#tonight belongs to queue

[come-see-our-show]

in most situations i would hate the trope of "he's mean to everyone except for her" but grace is just as equally fucked up as max so i don't mind it at all

[come-see-our-show]

i can’t decide if i’m flattered or horrified 💀

@schwhoopsie @supergraphicultramodernboy @peterstankoffski

tagged by @selkieboyfriend / picrew / quiz

tagging @sunstainedpages @earthwormz @alrightoddity @funkyfreshfemme

[cryscendo]

kurt hummel in every performance

4x03 - Makeover

The Way You Look Tonight/You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile - Isabelle Wright, Kurt Hummel, and Rachel Berry

“We were going to do a music video for the website. Rachel was going to get a makeover, and she was going to model some clothes.”

[amillixnvoices]

tag drop

[sunaluv]

'IS SHE TAKEN?'

in which someone asks your man if you're single

feat: ran, gojo

RAN

the club setting was filled with more excitement tonight. don't get it twisted, any club or event hosted by the haitanis was guaranteed to be the event of the day, good vibes, hot people, and lots of money to be made. but when one of the brothers was actually present at the club? something about their aura seemed to bring out the vibes in people.

ran's hooded gaze watched adoringly at you across the club, the setting bringing nostalgia to the first time you met. ever the social butterfly you were, accepting another phone number from one of the girlfriends you made tonight. the other members of the roundtable looked at one another, wondering if the haitani brother was even present.

"no wonder you're so distracted, boss," the man next to him nudged him with his elbow, to which ran side-eyed him. "she's a looker, d'ya think she's single?"

your boyfriend appeared neutral as he let the guy ramble on about how hot you were, and what he would do to you given the chance. he missed the harsh roll of ran's eyes. if he didn't know you were spoken for, he would make sure this guy knew by the end of the night.

as if on queue, you waved bye to your new friends and started to make your way to the table. eyes followed your figure as you passed, but that was to be expected when the prettiest girl at the club walked past.

"hey, sweetheart," his soft lips pressed against the crown of your head. "you alright?"

"i'm good! a little tired though," you let out a deep sigh, melting into his arms. "these heels have been killing me..."

wordlessly, his large hands had your ankles in his lap, undoing the buckles on your heels and rubbing tender circles into the irritated skin.

he smirked at the relieved sigh that left your lips. "my buddy here has something to ask you, sweets."

the man next to you seemed to go silent since your arrival at the table, the consequences of his actions just hitting. a deep breath followed by a gulp as he wiped his damp hands against his slacks. he almost flinched when your hooded, yet dominating gaze met his own eyes, but after remembering who and where he was, he gained his composure almost as quickly as it left.

"nah 'ts nothin'," he waved his hand. "just a passing thought, is all..."

others both around the roundtable and those dancing near it tried not to make it obvious that they were watching the exchange going down. they found themselves pitying a character who would not deserve it, under different circumstances. but, as discussed, the haitani aura seems to throw things off of balance.

if he didn't want to talk, ran would do it for him. "he wants to know if your single, claims he could give you a lay better than your man could,"

your eyes left the man, instead looking over your boyfriends face in silent communication.

'you and i both know he can't'

'...i know, my love, just humor me every once in a while?'

'you're such a character sometimes, haitani'

'you love it though'

eyes darted between you, awaiting your response, thus his sentence in anticipation. he didn't know what telepathic language you were communicating in, but he was glad to not hear his fate get discussed right in front of him.

"i'm very flattered, but i have a boyfriend, sorry." your response was dry towards him, but the gaze you held with ran was anything but.

catching wind of what was about to happen, you excused yourself from the table, leaving a kiss on the corner of rans mouth, whispering a 'be good' in his ear before leaving.

whatever happened after your departure was not your business, after all.

GOJO

"hey man," a hand belonging to an unfamiliar man clasped on satorus shoulder. "do you know if the girl you came here with has a boyfriend?"

you had dragged your boyfriend to one of your friend's parties, much to his dismay. he's sworn off drinking after geto's blackmail folder started getting a bit thick, meaning there was nothing fun to do other than socialise, but he didn't want to after people flocked to him for the wrong reasons.

so now he was maybe the only sober one in this lively scene, which leads to the current events.

he spoke your name for clarity. "uhh, I'm not sure. you can go ask her if you want. ill even put in a good word for you."

has this man been a fraction more sober, he would've questioned why the blindfolded man's smile was so wide, or why he was so willing to help, but alas, this was a party and alcohol was supplied.

"thanks, dude! you're such a lifesaver."

satoru almost felt bad for the guy. he was practically buzzing whilst traversing through the sweaty bodies in search of you. he felt bad until he remembered how bored he was before this happened, he has to put himself first sometimes.

after a couple stumbles, reroutes and a rest break, they had finally found you in your angelic beauty, laughing with a group of girls he didn't know.

he thought it was quite cute how the guy seemed to become more shy at the sight of you, and satoru couldn't blame him. had he been someone more normal, he would act the same in your presence.

one of the girls caught sight of the pair by the entry and gestured you towards them. your face softened slightly at the sight of your six-foot-something boyfriend and his... friend?

"hey toru," you smiled, before looking at the other man. "who’s this?"

satoru said nothing, slapping the guy a little too harshly on the back before stepping back. the floor was his.

"hey," he breathed out, before introducing himself. "i saw you come in with your friend earlier, and just wanted to know if you were seeing anyone?"

your heart rate picked up, but not for the reason the guy was hoping. why was gojo like this? did he enjoy seeing you suffer?

he obviously did as when you looked over your shoulder to the said man, he gave you a big, encouraging grin with both thumbs up. the audacity.

he had thrown you to the wolves and left you to fend for yourself.

"uhm..." you breathed, trying not to shatter the poor guy's heart. "i have a boyfriend, unfortunately. sorry."

"what do you mean, unfortunately!" satoru mocked you from behind the guy. "I'm a total catch, right?" he turned to the guy. "right??"

though delayed, the guy had finally come to the realisation he had been punked by the man who egged him on the whole time. his face burst into a deep shade of red, apologising profusely before rushing back into the crowd.

"you're such an ass, gojo."

"the last name huh?" he scratched the back of his neck. "I'm in for it arent i?"

[rose-tinted-kalopsia]

≡;-꒰ 𝑿𝑨𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑹 (𝑳𝑼𝑴𝑰𝑬𝑹𝑬) ꒱₊˚ ପ⊹ I  𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

╰┈➤ ❝ xavier x afab!reader | smut nsfw 18+ mdni | kinktober '24 day 14 (15… x_x)

tags : pwp (with plot), (it’s uhh kind of more on the plot side ish… i think? maybe? hfskj), praise, established but developing relationship, mild angst, hurt/comfort (ish), jealousy, possessiveness, slight spoilers for the lumiere myth, references to “midnight whispers”, kissing and making out, sliiight dry humping, wall sex, vaginal sex, desperate sex so it’s kind of rough ish, creampie, tl;dr both of you just can’t get enough of each other, use of pet names “angel” and “my star”, lmk if i missed any tags!

wc : 3.7k

an : okay so i’m late queueing this but. COUNTDOWN TO XAVIER’S BIRTHDAY - ONE DAY TO GO !!! :D for my beloved darling boy here’s 1 out of 3 total fics prepared for him this month <333 (which may be off-schedule, BUT…) this was fun to write, so i hope you have just as much fun reading! sdkjfhsdk at this point i think i’ve barely ever written xavier fics without plot/feelings… loving this man will just do that to you i guess…

taglist : @interstellar-inn @pixelcafe-network @hunters-association @darlingdummycassandra @spotted-salamander @milkandstarlight @thoupenguinman @valyvinny @rafayelsheart @jellyroom2 @chemiru @ywnzn @rafayelsgf @pepprrmint @angel-jupiter @love-and-deepstrays @keioxo @theanbitchless (SIGN UP HERE)

AO3 / KINKTOBER MASTERLIST / KO-FI JAR / COMMISSIONS

There’s a lot more to Xavier’s jealousy than you realize, and you’re adamant on setting it right.

This was how it was to be in love with you.

The sweet smell of roses, a walk under the cherry tree.... The calm breeze of morning and soft, fresh linen sheets. Sunlight peeking in through the window, pages of a book. Of words that could mean more to him than he could ever think to describe.

Xavier could call on all the possible analogies he could think of, pull from all the poems and stories that he'd read. And yet none could compare to you. It was in the same way that the stars were second to none—so too, then, were you.

You had always called him your star. But to him, the opposite was just as true.

And perhaps that was why this was so difficult.

The stars were different.

Sometimes changing in position, sometimes visible, sometimes not... From where the both of you stood, they were tiny specks of light in the vast domain of the sky—illuminating the night as much as they could, but part of a different world altogether. Unreachable. Untouchable. So bright, so radiant, that the single, slightest touch could burn him down to nothing.

They belonged to the skies; better admired from afar. It was torture to fall in love with something that, to anyone, felt utterly, unspeakably unattainable—

But that was how it was to be in love with you.

And it was a curse as much as a blessing.

"So then Tara mentioned this new place that opened up recently, and she swears by its service! She said we should totally go out and celebrate!" Your eyes gleamed with excitement as you spoke, taking in a spoonful of your ice cream to bring up to your lips. "So this does mean I have a little last-minute rendezvous later tonight... I'd have invited you, too, but—you know. Girl's night?"

His gaze remained transfixed.

The pace at which you both walked was matched, and relatively relaxed—yet he'd barely touched his ice cream. Instead, blue eyes focused on you as you spoke, tracing the movement of your lips and that sparkle in your eyes that he could never ever tire of.

"Okay," he murmured.

When you looked up at him, he glanced away, bringing a hand back to rub sheepishly at the bridge of his nose.

"...Really, really? Just okay? You usually, I dunno, ask me more about the people I'm with, or something..."

He shook his head, and there it was—the little smile on your face didn't go unnoticed. He knew you were trying not to tease, and your actions were so well-known by him that he'd memorized them all for himself. It was endearing to see you like this, knowing you probably knew his habits just as well as he did yours. And at the same time, he knew that you were right.

"Well, I mean... It's just Tara and the others," he said slowly. "You've... been spending a lot of your time with your hunter friends lately. I know who they are."

"I know who they are. You've a way with words, huh?" With a roll of your eyes, you took another bite of ice cream, before nudging him slightly with your elbow. "I've been trying to get to know more of the hunters in the Association lately. There's a lot of them, you know? I'm really glad that everyone's been so nice."

This time, he didn't say anything. Only a quiet hum, the soft crunch of autumn leaves on the concrete a sound that proved comforting to both of you.

The truth was, he was trying not to be so childish about it.

Something stirred in his chest when you spoke, that familiar discomfort that came with a feeling he knew to be jealousy.

It wasn’t a nice feeling.

But it was also easy to lose a star.

It was easy to lose you when, sometimes, he didn’t feel as if he had the right, really, to own you.

Because who was he to control your feelings?

There was no guarantee that, in this lifetime, you wouldn’t just up and leave.

And the more time you spent with others, the more he realized how true that could be.

There was no certainty that this was end game.

“Xavier?”

He heard your voice call out softly to him, and he looked down—

God. You were so cute.

Your head tilted to the side with a little air of concern, and he couldn’t help but smile. The moment a gentle breeze blew, he leaned down for a cheeky kiss on your forehead.

“X-Xavier—?!”

The incredulous expression on your face was one he wished he could preserve in his mind for eternity. He was sure that if that were possible, he really would.

“It’s nothing,” he assured. And he, himself, wanted to believe that to be true. “I like walking with you. It’s nice like this.”

It’s nice like this.

I hope it stays like this.

I hope that this time, we can just… stay together…

—

Oops.

That was the first thought in your head as you shot up from bed, eyes bleary with sleep.

Your phone was in your hand, and you stared aghast.

Package delivered.

You thought you’d been delusional when you could have sworn you heard nothing of a doorbell, until you looked at the address. And that was not your apartment number. That was Xavier’s.

You’d forgotten to change it—again.

Haphazardly throwing on a sweater and putting on your shoes, you raced out your door. The fact that you had yet to receive a text from him about it, nor have it delivered to you, likely meant one of two things: either he hadn’t received it and it was waiting outside his door, or he’d discovered what was in it.

His door absolutely did not have a package waiting outside it.

“Xavier? Xavier!” a little bit out of breath from the sheer shock of such a morning, you called out for him and hurriedly knocked on his door.

“Good morning,” came a voice from inside.

He wasn’t opening the door.

“Xavier…?”

“Is this about your package?”

“...Yes! Yes, it is! I forgot to change the address—”

“I have it.”

“Th-that’s great! Could you, maybe, open the door…”

A shuffling could be heard, and when the door did open, your jaw immediately dropped at the sighed before you.

He had opened it.

“Did you really order this? Were you planning to come here again and ask me to wear it?”

Xavier was frowning, his arms crossed in front of him—he wasn’t at all happy, that much you could tell. But you almost couldn’t focus on that. Not with the black tassel ear cuff hanging on his right ear, not with the suit he was currently wearing. And, those black gloves, the metal cuffs, the gold embellishments, the crimson dye, the blood-red collar… and everything.

It was a stark difference to how you usually saw him.

Xavier almost never wore black… But this looked phenomenal on him.

In retrospect, you supposed that there was nothing he could ever truly look bad in. But this? This was a whole other level of eye candy. There was absolutely no keeping that giddy smile from spreading across your face, even as you brought your hand up to cover your mouth.

“Don’t look at me like that…”

The way his brows furrowed was near downright adorable, the corners of his mouth turning down into a little pout. You could have squealed.

Almost.

Instead, your hands reached out in a look of wonder as you slid your touch down the side of his arm, feeling the well-made fabric of the suit. It was just a cosplay, and yet, it nonetheless seemed so well-made, mearly comparable to the original…

“You opened the package? It’s mine, you know,” you murmured, and with a huff, he stepped aside to allow you into his apartment. You weren’t mad that he opened it, really—and the fact that he put it on? While you could tell he wasn’t happy about it, he was already being nice enough to indulge you with all this again.

“Is it really your package? You could have delivered it here on purpose. I saw Lumiere on the label. These are clothes in my size.”

For a moment the two of you stared at each other in silence, and you could very well remember how this played out the last time you were in this situation.

“Well,” you started, if only to fill the air around you that had grown a little tense. “I didn’t expect it to arrive this soon… We were talking about it last night. You know, with the girls? A few days ago at the office, apparently Nero was all busy because a new line of Lumiere merch came out—a whole alternate costume! We talked about it all night and I had to order a set, too, I just thought I wouldn’t get it for another week—”

You were cut off in a swift movement.

With wide eyes, you found yourself pressed up against the wall, Xavier’s hands on either side of your head. The warmth of his presence so near you had you holding your breath, almost as if the air around you had turned from tense to suffocating. There was something about it that simply rendered you unable to breathe. It was easy to get all dizzy with him so close to you.

But when you looked at him, what you were met with was... not anger.

There wasn’t a trace of it on his features.

Instead, you were surprised to see a hint of something else.

His lips pressed into a thin line. Displeased, yes—but his gaze, while kept on yours, was desperate. Eyebrows knitted together, eyes narrowed ever so slightly with the prospect of almost begging you for something that you couldn’t quite place... Something you felt as if you should.

“Xavier?” you murmured. Your hand raised, slowly, carefully, up to cup his face.

This was different from the last time you’d played around with Lumiere’s costumes. He wasn't just sulking over it.

“...But is that really who you want to be calling?” His voice was quiet. Too quiet. This was an emotion you couldn’t quite read, nor was it one that was familiar to you.

“Xavier? What’s going—”

“It’s always like this.”

Your mouth shut, and you frowned, trying desperately to understand the tone in his voice.

“It’s still always Lumiere, right?” he let out a slow breath. “Why do you care so much about Lumiere? You’d talk about him to your friends, too. You’d spend an entire night without me for him.”

“What? That’s not—I told you, we just wanted to—”

“But I’m right here.”

The calm, even tone with which he’d been speaking slipped in that moment. A crack in his voice—though barely audible right in the moment—wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by you.

Something was wrong.

He was rarely ever like this with you—this wasn’t even an argument, it was just… It was something.

His right hand, previously placed by your ear, shifted to take your hand from his cheek. Taking the other at the same time, he pinned both hands back against the wall, preventing you from moving. The lace of your fingers together had you hyper aware of the leather texture of his gloves, and your breath hitched. 

He leaned in.

“I’m right here.”

A repeat of his words.

Yet he almost sounded as if he could break.

“I know you are,” you started, speaking carefully.

“Do you?”

“I do.”

“You don’t.”

“I do.”

This time you spoke firmly, meeting his gaze full-on with a certain sense of conviction that you were not going to let him try to doubt. “Please... what brought this on, Xavier?”

For a while, there was no answer.

His chest rose and fell, deep, calming breaths for himself almost as if trying to compose himself in front of you. You didn't like that. He did it so often; hiding things from you for your sake, putting on a braver face for you if only to keep you from worrying any more than you needed to.

But you needed to.

You wanted to.

Was that not what a relationship entailed? To worry about each other?

You could tell that this meant more to him than simple, petty jealousy—and you were determined to find out what that was.

“Don’t do that,” you mumbled. You frowned slightly, as if to make your point. “Don’t act in front of me. Don't put up a front. You’re upset, right? Something’s wrong. Xav… Are you still jealous? Is that what this is?”

“...I’m not.”

“But you are. Don’t do that.”

Like before, his eyes averted, but you didn’t miss the way he had to grit his teeth just to make sure he would keep a straight face.

“Xavier.”

You tugged at your wrists.

“Xavier.”

His eyes closed. While his grip on your hands loosened slightly, he didn’t let up—his forehead pressed against yours, and for the first time, you realized how shaky he felt. 

His breath was warm. His hands were warm. You could barely notice the cold of the wall pressed against your back, the rest of his living room fading away into the background as if all that existed was you, and him, and this little corner you had to yourselves.

As if it were all that mattered.

In a way, it was.

He was all that ever mattered.

“I don’t want it to change,” he whispered. His voice was small; smaller than you had ever heard it before. “I don’t want us to change.”

“Huh? But we’re not changing…”

“No, we’re not. I hope we don’t. It’s enough like this, just to be with you…”

Something about his words stirred at the pit of your stomach.

I hope we don't.

Perhaps that was it. Perhaps you'd been spending too much time without him, and perhaps he just wanted to feel... a little more wanted by you.

“Xavier…”

This time your hand slipped away from his hold, and it was back on his face, cupping his cheek. You watched him lean into it—a soft sigh of resignation, nuzzling into the palm of your hand like he wanted nothing more than your touch.

You swallowed thickly.

“Xavier, it’s not that I’m so fond of Lumiere…” you spoke softly. “I’m fond of you.”

His eyes opened, a slow blink of mild confusion.

“Lumiere is you. Is he not? He’s handsome, and gentle… just like you are.”

When his expression didn’t let up, you continued.

“Xavier, you saved me. I’ve always thought that Lumiere was amazing… But, now, knowing that he’s you—doesn’t that mean I get to love both you and him at the same time?” Your thumb rolled over his skin, and you leaned up slightly, teasing for a kiss. “I loved you first. So I like him because he’s you.”

The tips of your noses touched, and his lips brushed against yours. Your eyes locked this time, and he was all that you could see. All that you would ever see. Close. Impossibly close. Within reach… this time, because this was the Xavier that had come to love you. And that was all that mattered to you.

Maybe you felt a little sense of pride knowing this star was all yours. And maybe that was what he needed to feel, too.

“I… don’t like him,” he murmured. “I don’t want to be him… I just… want to be me. With you. Like this.”

"And you are you."

"But I'm not Lumiere. Lumiere is part of the past. I want… I… I'm here."

Ah.

Somehow, you understood.

Your gaze softened, and you let out a slow, quiet sigh. "Oh, Xavier…" you mumbled. “I like you no matter who you choose to be, Xavier. Ah—”

You smiled, and then shook your head. “Sorry," you corrected. "That’s wrong. I mean… I love you, no matter who you choose to be.”

You saw his eyes light up at that, breath hitching. Those blue, blue eyes—bluer than blue, the most beautiful shade of it that you’ve ever seen.

That was it.

That was what he needed to hear.

His lips trembled slightly, and then all you could feel were them.

He crashed against you, pinning you back against the wall just as he had done earlier, and you could feel everything. His knee between your legs, inching upwards, pressing you back with every ounce of his being as if the single, final thread of self-control had snapped.

“My star… my angel…” 

He gasped between kisses, barely muttering out words before he would drag his lips plush against yours in a way that made you want. A way that made you need.

You moaned against him, his body melting, molding into yours.

My star.

Xavier was so unfair.

Even the nicknames you would reserve for him could be turned right back to you, snaking his way into your heart that he had, that he owned, because you had given it—everything—all to him.

And you wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Not when the heat of his presence wrapped enveloped you in a hazy mist of love and desire, the pull of his touch so strong that you couldn’t ever think of leaving. His fingers curled into yours, his grip straining. Bodies pressed together, the outline of his bulge grinding between your legs—his hips rutted into you with not much thought behind his movements, and your desperate pants fell into each and every kiss as if you simply couldn’t get enough. 

You couldn’t get enough.

Your mind could only fill with thoughts of him, because he’d taken that for himself as much as everything else.

“X-Xavie—mmphf—”

It didn’t take long.

Clothes discarded in barely a moment before he was hoisting you up on his waist and fucking you, your back hitting the wall with every upward thrust of his hips.

“X-Xavier!” you cried. Your eyes rolled back as he dipped his head into your neck, muffling his moans into your skin. “Xavier… Xavier… So good for me… so, so good, nnh—haa—”

Every praise uttered from your lips caused his thrusts to jerk, a whine falling from his lips.

He liked it.

“Mmh… Mh—yes— j-just like that! Ngh, you fuck me so, so well—ha-ah!”

You clawed at his back as the tip of his cock edged against your sweet spot, and you could tell with the way he choked out a laugh into your skin that you were in for it. His hips continued to snap against yours until you could barely register any coherent thought in your head. He would plunge in and out of your wet, leaking cunt with reckless abandon—you almost couldn't breathe.

“Xavier! Hnng—so good! Good boy, good—ngh—! Th-there! Please!”

You were long gone.

He could only hold you up with his sheer strength—you felt weak as you cried out endless strings of praise, obscene sounds of sex filling the room in an instant.

“My star…” He leaned back to hold you properly against the wall, grunting and panting. With his hair stuck to his forehead, droplets of sweat sliding down his skin, your eyes glazed over. “My star. My star. Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine…”

With a mewl, your legs tightened around his waist, and he kissed you. Tongue, and teeth, and messy. Just as needy as earlier. Just as desperate as earlier. Your hands continued to claw at his back, fervent movements of his lips against yours in a foggy frenzy of pure want.

“Mine,” he gasped, pulling away just enough to speak. “My angel, my star—my pretty—pretty angel—my—good girl—”

His kisses, his thrusts, were punctuated with every word, driving you absolutely insane.

“Ngh—ah! Xavi—vie—Xavier—!”

You could barely get any more praise out as he easily turned the tables on you, lulling you into a headspace where all you could say was his name. His name, that, gladly, he would easily relinquish to you. A name that was yours as much as his. A name that you could call, this time, with the comfort of him being with you.

“Angel…” he groaned. “Feel'so good… Taking me so well…”

“G-gonna cum! Xavie—Xav—haa—!”

“Good girl… Good girl, good—girl—good—ngh—girl…!”

That was it.

One last thrust had you spasming around him, practically collapsing into his arms as he held you up, keeping you between the wall and his body as his own trembled with a release triggered by your own.

“So much… so much…” you buried your face into his neck, and he rubbed soft, soothing circles into your back. Hot, white ropes of cum filled your insides, enough to leak out of you, trailing down your legs.

The two of you stayed still for a moment, catching your breaths. There was comfort, in being held tightly in his embrace. And it wasn’t until a while later that either of you spoke.

“...The Lumiere plushie…” he breathed, quietly. “Do we have to keep it?”

You lifted your head, shooting him an incredulous look. “You’re still upset over it?!” Out of the corner of your eyes, you could see the dark-themed Lumiere plushie resting neatly atop of the coffee table, and you let out a huff. “Xavier, really, I promise you that I—”

You stopped.

He let out a soft laugh, his eyes crinkling in what you noted was not quite amusement, but… happiness, nonetheless.

You huffed slightly, but it felt lighter knowing that he was happy.

That was all you ever wanted, after all.

His forehead pressed back against yours, and he spoke again.

“Do you mean it?” he murmured. “What you said earlier. That you love me… No matter what?”

You smiled.

“Of course I do, silly. Isn’t that what you say to me all the time, too? What’s to make you think that I can’t say it back to you?” you gave him a playful swat, rolling your eyes. “I agree with you, you know… I like it like this. I like being with you. I want it to stay this way, too. Because all I've ever wanted was to be with you. You, whoever you feel like being. Whether it's Lumiere, or the Xavier in front of me now. That's... what it's like to love a star. Right?"

Something flashed in his eyes, then, before he nuzzled against you in that way he so often did with you.

“...Mm. So this is what it’s like to love you."

He was whispering, and he seemed to be speaking more to himself.

But, he smiled: 

“Ah, no… This is what it’s like to love you more.”

an : lumiere really is the best!!! 🥰✨

© rose-tinted-kalopsia. all rights reserved. do not: steal, copy, repost, reupload, modify, or claim any of my works as your own, regardless of credit given. absolutely do not use my works for AI training and other related purposes.

[nebulaafterdark]

Exile (Part 4)

Summary: Y/N Undersee thought the games were over after becoming a victor. Unfortunately, life outside the arena has become just as dangerous. Prequel to Moves & Countermoves

Trigger warning: forced prostitution, explicit sexual content, alcohol/drug use and other mentions of trauma. 18+ ONLY

Part 3

The reaping for the 64th hunger games, brings forth their tributes, Denali and Maximus. The girl, is sixteen and her little brother, only fourteen. Orphans, surviving solely off of tesserae and profits made from pedaling contraband at the hob.

When Y/N comes to greet them on the train, Denali has her brother tucked behind her protectively, near the table of food. “Hello.”

Denali watches her with wary eyes.

“You should eat.” Y/N tells her. “Both of you. Get your strength up for the arena.”

Maximus reaches out for a dinner roll, but his sister slaps it from his hand.

“You first.” Denali demands. She needs to be sure it’s not poisoned.

Y/N closes the space between them, taking the abandoned bread and tearing off a piece. Placing it into her mouth, she chews and swallows.

Maximus presses his lips together, gulping hard. He can almost taste it.

“My name is Y/N. I’ll be your mentor-”

“Where’s the other one? The man?”

“Haymitch is down in the bar car.” Y/N tells them.

“He’s been doing it longer, we want him.” Denali says.

“Fine.” Y/N crosses both arms over her chest, toying with the bracelet on her left wrist. “But the two of you stay here, and eat. Please eat.”

The girl narrows her gray, seam, eyes, watching the woman leave. She’s seen her before, sneaking around where she didn’t belong. The man, Haymitch, was from the seam, before he won the games. He still comes down to the hob, Denali’s sold to him a couple times. Most recently, a bracelet, woven from stitching scraps. For his wife, he’d told her…and the woman, Y/N, is wearing it.

The victors return after a long moment, their hands intertwined. Y/N appears to be leading Haymitch toward them, against his will.

Maximus and his sister stare at him, expectantly.

Haymitch smiles, “I heard you wanted to see me.”

“Y-yes. You’re our mentor and we need strategy and-”

“Woah,” Haymitch stops the girl’s train of thought, “you’re barking up the wrong tree, sweetheart.”

“What?”

“That’s her department,” Haymitch jerks his chin toward his wife.

“Then what do you do?” Denali asks.

“Enjoy the refreshments,” Haymitch lifts his glass.

————————————————————————

Upon arriving in the Capitol, Y/N and Haymitch are collected to film interviews. Caesar always finds a way to make the most of their time here. But over the years, it has proven useful in gaining sponsors for their tributes.

“We’re happy.” Haymitch reminds Y/N. “We’re in love and so glad to be here.”

Y/N nods, blinking up at him through obscenely long lashes. Vanity has done a number on her this time. Y/N is her muse, the one who inspired her to leave her position as stylist for the games and design pieces for her victor full time.

The people of the Capitol cannot get enough. Anything Y/N wears, they want to wear. Tonight is a cotton candy pink dress.

“For the first time, on this very stage, we will be joined by Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy.” Caesar announces, riling the crowd into a frenzy.

Last time they were here was their wedding day and Snow obviously had better things for them to do afterwards than gossip with Caesar Flickerman.

“Please give our newly weds a warm welcome, Y/N and Haymitch.” Caesar motions toward them from the stage, their queue to join him.

Haymitch reaches back for her hand, waving out at the crowd as they cross the floor.

Y/N greets Caesar first. He likes her better than Haymitch anyway, most people do.

————————————————————————

“Where’ve you been?” Maximus asks his mentors, after the tribute parade.

“Clearly they have more important things to do than help us.” Denali turns up her nose in their direction.

The tributes are dressed as coal miners…again.

“Do you have any idea how much a bottle of water goes for in the arena? A loaf of bread? Medicine?” Haymitch cuts in. “Those things don’t come cheap, sweetheart.”

“So what?” Denali doesn’t understand how their absence would change that.

“There’s people here with a lot of money.” Y/N explains. “The more time we spend with them, the more money they’re willing to provide our tributes. I’m sorry that we had to step away, but that’s why I supplied you with the tablets. Did you have a chance to look over the strategy files?”

Denali shakes her head of dark curls.

“That’s ok, we still have time.” Y/N assures her, “let’s go up to our floor. We can discuss it over dinner.”

————————————————————————-

The district twelve escort, a woman named Cordelia Walters, who desperately hopes to be reassigned to another district; holds the elevator for them. “Chop, chop.” She claps her hands together. Like herding animals in a zoo.

“Always a delight.” Haymitch snarks, as they step into the confined space.

Y/N huffs a laugh, pressing her lips together. Their escorts seem to have a high turnover rate. She hopes that holds true.

Dinner is tense, Cordelia can’t be bothered with listening to defense strategy details. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Oh, sure!” Y/N pipes up, “let’s discuss the up in coming fashion for the spring. I have all of Vanity’s sketches.”

“Really?” The woman squeals, “you don’t think she’ll mind?”

“Not at all.” Y/N lies, “here, take it. You can bring it back in the morning.”

“Thank you.” The Capitol woman races away, closing the door to her suite behind her.

“That’s one way to do it.” Haymitch lifts a shoulder, poking at the peas on his plate.

“Now we can talk?” Maximus asks, shoveling another spoonful into his mouth.

“Yeah,” Y/N smiles. “You can start by telling me what you’re good at.”

“I’m a fast runner.” The boy tells her.

“Had to be, we’ve been running all our lives.” Denali adds, still unsure if Y/N can be trusted.

“And what about you,” Y/N asks, “what are you good at?”

“I’m strong and good with a knife.” The girl tells her. “We just need you to give us a chance.”

Y/N leans in, across the table, “we can train you, separate from the other tributes. We can supply you with anything you might need from a sponsor. We can prepare you for your interviews. No one is rooting for you more than we are.”

The four of them talk late into the night, answering questions. Exchanging stories and discussing useful weapon tactics.

Haymitch’s number one rule is not to get attached. However his wife, either cannot or will not follow it.

When they finally retire to their room, Y/N makes a mad dash for the white pills, on the bedside table. The contents rattle in her shaking hand.

“Here, angel.” Haymitch takes it from her, “that won’t help.”

“But you said-” White is for pain.

He reaches for another bottle. “Take this.” He deposits a yellow pill into her hand. Then a blue. For her nerves and to help her sleep.

Y/N swallows them down, attempting to catch her breath.

“Come here.” Haymitch wraps her up in his arms. Placing a hand over her heart and rubbing gently, “that’s where it hurts, huh?”

She nods, praying that the pills take effect soon.

“The white ones can’t help with that.” He continues, attempting to soothe the ache.

“How do you do this?” Y/N leans into him. “It’s only been four years and I feel like-”

“Before you, those ten years after I won….I drank until I blacked out and I can still see their faces. I remember their names. I see their families, back home and it never gets easier. It never gets better. But you find ways to live with it.”

Y/N lets out a sob, “I can’t. I can’t.”

“I’ll help you.” I’ll do whatever it takes.

“I want to go home.”

“I know,” Haymitch breathes. “But the pills are gonna kick in soon. Then you’ll feel better.”

“I don’t want to feel better. I want to save those kids!”

“We can try.” Haymitch says, somberly.

“If I overdose, what happens to my family?” Y/N wonders, eyelids growing heavy as Haymitch shuffles her toward the bed.

“Snow wanted to have them executed after your games. As punishment for you not killing Tyson. He was only willing to negotiate a deal, in exchange for my…work. If you kill yourself, I have nothing else to offer him. No leverage. He’ll kill them and sell me; again.” Haymitch explains, pulling off her shoes. “But I wouldn’t blame you.”

Y/N sucks in a breath. She has something to live for. Her sister, her parents and him. She has Haymitch to live for. Therefore she cannot die. “It was only a hypothetical question, I wasn’t- I wouldn’t-” leave you.

Haymitch pats her cheek, the drugs have kicked in and her tears have subsided. “Goodnight, angel.”

Taglist: @spideysimpossiblegirl @ancientbeing10 @1-800-styles @l3xi3luv @lam-ila @druby2011-blog @liballer @readinginthe-am @rae-11 @champomiel @mariechristine00

[oweninadaydream]

𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇 || 𝐂𝐇.𝟏

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 : Hangman is the certified ladies' man and everyone thinks they can read him like a book, but what neither the Dagger Squad nor anyone else can even begin to imagine is where the hell Jake has been going every Saturday night for the last few months…

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 : Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x male!character

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 : mentions of alcohol, some making out but nothing too smutty, emotional distress lmao, age gap relationship (27-35), some religious trauma, self-deprecating thoughts, post Top Gun : Maverick, the Dagger squad is stationed together.

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 : 2k

𝐚/𝐧 : Gif by @tay-swifts , M/N (Male Name). Hello beautiful people!!! I'm so exited about posting this project I've been working on for a while. I just wanted to say that since it's my first time writing for Jake this might be a bit OC Jake but I do hope I got it right hehe. Enjoy the fic and stay tuned for the next parts!!!

It was well after midnight when Jake arrived at the club’s entrance. The throbbing bass emanating from inside made the whole building shake, making his mind wonder what it would be like to live on top of such an obnoxiously loud place, contrasting with the quietness of the accommodations the Navy offered. The reflection of the neon sign reading  “Mon Ange” turned his natural olive-toned skin into a vivid dark azure that matched perfectly with the baby blue in his eyes. The smokers (all with stamps on their hands) were all gathered some feet away from the door to get back in after dragging a final puff from their cigarettes. The queue was not very long, mainly because everyone who was meant to be there had arrived way earlier than him. He reprimanded himself for getting there so late ; in less than two hours the nightclub would shut its doors and Jake would feel like he wasted four hours of his life for nothing. Well, his journey would not be in vain if he caught a glimpse of- 

“Jake”

This was L.A, a city 118 miles away from the Marine Corps Air Station located in Miramar, which is a two-hour long drive away from everything he knows. He had to remind himself of those facts to avoid spiraling  at the sound of his name in such a place; he hated how his body kept reacting to these kinds of situations, but not even a skilled lieutenant like himself could take the reins of these unnamed emotions that coursed through his entire being.

"What are you doing here by the door? I was worrying about you not showing up today, I was just about to send a search party. C'mon , let's grab a drink. Perhaps I can even convince you to dance this time" A wide playful smirk accompanied the flirty comment exquisitely and, even though Jake was more than used to these antics, his heart skipped a beat. Trying to compose himself, he answered while staring at the concrete floor. 

"I don't belong on that dance floor and y'know it, darlin' "

“Oh don’t say that, the 30s are the new 20s! … Even if you’re not planning to dance, you must’ve driven all the way over here for something, right?”

The damn question hit him like a truck. He could try to think of the right answer, but putting something into words made it terrifyingly real, and that was exactly what he'd been avoiding for months. The breeze made them both shiver, as the party outfits didn’t properly protect them from the chilly weather. 

“You're right” he muttered “Okay, lead the way. Make it worth the while, mh?" he teasingly replied. Even if what he was doing was definitely outside of his comfort zone, something about the constant banter between them calmed him.

"Don't you always have an amazing time with me? I thought that was why you only talk to me" a fake pout appeared on the face which Seresin couldn't help but to stare intensely in awe. Their hands intertwined and the pilot quickly melted into that comforting touch. His companion briefly exchanged some words with the bouncer and the doors opened for them. 

"Thankfully it was Joseph working tonight, I don't think Marcus would have let you in for free just like that" “I’m sure you would've charmed him into doing whatever you wanted anyway”

The thick air of the room embraced him as soon as the doors closed and the familiar feeling appeared in the pit of his stomach almost instantly; it seems like it was yesterday when he first stepped into the nightclub he now knows like the back of his hand, but in reality, that day was what it feels like ages ago. Still, the contradictions that manifested within him every time he returned persisted and only grew each day.

“I’ll go to the bar while you stay here and look pretty, okay? Same drink as always?”

It was because of moments like these that Hangman felt comfortable enough to let his guard down and be his usual extroverted self. Grabbing his wrist to stop him from going any further, he raised his voice so his words could be heard even though the music was top volume. “ Don’t you even dare to try to pay for those drinks, they’re on me.”

“Here it is, the Texan charm of Jake Seresin. I didn’t know you could apply those rules to this situation. Are you trying to imply I’m the girl in this whole affair? Shouldn't we at least draw lots for it?”

"Very funny, M/N'' the hostility that emanated from his rolling eyes made the other man realize his comment had affected Jake on a deeper level than intended. “Hey I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t hav- I know it’s  a touchy subject and I’m extremely sorry, please forgive me” the regret was visible in his expression and it also could be detected in the stuttering caused by the words rushing their way out of his mouth trying to obtain his forgiveness as fast as possible. Jake took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a second. 

Hangman was no saint, he didn’t go to church every Sunday or tried to look for a good christian wife to have kids with like his father did in his day. He knew God was not exactly pleased with the way he was running his life but he used to think that when the time came, He would welcome him with open arms (after having apologized profusely, that is). But now that he had fallen for the most vile trick in the book, he couldn't trust that previous statement anymore. Lust was a capital sin, pretty serious if you asked any priest from the church the Seresin family attended back in Texas, but sodomy? Say goodbye to eternal salvation, son. If Jake was being honest, the promise of heaven or the threat of hell didn't scare him. It was the destruction of all the life lessons that made him act the way he acted,  of his purpose as a son, as a man. The thing that truly haunted him at night  was the thought of a deity (and his father)  designing him to be this flawless individual with a very clear life path , only to end up as a filthy, disgusting f-

“Hey, are you okay? Would you like me to leave you alone for a bit?”

The thought of M/N walking away while he sank deeper and deeper in the sea of guilt and fury frightened him. “Please don’t” he begged “everything’s fine, I promise. Let’s down a couple shots and , who knows, maybe I’ll be in the mood to dance for a bit” the last comment was a futile attempt to hide the everlasting agony that clouded his mind. M/N moved so they were a few inches away and raised his hand to caress his cheek. His next step consisted in resting his arms around his shoulders and starting kissing him delicately in the neck and in the whole face in general, in hopes to kiss the discomfort away. 

How could something so delicate and sweet be so dirty? Was it even dirty to begin with? What about the women he had dated? He was attracted to them but now he- Too many questions Jake was not willing to answer that night. He only wanted one thing, and he was about to claim it. 

After regaining control of himself, Jake put his right hand on the younger male’s back to guide him to the counter where people were piling up fighting to get the barman’s attention. Being as attractive and well-built as he was, he obtained the alcoholic beverages rather quickly. After the last drop of tequila had made its way down their throats, Hangman took control and led him onto the dance floor. His mind was only filled of the smell of M/N’s cologne mixed with his natural scent enhanced by their bodies crashing against each other while swaying to the 2000s pop remixes, his eyes fixed on his partner’s hypnotizing movements and his hands focused on feeling what they can reach, testing if they can go further in their journey through M/N’s body. Jake was simply standing close and moving according to the song's beat but in a subtle way, just like he would do at the locals he frequented with his coworkers ; manly enough to keep his dignity intact but provocative enough to awake that lustful hunger in the other person’s soul.

‘Mon Ange’ had finally closed down and the two men were still all over each other on the angelino streets. The tingle settling in his chest could only be compared with the adrenaline rush he had previously experienced on those wild nights spent in college, the farewell by the porch of the first girl he had taken on a date or the night out after his first deployment; if he closed his eyes he could swear he was 20 again, but reality made sure to remind him of those fifteen more years that had passed. 

M/N had this juvenile thing about him, Jake couldn’t guess confidently his age from afar and his curiosity was finally satiated after befriending him and asking him about it directly ; he was 27, even though he looked some years younger. His bold character combined with his kindness and humor made M/N resemble a butterfly flying around collecting the pollen from every flower in the garden and making it seem effortless. That was one of the many things that hooked Jake on him as if he were the most addicting drug out there, making him throw away his plan of not getting attached and limiting this experience with sporadic hookups that would end then and there, never with the same person twice. That was the problem, he appeared and started moving his hips to some song, making the whole room turn around him and ever since then (even if Jake was still in denial), he was a goner.

The next thing he knew, he was laying down on M/N’s bed, a king size mattress close to a very big window that allowed him to take in the beautiful sight of the sleeping city. He had only been to the apartment twice, but he had always  left before the sun had made its appearance in the sky, moved by remorse and skepticism. This time though, he had stayed the whole night that was filled with passionate sex and heart to heart conversations and finally some cuddling that lured him to rest for a while. Now he was wide awake, sitting against the headboard, resting his eyes on the sunrise and on the slumbering figure facing him. He looked so calm, so peaceful. In that moment, turning his gaze away, he tried to repress a sob that came with a single tear falling through his left cheek. 

M/N had always known he was queer, embracing his bisexuality in childhood. Jake had never had any problems with people who were not straight, even if the people around him growing up did, but everything was different when it came to himself. For fuck’s sake, he was closer to being 40 than from his teenage years, what was he doing? He could only paralyze at the idea of anyone seeing what he was doing. It was definitely too late for him. Risking his life everyday up in the sky felt like a minor burden compared to the endurance of the dilemmas he carried with him everywhere, just like Christ had carried the cross all the way to Calvary.

He could feel himself falling for the person right next to him, and that was the worst thing that had ever happened to Lieutenant Jacob Seresin. His calloused hand cupped M/N’s soft face, making the other man lean in closer in search of that delightful warmth. Jake’s lips burned in desperate need to say something out loud. His heart started palpitating at a dangerous speed, as he knew the thing trying to escape from his mind was a cruel thing to say and that he was a horrible being just by thinking that. It was no one’s fault and it had no solution, yet the idea popped up in his mind like an unwanted ad appearing on your phone. His chest ached at the possibility of M/N hearing the words, so he tried to whisper as quietly as it was humanly possible. 

“I wish you were a girl”

[come-see-our-show]

I REALLY want to talk about The Plastics’ weaponized wokeness in the Mean Girls stage musical and 2024 film. (Spoilers galore!)

A complaint I heard from some people is that the musical is “too woke.” But here's the thing: "woke" people can still be assholes. 2004 was 20 years ago, so of course things from the original film aged poorly (like Regina calling someone the R-word). But doing that now is deemed socially unacceptable. Regina would be "canceled" if she did that now (by both the fictional students at North Shore High and the real audience watching), so writers had to adapt her for a modern audience. That being said, she still does horrible things. She acts like an "ally" to Janis but only to impress a boy she likes. Gretchen accuses Cady of slut-shaming her, but by doing that she shames Cady for how she dresses.

We see this all the time on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. People follow morality as a trend, not as an actual virtue (Believe me, I’m a Jewish person in 2024. I’ve had to deal with my fair share of bullshit from so-called “woke” people who really want me dead).

The Plastics are still mean girls. Their activism is about as real as a chunk of fucking plastic, and I have a feeling that the writers intended this.

[ashsimpsalot]

Beedi with my cheeni (Teen!Kid X Teen!Reader)

Tw: smoking

A/n: I know this is anwar but teen dev is technically teen Kid sooooooo. Also as someone who smoked and struggle to quit DO NOT SMOKE, KIDS

You're trying your best to uphold the "good student" reputation you have. Your eyes pinned on the class's clock as if it personally betrayed you.

It's almost time to go home, not for you though, you're supposed to go to that stupid additional classes for gifted kids.

Your eyes trailed from the clock to look at the whiteboard.

You have to focus otherwise you'd have to study all these by yourself and you just can't be bothered!

Your focus on Miss Raji was diverted once a random crumpled piece of paper spawned on your table. You furrowed your eyebrows and turned to your right, looking at the tight face of your favourite boy. You raised your eyebrows and he, with his straight face, tilted his head towards the direction of the paper.

You turned and smoothened the paper to see what's written inside.

'beedi tonight?' written in his pretty handwriting.

A small smile creeped up on you, your free hand had lifted itself to toy with the tip of your uniform's collar. You turned back at him and sticked out your tongue then turned to look at the teacher again leaving Kid confused.

After class, he trailed behind you, pulling lightly at your bag once he reached you.

"yessss, devu?" you turned around and smiled. He pushed the overwhelming feeling from his heart to his stomach, he can't let it all spill out, all that from the childhood nickname that his mom used to call him. Now only belong to your lips.

Kid looked around before looking down at you. "tonight?" he looked like a kicked puppy, how dare you give him a vague answer?

You chuckled and nodded "yea yea, just wait for me there, I'll be there." you said nonchalantly, eyes searching around the hallway before your hand roam up to his tie, chuckling and pulling his tie while leading it into one of the empty classrooms.

"cheeni..?" Kid's confused but relaxed once you held his cheeks in your hands, squished them a little before planting a kiss on his soft lips. You chuckled when you hear a small whine form him when you pulled away.

"for a tall and scary man, you're really clingy," you teased before exiting the classroom, leaving Kid confused, blushed and alone.

Usually you would walk with him back to the orphanage but because of your extra classes, he had to walk alone and simultaneously in charge walking the little ones back with him.

"Bhaiyaa!" he heard multiple high pitched voices once he walked near the primary school's bus stop. He smiled a little but not enough to be noticed unless you're squinting... Or is his girl.

Kid simply offered his hand to the assigned leader of the little people pack and he gladly took it. Creating a line of kids holding each other's hand to go back to their orphanage together lead by.. Kid.

"where's sundar didi?" mid walking, one of the kids asked, the kid asking is being carried on his shoulders because the tiny guy claimed that his feet hurt.

"hmmm didi went to a special class. It's for smart people," he explained with pride in his voice. His cheeni is a genius and he's proud.

Once they're back in the orphanage he followed the routine he's been doing for almost 7 years. Queue to bathe, eat dinner in the small dining hall, help the little ones with their homework, does his own homework, go to bed.

Well at least tonight, pretend to go to bed.

Once the care givers checked on them, he carefully creep out of the door, walking as quiet as he can and going to the abandoned building behind the orphanage, climbing onto some railing and ending up on the roof.

"boo!" you jumped out and tried to scare him. Kid looked stunned but there's no sound from him.

You let out a big laugh. "oh my God! The colour in your face dissappeared! you should've seen yourself, bandhar."

Kid's stunned face formed a small smile, he pulled you in and kissed your forehead, nose and then twice on your lips.

"you got me there," he mumbled into your hair. You chuckled, face pressed onto his chest, shamelessly sniffing his sweet scent in. Your hand roamed to his rear and pulled the small plastic packet out his pocket, only pulling away after giving his ass a little tap.

Which earning a yelp by him making you laugh slightly.

"beeediiii, where'd you get them this time?" you asked with a smile, feeling his arms wrapped around your waist, swaying you with him from left to right slowly and his smile widen.

"first years, I comfiscated them," he chuckled when you gave him a shocked look.

"ouh! The prefect is misusing his powers!" you laughed and held his hand, leading him to the blanket you'd laid down on the floor, you laid down and took of his shoes, you just smiled and waited for him. Kid laid down, head to head, he turned his head slightly to kiss at your forehead, he trailed down to kiss your nose then you lifted your head so he can access your lips.

He took out one perfectly rolled beedi from the bag and light it up, giving it a little drag before passing it to you.

You looked at it and chuckle. "I know you didn't roll this by yourself." he turned to look at you.

"why's that?"

You sit up and looked at him. "come on, baby, don't lie to me, I know you so so well, it's okay to say you can't roll."

Kid tried to act like he's offended but he himself knew that you were only telling the truth.

You smiled and took one drag and playfully blows the smoke at his face. Kid just smiled. He's got his eyes closed while your own were pinned on the moon. You sighed before decided to bite the bullet.

"you've been a little distant," you said, twirling the beedi on between your thumb and index fingers. He might be clinging to you but his kisses doesn't linger as long, his touches ate held back, it makes you crave him.

He didn't say anything but the way he sucked in a sharp breath notified you that he indeed heard you.

"why is that?" you asked, still not taking your eyes off of the bright moon.

"cheeni," he said almost annoyed that you're bringing this up.

"no tell me, what is it?" you demanded, sitting up straight to loons t him.

He sighed, finally opening his eyes and sat accros you.

"you're a smart girl... And you're not taking the scholarship because of me."

You groaned. "this again?"

"yes, this again. Do you realise the potential you're letting go?" he asked you, his face now a little desperate.

You took a drag of the beedi and shook your head. "I'm a smart girl, yes, but there's too many smart people in India, especially in the field of what's offered to me. Baby, engineering? Do you know how severely underpaid engineers are here? Why should I continue my studies into that field? Because of a scholarship?" you asked him, trying to get him to grasp your perspective.

"but the company offering the scholarship has overseas branches, I made my research," he said, fidgeting with his fingers.

"what? You want me to work outside?" you asked in disbelief. "if I knew this scholarship would bother you so much I wouldn't have joined that stupid learners program,"

He throw his arms up, his frustrations were flowing through. "see?! You're holding yourself back because of me!"

You groaned and shook your head. "I'm not! I don't want that life. I want our plan, I want you, Mumbai, I want to open that small coffee shop we've been talking about. I don't want anything else! Just a small apartment with you, a small life," you replied just as frustrated.

He was silent for a few minutes before sighing, his knees had been pulled to be against his chest. He opened his mouth. "and when the apartment gets too small? And the money gets too tight? Would you come back to this moment and regret choosing that life.. Choosing me. Because of me." his voice small and tired.

"I can't give you more, you came from more, you deserve more, you could achieve more,"

You sighed, this isn't about the scholarship.

You pulled his knees away, settling in his lap and hugging him tight.

"you stupid monkey, I told you, I don't want more. I want you," he's pressed his head on your chest, you mumbled into his curls.

"I just want you. Can you let me do that? Have you?" you asked, pulling away, carefully lifted his chin with your hand, holding the beedi away from him in fear of accidentally hurting him.

"yeah.. I'm sorry, cheeni," he mumbled, brown eyes looking up to you making you lost in its depth. You leaned down to kiss his forehead, nose then twice in his lips.

"Just you, you, understand? You," you whispered in between kisses and he nodded.

"Just us," he replied

[ateezreactionsandscenarios]

Caught in the act

Pairing: Song Mingi x Reader

Genre: Angst

CW: Cheating.

Prompts: 10) “Please don’t go.”

               30) “I don’t hate you”

               50) “Please, let me in.”  

Word Count: 2205

Summary: You thought your relationship was perfect, Mingi was all you could ever ask for in a partner, but it all changes when he betrays you in the worst way.

Prompt List               MasterList         Buy me a Coffee

It's close to closing time, and you just can't wait to get out of work. The day felt like it's dragged on but you couldn't be more excited to get home to surprise Mingi, who's been working extremely hard himself so you just want to do something nice for him.

With a few moments to spare, you couldn't resist checking your phone, noticing a message from Mingi himself.

[16.36] Mingi: Hey baby, I'll be running a little bit late tonight, work has run over. I'm so sorry, but I'll make it up to you when you get home.

Perfect, you thought. You'd have more than enough time to ensure that everything is perfect, there's no way he wouldn't have a smile on his face when he gets home and that got you bouncing on your feet.

Through the last of the customers rushing through the shop to grab the last coffee of their day, you keep an eye on the clock, eyes switching between that and the coffees that you make. It was evident that you wanted to leave by the way you were able to smash out all the coffees with a quickened pace, going from the longest queue to the last few stragglers who managed to slide their way into the door just before it was time to lock up.

With the last coffee handed to the last customer, turn to face your manager who's got a reassuring smile on his face. "You're free to go now, there's already two of us on to close the shop so you can go. You've done brilliant today, thank you for your hard work."

There was no way you could say no to that, knowing you'd have to make a quick stop at the store to grab your essentials to make Mingi his favourite meal and grab his favourite wine before he finishes work himself.

"Thank you, see you the weekend!" Excitedly, you grab your belongings and exit the building, running the quick errands that you needed to make before going to the store and finally making your way back to Mingi's apartment.

Holding the spare key he gave you made you feel special and comfortable... Happy even. You couldn't be more grateful that your relationship with him has been nothing but genuine and amazing, and the fact that he trusts you with a key? It kept your mind at ease.

With the light clicking of your keys crashing against each other as you rush towards his front door, you sigh to yourself in contentment, planning the night in your head and making a mental note of a checklist of to-do's before he gets home.

It still felt strange letting yourself into his apartment, but it also felt extremely right. Though you knew he wasn't home, you still let yourself in quietly. Just a little habit that you've picked up as usually he's passed out asleep on the couch after work, exhausted from such busy and tiring days.

Expecting it to be dead silent in the flat, you weren't sure if you were hearing things or if the neighbours were being louder than usual. Hearing faint noises coming from somewhere puts you on edge a little, practically tip-toeing around the apartment to get closer to the sound, which seemed to be coming from Mingi's room.

"Did he finish early himself? Damn." You thought to yourself, the excitement of surprising him quickly wearing off as the voice became more apparent that it was his.

It was going to be a case of brushing it off and feeling lucky that he's home and you'll be able to spend more time with him but when another voice answers him, you're on edge. The closer you got to the room, the more sounds that are audible, his low grunts paired with a feminine moan and the creak of his bed makes your stomach turn, physically causing you pain.

He isn't? He wouldn't.

No matter how much you try to deny it to yourself, the pain of hearing the noises getting progressively louder, the sound of Mingi's pleasured moans becoming more frequent, there was no way it was not what you thought it was.

It was your sign to turn away and never look back again, but with the war inside your head, you needed proof. You needed clarity. But what a huge mistake that turns out to be when you open the door as quietly as you could to have your heart ripped into shreds at the sight of what's going on in the room.

Tears sting at the corners of your eyes at the sight of this girl you have never seen before, laying under Mingi with her legs over his shoulders, his lips firmly pressed against hers. Oblivious to your presence at the door.

After the initial shock wears off a little, a loud crash from the glass breaking of the wine bottles and the bang of the groceries hitting the floor could be heard, but you're already heading towards the front door. Unable to think straight, you were suffocating and felt like you were going to pass out if you stayed in the apartment any longer.

"Y/N! Wait" Mingi calls out from behind you, fumbling to get his jeans back on and almost tripping around the place, managing to get a hold of your wrist before you successfully make it out of the door.

It was a struggle to try and get out of his grasp, cursing at him through gritted teeth and glassy eyes, unable to even face him. The more he held on, the more you were unable to stand up straight, finally releasing yourself from his grasp.

"Let me explain! Please don't go!" He bellows, the girl pushing past you partially dressed and seemingly ashamed as she rushes off down the hallway.

Without looking at him, you stop in your tracks, barely looking over your shoulder and give him a cold, harsh tone, "There's no need. I've seen it all".

Before he could even grab you again, you're already halfway down the corridor, getting the urge to run out of the building and onto the street. With no sign of him chasing you, you crumble onto the steps, pouring your heart out as the tears crash against the stone steps.

Saying you hardly slept that night would be an understatement, no sleep was had, all you could do was sit awake on the couch and cry your heart out. Your whole relationship with Mingi, gone, the relationship you thought was bulletproof was now all gone in a flash. 

All night your phone had been going crazy, call after call, text after text, all from Mingi who was begging you to hear him out and let him explain. Of course you ignored them all, what could he possibly explain? What is his reason to betray you like that? You were done, done with him and done with dating as a whole. How were you going to trust anyone at this point? Mingi was someone who gave you the world, made you fee like the only thing that ever mattered, the perfect gentleman and he pulls this shit. If he could do it to you then anyone else could and you weren’t going to risk it. 

The hours blurred into one, you only knew it was midday thanks to your clock on the wall. You’d been awake over 24 hours and you were exhausted, yet you still couldn’t sleep, the image of that girls legs draped over Mingi’s shoulders was burned into your brain and was all you could see when you shut your eyes. Coffee was your only friend now. 

Pouring probably your 5th coffee you were disturbed by an urgent knock at the door. You were in no hurry to answer it, if you left it long enough the person would go away, but he knocking continued.

“Y/n, please, let me in.” You heard Mingi practically sobbing from the other side of the door. Your heart fell to your feet, you didn’t want to face him...not yet.

“Y/n, I’m begging you, please open the door.” 

You don’t know what too over you, you didn’t know if it was the exhaustion making you think irrationally or if it was the sound of his sobs that go to you, but you found yourself approaching the door and opening it a crack. 

Mingi’s face was blotchy from crying and from what you could guess, he’d been crying for hours, not that you cared, he did this to himself, he had no right to cry. You tried to slam the door in his face but he was fast enough to slip his foot in the doorway, letting out a small wince of pain as you jammed his foot in the door.

“Get your foot out of the door.”

“Please, can you let me in for a little bit, I just want to explain.” Everything in your head was telling you not to and to just kick his foot from the door, lock it and never speak to him again, but part of you felt it could do with a really good laugh and maybe listening to his pathetic excuses could give you just that.

You let go of the door and turn to walk into your living room. Entering your apartment, Mingi tries to wrap his arms around you in an attempt of a hug.

“Get...off me, I didn’t say you could come near me.” You warned, shoving his arms from you and creating distance between the both of you. 

“Y/n, I need you to know I love you so much.” Mingi tries pleading but the statement makes you scoff.

“You’re kidding me right?”

“No, I really, really lo..”

“Cut the shit Mingi, you and I both know what you did that night so don’t you dare even think to pull the ‘I love you’ card on me and think I’ll drop the whole thing and come crawling back.”

“Just let me explain.” 

“Okay, go on then, explain, amuse me.” You say, folding your arms across your chest and waiting for what ever sorry excuse was going to spill from his mouth.

“I was drunk ok, it was a stupid drunken mistake. I went out with a few of the guys, I had a little too much and the rest was a blur until I saw you walking out.”

“Bullshit.” You spat. First he cheats and now he’s lying to your face, what more did he have up his sleeve?

“You told me you were going to be late home because work was running late, not once did you say anything about drinks with the guys, so don’t tell me this was all a stupid mistake when you had been lying to me from the beginning. How can I even trust you when you say it was a drunken mistake?” 

Mingi attempts to hold your hands wanting to wholeheartedly tell you it really was a mistake but when you took a big step back away from him he tucked his arms behind his back.

“I’ve broken your trust, I know that, and you probably hate me too but I swear to you y/n, hand on heart it was a dumb mistake.” His eyes started to fill with tears again, his whole body trembling as he willed himself not to break down again.

“Mingi...I don’t hate you.” You sigh. He looks at you, eyes wide and with a small glint of hope in them, hope that you’d forgive him. You could see the way he perked up and you had to put a stop to it before he got the wrong idea.

“I don’t hate you, but I also don’t forgive you. I’m done, this can’t be undone or taken back and a simple sorry isn’t going to cut it. You were my world and you go and do that to me, the lying, the cheating, drunk or not I couldn’t give a shit, you did it and that’s all that matters.” 

Mingi didn’t think he could hurt anymore than what he already had, but hearing those words leave your lips and the look on your face that told him you meant every word cut deep with him. He’d lost you and it was his own fault. 

“I...I’m sorry.” He whispers before finally letting the tears escape.

“I want my stuff back from your apartment. I’ll gather all your stuff today and I’ll be over tomorrow with it all and I want mine in return, after that I don’t want to see you.” He could only nod in reply. If it’s what you wanted then it was what you’d get, you don’t want to see or hear from from him then he’ll disappear, but if you ever for some reason wanted to see him again he’d welcome you back with open arms.

With a small nod of your head you lead him towards the door and shut it behind him. That was it, it was all over, tomorrow will be the last time you see him and right now you were okay with that, meanwhile Mingi found himself slumped against your front door, silently sobbing to himself wishing things could have been different.

Tag list: @stardragongalaxy​ @kpopjust4u  @whatudowhennooneseesyou  @8tinytings  @jenotation @grim-adventures58  @owjohny  @ker1  @tinkerbell460  @haylstoney  @scuzmunkie  @halesandy   @multihunbun  @kodzukein  @maskedmochii  @woosannie

[judeonfilm]

Some men attending a Last Dinner Party gig felt unwelcome due to venue security - a reflection on the treatment of non-men fans

Currently on the UK leg of the tour for their debut studio album, The Last Dinner Party received backlash about the treatment of some fans at a concert. This Saturday, September 28th, the band made up of women and non-binary people was due to perform in Lincoln. However, some men who went to the concert alone have spoken out on the internet about their experience. One man wrote that on arriving at the venue, he was "funnelled into a dark corner with other men, told I might be a pervert cus I’m alone and then taken into a room alone with a security guard where I was interrogated and searched. Feel sick." Another man wrote : "I rocked up there tonight at 8:45 on my own, no queue, I got asked how long I had liked them for, and to name my favourite song." They clearly did not deserve to have their evening ruined by an unjustified discriminatory act.

The venue has since apologised, announcing that the over-reaction was due to a change in security policies after being informed of incidents at previous gigs by the band. As much as these actions were well-intentioned -to protect other fans- their executions were clearly awkward and counterproductive. The Last Dinner Party clarified that they had not been informed of this change in security policies. Indeed, the band posted a statement on their social media, saying "Our shows are intended to be safe, welcoming spaces for everyone, which is something we deeply care about. Seeing inclusivity embraced by our fanbase is one of the best parts of performing live." They added that "everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend our shows" and that they were "appalled and disappointed that anyone was made to feel otherwise."

TLDP's audience is largely young, queer, feminine -people that are frequently victims of stereotypes, discriminations, and insecurities. I can confidently say that every person of colour, every woman, every queer and transgender person has already felt condescended to, unsafe, and unwelcome at concerts. Just because you don't belong to the stereotypical default audience (usually a majority of white male fans, for example Metallica's), you are asked to prove you deserve to be there, to prove your knowledge on the artists (how many times have you been asked to "name three songs"?).

For me, this treatment is directly linked to the image of the ‘fangirl’, a misogynistic term used to ridicule and exaggerate a category of audience. It is a magnifying glass on the misogyny suffered by women in the wider world. I won't go into too much detail on the subject (or I'll be at it for hours), but there's still too much discrimination against women and minority groups in the pit, as much as on stage, and behind the stage.

Obviously, these men did not deserve such discriminatory treatment. But I can't help thinking about the irony of it all: a man has felt the absurd condescension that non-men fans are regularly subjected to, and his story makes the news...

[shinshi9chen]

How will Sanji comfort your anxiety

English is not my first language, I was encouraged by our excellent SanjiYN authors we love to post my first English work. I use AI and dictionary to help me translate this work, hope this work can make you enjoy! Tags: Modern AU, Fluffy, anxiety

-Have you reached home yet, Daring?

-Yeah.

-I have a surprise for you, I'll be home in fifteen minutes, waiting for me. Love you.

Five minutes later, Sanji rechecks his phone, rules out the possibility that network and signal went wrong, and confirms that it was you who didn't reply and not that he didn't receive it.

Sanji's face regains his composure from the satisfied expression he had on when he edited the first message. The queue is finally over, he smiles softly at the clerk, and when asked what kind of dessert he needs, in addition to what he already wanted, he is pleased, willing, to let the clerk recommend something else, he admires and patiently waits for the clerk to pick up the food and pack it, making him look like the clerk who really serves customers.

But if the clerk could have noticed five minutes earlier Sanji's more vivid and innocent smile, she would have felt that he showed more etiquette at this time.

Women are all angels, but he had already signed the agreement that One man can only belong to One angel, he will not stupidly try to betray his agreement and mess everything up.

Sanji leaves the dessert shop after expressing his appreciation and saying "beautiful lady, goodbye". The paper bag and mobile phone are firmly grasped in his hand, he knows from your chat history that tonight is going to be a difficult night for you. And he only wants to do one thing: help you get back on your feet.

Sanji turns his key, pushes the door, and turns on the light in the hallway. He changes his shoes and begins to call his lovely girl: "Honey, I'm back! Where are you? Let me see you OK? ”

Lying on your side on the couch with your eyes open, looking at your phone screen distractedly, you seem to lose half of your response to the stimulus of the call, you raise your arm and only shake it once.

Sanji places the paper bag on the table in front of you, and sits down beside you, his cold hands holding the one you just put down, looking at you tenderly, expecting your gaze to respond. You raise your gaze and hold your breath for the beauty you saw, but your body seems to have only received a short-acting stimulant, and you lower your head again, with knowing nothing to say.

Your hand is caressed by his, feeling the outside temperature, feeling the contours of his hand, how his bones rise and fall, feeling like exploring a mountain range. He lets you touch a raised mole on the back of his left hand, it feels unique to touch compared to the surrounding skin.

You sigh, "It's cold." You let go of your phone and wrap the back of his hand with this freed hand. Your overlapping hands are now very similar to seaweed sticking to the rice ball, the rice ball is sandwiched with the filling. You start making eye contact again, and his eyes seem to brighten a bit.

"Sorry, it's cold outside. I've got a surprise for you, guess what? ”

"I saw the paper bag, is it dessert?"

"You knew this shop? Yes, it's desserts. I bought cranberry cookies, milk powder cakes, and the clerk also recommended durian mochi, quite strange combination right? ”

He is about to open the paper bag and make the dish arrangement in the kitchen, but you say, "Sanji, I don't have an appetite, I'm not hungry, I just want to sleep until tomorrow."

You've made him feel worried again.

"Alright. Have you had dinner? Do you have nasal congestion and cough? Dizziness? Sore throat? Stomach pain? No, none, great, my love is in good health today. Then what's going on, tell me, okay? "

He carefully avoids direct questioning, because that might be like repeating your long guilt and reproach of yourself. Little by little, he wants to feel your emotions, to gradually get closer the distance between you and his heart, and to carefully inject his power into you.

You sit up with the help of his strength, leaning on his shoulders.

"I have a test and I don't think I could prepare more, but I don't want to fail. But now I can't think about anything but worry, I'm not fit for the test, right? "

He would love to grow one more hand to wipe away your tears, why God let his lover's wisdom be based on low self-esteem and worry? He squeezes your hand and starts kissing your forehead, longing for your tears to be taken away by his kiss.

"No, you've done well enough." He kisses you on the eyebrows, on your closed eyes. His kiss was warm and gentle, feeling like he is approaching to breathe in the aroma of spices, flowers, and food, feeling like the comfortable sunshine in your memory. In such a beautiful season, in such a rare good weather, you are reluctant to leave alone, and you will call him for a walk together and imagine a tomorrow that is not inferior to today.

You really want to go back to that day with him.

You haven't disappointed anyone, you haven't had any worries or frustrations, you only have an intuition that you love each other, that God will bless you, and that you will trust your future.

"Sanji, do you love me?"

"I love you, and the most painful moment I have is the moment when you don't know how much I love you."

"I love you too, and I'm glad you always know I love you."

"You are the best, I can't wait for tomorrow."

"That is too early, let me have a cookie before ten o'clock."

[serialee]

Ateez Reactions: Dressed Up

Edited pictures belong to (aykdzip)

genre: sfw - fluff [693 wc]

pairing: ot8 x gf.reader

warning: none

○ 'NEVERLAND MASTERLIST' || 'NAVIGATION' |

◆ PARK SEONGHWA & JUNG YUNHO ◆

compliments, lots of them. Full on fanboying, love filled eyes.

When you blurted out loud one day that you felt like going shopping to cure your boredom, he didn't hesitate to pick up the car keys and accompany you shopping. However, if they could be a bit blunt, you were somewhat taking very long in the mall. You laughed when you heard them whine from outside as you were finally trying on clothes. The moment you stepped out in your first outfit, he felt like his breath was taken away. He wordless-ly stepped closer to you, reaching his hands out to wrap them around your waist, wanting to pull you closer.

"Oh sweet heavens, look at you my baby look at you!! Wow ... just...wow"

"hahaha aren't you embarrassed people are looking at us?"

"Wow you look absolutely gorgeous i think I'm falling in love all over again"

◆ SONG MINGI & CHOI JONGHO ◆

surprised and suggests photoshoots, maybe couple dress ups.

Busy, busy, busy. Everyone in Ateez is busy preparing for their biggest comeback yet with Deja Vu. Your boyfriend was no exception even though he is already dressed because he was brainstorming poses. A little frustrated with himself, you came by a whirlwind of a surprise as you strutted in matching Deja Vu goddess dress making the crews' jaw drop and the members clapping at the confidence you were showing. He turned around to see you and swore he entered heaven because how was he so blessed with such divine presence such as yourself? He could not take his eyes off of you or your dress but certainly not shy of compliment, matching your confidence and pulls you against him on set. The photographer played along and tens of minutes later, you just had your first photoshoot with your boyfriend.

"Thank your being my pose inspiration, gorgeous"

◆ KANG YEOSANG & CHOI SAN ◆

In love, prepares for a spontaneous dinner date. no time is to be lost!

When his head turned to face the door, he saw you walk in with rows of bags on both arms. It looked like you were ready to fall due to unbalance, so he got up and rushed to take some of the weight off. He laughed at you, asking "what did you buy so much?” 

“I promise you I didn’t mean to…” he knew there was more to that, “it’s just just there was a mega sale going on …”. That seriously got him into fits of laughter. He is laughing at your body language, head down and swaying your legs like a child getting caught. You shooed your boyfriend out so you could do a try on haul without being disturbed. You only went out to show him when you wore your favourite purchase, that immediately became his too! 

“Ohh my god, you look gorgeous. Gimme 10 minutes baby, you wait here! Oh, I’m going to dine-date you so good tonight!” That was the start of a rather silly dinner date, buying you flowers in front of you. You didn’t mind because honestly, it was just so cute!

◆ KIM HONGJOONG & JUNG WOOYOUNG ◆

And queue the love noises. Get ready to be shown off like a model; his model. 

“God, tell me how lucky was I to get such a hot girlfriend like you??” you heard your boyfriend yell from the other side of the room as you changed into your most favourite outfit. His sudden outburst turned the entire photoshoot crew into laughter. You could hear some of the staff jokingly play around as they called out to you on how jealous they were that you had a boyfriend so in love with you. You hollered back at them, letting them know how it really felt if they were in your shoes. Not a minute later and the floor sounded like an alpha wolf was present, the whistles and howls he made to hype you up. Rotating the camera in a dramatic way actually gave some awesome shots, surprisingly. 

“No no, it’s all in the model, it's all you baby...all you”

↬ Let me know if you’d like to be added into // taken off tags.

↬ My other stories will be listed under ’neverland’. | ’Navigation’ |

[mrofontaine]

FOR: @erdogan-nevra WHERE: Italian Food Festival. Ext. Streets of Camden.

It had been months since the awards ceremony where he'd been labelled as the biggest dumbass and biggest train wreck. That night, he showed them that he truly deserved those awards. At least to his own people, at least. That time spent with Isla had been the cause of such a downfall. It'd killed him. Not only had he not done his job body guarding, but he'd also walked over to the other side, where the opposition had stolen his brother. His actions had led to...the image of Lisette in that hospital bed clogged his throat, and guilt gnawed at him relentlessly.

Tonight was meant to distract himself, but so far it'd only seen him become more introspective. The bar at the end of the street beckoned. Another drink to numb this spiral, the one he'd been in for months and saw no notion of getting out anytime soon. Walking through the festival, hands buried in his pockets, while groups danced and sang together. Enjoying such a beautiful event. Olivier made sure to avoid eye contact with those around him.

However, just as he was about to reach the bar, two young men, dressed like they belonged anywhere but here, stood too close to a woman as they berated her with question after question. Eyes snapping between them, and her, it took only a second to determine that he couldn't, and wouldn't, leave it alone. Not a fucking chance. Olivier might've been a prick and earned the title. But this...scum of the earth.

"The lady looks like she wants to be left alone, Fellas. So why don't we take the social queues that your parent's obviously never fucking taught you? Walk-a-fucking-way." his features darkened, lips setting into a thin line. Mouths opened to protest, but it was enough to have him taking a step forward. "Now." Olivier's tone left no room to debate his features tort.

It wasn't until they'd scampered off, that he turned his attention back to Nevra, his features softening only a fraction. "You okay?"

[mygainyear2024]

Day 47-48 From Coimbra, now in Porto

I sit writing with my second (make that third and then fourth) glass of a young port (5 years old). A gift from the airbnb host, from her family's vineyard.

Yesterday I caught the train from Coimbra to Porto (I arrived so early and then almost missed it as I was paying attention to the destination and not the train number. My train was going on to Braga and so arriving on time, whereas I was looking at the Porto train arriving later and the Uber driver told me the trains are often late so that's the story I told myself. I don't know what made me realise the train that was coming into the station was the one I needed to be on. I was sitting in the waiting room. I ended up sprinting across the tracks behind the train with two suitcases and a backpack. I just jumped on the first carriage, well maybe not jumped, as the steps are above the platform and a couple helped me lift up those cases. I breathed a sigh of relief. The conductor said "don't worry, so many people run for the train!")

After upending my belongings all over the apartment (it's the most disappointing one so far - fewer cooking facilities and no washing machine and quite cramped) I head for my first coffee recommendation off the Kava app and it did not disappoint - Protest Kitchen - I even love the name. They make me a perfect latte with fresh milk, and I can taste the flavour of the beans and what the hell, I also order a cinnamon roll with nuts and syrup, divine! As I've already shared on my FB page, it was a Harry Met Sally moment. I got some supplies from the reliable Pingo Doce supermarket chain and then headed for the gym (a little difficult to find but well worth the perseverance as they're having a special, only €10 for the whole month of May and they have gyms in Lisbon where I'm heading next). It is incredibly crowded and the bikes in the cycling studio look as old as some of the buildings in Porto, but it's only €10!

I get a chance to meet up with Michelle Loch (my coach mentor from 2011 and "neighbour" from Taringa days) and a group of her friends who are about to embark on an eight day hike around the Douro Valley. Now why didn't Eva (Upwork) think of that hike! We have a drink down by the Douro River and then head to a lovely restaurant, the shiraz is delicious. Sadly it's a tad cold here and has been raining on and off. And quite noticeably from the places I've already been, there's also too many tourists and crowds and they're all getting in the way of my pictures LOL!

The airbnb host gave me a long list of things to do and eat, as did today's Sandeman's walking tour guide. That added to the long list in the calendar section of my iphone, and now also I've set alarms to remind me! I am not going to scratch the surface in one week. I read a post that recommended just taking Porto as it comes and that's what I'm going to do. Accept that the list won't all be ticked.

After trying one of the best pastel de nata recommendations this morning and, according to the airbnb host, the best éclairs in the world this afternoon (I don't agree), there are so many restaurant recommendations, and most places are already pretty full or with queues out the door. So tonight I have some simple tapas and a large glass of red wine at the newly opened TimeOut markets next to São Bento station and then what the heck, I google best gelato in Porto and find Gelataria Portuense. I think I'd rate this the best gelato so far. I had the peanut and caramel and café and black sesame.