#we never present at these meetings bc PI is like no no no we’re not ready!!!

[fluorescentbrains]

i just don’t see the point of having weekly check-ins with the collaboration if every time you “check in” your presentation has to be conference-level polished and ready for peer review

[honeygingergemini]

Now I'm thirsty for your writing! Can you write one where reader or steve wants to make a sex tape? Thank you😘😘

Hello my dear :) Thank you for being patient with me. I had writers block and just thought everything I was writing sucked so I kept deleting it and starting over. I hope you like it @donutloverxo

p.s. I was today years old when I found out tumblr doesn’t send you a notification when someone answers your ask (I’ve only ever asked on anon bc my main blog is something different so let me know if I am wrong lol) I tagged you just incase <3 IGNORE TYPOS :)

pairing: Steve rogers x fem!reader 

word count: 2.4k 

warnings: camera sex, dirty talk, oral male receiving mentions of face fucking (light), unprotected sex, cream pies and descriptions of it, light spanking, and praise kink for stevie :) 

On Camera

Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. My heart is racing and we haven’t even done anything but set up the camera. We’ve only been dating for five months and four days, so imagine the graveling I had to do to get America’s golden boy to agree to fuck me on camera. I begged Steve for so long and now I'm the shy one. We’re supposed to be making a sex tape yet we are on opposite ends of the bed. 

Steve’s bare back is against the headboard while his long legs are spread out before him. He keeps looking everywhere but the camera. His eyes bounce from the walls to the sofa in the corner of the room but once he looks at me, he looks at the camera and he retreats further into his shell. His hand keeps running over his shorts and now I'm starting to feel bad. 

He agreed to this for me but I know he’s nervous. Maybe he doesn’t want to actually do this? Maybe I don’t want to do this? 

Nothing will happen if I get up and turn the camera off now, nothing will happen except me being deathly embarrassed. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I know I want this, I thought about it for a long time before and after bringing it up to Steve. It was my bright idea and now I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs like a dummy. 

You’ve had sex with Steve countless times, this is no different don’t let the camera scare you. Just relax, he’s your boyfriend, the one you’ve slept with numerous times. Just kiss him. 

I take a deep breath looking at Steve whose skin is slightly flushed. I lean over to his side of the bed and reach for him taking in his warmth. His skin is damp with a light coating of sweat. Steve’s eyes shoot over to mine with the unexpected contact. 

“Hi.” I smile at Steve hoping to relax him. As well as myself. 

“Hi.” He looks at me but then quickly looks at the camera. I follow suit doing the same.

We need a distraction from the boxed recording device. I lean over more to capture Steve’s lips in a demure kiss. I kiss him slowly trying to memorize every detail of his mouth. My tongue rolls over his teeth before dipping further into his mouth pulling a deep groan from him, but after his groan he tense and pulls away. 

“You okay?” I ask. 

“Yeah... i’m still not...” comfortable. he didn’t have to say it for me to know what he meant. I lift my body over his straddling him as I trace my fingers over his body knowing the simple act calms him. It works because this time Steve initiates the kiss. It’s more firm than the last but pleasing just the same. Our tongues waltz in a sinful manner pulling soft calls from me. Forced breaths exit my nostrils as I grind my hips slowly into his. His large hands grip my hips and he pulls me down harder. 

“Uh Steve.” I moan out. “More please.” He’s now attacking my neck leaving open mouth kisses across my jugular. His hips push up to meet mine once then twice then it’s a repeated action that leaves me breathless. 

His eyes snap open to meet mine but instead they meet the camera and his arms drop to his side. Deep sighs are released from the both of us 

“I’m sorry princess... I'm just trying to get used to this.” I know he’s turned on right now. I can feel how turned on he is. 

“Do you want to stop?” He looks at me but doesn’t answer. I peck his lips quickly before removing myself from his thighs. My fingers are at the rim of his shorts very close to pulling them down before Steve sits up to stop me. 

“What are you doing?” it comes out mumbled together almost as one complete word. 

“Let me help you relax.'' I push his chest back down softly and continue my plan. I pull his shorts down just enough to free his erection. It bounces back and hits Steve's stomach. I take him into my hands and slowly stroke him. I bend over Steve's thigh  arching my back while bringing my spit slick lips to his tip and leave a wet kiss. Steve shudders whispering profanity under his breath. My tongue joins the fun, slipping out to run around the tip in slow semi circles. I continue my teasing until Steve's hips jut forward and his hand is on the base of my neck. 

“Suck it right.” He grunts voice hoarse “Stop playing with me.” 

“Yes sir.” The last words I say before I take him fully into my mouth. I push down until my nose is met by the coarse curls of his base. One of my hands grip Steve’s thigh while the other is holding on to the side of his abdomen subconsciously giving the camera a perfect view. Steve's grip on my neck is unwavering; he's holding my head down. 

“Fuck... breathe through your nose doll.” He grunts with a rasp I’ve never heard from him before. I take in sloppy breaths trying to calm down. “You gonna let me fuck your face? hmm princess?” 

He doesn’t wait for an answer; he begins pushing his hips up into me slowly speeding up with each thrust until he’s assaulting the back of my throat. The action pulls strangled noises from me. My sounds only serve as encouragement for Steve. I think he’s completely forgotten about the camera. 

Steve juts his hips in a way that knocks the wind out of me. I gag around him getting a deep groan in return. 

“F-fuck princess.” His hand finds your ass with conviction. Steve suddenly becomes fixated on your bottom. His burly hands run from your ass and down your thighs repeatedly. I wiggle my lower half as a silent plea for him to spank you again and he complies. 

“You like it when Captain spanks you?” Slap. “You like the pain?” Slap. “I asked you something, doll.” you were presented with two slaps this time. I nod ferociously around Steve’s cock. The super soldier rubs the area he’s abused before dipping his fingers into your core. 

“Shit princess.” he continues toying around with your pussy. He pulls your head from his dick not wanting to end his fun prematurely. His tongue meets yours in a grimy kiss. “I can’t wait to watch that back.” Steve mumbles around your lips as you simultaneously squeeze the finger within you. 

“Oh? You like that?” Steve adds his middle finger to his index and presses into your warm sex deeply. I cry out enjoying the sweet burn of Steve’s fingers. “You like the thought of me watching this while i’m away?” 

You absolutely loved the thought of Steve watching you pleasure him when he’s away. An image of Steve hunched over dick in hand pumping himself into oblivion leaves you dripping. 

“Take your dress off.” Steve demands his voice carrying power. I begin stripping myself for him when he quickly stops me. “Nuh uh, not for me, for the camera.”

I turn to the camera as a shiver runs down my spine. My slip dress easily falls off my body leaving me with only black lace panties as covering. Not that I want to be covered in this moment. 

“You’re so beautiful.” Steve’s thickset hands wrap around me from behind covering my breast giving them a pleasure filled squeeze. “Such a pretty sight.” Steve brings his body to mold into mine from behind. His left hand trails it’s way down back to my clothed opening. 

“Can i touch you?” I nod yes at Steve's ridiculous question. Why would you ever deny him? Your response must be good enough because he’s pressing down over the fabric just the way you like. It doesn’t take long for his self restraint to be overcome and he’s dipping his fingers under your panties. He dips into your liquid arousal and coats your sex with it.

“You’re dripping princess.” He shudders to himself. He says it every time you two are intimate but you never get tired of hearing it. “So wet.” 

“Always for you.” My words flow out breathlessly “Only for you.” You’re unsure of when steve removed his shorts but he’s aligning himself with your entrance. He’s bare. There’s no protective barrier between the two of you. He’s never done this before. You’ve never done this before. His tip is barely grazing your lips, Steve surprises you. 

“Are you okay with this?” He asks for your permission and of course you accept. How could you turn down your favorite super soldier? So now you’re face down into the mattress dripping at the idea of getting to feel your Steve in a new way. A more personal way. Steve pushes into you slowly, only his tip. An exasperated moan leaves you as your suspicion is confirmed. You feel every detail of Steve's mushroom tip. Your vice like grip cups him into your squelching center holding him there. You absentmindedly hear Steve express his approval of the pleasure your body is providing him. Steve pulls out his tip just as slow as he entered. A suctioning click echos in the room showing just how wet you are. 

“Fuck.” Steve whispers “You feel like a dream doll.” 

He hasn’t fully delved into your sweetness and he’s on cloud nine. Not wanting to waste anymore time Steve dips into your bottoming out quickly and stays there. Labored breaths from both of you fill the room. It feels like Steve sits there forever unwavering. He takes in every detail of your squishy walls as you commit every vein, dip, and curve of Steve’s dick to memory. 

“Stevie baby,” You can barely breathe but you need him to move. “Move… please… for me.” 

Steve takes in one deep breath before he’s pounding into with great intensity. He doesn’t work your way up to his speed. He just slams into you, repeatedly. Hips clashing into your ass causing a jiggle that Steve adores. His hands strike your bottom giving added stimulation you didn’t know you needed. Steve pulls your head off of the bed bringing your body to lay flush against his. He dips his hips just a little bit lower and his tip sweeps the sweet spot located deep in your center only he can reach. You choke out a cry, his name being the only thing on your mind. Your cries encourage him to duplicate the action. 

“It feel good, doll?” You nod so fast you feel the contents of your mind scramble. 

“Say it, tell the camera how much you like it.” Steve turns your head to the recording device in front of you. Something you forgot was even present in the room with you. “Tell the camera” With each word his body collides with yours making sure you feel him as well as his words deep. “ Tell ‘em how much you like Captain stretching this pussy out.” 

“Tell them.” Steve’s stern grunts are accompanied by passionate strikes to your outer thigh. 

“Captain…” You whine, The pleasure is starting to feel overwhelming. “You feel so good, so different.” You want to catch your breath but you always want to please Steve. Captain has a praise kink. 

“I can feel all of you.” You reach behind yourself to cup Steve's head. “It’s so deep.” You sigh when his fingers find your clit. The tingle of your orgasm begins at your toes and travels up your body. You’re so close. 

“You’re the only one that can make me feel this way.” Steve grunts in approval of your expression pressing harder into your clit. He likes control but only because you give it to him so when you praise him, he feels like he’s on fire. 

“I love when you touch me like that.” Another grunt from Steve. I teeter close to saying something important, something so permanent that once I say it, it can't be taken back. Steve’s chest puffs with need. A need for you to express the feeling you both have swirling within your chest growing with each passing day. A small smack is applied to your clit before Steve flips you over so you’re on your back. 

“Tell me what I want to hear.” His voice is as rough as his pace. You don’t respond. It’s only been a couple months. Way Too soon to say it. 

“Don’t wanna say it?” Steve is plowing into making sure no air is left in your lungs. “But I thought I was doing so good?” His thrusts are unabated. 

“Thought I was the only one that could make you feel this way? hmm? Thought only I could make you feel good?” Long drawn out moans escape you. One right after the other each one more melodic than the last. 

“Be my good little baby and say it.” His thumb flicks around your bundle of nerves with sharp short strokes. “Say it princess.” 

“I love you.” You think you say it. You hope you say it. You’re unsure, your words are completely slurred and your mind is only filled with white noise. Your body is levitating as your orgasm washes over you. You’re feeling everything all at once. Steve doesn’t stop. He doesn’t give you a moment to catch your breath. 

“I know you do baby,” Steve chuckles, pleased with his work. “I love you so much more.” Each word is followed by a sweet kiss. Too sweet for what’s taking place. Your understanding of time becomes weary but soon enough Steve meets you at the peak. 

“F-Fuucck doll.” His body tenses as he releases deep inside you. “Fuck.” Once he collects himself he’s off of you. You whine at the loss of heat from the super soldier. You didn’t realize it but Steve has grabbed the camera bringing its focus to your filled cunt. 

“You look so pretty like this doll.” His finger dip into your overstimulated sex. He pushes the proof of his orgasm around before pulling some of it out to spread it across your lower lips. 

You lay still trying, trying to breathe, trying to not pass out, trying to not look as fucked out as you feel. You hear steve mention how this was fun in the background but you don’t have the strength to respond. Soft kisses to your inner thighs, stomach, then lips lull you further into your euphoric state. 

“You okay?” 

“Mmhmm i’m perfect.” You sling a leg over the super soldier.  “So you love me?” Steve’s soft chuckle is the last thing you grasp before falling into much needed slumber. 

[dontasktheradiodemon]

❌ So yesterday night Alastor invited over a guest to cook dinner for.

❌ I could tell the second she arrived because I could hear frigging "Be Our Guest" start up in the lobby.

❌ I tried to avoid that whole scene, but from down a hall I definitely spotted a shadow-thing juggling dishes.

❌ He rewrote the lyrics. I didn't catch all of them, but I did hear "Can they sing? Who can tell! After all, doll, this is Hell!"

❌ If you're on the fence about checking into the hotel and you're a musical theater fan: if you come, there's basically a 100% chance that the Radio Demon will do a musical number for you.

((So @autokrates came over for dinner last night, and we decided not to roleplay it out, but we DID write a long semi-pseudo-roleplay summary of how that meeting would have gone, so for any parties who are interested, HERE'S THAT CHAT LOG))

Valera

So! Largely, I believe. Val showing up, a musical number happens, and then ingredient delivery

Alastor

Sounds right.

Then Alastor preps dinner, spends too much time fussing with this Newfangled Modern Machine With Settings And Dials, and they sit staring at a slow cooker for a while.

Valera

Ah yes, nothing like sitting in dead silence waiting for things with someone you don't know! She should have asked Pentious for-- OH YEAH. Slide a pamphlet over. He can busy himself with memorizing that for a little while

Alastor

He absolutely will. And he will politely play showtunes in the background for the benefit of his guest as he reads.

Valera

Ah, just the thing for her to occupy herself with. Quietly stimming by wiggling her fingers and tail to the music

Alastor

He'd probably say thanks for the info but uh why give it to him? (Not that he doesn't WANT it but like, it seems pretty private, he's surprised that Valera—and Sir Pent?—think he's worthy of being let in on where Sir Pentious is this week)

Alastor three days after falling asleep on the floor all tangled up with Sir Pent: haha yeah but it's not like we're CLOSE is it?

Valera

Dumb old men being dumb!!!

Alastor

HE JUST. ASSUMES HE'S WAY MORE INTO THIS THAN SIR PENT...

Valera

Pentious asked her to elaborate to Alastor what was happening, since she's still got a level head and experience with shedding. Which is convenient, because she'd fully intended to anyway. Pentious may want company, and Alastor needs to be prepared.

Alastor

OuO oh so he trusts Alastor that much huh. He will... file that fact away... somewhere in his heart

Valera

Aside from herself, he's the person Pentious trusts most. Casually sips materialized tea.

Alastor

Immediately tries to play it off like HAHA MUST BE A SHORT LIST. ... Which would probably be funnier if not for the fact that, like, it IS a short list.

Valera

She will... Refrain from commenting on the list being Two People long. But she will raise a very deliberate eyebrow at the way he avoids any signs of emotional attachment

Which actually reminds her! She owes him an apology.

Maybe multiple? Whatever.

Alastor

(He might be verbally avoiding signs of emotional attachment but outside of that, like, it's gonna be hard for her not to notice that his attention on the conversation goes from like 75% to 110% the moment Sir Pent comes into it and he drops everything to focus on the Info Pamphlet That Might Be Helpful For Sir Pent)

Genuinely :)? at that, apology for what

Valera

Well, a few things! Pentious shared Alastor's letters with her, which, yes he was asking for input, but it was a bit invasive.

Alastor

Goes from :)? to :]

Valera

And then for, what was it, outing him? The post was taken down, but if Pentious had mixed feelings about it, well. She can't assume how Alastor felt even if she did say it was an Opinion Piece.

Shrug!!

Alastor

Oh THAT? Sure Alastor thinks he saw that go by now that Val mentions it. It's exactly what she said: an opinion piece!!! Why, he's an infamous celebrity! Everyone has an opinion on him and most of them are wrong! He doesn't put much stock in them~

Valera

Regardless! Her bluntness charms some, but it can also be quite inappropriate. She hopes it didn't distress him too much, it was never her intention.

She is a POLITICIAN.

Alastor

Why, he hardly even noticed it.

Valera

Good! Looping back around to her beau, did Alastor have any other questions?

Alastor

... Anything he can send to help out?

(NOW he's all self-conscious, offering to do something NICE. gotta try to be all aloof about it)

Valera

(Wow he really IS like Pentious but Even Worse.. She is amazed.) Send? Oh, no dear fellow. Asking for food today was largely a cover to visit without having Vaggie relay all this information thirdhand. Though he did do quite a fine job of making the food, Pentious will love it.

(assuming, but the Smell)

Alastor

✨💖 Oh will he? That's good. 💖✨

Valera

Yes. Alastor cut the vegetables and meat into the perfect sizes to avoid a texture issue, couldn't have done it better herself. Prr prr

Alastor

(He's like Texture Issue???? but like. He's not gonna ask.)

Valera

She will GLOSS PAST THAT, THEN. Beyond the food, which was a lovely bonus, hmm... No, she's already providing the lotions and voice recordings for Pentious. Unless he's willing to be an in house cheer squad when the snake gets bored and blind, there isn't much he could do.

Alastor

Well, he'd be glad to come over for a visit if it'd lift his spirits—if Sir Pentious would want the visit?

Valera

She expects he will! He's.. Distressed.

Uncomfortable shift. SHE DOESN'T LIKE BEING SO VAGUE.

Alastor

Well now she's got 150% of Alastor's attention.

Valera

Twitchy Tail Time!!! Yes. Well, the pamphlet makes it very dry, but a shed is nothing short of agony. Itchy, painful, it leaves you blind and helpless. If you've already got... experiences with such things. It makes it worse. Pentious is barely into it and he's already ready to attack anything that moves.

Alastor

... Well! Let Alastor know when he can come by.

(He's got trouble wrapping his head around the idea of WANTING company while pained and helpless, but if Valera says he does, then Alastor is going by that)

(... and if Sir Pent gets pissed Alastor came over he's 100% pointing a finger at Val and going "well she said you'd like it")

Valera

(LMAO)

(Val would explain it as wanting a strong person present so you can feel protected and finally relax)

(She's appealed to Pentious' ego with that!!)

Hah! Yes, of course. Though he may need to go to Valera's home, fair warning. She's trying to coax Pentious into laying in her tub to get through this. She's got more equipment to deal with the symptoms, and a larger bathroom by far.

Alastor

Having a near stranger over sounds like something that should worry Valera more than Alastor! For him, it's a bonus.

Valera

OH MAKE NO MISTAKE. VAL'S NOT SURE ABOUT IT

BUT. she's confident Alastor isn't going to do anything dumb in her house

bc Pentious would FLIP SHIT

Alastor

She's already decided that Alastor won't behave himself out of basic decency as a guest or even out of a desire to maybe get invited back but he WILL behave himself solely because Sir Pent is there and he's feeling kind of called out. Called out in his own kitchen, in front of his own crock pot,

Valera

Raises an eyebrow

She's grinning but she shouldn't be when she's acting like a little shit

Alastor

BUT WHAT HE ACTUALLY SAYS IS of course he'll be on his best behavior :) :) :)

WHY IT'S NOT EVERY DAY HE MEETS SOMEONE WITH SUCH FINE TASTE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS, he'd be a fool to be a poor guest

Valera

Glad to hear it! He's been nothing but a perfect gentleman so far, but with the way Pentious rants about other demons, an abundance of caution seems wise. Nothing personal, dear fellow.

Demon culture is very much a mystery to her, and a confusing one at that.

Alastor

COMPLETELY reasonable. After all, everyone is down here for a reason.

Valera

She would agree, if the concept of sin wasn't such an odd one! It comes down to survival of the fittest, at the end. But just because some pompous sky man says he loves you if you follow his contradictory rules, humans are doomed to eternal torment? It's bizarre.

Ah, but excuse her. Her viewpoint is, literally, alien.

Alastor

You make the world, you make the rules. What is the guy powerful enough to give the orders and see that they're obeyed if not "the fittest"? Who has the power to argue if he prints a list of criteria for who he does and doesn't want joining him in his gated community in the sky?

He's told someone tried to argue with him once. And that's how THIS little neighborhood got started.

Valera

Oh, it's not so bad. Heaven is a pretty dull place! All sorts of goody two shoes drinking tea and baking pies in the perfect idyllic weather. Forever.

Alastor

You know, for a time, Alastor used to think that all the "punishment" narratives around Hell were just talk. He had this theory that, actually, humans were sent to the afterlife they were better suited for. The people sent to Heaven are the kind of people who'd LIKE being in Heaven, the people sent to Hell are the kind of people who would be bored stiff in Heaven and just make it miserable for the people who want to be there.

But he was wrong. It really, truly is rotten down here. Not just because of the wilted vegetables and awful weather. Hell grinds at you on a spiritual level. It really is a punishment.

Valera

Well that's.. A lot at once. Vaguely concerned frown.. That she is going to cover with her tea turning to a Nice Dark Coffee. SSSssssssSSSIP.

Alastor

Just thought she might benefit from an insider perspective! She can rest assured: the pie-baking tea-drinkers really are better off.

:) :) :)

Valera

Interesting! She's never spent much time in Hell out of arms reach of Pentious, but that's something to keep in mind for the future.

Alastor

Happy to help~!

Valera

[[ val voice: haha yeah whenever I'm in hell I'm getting doted on but I'll keep an eye out for emotional wear and tear!

Alastor

(It's different for visitors who only come to chat with the convicts)

Valera

(Of course. More for Pentious than herself, she doesn't know a lot of his backstory yet BUT SHE KNOWS ITS SAD)

Now, moving to happier topics! She loves what hes done with the hair. Though it makes him rather fresh faced

Alastor

WHY, THANK YOU!! It was all the rage a hundred years ago! But they do say fashion trends come back around!!

Sir Pentious wasn't as impressed by it, but, hey, can't win them all, can you?

Valera

Ah, don't worry about it. He just takes a bit to come around to change!

... Usually.

Alastor

Well, doesn't matter, he probably won't be keeping it long.

"Usually"?

Valera

She grins!!! Yes, usually. He's remarkably easy to get on board with just about anything if you can relate to something else he likes.

Alastor

Well, naturally! Who isn't?

Valera

The LOOK on her face is like she SUCKED A LEMON.

You'd be surprised.

Alastor

... Apparently so!

he's gone from :) to 8) like what did he just step in

Valera

NOTHING SHE'S GETTING INTO! Now, tell her dear man. What kind of musicals do you like?

Alastor

............... All of them???

Valera

Oh? Everything from Les Mis to Cats?

Anything Goes?

Alastor

Are those the two extremes? Then apparently so! What about you?!

Valera

She has preferences when she's PERFORMING in them, but from an enjoyment perspective, she can appreciate any production.

Alastor

A fan after his own dead heart!

Valera

She can do a MEAN patter song, but she likes being able to dance around while she's belting lines out. Acrobatics are where she can really show off!

Alastor

Well, then he hopes he'll have a chance to see her dancing sooner rather than later! Alastor never received much in the way in formal training in dance, and he's sure it shows, but he likes to think he makes up for it with personality.

Valera

Oh pish posh. Dance is at least fifty percent attitude, he'd be phenomenal on or off the stage. And she can always give pointers, if he's looking for them.

Alastor

He really only does it for his own entertainment—AND for the entertainment of honored guests, of course—but if he ever decides to get back into theater for whatever reason, he'll keep her generous offer in mind.

Valera

Of course! Not like she's going to do a lot of dancing with Pentious here. Her love is many things, but a dancer is not one of them. Snrk snrk.

Alastor

Really. Huh.

So how DID they meet, anyway?? Alastor's been wondering! Hard for sinners to meet many people outside of Hell.

Valera

Oh! Haha, funny story, that. But how much detail does he REALLY want?

Alastor

Well, far be it from him to pry into anything she doesn't think she ought to share, of course. But he wouldn't have asked if he didn't wonder.

Valera

Fair! Alright, well. They met on tumblr, obviously. Pentious was flailing about being combative and intentionally aggressive. You know. Pentious.

Alastor

Naturally.

Valera

She decided to approach him without the immediate hostility so many of her peers were demonstrating. Doesn't everyone deserve a chance to explain themselves, after all? He seemed like he was lashing out, not truly malicious. Nobody had bothered explaining to him that what he did was wrong, or why.

And, you know. If you attack someone, you can't be surprised if they attack you right back. Obviously.

Alastor

Obviously.

Valera

So! Yes. She approached him, asked questions. Asked for his side of things. And they got along just fine! So she invited him over for tea, arguably. But mostly he invited himself over because she made too much tea.

Alastor

So just a chance encounter while adrift among the Internet's airwaves! How serendipitous.

Valera

More or less! Though really, she'd spoken to Alastor more at that point. Other Alastor. He'd been inviting her over to his hell, so she'd likely have met Pentious under very different circumstances if she hadn't approached him then.

But! He came over, and they talked. And they talked a LOT. About their passions, and about how ridiculous people can be these days.

And gods, can they. Then they decided to watch The Mikado! Has he heard of it?

Alastor

Has he heard of it?! One of Gilbert & Sullivan's most renown shows?! Madam! Of course he had!

Valera

Oh good, good good! He continues to impress! So lovely to know there are other people with taste around here. So yes! They watched The Mikado, and it went.. Almost alarmingly well. At the start they were on opposite ends of the couch, and by the end he was sprawled across her lap like he lived there.

Alastor

...... Well!

He warms up to people fast.

Valera

Haha! Perhaps he was simply overly pleased to connect with someone again, and let his guard down? They wound up making out on the couch like a pair of horny teens, so.

Alastor

...... Well!

Valera

Sssssips drink.

Alastor

............ Congratulations! (he has No Idea what you're supposed to say to that)

Valera

Thanks! (She doesn't either) Want to know an incredibly adorable fact about Penny?

Alastor

Sure!!

(he is retaining a Remarkable poker face through all this)

Valera

He likes it when you scratch his hood. Makes him melt in to a happy little pile of scales.

(someone please... Help Alastor....)

Alastor

Ha! Well, isn't that darling.

(The only one who can help Alastor is Alastor himself and he's like "why should I help, what's that bitch ever done for me")

Valera

Very. Should he ever deign to let you try it, the results are best from juuust the very joint of his neck and hood.

(ALASTOR PRACTICE SELF CARE)

Alastor

(FOR THE LAST HALF CENTURY HIS SELF CARE HAS BEEN AVOIDING SEEING/THINKING ABOUT SIR PENT EVER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. He still needs to figure out how to do a self-care that's the opposite of that!)

Duly noted! Alastor's sure it'll never happen, but even so.

Valera

Oh, she isn't so sure! Penny speaks fondly of him.

Alastor

... Hm.

Well, there are different sorts of fondness, aren't there!

Valera

Well, yes of course? She's fond of many people, but she isn't exactly engaged to the vast majority of them. What is his point?

Alastor

That THAT'S the sort of intimacy one usually reserves for someone closer to the "engaged" end of the fondness scale—hold on, engaged??

Valera

Oh? Yes, engaged. Anyway, is it? This must be one of those human things again. There's nothing sexual about enjoying platonic physical contact, there's no reason for it to be relegated to a relationship.

Alastor

Well, what does Alastor know, he's never been a very touchy person. SO, how long have you two been...? Well, probably since before Alastor met either of you, silly question! He just must not have heard.

Valera

Oh, no it's.. Arguably recent? Certainly after he and Pentious started talking. Though don't get too fussed, dear. Pentious has a ring he hasn't lobbed at her yet. They've just agreed to get married, Pentious refers to her as his fiancé. No dates set or anything.

Alastor

Oh, good, so he didn't miss some big announcement. That WOULD have been embarrassing

Valera

He did not! And really, with how he and Pentious get along he might wind up getting asked for advice if a proposal ever actually occurs.

Alastor

... He doesn't know what kind of advice he could offer! He's not known for his expertise in romance, ha.

((suddenly got a flashing glimpse of a possible future where Alastor is the best man, standing like five feet away from Sir Pent trying to hold it together))

Valera

[[ JFDHFKDSHJFKDS HONESTLY.... IT'S LIKELY

Valera

You know, she doesn't think any of them are! Marriage isn't something Veci usually do with aliens, but Pentious insisted he wanted a proper marriage, and kids, and she's not opposed to either if that makes him happy. Though seeing him with the dolls is incredibly endearing.

Alastor

((And I will be FILLED TO THE BRIM with sadistic glee))

The dolls??

Valera

[[ Alastor crying ASMR

Alastor

(("Al are you okay—" "YEAH I'M FINE IT'S JUST. IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL. ISN'T IT. SO MOVING."))

Valera

Yes! Would you like to hear that story?

Alastor

SURE!!

Valera

Super! So! She doesn't know ALASTOR'S stance on calling women things like sluts and whores, but she herself is.. Not terribly fond of those words. Something about having them screamed at her, just doesn't sit well.

Alastor

One rarely is fond of the words one's been on the receiving end of.

Valera

Indeed. Pentious on the other hand, used them quite freely against any woman he wasn't pleased with.

But! Pentious wants kids someday, and kids are of course, quite perceptive little creatures. And no child of hers is going to grow up internalizing that kind of nonsense, either as a measure of their worth or as something a proper young man calls any lady.

So! She made a few dolls, to demonstrate her point. Pentious wants kids, so she made him some dolls that resemble what his offspring would.

And then hurled abuse at them quite freely!

He didn't take kindly to hearing what random men would call his own daughter, funnily enough.

Alastor

Alastor's like lmao. (IT SEEMS KINDA MEAN AND MEAN THINGS AMUSE HIM... he's half powered by schadenfreude)

Valera

(It WAS mean)

Alastor

And he takes it that worked.

Valera

Pentious can often be found curled up with his little doll family, and he hasn't used a slur since, so! Yes.

Alastor

No surprise there! He is, at his heart, a family man in hibernation, isn't he?

Valera

Not even in hibernation! He's incredibly eager to start a family.

Alastor

Of course. Now that he has the chance. Probably the only man in Hell who does.

Formerly in hibernation, then.

Valera

Can sinners not reproduce?

Alastor

No! Sterile, one and all. The dead do not breed. There are the few rare exceptions who have been supernaturally promoted out of the pool of the damned and made nobility of the same rank as the native Infernal-born or Heaven-fallen demons—Queen Lilith, for instance—but that's not just a thing that HAPPENS. A sinner must be CHOSEN, typically by Lucifer himself. Alastor wouldn't be surprised if it happens less than twice a millennium.

And even at that, to his knowledge these ascendant damned have never bred with each other—only with the Infernal nobility.

Valera

Huh! Fascinating. She really should learn more about the going ons of hell... But good to know! That explains the way Pentious.. Basically went feral as soon as he found out it was possible to have a family.

She's still not sure about the whole "eyes going red" thing, but he's explained it as any peak of emotion.

Alastor

It happens!

... Did you account for the possibility of him being sterile when you promised him a family? Or did you make the promise on the assumption that he's as fertile as any living man?

Valera

Oh, she can reproduce with anyone who has a soul. Pentious IS a damned soul. Ergo...

Alastor

Getting around the usual rules, then! Good. Alastor would so hate to hear if he'd gotten his hopes raised just for them to be dashed again.

Valera

Oh, she was careful to check! Many demons are soulless beings, and she hates to be made a liar of. Though she wasn't even sure poor Pentious even had genitals at the time!

Alastor

Well. Surprise.

Valera

She is Looking Away

Yes... Surprise indeed.

Alastor

He is the picture of :) neutrality

Valera

Val is trying very hard to keep the conversation from going to DARK PLACES. So!!! Subject change time.

Did you and he have fun at your last visit? He tends to give her a summary, but it's nice to hear the other perspective

Alastor

OH. YES. SURE. DELIGHTFUL TIME.

Valera

Oh? Delightful?

Alastor

Yeah, sure! ... Why, did he not think so?

Valera

Oh! He.. Got very drunk. His memories get fuzzy.

Alastor

... Well, that was half of what made it delightful!

Valera

She wouldn't know, but she's very glad to hear it!

Alastor

You abstain? Or not biologically capable?

Valera

Oh, neither. Rarely have the chance to actually relax anymore, too many attempts to murder her over the years. Regicide is very in, you know.

Alastor

Heavy is the head!

Valera

Hah! He can say that again. It's a thankless job. But somebody's got to do it.

Alastor

((I'M RUNNIN OUT OF STEAM... and they chatted about a lot more than I expected, this was productive!! Anywhere else you think we oughta steer the conversation or d'you think it's safe to go And Then They Chatted More, The End))

Valera

[[ NAH I THINK ITS BEEN ESTABLISHED WELL ENOUGH. STEER BACK TO MUSICALS, THEY TALK SHOP, AND THEN WHAM FOOD

[lilytcyip]

December 31st, 2019

1.3 tera v w/ rjin & ggao

1.4 cactus & la foret w/ jng

1.8 talked it out with jng ; tried to understand that if i were happy, what more could you ask for

1.11 cyns bday dinner

1.11 craft beer w/ aleung & lwong

1.13 arisu & standing egg with efeng & aleung ; drove on highway for the first time

1.18 west dineout w/ annie pkp

1.19 glass w/ fifi

2.10 first snow of the year

2.3 cny lunch at home with the fam - tong yuen & poon choi

2.4 mooseknuckles - grateful

2.5 lunar new year

2.16 hangiout with mamayip & sis: beta 5, fixing the parka, meetfresh, miku sushi dindin

2.17 mom leaving for 2 months, wandering earth with the yips

2.19 happy hour cactus w/ fifi

2.20 kokoro lunch & shopping w/ rjin

2.20 so hyang w/ veda & nwu

2.21 black been noodles & tonkatsu lunch & usagi matcha sweets w/ ewong

2.22 green leaf sushi & grounds for coffee w/ vtan

2.25 sushi mura w/ acao ; larry berg planes and kisses for the first time

3.13 mental health talk w/ nwu & tchiu + jamjar

3.15 virtuous pie & nanas green tea w/ rjin

3.16 wine night w/ claw, aleung & fsyal

3.17 tabom & stanely park w/ jerpilla

3.23 pool & rc shopping with jyang

4.3 studying with jyang on campus & langara bye

4.9 studying with jyang at my house

4.18 ramen danbo & official date 

4.20 so hyang & off the grid waffles w/ ayip

4.26 sci ning off w/ aleung, claw, fsyal, lwong & mcheung

4.27 clay llama terra pot class

4.29 so hyang budae jjigae & yifang w/ ewong

4.30 rc shopping & sushi lover with the yips 

5.1 maenam, kits beach & rain or shiine ice cream w/ rjin

5.2 our first little tiff & being called chubby by mlo

5.3 shopping w/ vchan, aleung & fsyal

5.7-5.11 LA trip

5.8 LACMA & melrose & century city field

5.9 warner bros tour

5.10 malibu

5.28-6.1 hokkaido, japan

5.29 a 2-floor hotel with own onsen

5.31 otaru food adventures

6.1 doraemon painting & royce airport

6.2 macau: got scammed by taxi & lost luggage

6.7-6.15 inner mongolia & beijing

6.18 first co op offer 

6.21 fire port party at fifis house

6.29 pottery painting w lwong, aleung, vchan, fsyal

7.5 brunch w/ rjin at jethro’s fine grub, baker & table

7.6 nwu’s birthday dindin at coast, hangout with aleung & nwu at nightingale

7.14 leavenworth cherries

7.17 brunch w/ rjin at OEB

7.19 nightmarket w/ jyang, mlaw, rjin

7.21 beach day w/ aleung, fsyal & lwong; hy’s with fam

7.24 chau veggies w/ acao

7.27 shiok & icy bar w/ ewong

8.3 first day of work at doctors office

8.4 escape room w/ vchan, fsyal & jyang; bowling & anh and chi

8.17 dindin w/ fsyal, aleung & tlim; double date walks at olympic village with ancas

8.18 - 8.19 kelowna

8.18 polar grove & penticton lazy river, mission hill

8.19 kayaking, quail’s gate

8.24 lit night at fifis house with the girls and boys

8.25 aleung’s bday harrison trip

8.27 work shopping & nuba w/ fsyal

8.28 sleepover w/ rjin

8.29 brunch w/ aleung, moii cafe chill with fsyal too

9.3 first day of co op work

9.7 grave of the fireflies & wildtale cuddles

9.14 eric chou meet & greet

9.19 amandarachlee neg comment and posted my encouragement on her story

10.5 maiko parfait & shopping w/ jyang, earls with the amigos

10.18 gmen & oncecake: melody, rillakuma, card & collage

10.24 dark table w/ rjin

11.7 moii after work 

12.15 baking custard souffle pancakes w/ ewong

12.18 office christmas party & bbt w/ slim

12.19 glow

12.21 fifi’s christmas party

12.22 christmas market w/ rjin: churros & chimney cake

12.23 psyc team secret santa & mahjong

12.25 christmas dindin at market by jean-georges

12.26 birthday dindin at zeferelli

12.27 ring & birthday dinner at brix and mortar w/ jyang

12.28 skated alone, worked out, baked & dindin at botanist

looking back at it now, i definitely went out a lot more compared to previous years LOL i had some struggles in january, and at multiple points in my life i blamed myself for being ungrateful, for seeking more when i already had so much in life compared to other people. my friends were there for me and i wouldnt have been able to live through it without them. then again, during reading break in february, i got myself into the same hot mess and i was sad about it for a week and i blamed myself for getting so attached so quickly. because of these experiences, my expectations were v low and i didnt really expect anything when i talked to jyang, what they say really is true, you get it the moment you stop seeking for it. it comes and find you (: the 3 most important that happened this year is burbur, co op job & me getting more comfortable around doggs; this is a big deal !! i actually like cuddling dogs and i feel less scared of them as long as i have some time to get used to them!! im proud of myself for making progress with my phobia! after i started my co op job, bc i didnt have a lot to do, i felt like i wasnt actively contributing to my workplace and that i was very useless. i still feel the same way now, but i think i am slowly getting used to it. thankfully, my coworkers are VERY nice and i enjoy working around them. while i did not get a different position for january, im still grateful that i got an extended placement. nonetheless, meeting with the different PIs and sumeet pointed me in the right direction of looking for nserc / volunteering opportunities when i do go back to school. AND ofc burbur! im grateful that we were able to be there for each other for the past 8 months, both the ups and downs and i am so so thankful that we’re understanding and patient with each other, as we help each other learn along the way and help each other become a better version of ourselves. this companionship is better than i have asked for and i always remind myself to focus on the important things rather than the minor inconveniences. this year, in terms of fitness goals, ive been doing really well before asia. but ever since i came back, it all went downhill and i gained back all the weight that i lost this year year LOL so in 2020, one of my biggest goal is to eat healthy again, and workout more consistently. getting a job in sept kinda interfered with my progress too, bc i was so tired after work, even when i wasnt doing anything and i stressed eat bc i felt terrible. a lot of diff factors made me feel super stressed, and the fact that i wasnt eating clean / exercising reguarly made me feel worse about the whole situation ): so in 2020, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will be one of my top priorities and gifting myself a healthy body is one of greatest things i can do for myself. this also contributed to the lack of journalling near the end of the year, it felt like bc i wasnt doing the things i was “supposed to do”, i just felt so bad whenever i couldnt tick off that particular habit whenever i fill in my trackers. but tonight, i watched this video and it talked about habits should be for awareness, not for self-hate or self-loathing. this is something that i need to keep in mind. ever since april really, the issue of leaving my house and meeting up with my friends have always stressed me in fear of dealing with passive aggressiveness with my mom lool everytime i get inviited to plans, i just get anxiety about having to tell her about it LOL and even when im out, having a msg/ call for her freaks me out in fear that she will get mad at me for being home late and etc and fifi really woke me up with her words, i should just care less LOL i need to stop caring so much about what she thinks, bc at the end of the day, this IS my life and if i never make any changes, i will never be able to grow and be independent. i think this pree much sums up all my events and emotions in 2019, the last year of the 2010s. in the next decade, a lot of things will happen as i will be in my 20s - 30s, where new opportunities will arise, and graduate uni, do my masters, find a job, maybe even marry and move out LOL the 2020s will definitely be an impt decade, but just for next year i want to:

1. understand that i am old enough to make choices, and in general, care less about what she thinks

2. at the same time, i want to appreciate and be grateful for what my mom, dad and annie have done for me; a lot of the times, i feel like i take them for granted just bc i know they will always be there for me and this is not how you should treat your biggest supporters

3. trust that everything will workout in the end, while you may not be able to envision what you career / life would be like when youre 30, you can definitely take small steps and move towards your goal

4. be mindful of what i eat and exercise regularly (4x hiit & cardio a week) ; treats & sweets in moderation; use those habit trackers for awareness, not for self-loathing / self-hate

5. create art regularly, read more and at least do 5 duolingos every week! 

every year, time just seems to go by faster and faster and i feel scared at times. as i type this, theres only 8 minutes left of this decade LOL so in 2020, continue to live in the moment, be present, cherish those that are around you, and have faith that everything will come together, one piece at a time. at the same time, always rmb that you can make small changes to be a better version of yourself, whenever & however you want and this is the 1 thing that other people can’t stop you from doing! 

[l0vey-d0vey-moved]

Oh the platonic f/o asks with a platonic f/o of your choice? :D ~your-local-Kogane

What’s your general relationship? Supportive? Goofy? Go around gossiping about people you hate?

GJASFJKASFHJKFSA YES. while in space, she probably becomes my new best friend, since my current one is back down on earth and god knows whats going at back at earth (we have a very emotional reunion). you know those people that you’ve heard of and known as an acquaintance, but when you finally start talking, you immediately click and become friends? yea, that’s me and pidge. 

ever since i came out as, y’know, nonbinary, she’s been just fiercely “protective” (i guess?) of me whenever someone gets my pronouns wrong or makes fun of me. and it kinda comes from me being really protective of my friends (aka mom mode). but either way, it’s just a goofy and supportive friendship.

How do they support you when you’re down? With advice, emotional support, both, or are they a bit awkward and neither?

since pidge isn’t too great with emotions (ironic since i’m so sensitive and emotional), she probably just lets me rant and vent to her, and afterwards just tries to hug me and give some advice as best she can. she’ll be a little awkward at the beginning, but as time goes on, she gets way better at this kinda stuff.

How did you meet, and when?

well. i’d like to think we know each other from the garrison, but the night we left was when we officially met. i was stressed, so i snuck out to the roof and was watching the stars, listening to some music when someone suddenly tapped me on the shoulder. it turned out to be pidge and we started talking until lance and hunk interrupted us and then.. y’all know.

Do you ever do dangerous or illegal things with them?

fuck. no. ….okay maybe dangerous but not illegal. she definitely would drag me to get out of my comfort zone a little bit, but nothing that i would be extremely uncomfortable with. she knows my limits :3

What kinds of presents do you get them?

i try and stray away from making pidge little gadgets, etc but like. more personal gifts. when we’re still in space, i find a small blank journal at the space mall and behind pidge’s back and with hunk’s help, fill it with little alien flowers from the planets we visit!! when i give it to her, she starts crying because she’s never had a gift so thoughtful and then i start crying ajsfkjfsa,,

What was your first impression?

i thought that pidge was just the cliche smart kid in class, and pidge thought that i was that cliche shy artist kid (which, i kinnnnda am in a way ??)

What’s their dynamic with your romantic f/o, if it applies?

DBAJHFJFA when me and lance first got together, pidge just basically pull him aside, said “FUCKING FINALLY!” and warned him not to break my heart. even though they’re garrison buddies, pidge will not hesitate to break him if he breaks my heart. (lance needed lotsa cuddles after that asjkjfsk)

How protective are they of you?

if that wasn’t clear enough above, pretty protective. she knows how i am and how easy i break, and like above, will not hesitate to hurt someone. this girl is a smol ball of fire.

What kind of outings do you usually go on/What do you like to do together?

the way we usually hang out is her teaching me about technology and how to code basically, or me teaching her about drawing, or we’re talking about our doggos and families back on earth and then when we’re both kinda tired, we talk about philosophy and “what if” questions. i like talking about that stuff. it’s interesting to see what kind of answer you’ll get.

Are they the kind who borrows your stuff and forget to give it back?

probably. but as long as it’s not something thats important or i really need, i’m okay with it.

If you have the same clothing size, do you share clothes?

HM. i feel like she’d steal one of my oversized sweatshirts one day and i would notice and try not to make a big scene because !!!! she’s wearing my sweatshirts and i love how smol she is!!

Do you play pranks on eachother?

i feel like pidge would play some on me (PIDGE PRANKS) occasionally, but like, harmless pranks. sometimes she scares the shit out of me though and she teases me about it later on. she’d also rope me into playing pranks on the others because, hey, that’s what best friends do.

Do you have a secret handshake?

pidge and i would try, but i’m really clumsy and forgetful, so we just end up doing something else. 

How do they act when someone insults you?

the same as lance would. she’s insulted herself. appalled. how could anyone ever insult me?? why would anyone insult me?? they’re the purest person here??? excuse u????

How do they act when YOU insult you?

kinda like ??? doesnt really get my self-deprecating humor at first until she confronts me about it. but then just like. pinches me whenever i make a joke like that, to help me get out of that habit. 

If you text, what do they send you? Memes? Selfies? 3 AM revelations?

3 AM REVELATIONS AND MEMES AKFJJSAKF,, she would so send me the bee movie script at 3 am just to fuck with me.

What kind of advice do they give you?

well. uh. the beginning of our friendship, basically like. bad. once our relationship progressed, however, and we got to know eachother more, she started giving me advice similar to mine. for instance, “calm down. step back a take a breather when stuff gets tough.”

What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done in front of them?

oh GOD !!! probably like, danced around and sung really annoyingly. embarrassing for me, funny for pidge (she secretly recorded it and is going to use it for blackmail)

What nicknames do you have for them? What nicknames do they have for you?

probably calls me #5, since i’m barely taller than pidge. or even “plant dog” because i was trying to say something along the dog plants or some shit like that. i also tend to call her #6, or pi.

What kind of things do they teach you?

literally how to build something small. or just. remove a virus from my computer bc she’s sick of me getting viruses everywhere akslfjajskf

This isn’t an ask, but a reminder that your platonic f/os care about you so much!

DONT WORRY!!! I LOVE EVERYONE OF MY F/OS (romantic + platonic :3) A LOT!!!

[theclaravoyant]

For the platonic brotp prompt: Either something May/Simmons post Jemma and Radcliffe rebooting May after the Ghost incident. (I know you can make me cry!) or an AU (e.g. Tattoo shop or band or anything really) featuring Hunter and any or all of the Buskids. (Or both. I won't stop you from writing both ;) )

AN ~ I went with the latter, because the Bus Kids are my weakness and so is JemmaLance brotp!! but I’ve added the May&Simmons one to the list so I might get to it later :D

Anyway, I now present you with a platonic-centric Coffee Shop AU with a sprinkle of budding FS-romance fluff bc why not! Bus Kids + Hunter. Fluff. G.

Read on AO3.

-

“Order up!”

Hunter hit the bell, and a few seconds later, Jemma came to collect the plate. As she took it out to its table, she noticed a young woman standing in the doorway, looking lost. Her hair was short and dark and in disarray, as if she’d just ran here. A computer bag hung off her shoulder and she clenched its handle, apparently startled by Jemma’s attention.

“Good afternoon, I’m Jemma,” she greeted in her Waitress Voice. “How can I help you?”

“I, um. I’m looking for ah, Fitz? He said he’d be in here but I don’t know…I’ve never met him before. You don’t happen to know him, do you?”

“Oh, Fitz, of course!” Jemma beamed. “He’s one of our regulars. He usually sits in that booth there, but he runs late as often as early. Have a seat if you like. Can I get you something?”

Daisy stuck her hand into the shallow pocket at the front of her jeans. It was, as per usual, disturbingly empty. She was hoping this collaboration would change that but as the saying went, she supposed, one had to spend money to make money.

“Americano, please,” she said. If Jemma noticed the fact that she’d consciously chosen the cheapest thing she could think of, she didn’t show it. Instead, Jemma simply directed her to the booth and headed back behind the counter to make her coffee.

Hunter peered between the slot between front-counter and the kitchen.

“That one,” he murmured, nodding in Daisy’s direction. “Who’s she?”

“Fitz’s friend, apparently,” Jemma explained. “Why? Do you know her?”

“No, I don’t think so. Something familiar about her though, don’t you think?”

Jemma looked over at the girl again. She was looking around the diner, kicking her heels and tapping her fingers on her laptop case, and looking generally uncomfortable. But familiar? Jemma wasn’t so sure.

“What did she order?” Hunter asked.

“Just Americano. Which is ready, so-“

“Pie.”

“What?”

Hunter gestured at the pies sitting under their glass covers on the bench beside the checkout.

“Pie!” he insisted. “Get the girl some pie! Actually no, on second thoughts, wait til Fitz comes in. Actually –“

Jemma rolled her eyes and let Hunter continue planning as she brought the coffee over to the girl. They exchanged pleasantries but just before Jemma left, she decided to try and reach out.

“Would you like some pie?” she asked. “On the house. The owner, he’s a friend of Fitz’s and well, any friend of Fitz’s is a friend of ours.”

Daisy laughed, but her eyes flitted to the counter, and then to the door. Was Fitz going to leave her cooking in anxiety and poverty all day?

“I’m serious, it’s no trouble,” Jemma clarified. “Fitz has literally kept this place afloat, I swear, I don’t know how he manages to eat so much. Sorry, I know I’m babbling, but I just wanted to assure you that we’re trying to be nice and if you say no I swear I’ll stop asking and I’ll tell Hunter to lay off but we just –“

“Alright, I got it.” Daisy waved a hand. “You’re weirdly hospitable small town weirdoes and I’m a stray kitten you want to take under your wing, right?”

Jemma blushed.

“A stray kitten with credentials?” she offered hopefully.

Right on cue, the embodiment of Daisy’s ‘credentials’ stepped over the threshold. The tiny bell above the door tinkled and Jemma smiled a farewell to Daisy.

“Oh, there he is!”

The smile didn’t leave her face, and in fact was accompanied by a little blush as she turned to greet Fitz. Fitz’s expression also changed, from one of being comfortably lost in thought in a familiar place, to a sort of smiling, blushing, thing. He struggled to get control of it and make it into some sort of decisive expression. Especially in front of his potential new business partner. But also in front of –

“Hi, Fitz,” Jemma said. “Your table’s already for you. Can I get you something?”

“Uhm. Hi. Sure. Usual?”

The breeze outside had been brisk and his walk fairly leisurely, but his palms felt sweaty and his mouth parched all of a sudden. Jemma tucked a sliver of hair behind her ears with a mumbled agreement-slash-farewell, and headed back to the counter to prepare his order. Fitz stared after her for a few seconds. One of these days, he was going to say it. But not today. Today he had a meeting.

He puffed up his chest a little – not too much, but he did have a ways to compensate after that pathetic little show – and sat opposite the girl who was waiting in his booth. She was smiling at him, grinning with an impish sort of humour. She held her hand out to him.

“Daisy Johnson,” she introduced.

“Fitz. Just Fitz.” He shook her hand, and winced. Did it feel as sweaty to her as it did to him? She didn’t seem to notice, but it was starting to feel like he was sweating all over instead. She just waited, smiling amiably if a little uncertainly, until he gestured to her computer.

“Well how about you get set up,” he suggested. “And I’ll just duck to the loo. Won’t be a minute.”

“Sure.”

As she pulled her computer out and turned it on, and Fitz bolted toward the galley, a man with a short beard and an apron who could only be the owner – Jemma had called him Hunter – approached with a plate of pie.

“Apple & rhubarb okay?” he checked. Daisy tapped a bare piece of table.

“Hit me. Thanks, by the way.”

“Not a problem. Any friend of Fitz’s is a friend of ours.” Hunter smiled down at her as he flipped the fork between his fingers and offered her the handle. She took it and found a surprising amount of gratitude flooded her at the feeling of her first bite.

“Wow, that’s really good,” she said, and forced herself to swallow the whole mouthful in one gulp so Hunter couldn’t leave before she asked – “Speaking of friends, that whole song and dance I just saw…”

Hunter sighed, leaning on his elbow on the back of Daisy’s chair and looking back at the counter, where Jemma was taking a slightly ridiculous amount of time arranging eggs and bacon and tea on a tray.

“That’s been going on a year, year and a half now. They’re totally gaga for each other but they’re also both chickens. It’s a thin line but they walk it well.”

So well, in fact, that it was just as Fitz was returning from the bathroom that Jemma finally appeared to be satisfied with her breakfast food arrangement. She’d added two sausages and a fried tomato, and brought it all over looking more like a bed-and-breakfast room service tray than diner food. Hunter backed away from the table as if to look busy, but as Jemma and Fitz both fussed over the tray and each other, he met Daisy’s eye and raised his hands in a shrugging motion, as if to say told you so or whatcha gonna do?

Daisy laughed quietly to herself and scooped another bite of pie. For now, at least, she planned to just sit back and enjoy the show.

[neverendingmoon]

*Sparkly eyes* yes if you can of course.

Title: Dinner and Dessert

Written By: Admin Rei

Fandom: Free! Makoto x Reader

Fluff/Holiday

{xD Soooo a lot of you guys were upset with the last post bc CinnaMakoto pretty much gets the shit end of the stick. So, here’s a fluffy Makoto/Reader one-shot! Seriously, you may get cavities! I wrote this during Thanksgiving so yeah…it’s late…or early, idk, still I hope you enjoy it! P.S. this is like the first thing I’ve ever written that isn’t angst or smut so if it fails, I’m sorry lol.}

-Admin Rei

The sound of clanging pots, something being fried and you muttering reachedMakoto’s ears as he entered your small, shared apartment. Delicious aromastickled his nose as he slipped his shoes off and called your name.

“I’m home!” You heard your sweet boyfriend of one year’s voice.

“In the kitchen!” You yelled back as you flipped throughyour mother’s old recipe book and glided your finger across the page, readingoff ingredients.

“___? What…are you doing?” Makoto looked around the messykitchen as he stood in the doorway. The kitchen was a disaster. Pots and panswere overflowing in the sink. Fruits, veggies and spices were scattered aboutthe countertops. Half the cabinets were open, revealing their contents; and inthe mess of it all, his cute little girlfriend was standing in the middle ofthe kitchen, a book in her hand. Makoto couldn’t help the smile on his face asyou blinked up at him innocently.

You were a mess, but you’d never looked more beautiful. Yourhair was done up messily, with strands falling out of your up do, your face hadlittle splats of sauce, flour and gravy all over. Around your form was an apronthat was just decorated with all kinds of spots and splats, hiding the truecolor of the apron. Your exposed arms were covered, elbow-high, in flour andsome black spice he couldn’t identify.

“Welcome home, Mako-chan!” You smiled as you maneuveredaround the mess and stood on your tip toes to plant a kiss on your boyfriend’slips. He smiled down at you and reached over to your face, pushing a stray hairbehind your ear. “What are you doing in here you silly girl?” He asked and you grinned up athim, making his heart flutter at how absolutely adorable you looked. “Getting Thanksgiving dinner ready for tomorrow! Did you forget your family iscoming over?” You told him as you went back to your book, searching for acertain recipe. “I didn’t forget, but ah, do you know how to make-?” Your look shut him up andhe rubbed the back of his head. “Ahem, the dinner we met at last year was my doing. Yes, Kou-chan hosted it butI cooked everything, thank you very much!” You stated proudly and he chuckled,wrapping his arms around you from behind. “I think I feel insulted.” You poutedand he pressed a kiss to your flour-covered cheek. “I don’t want you to stress out over this. They’re going to love you.” Hewhispered the last part and you stared down at the words in the book, notreally seeing them. You and Makoto had been together about a year and this was the first time youwere going to meet his family. He’s told you a lot about them and, in turn,he’s told them about you. They, especially his mother, wanted to meet you andhe figured this was the best time. You and Makoto had started dating about a year ago and decided to move intogether about nine months into your relationship. After he had finishedcollege the two of you decided that he would remain in Tokyo and not move backto Iwatobi. His mother wasn’t too happy about this at first but eventually sheaccepted it. He’d gone home to visit them a few times, but you always hadschool and weren’t able to make it with him. So, the both of you decided thatyour first Thanksgiving together would be the perfect time for you all to meet.“I-I just want everything to go perfectly. This is your family we’retalking about. I want to impress them.” You looked back at him and he onlysmiled, pressing a soft kiss to your lips. “I love you. That’s all they need to know to be impressed, sweetheart.”Your face flared at his words but you smiled nonetheless. “I-I love you too, Mako-chan.” You replied as he released you. “Now go showerwhile I finish in here.” You winked as he smiled and nodded, going off to takea shower.

~

“Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green-hey!” You looked over at your green-eyedswimmer as he snatched the list from your hands. “We’re in bed, ___-chan. No more food talk, get some sleep.” He yawned as hesat up; causing the covers to slide down his perfectly chiseled body andallowed you a wonderful view. “B-b-but-!” You began to protest but he silenced you by placing his fingeragainst your lips and staring into your eyes. “No buts. No more dinner-talk, ok? We’re in bed…that type of talk doesn’tbelong here.” A seductive smile cradled his lips as he removed his finger andreplaced it with his lips. And sure enough, there was no talk of food againthat whole night.

~

“Let’s see…Mr. and Mrs. Tachibana, the twins, Makoto and me.” You murmured toyourself as you set the table. You were reciting who would sit where and howmany plates, glasses, knives, forks and spoons you would need. Makoto chuckled softly as he sat on the couch, glasses resting on his nose anda book in hand. He had stopped reading a few moments ago to watch you obsessover every little thing. His family would be arriving in the next hour or soand you seemed to be having an internal freak out. He took a moment to take in your form and how absolutely stunning you looked inyour new dress. The black dress reached your knees and had long sleeves, blackrhinestones elegantly decorated the bodice and you had paired it with blackheels. You had styled your hair perfectly to match the occasion and wore enoughmake up to enhance your beauty without making that noticeable. All in all, youlooked absolutely ravishing in the eyes of the backstroke swimmer.All this watching you and thinking of how perfect you were took his mind to thelittle black, velvet square-shaped box that sat at the very bottom of hisdresser drawer. You were the one. He knew it, and yet, he was so afraid to popthe question.

Every time he mustered up the courage to ask, something wouldhold him back and he would tell himself it just wasn’t the right time. However,watching you weave around the house in an attempt to make sure everything wasperfect for his family’s first visit gave him a glimpse of how perfect of awife you’d be to him.“Hey Mako! Can you-?” You blinked when you turned to look at him and noticedhis piercing eyes on you. A blush rose to your face as you fidgeted slightlyunder his gaze. “W-what? What is it?” You asked, afraid he might be havingsecond thoughts and didn’t want you to meet his family. However, the smile hegave you erased those doubts. “Nothing at all, my love. You just…look absolutely beautiful.” He stated as hestood up, setting his book on the couch and walking over to you. You looked upat him as he placed his hands on your hips and leaned down to press a kiss toyour lips. You smiled and stopped him before reaching up and removing hisglasses and then placing your lips against his own. “Mm…thank you.” You smiled up at him once you’d broken the kiss a few momentslater. “Now go get dressed! They’ll be here soon!” You scolded as you poked hischest and he looked down at his t-shirt and lounge pants. “Ah…this is what I’m wearing.” He said as he rubbed the back of his neck. Youreyes widened as you looked at his comfortable clothes. “What?! No! Go change! You have to look presentable!” You scolded him and hechuckled, wrapping his arms around you and his hands settling on your butt. “Sweetheart, they’re my family. This is how I used to dress when I lived withthem.” He countered and you removed his hands from around you. “Makoto Tachibana! You will not greet your family, whom you haven’t seen in solong, dressed like that!” He blinked before a smile broke out on his face andhe chuckled and held his hands up defensively.“As you wish. I’ll go change.” He laughed the whole way to the bedroom and yougave an exasperated sigh as you went back to fixing the table.“How’s this?” Your boyfriend’s voice brought your eyes to meet him as he stoodoutside the bedroom door. He was dressed in a button up black shirt, with thefirst three buttons undone, and khaki pants.“Very sexy!” You winked at him and he blushed as he fixed the collar of hisshirt. “What’s that?” You frowned as you walked over to him and pulled thecollar back slightly. A reddish-purple bruise stared back at you and your eyeswidened. “What is it?” Makoto asked, a knowing tone in his voice. “A-a hickey! No, no, no you have to change shirts!” You sputtered, a red huedusting your cheeks as you pushed him back into the room.“But it’ll be covered by- ___-chan?!” Your boyfriend protested as you closedthe door and trapped him inside the room. “CHANGE IT! One wrong move and they’ll see it!” You retorted as you heldonto the door knob and held the door shut with all your might.“Fine, fine. Just open the door.” Makoto’s defeated voice reached your ears andyou opened the door. He smiled at you as he removed the shirt and left you ablushing mess. “W-wear that black polo.” You coughed a bit as you pointed to the closet. Damnhim and his absolutely perfect body. “Babe? What’s that smell?” Your boyfriend asked as he sniffed the air and youreyes widened. “Shit! My pies!!” And like a bat out of hell, you ran out of the room and tothe kitchen faster than the speed of light. Makoto shook his head and laughedas he pulled the black shirt on and heard you mutter curses in the kitchen.

~

“No, no, no, no! Oh shit…!” You sighed loudly as you pulled out two blackenedpecan pies from your oven and waved away the smoke that arose from them. “What happ-Oh no.” Makoto entered the kitchen and saw your pies and your face.“No worries, my love. We still have those two pumpkin pies.” He smiled andwrapped his arm around your shoulders, drawing you to his side. “B-but you said your dad loves pecan pie.” You sighed as you wrapped your armsaround him and buried your face in his chest. “He does. But he also loves pumpkin pie.” He smiled and pecked your forehead asyou sighed again and released him to clean up.

~

Ten minutes into your cleaning up, a knock was heard at your apartment door. Yougasped softly and turned the faucet on to quickly wash your hands before dryingthem and scrambling to the bathroom. “Mako! Door!” You yelled down the hall to your boyfriend, who was still in thebedroom. “Got it!” He called back as you stared at yourself in the mirror and fixed yourhair then your dress, and finally, your make up. You were so nervous; you couldswear you’d sweat right through your dress. Good thing you chose a black dress.You could hear new voices in your apartment and your boyfriend’s voice as hegreeted and welcomed his family. You counted to ten and took a deep breath before opening the bathroom doorand…yelping loudly. Your boyfriend’s face met yours and scared the life out of you. He had his handraised, ready to knock when you’d opened the door. “S-sorry! I was going to see if you were alright in there.” He smiled as youplaced a hand over your rapidly beating heart in attempt to calm yourself. Youdid not need all these extra nerves right now. “You scared the hell out of me!” You whisper-yelled and he chuckled at yourexpression before taking the hand over your chest and kissing the back of it. “Sorry, love. Come on, they’re excited to meet you.” He whispered as he led youtowards the living area where four pairs of eyes met your own nervous ones. “H-Hello, it’s so n-nice to finally meet you all. I’m ___ ___.” You stutteredas you bowed politely. They were all quiet as they took in your form. “Onii-chan! She’s so pretty!” A blush stained your face as you stood upstraight and smiled at the young girl, who you assumed was Ran, his youngersister. The young boy sitting beside her who looked exactly like her, nodded inagreement. “Ten for looks, Onii-chan!” He grinned and your blush deepened as Makoto gaveyour hand a reassuring squeeze. “Ren, Ran, you must introduce yourselves first.” The older woman, who you weresure was Makoto’s mom, piped in. “Sorry.” They spoke at the same time and grinned at you. “I’m Ran and this is Ren.” The girl smiled at you and you smiled back. “It’s nice to finally meet you dear. I’ve been pestering Makoto for a long timeabout meeting you.” His mother grinned as she stood up and gave you a hug. Youhugged her back and smiled, a small blush still present on your face. “Well now I can see why he didn’t want anyone to see you. He wanted you all tohimself.” Makoto blushed at his father’s words and rubbed the back of his neck.“She’s always so busy with work and school.” He defended himself as his fathergave you a short hug as well. “I’m proud of you Makoto. She’s absolutely stunning!” His mother chided and youlooked down at your feet in embarrassment. “T-Thank you ma’am.” You whispered softly before you felt Makoto’s arm aroundyour shoulders. “Yes, I’m quite lucky.” He smiled and stared at you as he said this and youcould hear the ‘awww’ from his sister and the gagging noises from his brother. ~After a few more minutes of conversation, and you breaking out of your shellslightly, you decided to get dinner underway. “I’ll go set everything up.” You smiled as you stood up and Makoto copied youractions. “I’ll help.” He smiled and took your hand as you led him to the kitchen. “Your family is-Mmm!” You had began to compliment his family when, as soon asyou two were in the kitchen, he had pressed you up against the wall and takenyour lips hostage with his own. He kissed you so tenderly and lovingly that youcouldn’t help but kiss back. You gave him a questioning look when he pulledaway and rested his forehead against yours. “You don’t know…how stunning you look. I love you so much.” He whispered andyour face flushed the slightest before you cupped his face in your hands andplaced a chaste kiss to his lips. “I love you too, babe.” He smiled before pulling away and helping get the foodon the table.~Once everyone was sitting around the table, Makoto’s father carved the turkeyand placed a slice on everyone’s place before everyone happily dug in to allthe sides. “It’s so nice to have a year off from cooking thanksgiving dinner!” Mrs.Tachibana laughed and you smiled back at her. “Mmm, everything’s so good, ___-chan!” Ren complimented around a mouthful offood and his sister nudged him. “Gross! Close your mouth when you’re chewing!” She scolded and everyone laughedat the look on his face. The conversation was light and airy, you felt socomfortable around these people it was crazy. They were such a happy family andyou were so happy to be around them. No one said anything awkward and weird and with Makoto giving your thigh areassuring squeeze every once in a while under the table, you were absolutelycontent. “So are you going to marry ___-chan, Onii-chan?” Ran asked as she blinked ather brother. You choked on your food and Makoto’s face turned a million shadesof red. “Ran!” Her mother scolded and the girl lifted her shoulders and wore aninnocent look. “What? Onii-chan and I went– rmgth!” She was cut off when, quick aslightening, Makoto stood up and grabbed a roll and shoved into his sister’smouth. “Ahaha, try the rolls, Ran.” He chuckled nervously before glancing at you, whowas staring down your plate in embarrassment. “Just ignore Ran. She has this dream of her brother having a wife and herselfhaving a sister.” Makoto’s mother smiled and you nodded, avoiding her eyes asyou sipped your water. ~After dinner, Ran offered to help you with the dishes, much to Makoto’s dismay.He held his breath as she helped you clean up and wash dishes. He knew hissister had a tendency to…spill secrets, and he was afraid of that. “She won’t say anything.” His mother smiled at him and he smiled back as theysat around in the living area. “Right.” He smiled and she patted his arm. “Have you…decided? Is she…is she the one?” She asked him softly and he blushedbefore nodding slowly. “Yeah she is. I…I love her. She’s perfect.” He smiled and his mother beamed. “So? Why isn’t the ring on her finger yet?” She questioned and he blushed andsighed before pushing his bangs from his eyes. “I…I just….I’m afraid it won’t be the answer I want.” His mother frowned andset a hand over his. “Do you think she’ll reject you, Makoto? Because I don’t. She seems head overheels for you.” She smiled and Makoto nodded, knowing his mother was right. “I-I just…” He began and his mother shook her head. “Do it today.” She suggested and he stared at her like she was crazy. “W-what?” he gasped out and she grinned. “Propose to her today, before we leave. And if you don’t, I’ll propose foryou.” Makoto gaped at his mother. ~“Thanks for offering to help.” You smiled over at the teenage girl as she driedwhile you washed. “No problem! Sorry for, y’know, embarrassing you guys earlier.” She smiledapologetically and you shook your head. “Don’t worry about it. I think it was more shocking than anything.” You laughedas did she. “I just thought….I don’t know, Onii-chan seems to love you a lot. I don’t knowwhat he’s waiting for!” She frowned and you blushed and smiled over at her. “Well, just know, I love your brother very much as well.” She grinned up at youand you chuckled. She looked so mischievous. “I’m glad you do, because he’s seriously in love with you! When he comes tovisit, all he does is text you, or look through pictures of you guys and heactually marks down, in his phone, when he’s going back home and when he’ll seeyou. He always has this faraway, dreamy look in his eyes, and he’s always soeager and happy to talk when we ask him about you.” She smiled as she stareddown into a clean plate, staring at her reflection. “He…I haven’t seen him this happy in so long. I…please don’t…don’t ever hurt mybrother.” She looks over at you and blinks before allowing a small smile to takeover. You don’t reply, but you immediately set down the dish in your hands andwrap your arms around her in a tight hug, which she returns. “I wouldn’t even dream of it.” You whisper and she smiles against your shoulder. ~“Pie?” You smile as you and Ran bring out the two pies, plates and coffee.Everything is set on the coffee table before you take a seat next to yourbeloved, who immediately wraps his arm around your shoulder and draws you closeto his body. He smiled sweetly at you as you lean into him and places a softkiss to the top of your head. Ran shoots you a smile as she takes a bite of her pie, and Makoto’s mothersmiles at him from behind her coffee mug. “So, ___, how are your studies?” Mr. Tachibana breaks the silence as he takes abite of pie and you sit up and smile. “Very good sir, I’ll be graduating in the summer.”“Wonderful! You’re a getting a PhD in Psychology, correct?” He asks and you nodproudly. “What do you two plan on doing after?” His mother interjects and you both blinkbefore glancing at each other. “Umm…w-well we haven’t planned that far ahead.” You chuckled, missing thelook the woman shoots her son.“Ah, excuse me. I need the restroom.” Your boyfriend removes himself from hisplace beside you and disappears down the hall, leaving you alone with hisfamily. “___-chan, you’re a darling. I’m so happy Makoto’s found such a sweet, kindgirl.” His mother smiles at you and you smile back.“Yea, Makoto got lucky.” His father smiled and you shook your head. “Not at all, sir. I consider myself the lucky one. Your son is absolutelyamazing. You’ve done a wonderful job.” You smiled and the parents beam proudlyat your words. “Well, just so you know, you’re considered a part of this family.” Mrs.Tachibana says causing you to blush and smile just as Makoto reenters the room.“Did I miss anything?” He smiles at you and you notice his face is glisteningslightly. Was he…sweating? “Not much.” His mother smiled and he seemed to avoid her looks. ~“Well, we should get going.” Mr. Tachibana say after another couple hours ofconversation. “We have to drive back to Iwatobi in the morning.” He smiles andstands up. “Well please be sure to visit more often and I’ll definitely try to come ifMakoto comes to visit you again.” You smile and blink as Mrs. Tachibana clearsher throat-loudly. Makoto scratches the side of his cheek and looks away from his mother. “A-are you alright?” You ask her, concern etched in your voice. “Do you needsome water?”“No, no dear, I’m just fine.” She responds, her eyes glued to her son, who wasavoiding her. You blink between the two and wonder what you’d missed. “Let’s go, the hotel sent me an email that our rooms are ready.” Mr. Tachibana,obliviously, speaks as he swipes through his phone. “AHEM!” Everyone jumps at the rather loud cough that comes from the woman.Makoto gulps and sighs. “Ah…c-could everyone wait a second please?” Your boyfriend stutters and you seehis face brighten a deep red and start to glisten. “Mako…?” You say his name in question as he stands up and reaches into hispants pocket, retrieving something you couldn’t see. Your eyes widen and both your hands cover your gaping mouth when he gets on oneknee in front of you. “___  ___, I love you with all my heart.I never want to be without you, you’re the one I’ve been searching for. I wantyou to be by my side forever, ___, w-will you marry me?” He opens the littleblack box and reveals a sparkling diamond engagement ring. You look up into hiseyes, your own welling up as you nod happily. “Y-yes! O-of course, I will!” As soon as he slips the ring onto your finger,you throw your arms around his neck and press your lips to his in a sweet kissbefore hugging him tightly. “I love you.” He whispers in your ear and you sniffle and chuckle as you hearhis family cheering him on. “Finally! He bought that ring 3 months ago!” Ran shouts and you chuckle asMakoto blushes. “Ran!” The whole family scolds and she lifts her shoulders innocently. “Hey, I’ve been dying to tell her!” She grins and you look back at your to-behusband and wonder how in the world you got so lucky.

[seulementpourlesamoureux]

I love one-on-one meetings with my PI. She is so amazing, and so great and motivational and inspirational. Like we can really have a heart to heart about things and today I told her about how I felt like I was accepted into my programme too easily and I met my other programme-mates and I felt totally out of depth and like I was a fraud and I was worried “what if I get there and I’m the stupidest one there?” and she was like, “probably not, but even if that is the case, then you just have a lot more to gain...” and then talked to me about how the path to success is paved with failure, and failure is just opportunities for learning and she feels the whole imposter syndrome thing too (what? WHAT? how...) but you just have to learn to recognize those thoughts as just beign “voices inside ur head and not a representative of reality” You can’t let failure crush u or convince you that that’s just who you are, that you’re just not “good enough”

and she was like, I think you’ll have a blast, and you’ll do great. and just, where’s the crying emoji bc I appreciate so much having her as a mentor and supervisor cuz everything I accomplished in the last year or so, I have her to thank for. The support, the advise, the mentorship. She is like, the most amazing person I ever met. Today I actually told her that when I first met her I thought “u know, I wanna be like her when I grow up, she’s funny and confident and everything I want to be but am totally not” and she’s like, “why thank you, but (back then) was actually one of the worst times in like, all spheres of my life. so when you meet ppl and it seems like they have everything together and you don’t try to remember that what you see them presenting, isn’t necessarily their reality. so it’s not like they’re great and you’re failing. we’re all feeling the same “imposter feelings”...”

tbh it just makes me like her more cuz she can be honest about her struggles and still make them inspirational. and tbh I think that’s why I’ve always admired her, bc she seems like such a genuine and down to earth person.

anyway, back to work, enough about my drawn out love-letter to her; I could like never actually tell her all this bc then I just sound like a creep or an ass-kisser. but like. COME ON. COME OOOOOON. she’s great. I totally lucked out. I hope my future holds more great mentors like her but that seems like a tall order for everyone else (whom in my head I’m interviewing them to be my supervisor/mentor).