#this new bachelors is just for me. it’s my success. all on my own

[foryiujeans]

say you love me.

synopsis. after being in an arranged marriage with an arrogant + selfish man, you never realised how much he cared for you even if he was away.

pairings. slightly mean!ricky x fem!reader

warnings. swearing, slightly suggestive.

word count. 5k

general taglist. @forsobeans , @lvieee

“where are you?”

the only sound you could hear was the sound of the engines car cutting through the wind. it’s wheels hitting the road, the low volume of the radio coming in as a mix. having a sudden driver that was sent by your parents pulled up right in front of your house, casually saying that you need to go in and to not be late for the special meeting they said. playing with your phone, your cold hands meeting the device, soon as an incoming call from your father came up.

“i’m on the way, in another,” you took a peek at the window, “ten minutes.”

and with that, you ended the call, placing your phone on your lap when a text notification from your father appeared on your phone.

father : tell the driver to hurry. the shen family is already here, we just need you here to get started.

you thought that this meeting was supposed to be just you and your family, turns out it was just another business related thing to be discussed with. groaning at yourself to actually think that your parents finally paid attention to you, letting out a heavy sigh, you turned your phone off. - what’s there to be discussed that involves you?

you’re just a rather normal business woman, daughter of the fourth largest enterprise around the country, known only because of your sister's success for you to only just be her shadow, father’s little maid around the house back then, and mother’s little assistant. so you thought that there's nothing really special about you, only feeling the affection from your parents years ago.

you had entered your parents mansion, locking in the code before entering. the maid opened the door for you just as you were about to type in the pin. seeing the living room with your whole family and the shen family sitting in front of your family. you bowed and greeted the shen family. they all stared and greeted you back.

then your eyes landed at a rather fine and composed man, with his blonde platinum hair, well kept but he just lets it slicked back. there he sat with his legs crossed, repeatedly running his thumb over his lips. he screams success, wealth and more so power.

"there you are y/n, come now and take a seat right beside quanrui," your father soon jumped in, fully entering yourself inside the big study and closing the door behind you.

"we should start talking about why we we all decided to meet up"

youu followed your father’s orders not having any choice, you walked your way beside quanrui, his cool demeanor already suffocating you just by looking at him.

"well are you just gonna stand there?" he soon piped up, probably noticing you staring at him.

"move.” you ordered, voice laced with confidence and not caring if he's the son of the most successful ceo there is to set foot on this planet. he could only smirk by your confidence, not opening his mouth to say anything else. he moved to his side, giving you some space to sit down right beside him.

"great, let's get started." the man behind the desk boomed its voice around the room.

gazing at the man who you assumed was quanrui’s father, the CEO of shen enterprise. he looks a bit like ricky, just without his bleached hair.

“is it fine if we bring both our businesses together to promote our newest ceo of my company and the new chief executive officer?,” he says, “and if you’re both confused by bringing you both together means..”

and that's when it hit you. you weren't marrying just anyone, you were getting married to shen quanrui.

the well known CEO of shen enterprise- korea’s largest manufacturing company and owning up to 50+ brands. he was part of seoul and china’s most powerful businessmen, and even being one of the eligible bachelors. it made you feel small just by sitting right next to him, he was handsome, intoxicating and very much so mysterious.

it was the look that he always gives you to be so weak, wanting to just run away and hide under your covers, his now tall legs spread out before him, it seems like he owns this look, his dark eyes always barging in on your own.

swallowing down the lump in your throat, you stood up in your seat, leaving your purse behind for you to also feel quanrui’s gaze trail you from behind.

"what about us? did you even ask us if we're happy about this arranged marriage? and i don't want to marry a man who i just met! "

you don't know why you're suddenly raising your voice, you just hate the fact that the work you've put yourself through for the past few years is just going to be thrown out the window like it was nothing. you wish your whole adulthood to be free, planning on existing loudly with giving zero cares about the world, yet here you are catching the eyes of your parents and your soon to be husband as well.

"well, i’m going to ask you two now..." quanrui’s mother spoke up, facing her son and you.

"do you want this marriage?"

"no-'

"yes" standing there with great shock, you looked over your shoulder and down at quanrui, now having his arms crossed around his chest, agreeing to this marriage like a business matter.

"very well, we will leave the two of you be, and when we all come back here in this room, the papers should be signed already"

feeling powerless all of a sudden, you can't hear anything, only the sounds of their shoes hitting the well carpeted floors heading out to leave the room.

that's until you felt a hand being placed on your shoulder, looking up you faced your mother, a small yet sweet smile on her lips.

"sign the papers please darling, this would help us rise from being unknown to being known, this would bring happiness to our name, even our reputation would increase…. sign the papers" she finished, eyes watching her leave the room as well.

now here you are with him, the killer silence of the study making your ears hurt. you faced him, a frown sitting on your face making him look at you, smirking. bringing out his own pen, his long slender hands opening his cross pen with his family name engraved in gold.

"why did you say yes?"

"they’ve been talking about this whole marriage ever since i set foot back here, it made my ears hurt, so I said yes to make them stop setting me up with twenty different women already." he shrugged it off, walking his way towards his father's desk where the papers that needed to be signed layed on top.

"are you fine about all of this?" you asked, voice failing to not shake when he turned and faced you.

those eyes stared at you for a moment, noticing them look up and down your body almost like he's studying you.

not knowing the reason why he agreed to get married to somebody like you, a much less known woman when there should be many beautiful girls ahead of you.

"hmm?" he spoke up, hunching down the desk to have a more comfortable position to sign down the papers, watching the way he did it with just one go, no hesitation at all, signing his name with his signature.

"i don't care, i don't want my family name to be dragged down in dirt, and it means i get to see your annoying face every day." he ended, deep voice sounding like honey meets your ears.

you looked at his back facing you, what he said earlier still filled your mind like some hard test, he's fine on helping your parent's company even if it costs his freedom as the CEO to get ruined, you could see it, you could see that he's not ready for all of this. So his family is willing to help yours, you slowly took the pen away from his hands, his own pen caging down your delicate hands, catching him off guard.

he stood there beside you, watching as you signed down the papers with your name and signature right beside his, it's the least thing you could do to make your parents proud, putting your whole life under this piece of paper. he was about to grab his pen back from you, that's when your grip around it tightens, quiet sniffles coming out of you as for his eyes to catch freshly salted tears hit the carpet floors.

shen quanrui didn't know what to do, not the type to comfort somebody that well. are you really sad about this whole marriage?

suddenly there was a grey handkerchief coming close to your vision, looking up, you met his hand extended out to you with his handkerchief sitting on top.

"wipe your tears away it makes you look weak.” he scoffed, waiting for you to take it.

oh, how annoying and stupid is he?

this day was dreadful, here you are standing just before the grand doors of a wedding you never asked for, having to follow your wish to make your parents happy for at least once from you. you felt the weight of your unknown future welcoming you as you began walking down the red carpeted aisle.

all that you have now is yourself, and shen quanrui.

he couldn't help but kiss his teeth, knowing that you're probably feeling way more worse than he is right now, but he was clenching his fists, finding himself to relate.

he grabbed both of your hands, trying to finally comfort you in front of everyone, running his thumb over your knuckles, feeling how cold they are and how warm his hands are. and then the sound of the priest's voice became audible, this word could change everything.

"i pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride.”

the two of you locked eyes for a moment, letting go of your hands as quanrui saw that you were already looking at him, starstruck at first, he felt his world stop moving when he looked deeply in your eyes.

finally seeing your face fully because when the two of you first met which was weeks ago, he didn't get a clear view of your face. his eyes trailed down vour lins awaiting the kiss that will probably feel awkward.

feeling the pads of his thumb wipe away your tears, cupping your cheeks as he leaned in, his intoxicating scent still taking the air away from your lungs.

he suddenly stopped, placing his mouth right next to your ear as he whispered some words deeply.

"don’t make that face, it’ll be fine." and with that, he cupped your cheeks, still feeling tears in the corner of your eyes for him to wipe it away, hating to see you like this now. he pressed his lips with your own, surprisingly they were soft, and he guided you through the kiss by placing a hand behind your back.

still standing there in shock, you inhaled deeply and returned the kiss, you swore you felt him smile through the kiss. finishing off with him running his tongue down your bottom lip. you pulled away, crimson cheeks not afraid to hide when you faced him, holding your hand and intertwining them together. the two of you faced everybody, cheers and smiles everywhere for your eyes to see. you took a quick glance to your side, seeing his smile slowly disappear, his body hugged well by his black ralph lauren tux. it’s the first time you've paid attention to him this whole ceremony, you can't deny the fact that he looks breathtaking.

"do you not get tired eating the same thing over and over again?" you asked the boy in front of you, his attention was simply down at the documents he brought along this trip. it’s been a few days after you got married to the CEO of shen enterprise. a plate of cheesecake present for your husband to dig in deliciously, the two of you agreed to meet at the cafe where you and him would always eat whenever he picks you up after work.

"nope, it's addicting and if i do get tired of eating it, that's when l'm probably dead" he shrugged it off, grabbing a fork and feeding himself another serve.

you could only roll your eyes at him playfully, drifting your attention back outside where the car is up for a show to everyone who walks and drives past it. you furrowed your eyebrows when you heard your him let out a groan, probably because he’s tired of work.

"give me a tissue.” he ordered.

"excuse me?, it's right in front of you" you pointed at the thing he was looking for.

"i can't reach it.” he tiredly responded, leaning back on his chair as he made no efforts on reaching for the tissues.

"i can't believe you.” you gave in and grabbed the pile of tissues but instead of giving it to him properly you threw it straight into his face. instead of saying something, your husband could only laugh, even though he hates seeing your face, he appreciates what you do for him.

“my, what a surprise to see you two here.” a voice barged into the conversation, knowing who it is by heart you and quanrui looked up seeing zhanghao also here, sunglasses on, a suit present for he looks like he just finished shooting another magazine cover, a cup of coffee on hand as he sat himself down the same table with you and ricky.

"what are you doing here, hyung?" quanrui took off first by asking a question to the eyebreaking intruder.

"i just finished doing my rounds of photoshoots and stopped by to grab myself some coffee." the boy could only roll his eyes at his friend.

"oh, so it is true!" zhanghao voice suddenly shocked you, jumping from your seat and you turned and looked at her questionably.

"what is?"

"you got married.” zhanghao eyes can't seem to break away from your wedding ring that quanrui slipped into your ring finger, the shining jewelry glittering under the lights for him to see.

"i thought it was a joke," zhanghao could only bite down his lip, trying his best to not laugh, “since i really thought ricky wasn’t interested in women-”

a smack on the back made the brunette groan and pouted at the younger. you could only laugh and watched the two of them argue.

"i was forced to marry him." you corrected him, turning your head to look at him half heartedly, trying to stay seated and not lose it on zhanghao when he gave you a teasing look.

“sorry for not coming to your wedding. i was in jeju for some work,” zhanghao only nodded, giving you a small smile, “i have to go, a meeting starts in thirty minutes.”

he bids goodbye to the two of you, walking out to his car to drive off back to his own company, leaving both you and ricky in the café.

"can i have your phone?" quanrui suddenly asked, leaning towards the table as he watched you from the front, who was busy looking at the café’s inside interior.

"why?" you were quick to turn around, an eyebrow raised to show confusion by his sudden words.

"just give me it.” he almost sounds like he's whining, leaving you smiling to yourself on how cute he could be even though he's still in his sharp suit.

he's still waiting for your phone. letting out a sigh to roll out of your lips you nodded your head at him.

"it's in my purse.” you trailed off, turning your attention back to the matter of hand which was washing the dishes.

you could've sworn you saw how his face lit up by the moment you said that. his eyes then trailed over to where your purse is, opening it up as he wasted no time to grab your phone, how stupid of him actually to think that he knows the password. when quanrui returns, you're already staring.

"open it"

he gave you your phone, not even asking what's going on, you did as you were told. opening your phone and when you did it was snatched away from your hands immediately from him.

"why do i have such a blank name?" he scrunched his nose, showing you your phone with his contact name on the screen as he scrutinized you.

shen quanrui

"i mean it is your name- wait do you want me to give you a nickname?" you finally picked everything up, eyes brightening with playfulness when you caught ricky biting down his lips.

“yeah, give me a nickname and give me one that's cute" he suggested, giving you back your phone.

the way you looked so serious on picking out a nickname for him made him look at you, never knowing that this would be the two of you together behind closed doors, not what he's expecting at all.

he was expecting that the two of you would just ignore each other, go in each other's throats with pure hatred. you nearly laugh out loud when you look at your finished product, his new nickname really making you smile.

cheescake lover!

you noticed this earlier, whenever he picks you up after work and drags you to café’s, he’s always buy blueberry cheesecake.

"this is cute right?" you showed him his contact name, a teasing smile coming in last.

“yah! i can’t believe you.” he then grabs hold of your hand where your phone sits, quickly snatching your phone away from you, turning his back as he typed something down.

"quanrui!" you almost hit his back when you were trying your best to get it back, that's when he finally turned around resulting in you bumping into his chest. cheeks heating up, you looked up seeing him smiling at himself.

"there." he smiled, giving your phone back.

ricky ♡

the simple yet heart shaking name made the red tint on your cheek worsen, never once getting used to seeing his nickname next to a heart. you heard some of his friends call him this, ricky.

"ricky?" you mumbled under your breath.

"then my name better have a nickname on yours too!" you turned your phone off, putting it deep into your pocket where it's completely out of reach from him.

"of course.” ricky says, getting his own phone out and showing you the nickname he puts on you.

only taking note of how his hand made his phone look smaller in size, there he showed you your name.

y/n ♡

maybe being with him wasn’t that bad, the bad thing was he makes fun of you 24/7.

"y/n?"

you straightened yourself up, breathing out while slowly turning your back away to face him, hearing his voice without him singing made your knees weak, it turned deep, with a dulcet of it meeting you.

"hi" you sheepishly responded, a small smile forming in his lips when he noticed the state you're in, the whole scene looked like some father catching his daughter lurking in the hallway at 12am in the morning.

"putting on an all nighter?" ricky soon broke the silence and with every single time you try to break his gaze he would always catch them with just a simple eye contact, it's his thing, being a CEO and a business man with many words he picked up the trait where he would have to keep an eye contact with the one he's talking to.

"i just finished actually.” you said, trying your best to sound alright despite the fact that you're really tired with half of your work still present in your own office.

"can you look at me, y/n?" there was no pressure in his voice, it's the same soft melodic tone when he promised that he would take care of you down the aisle weeks ago. and when you did, the next thing he did surprised you, placing his index finger in the bottom of your chin with his thumb as a support, he looked deeply into your eyes.

"a penny for your thoughts?" ricky’s voice soon brought you back to reality. his soft gaze settles on your face with his sharp jawline being in full view for your eyes to see, he was firm as he faced you, his lips that's only inches away from your sight made your heart run faster than before.

"it's nothing.” you voiced out with a little bit of strength even though you are indeed feeling a little bit sleepy with the clock ticking away. he only looked at you, gazing at the tired features of your face, his brows began to furrow before you picked out a sigh escaping his lips.

"let's go to bed, yeah?" ricky then stood up, setting his guitar down to its stand as he waited for you, nodding your head the two of you walked out of the music room, the cold marbled floors kissing your feet while you walked behind him, his broad shoulders coming into a view as ricky would sometimes run his hand through his luscious raven hair.

"can i ask you something?" he stopped walking, trying to register everything he just said, downright getting flustered by the sudden question for your liking.

"what is it?"

"nevermind." you mumbled quietly after taking a few seconds to take away your question to the blonde.

"y/n, what is it?" you were speechless for the first time because of him, not even knowing what other words to say. a soft chuckle escaped your lips by his current state, now it's your turn to study him. ricky watched you walk up the stairs to be on the same level as him, getting a quick glimpse of your slightly messy hair, your sweet scent greeting his nose along the way. you then stopped, standing on top of a single step to make yourself taller as it made ricky look up at you, the silence of the room embracing the two of you placidly.

“nothing.”

and with that, you backed up away from the blonde and went inside your shared bedroom.

that was a close call.

——————————————————————————

sitting up as you began removing your hair away from your face, looking at the wall clock, seeing that it's late already. thinking that he's already on his way to work, you got yourself ready for the day and headed down stairs, praising yourself on not getting lost inside ricky’s gigantic house. wanting to do a detour when your eyes landed at ricky eating his breakfast when you arrived at the kitchen, him using his other hand to use his cellphone while the other was busy doing its job on feeding him, sitting on a barstool, he was wearing a red knitted sweater that brings out his jet black hair, still wearing the same sweatpants from last night. you want to walk away and just eat some food outside or order something but your stomach wouldn't last long. you don't know why you're acting like this around him even though he was being surprisingly nice to you, maybe it's because you're new to this sudden change of lifestyle and finally living with somebody, for the past years you would sleep alone with only the darkness as your companion, eating alone only with your fork and spoon.

gathering yourself together you entered the kitchen fully, walking past ricky who had his eyebrow up like he's questioning your presence. still, ignoring him you grabbed two pieces of bread that caught your eyes, you suddenly stopped moving, this is not your kitchen so you don't know where everything else was stored. slapping your stupid brain for not functioning, you suddenly heard a chuckle from behind.

“thought you were lost again,” his voice spoke behind you, “just like the first morning you were here.”

a roll of your eyes made him scoff jokingly, ignoring his words. you took your plate and wanted to eat in the living room. your hand holding the perfectly stacked pancakes on your plate and the other hand holding a cup of orange juice.

"baby." you abruptly stopped in your tracks, the thumping on your chest will not stop anytime now.

when you held your place, he walked over to you and turned you around to face him.

ricky continuously walked closer to you with the result of you backing away slowly, you bumped your back to the sink counter and couldn't move any further away from him. he placed both arms on the counter, in between you for him to cage you in.

a smug smirk slipped ricky’s lips, licking them moist as his eyes settled down on your face.

"baby... you like the nickname? huh?"

"n-no.”

"no?

"yes.” a satisfied laugh soon escaped from the lips of the man in front of you, he just completely played with you.

with a pout of annoyance, you gathered the strength to push his arms away and moved to the side as a quick escape. ricky was surprised at first on how you managed to escape his embrace- was it even an embrace? no, it's a trap. it’s a trap to see how every time you push him away, he pulls you in easily, his eyes that look like it's drinking you slowly.

and that made you not step into the living room. you’d prefer to eat on the dining table anyway. hearing a notification and seeing your phone lit up, an email that was sent from your colleague, kim taerae to you.

"what is it?" a voice came out of nowhere, startling you as your gaze got trapped in ricky who happens to be standing right next to you, a glass of water on hand to show that he already finished eating his breakfast.

"a joint project will happen. the dates are not clear yet, and our boss gave me the authority to take care of it.” you sighed, looking down at your wrist watch to see the time. ricky took the time to steal a quick glance over his shoulder to look at you, a soft smile resting on his lips, almost like he's proud.

"you'll do great.”

"i hope so.?”

"you will.” he started watching the trees sway side to side by the calming blow of the wind, the leaves falling down from its branch swayed to touch the ground, you turned and looked at him. his eyelashes were long and soft whenever he would bat them down, his rosy and bow lips were wet when he ran his tongue over them.

words of encouragement from your husband himself.

——————————————————————————

that night when the joint project was happening. the nervousness inside your gut made you panic. the joint project was going in between your company and ricky’s company. if you wrote a report that was not that great, you surely will drop from your chief executive position then.

the blonde saw that you were fiddling with your fingers, staring into space. he was fixing his tie, watching you already dressed from head to toe in the black givenchy dress he made you wear that reached above your knees. he couldn’t lie, you are absolutely gorgeous. he was planning for the event today, he wanted to give out a special thanks to everyone and importantly to his family and you.

looking up from your spot inside the limo, your eyes landed at ricky who is sitting right beside you, his legs sprawled out while he leaned his head back making his adam’s apple on full view for you to see.

he had his eyes closed, there seemed to be a lot of stuff going on inside his mind because he began to wear a visible frown. you want to ask what's wrong with him, is it you? is it this event? or is it the fact that you're sitting right next to him?, you just can't read him.

"we should really act like a couple once we step out of this limo, there will be a lot of cameras and news reporters.” ricky stated the obvious, and just when the limo took a turn, your eyes caught sight of the venue from the outside, packed with people and cameras flashing like they're some fireworks. there he finally opened his eyes, the first thing his eyes saw was you looking at him, he could easily read you like an opened book, the way you would blink faster whenever he catches your gaze for you to just break them, and the way you nervously bit down your lip by all of this sudden pressure of making a public appearance with him.

you nodded your head as you let out a heavy sigh, grabbing your purse when the vehicle put into a stop. ricky unbuckled his seatbelt and so did you.

when he opened the door and stepped out, greeting you with his warm smile as he held out his hand for you, you smiled back sweetly when you noticed some cameras flashing.

“smile for the camera.” he whispered near your ears, holding onto your waist as you both stepped out of the limo.

after taking some pictures, you both saw your friends and colleagues waiting for you at the sides. ricky noticed you looking at your friends and tapped your waist for you to look at him.

“we’ll see each other after the party.”

and with that, he was gone to meet his colleagues and other CEOS from other companies.

oh god, how tired were you tonight.

walking towards the chair where the blazer of his suit was but stopped after hearing your small grunts of defeat, eyebrows coming together in confusion but his face relaxed after realizing the situation that you're in.

"do you need help?" ricky asked you from the other side of the curtain, his shoes peeking through the small gap from below. you looked at yourself in front of the mirror, the dress fitted you like a glove but the only problem was the zipper at the back, it was so high, you couldn’t unzip it on your own.

you were awake for the first two hours of the drive, making use of yourself to keep ricky company inside the car because if it gets too quiet he might get tired and fall asleep without your attention, it was almost 2am.

ricky drummed his fingers to the steering wheel whilst opening the storage compartment between the two of you, taking out one of his glasses to shade his eyes from the bright sun. he looked so good, his slightly messy hair from all of the times he would run a hand through them, and now that he's wearing glasses that rests on the bridge of his sharp nose.

both the event and the drive was exhausting for the both of you.

“y/n,” ricky calls up to you and made you hum after he unzipped your dress, “you know i care for you, right?”

the sudden question caught you off guard, turning to look at him and felt that your heart thumped inside your chest when he came close to you. you never really questioned it but you did thought every single day that did he even care for you since he married you? you didn’t even know whether it was a yes or no.

“to be honest, i’m not sure. you’re always busy, i’m always busy so i never really thought of it. just when mother asked me to marry you. did you even-“

"i want to be a good man and see you smile," he started, straightening up his posture, the urge to see you happy itched his brain, remembering the picture of the two of you laughing beside the fountain that one day, the time where you helped him control a claw machine. knowing where this is leading yet everything goes following each other, watching as the both of you go round and round each time.

"and i want to hold you in my arms tonight."

ricky confessed, standing tall for his eyes to watch you mirror his actions. both trying to find answers in each other's eyes, you took in everything he just said, the bubbling feeling inside your stomach mentioning to you what to do. his voice was a trigger.

his eyes drifted down to your swollen lips on how much you bit them earlier, they were red as a rose along with your cheeks shining down the moonlight from the window beside you. fuck it.

cupping your cheeks and what ricky did next didn't surprise you at all, the feeling of his soft lips met yours, almost forgetting how they felt, he kissed them with so much passion. he’s taking over you slowly, you grabbed his nape and pulled him down so he could meet your height.

"baby.." he spoke up, stopping your actions with a warm cup on your cheek by his hand. the moment you locked eyes with him everything seemed to stop, the flutter inside your heart from his words earlier was still in you. the way he called you out made you love the nickname more than you usually do.

sighing, you settled on top of him and hugged ricky who returned the favor to cuddle you under everything that just happened. both hearts beating right next to each other to create a calm euphoria.

"baby" the sound of his tender voice caught your attention, it almost sounded like a whisper.

"yes?" what is it?" you returned, turning your head to look at him, thinking that he was asking you for some help or anything.

"i love you" those three words never failed to make your heart go feral for it also came from ricky who said those to you.

"and I love you too." you came back, putting a tight smile for your lover.

say you love me.

a/n ! thank you so much for reading and giving me requests. i’m thankful that you guys enjoyed reading it and giving all the notes and support. i do not own any characters, music or pics given, will definitely work harder for the next ones !

signing out, miaaa hihi !

[tiredfox64]

Part two of my kill for hire reader?!?!?! Like the brothers all court her? Different endings on who she chooses?!?!?!

Go for the Kill

Prior notes: @eemr1000 @livingdeadgirly @k3ythesapphic COME GET YOUR FOOD BEFORE THE MOLES GET IT. Tbh I struggled a little but i think I did okay.

Pairing: Lin Kuei Bros x Afab reader

Warnings ‼️: Just get inside!

You made quite a reputation for yourself. You have been most useful to Lord Liu Kang. Thanks to the help of the Lin Kuei your skills have grown substantially. And look at that, you made three new friends as well. Well, they want to be more than just friends.

It didn’t take long for the brothers to recognize that they all liked you for their own reasons. Bi-Han liked how deceitful you can be just to get the job done. Kuai Liang applauds your tactics and finds your intelligence to be quite attractive. Tomas saw your huge potential and finding out you are actually sweet drew him in.

Yes, yes, you certainly have a nice set of bachelors just waiting to nab you for themselves. But, uh, who are you gonna pick?

I mean they haven’t even asked you out yet. You’ve been busy with more killing assignments so they haven’t gotten the chance to have you alone. It’s fine, it gives them plenty of time to think and prepare a way to court you. They have their own ways, it just depends who gets to you first.

You get back to the Lin Kuei temple after another successful killing. You’re a bit tired and just want to settle down for the night but you can already hear all three of them making their way towards you. Well, now it’s just one since Bi-Han decided he gets to see you first. It wasn’t a mutual decision he just pushed his brothers out of the way.

“I see you are successful once again. I do not expect anything less from you.” He compliments you as if you haven’t been killing for who knows how long. You noticed he grabbed onto your hand, ready to drag you away from everyone else.

“It is incredible how perfect you still look. You look like you barely broke a sweat.” Now Kuai Liang was coming in. He grabbed your other hand with the same intent Bi-Han has.

“You must be tired after that assignment. Maybe you should relax for a little. I can help you.” Who do you think just snuck up behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist? That’s right, Tomas.

You could feel tension in the air building up as you looked at all three brothers. They weren’t looking at you but they were glaring at each other. Something’s off but you can’t tell.

“Come with me, I have something important to discuss with you.” Bi-Han spoke.

“Whatever you have to say, brother, can wait. I have something important to tell her as well.” Then Kuai Liang spoke.

“I have something just as important to say to her.” Tomas pitched in.

“Why don’t you all just tell me what you want to say.” You were snappy since you were tired.

There was silence. They were unsure about confessing right now. But if it has to be done, so be it. Bi-Han will go first obviously. He pulled you in close, glared at his brothers, then looked down at you with a less cold look.

“Ever since the first time I saw you kill that fool, I knew you were the perfect woman for me. Skilled, precise, vicious even. You belong next to a grandmaster like me. I would hate for some incompetent fool to have their hands on you and ruin a perfectly good woman like yourself.”

To be honest, you were shocked. Did Bi-Han really have his eyes on you this whole time? You would have never guessed.

I mean it’s not like he deliberately made time to train you every time you were at the temple. It’s not like you caught him giving you that devilish smirk whenever he watch you kill someone else in your own devious way. And when you asked everyone else if he has ever smiled at them that way they all thought you were mad. Cause when the fuck does Bi-Han ever smile. There was never even a twitch in his lips at anything enjoyable other than you. Alright so there were signs you just didn’t think too much into it.

Now it was Kuai Liang’s turn. He yanked you away from his brother and held you close. He looked at you more warmly and a less cold expression overall.

“Your beauty and intellect has awed me. I have never met a woman with your skills. You are a rare kind of person that I would hate to let go of. My desire for you burns brighter and hotter than the fire I produce.”

Kuai Liang’s words were sweet. You believed him since he was always such a gentleman to you. He always complimented and applaud you for your plans. Your ways of execution were unlike anything he has seen. You always appreciated that you felt equal to him. He never held back when you two would practice which helps make sure you were always at your best.

Don’t forget about Tomas. He pulled you in by your waist. His head rested on your shoulder, just appreciating your presence before confessing.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen someone with such skills that could rival a hunter. Not even in my homeland did I see many like you. I see so much potential in you and I want to be next to you as you develop your skills further. No one could rival you.”

You always heard Tomas cheer you on. He wanted to know your tricks and you would happily share them with him. You two had a closeness that came from your sneaky skills. He was great to practice with when preparing for your next assignments, except you wouldn’t actually kill him of course. You appreciated that he saw that you were actually sweet and never questioned if you were just putting up a persona or not. He wasn’t afraid of hearing that sweet voice of yours and think that you were about to poison him.

He let you go and now they were all looking at you. It’s your call. Whoever you will pick will have you for himself. Now pick. Who will you be with?

Bi-Han

(So…this is your choice)

You walked up to Bi-Han. You had your eyes on Bi-Han for some time. He is strong, he helped you better your skills, he’s got a handsome face, and a voice that sends shivers down your spine. Clearly, you’re digging him too.

That devilish smirk came back. In his mind you made the right decision. A woman like you is fit for a grandmaster. Your devious tactics combined with his high title is a great combo.

You didn’t even have to verbally say yes to him he took your approach to him as the answer. Unexpectedly, he picked you up and threw you over his shoulder.

Well he can’t have you in front of his brothers since they wanted you just as badly. You didn’t know where he was taking you but you recognized soon that he took you to his office. Just for extra measures since the locks apparently aren’t good enough, he froze the door handle. Now no one could get in and no one can get out.

Bi-Han wiped all the papers off the desk before placing you down on it. He leaned his body against yours to the point he pushed you onto your back. You heard a little hum of desire before he spoke up.

“Finally, we are alone. I have you all to myself.”

Kuai Liang

(Is this correct, reader?)

You walked up to Kuai Liang. You need a gentleman like Kuai Liang. Not just that but his body drew you in. So warm and well built. All those times he would pin you down during practice made you fall for him hard. Even his serious expression was attractive to you.

You made Kuai Liang a happy man today. A lovely lady like you is something he has dreamed of. One that is just as tough and precise when plan making as he is.

“You have quite a way with words, Kuai Liang. I can tell it came deep from your heart.” You commented as you placed your hand on his chest.

He looked at you so lovingly. In your heart you felt like you made a good choice. He held your face as he leaned in to place a kiss on your forehead. The kiss felt hot. His desire truly does burn hot.

You heard a groan come from Bi-Han. At least Tomas can act happy for his brother. Kuai Liang will surely get shit for this from his brother. But it doesn’t matter. He has you and he couldn’t be more happy.

“Do not worry about him. He is just upset that I have a beauty like you in my arms now.”

Tomas

(Your eyes see true)

You walked up to Tomas. You want someone who sees so much in you. To hear that you remind him of his homeland made your heart melt. You never heard something so sweet.

Tomas was ecstatic. Being picked is such a wonderful feeling. He picked you up in his strong arms and twirled you around as if you were a princess. Hey, I bet he would give you that princess treatment you deserve.

You giggled as he placed kisses all over your face. His beautiful huntress. All his.

Of course Bi-Han groaned and wanted to start a fight with Tomas. For once, Tomas would not let his brother get in the way of his happiness. He threw a smoke bomb in Bi-Han’s direction which made him go into a coughing fit. At least Kuai Liang was happy that his brother found love, and that he didn’t get hit with a smoke bomb. He turned his attention back to you again.

“Perhaps we should go somewhere more private, my dearest.”

Bonus: All of them

(I’m the writer I get to have a say!)

“Well, you clearly all like me. Why not I just date all of you.” You said it so casually.

You stumped them all. It wasn’t because they didn’t think of that it’s because it’s not something one would usually say in a situation like this. But you ain’t the usual kind of gal, are you.

“Can’t I love you all equally? Don’t brothers have to share anyways?” You keep bringing up these points which stump them further.

Ah yes, the tactic of confusion.

You can easily love them all. They will get their own special treatments. There is so much to love about each one of them. You were already debating on this before so you had this all set in your mind.

“Perhaps you can. I am unsure how this could work but it will not hurt to try.” Kuai Liang answered.

“Yeah, I think this could work out. You always find a way to make things happen. it will make everyone involved happy.” Tomas added on.

Kuai Liang agreed with Tomas which made them both on board with this. Bi-Han was more hesitant. He should have you all to himself. But it would make some things awkward around her. Oh fine! At least he still gets you.

“Fine. We will have it your way. But I get to have you first.”

Bi-Han picked you up and threw you over his shoulders. You get a sense of deja vu but you never experienced this, right?

All the brothers start to argue and insist he put you down. It was a no from him every time. You sigh as you realize this could get a little complicated.

Oh dear, looks like Bi-Han needs to learn that sharing is caring.

After notes: Alright yall I gotta go gamble and fight senior citizens for pickle rick, giants football, and a Japanese switch. I will throw hands. Sorry if this ain’t the best I did my best. Adiós!

[racinggirl]

Racing Hearts - prologue

a/n: I've spent an entire evening trying to perfect this prologue. I wanted it to give away the essence and personality of both main characters, so hopefully I made that work. I have to say that I am slightly scared, because this is my first ever multi-chapter story I'm writing, but I'm trying! Hopefully you will enjoy it.

Repost, comment or any type of support is very welcomed! It keeps me motivated 🫣

Comment down below if you want to get added to the taglist

warnings: dark!lando, confident!lando, business!lando, nothing much really, just rich people stuff.

Racing Hearts Masterlist

next chapter

Olivia

The sky was filled with a range of colours, varying between bright pinks, pastel oranges and deep, dark purples contrasting against the black from the night sky. As the wind breezed past me, the few strands of hair that weren’t tucked into my messy bun flew up in front of my face. I tightened my grip on the balcony’s railing, inhaling sharply before slowly breathing out.

I can do this. I can do this.

Tonight was one of the most important evenings of the year, the annual Charity Gala in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Me and my family lived in London, but business isn’t tied to one city, or even one country.

I’ve travelled a lot, flying to New York City for an opening of one of Harrington Enterprises newest Jewellery stores, or going all the way to Dubai to accompany my mother to one of our fabric manufacturers. They were all business trips, as was the one I’m attending on my own right now.

Monaco, home of some of the most wealthy, successful and busiest people on earth. You only lived in Monaco for two reasons. A, you were born here. B, you had plenty of money and had no idea what to do with it. Seeing as the average net worth of a Monaco citizen is above ten million dollars, I’d say ninety-nine percent of the people at this gala belonged to category B. I had to make a great impression; it was my job as the PR Director at Harrington Enterprises.

I wasn’t a stranger to a high society gala; however, I had not experienced something as extravagant as this before. High ceilings, decorated with glass chandeliers that glittered in the big open room. Waiters moving effortlessly through the crowd, holding trays with glasses filled with champagne that cost more than your average rent.

My eyes roamed the big, crowded room, searching for the man that stood number two on my list; one of the reasons my parents informed me of this Charity Gala. He was a well-known fashion icon and businessman in this world. Nate Thompson.

I spotted him at the bar, talking to the women that were nearly drooling at his feet. The man was eye-candy for every woman at this event. With broad shoulders, a sharp jawline and masculinity that made multiple men run for their money, he was one of the most successful bachelors out there.

I gathered my courage and stepped towards the man, shoulders straight with a friendly yet professional smile plastered on my lips. As I approached, Nate’s eyes met mine and he gave me one of his warm, welcoming smiles.

‘’Olivia Harrington,’’ he said, extending his hand. ‘’I’ve heard a lot about you, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.’’

‘’The pleasure is mine, Mr. Thompson,’’ I replied, shaking his hand firmly. ‘’Such a wonderful place, isn’t it?’’ I slowly let go of his hand, keeping my posture straight and professional.

‘’Please, call me Nate,’’ he said with a wink. ‘’Mr Thompson makes me feel old.’’

As the night went on, we struck up a conversation about his newest fashion items. He spoke about different designs, as well as places for shop openings. As much as I loved the fashion world – shopping at Versace, Prada and Chanel never got boring – I had to hold back a yawn once every few minutes.

‘’Your father has done a tremendous job attaining the vacant buildings at Bond Street.’’ Nate did exactly what I expected him to do, and it surprised me how little effort I had to put into this conversation. ‘’A very, very astonishing job.’’ Nate continued speaking highly of my father’s deals.

Bond Street was one, if not the most expensive street in London. My father bought most of the houses a few years back, when the house market was at it’s lowest. It was no surprise Nate Thompson was looking for the best of the best when it came to opening his new store in London.

‘’He did, indeed,’’ I reached into my designer bag, fishing out a business card of my father’s company. ‘’It would be a perfect location for Thompson’s, wouldn’t it?’’

Nate didn’t hesitate once and reached out for the card I held out with my fingers. ‘’Pleasure doing business with you, Olivia, you’ll hear from my team.’’ A satisfied smile appeared on my face when Nate gave me a curt nod, me returning the favour by raising my glass ever so slightly.

One down, one to go.

‘’Impressive.’’ The dark, smooth voice scattered goosebumps all over my skin, it made my body react in ways I hadn’t felt in quite a while.

My eyes followed the voice, and I was met by a tall figure. A tailored black suit that hugged those broad shoulders. Dark curls that looked a perfect combination of messy and neat. Eyes, a colour that I couldn’t quite decipher. Green, blue, a hint of grey or even brown, but what I did know was that those eyes pierced straight through me, looking into the depths of my soul.

The low chuckle that rose from his throat snapped me out of my thoughts. I gathered myself and lifted my chin up ever so slightly.

Let’s tackle the number one on my list.

‘’Mr. Norris, what a pleasure.’’

Lando

Emerald green never had been one of my favourite colours, it stood out great with my tan, though. It was sophisticated, elegant and not too in your face. You’d think it would be a colour that I adored, well, you couldn’t be more wrong.

Orange was more my colour, it was fierce, available in many different shades, perfect for every occasion. Mix it with a dark shade, it stood out. Mix it with a light shade, it blended in. A perfect representation of my life.

As a racing driver, you needed dark, to stand out to be the best of the best, to catch people’s attention to gain yourself a spot in the spotlight. But you also wanted to blend in, to move through the field without getting noticed, yearning for the privacy that was so hard to attain.

In the world of business, it was similar, yet different. You needed dark so you could make money, be the best of the best, without having that spotlight. Because having that spotlight in the business world meant you needed that light more than ever, needing to blend in so you wouldn’t have that target on your back.

Combine the two, and you learn to be ahead of everyone, two steps ahead to get whatever you want, whenever you want.

I reached for a glass and raise it to my lips, my eyes staying glued to the business deal being made in front of my eyes.

Everybody that attended this Gala wasn’t here for the good sake of their heart. No, a Charity Gala was the perfect way to make it look like you’re donating money for those in need, when in fact it’s the perfect cover-up for a business deal. One that was being closed a few meters away from me.

Once the deal had been made, I made my way over with a few long strides. She didn’t hear me approach, causing her body to react instantly to my voice.

‘’Impressive.’’ I never expected Olivia Harrington to strike up a deal with Nate Thompson in just under 17 minutes. The man was harder to please than a newborn baby that needed its mom. However, I suppose when you’re looking for a new location for your shop, Bond Street was the place to be, a coincidence that Richard Harrington had exactly what Nate needed? I don’t think so.

I never underestimated the Harrington family; they were one step ahead most of the time. It’s a good thing I’m always two ahead.

‘’Mr. Norris, what a pleasure.’’ I took a hold of her hand, ignoring the way her soft skin felt against my own. ‘’Ms. Harrington.’’ Her hand let go of mine, and I grinned slightly at the subtle flush of her cheeks.

‘’Surely not eavesdropping, I hope?’’ Her soft yet sharp voice was a complete contrast to the previous shock on her face when she laid eyes on me.

‘’Merely observing.’’

My gaze flew over her body, the way that emerald green dress hugged her body in the right places, the tanned legs underneath that dress going down to the Louboutin’s she was wearing. I wasn’t one to back away from a bit of flirting, I absolutely loathed the fake smiles and pretended interest at any business event. They were necessary, for the most part, and I was amongst one of many that took part in the fake contest, but that didn’t mean I enjoyed it.

‘’I see,’’ the smile on my face was less forced this time, but I blame it on how the woman in front of me swallowed hard, a clear indication of nervousness.

A chuckle rose in my chest. ‘’No need to be nervous, Sunshine,’’ I smirked slightly. ‘’I’m not as intimidating as they say.’’ I made sure my voice was smooth and filled with confidence, as always.

‘’Nervous? Is that another of your observations, Mr. Norris?’’

‘’It is,’’ I maintained eye contact as I took another sip of the Louis Roederer drink. At least they served some decent champagne. ‘’and I’m never wrong.’’

Another harsh bob of her throat.

I was aware of the fact I was on their list of business talks. Nate Thompson may be one of the most successful men at this event, but not nearly as successful as me. Like I said before, always be two steps ahead.

‘’Now, let’s cut straight to what brought you here. Let’s talk business, shall we?’’

TAGLIST

@smoooothoperator @tapedeck-hearts @cabbyhabs @wanderingreigns @samantha-chicago @alltoomaples @ironmaiden1313 @pinkbookloverslife @onlyzahraaaa

[writing-intheundercroft]

At Home - S. Sallow

AO3 Link

Word Count: 5,311

Rating: E (Smut, Oral and Vaginal Sex, slight breeding kink, NSFW, MDNI)

Summary: Sebastian drags you out of bed on a Saturday to look at a possible new home.

A/N: Two things: one, I'm now two for two on fics featuring a sink sex scene. Two, I put Sebastian through enough angst in my long fic that I need to write him happy and domestic in another universe. Enjoy!

Taglist: @legacygirlingreen @kaylasallow @eternalremorse @happyaccidentsonly @sallowslady @legendoftortor @sissyisawitch @rainychocofroggy @blueraineshadows @moonstruckmoony @beezlub @loving-him-was-red13

“I don’t know if I like the lighting here.” You frown, looking out the small kitchen window. It’s minuscule, and you’re looking straight out into a brick alleyway. “I think a kitchen should be bright, shouldn’t it?”

Sebastian leans against the door frame, his hand on his face. “Pet, you’re killing me here.” he says, a tortured look on his face. “This is the eleventh house we’ve looked at. At this rate, we’ve turned down half the available housing in London.” 

“I know, I know.” You fuss, crossing your arms. “But it needs to be just right.  I don’t want to lease just any house, you know.”

“I do know, but we’re going to burst out of my place any day now,” Sebastian grumbles. 

That was the truth–your belongings had overtaken the space, and there was not a free spot in his bachelor pad for anything else. One night, you argued over all the books Sebastian had accumulated, while he griped about your ever growing wand handle collection taking over the dresser. Sebastian had tripped mid-argument, causing a fit of laughter on your end while you patched up his sprained ankle.

Only after you’d kissed it better did Sebastian declare that it was time to find a new place.

“But it makes no sense,” Sebastian whines. “You still have your flat, and you never sleep there.”

“Who’s fault is that?” You raise an eyebrow. “ Someone isn’t comfortable sleeping there. You know, it’s just a bed.”

Sebastian shifts uncomfortably in the doorway. He’s refused to sleep at your place ever since he found out your ex-fiance purchased your bed frame and mattress for you. “I won’t sleep in some other man’s bed.” he says firmly. 

You roll your eyes, walking towards him. “It’s not another man’s bed, it’s my bed. You really won’t, not even if I want you to?” You pout, drumming your fingers against his chest.

The brunette gulps. “No.” he says, and that’s that.

Your fingers curl around his suspenders. “Then, we need to find a house with proper lighting.” you announce. “And a good kitchen.  This one is rubbish.”

Sebastian rolls his eyes. “Add that to the list of requirements then,” he drawls. “We’ll be looking for houses for the next five years.”

The two of you leave the house hand in hand.  After having settled into your new day shift at the hospital, you finally felt comfortable taking more vacation days. You must admit, Sebastian forcing you to take more time off has been good for your mental health.  Your brain has never felt clearer, and for once in your life, you’re planning more than a month ahead. Summer is rapidly approaching, and Sebastian has suggested a few places for the two of you to go away on a proper adult holiday. The last time you were together, you could hardly spare two galleons outside of your rent between the two of you.  Now that you’re grown with successful careers and your own bank accounts, Sebastian is planning your first vacation as a couple.

As a couple.  Those words sound sweet in your head.

It’s been nearly eight months since the two of you reunited, three since Sebastian was promoted at the department of magical law enforcement.  It honestly feels like things can’t possibly get any better for the two of you. Nothing’s changed, not really . You still have your own life, your friends, your job–just now, you have Sebastian again. Every day you wake up beside him, you pinch yourself, thanking the gods it's still your reality. 

Until you trip over Sebastian’s boots, which are littered all over the bedroom floor. 

“It’s impossible to find a nice house in London,” you complain.  “Either they’re too small, not enough storage, terrible lighting.  Surely we make enough money between the two of us to afford a nicer place.”

“Well, location is a tricky bit.” Sebastian admits. “Somewhere close enough to the ministry for me, but close enough to St. Mungo’s for you. And while we do have a fair bit of galleons, I would like to save them for something more important.” 

“More important?” you tilt your head in confusion.

“You’ll see,” Sebastian smiles devilishly. “Shall we get lunch?”

He runs his thumb over your hand as he swings it back and forth, guiding you through the bustling streets of London.  You made a mental note to pester him about what he was talking about later, but for now, lunch sounds good.

It’s Saturday, and you have the entire weekend off for once.  You were looking forward to sleeping in, but Sebastian decided to make a racket, tugging your ankle from beneath the sheets.

“Seb, please.” you whine. “I just want to sleep.”

“But I have a house I want you to see,” Sebastian says impatiently. 

You groan. “Seb, it’s Saturday.  Can’t you see it without me?” you grumble. 

Sebastian shakes his head insistently. “No, you have to come.  You’ll want to, I promise.”

Sebastian is tapping his foot the entire time you dress; you opt for a simple blue day dress, scandalously forgoing your corset for comfort.  Your messy hair is left down and wavy, tying up a bow at the crown to keep the unruly pieces from flying into your face.  Your impatient boyfriend all but drags you to the fireplace as he mumbles out the name of your intended location, tucking you into his arms.

You open your eyes to bright sunlight.  Blinking, you realize you’re no longer in London–in fact, you’re somewhere that looks awfully familiar from your school days.

“Where are we?” you breathe, taking in the fresh air.  Tall grass sways in the wind around the two of you, and Sebastian is walking up towards a house, turning back with his hand outstretched. You take his hand, and he helps you hop over a small stream.

“Marunweem,” Sebastian yells over the wind, smiling back at you. “Plenty of real estate around here–they’ve rebranded it as an up and coming village.”

You recall memories of exploring Marunweem Lake with Sebastian in your school years; it had always been rather desolate, considering neither of you were licensed to apparate and the only path to the hamlet was through a goblin mine.  But the two of you had always had the time of your lives traversing the southern coast.  You can picture your younger selves in the air, zipping around on borrowed school brooms together.  

“Ominis found the listing,” Sebastian continues, beckoning you forward. “The Ministry has done quite a bit to rehabilitate the area.” Sebastian guides you up the hill, unlatching a well worn gate.  The stone cottage is teeming with ivy, crawling up the walls. The storybook tiles on the roof make the house look like it’s straight out of a muggle fairytale. 

You take a deep breath as you wave your wand, unlocking the door.  The wooden floors creak beneath your feet, but otherwise, the place is in good condition.  The walls have been replastered, the fireplace cleaned and sparkling. The only furniture is an old looking settee and a bear skin rug (a tad gauche for your taste). You make your way through the living room to the kitchen.  Its positively bathed in light, a large bay window over the sink looks over an enormous yard.  You practically run up to the sink edge, admiring the view.

“So much light,” you gasp. “Seb, it’s perfect.”

“You are,” Sebastian suddenly appears behind you, pressing himself against your back.  You can feel his breath tickling your ear as he wraps his arms around your body. “The perfect view to watch our children play in the yard, don’t you think?” he murmurs into your ear.

Your breath catches as he stretches out his hand, his palm flat against the lower plane of your stomach.  He presses it; almost wishfully.  Your heart flutters at the idea of growing his child inside of you.

The two of you haven’t gotten around to talking about children yet. You both were far too young to even think about parenthood when you first got together, and even when you broke up. You had talked about raising children with your former fiance, and it had always been part of the ten year plan. You explained that you had wanted to wait until you were older, more stable in your career.  Eric had always found that answer unsatisfying, but now you knew the true reason for your hesitance.  

You hadn’t been talking about parenthood with the right person.

“Children, you say?” The word sounds so foreign coming out of your mouth.

You can practically feel the way Sebastian’s cheeks burn. “Only if you want,” he shrugs, but you know he’s serious.  The way he’s pressing his hand against your womb is very much serious.  

You look back out into the yard, picturing toddlers with unruly brunette hair giggling and running about.  You can even picture Sebastian chasing them, whirling them in the air as you prepare an afternoon tea. Building snowmen in the backyard, teaching them to fly on toy brooms.  Growing old with Sebastian at your side, with the family you’ve built together.

It's sickeningly domestic, but it feels right.

“I would,” you whisper. 

Sebastian wastes no time spinning you around, a big goofy grin on his face. “Really?” he asks, completely lighting up.  He plants his hands firmly on your waist, fingers digging into your skin. His eyes flit down to your waist when he realizes you’re not wearing a corset, squeezing you through your dress.

You laugh, placing your hands on his chest. “Really.”  

Sebastian pulls you away from the kitchen. “Good, because there are plenty of rooms in the house,” he announces, moving towards the stairs. “There’s three rooms on the second floor, and the master bedroom is here on the main.” he explains, tugging your arm to show you around the house.  The bedrooms first; they’re decently sized, enough for twin beds and toys.  The main bedroom has enough space for several wardrobes, which you’ll be needing for all your clothes. The bathroom has a giant clawfoot tub, and you can envision the two of you wrestling a toddler for a bath in it.

“I was thinking, we could use a spare bedroom as my office for now.” Sebastian says as you two walk back into the kitchen.  He’s clearly been thinking about this a lot longer than you’d realized. “The baby will sleep in our room for the first couple of months–”

“The baby?” you raise your eyebrow. “For months?”

“Of course,” Sebastian huffs. “Jorkins sent me this article about babies, said it’s best for their brain and magic development to stay close to us–”

“Sebastian,” you choke out, “have you been telling your coworkers that you’d like to have a baby?” 

Sebastian pauses, turning bright red. “Too much?” he asks, running a hand through his hair.  His hair is slightly messy, a few pieces sticking up in the back.  He usually did his hair quite tidy for work, but you loved when he left it undone on the weekends.  It reminded you of him as a teenager; you’d always flatten down his cowlicks for him.

It’s your turn to blush. “No, I just–I just didn’t realize you were ready.”

“Pet, I’ll be ready when you’re ready.  You'll be the one doing all the hard work anyways, the least I can do is a bit of research.” he says, grabbing your hands.  He pulls your palm to his warm cheek. “I just want to prepare myself, that’s all.  You know I don’t have my parents around to ask these questions, so I’ve been asking a few of the dads at the office how they’ve managed–”

Sebastian doesn’t have enough time to finish; you’ve properly launched yourself onto him, breathlessly kissing him.  He’s mad, you think, to start preparing for your pregnancy before even presenting the idea to you.  But at the same time, it's incredibly alluring.  Sebastian already dotes on you, and the thought of him worshiping you as you grow a human is tempting.

In short, the idea of Sebastian as a father is sexy.

“I was hoping you’d react this way.” Sebastian says, a shit eating grin gracing his freckled face as he embraces you.  You gasp as his hips roll against yours.

Sebastian is blatantly hard in the middle of an empty house.  You can feel his erection digging into your hip, turned on by all the talk of you possibly getting pregnant.  While you had been peeved that morning at him for dragging you out of bed, you’re thankful to have seen the house.  And considering you’ll be purchasing the home with him, you think what’s about to happen next is excusable.  The house had to be christened at some point.

(Perhaps Sebastian’s attitude is rubbing off on you.)

Sebastian’s eyes are burning into you as you start unbuttoning his jacket.  He licks his lips excitedly as you shuck it to the ground, going slack jawed as you start working off his suspenders. Stepping back, you put your hands on your hips, cocking an eyebrow at the normally shameless man in front of you.

“Am I going to do all the work then?” you tease.

Sebastian wastes no time–he never does.  He rushes forward towards you, pulling you in for a hot, searing kiss.  You let out a wanton moan as his tongue starts tracing circles on your neck, tugging at the buttons of your dress.  He all but tears it off, leaving wisps of blue fabric in his path of destruction.  

“Can’t wait–need you now,” he wheezes, tugging your undergarments down. You can hear the buttons snapping as he tears off his shirt. You laugh, which turns into a gasp as his fingers circle against your core, dipping into your wet center.  He’s nudging your legs apart, fingers writhing inside of you as he runs his tongue over your bare nipple. 

“Sebastian!” you scold him, but you know it's in vain.  He knows your every desire, the spots that make you shake, and your head lolls to the side as he kneels before you, pulling  your legs apart further. His big brown eyes are looking up at you, pupils blown with pleasure as he places his mouth directly over your clit, sucking hard. 

“So fucking beautiful,” Sebastian murmurs against your sex. “Mmph, I can’t wait to be inside of you.” 

His fingers are pumping in and out of you, tongue flicking at your clit with desperation. Sebastian wants–no, he needs you to come on his face. You grab a fistful of his messy brown hair and the tugging only encourages him to press his face deeper against you. You can feel the way his fingers grip your bottom, palming them as he fucks you with his hand. Your knees buckle as his fingers curl against that spot inside of you, the lewd sound of Sebastian lapping at your soaking wet cunt filling the room.

“You dragged me out here to have your way with me,” you stutter between moans. 

Sebastian pulls his face from you, smiling up at you.  His devious look and the glistening slick on his chin is enough to make you fold right then and there. “And so what if I did?” he asks, voice low.

You raise an eyebrow. “Are you trying to impregnate me right now?”

Sebastian licks his lips as he stands, unbuttoning his pants. You feel like prey as his eyes rove over your shaking, naked form. Stepping out of his pants and undergarments in one smooth move, you bite your bottom lip as you watch him pump his thick cock in his hand. 

“I brought you here with the purest intentions,” Sebastian murmurs.  Your back is pressed against the sink, and he turns you around roughly to face the yard again.

“Somehow, I doubt that.” you sigh.

He laughs, but his voice is raspy from pleasure. “I wanted to show you our future home,” he whispers.  His length twitches against your back and you shiver. “But you look so beautiful–and I just couldn’t stop thinking about how I’m going to take you on every single surface in this house.”

“Oh really?” you whimper.

Sebastian nods, pressing a kiss against your neck, guiding you to lean over the edge of the sink.  He nudges your legs apart again, pressing the tip of his length against your bare arse. 

“Really.  When we properly move in, I’m going to make you fall apart in every room.  Fill you with my seed over and over again until it takes.” he says through gritted teeth.  His hand falls to your stomach again, pressing tightly.

Your breath catches as you feel the crown of his cock slip against your dripping core. You’ve never heard him speak like this before–Sebastian had been your first sexual experience, and because you’d broken up when you were still rather young, the two of you had been rather vanilla.  The past few months have certainly pushed the boundaries, exposing you to new experiences with one another.  There have been some discoveries, but the sound of desperation in his voice is revealing a new kink for Sebastian. 

You’re certainly not complaining–the thought of him coming inside of you repeatedly with the full intention of seeing you swell with his child is doing something to you.  

Sebastian bites into your shoulder as he slowly slips his length into you.  You lean over the sink further, arms flying out to anything that will steady you as the brunette spears himself into you, slowly and intentionally. Sebastian palms your breasts with one hand, lurching over your back as he grinds his hips against your bottom.

“I want you to think about this moment, every time you’re standing over the sink.” Sebastian grunts, his other hand still pressed firmly against your belly. The cadence of his thrusts remain even and slow, entirely deliberate. “Want you to remember how good I fucked you here.”

You whine, arms reaching back to grip your lover’s hair. “ Fuck, Sebastian.”

Sebastian laughs breathily against your ear as he fucks into you. “So good for me, my beautiful girl.  Fuck, I’ve thought about this for months,” he admits. 

“About fucking me against a sink?” you joke.

“No,” you can practically envision him rolling his eyes. “Well, yes, that’s one of my fantasies. Mmph –specifically, about you, pregnant with my—our child.”

You let out an obscene sound. “You’ve been thinking about it for months?” The end of your question is punctuated with a sweet cry as Sebastian snaps his hips forward again.

“Since the moment we got back together,” Sebastian confesses. His arms tighten around you like a boa constrictor; you’re not sure how he’s still standing on two legs as he thrusts against you.  You break free from his clutches to lean forward, standing on the tips of your toes.  The move only makes him reach deeper within your cunt, both of you moaning in unison at the shift in angle.

“I’ve known–known since that moment it’s going to be you,” Sebastian pants. “ Fuck, I could do this all day. I could never have enough of you, pet.”

You whine, pushing back against him. Sebastian stumbles a few feet back, a shocked look on his face. Too much, the pleading eyes ask. 

Not enough.

You surge towards him, a blue wisp as you push him to the ground (your ancient magic somehow padding the two of you as you land on the creaky floorboards).  Sebastian’s eyes are wide open as you straddle him, placing kisses on his face. 

“I want you to see me,” you whisper, straddling him and positioning yourself atop his cock. Sebastian lets out a throaty groan as you sink onto him, inch by inch, until you’re fully seated on his lap.  You lean forward, pressing another kiss to his lips. “I want to look at you when you fill me.”

“Fuck, my love,” Sebastian whines. “You’re going to be so damn beautiful–gods, I can picture it now, watching you carry my baby,” he grits his teeth as you bounce up and down on his length. “I can’t wait to fuck you over and over again– ugh –until you’re properly full of me.” He starts pushing his hips up; you know how much he loves it when you’re on top of him, but he hates relinquishing control. He continues his loud praise, his voice cracking as he holds his hand lovingly over your stomach.

You can feel the coil of pleasure in your belly tighten, furrowing your eyebrows as your climax nears. Nearly there–almost–

You look down at Sebastian.  You half expect him to have his eyes shut in pleasure, nose wrinkling as he focuses on his finish.  Instead, you see adoring eyes roving up and down your body, a dreamy smile on his face.  He looks proud, you think, as his thumbs ghost over your waist and stomach. The look of pure devotion on his face as you grind against him sets you off, wailing as you climax on top of him.

Sebastian wastes no time once you’ve lost control.  He flips you over onto your back, his thrusts stuttering as he chases his own orgasm.  Sebastian presses a searing kiss against your lips as you feel him spill inside of you.  He bucks his hip against you a few times, gasping as he slumps against your body.  He’s still inside of you, but you can feel the hot release dripping from your cunt.

Sebastian lifts his face, giving you a sheepish smile as he rests his chin on your breasts. 

“Not exactly how I’d thought our Saturday would go, but I’m quite happy with it.”

You laugh, rolling your eyes. “Oh, don’t lie. You’re such a scoundrel.”

Sebastian nuzzles his face into your breasts, still sheathed inside of you. “Oh, but I’m your scoundrel.” he smiles proudly, pressing his lips against your chest.

The two of you are silent for a few moments, until you clear your throat. “You really do want to have a baby with me?” you ask, your voice a tad timid.

Sebastian gives you an honest, pure smile.  That was a quality you loved about him so much–he wore his emotions on his face, and you always knew when he was being truthful. 

“I want to have a family with you, pet.  I want us to have everything we’ve ever wanted, together.” he admits.

“Babies aren’t easy,” you warn him.  “It’ll be a lot of work, a lot of sleepless nights.”

“I never asked for easy,” Sebastian reminds you. “I’ve only ever asked for you.”

“I’m not going to stop working.” You warn Sebastian, pulling a blanket up higher over your chest.

“I would never ask you to,” Sebastian stokes the fire before settling back down next to you.  

It’s now late at night; the two of you have been at it all day.  Starved, you let Sebastian leave the house to search for provisions.  He ran down to the closest tavern, buying the two of you a feast to snack on throughout your impromptu stay. Meanwhile, you’d worked on the fire, conjuring some cushions and blankets from a small stash of moonstone you’d kept in your bag for emergencies. 

It’s dark, the rural sky filled with twinkling stars.  You’d missed the way the sky looked in the highlands, no city lights to pollute the view. The two of you are sitting naked in front of the fire, stuffing your faces with bread and cheese, washing it down with a local mead.  Given your spirited activities throughout the day, you decide it’s time to be adults and talk logistics.

“Someone will need to watch the baby.” you remind him, passing a knife so he can slather some compote on the bread.

“We could ask Anne?” Sebastian suggests, taking a big bite. “I’m sure she’d love to.  She always loved babysitting the children in Feldcroft when we were younger. She sure likes to pretend she raised me—y’know, on second thought, maybe not Anne then…”

“Do you think Ominis would mind? I think he’d be nervous around a child.  Besides, there’s no way Anne would apparate here daily just to watch the baby.” You lean back on your elbows, biting back a smile.  You never thought you’d be having this conversation with Sebastian, but it feels right; the most natural progression for your relationship.

“Well, I was planning on fixing up a floo connection in the fireplace.” Sebastian shrugs. “So we could get to work, and so Anne and Ominis can visit.”

“You really have thought of everything,” you say coyly. “Except to pack clothes for tonight.”

“To be fair, I hadn’t been planning on shagging you in broad daylight in the kitchen.” Sebastian snorts. “But I can’t keep my hands off you, pet.”

“I’m sure you’ll be singing a different tune when I’m the size of a graphorn.” you wrinkle your nose. Your hands ghost over your naked stomach, drawing circles over where a child may grow someday.

“Don’t say that,” Sebastian scolds. “You are going to be the most gorgeous mother. Merlin, I’m going to get hard just thinking about it again.” He sighs dramatically.

You roll your eyes, smacking his shoulder.  Sebastian winks at you, a slight blush growing on his face.  He pulls a cushion onto his lap, and you cannot believe the stamina on this man.

“At least let me finish my meal first,” you tease. 

Sebastian rolls onto his stomach, playing with the tassels on the blanket.  You resist the urge to slap his freckled bottom, instead trying to focus on the serious, adult conversation you were trying to have.

“So, we’re buying the house then.” You state, taking a bite of cheese.

“We’re buying the house.” Sebastian echoes. “When I saw the picture, I just knew.  Remember how we used to race our brooms here?  I couldn’t stop picturing us teaching our kids how to fly here, just like we did.”

You nod. “I always loved Marunweem.”  It’s the perfect place to settle down, you think.  Now it makes sense why none of the houses in London were quite right for the two of you.  No light, no yard, no room to grow.  Living in the highlands, you have fresh air, water nearby, and plenty of space for your future family.  You haven’t flown on a broom in a long time; you can’t wait to see how long it’ll take you to get to Hogsmeade from here. With a floo connection in your fireplace, getting to work won’t be so bad. 

Your hand absentmindedly flutters down to your stomach again. Everything will change with a baby in your life.  You’ve just gotten back into the groove with Sebastian, are you sure you want to change everything now?

“What are you thinking, pet?” Sebastian murmurs.

You lick your lips. “That everything will change once we have a baby.” you admit. “Are we ready?”

Sebastian scoots towards you, his fingers catching under your chin. “I’m ready when you are.” he whispers. “If you don’t want this right now, I’m completely fine with that. You say the word, we’ll go to the apothecary tomorrow and get the necessary potions.  I want you to want this for you, not just for me.”

Your sweet, thoughtful, loving boyfriend.  Sebastian is the perfect gentleman. You nod your head shyly; who knows, it could take ages for you to get pregnant. You don’t want to start getting too far ahead of yourself.

“So, I’ll send an owl to the seller when we get back to London.” Sebastian says, tangling his fingers in yours. “We should start packing.  We’re throwing away your bed, by the way.”

“Only if we throw away yours too.” You remind him. 

Sebastian laughs. “Buying a new bed—duly noted.”

“Is that why you were saving your money?” you ask, looking into the fire.  You remember the conversation the two of you had when you left the house tour last week.  “For a house?”

Sebastian laughs again, this time sounding a bit shy himself. “Oh no, surprisingly, the house was dirt cheap. It was for something else.”  He rubs the back of his neck nervously.

You furrow your eyebrows in confusion. “What for?”

Sebastian is as naked as the day he was born, but he rolls onto his knees to rummage through his jacket, which has been long discarded on the floor.  Your eyes widen as he pulls something small out of the inner pocket.

“Was going to ask after you agreed on the house, but we got side tracked.” Sebastian bites down on his lower lip, holding up the diamond ring. It sparkles in the light of the fireplace. “Will you marry me?”

You blink down at him, mouth slightly ajar.  

“I know it’s probably not as big as your last ring,” Sebastian admits, the tips of his ears red. “But I saw it in the shop and it made me think of you. And I thought, why are we waiting?  We’ve been apart for so long, and even though it’s really only been eight months, I know it’s you–it’s always been you–I know I want you to be my wife, I’ve always wanted to marry you–” he shakes his brown mane, rambling on. “If it’s too soon for you, I understand, I just want you to consider it; you don’t have to say yes right away—“

Your lips crash against his.  It’s so utterly on brand for Sebastian; forgoing the tradition of bending down on one knee, he’s stark naked next to you, rolling on the floor with a diamond ring in hand. 

“You arse, Sebastian Sallow.” you mumble against his lips.

Sebastian holds you tight; you can feel his closed fist on your back, holding the ring. “Can I be yours?  For the rest of our lives?” he whispers.

You laugh, pulling away to brush away a tear. “Of course,” you say breathlessly. “Of course I’ll marry you, you silly man.”

Sebastian’s smile is beaming from ear to ear as he slips the diamond ring onto your finger.  You slide back against his chest, holding your hand out to admire it.  He’s done well–a sparkling diamond set in gold.  The feeling is so unlike your previous engagement; then, you’d wanted to hide it from everyone, but now you simply can’t wait to shout from the rooftops that you’re the future Mrs. Sallow.  

You’d marry him tomorrow if possible, you think. As his hand brushes against your stomach, you think you might have to soon. The thought doesn’t bother you; it’s been blatantly obvious who you belong to since you saved him eight months ago.

“What a day it’s been,” Sebastian sighs, nuzzling your neck. “Bought a house, got engaged.  I can’t wait to tell Anne and Ominis; they’ll kill me when I tell them how I did it.” he chuckles.

“We’ll tell them first thing tomorrow,” you announce, curling up in his arms. “I just want to remember this, just the two of us.”

“Hopefully not for long,” Sebastian whispers, pressing a kiss to your temple.   

Sebastian is babbling about his renovation plans for the house, things he wants to tweak and change to make it just right for the two of you. You watch the fire crackle in front of you, nodding absentmindedly. This is the first memory in your new home, you think.  You’ll raise your children in this house, celebrate birthdays and holidays in front of this old fireplace. And one day, you’ll tell your children that you got engaged here.  A far more appropriate version of the story of course, when they’re older and able to understand.

Mum and Dad got engaged at home.  It sounds right. 

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

Hey! Do you know of an fics that are similar to Lord of the Manor by Divine Lady91? Please and thank you!! =D

Hello, I am assuming that you want the historical/lord/rich storyline? Here is the fic you mentioned, as others might want to see it. I've never read it myself, so have added it to my list!! Also below are the options for similar. ~Jen

Lord of the Manor by divinelady91

Blaine is the mysterious lord of an estate in the English countryside, rumored to have been inherited under mysterious circumstances. Announcing his intention to marry, he comes to the Hummel household, it is assumed, to claim the eldest Hummel child - Rachel - as his spouse. Once upon a time, her younger brother, Kurt, had been in love with Blaine, and he thought Blaine had feelings for him as well. Sure that those feelings have been thoroughly forgotten, and with his own intention to marry another man yet to be made known, Kurt helps to prepare his sister for the loveless match that awaits her. But what happens when Blaine arrives and tells them that they have all been mistaken?

~~~~~

A Match Well Madeby MeriKG

AU. This is the dramatic tale of two pair of star-crossed lovers. Lord Kurt Hummel III, heir to the great Barony of Lima, is the single most eligible bachelor in her Majesty’s kingdom. Lady Rachel is an aspiring daughter of the Baron of a successful territory. Lord Kurt has no interest in marrying an appropriate Lady, but his father has finally put his foot down. When Lady Rachel, along with her half brother the minor lordling Blaine, arrives at Blackbird Castle in an attempt to ensnare the reluctant young Lord, sparks fly…in all the wrong directions.

~~~~~

23 by felix-felicis33

Blaine doesn’t think he’ll ever fall in love, or get the chance to, but that all changes when he meets a man with blue eyes and a beautiful smile at a coffee shop. The world seems a brighter place when Kurt enters his life. The only problem is, he doesn’t belong here with Kurt. He belongs ninety-one years in the past, back in the year 1923.

~~~~~

This Earthly Paradise by GlassParade

In Victorian England, Kurt Hummel is a struggling artist and contemporary of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, an organization of painters, poets, and critics who strive to turn the art establishment of England on its very head. His mentor, one Dante Gabriel Rossetti, has grown tired of Kurt’s reluctance to grow as an artist, and so enter Blaine Anderson, an artists’ model of Bohemian disposition and eye-catching good looks. Can he, using rather unorthodox methods, succeed where Rossetti has not?

~~~~~

Haute Couture by LPBekka

In the year 1889 a young fashion designer by the name of Blaine Anderson is about to meet the love of his life, the most beautiful woman in Paris only to discover that she is not all she seems. Klaine, Warning: Lemon, Cross Dressing, AU

~~~~~

Whether Near to Me or Far by drunkonwriting

In 1937, Kurt Hummel, son of a rich family, and Blaine Anderson, part of the Hummel staff, have little in common beyond a shared education at Yale and a childhood friendship. The summer after their college graduation, Kurt and Blaine find themselves growing more and more attracted to each other. However, before they have a chance to be together, one night’s events and a chain of misunderstandings change their entire history and pulls them apart. As they struggle to find each other again, they’re hindered by war and the shadow of the events that ruined their lives. Klaine, Atonement!AU.

~~~~~

Westerville Abbey Verse by @hkvoyage

Blaine is the second son of the earl of Westerville, and is considered the spare heir. After his 18th birthday, he attends the London Season to fulfill his duty of finding a wife. He soon realizes he is more attracted to the new footman. Kurt, who has just arrived at Westerville Abbey to work alongside his father, becomes equally as smitten with the earl’s youngest son. Will Blaine and Kurt be able to overcome their class differences in 1910s England? Will their forbidden love survive WW1? A Downton Abbey inspired historical Klaine AU.

~~~~~~

Gilded Cage by @canarian

In the winter of 1895, Blaine Anderson, the son of a wealthy doctor, and Kurt Hummel, the son of a middle class mechanic, cross paths at a luxury hotel in the quiet seaside town of St. Augustine, Florida. With everyone and everything working to keep them apart, can they find a way to be together?

[ramblesbiab]

Worst part of being an only child is not having an uptight successful transphobic older brother who doesn't talk to me but begrudgingly invites me to his wedding, and because he despises me so, I've never even seen his soon-to-be wife, meaning it wasn't my fault that she happens to be the cute girl I was flirting with during breakfast in the fancy hotel he booked out. And it's hardly my fault when I offer to sneak her away from the monotony of finalizing wedding plans in order to explore the city, find new restaurants and walk around the park together.

It is my fault, though, when we sneak over a fence into a fireworks show - they're in the sky anyway, what's the harm of being closer? - and I can't stop looking at her. Her long, curly hair, her freckled cheeks, the way she sticks out her tongue a bit when she's focused. And maybe, just maybe, it's my fault that when she looks over at me, and our sparkling eyes meet, I don't make an effort to stop her as she leans over and steals a kiss from my lips.

We sneak off to the most run-down motel we can find to the soundtrack of her phone blowing up with "Where the hell are you?" texts, and fuck until she can barely move. Our bodies sweaty and exhausted as we lay in a heap over the covers. She needs to go back in the morning, as much as I wish she didn't, but I take great pleasure in the chance to play with her hair as she drifts off.

She's busy the next day, but we manage to share a few glances, a few quiet, knowing smirks and even a laugh when my brother trips on one of the obnoxious tablecloths he insisted weren't too long. When I head to bed that night, I figure we're done - but then there's a knock on my room's door, and before I know it, we're in the shower together, her soft, perfect lips on my neck, the rush of water over my head making it difficult to focus on anything but her for a few blissful, fleeting moments.

But then the water turns off. And we're sitting on a bed, in a room, a few rooms down from the one her soon-to-be husband is sleeping in. She has this way of looking at me, like I'm the worst person on Earth and I hung the moon for her at the same time. We whisper for what feels like hours, about life, about realism. She's going to get married. My brother can be annoying, but she said yes for a reason.

She's not married yet, though. It's - like a bachelorette party, except it lasts for a week. I can see the denial in her eyes, but having a chance to sleep with the beautiful woman beside me even one more time is worth a bit of denial. We share a chaste kiss before she leaves. The room goes quiet the second the door closes.

The next day, there's a dinner with the families. It's a bit odd to meet her mom and act like things are normal, but at least she drops a not so subtle line about me being more fun then "the other sibling." As the night progresses, drinks are passed out, and the music gets louder. Eventually, we find each other. She's in the cutest dress I've ever seen. Her cheeks are bright red. We stumble into each other's arms and start dancing, if you could call it that.

I wake up alone in my bed the next morning, but there's lipstick stains trailing up my neck. I take it as a win.

I count an even bigger win when she shows up at my door that morning and takes me out to breakfast. Apparently my brother is going to be busy all day with his own bachelor party. We, appropriately, milk that for all it's worth, from kissing in the run-down booth of a family owned breakfast joint, to having a romantic picnic in the park in the most secluded area we could find, to an entire evening in bed, complete with cheap candles and an amount of orgasms I'm sure my brother considers to be inconceivable.

It's perfect. But it's less perfect the next morning, when I wake up to a knock at the door, and an annoying face in the peephole. I have her hide in the bathroom as I open the door. Thankfully, if I'm good at one thing, it's lying to my brother - it used to be mutually fun before I came out - so he believes me when I say she mentioned going for a morning run. Once he leaves, I find her looking distraught, pacing over the fancy tiles while staring at her reflection. I come behind her and whisper that it's okay.

But even I'm starting to worry it's not. Not for the same reason - denial isn't working for me. I can tell myself again and again how fine I am letting this end, never seeing this woman except on the rare holiday I'm invited to, but that's a lie. I need her. I need her curly hair, her freckles, the way she throws her head back when she laughs and the silly, warm energy that radiates off her body. I need to wake up next to her for the rest of my life, to make her coffee and pancake, to make her come on the kitchen counter.

My brother has an issue with his suit the night before the wedding. It's a bittersweet chance for a final moment. I get her off, we make out while watching whatever is on the Food Network, we dance on the fluffy carpet, all as feelings loom over us, silently shaking their heads. She doesn't sleep in my room. God, do I wish she could.

The day comes, and I find myself stuck in bed for longer then my therapist considers responsible. I can't go to the wedding. I can't watch as the woman who set up a butterfly sanctuary in my stomach gets married to someone who isn't me.

So, once I finally get up, I pack up my things and start to leave. But as I fling the door open, there's a tear-stained face behind it. She's in her poofy, brilliant wedding dress. Before I can say anything she crashes into me so hard I fall off balance. She covers me like a blanket once we hit the floor. It hardly even registers in my brain when we start kissing. Then it does register, and I kiss her back like it's the first and last time rolled into one, like I'll die if our lips stop touching.

We slam the door shut and lock it. I don't ask questions as she gets me out of my clothes, nor as she sucks a deep mark into my neck and kisses down my body. Fabric tickles my legs. I whisper "I need you" with every kiss. It takes everything not to scream her name when I come, but if it hardly matters. They have to be coming up here already. My brother would find a way to blame me even if it wasn't my fault.

So, we lay next to each other. I hold her hand, and bury my face in her neck. She's warmth on a cold day, an oasis in the desert. I'll worry later. Right now, it's just us.

[neekachui]

As of June 1st, 2024, I have completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation! 🐝 This post is a little different from my usual art posts, but I simply wanted to share since it’s a pretty big thing that has happened in my life to have happened recently. I know I could just copy and paste one of the versions of my little spiel posted on the other pages I have, but what’s the fun in that, especially if I have more room to share here? Technically I already had a little speech here, almost ready to post, but it ended up not saving, so I’m going to try to recover what I can from my memory ,:0 (Also I feel like this is so much longer than my past little speeches on this combined, but I feel pretty good getting it all out once again ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

The past four years have definitely been a rollercoaster for me, and in so many ways. I started attending virtual classes while also being registered to an entirely different campus for my first two years, since a lot was happening in the world a few years ago—and still kind of is now, but that’s a whole other topic. Anyways, I eventually ended up transferring from Atlanta to Savannah by the end of that period, as it was overall a more beneficial option in several ways, and it wasn’t until my third year that I would finally attend classes in person. But even so, my third year still had me feeling a little out of place. I did attend class, but I feel like I had limited myself by wearing a mask a majority of the time. To put it simply, I feel like every year I had spent with this college, I was finding a new persona or side of myself, and while it did feel weird, they eventually helped me learn more about myself as well. When it was finally my senior year, it felt like I had somewhat of a blank slate, since I don’t think people recognized my face without the mask, or at least that’s what it felt like? I decided to make the most out of my final year, and while I would definitely do some things differently, I think I was successful in achieving that goal for the most part.

Overall, I feel like I had learned so much with each new experience. My last year was mainly made up of working on my senior capstone film, an adult comedy 2D-animated 3-minute short film, which I will definitely share more on in the near future hopefully. I was the last to join the crew towards the end of my junior year, but moving past the stress of finding a project to work on, I was grateful to have found all these new people specifically. They made it so that I really looked forward to show up to class, and even the people who signed up as extra help were also very fun to work with. Honestly, there was never a dull moment with them and I’m proud of what we had achieved in the school year. Of course, I met so many people outside of capstone as well. I still was a little shy still, I feel, since my ability to be more social would reset(?) from time to time, but if I even had a short conversation with you, or simply witnessed your presence, especially since I was surrounded by so many unique personalities on the daily, I am very grateful with the impact you have had on my time here, no matter how big or small.

In the end, I definitely grew more independent. From living alone, with the exception of a roommate and a kind neighbor who helped me every now and then, to familiarizing myself since Georgia was pretty new and different to me altogether. Savannah can also be a little scary sometimes compared to the familiarity of my own home, but I had taught myself to navigate with the help of the school’s not-so-perfect bus system and walks through the small city I en eventually became comfortable with. I didn’t have the luxury of a car or a bike that may have made travels a little smoother in retrospect, but I also grew to like taking in my surroundings whenever I could, since Savannah was fairly pretty. I had grown to like my new “normal”, so it feels a little weird that it’s all over? I don’t exactly remember how I had come to find SCAD, but I’m happy I made the choice to come here as I think it helped me grow closer to an even better version of myself. I definitely still have more room for growth, but I’m proud of what I had done in the past four years and the fact that I had come to allow myself to open up to new people and experiences, which did help me in my journey as a whole. I don’t have any specific plans or know what’s to come, but whatever it may be, I hope to make the most of it. There is so much I want to do, but for now I will be taking my time to rest and recover from the pretty big workload from all my classes over the years, while also continuing to express myself through my art and trying to build my social presence a little more!

*TLDR; I graduated college and while I’m surprised to have made it to another pretty big milestone in my life, I wanted to share some of my thoughts. I’m not sure if anyone is actually reading this, but another thing I had learned was sharing to some extent made me feel better rather than the past me who would usually keep everything bottled up to myself. I also am the kind of person who thinks a lot and doesn’t usually get the opportunity to share or put my thoughts together as I feel I kind of just go through whatever happens. I did journal for some time, but school work took my priority, so maybe I can get back into it soon. But if you did read this, I appreciate you <3 Whether you’re an incoming college student, or someone I’m already acquainted with/have seen my work before, I’m happy you saw my page in some facet. I’ve always loved art and hope to share more of my own personal work moving forward, as I love to draw inspiration from my own life and interests, in addition to trying to get involved in other projects whether related to animation or not. Thank you for coming to my not-T3D Talk! + Congrats to anyone else who has also graduated recently or reached a pretty big achievement in their lives :D

[guilty-pleasures21]

Chapter 5 - the opera

Part A

Part B

Part C

Warnings: none.

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

     Pav stretched his arms out as he walked into the hallway with Rohan and Gabe. “That was long! I must commend the singers on their impressive stamina!”

     “Yeah and we’ve still got another hour left after this break,” Rohan agreed. Pav turned to him with a look of horror. 

     “An hour?!” he exclaimed, looking to Gabe for some reassurance that his cousin was only joking. But he was sorely disappointed when Gabe responded with a solemn nod. 

     “And you do this for fun?” Pavitr questioned. 

     “Most socialising,” Anjali supplied, slipping into  their conversation. “Though some of us do seem to have fun here.” 

     She glanced over at Miguel from the corner of her eye, watching as he hesitantly made his way over to her sister. She was turned away from him, huddled in a corner of the room, and his brow furrowed with puzzlement as he stopped a few feet away from her, trying to figure out how to approach her. Perhaps she didn’t need to come up with a plan after all.  

     “Lord Gabriel? Is that you?” The accented voice broke into Anjali’s thoughts and she turned to find a young man striding over to them with the relaxed smile of someone who believed themself to be invincible. He appeared familiar and as he got closer, she realised that it was the Italian gentleman who had been whispering with the young Earl Frederick at the ball the other night. 

     “Excuse me.” Gabe nodded politely to the group, then walked over to the man with a courteous smile. “Mr Orsini, is it?” 

     “Sì!” Felice confirmed, shaking Gabe’s hand and giving him an enthusiastic pat on the back. “And you are Lord Miguel’s brother, sì?”

     “Yes …” Gabe replied slowly, confused by Felice’s immediate mention of his brother. He didn’t seem to recall his brother ever meeting with the young Italian, so why would he lead the conversation by mentioning Miguel? “And you are Frederick’s friend?”

     “Sì. We have known each other for a long time,” Felice confirmed casually. “How are you finding this season? I have heard rumours of your brother’s insistence on remaining a bachelor. Your mother must be worrying about your future as well?” 

     The question seemed a little intrusive, but perhaps it was just how they spoke in Italy? More forward and open with one another about their personal business? Gabe hesitated as he tried to come up with an appropriate response.

     “I am finding the season rather … eye-opening,” he decided finally. “I am still … a little young to be married, but I have been using the opportunity to gain an insight into my possible prospects.” 

     Felice bit back his frown at the young man’s vague answer: he’d mentioned nothing at all about his brother’s current situation, so how was he supposed to know how he was faring compared to Frederick? Though Frederick seemed more interested in ensuring his half-brother’s failure than securing his own success. 

     “Lord Gabriel?” A new voice interrupted their conversation but this time, the voice seemed to be feminine. Gabriel turned around and was surprised to find an unfamiliar young lady standing beside him. She smiled when she saw his face and he couldn’t help but notice how mesmerising her wide, hazel eyes looked. “It is you! Goodness, it has been ages!” 

     Gabriel shook his head, trying to catch the weak flicker of recognition that tickled the back of his mind. “My apologies, my lady … have we met before?” 

     The lady laughed and Gabriel felt his heart pick up its pace at the delightful sound. “I suppose I have grown up quite a bit since we last saw one another. Annabelle? Annabelle Reilly? You used to tug on my pigtails every time you saw me.” 

     Gabe’s eyes widened with recognition as the old memory came to mind. “Lady Annabelle?! Goodness, it must be, what, eight years? How have you been? It has been a long time since you have called on Lord Richard.” 

     Lord Richard was her cousin whose country estate had been close by to the O’Hara’s when they were younger. Annabelle had visited there often due to the frequent trips her parents would make out of the country and the children would play together whenever Richard’s or Gabe’s parents would call on one another. 

     “Has it really been that long?” Annabelle questioned, still aiming that lovely smile at him. “I must see him one of these days. I am afraid my parents started bringing me with them on their trips once I was old enough to travel. It has been lovely seeing the world, but I must admit that there is truly no place like home. What of you? How are your brother and your parents?” 

     Gabe hesitated for a moment. ‘My brother has decided that our kind and sweet neighbour shall be his chosen source of entertainment for this Season. God knows what he is up to, but I trust that Lady X is smart enough to know not to fall for his charms.’ “My father … passed a while back. He had been in ill health for a while, so … it was not entirely unexpected.” 

     Annabelle placed a gentle hand on his forearm and Gabe’s heart skipped a beat. “Still, it must not have been easy to deal with. I regret not having been there for you, Gabriel.” 

     He swallowed hard at the sight of the rosy pout she aimed up at him, then took a step away from her, flustered. It was too bad that he did not possess even half of the charms his brother did. Maybe then he would know how to interact with such a lovely young lady. “Er, yes, well … It was not your fault.” 

     Annabelle gave him an understanding smile, then turned her attention to Felice. “Mr Orsini. I take it? I have heard a few rumours about you making their way around the ton.” 

     She held a hand out to him and he clasped it in greeting as a smug smile stretched rapidly across his face. “Well, we do have a few minutes before the next scene begins. Would you like to know the truth behind those rumours, bella?” 

     He held his arm out to her, his body angled towards the refreshments table and Annabella gladly curled her fingers around his elbow. “Oh, how exciting!”

     Gabe felt his stomach drop at the obvious pleasure on her features. But then she turned back to him with that lovely smile and his heart sped up in hopeful anticipation. 

     “Are you joining us, Lord Gabriel?” she asked, her expression warm and inviting. Gabe straightened, drawing himself to his full height above both Annabelle and Felice. 

     “I would be delighted to accompany you, Lady Annabelle.” Felice raised an eyebrow at the determined expression on Gabe’s face as he moved to stand on Annabelle’s other side, but he mentioned nothing of it as they made their way over to the table. 

     She glanced around to confirm that no one was paying her any attention, then she turned around and pulled out a small Italian dictionary. She’d carry it with her whenever they went to the opera, studiously flicking through it with Miguel so she could learn some Italian. He was so clever, Miguel, so learned and well-read and- Argh! Could she not stop thinking about him for just one second?!

     “Are you in need of some assistance, my lady?” She almost dropped her book when she heard the familiar voice coming from behind her. She turned around and clutched her dictionary tightly behind her back, straightening her expression so that Miguel wouldn’t be suspicious of her. 

     “Lord Miguel,” she began, careful to maintain an even tone. “Have you been enjoying the play so far?” 

     He smirked at her as he folded his arms across his chest. “Quite well, actually. My favourite part so far has been when she gave him the flower. I thought it was quite clever on her part.” 

     X nodded her head slowly, trying to guess at whatever the female protagonist could have meant by the action. “Y-Yes, indeed. It was … an intelligent move on her part.”

     He pressed his lips together, completely aware that she had absolutely no idea what had been happening in the play. But it was cute the way she’d furrow her brow everytime she was thinking of how to respond to him.

     “And do you not think Alfredo rather admirable to be so dedicated to his love for her despite her profession?” he continued. X’s eyes widened as she jumped onto this new piece of information he provided her with. 

     “Oh, yes, definitely!” she agreed quickly. “It is not an easy thing to be … so dedicated to someone … who works … in such a profession …” She broke his gaze, hoping that he wouldn’t realise that she was basically just repeating his exact words.

     He swallowed down his laughter at the way she repeated his words. “Really? I thought you would have disagreed considering your strong moral compass.”

     Oh no. What had she just agreed to?! Perhaps she should just tell him the truth and beg him to relay the story to her. She chewed on her lip as she searched his face for a clue. Finally, she sighed and frowned up at him. “Fine! I had absolutely no idea what was going on! Please translate the story for me oh great and intelligent Lord Miguel!”

     A soft snicker escaped his lips as they curled at the ends. “Why would you care, princesa? I thought you were more interested in the view next to you.”

     Her frown deepened at his unkind teasing and he couldn't help but notice how adorable she always looked whenever she was annoyed with him.

     She clenched and unclenched her fists by her sides. She hadn't even been able to see Gabe in their darkened surroundings! And it wasn't like he'd had any idea what had been going on onstage - the only other language he knew was French and only because it was compulsory for members of the upper class to know. But never mind that, she had spent the entire first act puzzling over her suddenly complicated feelings for Miguel, too distracted to pay attention to the story anyway. Goodness, why did he have to be so … so infuriating?! “Well, if I am such a bother to you, my lord, then perhaps I should just return home early and allow you to enjoy the rest of the show in peace.”

     She turned to leave, making good on her threat, but Miguel grabbed her wrist quickly, stopping her before she could even take a step.

     “Conejita …” he pleaded softly. X’s anger bubbled even more at his use of yet another likely inappropriate Spanish term. 

     “What now?!” she questioned.

     He raised his eyebrows, taken back by her unexpected irritation. He released her wrist and took a small step back, giving her a little space.

     “It is nothing inappropriate, princesa. It just means ‘bunny’.” His lips stretched back into a smile as she wrinkled her nose up at him. “Which is what you look like everytime you make that face at me.”

     Her heart thumped with delight at his comparison of her to a cute little bunny and she dug her fingers into her palms to stop her lips from curling into a smile. She straightened and sniffed with feigned disinterest. “Well …”

     He took a step closer to her, taking the opportunity to brush his fingers against hers gently. “I’ll explain the story to you, princesa. ¿Bien?”

     He twisted his fingers around hers, clasping her hand loosely, and she felt all her irritation melt away at the intimate gesture.

     “Okay,” she relented. She lowered her head as her cheeks heated up and her lips stretched wide at the ends, and Miguel felt his heart flutter at the sight of her shy smile. She was much too cute for her own good.

     She smiled as the two lovers finally reunited onstage, then turned to Miguel for an explanation when the woman continued to lie weakly on her chaise. 

     “He has come to see her too late: she is still dying,” he explained softly, his warm breath blowing loose a few strands of her curly hair. 

     “Oh.” She watched the scene closely, trying to stifle the tears that hovered on the edges of her eyes. Then she noticed a slight movement out of the corner of her eye and she turned to find Miguel holding his handkerchief out to her. She narrowed her eyes at his knowing grin, but accepted the cloth anyway, suddenly grateful to have someone who knew her so well. She dabbed at her cheeks as the woman took her last breath, then pressed the cloth to her mouth as she finally went limp in her lover’s arms. The man gazed at her forlornly, then sang his final lines, his words deep and mournful. 

     “Death is but a footnote in our story, my love,” Miguel murmured into her ear. “I shall wait for you until the page is turned and we reunite in the next chapter.” 

     She turned to look at him and her breath caught in her throat when their gazes met, his fiery eyes already trained intently on hers. 

     “Until then … my beloved.” Her eyes fell to his lips as he recited the last line and her heart fluttered with excitement when she realised how close they were to her own. She leaned forward, slowly and instinctively, then stopped when their lips were just a breath apart. 

     He could hear his heart beating in his ears as she cautiously closed the distance between them. She was so unbelievably beautiful, with her dark eyes that widened everytime she caught him looking at her; her curly eyelashes that brushed against her cheeks everytime she lowered her eyelids; her rosy lips that pursed into that perfect little ‘o’ everytime she leaned into him … Dios, he could take it no longer! Damn the consequences, he thought, reaching up to cup her cheek in his hand and stroke his fingers across her soft skin: he’d lose the ability to form any rational thought if he didn’t kiss her right there and then. He parted his lips slightly and bent over to meet hers … but then the audience erupted into applause, shattering the moment between them. The lights turned back on and now, X’s expression was horrified as she looked up at him. She pulled back, almost falling out of her seat in her haste to get away from him. 

     “R-Right …” X stammered, smoothing her dress once she’d stood up. “Um, well, t-thank you … for … for the translations … my lord. I shall see you again when we next meet!” 

     She gave him a quick curtsy before she hastened out of the box to return to her carriage. And his heart lightened at the slight blush colouring her cheeks as she’d stuttered out her thanks. He didn’t know why he’d developed this sudden urge to kiss her every time he saw her, but he was glad that his impulses didn’t seem to have ruined their friendship so far. His stomach churned as he thought about all that she was giving up to help him secure his biological father’s assets. She’d always taken such good care of him, without him ever having to ask for it, so it was only fair of him to be more considerate of her feelings. He sighed as he stood up and followed her out the door: it was going to be a long Season this year.

Next chapter

[etheries1015]

ETHERIES I'M CRYING

There's this "trend" in my country where old sugar daddies have this thing of sending their sugar babies to get their master degrees, they're literally doing more than the government when it comes to education 😭

ONE OF THEM EVEN SAID THAT THE REASON FOR THAT IS TO HAVE MORE MEANINGFUL SEX (did yall talk about the economics after sex or something-)

THERE'S ALSO ONE WHO SENDS MULTIPLE SUGAR BABIES TO GET THEIR MASTERS DEGREE THEN BROKE UP WITH THEM AFTER THEY GRADUATE. LIKE EVERY TWO YEARS HE BROKE UP WITH THEM. Sir even has his own "batch" of sugar babies with degrees, one batch consists of 2-3 educated girlies 💀

Imagine platonic male!Briar valley noble!reader with Meleanor, Revan, Lilia, and Baul. Lilia mentioned that nobles in Briar Valley are mostly useless, and here you are doing a better job than the ministers and nobles who are in charge of Briar Valley's education system. Like, the majority of the educated and successful court ladies are your sugar babies at one point.

Education ministers improving Briar Valley's education ❎

Sugar daddy!reader improving Briar Valley's education ✅

Aiming for a brighter country with daddy <3

Is your country perhaps America because that happens here all too often lmfao. I'm working on getting my bachelor's degree (for now) and every day I think to myself "Fuck I need a sugar daddy" LMFAOO....

WAIT WHAT... let me understand this correctly: Sugar daddies are saying they are sending money...to sugar babies for school..for meaningful sex..? What? Or did I just not understand that correctly lmfao?

okay but real, someone paying for my college and then breaking up with me with zero strings attached...THE DREAM. I JUST WANT SOMEONE TO GIVE ME MONENEYYYY i'm trying to revamp my closet and get some new clothes but I'M SO BROKE RN BRO. also.."Batch" Of sugar babies is insane what the fuck why would they call them that LKDJFLISKJD THAT'S SO FUNNYYYY ACTUALLY.

ANYWAYS ONTO THE OTHER HALF REGARDING THE TWISTED WONDERLAND COMMENTS HAHAH

I love that lmfao Sugar daddy reader seeing the flaws in the system and giving in, deciding to do something about it since OBVIOUSLY the rest of the country is ASS at it. Giving their sugar babies money to get a good education, even if some of them reader gets no reward/profit from it. Spoiling them is enough. Although you wouldn't be opposed if some sugar babies were willing to keep you company, it's never a requirement. Even getting homemade cookies makes you utterly elated. Buuttt there's nothing like being a one-man bank for the faes just tryna graduate college and get higher education, since the ministers of the country are like dead-beat dads. You're soon the talk of the town! Sugar daddy Noble fae, is probably the only noble who actually DOES something for the people. Kudos to you!

Fixing Briar Valleys education system one sugar baby at a time LMFAOOOO

This would also work with sugar mommy readers (As someone who has said multiple times to my friends I'd be their sugar mommy when I graduate and make money BUAHAH)

[fizzigigsimmer]

i wanna hear about all your fics!! so bachelor au, blinding baby like city lights, news paper au and love aint fair at all!!

Ahh bless you nonny. Some of these are still just outlines but a few have chapters posted.

Starting with OUTLINES

The Bachelor Au: This is still one of my favorite ideas lol, born of my love of the insanity that is the bachelor franchise and the poorly concealed producer plants who are clearly just there for the drama. You can't tell me Billy wouldn't make a perfect Chad. The gist is Steve is the first Bisexual bachelor contestant. An icon, An American sweetheart looking for love. Robin and The Party are crew members and all the stranger things teens are contestants (Nancy, Chrissy, Eddie, Jason, Argyle, Heather) vying for his hand and represent various types of typical bachelor contestants. The funny ones, the good guys, the people there for clout, the people who somehow think they can get away with going on a dating show while still involved in a situationship back home, and the people who decide to do a reality show instead of go to therapy for their bag of issues. Billy is an instagram model hired by producers to be the seasons 'villian' and be hated by the audience. It's just supposed to be a free vacation where he gets to make some extra cash to be his most extra before he's finally sent home. But oops, they fall in love. Leaving them to figure out how they build a life together after the show when there are NDA's involved and they are the most hated ship in America.

Newspaper Club Au: This is a no upside down college fic featuring Billy/Nancy friendship, nerd!billy and jock!Steve. I haven't decided yet whether it's modern, 80s, or an ambiguous setting but the basic gist is the boys meet in college. Steve is there on a sports scholarship and chose California to follow Nancy, now his ex-girlfriend. Billy's an English major who works on the school paper with Nancy (one of his electives). He's pissed when she puts him on the sports column as it means he actually has to attend the games. He starts using the column to flirt with/aka harass swimmer Steve through increasingly ridiculous and suggestive commentary. The campus thinks it's a riot. Steve thinks Billy's an asshole and making him the butt of a joke just because he's a "dumb jock". Nancy plays matchmaker and also saves the integrity of her paper by finagling Billy into helping Steve write an essay for his English literature elective. Billy takes the opportunity to show him he was 1000 percent serious about wanting to know if his dick is even bigger out of the speedo.

Onto the POSTED fics

Blinding Baby Like City Lights: Is a dom/sub au where everyone is either a dominant, submissive, or switch. Basically some people need to dominate to stay balanced and others need to submit, or some mix of the two. And everyone responds differently to different things, creating many different 'types.' Naturally not all types are good for each other. Billy is a masochistic sub, has known it for a long time but wasn't safe to explore it growing up with an abusive sadist for a father. He's managed to claw his way out of his abusive home and become a successful business man who is often mistaken for a dom. He found family in Heather & Chrissy, but never a dominant he can trust enough to handle him and give him exactly what he needs. Steve's a recovering sadist. Too much privilege and neglectful parents lead him to some pretty unhealthy and toxic tendencies in his relationship with his first love Nancy. Losing his sub nearly broke him, but he broke good and has been rebuilding his life with his best friend Robin for the last few years. He just wants to take care of people by making good food, and find someone he can take care of always, without having to be afraid of his own desires. Steve might just be perfect for Billy, and Billy might just be what Steve needs to finally embrace who he is.

*** EDIT

When you have so many WIPs you confuse two of them.

Love Aint Fair At All: Werewolf au + a/b/o dynamics. This is a retelling of Snow White that takes place in an alternate version of Hawkins where magic exists. Some peoples magic makes them Wolf Shifters (people who are born with the ability to turn into wolves) and others use their magic to bend the external elements, these people are called Hags. Steve lives in the Cold Zone, a portion of the country that is suffering under a powerful Hags curse. Billy is a Wolf Shifter, exiled from their former pack in California, he and Neil make their way as huntsmen for hire. But everything goes to shit wen Neil brings the family to Hawkins to serve Steve's cousin Elsie, a powerful and mysterious Hag whose obsession with beauty and power threatens to cover the world in ice. The only thing holding her at bay is an old curse that limits her powers and a prophecy that promised one day an omega child would be born who was fairer than her. Good thing Steve is a perfectly normal bland beta boy - until he isn't.

[ikemenomegas]

After seeing that rb about sakura and ino 👀. it's a guilt free way to make sure they don't end up alone when all the boys end up with alphas who actually honor their backstories. but consider also! it just works! evidence:

friends to enemies to lovers. a 10/10 trope and make it yuri? yes please we need more fun tropey girl couples

sakura is a girl failure. no i will not be taking criticism. yes, she is highly successful. So, technically, according to my girlfriend is succession's siobhan (be proud of me for spelling that without looking it up) rather successful or at least born to success. still a girlfailure. ino. gives girlwife. enough said

canon flowershop au. ino runs the family flower shop. bouquets subtly telling sakura what she thinks of her? also 10/10

kishimoto doesn't know how to write women. ino and sakura's natural competitiveness? is something that makes them very compatible. It would turns Ino on except she hates that it seems needlessly turned on her (she's great at reflecting the energy she's getting). also, sakura just riles her in a way no one else seems to do. when that tension turns more sensual 😏, well it's probably got something to do with sakura's poor impulse control and ino's suddenly realizing they're standing way too close for just their usual spat

in an omegaverse au? i haven't pinned down their designations (mostly because they could all be compelling options) but - alpha!sakura x omega!ino where ino is the one showing sakura the value of more than command in the shinobi arsenal, and helping her feel comfortable in her own skin and designation! sakura gets embrace her protective instincts and realize being an alpha doesn't have to define some of her behaviors. also omega ino carrying alpha sakura is my new favorite thing - alpha!sakura x beta!ino where suddenly ino has the best sex in her life to look forward to and sakura appreciates ino's community building beta instinct - beta!sakura x omega!ino where ino doesn't have to ever be worried about giving her independence up to an alpha and sakura gets to really know what it means for the full force of an omega's love to be hers - omega!sakura x beta!ino where ino teaches sakura not to be scare or ashamed of her omega instincts, unwinding some of that internalized prejudice, and sakura has someone who appreciates her intelligence and the things that are not "typical" for her designation. ino also gets to experience how an omega's instincts are valuable. I get this idea she might be sort of jealous of sakura for being an omega, especially since so many of the eligible bachelors around her were omegas. ino loves understanding others and reaching out to them is part of how she shows romantic interest as well, but she felt there was a wall where she didn't understand alpha/omega dynamics beyond the textbook. and she's both surprised by how intense it can be but also loves being someone omega!sakura can rely on while relying on her in turn. - omega!sakura x alpha!ino where they work through ino's protectiveness and need to pamper sakura, who feels that enjoying these things show an omega-typical weakness that she never wanted to see in herself. especially not when her two omega team mates and her omega sensei seem so bent on pretending they get along fine without such things. and alpha!ino gets to feel that this socially deemed "unfeminine" part of her actually can be whatever she wants it to be, and that a relationship between her and sakura can still be a relationship between two women. - and finally alpha for alpha and omega for omega pairings where they both work through the territorial energy sakura puts off and realize that actually? maybe losing out their mutual middle school crush is a really dumb thing to keep fighting over and masks their individual insecurities and they get to pick each other this way. also rut for rut or heat for heat intimacy? is just their brand of intense and mesy

that was a long one 😩 but it could work in literally any configuration just relying on their og series and shippuden personalities! aka op for this post was right

it also just really bleh when the only way women in a series interact is by fighting over the same man (what happened to every naruto woman's obsession with hinata's figure! they should have fought naruto for her!) or by just... fighting in general

sakura and ino are both proud kunoichi. they have very different skillsets (also how cute would is the motifs of sakura the doctor and ino the gardener? they both bring life and liveliness from their own hands) but this doesn't make one of them better than the other. having them compete to always be the best doesn't mean they can't truly appreciate how each other shine! competitive couples who love and respect each other are the cutest.

having said that they should absolutely go on a hiking date with an overnight cabin stay at the end. this isn't evidence. it's just a good idea.

i'm tired now so we'll stop here. it's a good ship though. goodnight all 😴

[jonquilyst]

Top 10 Screenshots of 2023

Ty @akitasimblr for tagging me as always!! 💖 Here I have my top 10 screenshots and moments from 2023, ranked, and personally selected (because all of my most popular posts of the year are Total Drama Sims related)

10. The Floating Festival

By far the strangest and funniest glitch I've seen in a while. Let this screenie be a toast to all the weird glitches I've had in my game this year!

9. Wyatt Appreciation

I absolutely adore Wyatt. One of my favorite sims ever, but here's a fun fact: Wyatt wasn't originally gonna be in the story. It was originally just gonna be Megyn, Eva, and Jayden, but since we met Eva first, it wouldn't make the most sense if she only had one other friend to introduce to Megyn, so Wyatt came into existence! I also wanted an openly LGBTQ+ character in my story (Wyatt is nonbinary).

8. My Broken Hand

Not Sims-related, but definitely worth mentioning since it was just a strange incident that disrupted my life in the strangest way possible. On the morning of September 15 I was walking down the hallway in my room (the basement) when I suddenly tripped and fell against the wall. I tried to catch myself but my hand landed in just an awkward enough position to break my 4th metacarpal (bone underneath the ring finger). I was in a variety of casts for 6 weeks and I was forced to put my story on hiatus again. I'm happy to say I am healed and completely back to normal, though it is still ever-so-slightly sensitive.

7. Participating in community competitions for the first time

I submitted by sims Cylene Vinca (top) and Meredith Blakely (bottom) to both of @akitasimblr's bachelor challenges and had/am having an absolute blast! It inspired me to do my own community competition. I definitely plan on submitting my sims to more community things in the future!

6. Megyn (in general)

Definitely my favorite sim ever at this point. Heck, I have a whole story about her!

5. One Life Challenge

I started the One Life Challenge in March and finished it in October, and I had a lot of fun with it! The One Life Challenge is a challenge I invented myself, so if you wanna give it a try for yourself here's the rules post (I need to update the rules for For Rent though)

4. Megyn reuniting with Eva

After being apart from her friends for a year, Megyn faced the reality that she would never lose a friend due to moving and separation again.

3. Megyn reuniting with Sophia

Yea, it was definitely gonna happen, but when it happened I cried

2. Megyn's first birthday with friends

You see that?? My girl has FRIENDS 😭

Total Drama Sims

I still absolutely cannot believe how successful Total Drama Sims was when it launched. Of course it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but I think it's significant how I reached triple-digit notes for the first time and got about 75 new followers within the last month.

Playing with other people's sims has been an absolute blast. Each and every sim has their own distinctive personality and it's been so fun get to know each one. I can also tell these sims were made by different people by how different they all look! From each other and from my own sims. Total Drama Sims is definitely my most successful endeavor yet, and I'm so happy all of you seem to enjoy it! So thank you 💖 I'm considering doing a season 2 down the road, because why not??

Tagging @holocene-sims @seyvia @aniraklova @micrathene-w (but feel free to ignore)

[talesofunlikelysapphicpairings]

HELLOOOOO?! IS ANYONE THERE?!?!?!?!

Lmao, welcome back to me !!! I know, it was the longest hiatus I've had since I started this Tumblr account but life has been C R A Z Y.

I've already talked about the fact that I was taken off the Latin Honor list, so that's 3 years of hard work trying to maintain grades, extracurriculars, and social life down the drain. Such a wasteful thing cause I only needed a few points to secure my grade— grades that I had after a loooot of efforts but the idiot 'instructor' randomly decided to take out. A shame really, since I only have one year left to finish my Bachelor's. My mother's 50th birthday gift was supposed to be my Magna cum Laude. I guess I have to think of a new present, lol.

Also, I had to process a lot of trauma since last year and the first half of this year has been traumatic for me. 😂 Had to process these bad boys.

Last September my father had a newborn son. (Child of separated parents here.) Decided to play house with his new girl and her kids, with their new baby (not me) while the rest of his relatives sided with them, too and went against me. It was a messy business standing up for myself (yuck, toxic grown adults arguing with and gaslighting a twenty something) but I managed it. They've learned not to fight me nor ignore me, so I'll take that as a win.

Soon after, my mother adopted a toddler-boy, too. Then played house with her new boy and their own son, too.

I came from a country where being a boy is more impressive than being a golden child your whole life. My house right now is literally filled with gold medals, trophies, certificates, sash, crowns, and awards. But of course, I'm not a boy, so... "I won't be able to pass on the family name." (Like, fuck off. I'll be the most successful member of this family anybody will ever know; you'll only be known cause of your association with me.)

I am soooo glad I don't live with any of them anymore. I've made a home for myself (yes, their money but the point still stands).

Numerous health scares. Appendicitis attacks. Astigmatism attacks. I got bitten by a puppy twice in a span of two weeks. Then the puppy died so we knew he got rabies. (I got my shots, don't worry.) I twisted my ankle. And I've been coughing and sneezing every morning for three weeks now (allergies). You know, the usual.

In good news, I have fallen in love with Eve Best. So... If you watch edits of her on TikTok, you have probably already seen my account since I comment on the edits ... A lot... you just have to guess which one is mine. Lmao, good luck with that.

Also, I was chosen by the cat distribution system!!! I got a cat now. Her full name is Zumi Issi Sannanna Malyk. She came down from my ceiling's open panel one day, laid on my lap, and stayed at my house. I named her Zumi because she likes zoomies (she broke two glasses and one vase in three months!); Issi because I loved Valyrian even though I don't speak it; Sannanna because I got addicted to that Bollywood song that became a TikTok trend; and Malyk after one of my pen names. She's an orange cat so you know she's a handful. Aside from her, stray cats also stay at my garage when it's raining and it's rainy season where I am, so they fill my garage. (I can't adopt them all cause they don't stay in one place. I feed them and keep them warm instead.)

I guess, you can also say that I've been chosen by the dog guarding system, too. Since there are a few stray dogs that are guarding my house from the outside. They run away when I try to come near though, so I just leave the food on my door or toss it in their direction.

I've grown two plants. They bloomed, by the way. Then the one that's got three flowers in it (after ten weeks of me taking care of it!!!)— got stolen. RIGHT AT MY FRONT PORCH. I didn't really mind, 'cause the people who stole it might need it more you know. I hope it cheered them up. Then the other one who stayed with me for five weeks more, got a big chunk of its stem stolen, too. My mother said they probably used it to plant more. I hope the stem grows cause my plant died! I cried about it, too.

University starts again next, next week. Aside from my regular extracurriculars, thesis, internship, and usual busy-ness, I am also set to lead my program's Theatre Org so that's fun (and busy).

So that's the update on my life. Thanks for coming to my TED talk. 😂 I'm back for my usual shenanigans and yapping now.

[thatspiritualbabe]

Manifesting Friends During a Loneliness Epidemic: My Experience

Since day 1 of discovering manifestation/law of assumption in 2020 one of top things I wanted to manifest was a group of friends. I already had friends, but I didn't feel like my wants and needs were being met. For years, I was the only one reaching out and I didn't feel I was getting much in return.

Prior to discovering manifestation, I had a group of friends in my early 20s, and they got me excited in a way like no other friend group. They were always doing something. I never felt bored. I was seeing them every 1-2 weeks. We went to state parks, movies, grab food, bowling, bar, clubs, plays. There were birthday parties, pajama parties, sleepovers. Yet, overtime, a lot of these individuals came with drama, and after a conflict with the unofficial leader of the group, I suddenly found myself lonely and friendless.

I would go on to find other friends, both in groups and individuals, yet they didn't have the same energy as my former group of friends. While I was happy to be free of the toxicity of the former group, the new group left me feeling unsatisfied. My new friends just never seemed to ever want to go anywhere or do anything. I spent more time on my own than I did with them. Maybe it's the Sagittarius in me? I don't necessarily need to travel the world to have fun but I just felt so bored beyond belief by these new friends. Then, the pandemic hit and that certainly didn't help. As restrictions lifted and the issues persisted, my mom would suggest, "maybe they're homebodies" as a source of the problem. If that's the case, they never want to do homebody things either like play video games, bake gluten free cookies, or share a bottle of wine while watching The Bachelor.

When I discovered manifestation, I began to internalize the behavior of my friends. I thought maybe I had limiting beliefs and was assuming them to act in a way I didn't like or giving them free will to do so. I suddenly focused my efforts towards manifesting them to be better. I would affirm things like:

My friends always make me a priority.

My friends always invite me places.

My friends always text and call me.

My friends never forget about me.

This was met with mixed success. I had gotten an occasional once-a-year invite extended my way, but I wasn't getting out as frequent as I wanted, and this dynamic wasn't allowing me to develop any substantial closeness with these individuals.

Over time, I redirected my efforts towards manifesting new friends with commonality. Again, this was met with mixed success. I had made a new friend who I would text with on a semi-regular basis, and eventually we hung out. We had so much in common, such as love of animals, nature, spirituality. She also was understanding of my physical limitations, as she had limitations of her own. She invited me out two weekends in a row! "Lucky me!" I had thought, as I was used to only getting invited to do something once a year if at all. But this new friendship began to burn out a quickly as it started. I began to notice a side to her that was very pushy and domineering, she would give unsolicited advice, and generally was always trying to tear me down or challenge the way I do things. I began to distance myself from her for my own peace.

Fast forward to 2024, I'm wondering:

What limiting beliefs are still there?

What affirmations do I need to do?

What am I doing wrong?

Am I bad at manifestation?

What do these experiences say about my manifestation abilities?

And then this year I began noticing videos and articles surfacing about the loneliness epidemic. Suddenly, I resonated with so much. The constant trying and not getting much in return. Maybe I don't suck at manifestation? Maybe this is how a lot of my millennial and gen z peers are? The irony and confusion of how we're more connected than ever yet lonelier than ever is often stressed. I think what it is, is that on social media, we curate and present whatever we want to about our lives online. Perhaps, people no longer feel the need to reach out via call or text or invite you to get together and catch up because they look at one facebook post or snapchat selfie and assume that encapsulates it all. They don't need to ask how you're doing because they just saw it for themselves online. Maybe they think it's enough to "like" your post or "view" your story to show that they care. Maybe I'm an old soul, but that's not enough for me. I don't feel many articles or videos on the loneliness epidemic address friend groups like the one I found myself in. It baffles me that I encountered so many friends over the years that are content to do nothing and not have irl interactions when presented with the opportunity to go somewhere or do something fun at home. I'm not sure manifestation/law of assumption is an exact science. The night I met these friends I assumed they were much more adventurous based on the stories they shared with me. Contrary to what I assumed, they did not meet that need of mine.

My discovery of the loneliness epidemic gives me hope that there are others out there like me that strive for connection and maybe more opportunities for friends will arise with time. It also has allowed me to give myself some grace. I will continue my journey to manifest friends, but I will no longer be hard on myself if I encounter frustrations along the way. Ironically, once I dumped the affirmations and began focusing on myself, I've attracted more like-minded individuals that actually want to get together at a cafe and talk about life. I wanted to write this article for those who have encountered the same struggles to know they're not alone. I hope you will give yourself some grace as well.

If you made it this far, please consider liking, following, and sharing. I'm still new to this and I appreciate all of the support I've gotten so far. Even if I reach one person, I'm happy to be helping that one person and making a difference. <3

[cawthorntales]

Second Chance A Loser's BC

~~

I’ve never really been good at talking about myself, but here it goes. My name is Charlie Sandstrike, I was born in Moonwood Mills. I never really fit in with the werewolves in my pack. They had no issue with harming humans, but I could never bring myself to do it. A practice which caused me a lot of issues. 

Being the son of the alphas of the Sandstrike pack puts you under a magnifying glass and you’re expected to be perfect and be a example for others. I was never any of those things. So I kept myself as hidden from the public as I could. Staying in my room playing video games or working out. Both helped keep me distracted and let me retreat into my own world where I could just be myself.

That worked for a long time, but eventually my parents had enough and gave me a choice. I could start behaving like a true Sandstrike werewolf and maintain our family image instead of disgracing it. Or I would be exiled and never allowed back into Moonwood Mills. When they presented me with a human they wanted me to torture and kill. I fled and never looked back.

At first I didn’t know what to do. All I had ever known was my home and my pack. The outside world was new and scary. It took me some time but after five years I feel I am in a much better place then I was. I have a successful game streaming channel. I’m free to be myself without anyone’s judgment.

But I’ve had no luck in the romance department. Some of you may have watched my horrible performance on the double trouble bachelor challenge. Not my finest moment. I let my nerves get to me and screwed up big time. I am hoping this time I get it right. A loving family of my own is all I ever wanted. With someone I could just be myself with and be loved for me and someone I could love and protect. I guess I did inherit something from my family in that regard. Sandstrike’s are protective of people or things and when we find someone or something to love, we do all we can to protect that.

 For my parents that something was the code of of old established by our pack founders centuries ago. For me  I want it to be someone who makes me a better man. I look forward to meeting you all.

~~

Well since Charlie flopped in the bc he entered I figured I'd let him host one for a second chance.

CC is fine.

I own: Cats and Dogs, Werewolves, Cottage Living.

Must have bio.

Must have a picture.

Your contestant can be someone you made for a different bc and he lost. Or he can be a spare from your legacy who didn't make the heir cut. Or you can make someone new.

~~~

Slots

Reserved

2) Reserved

3) @sparkiekong

4)

5)

6)

[kairisk]

I'm a different anon, but I'm sorry to hear your audience fiddled out with the nsfw ban from years ago! Your art is absolutely gorgeous, and the way you present your ideas in them is so unique! Especially with the Chinese zodiac animals and the quotes you have for each of them!

Also, I'd like to ask how you started making art. I'm very interested to hear the personal journey of artists. Did you always like drawing animals, for instance? Did you go to art school or to a training of some kind, like ateliers? And do you make traditional art too, or is it all digital?

Oh thank you so much!! I do my best as I really want to just keep making art for as long as I'm alive. I'm really happy to hear you say it's gorgeous and unique ( ᵒ̴̶̷̥́ _ᵒ̴̶̷̣̥̀ ) Yeah it is unfortunate, but I still like being here and sharing art on here, so who ever is here to enjoy it, I'm glad! I only hope new people stick around and old ones come back, I've certainly missed getting to interact and chat like this! Oh how cool! I'm honoured ahahaha I'd love to answer these q's into my process and profession so far: I absolutely have always liked drawing animals. It started with dinosaurs, cats and dragons, I loved them all as a child, just their whole concept and how cool I thought they were! I wanted to get good at drawing so I could depict them and make my own designs, and in learning how to draw their anatomy (mostly big cats) my mom got me a book that had all sorts of animals in it and how they worked and how to render these forms. I devoured the book and I gained an interest in all animals through drawing and learning from it. From there I kinda just delved into researching whatever animal piqued my interest! Not to mention dragons (one of my prime interests) are amalgam creatures and so in my pursuit in being able to draw any kind of dragon, knowing a whole lot about different animals is a huge boon in designing them! I did, I actually went to a Fine Arts university as I originally was going to be a bonafide gallery artist and wanted to gain as much knowledge into different techniques and mediums and conceptualization as I could. I'm pretty poor but had stellar grades so Uni was a great option for me to get access to studio equipment and knowledge thanks to qualifying for scholarships and loans. It was like a pressure cooker for 4 years and I can only describe it as the best of times and the worst of times;; I have a Bachelor's Alma Cum Laude in Fine Arts. I do! Since I originally was going to be a physical installation artist, I know how to build and construct kinda whatever? I have a minor in sculpture and I've made something in almost every medium from paper to concrete to silicone to plasma cutting metal and more.

When I got out of Uni I unfortunately lost my access to a ton of this equipment and wasn't successful in finding a replacement studio due to the financial/location/funding cuts barriers. I kinda became disillusioned with the prospects in the art world at this time and realised this wasn't the only space where I could have a career as an artist. So I changed my focus to becoming an illustrator and character designer. I taught myself digital at the same time I was getting my degree, so I honed my skills from then to be up to snap for production level art. I'm currently art director for an indie game project rn doing exactly that! (Although this is one of three jobs I'm juggling atm, it's why I've been posting less these days, I'm quite busy ( ´ ◇｀)ゞ)

That being said I still make things occasionally at my house as I still like making physical things from scratch when I have the time/money to do so! I like making masks and small sculptures, examples of these being this mask and this keychain :3c I always thought that the medium should be chosen based on what best serves the idea in mind, but most of my art is digital due to the production costs for making this art being nearly zero (as long as I have my tablet and electricity!) and having greater access to offer my artistic services with digital media ;o