#well it is a bit late but better late than never

[kkuzushi]

𐔌 Ditching For Ropes .ᐟ

⠀✦ cw : sub!Wanderer x gn!Reader | Post-irminsul Wanderer + calling him Kunikuzushi, bondage/shibari, body worshipping, praise, blowjob (giving), fingering (giving), dick/strap penetration, coming untouched, a bit of aftercare in the end – 2.1k words

⠀✦ additional notes : Better late than never, right? Wanderer breathes and blush here.. for the sake of smut.

Today was anything but forgettable, much to Wanderer’s frustration. He had hoped the day would pass quietly, with everyone treating it like just another ordinary moment. After all, wasn’t that the truth? There was nothing significant about his birth—so why was everyone so insistent on making a big deal out of it? Yet now, the more they celebrated, the harder it became for him to ignore.

As much as he just wanted everything to get over with, he couldn’t argue about Nahida’s insistence on “celebrating the mundane.” Of course, his preferences still matter as he is the ‘star of the show’. Cake? No thanks. A small gathering? Too exhausting. Anything remotely festive? Not happening. So you came to the rescue, steering him to another room where you left your special present for him.

Nothing good ever comes out of your plans—that’s what Wanderer likes to think when you’re in his radar, still he chooses to follow you every time. Soon enough, he finds his own body adorned with crimson ropes, one he saw frequently back in Inazuma.

The ropes formed a criss cross pattern along his figure, accentuating the elegant lines of his slender frame. Each knot was meticulously placed, snug but never harsh, binding him in a way that felt both secure and intimate.

“You wear it well,” you murmured, your hand grazing along his torso, trailing goosebumps in its wake. You feel his back arch in the slightest, chasing the brief contact on your palm that stopped on his stomach.

You leaned down to press a kiss on his forehead that moves down to his cheeks. Then, your lips reached his neck, his head tilting instinctively to give you more access, letting you savor the moment before moving along to his chest.

Breathing was unnecessary but despite it all, his chest heaved as he responded to every movement you made.

“Already so reactive,” you teased, nipping lightly on his neck. The heat of your breath sent a ripple through him, his muscles tensing beneath your hand as he squirmed slightly in his bindings.

“Shut up,” he muttered, his voice quiet and his usual sharpness dulled by the intensity of the moment.

You chuckled at his soft retort. Now moving down to his chest, you peppered kisses in between the spaces of the red ropes. It stopped the puppet from moving too much yet you can feel him squirming with every press of your lips on his skin.

Wanderer groaned, “Get to it already.” His violet eyes glared at you, but there was no mistaking the way his body leaned toward your touch, betraying the defiance in his words.

“Patience, Kuni,” you murmured while leaning in close, your lips brushing against his ear. “You’re the one who said you didn’t want anything for your birthday. Now you’re acting like you’ve been waiting for this all along.”

“Ugh, just– please..” Wanderer whispered, his voice soft, almost inaudible, as his pride gave way to the need coursing through him. If it weren’t for his wrists tied up above his head, he would’ve pulled you down to take what he wants.

“No need to beg, sweetheart,” you said softly while lowering further until you’re met with his thighs. Gently, you lifted both limbs, resting them securely on your shoulder. “We’ll get to it soon enough.”

Wanderer’s breath hitched, his violet eyes wide and unfocused as you leaned in, pressing soft kisses along the length of his legs. Your lips moved slowly, deliberately savoring every inch of his skin. First, the curve of his knee, then the softness of his inner thigh—each kiss drawing quiet whimpers from him that he tried, and failed, to suppress.

Your teeth sank gently into the soft flesh of his inner thigh, leaving behind faint crescent-shaped marks on his pale skin. The contact drew a sharp gasp from Wanderer, his cock twitching involuntarily in response to the mix of pain and pleasure.

“Stop teasing..!” he mumbled, though it came out breathy and strained, betraying how much he was already unraveling.

You chuckled softly, dragging your tongue over the marks you had left, savoring the way his thighs trembled beneath your touch. “I can’t help it. You’re so responsive, Kuni,” you said, your tone dripping with adoration. “It’s addicting.”

You turned your head, your breath brushing the sensitive underside of his cock, drawing a sharp intake of breath from Wanderer. One of your hands released its grip on his thigh, your palm now wrapping around his shaft.

“Mnn.. hAH–!” The broken sounds tumbled from Kunikuzushi's lips, his violet eyes flew wide, darting downward in disbelief, only to witness you taking his member in your mouth without warning.

“Fuck.. at leastmmph–give a warninghh..” His words melted into a strained moan as his head fell back against the pillow, his hands balling to a fist, unable to grip on anything thanks to the ropes.

You pulled his cock out with a wet pop, “Where’s the fun in that? Your surprised face is so irresistible, I couldn’t help myself.” You emphasized by licking a strip along his shaft, your tongue swirling on the tip.

“Unghh.. [name]..” He whimpered, hips bucking involuntarily closer to your mouth. You can taste the precum seeping out of the slit, a flavorless fluid for a puppet yet tastes something uniquely him. Your fingers gathered the remaining lubricant, using it to slick up his hole.

Slowly, you pushed two fingers past the rim, his inner walls hugging your digits. “Relax for me, sweetheart,” you coaxed. The words seemed to melt into him, making his entire body shudder in response, the tension in his muscles slowly giving way.

You let go of his other leg, bending back up to watch his face contort to pleasure with every pump of your fingers in his slicked hole. His eyes would flutter close, mouth hung open to let out the faintest grunts and moans.

“Don’t hold back, I wanna see you enjoy every moment,” you leaned closer to him, capturing his lips for an intimate dance. Wanderer has been waiting for this—almost restlessly as you feel his tongue swirl around yours in undeniable need.

Your fingers scissored his inner walls, curling them just the way he likes it. As you feel him relax with every thrust, your own arousal spiked up. Finally pulling out, Wanderer whined to the kiss, his ass trying to capture your fingers back.

He breaks the kiss, his violet eyes glaring right at you, “You’re teasing me again.” You can almost see him pout, but no need to point it out, it might make him feel worse. So instead, you chuckled and pulled back, observing his body for a moment.

The once steady and defiant puppet is now reduced to a needy, breathless wreck; his restrained form showing another vulnerable side of him, one that’s more intimate yet tempting.

“Alright, no more teasing..” You hummed, brushing the strands of hair that’s sticking to his forehead. “Since you’ve been a good boy, it’s only fair I give what you’ve been waiting for, no?”

A spark ignited in Wanderer’s eyes, he watched you lift and fold his legs to his stomach. His position didn’t allow him to see what you were doing but he could feel something nudging his entrance, his inner walls instinctively making way.

“Ahhnn..” His eyes closed as his head tipped back to the pillows. As you bottomed out, his hips slowly grinded against yours, just barely as the ropes helld him back.

“You feel so good, Kuni,” you praised, keeping a steady rhythm with your thrusts. Your cock slides to and fro with ease; wet, obscene sounds already coming out from his behind.

The puppet’s eyes flickered to yours, holding the eye contact as the intimacy in the atmosphere grew. With every breathless cry from him, you feel his body tense and release under your hands, and the once rhythmic and deliberate movements turn into something more desperate.

Wanderer’s mouth hung open, moans escaping him without a fight. “Morenn.. don’t stop.. hah–” his moans increased along with the intensity of your movements. What the birthday boy wants is what he gets.

You held on to his hips, his legs dangling on either side of your body as you pounded him to oblivion. The head of your cock hits his prostate dead-on, making his eyes roll back.

“OHFfuckkk.. YES!♡ Jjust like ffhhattt..♡” His tongue lolled out of his mouth, words slurring almost incoherently. The sight of him in such a helpless state, reduced to nothing more than a puddle of desire, only makes you smile.

“Good boy, Kuni.. Doing so well for me.” You looked down, his once composed demeanor now reduced to a breathless, pliant mess beneath you. His face flushes, his eyes wide and hazy as he looks up at you, unable to form a coherent thought.

You run your hand through his hair, softly tugging at the strands, and he lets out a soft whimper. His body trembles at your words, and you can see his chest rise and fall with every shaky breath he takes.

A strangled moan escaped his throat as he shut his eyes tight, his entire body feels like it’s vibrating with need. “[name]..! ♡” he gasps, voice raw and desperate, his back arching as if he’s trying to pull you deeper, closer.

You can feel him breaking, his composure slipping faster with every word, every touch. His breath becomes a frantic mess, his body quivering in pleasure as his whimpers turn into soft cries, echoing in the room. “[name]..♡ I’m ccloseehahh..!”

You increase your pace just slightly, pulling a loud gasp from his lips. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Let me see you fall apart,” You lean down to whisper in his ear, trailing your lips along his jaw.

His cock twitches with every shift your hips make; the words, the praise, the permission to surrender—all of it causes him to completely lose himself. His body jolts, his breath quickening, as he gives in to the overwhelming pleasure. A low moan escapes him, his entire form shaking with the release.

“Ccummin♡–I’m cummINGHH–!♡♡” Wanderer’s voice cracks as a pure, unadulterated scream escapes his throat. His body finally gives in, shuddering violently under your touch.

As you push him to the edge, the overwhelming sensations break through all his barriers, making him cry out from sheer ecstasy. His hands clenched into fists, fingers twitching in rhythm with your movements. His cock spurts with ropes of cum, dripping down to his pelvis.

The air is thick with the warmth of the moment, both of you panting, bodies still tangled in the aftermath. Wanderer’s chest rises and falls rapidly, his skin glistening with a sheen of sweat, eyes still hazy from the intensity. His limbs feel like jelly, limp and exhausted, but his gaze softens as he looks up at you.

You gently brush a strand of hair from his face, your hand tender against his flushed skin. “You did so well, Kuni," you murmur, your voice gentle but full of praise. "I’m so proud of you.”

You don’t pull out yet, letting him bask in his afterglow. You cupped one side of his face, watching him lean into you. His eyes are glossy with unshed tears, clearly fighting against them from falling. “Let’s go on a date after this, hm?” you hummed while carding your fingers through his disheveled hair.

He lets out a quiet laugh as he processed the shift from intensity to calm. “A date… after all this?” His tone is still a little breathless, but the smile in the corner of his lips was genuine.

“What? Do you prefer a round 2?” you ask with a playful glint in your eyes, your voice low and filled with mischief.

“Maybe let’s start with taking these ropes off..” Wanderer murmured, his voice soft but tinged with a familiar bite of sarcasm.

You chuckled at his deflection, the sound earning a huff from him as he shifted against the pillows. “Alright, birthday boy, hold still,” you said gently, beginning to untangle the ropes with care.

“[name].”

“Yeah?”

“...Nevermind.”

Wanderer looked away, his expression unreadable, though the faint dusting of pink across his cheeks betrayed him. You tilted your head, studying his face as he avoided your gaze. It wasn’t hard to guess what he was hesitating to say.

A soft smile tugged at your lips as you leaned closer. “I love you too,” you said gently. Before he could react, you pressed a lingering kiss to his cheek, feeling the heat bloom beneath your lips.

“Happy birthday, Kunikuzushi,” you murmured, the corners of his lips tugging upward ever so slightly.

“...Tch, whatever,” he muttered, though the softness in his tone gave him away.

© kkuzushi | Please do not translate, repost, or plagiarize my work. This fic is posted in Tumblr only unless stated otherwise by yours truly.

[delilahsturniolo]

𝒂 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓’𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 — 𝒄.𝒔 ᥫ᭡⋆˚࿔

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 . . . 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 💌

in which . . . y/n and chris attend boston university, the both of you are always competing and bickering with each other academically. one day, chris suddenly asks you to help him make his ex jealous. the only problem is, you can’t stand each other. what happens when chris can no longer keep his true feelings about you a secret?

warnings . . . academic rivals, enemies to lovers, fake dating, cursing.

written by @delilahsturniolo. do not copy, steal, or modify my works. if you are taking any inspiration from this, please ask me first before posting and credit me in your description. happy reading! :)

the library was quiet, sounds of faint footsteps and soft whispering filled the room. and then there was you, frantically flipping through the pages of your notebook in distress as you examined your notes, your eyes quickly scanning over them. you couldn’t believe it, it couldn’t be true. you got a 65 on your latest exam, bringing your overall grade down tremendously. it was absolutely atrocious. you were trying to figure out where you went wrong, your professor wouldn’t even let you retake the exam either. this was your lowest mark for the semester, and you felt a sense of disappointment in yourself. maybe you didn’t study enough, maybe you weren’t thinking hard enough, maybe—

your thoughts of paranoia were immediately cut off by your phone alarm going off to signal that it was time for your next class, echoing throughout the library. “shit.” you cursed under your breath, quickly shutting it off. you apologetically smiled at the librarian as she gave you a look of warning.

what a bitch. you thought to yourself.

you scrambled your books together, shoving them into your bag messily before storming out of the library. you were so done, you were experiencing your academic downfall, something you never thought you’d say in your life. you were a perfectionist after all, you always strived to go above and beyond on every assignment. you had one of the highest gpa’s out of all the freshman in the university, but that was quickly changing, for the worst. you walked into your next lecture a few minutes late, your mind jumbled and foggy as you sat down next to your best friend, stacy. she looked at you in a concerned and puzzled manner as you sat down, trying to be as quiet as possible.

“you’re late? that’s a first.” stacy joked, nudging your elbow as you opened one of your textbooks to get caught up with what you had missed so far. you simply just rolled your eyes. “i don’t wanna talk about it, stace.” you sighed heavily. she furrowed her eyebrows.

“what’s wrong? did something happen?” stacy asked you, whispering so the professor couldn’t hear. you bit your lip, resting your elbows against your desk. “i’m completely flunking every assignment, my grades are horrible.” you confessed, stacy nodded. “if it makes you feel better, everyone kinda did bad on the exam. well, besides chris.” stacy told you, which didn’t make you feel any better at all.

christopher sturniolo, the person you envied the most. as much as you hated to admit it, he was the smartest person you knew. he got solid 100’s on every test, he was absolutely determined to get a higher mark than you. usually, you’d both get the same grade, or you’d tease him if you got a higher grade than him, vice versa.

chris was one of your family friends. both of your mom’s were best friends, so that meant you had to see him often. you had a close relationship with nick and matt, but you and chris never really clicked. you had known the triplets since 2nd grade, which was when the academic rivalry between you and chris sparked, all because of a stupid spelling bee in elementary school.

chris sat in the very front of the room, taking notes and listening to the professor speak. his shoulders were up in confidence, and so was his ego. he thought he was better than everyone, especially you. you scoffed, you didn’t have to energy to interact with him today, especially after what you got on the exam. if chris knew you had failed, he’d make it his life goal to tease you about it. and you weren’t in the mood.

after around 45 minutes of zoning out, the lecture finally ended. thank goodness, you had a free period for your next class. you and stacy got up, grabbing your bags so you could walk together to your next period. you glanced over at chris, as he talked with his friends. you rolled your eyes, deciding to not worry about him right now. you were about to head out, until the professor called your name.

“y/n, could i have a word with you before you leave?” the professor asked. you looked at stacy, telling her to go on without you as you walked over to your professor’s desk, not batting chris an eye as he walked out of the room. “what’s up?” you smiled, but on the inside your stomach churned out anxiety as you waited for what he had to say.

“i’m concerned about you, y/n. you’ve failed the last exam, your grades took a major dip, which is unlike you. is there something going on?” the professor questioned you, looking up at you as he sat at his desk. you cleared you throat awkwardly, beginning to speak.

“i—uh. i appreciate your concern, but i’m completely fine. i’m just…a bit tired. i promise i’ll get my grade up.” you were lying through your teeth as you explained to him. you felt hopeless, unmotivated and dumb. this had never happened to you before. “alright, good. take care of yourself, y/n. you’re dismissed.” he spoke firmly. you thanked him, walking out of the classroom, feeling a pit in your heart. you wanted to cry so badly, you wanted the day to just be over already. you felt like such a failure.

as you walked through the packed hallways of boston university, you felt someone grab your arm. you gasped as they covered your mouth, dragging you into the storage closet, thrashing in their grip slightly. the mysterious person practically threw you inside, shutting and locking the door behind them. you rubbed your eyes, spinning around to see who it was.

chris. of course.

“what the fuck, chris? you just kidnapped me in broad daylight!” you raised your voice at him. he scoffed, adjusting the cap on his head. “i didn’t kidnap you, doll. i simply just brought you into this closet.” chris explained, his sarcastic tone filling the room. “what do you want, chris?” you sighed heavily.

chris hesitated for a moment before speaking. “i have a favor to ask you.” chris’s voice sounded hopeful almost. you gave chris a puzzled look, he was asking you for help? out of all people, you? you could’ve sworn you were the last person he’d go to if he needed something. “are you feeling okay?” you giggled slightly, chris rolled his eyes at you. “i don’t need your sarcasm right now, i need you to listen to me.” chris had a slightly pleading tone to his voice, you immediately went quiet, curious as to what he had to say.

“victoria broke up with me.” chris confessed, your eyes widened. victoria and chris had been dating since junior year, you were shocked. they were the couple of your high school. it made sense though, chris was in college now, he barely had time for her anymore. “oh.” you simply said, chris raised an eyebrow at you. “oh?” he repeated, expecting you to have more to say, expecting you to bully him about it or something.

“what does that have to do with me?” you tilted your head as you gave chris a questioned look. he sighed before speaking again. “i want you to help me make her jealous. like, i don’t know. pretend we’re dating? she’s been goin’ around and fucking with other guys to try and make me jealous, so i want to give her a taste of her own medicine, y’know?” chris suggested. you scoffed in disbelief at the idea.

“what!? no way in hell am i doing that, chris. you plan on getting back at victoria by asking me to pretend we’re dating? that’s the stupidest idea ever. you’re a straight A student, you should have a better idea.” you scolded him. you immediately turned down his idea, there was no way you were going agree.

“oh come on! is it that hard for you to pretend you like me?” chris tried convincing you once more. “i said no, chris.” your voice grew quieter. chris cursed under his breath, the small and cramped closet was filled with silence. that was, until chris came up with another idea.

“what if i gave you something in return? what if we made a deal?” chris offered, you looked up from the floor and met his eyes agaim, intrigued on what he was going to say. “like what?” you asked, a hint of annoyance still present in your tone.

“you’re failing your exams, your grades are shit. i could help you study and start passing again, but only if you help me. i mean, think about it. you’re kind of a dumbass, you need the help of an intelligent man like me.” chris winked as he praised himself, you could tell he tried not to insult you in his proposal, but miserably failed.

he was right, you really did need help getting your grades up. after all, you were getting the opportunity to get help from chris, which was huge, considering how perfect his grades were. you were honestly a little surprised he was even offering to help you out in the first place, but, you had to return the favor by helping him too. “deal.” you abruptly said after thinking for a moment, taking chris aback. “wait, what?” he asked, not expecting you to agree.

“did i stutter, sturniolo? i said we have a deal.” you crossed your arms, watching the smile slowly spread on chris’s lips. he extended his hand out for you to take. “then we have a deal.” he confirmed. you took his hand, shaking it firmly before letting go.

you were given the deal of a lifetime after all, but at what cost?

© delilahsturniolo do not copy, re use, or modify any of my works.

[bunnithechubs]

looks like i'm about to change your life.

transcript:

W: I will show you to your table, Mr. SIlas. V: Thank you, so sorry for being late. W: It is no problem. R: So what is this place? V: It’s called Tower, been here once with my dad. I think you’ll like it. R: You’ve never brought another girl here? V: Never. Just pops and now you. I plan on bringing you to a lot of nice spots in the city.

R: That’s if I let you. V: leans in and whispers I think after our little delay in your apartment, you’ll be letting me see you more. R: Just because I let you make out with me doesn’t mean I like you enough for a second date, let alone a third. V: I’m taking you on more dates. R: What if I want to date someone else? V: I can fight. R: You’d fight someone I went on a date with? V: I’d fight any man for you.

R: You really got us a private room? V: I wanted privacy with you. Sometimes the fans like to overstep. R: I don’t mind. V: I figured you wouldn’t but I’m focused on enjoying dinner with you. See anything you like? R: Oh, I’m order the most expensive thing on here. V: chuckles Trying to run my pockets dry, huh? R: Dating me isn’t for the faint hearted.

V: So you admit it, we’re dating. R: Are we not on a date? V: There is a difference between dating and being on a date. There’s a certain exclusivity with dating. R: According to the tabloids you’re not into exclusivity. V: I’m not, but for you? I want you all to myself. R: Do you think I believe that? V: No, but I plan on proving it. I’ll do whatever you want to me, destroy me if you like. As long as your mine.

R: Well if you’re going to date me I need a few things from you. V: Name them. R: Your location at all times, social media, and bank accounts. V: Done. I’ll even throw in the cameras at my apartment. R: I won’t look at them, but if you give me reason to and I find something I don’t like I will make your life a living hell. Understood? V: Completely. R: That’s it? You’re not going to ask for anything?

V: Nope, I just want you to be my girlfriend. R: You’re not worried I would cheat on you? I mean my dms are like a warzone of thirsty richer men. V: Are you letting any of them take you on dates? R: No. V: Then we’re good. Trust me, you won’t be thinking of them any more. I plan on keeping you completely satisfied. R: I look forward to that. V: Let’s eat- I want to show you somewhere before we go.

R: This is nice. V: You’re not too cold being out here? I can give you my jacket. R: The champagne has me pretty warm. I’ll let you know if that changes. V: Alright, you know in any light you look beautiful but right now I think you might be the most beautiful person in the world. R: Ass kissing doesn’t win me over. V: I’m not ass kissing, I’m telling you the truth. R: I think you’re drunk.

V: Not even the slightest bit tipsy. R: So you’re naturally a sweet talker, better watch your mouth when I’m not around. V: You do know I work with only men? R: You act like you don’t go out. V: I’m only going out with you or if you let me. R: I won’t be letting you go out without me. V: I wasn’t planning on it.

R: I want you take me home now. V: Your wish is my command.

V: I’m guessing I did a good job tonight then, huh? A nice dinner and even got you to admit we’re dating? R: You did better than expected- yes. V: So are you going to follow through with your comment from earlier? R: Letting you find out what’s underneath my dress? I think you can figure it out. I’m not wearing anything.

V: You’re killing me, Reina. R: Don’t worry I make good on my word. You get the gift of tasting me- but that's all. Your pants stay on. Got it? V: Whatever you say, Reina. R: Good, now help me out of this dress. V: Happily.

[fuck1ng-queen]

Linda

Noah Sebastian x Reader

Rating: free for all

Words: 1.4k

Warnings: new feelings, a bit of alcohol, fluffy

Author comments: first of all: happy new year everyone! i'm here to tell none of this is my fault, blame it on @concretejunglefm for making me think about teaching portuguese (my mother language) for Noah! this became a shameless self insertion, i'm sorry, but i also hope you enjoy lol (and if you never tried pão de queijo before, what are you waiting for?)

It had been a while since you moved to the US. Who would tell you that when you started at a São Paulo’s Bureau of Musical Production, your work would take you so far? You remembered well one of your first big jobs, an international one, making you contact the Americans. That was the way you met for the first time some of the legends of musical production behind hits everyone used to listen to. Furthermore, you were so glad to meet people you admired for defying the conservative concept of people who say that rock and roll is dying. 

You showed yourself as a professional, capable person, and soon a proposal was made to you. The payment was way better compared to your job in Brazil, and you had no one there to make you feel forced to stay. Without overthinking, or you would probably give up, you said yes, and now there you were, at the land of Uncle Sam, facing a new language, new habits, and new companions. You missed your job partners and even your difficult boss to deal with, but now you had no one but Bad Omens to work with. Their vocal, Noah Sebastian, was relentless at his work, focused, and with the gift of the gab to conquer what he wanted. And, face the fact, he conquered you too. He was a great work partner, making you feel welcome and accepted. 

It was a hot summer night, although the autumn was already on the corner. Every time you and your partners were successful, you celebrated at the same pub, and tonight it wasn’t going to be different. After weeks of crossing nights wide awake, the team could finally show the new project with efficiency. 

You were already drinking your third beer and everyone wasn’t there yet. The weirdest thing was that everyone was always very punctual and once you worked in a stressful job, when they were late you just couldn’t help feeling worried. Impatiently you stood up. The only one there besides you was Noah. 

“Gotta call’em, I’ll be back in a minute.” 

Noah nodded, agreeing. It didn’t take too long for you to come back, with a way better gaze than you were before. 

“They're not coming yet, still have some things to sort out in the studio. I’ve no idea what.” 

“Neither. Want to let it go for another day?” 

You sat taking the glass with your beer and looking at the lipstick mark you had left on it. 

“No, we can wait for them a little. For now, it seems like it’s just the two of us tonight, Noah Sebastian.” 

“Just the two of us, babe.” He winked at you. 

You remembered the moment you started working with him… Damn, he was good with words. Noah’s answer wasn’t a big thing, but he always knew how to use the right, and sharp, words, in the most opportune moments. The way Noah used to choose his words lit something up inside you, and that wasn’t the first time. Every time it happened you made sure to hide it the most quickly you could from him, and from you too. Lucky you, even before you could feel ashamed to think something different from literal, you jumped on the chair, remembering something. You took a tiny notebook that used to live in your pocket and wrote “ligar para a mamãe ainda hoje!” On the page there were also other things written, all in Portuguese, catching Noah’s attention. 

“Your English is so good I always forget you’re not from here.” He gave a muffled chuckle. 

“Just remembered I have to call my mom so I wrote to not forget. Did you know even I forget it sometimes? But always happens something who remembers me I’m not from here. For example, every time I go to the bakery to buy us some donuts, I wish I could buy a huge bag of pão de queijo or a few coxinhas.” You made a pause. “I miss home sometimes.” 

Noah's eyes sparkled with interest. It was fascinating to see the way you talked about your country every time. About food, about people… Noah couldn’t even imagine how somebody could spend Christmas Eve in a more than 86ºF heat. But the thing he liked the most was seeing you when you were by yourself at your table at the office, concentrated and grumbling something in Portuguese. He knew that merda was something bad and arrasei was when you were proud of something you had done well, but maybe only now, by the effect of a few alcohols, or by being alone with you, he figured out he just knew all of that because he noticed you more than he should when you were speaking your mother language. He sipped his beer and looked deeply at you with that warm pair of brown eyes. 

“You could teach me a few Portuguese, what do you think?” 

You raised an eyebrow, trying to act the most normal you could, but on the inside, you were in a mix of feelings and thoughts. Maybe it was the beer, or maybe it was because you were alone with him, but you never felt so into him like this moment. 

“I think it’s great. What do you want to learn?” 

“I don’t know… Maybe you could translate what you see now.” 

You looked around, thinking about what to choose. 

“Let’s see… We’re drinking cerveja, we’re in a bar, just like in English, I'm a produtora, and… I don’t know what to say anymore” you laughed. 

Noah listened to all your words with attention, hypnotized. 

“And how do I say you’re beautiful?” When he figured out, it was too late, he had already asked. 

“Você é lindo” you answered, with an accomplishment tone. 

“So… Did you know você é lindo?” Noah told you, seeming more serious than before. 

“No” you giggled, that was really cute. “When you talk to a girl you have to say linda. Lindo is for the boys.” 

“So you told me I’m lindo?” 

“Maybe…” You winked an eye at him. 

“Oh, thank you, I wasn’t expecting that. You’re linda too.” He got closer, putting his elbow on the table and resting his cheeks on his hand, without taking his eyes off of yours. 

“Hm, obrigada…” You thanked. That was starting to be funny. 

“De nada…?” Noah tried to respond to you. 

“Yes! You remembered!” You answered excitedly, putting your hand on his arm. 

It took a second for you to figure out where your hand was, and instead of removing it, it just felt right not to take it off. You looked at each other in a moment that looked like an eternity. His eyes didn’t help looking at yours, and then at your lips, returning to your eyes again. 

“Can I ask you something?” he finally answered. 

“Yes.” 

“How can I say can I kiss you?” 

He was too serious to be joking, and you felt your stomach trembling with anxiety. You were nervous, but damn… You wanted to kiss him right now. 

“Posso te beijar?” You finally translated. 

“Yes, you can.” He answered. 

And then it happened. When you realized, you were already lost on his lips, feeling tickles on your mouth because of a few stubble on his face, and letting your body heat up. 

(…) 

You showed up at the bureau the day after feeling kind of weird. You didn’t know why the others didn’t show up but to be honest, you were glad they didn’t. You and Noah spent an incredible night at the bar the day before, sharing kisses and caresses, talking and flirting with each other. Both of you agreed not to spend the night together, you were kind of drunk and you wanted to enjoy, and discover, each other as you deserved. But now you thought it was just a drunk conversation between the two of you, he would probably not even remember anything that happened the night before anymore. 

You entered the corridor of your level and noticed a package on your table. You approached, smelling a nostalgic scent. On the package it had a small post-it, saying “Good morning, linda.” 

You opened the paper bag, finding a lot of fresh pão de queijo inside. You smelled those tiny breads and felt at home again, smiling. You lifted your eyes excitedly, looking for him. He was in front of the coffee machine, trying to disguise himself, but you knew he was paying attention to you when he looked at you and winked one eye, smiling. You smiled back, feeling your heart heating up. 

He remembered the night before, after all. And you couldn’t wait for the two of you to have other nights to remember. 

.

.

.

masterlist | taglist: @lacy1986 @collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard | send me an ask to join my taglist <3

.

for those who are curious: this is pão de queijo, and this is coxinha

[redpill-tfs]

Red Wave

January 1st, 2025

Yo, so I started this Red Wave trial thing today. The docs said it’s supposed to, like, make your brain work better or something. Was told to track my thoughts in this journal thing. Honestly, I’m just here for the cash. I’m not buying into any of their science-y shit. Took the first pill this morning. Feel normal so far. Guess we’ll see if this stuff actually does anything.

Since I was told to describe myself a bit, I guess I might as well if I want that cash they promised. Name's Blake. I'm 26 and work at a local manufacturing company in the finance department. It's a pretty chill gig. Don't gotta wear a suit either which is good. Didn't even wear one to my graduation and I don't plan on starting now.

Anyway bro, I'm also a proud atheist. Never got into politics, but I guess I'm more liberal. I mean, just let people do what they want, right?

February 10th, 2025

Alright, not gonna lie, I’ve been feeling kinda sharp lately. Like, my head’s clearer, and I’m getting more stuff done at work. My boss Emily even said my presentation didn’t totally suck, which is rare. Oh, and I actually ironed my shirt today before work. Don’t know why—just felt like I should look decent. Weird, right? Maybe these pills aren’t total BS. I don't know why, but I've been thinking of wearing a tie to work...

March 12th, 2025

So get this, man: I bought a suit over the weekend. A whole grownup suit and a tie to go with it. I dunno know why, but I just felt like stepping up my game for my presentation at work today. And man did I look good. I got so many compliments on my fit. It honestly felt really good. My bros thought it was weird and so do I, but now that I have it I guess I'll use it at another presentation in the future.

April 15th, 2025

Something weird is going on. I heard some chick at work talking about her church today. Instead of scoffing and rolling my eyes, it made me, like, think a little. Like I got curious about it. I don't know what's going on, but I might have to check it out sometime.

Speaking of work, I've been wearing a tie more and more. It feels... right. People seem to notice too. I get so many compliments about them. I went back to the store and pick out a whole bunch of different colors. I may be the only guy in the department wearing one, but standing out isn't a bad thing I guess.

May 18th, 2025

Alright, so… I went to church today. Yeah, me. Blake, the proud atheist. Walked past St. Mark’s on the way to grab Starbuck's, and something just made me stop and go in. The music was kind of awesome, and the pastor’s talk about purpose hit me harder than I expected. I don’t even know what’s happening to me, but I’m starting to think there’s more to life than what I’ve been living. I might go back next week to see what I've been missing, but I'm not sure yet.

June 30th, 2025

This morning, I prayed. Like, actually prayed to God. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it, but it felt… good. I’ve also started reading bits of the Bible over the past week. There’s some deep stuff in there. Work’s going great, too. I’ve been mentoring one of the new guys, and Emily says she’s impressed with my leadership. Suits are now my everyday thing. Who knew dressing sharp could feel so right?

July 23rd, 2025

I’ve been pulling away from my old friends. Their whole sarcastic, edgy vibe just doesn’t sit right with me anymore. Instead, I’ve been hanging out with people from church who share my interest in self-improvement and faith. I’m even thinking about joining a volunteer group at the church. Life feels more meaningful now. My mind still feels so clear too. I don't know what this pill is doing to me, but it's working.

August 11th, 2025

I’ve been reflecting on some big ideas lately: responsibility, tradition, family values. They make so much sense now. I’ve also started watching a few commentators online who align with these views. Their logic is compelling. Honestly, I don’t know how I didn’t see it before. It’s like a veil has been lifted. Why should abortion be legal? Why should we violate the second amendment with gun control laws? Why do gays think thy can decide how the rest of us live our lives? So many questions I'm learning the answers to. I never paid much attention to politics, but maybe I should.

September 7th, 2025

Sunday service has become the cornerstone of my week. I’ve officially joined St. Mark’s and volunteered for their community outreach. Pastor Williams’s guidance has been invaluable. I’m entirely committed to this new path. My wardrobe, my habits, even my worldview have all transformed. I’m proud of the man I’ve become. I've said this a million times already, but it just feels right.

October 20th, 2025

Today is my birthday, and reflecting on this past year astounds me. My former self seems like a stranger. I’ve embraced faith, order, and purpose, and it just feels right. I got my hair cut to be a lot shorter than I once had it as a special birthday gift to myself. It feels more appropriate for my new image.

I had some friends from bible study over for a small party. I wore my best suit for the occasion. We played games, ate good food, and prayed of course. There was a riveting debate on the role of faith in politics. All in all, it was a good time. I can't believe how much my life has changed just in 10 months.

November 30th, 2025

Today was the final day of the trial. The scientist leading the study asked me all sorts of questions, from my conservative views to my faith in God and my new sense of style. I'm not sure what it all has to do with a mental focus pill, but I didn't feel like asking questions. I'm sure they know what they're doing. Anyways, I better get going. St. Mark's is having an event today to celebrate God and all of His glory. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

December 1st, 2025

The Red Wave trial has concluded with a 100% conversion rate among participants. Subjects exhibited profound and permanent shifts in personality, behavior, and worldview. Pre-trial skepticism and liberal inclinations were entirely replaced with conservative, faith-based identities. This case highlights the pill's efficacy in aligning individuals with structured, traditional conservative values. Further research will examine long-term societal impacts of widespread application. More subjects needed.

[iguessitsjustme]

My Favorite BL of 2024:

Is it 4 days after the new year? Yes. Am I making this a tad bit late. Probably. Do I care? Nope. Doing this for me.

These are my top 10 shows that aired and finished in 2024. I did have to whittle it down from around 20 and that was hard. But this is the list. But first.

Honorable mentions:

Love in the Big City - watched on Viki.

The reason this is not in the list of top 10 BL is because I categorize this as a queer story instead of a BL. It's missing the typical BL tropes and style, but it was damn good. After I watched it, it sat with me for awhile. It's still sitting with me. It was tough to watch at times, but it was worth it for me and I enjoyed it a lot.

I Hear the Sunspot - watched on Gagaoolala.

The same reason this did not make it into the favorites. This show is not a BL to me. Yes, it features a queer love, but that is not the focus nor is it the point of the show. This is a show about communication and acceptance and growth. The romance is secondary to all of that. The romance is used as a way to show the communication and acceptance and growth for multiple different characters.

The On1y One - watched on Viki.

This show. This SHOW. So good. I am scared we will never get a second season. The reason that this show is not on the list is because we didn't quite get to the romance yet. I truly hope we get more but I don't know if my heart can take it. Oh it was such a good show though. This show was one of my liveblogs (I promise I'll finish posting them at some point).

Now, on to the list in descending order of my favorites:

10. Century of Love - watched on Gagaoolala.

Listen. This show had some issues BUT listen. I am a sucker for a reincarnated lovers story. And I have been waiting my entire life for a show to do reincarnated lovers but they came back as a different gender. I loved the twist this show pulled by making it not certain if Vee was actually the reincarnation of Wat. I love when things get left up to the interpretation of the audience. I love that it also didn't matter because what mattered is that San chose Vee. He didn't need soulmates, he needed choice and that is what the show gave him.

9. Wandee Goodday - watched on YouTube.

I can't really explain why I loved this show so much except that I really loved both Yak and Wandee. Yak was such a green flag throughout the show and Wandee was actually very good at communicating his boundaries. It was refreshing to see. I wish it had handled certain things better, but overall this show was something I looked forward to a whole lot every week.

8. At 25:00 in Akasaka - watched on Gagaoolala.

This show felt weirdly calming to me. The way that all of the characters moved throughout the world was so calming. Shirasaki and Hayama are perfectly balanced. I love how they love each other. It took them awhile to get there, but once they did, it was so wholesome and delightful.

7. Deep Night - watched on IQIYI.

POLY. This show gave us canon poly. Did we get enough of them? No. Alas they were the sides. But it made me so incredibly happy. The leads were great too. Wela and Khem had wonderful communication the entire way through the show which was super unexpected in a show like this. This show also did not hold back on the heat. But the main reason I love this show so much (other than the poly) is just how supportive everyone ends up being of everyone. It was wonderful to see. This show was one of my liveblogs.

6. Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart - watched on IQIYI

Yes, yes I know. I was pretty vocal in my critiques of this show (well vocal for me). But despite my issues with it, I really loved this show a whole lot. I love anything involving a heist and they really went and made it gay. God bless. Joke has become one of my all time favorite characters. I liked that this show tried something new. It gave us something new and something interesting. It was intriguing and it was fun. It was an absolute joy to watch and post about and it was the show that I probably felt the most in community with other people watching. I love YinWar for giving us this show and putting so much of their hearts into it. It was obvious how much everyone involved cared.

5. We Are - watched on IQIYI

It should surprise no one that this show is on my list. First of all, TanFang. My absolute favorites. But this show was so slow and so calm. There was such little conflict it basically was nonexistent. It was exactly what I needed. The summer months are always hard for me mentally and this show was a nice break for my brain. I loved all of the couples. Some of the couples definitely had pacing issues but I still love them. It was a delightful show and sometimes I just want a show that I can trust will greet me like a friend each week.

4. My Stand-In - watched on IQIYI

I love my toxic boys. Ming you absolute disaster. This show was a RIDE. I couldn't get enough. Joe was such a good person and the whole story is bonkers and Ming was a walking talking red flag and still I was rooting for him. I also loved how much effort the creators put into this show. I don't think I've ever seen so much analysis done of character's backs in my life. It was GREAT. I want a million more shows just like this. We all deserve it.

3. Monster Next Door - watched on Gagaoolala

Just like We Are, this show greeted me like a friend each week. I could count on this show to feel like a warm hug. God and Diew are quite literally the cutest of all time. God was the biggest green flag we have had in awhile, if ever. I mean, no one truly did it like him. That man literally went out of his way to make sure Diew wouldn't even see his face until Diew was ready for it. The only sin this show ever committed was not getting Khun Shy a proper tank. I know that it wouldn't have fit with the aesthetic or whatever, but I was stressed. This is a show that I imagine I will be rewatching at least once a year if not more.

2. Unknown - watched grey first then on Viki

It was soooo hard not to put this as number 1. This show was everything to me when it was airing. I actually found a translation of the book to read online after the show finished airing because I did not want to be done. The way Yuan loved Qian was absolutely wild but my god I loved it. Watching Qian learn to reciprocate Yuan's feelings but also to let himself finally be taken care of was fantastic. I loved their whole family dynamic. I loved the friends. I loved how hard each character worked, not just at life but they all worked hard at love. All types of love. Unknown really told us that love is not always easy and sometimes it is the hardest thing to do, but it is worth the effort. And it also gave me the scene of Qian chasing down San Pang while Yuan sat back and laughed. Iconic.

Love for Love's Sake - watched on IQIYI

This is the only show that could take the #1 spot for me. It was the show this year. It aired last January and I am still thinking about it and how much I love it. Myungha is undoubtedly one of my favorite characters. Something about him just spoke to me, the way I'm sure his character spoke to a lot of people. Everything about this show from beginning to end was executed flawlessly (in my opinion) and I cannot stop thinking about how it said that even the worst most unlovable parts of yourself are worth loving and actually they aren't the worst and the aren't unlovable. It might be hard to love those parts of yourself, but it's so easy to love them in someone else. And they will love them in you too. This is a show that I would absolutely love a physical copy of so I can force everyone I know to watch it.

Sorry for how long the post is. I chose not to include screenshots mostly because I'm lazy and now I'm glad because this is already very long.

[urinarythreatinfection]

Is This Love?

Luffy x Male Reader. Angst. Post Jinbe. 1919 words. Slow-ish burn. Part one.

Desc: You confess to Luffy then go through the aftermath of what you did.

Late at night, under the stars, and sleep deprived.

“Luffy?”

“Hm?”

“I think I’m in love with you.”

That is how this started. A sudden confession under these conditions while Luffy was on watch duty and you stayed with him since you couldn’t sleep. Maybe it was the tiredness you felt that made you spill it, or the inability to keep it inside any longer; or maybe it was both. That doesn’t matter too much now.

“...” Luffy is silent, brain processing what happened while he stares at you. “You love me?” He asks.

“In love with you. Like a lover loves their lover.” Laying it out there so even he couldn’t misunderstand is how you continue. He continues to stare, examining you before looking back up at the stars and resting his chin on his knees.

“Weird.” The captain states, “You’re being weird, (Y/n).” not in a cruel way. Just an observation, something to point out like you ate bananas with ketchup. What is he supposed to say to that? It was so random to him, so he stays silent. Your head drops a bit, he wasn’t cruel, not on purpose, but the nonchalant rejection hurts in a different way. Then again, you didn’t expect much. He’s never shown interest in those things on his own. You almost want to apologize, but choose silence, it’s better to let things pass now. You rest your hands on the floor beside you. The stars and moon shine brightly tonight, as if they shined brighter than usual just to comfort you through this.

——————————

Things didn’t change, Luffy is still your captain and you his crewmate. He doesn’t mention what you said nor does he act differently around you. At first.

“...” Quiet. He’s staring, you can feel it. You look up and the two of you meet eyes. He doesn’t break contact though and you end up just going back to what you were doing. No smiles, no laughter. Maybe this did ruin something, but it’s not like you can take it back.

_________________

Again, during snack time, he acts off. Staring then slowly reaching a hand over to your food while keeping his eyes on you. It’s making you anxious, you feel like a wild animal being approached. You can’t tell what he’s thinking, if he is thinking anything, while he does this. However, you gently push his hand away. The action makes him frown, looking almost… confused. Then, he speaks.

“I thought you were in love with me.” Luffy says and you freeze along with the other shocked crewmembers around.

“Luffy!?” You’re shocked as well, he just said it, just put your feelings out there.

“You’re in love with me, but I can’t have some?” He asks with a tilt of his head, is that why he was staring at you? That gets more people frozen, except for Robin, who frowns a bit after a second.

“L-Luffy-” Usopp manages to start before you stand up, tossing the snack on Luffy’s lap and entering the Sunny. Maybe they’re speaking about you, about what just happened, but you can’t hear it right now. You go into the men’s quarters and sit on your bed, putting your head in your hands. You had thought he’d forget about it, and even if he didn’t that he wouldn’t mention it, but he did. You should’ve told him to keep it secret, but once again it’s too late. This sucks, you should’ve just beared with keeping it in.

(Luffy’s POV)

Luffy looks down at the snack on his lap, then up at his crewmates. Nami clenches her teeth before yelling. “Luffy you IDIOT! Why did you say that?” The captain tilts his head in confusion again.

“But he does, he said it.”

“That’s not the point…” The navigator says with a sigh before turning around and rubbing her temples. “Gods, I’m getting a headache.” Jinbe shakes his head in disapproval.

“What you did was insensitive, Luffy.” The fishman explains while Robin nods. He doesn’t get what he did. You love him, why would you keep it secret? It’s not like he’s gross enough that you should be ashamed of loving him, right? Yet you were silent no matter how much Luffy stared at you, no blushes or shyness, no signs of love. You didn’t even let him have your snack until you left.

‘Hammock cooked and gave me stuff all the time…’ He thinks to himself, yet he was rejected your snack and is now admonished for being confused. You don’t act like Sanji fawning over women or Hancock fawning over him. “I don’t get it.” Everyone lets out a collective sigh. Why did you have to fall for this idiot? They consider scolding him more but stop when Luffy looks down at the snack, he’s thinking. He isn’t taking this as lightly as they thought at first. “I love all you guys and I’m not like that.”

“Not everyone wants to let out their love so openly.” Jinbe takes the role of explaining to the captain. “Romantic feelings cause more anxiousness as well.” Anxiousness.. would he feel anxious if he was in love with someone like that? He takes a bite of the snack and reaches for his hat, putting it on his head for comfort. Why’s it so complicated? Plus, you’re a guy, but you got.. shy? Was it shy? He thinks back on his brothers, of all the men he grew up with, were they ever… shy? Because of romantic love for someone? He’s starting to get a headache of his own, lost in thought as he hums. Luffy cares about you so much, he wants to understand, but he doesn’t know. He can’t gatling his way out of this.

“Luffy.” Robin’s smooth voice gently breaks him from his thoughts, looking down at him. “Imagine if you told me you were hiding snacks somewhere, and wanted to have a picnic with just us two with them, but I refused. Then later I suddenly mentioned where you hid your food and now everyone knows where it is. You didn’t get the picnic, and I told everyone what you told me.”

“He didn’t tell me to keep it a secret though.” He points out and Robin shakes her head softly.

“That he may have messed up on, but even so it’s common sense to someone that it’d be a secret. Even if you forgot to tell me not to reveal your hiding spot you’d still be upset, wouldn't you?” The archeologist continues to explain. The metaphor is helping, though Luffy wouldn’t know why he’d want to have a picnic with just Robin and not everyone else; but he would dislike it if she refused and snitched. He continues to rack his untrained brain, then flops onto his side and shoves the rest of the snack into his mouth. It doesn’t taste as good anymore. The Strawhats stare at their captain. How pitiful for the both of you.

(Your POV)

That night, you sleep outside. The men’s quarters house every guy, including Luffy, so it would just feel too awkward to be in there. It’s worth the sacrifice of being a bit more uncomfortable outside than trying to get some shut-eye directly after what happened. It’s still cold though, and windy, maybe it’ll be better in the crow’s nest. You go up to the crow’s nest and find Zoro training, he does sleep rather late. You don’t bother to announce your presence, he already knows. “The idiot keeping you up?” He asks while swinging a large metal bar with weights attached.

“Not.. sound wise.” You mumble, hopping onto the wooden floor. It’s not windy in here, better.

“I know. It’s not like I'm a love expert but I know enough not to blurt out someone else’s feelings in front of a crowd of people, even if they’re other friends.” He puts the bar down and grabs a cloth to wipe his forehead with.

“Common sense just isn’t common with him, unfortunately. Don’t know how I didn’t think of having to tell him not to blurt it out. My fault, really.” You talk while grabbing a weight. Pretty heavy.

“This one should be better” He says before stuffing another into your hands. It’s even heavier. “Though it depends on what type of workout you’re doing.”

“Late to be doing a full workout.” It’s way past dark out.

“Late for you to be awake despite not being on nightwatch. It’s 2am.” The swordsman points out while motioning with his head to the clock. He makes a good argument. You grab another heavy one and place it onto a bench press bar. “Starting out strong, stretch first.” You shake your head, you’ll be fine. You just need to get your stress out. Zoro sighs and walks over to spot you while you lay down. You lift the bar up off the hooks and slowly bring it down, then back up.

One

Is it really your fault? For not telling Luffy to keep it secret? He should’ve known, but maybe it was a mistake to tell him at all.

Two

You acknowledged before, during, and after telling him that he’d never shown that kind of interest in anyone, much less a man; yet you still did it. Even clarified so you had no way to weasel your way out of it.

Three

Then again, you haven’t known him for his entire life. He could’ve had a crush when he was younger. A nice girl, or boy, or book character. He doesn’t have any books in the Sunny library but someone could’ve read to him when he was little.

Four

He knows Shanks, said it was when he was little. Shanks is pretty popular. Did Shanks ever tell him about love? Was there ever a chance for you? Even a semblance of one?

…Five

It could be that you’re the dumbass that confessed to someone that could never be interested. You’re not even the best bachelor around. Plus, Luffy thinks of you as a friend.

Six, seven, eight

Thought of you as one. You’re the asshole that took a friendship and tried to turn it into something it’s not. You betrayed his trust. Good crewmate, you aren’t even a good friend.

Nine, ten, eleven

“You’re going too fast.”

You fucked it all up. Everything. It’s never going to be the same. You’re going to be known as the loser on the crew that confessed and got rejected by the captain like nothing forever.

Twelve, thirteen

Slip

“Ah.” You lost your grip. Before the bar can fall on you it’s caught by a strong hand.

“I told you you were going too fast. It doesn’t even help at that speed.” Zoro places the bar back onto the hooks. “You’re just hurting yourself at that point. Stop thinking so much.” You sit up, shaking your arms a bit. You were thinking too much. You’re thinking too much about everything, you doubt Luffy is even thinking so much about this and he’s the one you forced a confession on. Though he is Luffy, not thinking is pretty much what he’s known for besides being so effortlessly good. You sit up and roll your shoulders. You can already feel you’re going to be sore. Even if it wasn’t a lot, going so fast from attempting to sleep to benching heavy; and with no stretching; is gonna mess you up. You look down at your hands while Zoro puts the weights away.

“Dumbass.” You messed up.

Don't freak out! This isn't ending on a cliffhanger. This is gonna be a multi part series since I felt like it, kinda weird how both my multiparts (for now) have ended up being Luffy but he is my fav character tbf. I already have the second chapter partially written. Don't know when i'll finish it though, my new class is kinda rough. Still, I have a good grasp on it and I honestly do the best creating media when avoiding doing other things so this may be a blessing in disguise. Anyway hope you enjoyed.

[hemlockesprings]

did you have a nice thanksgiving

Yes I did! 🤩

My keyboardist hosted a thanksgiving party with her girlfriend, who went ALLLL OUT in cooking! They're such good hosts (have literally never met anyone better than them tbh) and go out of their way to make sure everyone is comfortable!

The food was scrumptious 😋 (ngl, was a little worried cause white ppl thanksgiving can either be a BIG HIT or a BIG MISS but it was a HIT! I wish I took a plate homeeeee 😭)

We started watching Glee re-runs (the Britney episode was ICONIC)!

But after some days, I kept on getting a bunch of glee snippets on my Tiktok......so whoever's watching me please stop cause wtf!!

I hope yours was good as well! And your holidays too, cause I am responding a bit late it seems 😅

-🔒🦃

[where-fading-princesses-live]

Thoughts on WICKED (2024)

So I finally saw WICKED after procrastinating after its opening weekend. I wanted to wait a bit longer (as excited as I was to see it) because I knew the theaters were going to be packed (they were) and my friend and I got tickets at the last minute before they sold out for that day’s showing. I’ve been a fan of the musical since childhood and I loved the books as a teen and I knew they were making a movie (or talking about it) since I was in middle school. Well it was worth the wait.

I admit the first teaser trailer did not impress me (it looked too much like a spectacle and some of the CGI effects looked over the top and corny). I was going to see it anyway but my initial expectations were low. but the later trailers were better and I was getting more excited to see it. Well the movie did not disappoint. Though I’m a big fan of WICKED, the movie was better than I expected. I definitely want to see it again (preferably at home with less people even tho the movie was made for the big screen, especially with all the tiny details I didn’t notice before when viewing TV spots and clips on my phone and laptop… ) I’d rather watch it on the big screen BUT.

My enjoyment of the movie was almost completely ruined because of the people… no one sang along, thank God, but there were so many distractions and now I remember why I haven’t been to a movie theatre in years. not only did so many people come in late and have to climb over you to get to their seats, but the person sitting next to me whipped out their phone in the middle of the movie and started texting, plus their bright ass screen was so distracting (rude much?). Worst of all, one person thought it was a good idea to drag along their noisy toddlers who kept asking over and over ‘’when’s the movie going to start’’ during the previews, and even when the movie DID start, the kids could not sit still throughout the movie and kept loudly asking their parents for ‘’skittles’’ like I wanted to turn around and tell them to keep their kids quiet or leave. FINALLY they got up and left for good before the Emerald city part, like goddamn if your kids aren’t mature enough to sit through a 2 ½ movie, don’t ruin it for the rest of us. >_<

That being said, I still enjoyed the movie, and you bet your sweet Oz there was a round of applause after it was over, I mean it was THAT good. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to a movie where the audience clapped at the end. I think maybe ‘’The Artist’’ back in 2011… which won Best Picture at the Oscars that year. That was a damn good movie, prolly the last one I saw in theaters. I knew WICKED was going to be a big; it’s one of the longest-running shows on Broadway with almost daily record box office sales; its fan base is like Harry Potter-levels huge, so I guess it’s impact was long overdue. Better late than never.

here’s some quick thoughts (I literally have not stopped thinking about it and I saw it about a week ago… suffice to say, I’m obsessed):

The Costumes!!!

So at first I hated Glinda’s bubble dress. I thought it looked cheap compared to the Broadway costume (my dream dress btw) but overtime the design grew on me…

I have no issues with the dress being pink (after all, the non-replica Brazil production did a pink gown).

I still think the Broadway bubble dress is prettier (esp. the way it sparkles and glitters in the stage lighting and I love the blue color… Susan Hilferty was very original with her designs) but I do like the movie costume being a slight nod to the 1939 Wizard of Oz, plus it looks like a quinceañera dress.

I would’ve preferred the dress with puff sleeves, or off the shoulder cap sleeves for modesty, but one detail I really love that is not noticeable unless you’re watching on the big screen is that Glinda has butterfly gems on her shoulders (literally the first time I noticed it was in the movie theatre).

It’s such a nice detail because butterflies seem to be her theme, as a nod to the butterfly choker necklace Billie Burke wears as Glinda.

I actually do like Paul Tazewell as a costume designer. He also did the costumes for ‘’Death Becomes Her’’ on Broadway; his designs are very unusual and elaborate and I loved his visions for Oz.

That being said, I pretty much love Galinda’s whole wardrobe at Shiz (some people complained that they ‘’Barbie-fied Galinda’’ because her style lacks variety esp. when she wears the same color scheme throughout the whole movie) and tho it’s true I’d like to see her in different colors (we will in PART 2), I do think the pink was a nice symbolism. Her Ozdust ballroom dress is esp. unique. (I do like how the dress in the stage show was originally blue to hint at her becoming Glinda the Good Witch; basically she and Elphaba looked like mini versions of their future Witches counterparts… then they changed the dress to pink, so the symbolism was lost).

and it was nice the movie went back to that. So now it makes sense that the bubble dress is pink.

My only complaint is Elphaba’s costumes. Don’t get me wrong—they’re gorgeous—but I’m not sure the designs really reflect her character arc. Costumes aren’t just meant to be pretty… they are literally telling a story, and illustrating the growth of a character. Sometimes characters have to be dressed in something more appropriate for the purpose of the setting and where they’re at in the narrative even if it isn’t the prettiest garment off the rack… it’s not just about looking their best, and I think Paul Tazwell missed this mark. He clearly wanted Elphaba to be a fashion queen—but that’s not her character.

In the musical, Elphaba appears semi-frumpy on purpose. She’s beautiful but insecure due to her skin color and so she covers up in a bulky blazer, she braids her long hair, and wears a cap over her head, as though she is attempting to draw the least bit of attention to herself.

No one recognizes her inner beauty because she lacks the self-confidence to be herself. In the movie, she first appears to us in a beautiful black corset dress with puff sleeves and buttons (Cynthia is absolutely stunning and kills this look) but I’m not sure if Elphaba should look so drop-dead gorgeous when we first meet her (plus she’s fixing her hair in the first shot and it seems so OOC for her… I know Cynthia’s version is softer and more vulnerable than the Broadway version, who’s a bit bold and sarcastic and self-defensive… but Elphie fixing her braid? Not that it’s vain but her hair is the least of her worries in the stage show). And the dress… like I said… much too pretty. I do love her glasses tho.. and I do like the Gothic fashion... it reminds me of A Series of Unfortunate Events... the first dress is just too pretty for a character introduction. I'd like to see her wear this later in the film...

Maybe it wasn’t the intent… the dress is old-fashioned and could be ‘’spinsterish’’ to some, but she looks far from frumpy. Elphaba is already naturally beautiful, but in the stage version she doesn’t undergo an outward physical transformation until after the Ozdust ballroom scene. In the movie, she’s dressed fashionably all the time… and looks beautiful outside and inside. her Shiz uniforms are not Galinda, oh, sure, but she looks incredible in these form-fitting pinstripe suits with these flamboyant shoulder pads, and I feel it doesn’t match Elphaba’s story at all… she’s supposed to be hiding at the beginning of the story (I don’t think you’d catch Broadway Elphaba dead in pinstripes and shoulder pads). Galinda in the show helps bring her out of her shell. But even her Ozdust dress in the movie is a knock out… with the black lace and everything. In the musical, she just wears her plain uniform frock to the dance because she has nothing else.

The movie doesn’t have to copy the stage show exactly, but yeah… I wanted to see Elphaba go through a transformation in her fashions. I wanted to see her start dressing prettier towards the end of the movie, after ‘’Popular’’… like, see, her inner beauty was always there, and it makes her beautiful on the outside too! but she was already dressing pretty and fashionable before that, so it lessens the impact it’s supposed to have as the other students slowly begin to accept her. and after ‘’Popular’’, Elphaba is seen wearing this outfit she wears earlier in the film. Only difference being her hair is not braided, so she really doesn’t look ‘’Galinda-fied’’ to me as the line suggests (she was already ''Galinda-fied'').

In the musical it’s more apparent when she goes to looking like this (something she’s never worn before and doesn’t fit her typical style):

Again, it’s just a minor gripe I had. They probably wanted Elphie’s ‘’make over’’ to be more subtle which is fine… like Elphaba is ALWAYS beautiful… but still.

Nessarose’s Ozdust dress was actually one of my faves in the whole movie. She truly looked like the Belle of the Ball. I love that she’s wearing a poppy necklace…

And those big doe eye of hers... I'M DEAD

If Galinda is butterflies, Nessa’s whole theme seems to be poppies. AND THESE SHOES ARE FIRE I want them and I want the dress. There I said it.

Also her dance with Boq is my favorite scene in the whole movie. It was always my favorite part in ''Dancing Through Life'' and it's so wholesome... knowing how tragic this ends for them both (the rehearsal footage was admittedly better but they both ate and left no crumbs)... give the choreographer all the awards.

As for the other characters, I like the Shiz uniforms and that they maintained the variety and individualisms from the stage show. I kind of wish Fiyero was dressed in something that stood out more. He doesn’t wear his Shiz uniform until after ‘’Popular’’ in the stage version. We first meet him in a riding outfit (he kind of wears a riding outfit when he runs into Elphaba in the movie… but not a bold red one… and red seems to be Fiyero’s color… it fits him better than blue but that's just my opinion).

If it was my choice, I would’ve dressed all the main characters in different outfits and/or colors that stand out from the rest. In the stage version, Galinda and Elphie are technically still dressed in uniforms, but they wear a solid color—Galinda in all cream/ white and Elphie in all navy blue—so they stand out.

I like that they kept this in the movie (only Galinda being in pastel pink tones and Elphie in all black).

Fiyero, Boq, and Nessa should’ve been color coded too. Yes, Boq and Nessa in the stage show wear similar uniforms to everyone else, but they have little details that make them stand out (for instance, Nessa has this headband, and Boq has this little red hat that later productions added… it didn’t exist in the original production, but the costumes kind of evolved over time). I still like Boq’s uniform in the movie (esp. the shoes). I do kind of miss his white boots from the stage show, tho (RIP Boq’s cute white boots).

Unfortunately in the movie they had so many people dressed like Boq that he disappeared into the background, but maybe that was for a reason? Boq is a wallflower; we're not supposed to notice him. I get it. He still should've had something to signify him... a hat, maybe. These sweater vests are sick tho... where can I get one?

The Cast!!!

Ariana and Cynthia of course nailed it. I was skeptical of the casting when it was first announced but they proved me wrong and they were the perfect choices. No one could have played Galinda and Elphaba better. I usually don’t like pop stars in musical movies… I prefer classically trained theatre actors, but since Ari does have a musical theatre background, she ended up surprising me more than anyone else in the cast (esp. where it concerns her operatic notes. I say that because tho I’m familiar with her on 13! the musical, she was terribly miscast as Penny in Hairspray Live! She did not disappear into the role… she was basically playing herself) and I was deathly afraid she would popify the hell out of Galinda. Well, she understood the assignment, she really became Galinda. So props to her.

Not gonna lie. The whole cast was phenomenal but Dr. Dillamond (voiced by Peter Dinklage) was my favorite part in the whole movie. I love the scene where Elphaba takes him by the hoof. She was so compassionate and you really feel her heartbreak when he's arrested. Yeah the CGI goat was the best actor I just loved him.

😭😭😭

Fiyero is the Arjiki prince (who was a very minor character in the book and, in my humble opinion, is the least interesting character in the book and the musical), made that much worse when he's traditionally whitewashed… because he was a dark-skinned black man in the book… sure some black actors have played him on stage but I had a feeling they’d cast a white actor in the movie… part of me wished they casted a black actor... well, at least he gets a cool song. HOWEVER I really did love Jonathan Bailey’s portrayal. He wasn’t bland like some of the other actors who’ve played him, and though he’s prince charming good looking, he’s also incredibly funny. I was not expecting to laugh so much at his entrance. Yeah, I liked Fiyero more in the movie. He’s still not my favorite character but hopefully he gets a big meaty part in PART 2. Is it wrong I never shipped Fiyero/ Elphaba? I always thought their chemistry was so boring and forced. Wicked was always a love story between two women anyway. I totally ship Elphaba and Galinda (it’s canon in the book anyway). I loved the scene where Galinda and Elphaba run out of the ozdust ballroom together hand-in-hand and literally leave Fiyero biting the dust.

----

(SPOILER ALERT: That’s how the story should have ended. Who needs a man right? Let the witches be lesbians… a house falls on Nessa, so Boq could end up with Fiyero (since the women they love are in love with each other) let Fiyero be bisexual (Jonathan’s Fiyero already radiates bisexual energy because all the women AND men were falling in love with him). Let him be bi and hit on Boq (Tincrow fans come get your food… you can’t convince me they’re straight). Elphie and Glinda get their happy ending. Problem solved. Everyone’s happy.)

--

Nessa was awesome. She’s a character everyone loves to hate, but yeah, I wish she was in the movie more. Marissa Bode ATE

---

(SPOILER ALERT: In Part 2, she will becomes more Wicked when she assumes the position of the tyrannical Eminence of Munchkinland. Owing to her brutal religious persecution, we'll do well to remember her as the infamous ''Wicked Witch of the East.'' I love me a badass female villain).

---

Speaking of badass female villains, Michelle Yeoh absolutely COOKED as Madame Morrible, and her costumes were more beautiful on the big screen. Part of me wanted Kristin Chenoweth to play Madame Morrible… she slayed as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray Live! Her rendition of ‘’(The Legend Of) Miss Baltimore Crabs’’ was seriously gas. She plays a very convincing villain, but then they’d have to write her a villain song (not that I’m complaining). Michelle may not be a singer, but she was so quietly sinister as Madame Morrible… I loved her.

I personally wanted more Bowen Yang in the supporting cast (specifically flirting with Fiyero).

Despite the haters (and say what you will), but Ethan Slater was perfectly cast as Boq Woodsman aka the Munchkin Boy. Despite unpopular opinion, I wish he was in the movie more. When I read the book, he looks almost exactly like how I pictured him (mop of curly hair, freckles…). Boq was blonde in the book if I remember correctly, and he wore glasses… so my vision of him was a blonde Daniel Radcliffe… but honestly, the red hair works so well (even better than blonde). And I love that they ended up basing the Munchkins’ look off of Ethan. They all had red curly hair. That was a cool detail.

Boq the Munchkin Boy was actually a major character in the book but the musical shifts Boq's prominence to Fiyero for some reason and this always bothered me. Yeah, Fiyero unapologetically steals Boq's thunder (and I will never forgive the musical for that unnecessary change...) and apparently the movie was going to flesh him out more and make him friends with Elphaba like in the book… they were really close friends and Boq actually played a bigger role than Galinda... in fact, Galinda was very minor in the book compared to her role in the musical.

You wish your squad was this dope.

It seemed like they were going to add more things from the book. Unfortunately, a lot of his scenes got axed (I would watch a full five hours with all the deleted scenes). But Ethan Slater was still good with what he had to work with. Okay, maybe they had to delete his scenes with Elphaba. But I personally wanted more scenes with him and Fiyero… it seems like something was going on between them in ‘’Dancing Through Life’’ (not in that way; Ethan explained in interviews his Boq looked up to Fiyero and tried to emulate him and that makes sense) like a parallel storyline to Elphie and Galinda’s budding friendship. Boq seemed to come out of his shell more around Fiyero, kind of like Elphie gaining confidence around Galinda. I would’ve have minded a scene with Fiyero rooming with Boq and seeing the boys get ready for the dance.

In fact, we just needed more scenes with the Charmed Circle hanging out together in general. They teased us with these scenes for months leading up to the film’s release… only to delete them!!! WE WERE ROBBED

A two-part movie and they still had to sacrifice so much for time constraints.

That was my only other gripe with the film. The lack of development in the friendships of the characters…

This is why the movie really needed to be a TV series spanning multiple seasons, and they could have added so much from the books. Everyone would watch the living crap out of it, and we could have had more character development and world building. Someday I’d love to see an animated tv series based on the books (minus the smex). With all the lovely fanart coming out of this fanbase, think of the cool possibilities for character designs. Yeah a tv series based on the books are in order. (Probably couldn’t get the movie cast but I think Ethan Slater should reprise his role as Boq because he just sounded so much like how I pictured him from the book… he probably fits my vision the most out of everyone who was casted.)

A funny thing happened after the movie… my friend said, ''Why is Boq taller than Glinda?'' And I was like, ''out of the whole 2 1/2 hour movie THAT'S what you got out of it???'' (Anyway most of the actors who played Boq on stage were taller than Glinda by a head or two. He's a ''tall munchkin'' and they should've kept this line in the movie so people wouldn't be confusified.)

Anyway, yeah, despite the minor things, the movie is a solid 11/ 10 stars for me.

They had ONE job. And they nailed it.

[thesleepyfable]

~ SWTD: Still Here AU Season 2 Part 3: ~

A Dream? A Memory? Or Something Else:

Who wants a mystery, lore and character building? Well, here ya go.

TW: Car accident and blood.

With two more left hooks, Innes dropped his arms and leaned forward to catch his breath. Sweat dripping down his face, soaking his hair and sticking his clothes to his body.

'Not bad,' Caz praised. He lowered his arms, where he held a padded chair seat to act as a boxing bag. 'Did you box before?'

'I was in the military,' Innes gasped before forcing himself to stand. 'It's all part of the training. But, I was better than that.'

'Hey, if you sweat, then you're putting effort into it. You never said you served?'

'Well, I would have thought you'd done the math, Caz,' Innes joked. 'I had only just turned eighteen when I went to the nearest office to join. Old man didn't approve.'

'And what did he want you to do?'

'Fuck knows. Your daddy always wanted you to be a boxer?'

'Yep. But, I think he saw the money over my talent.'

'Right, well, three cheers for a shitty parent then, eh?'

'Maybe another time,' Caz chuckled. 'I'm gonna lay down for a bit.'

'Alright. Don't be late for Roy's fish and chips.'

'Never.'

Caz had noticed he couldn't sense one of the infected, but he didn't give it much thought. The farm was big. Muir was stuck to Innes like glue and had been watching from the side. Trots sat on the porch with Simon, Rennick, and Gibbo, who were all having coffee. That's when Caz spotted his children along with Addair's and Jack making snowmen. Out of the corner of his eye, just out of his reach, was Addair with, who Caz assumed to be Jennifer. He couldn't make out the features or body language, just their outlines. There was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, but Caz wasn't going to make it his business.

He wandered up to the house, passed Roy and Suze talking in front room with Irenw, up the stairs and into one of the beds to rest. Even if he could sleep like a log, Caz was feeling constantly tired these past few days. It's like all the built-up stress that kept his legs moving was suddenly gone, leaving him with tired eyes he had to battle. The rest he took in the attic did help to some degree, but it was now happening again. He hoped this wasn't going to be a common occurrence and was just because he had been drinking last night. He checked the clock. 11:44am.

'Just, an hour won't hurt...'

Caz had a strange dream. He was standing in a corner shop, looking over the endless shelves of sweets in their respective glass jars, nearly reaching the ceiling. A humming from the flickering light above accompanied the radio that sat besides the staff only door. It was cold. His breath was visible in the air. Beside him were the newspapers, separated by their publisher. Behind him, the door opened with a bell ring, and a teenager boy with blonde hair and a slim frame stepped inside. His bike leaned against the window. Caz saw a zebra crossing outside. The boy seemed to be in a hurry. Not acknowledging Caz, he dashed to the till.

'Can I get four bags of Jazzles, please?'

This didn't feel like a dream. It felt real to Caz. He couldn't describe it, but it didn't feel disorienting. Every texture on his jacket he touched felt real. The chill in the air caused him to shiver and have his hair stand on end. Nothing felt surreal, and he could think straight rather than being on co-pilot. He had full control of his body and thoughts. The only thing that reminded Caz this was a dream was the boy and shopkeeper. They didn't notice him.

'That'll be twenty pence.'

'Thanks.'

Caz knew the boy wasn't him. This wasn't a memory from his youth. He was never originally blonde, and the boy's strong cockney accent gave that away.

'Seya.' The boy dashed back outside and onto his bike. Caz watched. The shopkeeper didn't acknowledge him. Caz turned away. Then he heard the screeching of tires and a loud thudding sound of metal hitting each other. Caz froze. His face went pale. His eyes widened. The shopkeeper gasped in horror and ran outside. Another chill ran down his spine.

Slowly, Caz turned and saw the boy and the pool of blood that stained his hair. Then it went dark, and the room began to spin. The beeping of a heart monitor echoed off the walls, and a woman screamed a name. Tommy.

Caz rolled out of the bed with a thud. The piercing wails startled him awake. He checked the clock on the wall. 14:19pm. Cait stood over him with a worried look in her eye. Caz frowned. 'You alright?' She didn't answer. Her eyes flicked to the door. Her shoulders were tense, and she bit her lip. 'Cait? Cait, what's wrong? Is it Maidie?' Caz clumsily got to his feet and slipped on his boots. 'Has she tripped?'

'Mr. Addair's gone.'

'What?'

'No one can find him,' Cait explained in a panic voice that was feeding into Caz with the slow rising panic he felt in his chest. 'Mr. Muir has checked the fields, and Mr. Gibbo went into the highlands, but no one...'

Caz slammed the front door open, jumped the porch stairs, and marched outside. He was furious. 'How in the actual, living fuck did we all manage to lose him?!'

'I'm not his fuckin' babysitter, Caz,' Innes snapped back.

'That's not the point. We're all in this together, and in the span of a few hours, he's gone?'

'Apparently,' Rennick sighed. 'I've not seen his missus or his children, either.'

'They went back to London,' Trots answered. 'Left about two hours ago.'

'And Addair was still here at the time?'

'Yeah. He waved them off with a few of us. Obviously, he wasn't happy about it and she seemed to be a hurry...' Trots slowly trailed off with a slow realisation that everyone pieced together. He covered his mouth with a hand. They all turned to the long driveway. The snow had been disturbed, but the prints were from this morning, so no one gave it much thought. A good cover if you were going to sneak away.

'Fuck.'

[theultimatekamehamehavoc]

[ohshy]

Punch out themed art october challenge !!!!

You may combine prompts, skip prompts, do this challenge whenever you want, the sky's the limit !! The only rules are to have fun and don't overexert yourself !!

[phagodyke]

the masculine urge to take a saucepan off thr draining board and bash myself repeatedly over the head with it until I pass out and no longer have to experience feeling Bad 😍

[an-theduckin]

Wait shit people might actually care about me

[into-the-voiddddd]

"Our dawn is hotter than day" - seventeen

[hwanghyunjinenthusiast]

Writing really has shown me the importance and value in comments and sharing my thoughts and opinions on fanfics I read.