his office before the day ends. is now a good time?”

thankfully, you recognize the name. jinx had talked about going on a few missions with her. you lower your knife and shrug. “uh… yeah. yeah, now’s fine. lead the way.”

she nods and proceeds to walk with you a few streets down to the building, offering some polite conversation and reassurance– this meeting is solely for the purpose of introducing himself to you, since his daughter won’t.

she takes you to the door of silco’s office, opening it for you and wishing you good luck.

you don’t immediately see silco, but you do hear his voice. “take a seat wherever you’d like.”

once sevika shuts the door behind you, you take a deep breath and follow his instructions; sitting down at his desk and watching his own chair spin around so that he can finally come face-to-face with you.

your anxiety is through the roof and your heart won’t slow down no matter how many deep breaths you take, but you’re able to muster a polite smile.

he sees right through it, though. of course. like father, like daughter. “you seem frightened. i apologize if sevika gave you a scare.“

“oh, no– she was really nice. it’s just… i wasn’t expecting a meeting with the kingpin of the underground today.” you joke.

he laughs, which makes you a bit more comfortable. “another apology is in order, then. i know this is sudden, but jinx… she gets so bashful at the idea of introducing us. i figured, why don’t i take the big leap?”

you nod. “yeah, of course. she talks very highly of you.”

“and you, as well. she talks my ear off, a million words a minute if she finds a way to bring you up.” silco shakes his head with a growing smile. “it’s impressive, how quickly she’s become smitten with you. i’d think you were a sorceress if i didn’t know any better.”

you’re flattered by his kind words, and a bit excited by the fact that she seemingly talks about you so much. you must be doing something right.

the two of you continue on as you answer all of the questions he asks about your upbringing and your current life, and you ask questions about his. it almost begins to feel like you’re talking to an old friend, not the most feared and influential man in the lanes.

however, at one point, he suddenly becomes very serious.

“now, i feel this is an appropriate time to tell you this. you seem to be a genuinely good person, which is all too rare these days.” silco sighs. then, he clasps his hands together and casually leans forward onto the desk, resting his chin on his fists. “with that being said, if i ever come to find out that you have made my daughter suffer in any way, and you will never know peace again. do i make myself clear?”

your eyes widen. you’re finally starting to see why the entire population of zaun is scared witless by him. “understood. it will never come to that, though. i can only hope you take my word for it.”

silco nods in approval of your answer. he’s very impressed by your ability to remain calm in the face of his intimidation. it only proves to him that you’re as good as you seem, and that your intentions are pure– you have nothing to hide.

after a brief silence, he opens his mouth to speak again, but he’s interrupted by the sound of his office door slamming open.

“she’s missing!”

you’re shocked to hear jinx. she sounds frantic, voice hoarse and pitchy, like she can’t contain her terror. “i checked everywhere, high and low! we need to send one of your goons to–”

she’s silenced when she sees you turn around in your chair and meet her glare. her look of horror turns into one of confusion. “what the hell is going on here? is this an intervention?”

you snort at her question, patting the chair next to you, inviting her to come sit down. her shoulders slump and she lets out a dramatic huff as she sulks over to sit beside you. her arms cross defensively. “i don’t know what you weirdos think i did, but those fireworks going off last night were not mine, and to be frank, it’s kind of offensive that you’d assume i–”

“jinx, if you don’t mind,��� silco puts a hand up, imploring her to stop talking. “we’ll talk about those fireworks later.”

“what?! i just said they weren’t mine.” jinx scoffs.

“you ramble when you lie. don’t you think i’d know that by now?” silco sighs. “that’s beside the point. since you had no plans to introduce me to y/n, i decided to introduce myself.”

you hum in confirmation. “that’s all. no intervention.”

it takes jinx a long moment to process this information; it seems as if she forgot silco has eyes everywhere, and when he wants something done, it will be done.

you’re almost expecting her to be upset before a beaming smile replaces the scowl on her face. “un-fuckin’-believable! i’m searching all over zaun for you, while you’re here, kicking back with him?!” she points in his direction.

“precisely.” silco steps in for you, aware that this is one of those times where she is very happy, yet tries to pretend that she is very upset. “if it’s of any reassurance to you– to both of you– this relationship has my badge of approval.”

instantly, you feel a sense of pride in knowing that you’d made such a good impression on him. he’s a man that’s very hard to impress, as far as you’ve heard.

you reach for jinx’s hand and squeeze it. her smile is almost as big as yours now. “look at that. i aced the big interview, and i haven’t gone missing.“

[justpottytime]

Yesterday I was in a car and felt like I was sitting in a warm puddle. Started to worry a bit that I had peed myself without noticing, but then figured out that I had turned the heated seats on by mistake.

So of course I thought this could lead to fun scenarios and thought of you!

My first idea is someone driving their partner who is desperately squirming and trying to hold it in, and switches on the heated seats, wondering if the warm puddle feeling would make them think they'd already leaked through their pants and give up control entirely.... I'm sure there are others!

Awwww, I'm so flattered that you thought of me! I actually love cars with heated seats 'cause I'm always cold, especially in winter, but I can definitely see how they'd feel like you're sitting in a warm puddle after a while! What a way to end up losing control... Maybe they hope that the heat will dry their pants before they have to get out of the car, but let's face it, that's not happening...

Thanks for the ask!

[peach-and-bugs]

Oh, I never meant to imply or make anyone think you'd be uncomfortable with poly relationships in general. I really did just mean as far as writing goes.

But if you're okay doing romantic sfw poly, would you be willing to write a Misty x reader x Natalie when you have time? Or even just a headcanon list of how that starts and what it would be like?

I know, Love, don't worry! I mostly just gave the clarification for myself and anyone who could wonder.

But, here are my thoughts on a poly relationship with Nat and Misty!

✰ any relationship with either of these girls is going to be complicated and honestly probably a little strange, but together it's a whole new experience on its own, what with their very clashing yet compatible personalities

✰ I think it could start with either Misty and Natalie together first or you and Misty together. (For this list, I'm going with Misty and Natalie are established, but if you want me to write about the alternative let me know!) Either way, opening the relationship feels like it would be Misty's idea. But Misty is a very clingy and possessive person. I could see her getting jealous easily not being the center of attention. She'd either want you both dating her exclusively without any other partners or as a thruple, which is ultimately what happens.

✰ Misty and Natalie would already be semi-established when they run into you. Definitely hooking up but maybe not calling each other girlfriend or considering each other mutually exclusive at this point. They'd be getting coffee together before working on whatever weird situation they're in now when they pass you by leaving the cafe.

✰ you'd inherited and reopened your mother's flower shop after she passed and decided to settle down back in your old hometown. You'd gone to school with both of them and remembered them well despite being a few years younger. You and Misty had an already established acquainted friendship and she'd convinced her nursing home to get flowers from your shop on Fridays for the hospice patients to brighten up their rooms. she'd been using that errand as a cover to chat you up every week since.

✰ of course, this relationship would warrant a stop at the shop, where Natalie looks wildly out of place, but she listened quietly in the corner as the two of them prattle on about a new flower shipment or something. That is till you reintroduce yourself to Natalie, reminding her of who you were from school. She's surprised by the way you've matured. She feels bad, but though she remembered you, you hadn't left much of an impression on her other than being quiet back in the day.

✰ this would become routine, especially with Misty's errand for work. now she just drags Natalie along with her.

✰ it would take quite a while for them to ask you out with both of them because they need to first figure out what's going on between the two of them, but once they do, they mutually agree that they both like you and want to date you together. Misty would suggest the idea first and probably be very nervous about it but she'd be thrilled when Natalie agrees with her. They invite you out for dinner with them the next time they stop in.

✰ however, they forget to mention that they're inviting you on a date. with both of them. And that's not intentional, they just both suck at social interaction and think that it's a given that it's a date. but you realize about halfway through dinner what's going on and you're surprised, to say the least. it makes things in general pretty awkward and the two are left thinking that they completely fumbled the ball. you're embarrassed enough that they almost stip their flower run the following week, but you manage to stop them in time to explain.

✰ you're extremely flattered and frankly honored they'd hold you in such high regard to open their relationship up to you, but it was just surprising to realize at the moment. you do like them both and would be interested in dating them a try, but you request that you take it very slowly, starting out with solo dates for a while before jumping into a complete relationship with the three of you.

✰ they agree and for a few months, you take turns going on dates with one or the other on the weekend. Misty's dates are often very thought out and innocent, taking you out to bookstores, parks, gardens, and sweet shops or trying out a new restaurant you mentioned offhandedly before returning to hers.

✰ Natalie on the other hand prefers the nightlife. She'll take you to bars or nightclubs or you'll just have a night in at her motel room. either way, you know you'll have a good time with both of them.

✰ after a month or so of this, you move on to dates together, which are always fun! around this time you officially start dating altogether as you might call it and it works out pretty great. You focus a lot on clear and positive communication between the three of you and you developed a lot of beneficial routines over time.

✰ Misty's house sort of becomes the home base for all of you since Natalie is still at the motel and you're in an apartment. You have a lot of nights in and slow mornings there which is alright because Misty loves having company.

✰ Misty is definitely the most attentive to both of you. she's constantly checking in when you are apart and thrilled when you come back to her. Natalie's often a lot quieter, but she enjoyed taking both of her girls out on the town and listening to the two of you ramble about whatever it is you are interested in together.

[themunschbunch]

A Badger's Experience With Dating the Hogwarts Houses Part 1: Snake Primaries

I am using the @sortinghatchats system, with @wisteria-lodge's lingo which can be found: Wisteria’s Great Big Sorting Hat Chats Explanation - I enjoy writing elaborate metas & headcanons (tumblr.com) Snake Primaries are very sexy and intense, to me as a Badger Primary. I think because their focus is completely on you, they make you feel so special! When you're one of their people and you're out with them, it's like you're the only real people there, and everyone else is just an NPC. They're definitely the type of house who would be flattered if you called in sick to work just to spend time with them. When you have a bad day or a disagreement with someone, they always take your side (even if you're being unreasonable lol), they always back you up, and they'll do anything for you, no questions asked. As someone who puts their own needs at the back of the line, there's something so refreshing about being with someone who goes "fuck this", lifts up the velvet robe, and hauls me to the front. Sure I protest at first "no it's okay" and yeah I apologize and blush and shrug helplessly to all the people in line I pass, but ultimately I let my snake take me to the front, and I feel a thrill! I wouldn't permit myself such a thrill often, but every now and then it's such a treat! The downside of this is I have a hard time returning the favour and speaking that snake primary love language. It's a lesson I learned the hard way recently, but I confess to not doing it on purpose, and being genuinely baffled at first. At first my snake found it cute how I take so much time for everyone, and speak positively about everyone. I have a great rapport with random cashiers and chat up old people at the grocery store, and they said it's a green flag to them that my exes still think I'm a nice person. But then after a while, I guess I didn't make them feel as special as they made me feel, because they got so jealous and possessive. They sort of had this attitude of: Why are you so worried about person x or y--what about me? I would argue with them by saying: Well that person's situation was worse than yours, so I wanted to take make sure I didn't make them uncomfortable or hurt their feelings in that moment. That answer didn't fly with my snake! They were thinking: I always put you first, why can't you do the same for me? Why am I being put on the backburner for every acquaintance going through a hard time? Meanwhile I was left thinking: Jeez my partner is being a bit jealous and selfish here. It was a hard balance to navigate and I don't think I ever figured it out. They got increasingly possessive and jealous (wanting to track my phone, making me text constantly to account for my time even when I was at work, social media stalking anyone who ever liked my instagram stories to investigate their intentions and threat level). I didn't fully understand why they were suffocating me, but it was getting dark so I ended it before it got ugly. I think if I had recognized they were a snake primary sooner (and I really should have seen it coming, their wifi network was called House Lannister lol) maybe I could have navigated that relationship with more intention. I would have made more of an effort to make them feel special, and make a bigger show of prioritizing them first. Checking in with them even when it felt a bit extra or unnecessary to do so, just to acknowledge their status as my #1 person.

[ibelieveinahappilyeverafter]

Original Story: Three Conditions

A/N: Originally this was written for my Pop Fiction class in college, but I am now posting it here and thinking about turning it into a full on novel. Let me know what you guys think!

Summary: Randy was looking for a fake partner for the very simple reason of avoiding making a scene at a fashion gala that his toxic ex would be attending. He was not expecting Sage Ashton.

***

Finishing up his rather long-winded and rambling explanation and plea for help, Randy focused on keeping calm as he took a sip of his drink in the silence that followed. “So,” he finally said. “What do you say?”

Alex, one of his closest friends that had stood by his side for the hell that was his college years, laughed. Randy resisted the urge to end the phone call there and then. He didn’t bother to resist the urge to down half his drink in one go, though. 

“So- So, okay, let me get this right. Your mom is forcing you to attend some rich person ball and you need a fake girlfriend or boyfriend to get through the night so you don’t get proposed to? Seriously?”

“Gala,” Randy stressed, absolutely certain the silence that followed was judgemental as all hell. “Alex. My mother is a fashion designer icon and this gala is essentially a who’s who of those in the industry. And as archaic and insane as it is, it’s also the perfect opportunity for about a dozen families to push their children at me and hope a marriage comes out of it.” 

“It’s about time for you to settle down, you’re getting up there in years, after all, and you’ll need someone to take care of you-”

“I am twenty-five, you are an asshole, and you are also my last chance. Andy already said no because he’s out-of-state still for the next week, Novan told me to go fuck myself, Luna laughed in my face, and Lizzy��� Lizzy was a little too excited about the idea.” 

“So I’m your fifth choice, huh? You really know how to flatter a girl, Randy.” His bad. That- Yeah. That was his bad. “Before I crush all of your cliche rom-com hopes and dreams, what’s the real reason you need a fake date for this thing? Avoiding marriage proposals is a little too big a lie even for you, bud.”

“Yeah… that’s what all the others said, too,” Randy groaned, raising his hand for another drink and ignoring the slightly judgemental look the bartender gave him. So what if he was sad and alone and on his phone with a drink? That didn’t mean his life was miserable! He did make sure to pay for that drink and his previous, though, to lessen the glaring. “I really do have to go, especially with how much I help with designs now, but… Tabby’s going to be there.”

A sharp hiss of breath crackled over the phone, Randy feeling the sympathy through the phone. “Crazy ex Tabby who tried to control you like a dog and then said you were only on a break after you dumped her?” Randy figured his silence spoke enough for him. “Damn. I’m sorry, Randy, I- I have work that night, and the bitch manager is on duty so if I try to flake I’ll risk this job.” 

Randy groaned, trying to make it pained and dramatic and hating that a little bit of his hopelessness was genuine. “Can’t I just pay you off? Come on, this is basically one of your novels come to life!” 

Alex started saying something, but it could have been in another language for how little Randy was focused on the words. Instead he was focused on the young woman who took a seat next to him at the bar and gave him a serious look with a tinge of desperation before saying, “I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend for the next three to five minutes.” 

“Uh…” Hm. It was New York. He was in New York and this was a New York bar. This wasn’t even the strangest thing to happen to Randy that day. “Sure? Alex, I’ll call you back as soon as I can, I need to go play white knight.” Hanging up and ignoring the shouting and complaining, Randy felt two hands wrap around his arm. 

“Cool, I’m Sage Ashton, twenty-one, we started dating six months ago, we’re taking things slow, but it’s starting to get serious between us and we’re thinking we might move in together in the next few months.” 

At least three of his friends would be yelling at him to turn around and get himself out of the situation he now found himself in, Randy mused. On any other day he probably might have, but considering Randy was trying to do the same thing she was of finding a fake partner, he couldn’t exactly go around throwing stones at glass houses and all that. Plus, when he had agreed, there had been a lot of relief in her expression.

“Randy Beaumont,” he finally said, deciding he’d deal with whatever consequences came later. Besides, it wasn’t the first time he played pretend boyfriend to a scared person in a bar. “Twenty-five. We started talking about moving in a couple weeks ago and we’re even looking at possibly getting a cat together.” The dazzling and relieved smile he was given came a few seconds before the shout of her name. 

“Sage! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” A man probably somewhere between their ages came up to the bar and leaned in on Sage’s other side, two other guys hanging a few feet back before awkwardly moving to order drinks. “Come on, baby, you know I wasn’t serious, right?” His gaze trailed to Randy, a frown appearing. “New friend?”

“New partner,” Sage said firmly, leaning back into Randy and wrinkling her nose. Going by the slightly glazed look in the guy’s eyes, he had already been at the bar for a few hours, at least. “And I thought I remember telling you this conversation was over months ago.” Ah, right, Randy and her had been ‘dating’ for six months. “Randy, this is Jake. He’s… someone I don’t talk to anymore.” 

“How long has this been going on for?” Jake smirked, looking like he was about to catch them in a lie as he kept his gaze focused on Randy. Personally, Randy thought he did a great job of raising his eyebrows and looking a mix of disdainful and annoyed. 

“‘Bout six months,” Randy said with a convincing glare, using the grip Sage had on his arm to pull her closer, ‘lowering’ his voice. “Do you wanna get out of here?”

Before Sage could answer, Jake was raising his voice, “Six months! So what, you left me and then had someone waiting in line for you! Or was he there before you walked out-” 

“On you and Jessica having the time of your lives on my bed?” Oh. Oh, damn. That was… no wonder she had wanted a fake boyfriend as backup. “I wasn’t the one cheating, Jake. Besides, I met Randy a week after that.” 

“Mutual friend set us up, in case it actually matters to you,” Randy said, really selling the story. He hoped so, at least. “C’mon, let’s get out of here, hun.” Standing up, Randy threw a couple bills down for a tip and to cover any of Sage’s possible drinks before he was placing an arm around her waist lightly and tugging her along. When it looked like Jake was about to say something no doubt degrading, Randy stood up straighter and narrowed his eyes. “What.”

“Bitch,” Jake muttered, acting as if he had gotten the last word in before slinking off to re-join the two others he had walked over with. 

As soon as they were outside and on the sidewalk, Randy removed his arm and smiled at Sage, “Sorry if any of that was uncomfortable.” 

“No worries,” Sage beamed, looking a lot more relieved once outside. “Jake’s not really, you know, violent, but… seeing him at a bar drunk with his brother and idiot best friend? Better safe than sorry, you know? You looked like you could throw a punch, at least.”

“I have been in my fair share of bar brawls,” Randy nodded, going for wise elder and probably hitting annoying considering the jab he got to his side. “Seriously, do you need help or to talk to the police or anything? Any stalking from him?”

“Just bad luck,” Sage shook her head, giving him a smile. “Thanks for the worry, though. But, no, I was about to move when that whole thing went down anyways, so, you know. He doesn’t even know where I live. I’ll now be changing bars, too, so with luck on my side and the enormity that is New York, I should be just fine. Shall we now break up and go our separate ways? I can even throw in some crying, if you want, or screaming to make you really look good.” 

“But how would my heart ever heal?” Randy asked, placing a hand over his chest and grinning at Sage’s laugh that definitely seemed to have taken her by surprise. For someone who had grabbed him in a bar and asked him to be a pretend boyfriend, she wasn’t half bad. In fact… he just had an idea. “Actually, my wonderful pretend girlfriend, while we’re on the subject of needing fake partners…”

Sage didn’t miss a beat for even a moment, instead starting to grin, “Yeah? Need me to scare off a crazy ex-girlfriend who can’t let you go because you’re soulmates?” Oh, Randy was definitely going to get Sage’s number after this. It was like talking to himself only with more sarcasm and attitude. 

“Honestly? You hit the nail on the head. Plus, if you say yes, it actually might be one of your top weirdest New York experiences.” A fake boyfriend for five minutes was a lot less to ask than an entire night as a fake girlfriend at a fashion gala. 

Sage didn’t respond right away, which was relieving in a way, and instead simply stared at him as if she was trying to figure him out. It felt like a couple of years before she finally nodded and asked, “Are you hungry?” 

“I could eat.” Rolling with the punches seemed to be the best way to navigate a conversation with Sage from what he could tell so far. It was like improv only with less comedy. Probably. 

“Good. It’s a fast food kind of day. Let’s go get dinner.” Sage bumped their shoulders together, giving a grin. “You can give me your pitch as we’re walking.”

Thankfully, it was New York and they were in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. There were fast food places everywhere. Even more thankfully, Randy was done explaining about the situation by the time they had their food in front of them — the real one, and not the fake marriage proposal one.

“So.” Sage finished sprinkling three packets of salt over her fries before starting to eat them, Randy watching in a mixture of fascination and horror. “You need a fake partner to go to this fashion gala with you since you’ll almost definitely be running into an insane ex-girlfriend who wants to own and control you like a poodle.” 

“That covers all the major points of it, at least,” Randy nodded, not even surprised when Sage took a sip of his drink before drinking from hers and then swapping them. He supposed he would be drinking Coke instead of Sprite. “I’d offer to pay you, but that makes it sound like something vaguely illegal is happening.” 

“As opposed to you living out a fanfiction trope used by fourteen-year-olds just learning to write gay fanfiction.” Sage decimated a quarter of her fries before Randy found his voice again because that description had been horrifyingly beautiful — and accurate. 

“Moving on.” Yeah. Okay. He deserved the laugh to his face on that one. “I really am out of options. All of my friends are either working, out-of-state, or don’t feel comfortable enough to go. But this is also a voluntary experience. You can opt-out at any time.” 

“Is this conversation being recorded for training purposes?” Ah, the sass never stopped. Randy hated how much fun he was having. “Alright, more seriously, I’m… not totally against it. I guess I do kind of owe you after the whole Jake thing.” 

“That was a debt-free fake-boyfriend event,” Randy said, shaking his head when Sage looked ready to argue. “No, seriously. I know how that kind of thing goes, and I’d rather play boyfriend to someone actually decent than have you end up in a bad situation, especially when you’re on your own in a bar.” 

Sage was quiet and Randy was starting to think he had offended her or had gone too far before she placed a hand to her chest. “Randy… I think I’m ready to move in with you.” Randy wasn’t even done laughing before she broke and laughed herself. “Seriously, though, I’m not against it. Attending a fancy party with free food and getting the chance to piss off some rich jerks? I’m in — but on three conditions!” 

“Name them,” Randy said at once, not at all caring how desperate he came across because, well. He really was desperate. He needed to be at that gala, both to support his mother and to start making his own name in the industry. The idea of running into Tabby, though… He had barely managed to scrape together the courage to leave her the first time. She knew just what to say to tear him down and keep him under her heel and he’d rather avoid re-living and going through more emotional abuse if he could. 

“Alright, condition number one, I get to take my own transport there. I am not showing up in some damn limo or fancy looking car. I have standards, Randy.” Sage grinned, Randy feeling the tension drain out of him as he relaxed. “Two, I’m not going to kiss you or anything just to fool some rich snobs. My emotions are far too delicate for such a thing like that.” 

“Oh, absolutely,” Randy nodded quickly, trying to hide his smile behind his drink as Sage ‘glared’ at him. She then stuffed another handful of fries in her mouth and looked more like a chipmunk than anything until she swallowed. 

“Three — the last and most important one.” Sage looked solemn, but Randy wasn’t willing to buy it quite yet. “We are not going to be a trope, Randy.” Sage didn’t even pause at his laughter, instead talking over him. “I’m serious! We’re not going to fall in love and get together and have 2.5 kids and a white picket fence and- Hang on. We’re in New York. Right. We’re not going to fall in love and move into a two-bedroom apartment with our rescue cat!”

Randy was still laughing even as he held out his hand, Sage clasping it firmly with a grin. “Sage Ashton, I agree to your terms.” 

“Then Randy Beaumont, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” 

***

Adjusting his outfit and doing last checks for the fifth time in the rearview mirror, Randy continued speaking towards the call he had going. “Yes, Mama, I’m on my way there now. Remember, Sage and I are madly in love and you’re looking forward to your future daughter-in-law joining the business.” 

“Where did these dramatics come from? I know they couldn’t have come from me.” Ha. This from the woman who convinced three models to quit at a rival’s fashion show and then gleefully took credit for it. “Will my future daughter-in-law that you met while playing hero be dressed appropriately, at least?”

“Mama, please, there’s no need to insult me. I managed to tailor some spares I had while working on the Spring collection.” 

“Premaire or Coupled?” More smug at the question than he probably should have been, Randy thought back to when he had invited Sage over the day before the gala to try on outfits to find something for the ball. It had been a fun afternoon teaching her about fashion, the industry at large, matching and combining fabrics, and creating something entirely new for her to wear — as well as something that would match his own outfit. 

“The silk-lined plum chiffon blouse from Premaire and the combined wool leggings and skirt in black from Coupled. Also threw in the boots from the Fall Lessons collection.”

The sound of clapping over the line had him beaming, “Bravo! That’s my boy! Some excellent choices and I look forward to seeing them in person! Hopefully my future daughter-in-law fits the clothes?” Ah, she was so protective. 

 “Trust me, Mama, I think you’ll actually like her. She’s… fun. Nice. I think I might actually see if we can be friends after this. Some of the others would love to meet her.” 

“Mm…” Oh, he did not like that teasing, knowing hum of hers. “I’ll be sure to expect us to see a lot more of my future daughter-in-law, then.”

“Now, hold on a minute there, that doesn’t mean-” 

“Ta, darling, I’ll see you soon!” 

The call ended before his phone switched back over to his music, Randy suddenly finding the whole ‘daughter-in-law’ joke a lot less funny after that last comment. Honestly. Years of trying and still he couldn’t get the last word in when it came to his mother. 

At least traffic was actually decent for once, Randy making good time even with him seemingly hitting every red light in the state- Oh. Now that was interesting. Randy was eighty percent sure he was seeing Sage come out of an apartment complex. He wasn’t absolutely sure, considering the distance, but chances were good considering the woman who had just come out was dressed up in the outfit he had tailored and put together along with make-up done to absolute perfection and curled, wavy hair that was woven and braided in around a headband with a black and gold butterfly on the top. 

Ah, well, even if he was wrong people had heard weirder shouted out to them from cars with their windows rolled down. “So how firm was that first condition,” he shouted, grinning as the woman jumped and looked over at him, expression blank before it became angry as heeled boots started stomping towards his car and oh, yes, that was definitely Sage. 

The light turned green just as Sage finished sliding into the car and shut the door behind her, Randy doing his best to not laugh as Sage ‘glared’ at him. It was more like a pout, if anything, and even that was stretching it. “Randy Beaumont, you are on thin ice right now.” 

“I’m sorry, but we’re still five miles away and do you really want to step on public transit dressed like that when it’s getting to be night?”

“You sound like my dad,” Sage huffed, Randy seeing what was coming the second realization sparked in her eyes and a smile started growing. 

“No- No, no, don’t-”

“Does this mean I get to call you Daddy?”

“Get out of my car right now. I'd rather deal with the emotional trauma.” 

Randy couldn’t even try to be angry as Sage laughed loud and bright, almost bent over with the force of her laughter. Honestly, it was a sight that put him at ease and made him think that the gala wouldn’t be near as bad as he was expecting. 

It was a shame that he had forgotten that God hated him and cursed his existence each day he managed to survive. 

While the ride to the gala had been delightful, and the first half hour had actually been fun with the low, scathing commentary Sage happily whispered to him about everyone they saw, the current moment he had managed to find himself trapped in was a moment from hell. Of course it had been just as Sage had left to hit the bathroom. 

“Really, Randall? You hired someone to pretend to be your girlfriend just to avoid me? I’m almost hurt.” Tabitha Fields smiled beautifully and coldly, dressed beautifully in shades of red and gold, and Randy felt like he had swallowed ice. He didn’t like the fact that she had obviously been watching him and had waited for him to be alone. “Darling, when are you going to quit all this fuss and stop running away from me?”

“I didn’t run away from you, Tabby,” Randy said firmly, the words feeling like a lie. “I left you. I also didn’t hire anyone to be my girlfriend. Sage is here of her own free will.” 

“I doubt that. It couldn’t be more obvious that she doesn’t belong here, darling,” Tabby laughed, bright and sweet and one of the first things Randy had fallen in love with. “Baby, don’t you think it’s time for our break to end? I promise I won’t even be upset with you.” 

“I-”

“Last I heard he had dumped you!” The warm, happy look in Tabby’s eyes went cold and flat like he had last remembered, Randy taking a breath as Sage wrapped her hands around his arm and leaned in close to him. “You must be Tabby! I’m Sage Ashton, Randy’s girlfriend. A shame Randy didn’t manage to fully convey how much of a bitch you are, though.” 

Tabby stared and Randy couldn’t blame her because, well, people normally didn’t just come out and call someone they just met a bitch. Especially not at a fancy fashion gala where the average outfit cost more than a year’s worth of salary for some people. Sage, he was starting to fully realize, wasn’t exactly someone normal. He was surprisingly okay with that. Besides, Tabby deserved it. “I beg your pardon-”

“Then beg,” Sage said cheerfully, Randy shaking as he tried to hold in laughter because that- Who went up to people they didn’t know and said those things? “Sorry, I’m just a dumb little commoner around here, you know, I don’t know all these fancy unspoken rules and regulations. All I know is how to spot an abusive bitch.” 

Tabby’s expression had changed to something more suited to an apocalyptic rage, Randy swallowing and tugging Sage closer to him, who only laughed. “Easy, Tabby, easy. See, right now I’m smiling and laughing, but you’re looking more and more angry. If you were to break and start yelling, and I went from smiling to crying, what do you think that would do to your reputation?” 

Randy felt himself freeze the same moment Tabby did and oh… Sage was brilliant. At a gala like this, where so many people in the industry were as well as reporters? None of them could afford to make a scene. Part of why Randy had been so scared of coming alone was that he knew he couldn’t make a scene against Tabby without bringing negative repercussions to himself and his mother’s business.

“The beautiful, composed Fields heiress yelling and insulting the sweet, starry-eyed girlfriend of Randall Beaumont? It’d look pretty bad for you, I think.” Huh. Randy hadn’t thought Sage had been paying attention when he had started rambling about the political and reputation side of the fashion industry. “So, why don’t we just smile and go our separate ways and avoid each other for the rest of the night?

“Oh, and Tabby? One more thing, before I forget.” A hand cupped his cheek and Randy realized what was happening a second before lips were connecting with his. He had expected a quick brush, something similar to what was done for a play or a joke, but instead he got a kiss. He did his best to relax and make it feel like it was something natural, something they had done before a hundred times, at least. He was… a little scared, actually, of how easy that was to do. 

When Sage finally pulled back from where she had been leaning up and huh, apparently Sage, even in boots with a heel of three inches, had to lean up to kiss him. That was a detail he hadn’t thought he’d need to know, but there it was. He should probably focus on what Sage and Tabby were saying, no doubt making enemies of each other and Tabby threatening to bring Beaumont Fashions down, but Randy couldn’t drag his focus away from how nice of a kiss that had been. 

It wasn’t steamy, or overwhelming, or some true love’s kiss, but it had been- It had been nice. It felt like something soft and familiar. It wasn’t just that, either, but Sage seemed to be soft and familiar around him. Even as they were surrounded in an environment where she had to pretend to be in love with someone she had essentially just met, she was relaxed. She had been joking with him and teasing him and acting as if she had known him for years. It felt like they had known each other for years. She was leaning into his side and tangling her fingers with his and- 

“Randy.” Snapping to attention, Randy realized Tabby had left and Sage was grinning up at him like he was an idiot. He was very quickly becoming alright with that. “As I was saying, your personalized demon from hell just left. Maybe we should introduce her to Jake. They can be toxic assholes together! At least, I’m assuming she was toxic going by what you’ve told me and how terrified you looked there when I came back.”

“I-” Right. Get it together, Beaumont. “Yeah. That’s pretty close to it, at least. Bad parting. And relationship. Um, about the… the-”

“Yeah,” Sage nodded, playfully glaring at him again. “That’s two conditions broken, Beaumont. Don’t think I’m not keeping track.” 

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Randy managed to respond in a tone that was probably normal, not even fighting it as Sage dragged him over towards the table where his mother was sitting and yeah… Yeah. His life had definitely become the manuscript of a romantic comedy. 

That made him feel kind of alright with how he was about to break condition number three.

[byakuyanya-purinsesu]

As Fate Would Close It.

"You're kidding. It's been how long since that fight?"

"I know, I can't believe it myself."

"Actually, that reminds me... while you were taking your sweet time getting ready in there, one of the royal carriers dropped this letter off. Looks to be from those guys."

"Well, don't keep me in suspense now! What does it say?"

"Hold your horses alright? I was waiting for you to put on your makeup and all before I actually opened it so we could read together. Aren't I so considerate?"

There was a pause. The kind of pause that spawned from sudden embarrassment.

"L-look! Between you and me, making sure this yukata was put on correctly is tough... e-especially for someone that's not even from this region! The shame would be too much if I wore this wrong in public, you see. And we can't have that." the young man holding a bin of tomatoes and cucumbers spoke matter-of-factly while his companion, the one who invited him in the first place, rolled his eyes.

"Yeah okay, your highness." the less formal of the two answered teasingly before breaking the seal on the envelope and holding out its contents, a single piece of paper, in front of them both.

"Hey guys, it's been a long time hasn't it? A lot's happened that's kept us busy. Our job's never quite done, but it might not be just the two of us handling the bulk of things.

"We've actually been training the new guy—the one who bailed you out when we couldn't, to follow our footsteps. And he's showing a lotta promise. While I could have asked Ragna, and maybe even Hazama to tag in, well...

Let's just tagging has been almost exclusively what they've been doing since last you guys saw 'em. Not by choice, either. I think they've also been fighting over the same girl...? It's complicated.

Speaking of girls, Zen's moved in with his girlfriend and while he's always ready and willing to help us... I figure he should enjoy the life he can make with her over at Dentech City. Minato agrees.

Also I think we passed through that other guy's 'Stage' a couple times... it was never for more than a day at a time but true to his word, he's become quite the popular Sage. Well anyway, we should definitely meet up again soon when the world as we all know it isn't at stake. It'll be great to see your kingdoms at peace. Take care of each other, your bond's as unbreakable as me and my partner's after all. - Yu Narukami.

"Bonds, huh? I suppose he's onto something, Prince Takumi."

"Don't get all mushy on me Leo! Save that for Kamui when the fireworks go off later. I don't wanna hear later how you messed it up thinking of me."

"Best not flatter yourself too much now..." he'd wag a finger before standing up and beckoning him to follow. "Shall we go find her at the meeting place now? I want to see as much as we can together at this festival."

"Sounds like a plan." Takumi would gingerly fold the letter back into his envelope and tuck it within the inner pocket of his yukata, before the two took off to enjoy themselves on this summer evening.

The Dual Royals' Story.

Fin.

[naminethewriter]

I Still Recognize You

I'm trying to catch up! Here's day three of @roceit2023, hope you enjoy 🥰

Here on Ao3

Masterpost | Roceit Week 2023 Masterpost

Summary: Roman is waiting for his partner at a Masquerade Ball. Then he spots the most gorgeous person he's ever seen.

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

Roman excused himself from the conversation he’d been having with two acquaintances to get himself a drink. He’d arrived at the party about an hour ago and despite the masks, he had already found a few old friends in the crowd. There was one person he knew would be coming and was looking forward to seeing the most that he had yet to spot: his partner Janus.

He had wanted to come together of course but for some reason Janus had insisted on meeting him at the party. Why, they didn’t explain but after noticing Roman’s disappointment they had assured him that it was a surprise that Roman was going to enjoy greatly, so he had agreed. But finding Janus had proven difficult so far (though they might have just not arrived yet), so after grabbing a drink, Roman searched for a spot that would give him a good overview of the room.

Thankfully he found a quiet corner where he could take a few moments to just observe the crowd. As he was taller than most other guests it was unnecessary to find a higher place. He stood there and sipped his drink for a few minutes before he spotted a person in the most gorgeous outfit he had ever seen.

The person wore an elegant yellow and black dress that fit their figure perfectly. Their long blonde hair flowed along their back like a river of gold with a few decorations weaved between the strands that sparkled from afar. The mask the person wore fit the color scheme of the dress and formed a butterfly that hid their face from the nose up. The figure moved through the crowd with effortless elegance that seemed so familiar to Roman and before he even realized it, he was making his way towards the person.

He caught up with them at the bar and cleared his throat to get their attention.

“Good evening,” he greeted politely when they turned around. “Would you give me the honor of a dance with you?”

The person chuckled before taking a sip out of a glass they had just received from the bartender.

“My, aren’t you forward?” they teased and Roman, who had already been very sure of their identity, instantly recognized the voice.

Janus.

“I apologize, but you looked so gorgeous, I simply couldn’t help myself,” he said with a slight bow, causing his partner to chuckle again.

“You are such a flatterer. Very well, let’s dance.” They emptied their glass quickly and grabbed the hand Roman was offering. With a grin, Roman pulled them on the dancefloor and they began to waltz.

“You really do look absolutely beautiful, my dear,” Roman commented when he was sure that he could keep the rhythm without much thought. Janus laughed quietly.

“Thank you, you look quite handsome yourself. I must say, I didn’t think you would recognize me this fast. I’ve only been here for five minutes.”

“As if I wouldn’t recognize you just because you wear a dress.”

“It’s more than just a dress, darling. You’ve hardly seen me with my hair down and I’m wearing a mask. Plus, I have heels that make me at least a few inches taller.”

“Maybe, but there was just something about the way you moved that felt so familiar.”

“They way I move?” Janus asked and even though they were hidden behind the mask, Roman know they raised their eyebrows.

“Yes. So elegant and confident. Drew me towards you immediately.”

“I see. Again, I’m flattered.”

“I should be the one flattered, having you as my partner.”

“I don’t mind you calling me your girlfriend tonight.” Roman could see Janus flush and smiled fondly.

“So I finally get to meet you on a feminine day, huh? I’m honored.”

“Shut up.” Janus flushed deeper and Roman kissed her cheek.

“I mean it. I am so thankful that you feel comfortable enough around me to be who you are. I know that’s not easy for you.”

“Thank you. I’m really glad I bought the dress; it makes me feel great. Even if I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to come without the mask.”

“And that’s fine,” Roman hummed, pulling Janus closer and slowing their movements. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“I love you,” Janus said and there was so much relieve in her voice that Roman couldn’t help but press a kiss to her lips.

“I love you, too.”

[cowboycatreign]

Married Couples Don’t Blush

Summary: reader and May go on an… interesting mission

TW: 18+, smut, grinding ( may receiving), oral (reader receiving), fingering (reader receiving)

MINORS SHOO SHOO

———————————————————————————————————

I don’t know how I got into this mess. This is only the second mission I have been assigned too, but somehow this seemed to be something not even a trained professional would want to do, let alone a third year shield academy student. At first I was so glad to be paired up with Melinda cause she is my best friend, but about five minutes ago, when I realized what we would have to do, I wished to be paired with anybody but her. But we were taught to always commit to the mission. So all I can do now is accept it. Obviously Millie can tell that I am super anxious cause she leans over whispers in my ear saying, “Hey, I can tell your nervous. Don’t be worried. Think about this, instead of being paired up with me, someone who you are comfortable with, you could be paired up with someone you barley know, like Coulson.” I giggle a little bit, but that isn’t the reason why I am dreading this mission. That aspect of it makes me uncomfortable, but I am worried about that fact that all of today I have been noticing how beautiful Melinda is. How kind she is. How absolutely amazing she is. So as we near the room, I am not nervous about the sex part I am nervous about falling in love with my best friend.

When we are about to enter our room I whisper to Mel, “how are we gonna do this?” She responds with, “follow my lead.” So I did just that. Mel entered the room and took off her heals stating what a long day it had been. I agreed and did the same thing. She came over and kissed my neck. My face felt like it was on fire. When May noticed this she giggled and kissed my nose. I could tell that my whole body was now some shade of pink. Millie started taking off her dress and wiping away her makeup. I had to take a second to center myself and remember that we are supposed to be married. Married couples don’t blush when their partner kisses them. When Melinda came out of the bathroom she had a mischievous glint in her eye. I finally acknowledge the fact that this is actually happening. “You know I love that suit, but it would just look so good on my floor.” Mel pins me against a wall and attacks my neck. Not expecting what just happened I let out a moan. She takes that as a sign of encouragement pulling her kisses up from my neck to my parted mouth. Millie uses said parted mouth to take control of the kiss. I cannot believe that I am about to do this with my best friend. As though sensing this thought Melinda went up to my ear and whispered, “Is this alright with you? I want to make sure your not uncomfortable.” I shake my head eagerly trying to play it off like I am just a good actress. Now Mel takes full control. “Now why don’t you strip for me princess…” I do so with speed, obviously Millie does the same because next time I look back I can see her stunning figure. “You get more beautiful every time I look at you.” I turned the tables making Mel blush this time. “The flattering works. Bed. Now.” I practically skip over to the bed. When I look back Melinda is sauntering over, which makes me turn into a tomato (a/n Amity tomato 😂). She gets on top of me and starts trailing kisses all the way down my body. When she finally reaches my legs she takes as long as possible to get where I need her. She gives me hickies on my inner thigh to commemorate the occasion. She grazes her tung over my clit then pulled away stating, “Me first.” I whine a little then comply. I prepare my face, but then she sits on my thigh. Apparently with a fan of grinding. So Mel starts moving trying to create as much friction as she can. I help by moving my thighs in the opposite direction of her movement. This ended up doing something cause a moan escaped her mouth. I then put my thigh as close to her folds as I can get and put my hands on her shoulders pushing her down. At this point I can tell she is incredibly close cause she is practically screaming. I never knew she could be this loud. When she finally cums I guide her off my leg gently and lay her next to me after tons of kisses it is finally my turn. She gives one final kiss to the jaw and makes her way down. She started assaulting my clit. She adds extra stimulation by plunging three of her fingers in and out of me. I can’t help but moan. Mel decides to use her free and message my boob. With all this happening at once I only last an incredibly short amount of time. I can already feel the knot building in the center of my stomach. When I am finished Millie helps me ride through the orgasm and tells me I did amazing for her. I bring her up to cuddle and whisper asking if she is okay, she responded yes in a very whimsical tone. When Me and mel are cuddling a very intrusive thought invades my mind. This thought is saying, “I love her. That’s it. I love her.” I cannot let myself admit that because I would never have a chance. She’s my best friend after all…

[asksavel]

Relationships

Key:

❤ - Friendship 💕 - Romantic 💔 - Dislike 💙 - Regret 💜 - Distrust 💛 - Soulmate (platonic or romantic)

Savel’s Relationships:

Farrow: “I’m glad I saved them.” ❤❤❤❤💕

Lucky: “I’m SO HAPPY you’re back!!” ❤❤❤❤❤

Levas: “I’m really glad I found him.” ❤❤❤❤❤

Scarlett: “She looks like fun!!” ❤

Staccato: “I look forward to seeing him again!” ❤

Lakota / Teacher: “They taught me everything I needed to know, and more. If only they were around more…” ❤❤❤❤❤

Wishmaker: "They’re super cute!“ ❤

Vali: “BESTIE!” ❤❤❤❤❤

Laivan: “How come I don’t sense much Joy from him? He’s so lovely…” ❤❤❤

Lucky’s Relationships:

Savel: “Remind me to never make you angry, eh Savel? Heh.” ❤❤❤❤❤

Farrow: “I love you, and I will protect you no matter what.” ❤❤❤❤❤

Traveller: "It's not every day you can say you share custody of children with an Arceus, heh. Still, she's nice." ❤❤❤

Gladius: "If only I had known you first." ❤❤❤❤❤

Yeong-Ju: “Stupid woman.” 💔💙

Seirei: “Thank you, and I hope I see you again.” ❤❤❤

Levas: “Heh, you turned out brilliant.” ❤❤❤❤❤

Nancy: “Remind me to take you on a million dates, okay?“ ❤❤💕💕💕

Willow: “I’m glad I could help her out. She’s a nice girl.” ❤❤

Berry: “I like her, she’s funny, but her boss is a dick.” ❤

Cu: “He’s pretty cool. Glad I got to meet him. Hopefully I can pay him a visit in the future. The arctic sounds pretty special.” ❤❤

Ahuahu: “I will end your existence, parasite.” 💔💔💔💔💔

Joule: “To Arceus, I have some explaining to do, don’t I?” ❤

Dysnomia: “He's rough around the edges, but he ain't a bad guy at all. Besides, I like a 'mon whose honest.” ❤❤❤

Dravol: “I'll be watching you." 💜❤

Mari: "I'll do whatever I can for you." ❤❤❤

Farrow’s Relationships:

Lucky: “He is my dad. It's always been that way, at least to me. Glad he finally noticed!!” ❤❤❤❤❤

Dravol: "You disgust me. You better have changed and you better STAY changed or I will make sure you do. Personally." 💔💔💔💜💜

Savel: “She saved me.” ❤❤❤💕💕 

Honey: “They seem nice enough.” ❤

Levas: “I’m happier with him now." ❤❤❤

Amy: “I think we could be great friends.” ❤❤

Traveller: “She’s my mum from now on.” ❤❤❤❤❤

River: “Looks like I have a sister!” ❤❤

Notra: “That’s rather flattering~” ❤❤❤

Laivan: “He really is a wonderful Pokémon…” ❤❤❤❤❤

Levas’s Relationships:

Momoko: “An interesting ally.” ❤

Savel: “It’s impossible to be sad with her.” ❤❤❤❤❤

Farrow: “Gotta admit, they’re okay.” ❤❤❤

Lucky: “I wonder if he realises how much he did for us. Heh, Dunkle~“ ❤❤❤❤❤

Dren: “I’m glad I could help her out.” ❤❤

Solavi: “Gonna ask her to marry me? Be my mate? I’ll figure it out.“ 💕💕💕💕💕

Nivatri: “Pretty sure we were brothers in a past life, the way we get on.” ❤❤❤❤❤

Dravol: “I’ll still kill you if you hurt my family.” 💔💔💜

Dravol’s Relationships:

Xander Sad Fish: “I admire his guts, and still do.” ❤💙

Plegma: “He's so silly~” ❤❤❤

Viola: “I’d like to talk to her again, now I’m back to myself… if she wants…” ❤

Cashmere: "Thank you." ❤❤

Quetzal: “EEEE I GOT A SCALE! I wanna go to that place!! I’m so happy!!“ ❤❤❤❤

Laivan: “I love him." 💕💕💕💕💕

Kyurem: "My Guardian. He did so much for me... I will never be able to express my gratitude enough." ❤❤❤❤❤

Lucky: “At least I know he'll stop me...” 💙💙💙💙💙

Mod Dravidious: “I see why Laivan likes them!” ❤❤

Mod Curce: "They seem like a very nice person, either human or Litten." ❤❤

Zephyr: "He's a fun sparring partner!" ❤❤

Mint: "They're very intelligent for their age! They are a good friend." ❤❤

Laivan’s Relationships:

Dravol:  "I love her." 💕💕💕💕💕

Farrow: “They are very precious to me, and I care about them very much.” ❤❤❤❤❤

Lucky: “He saved me, too.” ❤💜

Savel: “She’s a lovely Pokémon. I like her very much.” ❤❤❤

Darren: "I’m glad he heard my voice.“ ❤❤

Kyogre: “My protector, my best friend.” ❤❤❤❤❤

Quetzal: “They have my gratitude, for many things. But mostly, you made Dravol’s entire year I think~ Thank you.” ❤❤❤

Phlegma: "He's an idiot but he's our idiot." ❤❤

Mod Dravidious: “I like them a lot!” ❤❤❤❤

Mod Curce: “I also like them.” ❤❤❤

Checker / X: “I do NOT like them.” 💔💔💔💜💜

[lovelyiida2]

MHA GUYS AS TYPES OF EX'S—

WARNINGS: vulgar language, angst, mentions of stalking

MASTERLIST

WORDS: 1.15K

ALSO: THIS IS GENDER NEUTRAL!

KATSUKI BAKUGO—

Bakugo is the type of ex that will always remind you of what you're missing out on and how he's so much better off without you.

Even though he misses you every undying second he breathes the same air as you.

"Pro hero Dynamight saves the day again"

"Dynamight wins the award for most influential hero of the year, breaking the late, All Mights 20 year streak."

"Pro hero seen buying million dollar villa."

It was pretty prevalent where he was and where you were, he was better than you in every aspect and you hated it. Him, an adorned hero across the country whilst you, a sidekick, picking up scraps just to make it into the next week.

Oh no, you were never mad at his success, it was very much deserved. It's just that he rubs it in your face the moment he has a chance to outshine you.

Since your breakup two years ago, Bakugo wanted you to know that he was better off without you. Matter of fact: he wanted you to know that you don't even exist to him.

From bombarding "butt dials" to him randomly texting you gloating about how he's so much better off without you.

But now, he decided to take it a step further.

"Formally Invited to Dynamights Once and A Lifetime's Dinner Party...great."

Maybe he finally wanted to squash the one-sided beef? No, he didn't.

Arriving at the dinner, he couldn't keep his bright amber eyes off of your elegant figure. Look at you, happily walking around and talking to his friends and drinking champagne that he bought. You should be running up and crashing to your knees begging for him to be yours again.

Moments pass by, you were enjoying your time. Reuniting with your old classmates, it felt like the old days. Where there were no worries and soul-crushing debt looming over your soul every second of your existence...

"Hey," you hear a strong voice that you regret recognizing. Turning around you see none other than your ex, Katsuki Bakugo. Eyes fluttering in shock you pull out for most flattering smile possible.

"Hello, Mr. Dynamight—"

You began to feel a forceful grip on your wrist, "we're leaving." He pulls you into his chest and walks you to a private corner of his home. Turning and thrashing in protest, you shout his name, demanding him to release you. Rolling his eyes, he grunts and shoves you to the closest wall in the corner. Catching your breath you rub your wrists and curse under your breath in pain.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" you curse. "Hell's wrong with me? What the hell is wrong with you? Coming here in some fancy outfit thinking you can steal the show, you're delusional!" he laughs.

You eyes widen, "I'm delusional? Bakugo, I'm not the one who's obsessed with trying to one-up their ex every second they breathe—"

"You think I need you or somethin'? Listen to me sweetheart, I've always been good on my own and without you...don't get ahead of yourself."

Your eyes swell with tears of frustration, "Bakugo, what do you have against me? W-what did I do for you to resent me so much? I know I wasn't the best partner, but I loved you so much. What did I do for you to hate me?" you shouted.

Bakugo huffs, "because I fucking loved you too!" he screamed, his voice boomed all across the house. You flinched at the sudden outburst.

"Everyday I couldn't image myself without you, I saw my future with you and I wanted you to be mines, but I was terrified. I was scared that we wouldn't always last so I broke things off before we could get hurt..."

Sighing you chuckle in amusement,

"Well look at us now."

IZUKU MIDORYA—

Your breakup was a complete mutual understanding, the both of you had no time for a serious relationship. So the both of you split.

But god, it was kinda hard to differentiate whether or not the both of you were still together...

"Hey Y/N, wanna study together after school?"

"I know you don't have to do this but, there's a party I'm going to and I need to bring a date? W-we don't have to go as a couple though!"

"Midorya, my mom was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner again next week?"

Even though the both of you broke up, it was hard to convince the others around the dorms that you weren't still together...

It was around breakfast time, everyone was sitting at the dinning table eating their first meal of the day. Either catching up on random studies, or lounging around before it was time to go the class.

Walking over to the dining table, you decide to grab a bite before the long day ahead of you. Deku looks over and smiles, "you look nice today Y/N." You lightly gasp as your face heats up in embarrassment. "Oh, thank you Midorya. You look nice too!" you say sweetly. He blushes at your comment and sighs.

Mina stops eating.

"Oh cmon! There's no way you guys aren't still together! It's like you guys never split up in the first place!" She complains, the both of you chuckle in embarrassment.

It was hard to admit, but all because the both of you were officially "split," didn't mean the both of you weren't attracted to each other...

"I can't help it, they're still my first crush."

SHOTO TODOROKI—

Todoroki wanted the both of you to last so badly, but he always seems to burn everything he touches.

He looks at you, regretting breaking up with you everyday.

He always blames himself for the split, but the reality was that the both of you were never meant to be. The both of you lived two different lives. There was no other way to make the relationship survive without force, and there was no way Todoroki was going to force you to love him.

He's not going to turn out like him...

He sees you grow and blossom, like a flower in its first spring bloom. Your laughter, your cries, to your beauty, Todoroki knew he wasn't deserving of you.

He wasn't deserving of anyone.

Sometimes, he thought maybe there was a window of hope that would open. Maybe the two of you would get back together one day? Old high school lovers reunite after trials and tribulations? No, that never happened.

Years later, as Todoroki climbed to the top, he became one of the top hero's in the country. And whilst he climbed, he watched you through his journey.

He would check up occasionally without notice, of course he didn't want you to know someone like him was in your presence...

He'd stand aside and study you for hours, no matter the rain, snow, or hail. If there was no you, there was no him.

See, he couldn't live without you.

He was an admit fan of you, he bought all of your figurines, posters, and magazines. Anything with you on it, he had possession of it. He knew since the split, he would need a little piece of you to keep him going.

You were his everything, his light and inspiration.

This isn't an obsession...

Another day goes by without you in his grasp.

He sighs looking out the window into your apartment, dark and empty. Confused of your absence, maybe you had an emergency photoshoot again.

That's until he look again, your lights are on!

But you're not alone.

He looks harder, a pang strikes deep into his chest.

He sees you, kissing them.

As the kisses deepen, clothes begin to drop, and lust fills the room, he looks away.

A single tear slides down his cheek.

That window had been closed it seems...

A/N: hello everyone! I hope you all enjoy this quick little headcanon post! Reminder: requests are open and ready to be filled!

—hobies hope :)

[iliveiloveiwrite]

I wonder what it’s like to be loved by you // Benedict Bridgerton

Summary: You’ve loved him for as long as you can remember. Is this the season where he finally realises?

A/N: I LOVE BENEDICT. I love him so much. What do I have to do to get a Benedict? Title is from Shawn Mendes - Wonder. I had so much fun writing this fic, I can’t wait to write more for the Bridgerton fandom! I truly hope you all like it, let me know what you think please?

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x Fem!Reader

Warnings: swearing, mentions of food and drink, fluff, pining, mutual pining, dancing, balls, obliviousness, friends to lovers, she/her pronouns, a lot of history - I am a historian after all and this is the regency era.

Word count: 4.8k

Lady Danbury never spared any expense on the balls she held every season. She knew full well that many a match could be made that night so there was not only pressure from the ton, but also a responsibility that this ball must outdo all others thrown before – by herself and other matriarchs in society.

A feat she always managed to achieve, the elder thinks to herself as she watches your eyes widen upon entering the ornately decorated room. Looking you up and down, she approves of your outfit – a dark blue dress punctuated with silver jewellery, hair twisted into an updo with only a few strands hanging loose to frame your face. From her spot across the ballroom, Lady Danbury wonders how you hadn’t married yet.

As the band strikes up, Lady Danbury walks into the fray, greeting her guests with a smile. All the while, she keeps a trained eye on you, wondering who on earth had captured your heart but had not noticed.

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

No matter how hard he tried, the charcoal would not wash from his fingers. Having scrubbed and scrubbed at his hands, Benedict could only offer you a smile of apology as you not only noted his lateness but the state of his hands.

“It’s very fortunate that you are a talented artist,” You comment with a teasing smile.

Benedict reaches for your hand, dropping a kiss to the back of it before answering. “I class myself as very fortunate to have a friend like you who understands how easy it is to get lost in a sketch or a painting.”

You roll your eyes, careful not to let anyone else but Benedict see your act of impropriety. He smirks, unable to help himself.

“You’re a shameful flatterer, Benedict.”

“Some might even call me a ‘rake’,” He replies, his tone teasing.

“I shall save that for when you’ve really annoyed me.”

He laughs; a loud chuckle that draws the attention of those closest to you. Most notably, Benedict’s mother, Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.

Benedict clears his throat; cheeks flushed not only from the attention but from the knowledge that his mother would soon be making her way over to him. He adored his mother; was grateful for her every day, but he could happily admit he could live without the meddling in his love life. He grabs your gloved hand once more; kissing the back of it in parting before asking, “Save me a dance on your card?”

“Always,” You answer, watching his back as he stalks away. Benedict narrowly avoids being collared by his mother, an act to which you find yourself smiling at.

With thoughts of Benedict in mind, you wander around the outskirts of the ballroom, your dark blue skirts swishing pleasantly under foot. You pause only to grab a lemonade from the table, sipping happily at the cold drink.

You catch sight of the brunette that had stolen your heart dancing with Penelope Featherington and though you know there is no romance there, your heart is unable to stop the hurt that lashes through it. Schooling your face into a mask of polite delight, you force yourself to turn away from the sight of the man you had so readily given your heart to dancing with someone else.

“How long have you been in love with my brother?” A raspy voice asks from behind you.

Your lemonade splashes slightly as you turn to face your interrogator. “Eloise!” You laugh, smiling too wide to be comfortable, “Whatever do you mean?”

Eloise’s shrewd blue eyes narrow slightly as she takes in your dismissal. She waves her hand in the general direction of Benedict though you knew exactly where he was – could feel his location thrumming in your veins.

“Don’t play coy, (Y/N). It doesn’t become you. Now, how long have you been in love with Benedict?”

That was the question, wasn’t it? How long had you loved Benedict? Thinking back on it, you’re sure that you’ve always loved him. Your family had been good friends with the Bridgerton family for as long as you could remember. Your mother was always having tea with Violet and you were always thrust upon the eight siblings without much worry. Your friendship with Benedict had started in earnest when you had complimented his art skills, bringing up how you liked to draw too. From there, a close friendship was forged.

By your twentieth year on this earth, you realised that your feelings for the second Bridgerton were no longer platonic… that you craved something more. Falling for Benedict Bridgerton felt inevitable almost; that your heart was destined to be his whether he knew it or not.

Sighing heavily, you see no point in lying to the second eldest Bridgerton girl. “For as long as I can remember,” You admit, rushing to add on, “But he doesn’t know so please don’t tell him!”

Eloise’s eyes widen at your confession, not only shocked that you readily admitted your feelings for her elder brother, but for how long you have harboured them. “Is that why you have not yet married?” She demands, “Because you loved him?”

Biting your lip, you nod. “It wouldn’t be fair to my husband. Their wife in love with another man – it doesn’t exactly set stable foundations for a long, prosperous marriage and…”

“And…” Eloise prompts, her innate curiosity getting the better of her. If her mother could hear her now, she would surely receive a scolding.

You ball your hands into fists before letting them drop to your sides; letting them hang there like the constant hope you have for Benedict.

“And I still hope he’ll notice I’m here. That I have been here all along,” You voice cracks on the admission causing a pang of upset to flash through Eloise. She’d reach out to comfort you, but it would only draw attention from the many mothers circling and no doubt, Lady Whistledown.

“(Y/N)…” Eloise begins but you hold a single hand up to stop her before she starts. With a strained smile, you reassure her. “It’s fine, Eloise. I accept it with every season that passes that it is unlikely he shall ever return my feelings.”

“Then he is a fool,” Eloise states plaining, sending a glare in the direction of her beloved brother. She had no qualms admitting that Benedict was indeed her favourite sibling, but he had his moments where he vexed her beyond belief.

“Who is a fool?” A voice questions to the right of you. Benedict.

Freezing in place, you cast a helpless look at Eloise, begging her silently to take control of this situation. Eloise smiles and nods imperceptibly. She turns towards her brother, hooking her arm through yours as she declares, “The men that have not offered their hand to (Y/N) yet. They’re all fools, aren’t they dear brother.”

Benedict casts his gaze towards you; his eyes scanning your face for what, he does not know. “Fools,” He agrees quietly though he is heard perfectly over the music. “Would you care to dance?” He asks, wanting you to himself for a little while. As much as he loved his younger sister, she was a keen observer, and he wasn’t ready for her to figure out his feelings just yet. Not when he hadn’t admitted them to you.

Nodding your head, you take his outstretched hand, bidding goodbye to Eloise for now. The brunette shakes her head as the both of you walk away. Oblivious, she thinks to herself, completely oblivious.

As the music strikes up once more, it becomes obvious that the next dance is a waltz, requiring the closeness of your partner. It was only years ago that this dance had scandalised the ton for its closeness – now, it was required at every ball, many married couples savouring the intimacy.

Benedict’s hand settles on the small of your back as his other grips your hand. Your hand rests comfortably on his shoulder as he begins to lead you through the steps you have known since your youth.

Music around you fades as do the other couples. The only two people in the room are Benedict and yourself. The feel of his hand on your back and the look in his eyes; it’s enough to have you accept your fate then and there. It’s enough for you to admit that you have been ruined for any and all men; finding yourself in love with the man who holds you so tenderly and has always held you in high regard. Is this it? You ask yourself, is this what it feels like to be loved by him? To feel like the only one in the world. If it is, you’ll take it with open hands.

Your eyes do not leave his as Benedict leads you through the rises and falls of the dance. His hand remains a steady presence on your lower back; the feeling just enough to distract you from the crowd now watching you and instead, leading you to wonder what his hands would feel like elsewhere on your body.

As the music falls into another song; this one more upbeat, Benedict drops his hands, letting you free. He hadn’t wanted to; had wanted to pull you from the ballroom, to confess the feelings that have haunted him for years and to ask you to be his for better or for worse.

But he doesn’t. Instead, he bows and smiles, reaches for your hand to kiss it and then lets himself breathe as he turns and walks away.

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

Dear Reader,

Though there is much to report from Lady Danbury’s ball last night – the fashion, the food, the décor – This Author wants to focus on one moment in particular.

Now, Dear Reader, whilst you may wonder the importance of such a moment, remember that it is one’s job to observe all. That is why I want to bring attention to Mr. Benedict Bridgerton who found himself extremely popular last night, dancing with many eligible women and delighting them with his talents.

However, Dear Reader, this is not the moment I want to focus on.

No. Instead, I want to bring attention to the heart most likely suffering in silence as Mr. Bridgerton continues to charm the ton.

As you all know, I am not one to beat around the proverbial bush and hide identities, but for the sake of the woman who has found herself in love with the second eldest Bridgerton for as long she can remember, I shall endeavour to keep her name a secret.

Know, however, that This Author’s sympathies lie with you.

To love another unrequitedly is a dear shame.

----------

The gossip sheet is scrunched to a ball in your hands. It’s all you can do to keep the tears from falling down your face. As if you didn’t know your love was unrequited; as if you didn’t know you had all but doomed yourself to being a spinster as you wait for a man who did not know you loved him.

Lady Whistledown knew your secret, and your identity. As a result, the whole ton knew your secret but whatever morals the author possesses, she had not revealed your identity.

Summoning the carriage, you ask to be taken to Bridgerton House where you can speak to Eloise in confidence and ask for her advice on what she might do. Deep down, you had to know whether Benedict had read the paper too.

It doesn’t take long for Eloise to find you in the tea room; a cup of tea in your hands but readily ignored as you chew on the inside of your cheek. Her brown hair tied up in her usual bun, her eyes hold the pity you didn’t want to see or hear as of this moment.

“I didn’t know she was listening, I swear,” Eloise promises, sitting by your side and reaching for your hand.

“I know,” You comfort, “You would never tell a soul.”

“At least she didn’t reveal your identity,” Eloise chirps, trying to find a silver lining.

“Yet she has revealed my secret to the entirety of London society,” You sigh. Removing your hand from Eloise’s, you press your palm to your forehead, feeling overwhelmingly tired and desperate for the day to be over already. “Does he know?”

Eloise chews on her bottom lip, deciding whether to answer you. “He has read it,” She admits,  but rushes to add, “He doesn’t know it’s you! He doesn’t have a clue really. He’s angrier at himself for not noticing anything was amiss.”

“I don’t know what to do,” You whisper, feeling helpless.

“For now,” Eloise states, “We do nothing.”

---------

Your heels sink into the soft carpet as you wander down the stairs, pausing only to check you have everything. Your mind remains elsewhere as you check your bag out of habit, the conversation with Eloise, the latest gossip sheet, your feelings for Benedict. They circle around your mind, leaving you dizzy in their wake as you try to make sense of them all, try to find your next step in and amongst the mess.

“(Y/N),” Benedict greets, hurrying down the final few stairs, pleasantly surprised, “What are you doing here? I didn’t know you were visiting.”

“I came to drop in on Eloise. I wanted to thank her for last night; she was an ear when I needed someone to listen.”

“Is it anything I can help with?” He asks, voice taking on a concerned note as he reaches out for you.

You shake your head, squeezing his hand in return. “For now, everything is okay.”

Benedict clears his throat. “I’m glad to hear it, but please come to me next time. I want to help if I can.”

“I will,” You promise, your eyes now scanning over his fine clothes. “Where are you off to?”

“An art exhibition at Somerset House. They’re showing some Holbein’s from the Royal collection.”

“Holbein’s?” You ask, shocked at the name falling from Benedict’s mouth.

He nods, just as excited. It was a rare thing indeed to have Holbein’s on display; they were usually kept in whatever royal residence they found themselves in; hidden away from the public eye. Art was the very foundation of your friendship; having seen so many of his sketches as a young boy and watching them develop into surer lines and confident strokes. Benedict was an exceptionally talented artist – something he would say about yourself. Benedict was the only person to see such work; the watercolours in your sketchpad leaving him breathless as you bring life to the inanimate.

“Would you like to join me?” He asks before he can talk himself out of it. He had barely seen you all season; you had closed in yourself, as if accepting a fate that you did not want. Benedict would do what he could to ensure your happiness for a little bit longer.

“Unchaperoned?”

A faint blush rises on Benedict’s cheeks as he realises what he has asked of you. “I shall ask Eloise to accompany us,” He suggests, turning to face the direction in which you had just come, “Did she mention any plans to you?”

You shake your head to which Benedict leases a sigh of relief. “I’ll go ask her now. I’m sure she won’t mind… much.”

Laughing quietly, you wait patiently in the entryway of Bridgerton House. The house in London so often felt like a second home to you; spending so much of childhood summers here when your mother would take tea with the Bridgerton matriarch. As you grew into your teens, you would begin to visit the house with just your maid, calling on the family for social niceties. The friendship with Benedict and Eloise only solidified your standing in the close family unit.

Eloise’s voice brings you back to the present. She walks down the stairs, accompanied by her brother. Taking one look at you, waiting patiently for the both of them, Eloise gets a mischievous look in her eye. It isn’t a look that leaves you in comfort, but rather leaves you wondering just what she has planned for the art exhibition.  

“Eloise has so graciously accepted to join us,” Benedict announces, sounding rather pleased with himself.

Eloise smiles: a smile that sets Benedict’s nerves on edge. He would owe her for this, that much he knew. “I would be more than happy to accompany you, brother.”

Benedict resists the urge to groan; he’s in deep shit for this.

“Thank you, Eloise,” You murmur with a smile. Something in Eloise softens at your tone as if she would be unable to deny you this time with Benedict when it was their mother’s mission to see him married off this very season.

“Of course,” Eloise allows, glancing between you and Benedict – noting the longing in both sets of eyes. She shakes her head, gesturing to the door and where the carriages waits just beyond it. “Shall we?”

--------

“He wasn’t a handsome monarch, was he?” Eloise murmurs quietly, staring up at the grand portrait of the fearsome king who preferred executing his wives rather than loving them.

The walls of Somerset House have become dedicated to the eyes of the past. Past monarchs and relatives decorate the walls; their eyes following each attendant, as if curious to see how society is progressing less than three hundred years after the death of the artist.

Benedict chuckles; the very sound raising goosebumps across your skin. You barely repress the shiver the sound elicits. Trying your best to listen as the siblings argue about the reign of this particular monarch – the pros and the cons to what he did for the very country he ruled over for decades.

“Oh!” Eloise gasps, interrupting the argument and loosening her grip on your arm, she waves frantically at Penelope Featherington. “Would you mind terribly if I go say hello?”

“Not at all,” You laugh.

“You’re sure you’ll be okay with Benedict?”

The man in question scoffs, rolling his eyes at his little sister. “Off with you,” He dismisses, “I’ll escort (Y/N) – someone who actually appreciates the art.”

Eloise laughs as she turns away, but you do not miss the wink she sends in your direction. It hits you all at once; her mischievous look before you all left the house. She had concocted this plan in her head; accepting to accompany you as a rouse to get you and Benedict alone.

You didn’t know whether to appreciate her genius or hide her favourite book.

Jumping at the sound of someone clearing their throat, you focus your attention on Benedict. He watches you with an amused look, and it’s then that you realise that he has stood beside you waiting with his arm out for a minute or so whilst you glared after his younger sister. Taking his arm, you rid yourself of any thoughts of violence against Eloise. Instead, focusing on the man beside you.

“How are you?” You ask, hand resting gently on Benedict’s forearm.

“Do you mean in general or after today’s publication?”

“Both, I suppose.”

“In general, I am quite well. I have a wonderful lady on my arm, and I am in the presence of excellent art work. However, after today’s publication, I must admit I am rather angry.”

“Oh?” You sound, trying hard not to let his words affect you so much but they rattle around your mind on repeat, committing themselves where they will last for an eternity.

“I’ve never been the focus of the gossip paper and now after one ball, I am. I don’t think I like the attention.”

“I don’t believe that for one second, Benedict Bridgerton.”

He pauses, smiling widely down at you. His eyes light up with the smile and your heart begins to pound at the sight of it. “Alright, I do like the attention,” He concedes, “But what I don’t like are the looks I’m getting from all mothers.”

“Why?”

“They all look like I’m about to break their daughter’s heart.”

“I’m sure you’re just imagining things,” You reassure, tightening your grip on his arm.

“I don’t think I am,” He states, nodding politely at Lady Whitelaw who in turn glares at the younger man. He turns his gaze to you as if to say, see?

You turn your face away from him, trying your best to hide the smile and laugh that threatens to break free. “You’re laughing at me, aren’t you?” Benedict guesses, a smile in his own voice.

“I’m not,” You promise, schooling your face into a mask of indifference, focusing on the closest sketch to you. A graphite sketch of Anne Boleyn; marking her beauty only years before her death.

“You are,” Benedict argues, standing beside you, admiring the same sketch. Throwing him a knowing smile, you turn your attentions to rest of the exhibition, unable to hide your awe at just what is being shown to the public.

The art is incredible; your watercolours barely compare to what is being shown in Somerset House. He would disagree in a heartbeat, but Benedict could come close to producing something of this calibre. He had shown his portraits of his mother and brothers; Anthony making the perfect candidate for a painting.

You come to a natural stop in front of a portrait of a young women. A young queen, in fact. This particular queen had never got to reign in the manner that she was capable, dying after giving birth the king’s heir. His one true love, the king had called her after he death.

“She’s beautiful,” You whisper, admiring not only the artistry but also the focus on the painting.

Benedict watches you admiring the portrait painted so carefully by Holbein. Though the portrait is indeed beautiful, Benedict finds himself agreeing that they do not hold a candle to you. As he watches you lift a single hand, trying to dampen the urge to run your fingers over the brush strokes, he thinks to himself that there would be no artist on this earth that would be so talented to capture your beauty.

His breath comes faster; his heart rate increases. He recognises the symptoms; he’s only experienced such signs before. He had been eighteen then; barely a man but man enough to accept that he had fallen in love with his best friend. Years later, here he was, experiencing such feelings once more. Once more, he wonders what it would be like to be loved by you. He cannot help but hope that the mystery woman in the society papers is you.

-------

Dear Reader,

It seems that Mr. Benedict Bridgerton reads my paper!

He was overheard at the Somerset House Holbein exhibition, complaining to Miss (Y/N) (Y/L/N) about my last column in which I criticised his treatment of the lady in love with him.

All I have to say on the matter is this:

Mr. Bridgerton, for every complaint you offer, you break her heart further. Stop now before you do irreparable damage.

-----

“What does she mean ‘break her heart further’? I’ve been trying to figure out who it is so I can put a stop to it!”

“It doesn’t matter whether you know who it is, Benedict,” You argue, placing your teacup on the table, “But rather the fact that you unknowingly hurt whoever it is that is in love with you.”

“Do my feelings not matter?” He demands, throwing the damned paper onto the table. Benedict runs a hand through his hair, sighing in frustration. “I’m sorry,” He apologises, “I should not have taken that tone with you. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“You’re forgiven,” You laugh, “I’ve heard you say a lot worse.”

He smiles though it doesn’t reach his eyes. Leaning forward on your chair, you wring your hands together, working up the nerve. “What feelings haven’t they taken into account?”

“Lady Whistledown,” He spits the name with derision, “Hasn’t taken into account that I may not have noticed someone in love with me because I am in love with someone myself.”

It’s as if the chair is pulled out from under you; your stomach dips and flips as the world crashes around you and Benedict is none the wiser. He’s none the wiser to the palpable shift that has taken place. Instead, he’s sat down across from, looking utterly defeated.

“Does she know?” You ask after a moment of silence, using the time to pull yourself back together, to compile it all and put it away for later.

Benedict shakes his head; eyes sad as he watches you. “Why haven’t you told her?” You ask, unable to stop the questions now they’re on the tip of your tongue.

“I suppose for the same reason she hasn’t told me. Fear maybe?”

“Fear of what? I’ve never known you to be afraid of anything.”

“Fear of rejection. Fear of humiliation. Fear of ruining a friendship,” He lists off, counting the reasons on his fingers, holding them up for you to see.

“Have you thought about telling her?”

“All the time,” He answers honestly, and you wonder whether the crack your heart makes was audible to the whole of the ton.

“Do you plan on telling them?”

“Eventually.”

You take a deep breath, staring at the teacup instead of him, readying yourself to offer up your broken heart. To confess that the two most recent society papers have been about you; have shown your heart to the whole of London.

“It’s me,” You confess quietly, voice no louder than a whisper but he hears you all the same.

Benedict’s head whips towards you. Had this been another situation, it would have been funny, but the look on his face… “What?” He whispers, shocked.

“It’s me,” You announce; louder this time, ready to lay your heart out on the floor for him to break entirely. “It’s me, Benedict. Lady Whistledown must have overheard Eloise and myself talking at Lady Danbury’s ball the other night. She had caught me watching you dance and asked me outright. I couldn’t deny it. I’ve been in love with you for years, Benedict. For as long as I can remember.”

“For as long as you can remember?”

You nod, wringing your hands together once more. “I didn’t realise until I turned twenty, just what my feelings meant. I think I’ve always been in love with you, Benedict.”

Benedict remains silent; eyes wide, hands slack as they rest on his thighs. He looks like he doesn't believe the very words leaving your mouth; as if he is unworthy of the love you offer him so willingly. 

“Say something, please,” You plead, “I know it isn’t proper for the woman to announce her feelings for the man, but I couldn’t keep it a secret any longer. Not when it is the focus for Lady Whistledown to sell more copies of her paper.”

“I didn’t know,” He whispers after a prolonged silence.

“You weren’t to know. You don’t have to feel the same, Benedict.”

“I do as it happens.”

“What?”

“I do feel the same,” Benedict clarifies, standing from his chair, “I’ve loved you since I was eighteen.”

You sniffle slightly; emotional from hearing the words you have longed to hear for years. The words that have haunted your dreams; had you rushing from sleep, so you didn’t let yourself believe an alternate reality.

“You do?”

Benedict nods, “I do. I love you very much.”

“I love you too,” You reply, standing from your chair, reaching for him – not wanting anymore space between the two of you.

He dips his head, pausing mere millimetres away from your lips. The question burns in his eyes; desperate to know whether he can kiss you after so long waiting. Your nod is barely imperceptible but it’s nod, nonetheless.

Slowly, almost wanting to savour every moment, Benedict presses his lips to yours. Reaching up, you haul him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him pressed against you after having waited so long, after having dreamed of this moment for too long.

He tastes like tea and his hands bring to life the butterflies in your stomach as they wander the path of your back, settling on your lower back, dipping you slightly. Benedict groans softly at the feel of you lined up against him. If he had known heaven was this close, he would not have waited this long.

Benedict breaks the kiss; not out of need of air, but to stop himself from taking this too far when you feel like heaven pressed against him. You smile widely, kissing his jaw lovingly before starting to laugh lightly. Benedict’s hands on your waist tighten possessively as he joins you in laughter.

Briefly, he wonders whether this is what it feels like to be loved by you.

********

Bridgerton Taglist: @heloisedaphnebrightmore​ @dreaming-about-fanfictions​ @now-its-time-for-a-breakdown​

[schizopositivity]

hello, very sorry for the essay this turned into, but how do I explain to the people in my life that knowing that my life isn’t easy right now isn’t harder than struggling with hallucinations?

I’m trying very hard to look at it from their perspectives because I don’t know what it’s like to watch a loved one hear voices. It’s just very confusing to be simultaneously told that my experience is difficult to understand and that they are so deeply empathetic towards my situation that they don’t want me to ever complain bc it makes them feel bad and all they want is to see me happy. But that just makes me feel like I’m not allowed to be anything but happy, which means I’m not allowed to be honest

Describing them this way is doing them a disservice. I know they mean well and that they respect me. but isn’t it also true that I’m allowed to want to feel supported and respected?

it’s just stressful to me when everyone is so so confused by me and my condition when I feel like I explain myself every single week and tell them precisely what to look up (which they do! They do look up anything I ask them to, it’s just that they then turn around and say that they’re spending hours doing research only to never visibly out those strategies into practice)

Maybe they’re just overwhelmed and/or feel like I’m trauma dumping on them bc my friends and family aren’t professionals. Should I apologize for that? it’s just very isolating when every time I’m honest about how I’m doing, they say that I should pursue professional help even though I am in therapy

I feel like this comes across as me having really unsupportive friends and family, but this is only the least flattering facet of the story and I don’t think I was terribly articulate about it either.

my goal is to maintain these relationships, but I’d like to improve them by communicating. I just don’t know what to say or even if this is fair to bring up. It sort of feels like in this situation is doing their best and everyone is failing a little. Any advice?

no need to apoligize! i appreciate asks no matter how long they are

i think it would be important for you to try and understand what support you need or want. like do you just want to be listened to with no advice? do you want them to try to do things to help you? do you want to be able to be honest and talk about the bad stuff without them telling you its hard for them?

because once you figure that out, you can tell them what you like

i think for me i like to open up to people and just have them listen and not try to give advice, that way i can just vent and let it all out, and not have to worry about them saying something they think is helpful, that really just upsets me, cause if people odnt understand they try to sum it up in the wrong way, or try to get you to look on the bright side, and i dont like either of those replies

thats great that youre in therapy, maybe if you notice what you like about therapy or how the therapist talks to you about things, you could ask them to do something similar, like i learned from therapy that i like to be told im safe when i start to panic, and my partner knows that so they tell me that when they notice me panicing

you could let them know that you talking about the bad stuff actually is helpful, and its worse to keep it bottled up inside, that you cant be happy all the time (no one can) and that you need to be able to express yourself to process and work through it

i know these people love and care about you, but if they dont understand its easy for them to say or do the wrong thing, that doesnt make them bad people just a little ignorant, but it also doesnt make you a bad person for not liking the things they say or do, its totally okay for you to ask for what you want or need from them, no one is bad here, there just needs to be some more honest communication

[duskholland]

omg for the boxer!tom request like he comes home after a tough match and reader patches him up and it’s all fluff

cw: minor depictions of injury, light angst, fluff || boxer!tom x gn!reader || 1.1k.

boxer!tom fever week !!!

*:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧ *:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧ *:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧

Tom had shot you a text shortly after his match, giving you the basics: the fight had gone badly, he’s battered and he’s bruised, and his chances at making the championship rounds have just been made significantly harder. You could tell through his brevity and the lack of cluttered emojis that he’s feeling defeated, but nothing could’ve prepared you to see quite how destroyed he is as he hobbles into your flat a little after midnight, groaning so loudly you can hear him from the bedroom.

With concern hanging heavy in your chest, you hurry through to the entryway. Tom slumps against the front door the second his eyes snap to you, his posture falling flat as a pained sigh slips past his lips.

He looks… rough. You don’t think it’d ever be possible to describe your boyfriend as looking bad, but bruises are forming on his face, and his hair is matted, and patches of blood accompany the sheen of sweat that coats his forehead. It’s clear that the match had been a lot worse than he’d made out.

“Shit,” you murmur, “what the hell happened, Tom?”

He groans. He straightens up against the door and winces as he tries to push his sticky curls away from his face.

“I was a fucking laugh, that’s what,” he mutters. “That was the worst match of my life.” He buries his face in his hands and moans loudly. “God,” he says, “I fucked it.”

Your heart breaks a little in your chest. For so long, Tom’s been putting in the work, trying desperately to progress through the ranks and make it to the top. The defeat tonight doesn’t mean it’s all for nothing, but it’s certainly a setback, even more mentally than statistically.

Aching to help him, you step forward and tentatively guide the hands away from his face. He’s hot to touch, his knuckles coated in tired bruises, and you’re careful not to hurt him as you softly squeeze his hands.

“C’mon,” you coax, “I’ll clean you up, baby.”

Tom begrudgingly trails after you, his feet dragging slightly on the floor as you take him through to the kitchen. You help him up onto the counter and leave him with a glass of water as you go to fetch the first aid kit. You keep only the essentials at home, usually relying on either Tom’s coach or trainer take care of serious injuries at the gym, but it seems like Tom must’ve legged it before either of them could register the bruising and the minor lacerations on his face.

“I’m sorry,” he says the moment you enter the room again. You glance up, your brows furrowing as you see the expression of guilt laced across his features. “I’m being such a… such a shit boyfriend right now.” The tip of his nose scrunches up as he groans. “I can do this all myself, you don’t need to—”

You reach out and press your hands into his bare knees. “I want to,” you soothe, “I want to help you feel better, Tommy. I love you.” You lean up and kiss him softly. “Plus,” you add, smiling slightly against his mouth, “I think we both know I’m a lot better at this than you.”

Tom tuts his tongue, but he doesn’t move to dispute you. His eyes are sparkling a little brighter now. “Whatever,” he teases, “I know you really just want to get your hands all over me.”

You snort. “Damn straight, baby,” you return. You try to distract him with a few further kisses as you soak a ball of cotton wool in some disinfectant. “This might sting a bit,” you warn, and before he can have time to dodge the wool, you gently dab it across his cheek.

Tom winces as you clean the cut on his face, attending to the nasty swipe of knuckles across his cheek. You wonder how intense the fight must’ve become to draw blood and find yourself shuddering at the thought. Usually, you try to be there for his matches, but you’d had plans earlier in the evening. Part of you is glad you’d missed the sight of your boyfriend being served such grisly treatment: you can’t bear the sight of him in pain, hate even now the small whimpers that slip past his lips.

“Y/N,” he whines, his eyes screwed shut, “can I hold your hand?”

You have to catch the endeared chuckle before it slips past your lips. “Of course you can,” you say. You reach down and slip your fingers into his, and Tom exhales at the contact.

“Thank you.”

It’s slower work with one of your hands out of action, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. Tom’s grip on your fingers waxes and wanes as you clean up the rest of him, indicating when you need to go faster, go slower.

It doesn’t take long before he’s distracting himself by fluttering his lips across your knuckles, his warm mouth bouncing over your skin as he kisses your hand over and over again. Despite having his eyes shut, Tom doesn’t hesitate to tell you how lovely he thinks you are. He repeatedly says how much he loves you and loves spending time with you, how you’d been the only thing on his mind during his match. He flatters you until you’re beaming, heaps on more words of praise even as you try to rebuke him. He seems to cheer up the longer he sits with your hands clasped together.

“You,” you whisper, “are such a flirt, Tom.” You finish off your work by pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. “I’m finished, by the way.”

Tom opens his eyes. They’re slightly watery, but they lighten as they meet with yours. “Thank you,” he releases. He takes your other hand in his.

“You’re gonna be stiff,” you warn, “maybe a bath might help?”

Tom raises an eyebrow. “Are you volunteering to keep me company?” he asks, throwing out a lopsided grin. “Because I’m— I’m so weak, darling.” He feigns a cough. “I might slip if you let me go alone.”

Your smile drifts into a smirk as you help him down from the counter. Tom immediately falls into your side, and you wrap an arm around his figure to help him.

“Well, I can’t be having that,” you say, “I’m pretty fond of you, y’know?”

Tom presses his lips against your forehead. “I’m quite fond of you too, darling,” he says. He kisses you again, this time landing his mouth on yours. “Thank you for being the best partner I could ever ask for.” He pauses and squeezes your waist. “I love you.”

You return the affection by drawing a hand through his hair, your fingertips slipping across his gentle curls. “I love you too,” you whisper. You pause for just a moment to marvel at how warm he feels as he leans up against you. “C’mon,” you coax, “let’s go have a bath.”

[ratcatcher0325]

Nobody’s Fool (Chapter #30)

Chapter #30. Who are these strange visitors that crash the band’s rehearsal??

Previous: Chapter #29

Next: Chapter #31

CW: Adult language, dehumanization

Reblogs > Likes. Thank you! ________________________________________

NOBODY’S FOOL

Chapter #30: Table’s all Set 

Word Count: 1271 Read Time: Approx. 10 mins

[Penn’s POV]

We ran through sound check. The venue was stunning, the acoustics perfect. It was incredible to me how much had changed in such a short amount of time. I had learned so much about the gear, how to get the settings just right, all from Travis. I’d said it before and it bore repeating: Thank god for Travis. He had been such an incredible support to me these last few weeks. He felt like a brother to me. It was amazing that after a few months of this life, I could say that wholeheartedly about a bear of a human being. I loved that someone so muscular, imposing, and intimidating in stature could be so sensitive and gentle with someone like me.

We played and while the music rang in all our ears, I didn’t have to push myself to crack a smile. I loved making music. I shuddered to think what I would do without it. As the final strum of one of my new songs buzzed in the air, we heard applause. It sounded like three or four people from a distance away in the audience. We all exchanged glances with each other wondering if any of us had an idea of who they were. Our collective stares of confusion confirmed that all four of us were blindsided.

Travis shaded his eyes from the bright lights of the stage, “Uh, how can we help you?” I peered through the hazy light threatening to blind me. They were hard to make out but I could see three figures. Two sporting white hair, one tall and gangly, the other rotund. They flanked a third… familiar… Sam. Fuck me.

Sam was smiling, having just finished applauding. “Very good work gentlemen… and lady! Penn-“ I gritted my teeth hearing my name come out of his mouth, “I know we didn’t get off to the best start… so I thought I’d make it up to you.” What the fuck was he talking about? I deprived him of the satisfaction of a response. He cleared his throat. He was doing that performance thing I had seen him do with Eveline. It was sappy, sweet and wholly disingenuous, “Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to my friends here: This is Mr. Michael Castro—“ the tall one, “and this, is Mr. Jonathan Finley.” The portly one. “They are close clients of mine and just so happen to be in the music industry. I don’t want to speak for them, but they are possibly interested in partnering with you. Not to flatter these fine gentlemen too much, but let’s just say their record label is internationally renowned.” Our ears admittedly pricked at this, despite the messenger. “Anyway, they got us reservations downtown and thought we could all get to know one another, before the show.” Honey sweet smile, “Oh! And don’t worry, Penn. I called ahead… they’ll have a little table for you too…” the men chuckled at this. My face burned as my fists clenched.

I saw clearly what Sam’s motivation was. If he could secure a deal for us that would put us at a different level, there would be no need for Eveline to tag along and help. She’d be free and clear to come back home with him, while he pushed us further apart. He would hasten our success if it meant he didn’t have to share her with us. Plus, if we signed a deal, signed contracts, it would be much more difficult for Eveline to just decide she wanted to join the group.

We exchanged glances with each other. What was the harm in hearing them out? If they could help us achieve greater success, we could at least entertain their offer and negotiate the kinks involving Eveline later. If she even wanted that.

So, I soon found myself perched in Travis’ jacket pocket as we clamored into a slick, all-black, hired car. I wondered where Eveline was and if she’d be joining the meeting. Would she be seated next to him? Would they kiss? Hold hands? All right in front me as though I was nothing more than a table decoration with a heartbeat? I clenched my jaw, I supposed to some people I probably was just that.

As we were shown to our table, the vast, suave room filled with humans seated, drinking, eating, laughing politely, around crisp, white tablecloths, heads of tropical African beasts adorning the walls, seemed to fade away from view, replaced by the exclusivity of our private dining room. The walls were dark, with the copper glow of Edison light bulbs igniting the white landscape of the impeccable table in a warm, hazy glow. The table was adorned with glittering silver utensils, bright white porcelain dishes, flickering candles encased in glass and, as promised, a table of my own.

It’s miniature size looking quite laughable compared to the original furniture it was made to copy. It was a precise replica, with the same white tablecloth, silverware, and dishes, no candles though. Adrenaline rushed through my spine as my head felt unbearably hot. This was a highly precarious situation and I was the one under the microscope. These wealthy men who were courting us with this meal were clearly testing me to see what a pet could manage in the world of high society humanity. The idea of signing a record deal with someone who, traditionally, existed as only property himself had never been done.

Would this be a wise investment? Would this new fad of a five inch tall musician usher in a brand new era of entertainment or would he fade from the headlines as some funny little experiment? I may not have had much experience in the music industry or understand the inner workings of business, but I knew humans. I knew all too well how their minds worked when it came to pets. Would they be giving a little nothing too much power? Or would I be the perfect, unexpected, marketing tool?

That’s what this outing was for. I had to proceed with extreme caution. The last thing I wanted was to ruin an incredible opportunity for my friends who had worked extremely hard for this their whole lives. They deserved this. But I was the strange new unkown. The burden rested squarely on my, admittedly, tiny shoulders. What could the little pet take? Was he big enough to be the face of a well-funded music group? I shuddered. I didn’t know. I was scared. Please don’t let me embarrass any of them.

I was placed on the sprawling table, before the two business men. Eveline had appeared along with Sam, his arm resting lightly about her waist. She looked tense. Even in spite of everything, regardless of my anger, in the face of this dangerous new entity, these executives, I wanted nothing more than to crawl and hide amidst the protective cage of her soft, warm fingers. I swallowed. No time to be a coward now. I had to impress them if I ever wanted to be seen as more than what they saw before them.

The tall man, Mr. Castro, sat at the head of the table, Mr. Finley to his right. Sam to his left. My patronizing little set up was no further than an easy reach past the salt and pepper shakers for him. He could pound his fist on the table and clatter the miniature porcelain and silver with ease. I was truly caged in. My heart pounded a mile a minute. This was the last place in the world I wanted to be.

[yulin-pop]

Hi! congrats for your 100- 200 followers!! 🎉🎉🎉

Also Can i have your match up events please?

Personality:

Im a (akward) quiet and shy person at first, im very bad communicating/interacting with people cuz i have a bad anxiety issues but atleast i try/want to talk people if i want to. ( i also have a trust issues i too, dont trust people so easily).

People didn't really know that im a bit energetic and soft person when it comes to my loved ones or friends, unless if open up to someone who are im comfortable or trusted, but still shy.

Im also a affectionate person or touch starved person i like giving my friends, family some hugs and head patting, when it comes to my partner / s/o i give them hugs or kisses without hesitation, if they are uncomfortable imma avoid being a clingy person and respect their personal space.

I have a short-temper i can pissed so easily and is trying my best to control myself, if i hurt people's feelings i'll apologise them immediately if im calm.

My friends commented me like im sort of mother/sister figure in our group, the way i act i didn't quite realized my behaviour the way i treat my friends or my little cousins.

I'm very insecure person, i been compared with someone who is smart, pretty or optimistic than i am because i dont have one of those, it makes me think i wasn't enough.

The way i act is boyish, but im bit act like a girl like im very shy, embarrased or flustered compare to the girls who acts girly.

Appearance:

I have a black short hair, Brown eyes, fair light skin, my height is 5'8" and im a bit chubby. my clothing style is like gurenge the way i wear is boyish type with a dark color, sometimes i wear a bit girls clothes and cute clothes if i want to and i wore a glasses, i used it sometimes if i can't see a far.

Interest: Reading Manga/Manhwa, watching anime, drawing/drawing fanarts, babysitting, playing piano, listening music.

Reacting: If someone interested or liking me, in romantically. i might get flattered, happy and shy, also scared. scared that i wasn't enough or they just playing or making fun of my feelings.

If you're making my request just wanted to say thank you! also congrats!! 🎉

↛ ❀ Match up; @moon-cakiie

I match you with Azul Ashengrotto

He views you as someone very light hearted, but you didn’t trust him at all. He’s a business person so he’s good at socializing, in a professional way not in a normal way. You’re more stand off ish but tries to talk with him. It was cute how you struggled to find a topic but you seem really kind. Even after you two get close and Azul drops the business man persona, you’re still shy but more open. By more open, you express your angry around him. He can relate with your insecurities, he was always different than everyone else and he had to push himself to become who he is today. You some what remind him of himself back then.

He noted how much more affectionate you got after a few weeks of talking. The first instance was you greeting him with a hug. He completely froze up in confusion. You backed away quickly and kept away from him but he couldn’t deny it was nice to be hugged.

He thinks you’re absolutely stunning and yet he’s doesn’t say anything. He holds himself back, it would be out of character for him to compliment you despite the knawing urge to tell you how stunning you are.

He’s confused with his feelings at first. He’s obvious about the favoritism towards you and often instead of scolding you, he just kindly directs you in the right direction. He refuses the idea of it being love! He has no time for that nor does it benefit him or his business. It takes a few pushes from the twins to make him understand that he really does like you.

He tries to be subtle that he likes you but you didn’t seem to take the hint. He tried to be head strong about it though you shrunk back. Then, you asked him if he was serious. It kind of broke him as he explained he’s completely genuine.

Azul never really had anyone that could just give off the soft aura you have.