#what if what if what if. everything was fine and dandy forever

[toasterdrake]

3 committed 0 heartbroken

tried to keep in mind the 'how they look at each other' yasammy post (i think made by jae?) + think abt how robin would fit into that

i'm paranoid its unclear so the order from left to right is: robin w yaz, sammy w robin, yaz w sammy

[mitchievousness]

.

[sickwhispers]

Wait... How did I get here?!!! Anyways while I'm here, the hc you made Abt dandy was very fun to read, can you make a part 2 pls 🥺

Hopefully you accept part 2 requests, btw you can jusr ignore this if you don't want to.

Hehe, hiii. Part 2 requests are completely allowed, don't worry. In fact, I'm flattered that you enjoyed it enough to request a part 2, so thank you for that!

THEY LOVE ME, THEY LOVE ME NOT (pt 2)

Pairing: Dandy x reader

Relationship: romantic (situationship again)

Warnings: I mightve made him yandere coded... woopsie, slightly sadistic

Type: headcanons + drabble

Surely now you understand why he had to do what he did

And, he can't help but find some sense of amusement in the way you nodded your head, eyes wide with a hint of fear behind their glossy look

He's sorry, he doesn't want to be mean

But... sometimes he thinks it's just a little cute how desperate you get when it comes to buying from his shop

"Nwah... I didn't even have to ask you this time! You must really like me, don't ya?" The smile on his face seemed to stretch as you tossed the last remaining tapes you had saved up during the last couple of floors. He never felt the need to ask you after every round anymore. At this point, he was certain you'd hand them over eventually.

He could tell you were nervous. The way your hands shook as you grabbed the medkit from his display of items. You were lucky, yknow. If it was anyone else, he'd only be giving them a couple gumballs and singular chocolate bars. But you? How could he keep all the best stuff hidden?

The others didn't understand him like you did. They had even tried asking you to distance yourself from him at some point. But, you'd never do that to him. He's your friend, and he has been ever since the beginning.

After seeing your reaction to his twisted form, he almost constantly felt the need to show it to you just one more time

To see the way your body froze, a deer in headlights and at the complete mercy of what you could only describe as a grotesque monster made of ichor

But, he also didn't want you to think of him as a monster

He found the way you shook in his presence cute, but that didn't mean he wanted you to shake every time you were in the same room together

Maybe, if he warmed you up to his twisted form more, you'd feel a bit less uncomfortable with the idea of letting him lay on you

Feeling you beneath him as he nuzzled against the top of your head, a claw of his tracing each line on your palm

Seeing you scared was fun, but he was always a fan of the domestic moments

Just having you by his side was enough to keep him happy, your constant presence bringing a comfort like no other

He was never sure why he felt this way

Honestly, the first time he felt it back when everything wasn't in total disaster, he had thought he'd caught some sort of sickness.

But no, he didn't, and it didn't take too long before he really found out why every time he saw you, his body seemed to tense

There was always a need to make you happy, to keep you smiling

So, despite the overwhelming sensation to bare his monstrous form just for you, he found himself opting to hold it back

For now, at least

Until your hands stopped shaking and your smile didn't hold some sort of strain behind its appearance

The glossy eyes were cute, but...

Only then would he try to get you used to the feeling of eyes boring into the back of your head every floor

He didn't want you to think of him like some sadist

Sure, he had some sadistic tendencies

But he's only joking!

No need to worry. He loves you. He'd never want to hurt you

Intentionally, that is

But, until the day he's able to show you the worst possible version of him without the fear of scaring you enough to leave forever

He's fine with pretending like he doesn't want you to shower him with all kinds of affection he could possibly think of

In both his toon form and twisted form

[coral-melon]

Introducing your Boyfriend to your Parents!

Genre: Fluff, Crack

Warnings: None hopefully 🤞

Obey me brothers x Reader

No pronouns used

Note: I’m assuming this has been done before but I’ve never got to read one! ;—;

Lucifer

Tf u talkin bout boyfriend?? That’s not boyfriend material, that’s a husband right there.

Probably the one you can trust the most. Probably..

Doesn’t matter what kind of parents you have, this man is literally flawless. In their minds, you’re literally set for life! And with how loving he seems to be with you??? There’s no way they’ll be able to refuse a man like that. Will urge you to seal the deal and marry him already.

He’s so perfect, that your parents might eye you. How’d you meet a man like this?? Seems too good to be true, don’t you think? Did you okay him or somethin? Nah, u don’t got that kind of money to afford a man like that..

Luci’s very persuasive though, there will be absolutely no room for them to doubt. He’s just through like that.

Everything will be fine and dandy as long as your parents don’t say something that he deems as even disrespectful or offensive to you and/or him. Depends on the severity of their words, he’ll mostly resort to passively aggressive comments with a smug look on his face.

He’ll have this need to put them in their place ._ .

If nothing happens, your good! 100% approval!

Mammon

Eesh.. keep a real close eye on this man. "( – ⌓ – )

You’re better off having them meet somewhere that isn’t your house if you don’t want something to go missing. Nah just kidding, he’ll try to be on his best behavior!

Other than that, he’ll be as respectable as possible. Say a couple of awkward stuff here and there out of nervousness or come off as a bit cocky failing miserably. And probably the type to keep talking because of it. He might be rowdy every now and then but it just makes him more endearing.

Him and your dad might have a bit of a playful moment gambling together. Both you and your mom have to make sure it doesn’t get too far.

Definitely very fun to be around. He’s a dork! ^^⸝⸝⸝

Leviathan

That crap is for normies!

If you have strict parents, it’s never happening.. and if not? It took you forever to get to this point.💀

He’s a nervous wreck! Sweating bullets and barely being able to make a coherent conversation. Your parents might ask you if he’s alright..

Imma assume you most likely you have the same interests as him. You’re parents know that he has the same interest as you, they’ll ask him about to to get him to ease up a bit. And damn, he makes a whole 360!

He starts tapping so excitedly for a few long minutes before shutting up out of shear cringe and embarrassment. But if someone else is as much of a geek as he is, there’s nothing stopping him.

A few debates here and there, later on you guys could play some Mario kart or Mario party. Your mom wins.

Satan

For the love of god, Don’t say his name. Call him Stanley or somethin’💀

Another one you can probably trust one.

He’s complete gentleman towards you and your parents and minds his manners. Literally the very definition of what mothers want their child. Such a nice and smart boy to have around!

But same thing with Lucifer, hopefully your parent won’t say anything that irks him the wrong way. He’ll hold his patience for as long as possible but the slightest slander against you will make him lose it.

And if not, then he’s literally the perfect boyfriend you can bring to meet your parents

Imagine tho? Calling him by his actual name. That’s crazy.

100% approval, if he doesn’t get ticked off

Asmodeous

Good vibes only up in this joint! >;D

Don’t be fooled, this guy has a whole scheme up in his sleeves. He’s real good at this. Even the most notorious of serious and strick parents will be swoon by him even without using his abilities. He could probably make them pour their heart out in karaoke if he really wanted to. There’s nothing stopping him💕

Both your parents are gonna he giggling and blushing like on some high school girl type shit.

They may or may not be a couple slips of the tongue with some inappropriate jokes or comments he might tease about. Hopefully your parents aren’t too appalled by it. But there’s genuinely no dull moment with him around, he’s the life of the party!

Beelzebub

The sweetest man ever!! (⸝⸝⸝>﹏<⸝⸝⸝) surprise surprise..

Definitely takes everyone by surprise. He’s taller than everyone in your household. Your dad can’t help feel his manhood be a bit threatened by him.. Everyone might be scared at first, but that quickly changes when they realize that he really is as much of a sweetheart as you’ve said.

He’s all about family so meeting your family means the world to him. He’s a bit quiet but he respectfully talks to your parents when they ask him something. (Speaks when spoken to.)

Whoever cooked the meal will not be disappointed by him, not when he has such a blissful expression with every bite he’s taking. So eager too, not wasting anything and asking for more. There won’t definitely be any leftover with him around. He’s a growing boy!~

I’d be funny if someone in the family challenged him to arm wrest. He wouldn’t move an inch, just ever so slowly and gently pin their arm down. If your grandma’s around, she’d have no shame in gawking and touching his arms.😂 could be ur mom too

Belphegor

‘Scuse me? Him? Σ(⁰ . ⁰ ꪱꪱꪱ)!?!?...

No offense to any of y’all. But this is probably the worst and stupidest choice you’ve ever made.💀🫶

You must’ve and better be on his ass if you really want him to meet your parents. He’d probably forget that he was gonna supposed to be meeting your parents.

Very likely to accidentally bonk his head against the table while in a conversation. Is he okay?? He’ll lift his head up and keep talking to them as if nothing happened.

Honestly, I don’t see how it could work..

20% chance of approval💀

((If y’all got an idea of how that would go, lemme know! I’d like to know what’s your headcanon of the situation!))

End

It’s been so long since I’ve last written cuz of college! So I hope this didn’t suck. Omg never again am I taking summer classes, stupidest shit I’ve ever done ｡ﾟ(*´□`)ﾟ｡

[dear-ao3]

Heyy totally weird question and having never experienced a long term relationship before this is really coming just from a place of curiosity, I'm deeply sorry if I'm stepping over a line. Did your ex boyfriend change as a person as time went by, because I remember loving your posts about him, and everything seemed wonderful and adorable about your dynamic, thinking that even if these complete strangers to me break up one day it will be full of mutual respect and understanding. Can a person really change up like that? Like were there ever any signs that he is a douchebag capable of breaking things of over a text and anything else that he's done or was he never actually like that and a "change" happend over night?

I am not at all probing into your life, please don't think that, nor am I asking for some kind of explanation no, just curious about someone turn up to be a complete douchebag at the end

i mean yea there were signs, generally when youre dating someone in the beginning things seem fine and dandy and then it all falls apart later. most of the problems stemmed from the fact that he broke a lot of bad habits and then gained them back. we were also pretty young and in that weird limbo stage of life where youre figuring out what the fuck you want to do and when youre in that area of life (college) things can change very quickly and you can very quickly realize that you are not as perfect for someone as you once thought.

actually though we were decently mature towards the end of it and knew it was falling apart and were like okay when the time comes we will be respectful and this will be mutual and likely we will remain friends (cause we did get along pretty well, there were just a lot of logistics that were not working) and then he decided to dump me over text (which he didnt really realize he was doing? he thought it was a break he was proposing but he worded it so badly that i was like um no this is a breakup. goodbye. then he tried to be like oh no no no we are still good for eachother! so even though he definitely started it i finished it) and all respect was lost

tho despite all that crap i dont regret it, there was a lot of fun, learned a lot about myself and most importantly learned what it does feel like to be in love. its not my fault it didnt work out, there was a lot of stuff that i was aware of at the beginning that would make it challenging and i knew it wasnt going to last forever, but while it was good it was definitely good.

[aziraphales-library]

Hello! First of all I absolutely love everything you all do for the fandom, so thank you! Secondly, I was wondering if you possibly had any fics that are cowboy-centric/set in the Wild West? Preferably not E rated, though anything is fine really. Again thanks so much!

Hi! Here are some wild west cowboy fics for you...

White Wings by HipHopAnonymous (T)

Years after their disagreement over procuring holy water, Aziraphale and Crowley cross paths in the American Wild West. Aziraphale is still prickly, but willing to lend Crowley a hand with a temptation. Unfortunately, things go south quickly, and they find themselves in over their heads.

Two Horses Passing in the Night by D20Owlbear (G)

Crowley is a bronc rider. Aziraphale is a skilled calf-roping, southern dandy. This is how they meet.

Secrets Over Saloons And Saddles by bread_isyummy (NR)

It’s 1892, Aziraphale has traveled to the west, the promise of new books pushing his curiosity. By extraordinary chance he is reunited with his hereditary enemy. They share a few drinks and a moment they both swore to never speak of.

run across the river (just to hold you tonight) by hope_in_the_dark (T)

In which their first kiss happens differently (and they have five percent better communication.) Based on that one ask where Neil said he meant to give us a Wild West flashback but couldn’t because of budget reasons.

Gods Gonna Cut You Down by Wanderingsilvan (T)

Trouble is stirring in the Wild West which unfortunately catches both Heaven and Hell's interest. To respectively remedy and worsen the situation they both call upon their agents on Earth, neither of who have any interest in going to the Americas and traveling through the dirt, dust, and cowshit. Unluckily for them neither of their head offices particularly cares about what they do or don't want to do.

West of Paradise by castielrisingabove (T)

After a life as one of the most feared outlaws in the wild west, Crowley is met with one of his greatest challenges yet: asking his dearest friend, Zira Fell, to run away with him. That's already a tall order, but Crowley's about to find something else on his plate: the afternoon keeps repeating. Can Crowley find the right way to make his dream come true, or is he doomed to ask this impossible question forever?

- Mod D

[the-morningstar-family]

Probably because he was raised to brush injury off, and that any time spent recovering meant he was weak. So, given the reminder of his past he's just had? He's falling into old habits. Just, bluntly tell him that if he gets up now, it'll take longer to heal overall, and that if he takes too long healing, then he'll be weaker to those two evil men for longer, leaving him open.

Lucifer: "If you get up now, and just go about our day, you'll need to heal longer."

Alastor rolls his eyes. Almost genuinely unbothered. Does he seriously not consider this serious?

Alastor: "And I told you, it's not that bad anymore"

Lucifer's anger comes back. How dare he disregard his own health like that. His red cheeks become even more red.

Lucifer: "For fucks sake Alastor look around!"

Alastor: "I'm fine!"

Lucifer: "Oh, are you? Just dandy, no? You were bleeding out just yesterday!"

Alastor: "And today I'm better!"

The demon definitely matches the king's anger. Eyes turning into dials. Funnily (or concerning) enough, he seems to lack the energy to grow.

Lucifer: "No you are fucking not! You've lost a bunch of blood, have serious stab wounds and your magic is shit all right now!

Alastor: "I'm fi-"

Lucifer: "Don't you dare finish that!There's a tube inside of you keeping your lungs inflated so you can fucking breathe! You have a fucking nasal cannula!"

Alastor: "It'll heal. It's nothing I can't handle"

A frustrated groan comes out of Lucifer's mouth. He runs his hands over his face. He feels like he's talking to a brick wall.

Lucifer, desperate: "Why are you so focused on 'being fine'?"

Alastor: "What else am I supposed to be?!"

And like that Lucifer's anger disappears. Like a shitty magic trick. He realises something. It's not just that Al's been raised to brush of pain. Though it's likely a big part too. But he's also living in hell as an overlord for fucking forever. An overlord is on almost everyone's target list, there's no room to show weaknesses.

Alastor had Rosie, sure, but she has her own duties to worry about, it's unlikely that Alastor would have come to her. Even at her insistence.

Alastor seems to notice Lucifer's anger dropping. And he's suddenly unsure, like everything's slightly off kilter.

He's hurt, someone being angry at him, that's something he can handle.

But Lucifer isn't angry anymore.

[toons-and-doom]

love that hc about vee being the last main to twist!

but I raise you this to go along with it:

what if..shelly was the first main toon to be twisted?

YOU GET IT

Dandy wanted to experiment with ichor more directly. Perhaps he wanted an escape. Perhaps he wanted more control over the mains toons because he has an odd sense of ownership over them (‘ You were created to be my friend! I’m just ensuring that remains true forever :] ‘)

Maybe ichor has a weird affect on main tone and dandy wanted to find out more. He ain’t gonna do it on pebble because pebbles is still loyal despite everything

Dandy chose shelly first because he figured less people would notice she’s gone right away. People don’t really like Shelly for Shelly, they just like that she’s helpful.

Dandy starts paying more attention to her! They hang out! Shelly thinks dandy cares. He doesn’t. She’s just a cattle, a means to an end. A sacrifice.

Eventually dandy is like ‘ Shelly! Do you want to explore the deeper parts of this place together?? ‘

Shelly is reluctant. She knows they aren’t allowed down there. But dandy insists they will be fine. Shelly doesn’t want to disappoint dandy, he’s been so nice to her!

Down they go. Dandy insists all is well. Shelly reluctantly believes him.

Blah blah dandy shows her his ichor experiments (well just his notes and stuff, not the actual products). He’s like ‘ with this stuff I can make you stronger! Maybe the others will finally notice you? Maybe they ignore you because weak? ‘

Shelly is oblivious like ‘ what-‘

‘ trust me Shelly! I’ve never lied to you, have I? You’ll be fine! It’s only a little bit as well! Don’t back out Shelly- I’d be very sad! I trusted you! ‘

It’s pretty easy to poke Shelly until she folds.

Cue some fucked up experimentation. Maybe dandy shows her his ‘true’ form.

Well. Dandy was right. He made her stronger. Kinda turned her a dinosaur but that’s not his problem now!

At least Shelly has people paying attention to her now!

[keikakudom]

Lemme try and make sense of Vox's mindset, and correct me if I get anything wrong?

I think Vox in RR!au hardly actually thinks about suicide. He's too much of a busy man to do that, after all! Thinking about death is for people with too much time on their hands, who don't have to deal with a billion problems on the daily. And sure, maybe it wouldn't be a terrible accident if he was locked out on extermination day one year (not that there's exterminations anymore), but he'll never bother to actively seek it -- why would he? He has things to do. Empires to run/build. Deals to make. Resorts to run, residents to settle, princesses to talk to.

Really, everything would be just fine and dandy, as long as progress is being made, nothing goes wrong at the resort, heaven doesn't come down for no good reason, and that deer freak manage to not bother him for a single day. All dandy!

So what if he's been going through business ventures like someone going through Doritos at the back of the car? It's difficult to stay on top, in Hell, and he can't rely on tech or media forever, not when they cycle faster and faster(and he would know, of course, his whole body is made of it). He's doing what it takes, and if it's risky, what business isn't?

And re: Alastor, vox may have once had feelings for him, but now it's probably soured into maybe wishing that Alastor would just fuck off somewhere where he'll never be heard from again. I think Vox knows very well from years of companionship that Alastor considers him a source of amusement and entertainment rather than an equal, and that hasn't truly changed even after he left, and in a way that has to bite? That Alastor cannot leave it alone, has to make his opinions and disdain clear to all of hell every single day, and also make it clear that vox cannot do anything to stop him (that tv still runs on radiowaves fundamentally, that he can't get rid of Alastor's influence).

Like the way I interpret canon!vox's feelings re:alastor has a lot more insecurity and the desire to show he's stronger now, he's over it, he doesn't need him, than just being rejected romantically, and in contrast RR!vox grinned and bore it longer without letting on, and then at some point just gave up, by which time his feelings have soured so far past insecurity and bitterness into straight up nihilism. (Doomed yaoi my fav)

Ok I'm just rambling now but yeah I think vox in RR!au is really really interesting? Bc he's y'know not in the best place but also he's fine. He's not, probably never, going to actively do anything, left to his own devices he's just going to keep at his daily routine and eventually self-destruct on his own hubris by taking on far more than he is capable of (people pleasing tendencies, hm?). But otherwise he's fine.

*drops my glass of milk* yea, this all. Checks out.

(that tv still runs on radiowaves fundamentally, that he can't get rid of Alastor's influence)

I think RR!Alastor is also chasing RR!Vox because he knows something is really wrong when Vox wants to cut something *fundamental to his functions* out from his life... If Alastor had any heat to his words, he could do some serious damage to Vox.

But Alastor was not able to reciprocate back then(or in general) the way Vox ever wanted him to. Alastor might think, "What's so wrong about being amusing to me? What's so wrong in being cared for that way?" But we know that Vox, even in canon, is pretty damn emotional. A confession was bound to happen, but since RR!Vox never did, he opt'd to shut them off. It started off with distractions, and those worked too well. Eventually he gave up trying to figure out his emotions and took the "easy" way out, nihilism--but like everything Vox dips his foot into, it's never enough. Only this time it's not only power(like I interpret canon!Vox to seek) that's growing/he's greedy for, it's this all-encompassing void.

Another interesting characterization to tack onto RR!AU Vox is his strong lack of self-preservation, I did mention it here when I had some thoughts on canon!Vox, but rather than "confidence", he does not care. And on occasion, he can go irrationally, batshit crazy for the same reason.

Let's set the stage in hmm, 1980s? He starts not to care about smaller allies, the people he stomps on, eating them up to become an overlord. Recruits Valentino, doesn't care that Val is immoral. At first it's "not his business", but it starts spreading. What is it that he's looking for? Power? Love? Entertainment? People to accept him?

Which is why RR!Vox decided to jump the gun a little bit and shoot for becoming a form of "GOD", aka the original reason for all his anguish in Hell(his religious roots as a human). It's kind of...an endpoint? It's not the most sane, or sensical route-- but he doesn't care that much. He's functioning on this tired/desensitized, pseudo-robotic, logical reasoning with a combo of "oh god I'm running out of interest"(in existing/running himself to the ground). So....hm, "fine" is a tragic word, indeed.

He's not, probably never, going to actively do anything, left to his own devices he's just going to keep at his daily routine and eventually self-destruct on his own hubris by taking on far more than he is capable of (people pleasing tendencies, hm?). But otherwise he's fine.

Welllll, he did always want to go out with a bang. If he did. I don't know, something really big. Like becoming God! Yeah.....That'd do it.

IMO, the premise of RR!AU isn't in stasis-- the reason Vox picked up this project in particular is an aggressive move. He's no longer distributing the same amount of work to the other Vees either anymore, so there is....some urgency, is what I like to think....

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

By Your Side

Okay so this was *supposed* to be a funny "Agi gets high and is silly with Astarion" fic but it turned out a little bit more serious with added Whatever the Fuck Sorcery Agi does lol. Mostly SFW.

“How are you doing, darling?” Astarion cooed at his well, we’re not lovers in the traditional sense perhaps…companion? Yes, my companion! He looked at Agnetha with such fondness that if he saw it in anyone else, he’d scoff. But not with her and I. No, I am that fond of her. I love her so dearly.

After taking up Halsin on his offer to give her herbs to help her relax (my poor sweet deals with so much) and smoking them, she was currently staring at Astarion, her brown eyes wide but definitely glazed over. “I am fine and dandy, love. Everything is so nice, you know?”

“It is, sweetness, especially with you.” One of his pale hands tapped her thighs, and he smiled. She’s so soft and warm. Perfect. I always need to touch her…

“Ughhhhhhhh, you silly bitch, you don’t have to use your lines on me anymore. You got me!”

Did she just…?!? He laughed, squeezing her softness. “I’m a what, darling?”

She snorted. “Silly bitch. Because you are. But it’s okay obviously!!!” Good gods, she’s giving those puppy dog eyes. “Because I love you.” He opened his mouth to speak, but she placed a finger on his lips. “I know you won’t say it to me. I know. It’s okay. I know you will someday.”

“I…” He struggled to find the words, any word, to express both the relief of her reassurance and sadness. She deserves someone better than me. Someone who will tell her every moment of every day for the rest of her life that she is loved. Someone who will make love to her whenever she wishes. For as long as she desires. Someone who isn’t me. “You know I do, right? You know how I feel?” Wait, she’s high as fuck and I’m asking her about knowing how much I love her? Idiot.

Agnetha nodded, smiling happily. “’Course I do. You say it all the time without actually saying it.” She thought for a moment and then grinned. “Like when you always watch my ass in fights.” I won’t lie I do in fact do that, but I believe she meant watching her back. “You make sure I’m okay. You never let anything near me.” Not if I can help it, no. I will slaughter anyone who tries to hurt you. “You’re always trying to touch me in some way. Don’t think I don’t notice!” She just tapped her finger on her nose. Now she’s giggling like a mad woman. Agnetha undid her ponytail and twirled a few of her long, red curls between her fingers. “You brush my hair every day. You love to bathe with me. You patch up my clothes and even…you know…” Let them out as much as I’m able. We never find anything that truly fits her, poor dear. If we manage to kill Cazador, I’ll make her whatever she wants. Everything she wants. “Help me with them…I know you love me. It’s in everything you do for me. Though,” her gaze returned to his. “There is something I need to know, okay? Just one thing.”

“A-alright. What is it?” Every muscle in his body tensed, afraid of what she was going to ask.

“Will you be there when I’m old? I could understand if that’s not what you want—oh!”

Always. He hugged so hard and so quickly that she toppled backwards, her head hitting a pillow. “I will be by your side for as long as you’ll have me. I promise.” Resting his head on her ample chest, he felt her rubbing his hair.

She let out an adorable little gasp. “Forever then, Star?”

Always. “If that’s what you want, darling, then yes. Forever it is.” It won’t be forever though. She’s a human---her life will end in the blink of an eye. She’ll be gone, and I’ll be alone…alone…all alone… Blinking back tears, he nearly began to sob when she began to rub his back.

“It’s okay. I’ll think of something. I will. Just you wait and see, love…” She whispered softly, rocking them both gently. “It’s okay. I’ll do some magic shit and make it alright.”

He shook his head, a small laugh escaping him. Oh my darling girl, not everything can be solved with you thinking very hard and making magic happen. Though if anyone can, it’s you. “Will you now?”

“Yep.”

Well, that’s definitive.

***

Ten years after their marriage, Astarion was astounded to learn that his wife did indeed “do some magic shit” to make eternity less painful for him. With spells she composed herself (using that beautiful tempest swirling inside her and…feelings, I suppose), she managed to accomplish three things: 1) that her body would remain the same with every reincarnation; 2) that she and Astarion were soul bound to each other; and 3) that they would find each other after her twenty-first nameday. “Because of the binding, we’ll be drawn to each other, seek the other out.” She took one of his hands in hers, her brown eyes full of joy. “You won’t wait too long, love.”

He leaned to her, a hand cupping her cheek. As his lips touched hers (perfect every time), he smiled. “And how will you know that I’m your husband?”

Agnetha chuckled softly. “Just trust me that I’ll know. It’s all up here,” she tapped her head. “And here.” She then tapped her chest over her heart. “After all, I haven’t failed you yet, my naughty little bat.”

Astarion kissed her again, this time with a little more passion, hands sneaking around her much thicker and more delicious waist. “The most popular tailor shop in Baldur’s Gate and seven children. I’d say you haven’t failed me yet, no.” He teased. His fangs scraped lightly over her lips, which never fails to turn her on. “Not that you could anyways, dear.”

She wrinkled her nose and giggled. “Flatterer.” The human placed an affectionate kiss on his nose and cupped his face. “Now we’ll be together forever. Just not in the way that either of us imagined.”

He knew what she meant. The ritual. I had it all planned, you see. I’d complete the ritual, become the Vampire Ascendant, and convince Agi to let me make her into a vampire spawn. There---problem solved. What a fool I was! I would not trade our lives together and the lives we created for anything. “But it is so delightfully us, isn’t it? Full of love and adoration and only slightly mad.”

“Only slightly.” She teased, pressing several kisses to his lips. Gods, I cannot get enough of her. Not now. Not ever. “My mad husband who wants a dozen little dhampirs…”

Two at play at this game, madam. He clicked his tongue as one of the hands on her waist squeezed. “My equally mad wife who wants a dozen little dhampirs and lets me spoil her rotten—”

“Daddy? Mummy?”

Someone didn’t lock the door, Agi.

With one last peck, Agnetha looked at the toddler in their doorway. Pale ginger curls framed the boy’s round face, and ruby eyes glanced between his parents. “What’s the matter, my little love?” She beckoned him over, and he scurried to his mother and soon settled in her arms. “Did you have a bad dream?”

He nodded. “Scary…”

“My poor little Sylven! You can stay with us tonight, darling.” Astarion cooed as he ruffled his son’s hair. The toddler snuggled against his mother, a sight that before his capture by the mindflayers would have disgusted him. But not anymore. Not when I have them. Emilia, Ariane, Sophie, Nessa, Helene, Thora, and Sylven.

And my darling girl.

Before long, the small boy fell asleep cuddled against his mother while his adoring father rubbed circles into his back. “Did I tell what happened earlier?”

He rolled his eyes. “Sweetness, that could be anything.”

She stuck her tongue out. “Fine. Anyways, I asked Sylven when he was playing with the blocks what he wanted to be when he grew up.”

“The suspense is killing me, dear.” Astarion deadpanned, kissing Sylven’s curls.

The look in her eyes turned dreamy. “Daddy. He said Daddy. He wants to be you, love. That was the sweetest damn thing.” She turned her head to face him. “And you thought he wouldn’t love you.” His wife teased, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss.

The second we saw that he was a boy I panicked. With the girls it’s so easy for me. I make them the prettiest outfits in Baldur’s Gate, make matching ones for their favorite dolls…have so many tea parties where we gossip like spinster aunts. But a boy. The girls are learning archery so he can too, I suppose. What was I to do with him? I was terrified. And as always, my infinitely wiser wife was correct: “Just go with the flow and listen to him.” Going with the flow has turned out to be excellent advice because he is glued to me, especially when we’re in the shop. He wants to watch me work and pretend he’s sewing too. My little boy wants to be…me. Me. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he nodded before giving her another kiss. “Happy to be proven wrong, darling.”

“I see! Well, I’ll note that for future reference.” She noted rather too smugly. Has she been learning this from me? Because I’m so flattered, dearest. For the next several minutes, they settled in a comfortable if exceedingly sleepy silence. Agnetha’s breathing became slower and deeper, and her eyes fluttered open and closed.

“Silly goose. Go to sleep.” Astarion chided his wife gently, now laying on his side. Rest. You need rest. Between the children, the shop, and ensuring I’m fed every day, you need to rest, darling. “Don’t stay awake for me. I’ll trance in a while.”

A small smile tugged on her pretty lips. “Forever…it isn’t what either of us thought but…we’ll be together…forever…” Eyes full of sleep, she held Sylven closer to her. “Love you, my shining star…”

“As I love you, my darling girl. Have the sweetest dreams for us…”

Always.

Forever.

[themanlykittenkayden]

Not to be overly serious but eggs having soundboards is so funny and is genuinely one of the little details I’ve noticed over the past two days that make me feel (slightly more) confident that change is *slowly* happening behind the scenes

Like is it concrete confirmation that the necessary restructuring is happening and everything is fine and dandy forever? No absolutely not. But one of the smaller issues with the previous admin team was their extremely micromanage-y rules about what the egg admins could and could not do, including not being allowed to do any sort of silly extra forms of communication with the creators and now they’re clearly being trusted/allowed to make decisions for their character without unnecessary oversight

Maybe I’m naively optimistic but every tiny change over the past few days feels like the team going “Okay, there’s a LOT of change and legal red tape happening and that NEEDS to happen, but what can we do right now immediately to address all of these problems- big and small?”

[thetriplets3]

✻ with you ✻

Ever since we met I've been drawn towards you. Maybe it's because I can relate to you or it's just the calming, safe aura you have. One of my favorite things about you is that you are always there no matter what. You love knowing that I feel safe enough to come to you because you know it's not easy for me. It took me a while to get out of my shell, some days are harder than others but you understand and you are always there for me.

Letting myself into your apartment, trudging past Nick and Chris in the living room without greeting them I head straight to your room. They know this is typical of me and I'll say hi to them at my own time but right now I need you. Quietly I tap on your door only to be met with your smiling face. You instantly bring me into the most welcoming, safe hug. With your arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders my cheek squished into your hoodie and my arms around your body like my life depends on it.

You gently shuffle us into your room and close the door as you do so. You slowly start swaying us side to side, almost like we're slow dancing without the music.

“Can we stay like this forever?” I whisper so quietly you barely hear it.

You say nothing just squeezing me tighter and planting a loving kiss to the top of my head, I let out a small sigh trying to release any bit of anguish I can. I pull away ever so slightly to rest my chin on your chest looking up at you with a small pout on my lips. I watch as a gentle frown replaces your content smile as your bright eyes meet my sad ones.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” You gently ask in the most caring voice ever I can almost feel my heart shatter.

I only shake my head in return knowing if I try to speak I'll just cry. You pull my head back into your chest and rest your one hand on the back of my head, gently stroking it. It's rare that I actually express what's going on. Growing up I was always a bubbly carefree child no one would have guessed that I would be dealing with my own inner turmoil as I became a teenager. Mental health was never a topic of discussion in my house and I never knew how to bring up how I felt. Trying to explain something so complex and personal to someone knowing they'll never be able to understand what you feel is the most challenging and painful thing. So instead I pretend like everything is all fine and dandy until I fall apart and go to you to help put me back together.

“Do you want a distraction?” You ask with a suspicious smile replacing your pitied frown.

“Yes please” I say breaking out of the hug we've been in for who knows how long.

You head to your closet, grabbing me a hoodie to throw on since I didn't have time to put one on before coming over in a hurry. You grab your keys and we head out after you tell Nick and Chris we're going out for a bit. I feel bad that I haven't said anything to them yet but right now my focus is solely on you. You open the passenger side door for me with a bow of your head making me giggle. As you head to your side you proudly smile to yourself for putting a smile on my face. You drive off without telling me where we're going. I don't mind though being in the car driving through the city at night when the traffic has died down is one of my favorite things to do, especially if it's with you. As we pull into a 7-eleven I shoot you a confused look.

“Slushies make everything better” you say as you take my hand in yours and lead me to the slushie machines.

Once we get our flavors we're back to driving through the city. I roll the windows down just enough to feel a breeze. You reach over and grab my hand, linking it with yours pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. I can't help my cheeks growing slightly pink as I look out at the LA skyline. We parked at the top of a hill and stayed in the car to finish our slushies. I unbuckle and sit sideways in my seat so my full attention is on you.

“Thank you Matt” my voice is full of sincerity and love.

“You don't need to thank me for anything” you say.

“No but I do. You're always the person I go to when things aren't right and you never for a second question me. I’ve never felt more at peace than when I'm with you. You understand me like no one ever has before. I don't know I guess you're just comforting to be around and I don't tell you enough that I love you” I confess.

“You don't know how happy it makes me to know that you feel safe with me. You know I'd go to the end of the world for you if it meant you were happy. I love you more than you'll ever understand” you say ever so gently, truly meaning what you say.

“All I know is that I'm much happier when I'm with you and I never want that to stop. I love you more than you'll ever understand Matt” I confess.

We stare at each other for what feels like an eternity, processing that we've confessed our love for each other. This time instead of a kiss to my hand you pull me in by my chin and gently kiss my lips. It's moments like these with you I cherish. Now in a much better mood than I arrived in, we head back home. We enter the apartment holding hands and the stupidest smiles on our faces. I finally greet Nick and Chris before we say our goodnights.

With you, nothing else matters.

@iluvmatt @stxrniqlo @im-a-matt-girl @antisocialties

[kindheart525]

Welcome to the Thirdverse! A next gen set after the events of MLP:FiM where the Mane 6, growing into new adult lives, begin to drift apart. In the process, one by one, under difficult circumstances, they find themselves going against their own Elements of Harmony~

Twilight Sparkle Wife of Sunburst. Mother of Celestial Blessing and Bismuth Sun. She rules Equestria from Canterlot, quite far from all her friends who she attempts to stay in touch with. But despite this attempt she has also actively betrayed the values of friendship, and although she truly thought it was for the best at first, she carries deep shame over what she did.

Applejack Wife of Sugar Belle. Mother of Blackberry Maple, Orchard Sunrise, and Fireside Jam. Currently the new matriarch of Sweet Apple Acres after Granny Smith’s passing, her life hasn’t changed that much materially as she has stuck pretty close to her home roots. However, she has been less-than-honest with her own kin, and as much as she tries to act like everything is fine and dandy, deep down she knows she can’t hide the truth forever.

Rarity Wife of Filthy Rich. Stepmother of Diamond Tiara and later the mother of Princess Cut. She got the life many fillies dream of: married to a wealthy pony and a very successful businessmare on her own. She still lives in Ponyville but never stays in one place between her boutique connections and her husband’s wide network. She wants to make a good impression on the elite ponies and do right by her stepdaughter, but this will put her generous spirit to the test. 

Rainbow Dash Eventual wife of Big Macintosh. Former partner of Svengallop, Double Diamond, Hoo’far, and Short Fuse. Mother of Evergreen Blaze, Moonray Chill, Lantern Glow, Strawberry Breeze, and later Earth Day. She has been more or less wandering all over Equestria as she grapples with multiple failed relationships and a damaged view of herself, especially as she lives with the crushing regret of a choice she made that went against her loyal nature.

Fluttershy Wife of Pharynx and Quibble Pants. Mother of Tiger Lily, Daisy Wasp, and Fairyfly. She lives in the Changeling Kingdom as their new Duchess and feels fulfilled to be surrounded by such a beautiful kingdom and so many friendly and welcoming creatures. The changelings have been nothing but kind to her and her family and she strives to show them the same kindness they showed her, while also struggling with being kind to herself. 

Pinkie Pie Wife of Luna and Tempest Shadow. Mother of Sunny Sweet Dreams, Laffy Taffy, and Galatea Candyheart. Lives in Silver Shoals where the princesses are retired, but won’t hesitate to hop on a train, boat, or hot air balloon to see any of her friends around the world! She’s literally the ray of sunshine of her family, with two wives who can be gloomy for reasons she can’t understand, and three kids who are going through their own struggles. It’s still her life’s mission to make everypony smile, but that’s proving to be harder than she thinks. Will she be able to maintain her faith in joy and laughter?

[bookwyrm314]

hey um. am not going on anon because think it more important if me am not. me need a 24/7 carer and have been decline in ability to reads/write/draw anything but guess what. me will never use AI to do anything for me and to say it some kind tool that we going need because we not capable of do it ourselfs is bullshits. cannot talk? we have AAC. cannot type? haves someone help you or use AAC again. cannot art with hands? learn with feets or mouth. disable people like me, like you, forever, have been create, living, working, not working, doing fufilling thing since BEGINNING OF TIME. and to discounts that, to minimize that, to try defend technology that actively KILLING PLANET, PEOPLE, and ruining FUTURE we COULDS have is evil. sorry. just is.

GENERATIVE <- emphasis on. AI is bad. there other kinds of AI that can be good such as one that used for medical detection such as one for detect breast cancer. but GENERATIVE AI is nothing but bullshits, environment killing, and thievery. how you know what art it learning off of not made by disable people? how you know what it exploiting? you dont. dont lumps the rest us disabled people in here with you with terrible take because you just not want to actually put in effort to do thing. but let guess, you going call me ableist for that? me not care. me live through be homeless, through not having a chair and crawling around, through hell. but guess what!! me still trying to do art writing other stuffs MYSELF. you need help with resume? there PEOPLE who can. there resources!! yes they not amazing but guess what it still better than ruining world we going live in.

it make me so angrys to see people like you lump us in - especially high need people like me or other, to defend your bullshits. please reflect

I said I don't use chatgpt.

I said that my issue was that OP values [bullying strangers] more than [doing things to save the environment] and we can see that in their choice to use a method that makes everything worse (more people double down on using chatgpt).

Let me rephrase.

If you say you care about a specific outcome, then I will only believe you if you use methods that are more likely to result in said outcome. Because it is a clear line from [your efforts] to [the outcome]. So if what you do will obviously cause the opposite outcome of what you say you want?

Worst case, you're being purposefully malevolent and trying to cause harm (outright unlikely)

More likely? You believe you care about the topic... But you don't understand that shaming people causes the opposite effect from what you intend.

You _want_ people to use chatgpt less, but the _action_ you are taking _directly_ causes people to double down and keep using it.

If A leads to B

And if you are using method A

Then I don't give a shit what you say you want, because your actions tell me you want B outcome.

(again, the most likely situation here is ignorance over malice)

But regardless of what you MEAN, the IMPACT of your actions and words remains the same. (And by "you" here I mean the original poster)

Anyway, my point is that OP needs to actually use methods that are effective for the end goal they say they are arguing for.

Chosen Desolace? I don't think it is kind or useful to make demands of somebody you don't know. "If you can't use your hands, use your feet!" Is fine and dandy for yourself, but demanding (again, somebody you don't know) go that far for the concept of the future...based off the miniscule delta of whether or not they personally contribute to the chatgpt usage? You are asking a LOT out of a total stranger and not offering any support to make an alternative viable for that stranger.

That's why I said OP needs to PayPal me for the resume thing. Because if you are going to ask people to behave in a certain way, you have to incentivize the behavior you want them to execute if you want to expect them to choose that behavior.

Otherwise you're yelling at people to "do better" without giving them the tools to make that possible. Because if it was possible, they would have taken the higher road in the first place!!

To repeat: I'm not using LLMs. I think people should try to avoid using them. I think that if you want a lot of people to consistently turn down that option, you need to give them an alternative and make it just as viable--or you're going to be really upset when people don't do what you want when they feel they CAN'T.

And demanding disabled people put their own safety at risk is just being an ass. "If I can do it then you can too" just isn't in line with reality.

1. I want us to use methods that are likely to work so that they work and we reduce harm.

2. Shame isn't effective.

3. Don't do things that make the world worse.

Reread 1-3 until you understand that this is the core. This is this.

[tuliptiger]

Sorry but uhm TOTK kind of. The developers or leads made some bad choice all around. I'm sincerely tempted to just wait 2 more years for whatever DLC they're going to put out. Why expand horse stuff if you make them feel useless...because there isn't any way to get them to you.

They, for some reason, even got rid of the "horse can't hear you" prompt when you whistle but your horse can't "physically" get to you. There also isn't any horse teleporting saddle in sight...and I'm wondering if that was sincerely because they nuked almost everything sheika related.

Like. There is MORE stuff, there's more stuff all around the world. But it also feels emptier. I'm just so heartbroken and disappointed tbh. There's almost no new flora and fauna, the world itself hasn't been expanded upon or explored, seemingly at all. The story has been retconned and bastardized into something adjacent but not related.

Is the gameplay fun? Honestly I personally don't think so. The amount of stuff you could do and the key controls FOR all the stuff you could do in BOTW, to me, made sense and it was fun. It was manageable! I've been having a hard time remembering all the key mapping and what I can do and where in TOTK though, it's confusing for me for not a big payoff. 665 hours in BOTW and 45 in TOTK and I'm still not done, there is a LOT to do in TOTK but most of it doesn't hold a lot of substance.

I just. Man I would've made different choices I guess. More quality of life stuff, being able to buy or repair broken down areas (more than story related stuff like actually just buildings or towns or abandoned farms and stuff), filling the world with more flora and fauna. Having characters remember you for what you did in BOTW, having the story make sense, not nuking an entire civilization's achievements and also just the entire point of BOTW.

I miss my horse :( I miss how useful it was in BOTW. The machines are fine and dandy but honestly a sick ass loftwing or "living" animal companion beats the machines for me any day. The machines don't even last forever and have a weird time limit too so it's not even like you can freely fly around in the skys :((((( and they're so...clunky, the system is clunky.

Where is the personality!!! The affection and caring across the land for people and creatures and everything! I still stand by TOTK being uncanny valley of places you know but aren't right at all and it feels! Bad.

[lemoncrushh]

Wild Horses - Ten

Summary: Amber Crosby didn’t end up with the life she’d expected, but that didn’t keep her from following her dream. A young, up and coming country recording artist, she and her band set out to do just that. Trying to leave her past behind, it wasn’t until meeting Harry Styles that she realized just how her life could take a turn and alter her future forever.

A/N: Please note all portions in italics are meant to be flashbacks :).

STORY PAGE

Chapter Ten Word Count: 5.6k+

“Just ‘cause I can’t go on, just ‘cause I die when you’re gone, just ‘cause I think of you in bed…” - Jordin Sparks; Don’t Let It Go to Your Head

Amber wiped the tear she’d felt slip from the corner of her eye just as Laci disappeared from the screen, in a hurry to get back to her dolls.

“Now honey,” said Pauline, returning to the FaceTime call, “don’t you start crying, or you’ll make me into a big ol’ slobbering mess.”

“Sorry, Mom,” sniffled Amber. “I just feel like I’m missing so much.”

“Not really,” argued her mother, trying to diffuse the emotions. “Just the everyday stuff. We’re not doing much but going to preschool and dance class. And back home again.”

“That’s what I mean,” Amber frowned.

“I know baby,” Pauline said softly. “But you’re living your dream, right?”

“Yeah,” she replied with a sigh as she wiped another tear.

Taking the initial step to call her mom had been the hardest part. Amber had been reluctant to tell Pauline about the situation with Carter, and unload all of her grief in the process. She hadn’t wanted her mother to worry, but even more, she’d felt ashamed. The call had proven to be productive, however, and after over an hour of hashing everything out, getting her mother’s point of view and ever-present unconditional love, she felt better - albeit very homesick.

“So you’ve told me about your new drummer, and how your band’s getting along, but what about Mister Cutie?”

Amber couldn’t help but laugh. “Who’s Mister Cutie?”

“Harry!” exclaimed Pauline with wide eyes. “Who else?”

“Mother,” Amber shook her head.

“Oh c’mon, hon, even I can recognize a hottie! I’m not dead.”

Amber laughed again as she rocked cross-legged on the bed. “Harry’s a sweet guy.”

“Well, that’s good,” her mom declared. “Wouldn’t want to know my daughter’s the opening act for an asshole.”

“Mom!”

Interrupting their giggles, a knock sounded on the door. Almost like deja vu, Amber recalled the last time she’d been FaceTiming her mother and Carter had knocked on the door. With a sigh, she asked Pauline to wait, setting her phone on the bed. Unlocking the door, she hesitantly opened it to find an easy, dimpled grin on the other side, green sparkling eyes above it.

“Hi,” he greeted, the one simple word in his deep voice making her insides flip and providing a sense of calmness at the same time.

“Hey,” she grinned back, speaking in a hushed tone. “I’m on the phone with my mom, but you can come in.”

“Oh, don’t let me interrupt!” Harry held up a hand.

“It’s fine. We were just finishing up.”

Harry stepped inside and shut the door quietly behind him as Amber rushed back to her phone.

“Hey, Mom, I gotta go.”

“Okay, honey. Call me soon, okay?”

“You bet,” Amber agreed as she felt a poke on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Harry gesture toward the phone, his brows raised in question. With another sigh, she smiled. “Mom, someone wants to say hi.”

“Oh?”

Before she could say more, Harry leaned over Amber’s shoulder so that his face could be in the camera’s view.

“Hi, mum, I’m Harry!” he waved with his child-like joy.

Pauline didn’t miss a beat. “Well, yes you are! Hi, Harry, I’m Pauline.”

“Hi, Pauline. How are you?”

“I’m just fine and dandy. Just miss my baby girl.”

Harry nodded and Amber felt him squeeze her other shoulder. “She misses you, too.”

“Oh, she talks about me, does she?” Pauline inquired.

“Yeah, you know. All the bad stuff,” Harry quipped.

“Harry!” Amber shouted, earning herself another dimple and squeeze.

“I’m joking. Lovely to meet you Pauline. Hope to see you in person soon.”

“Same here, sweetheart. Y’all go have fun. Time for me to get that little rascal to bed,” said Pauline.

“Night, Mom. Kiss Laci for me,” Amber swallowed, keeping her tears down.

“Of course, honey. Goodnight.”

Disconnecting the call, Amber felt Harry’s hand slip from her shoulder and down her back, stopping in the center. With a heavy breath, she turned and looked at him.

“Your mum’s lovely,” he commented.

“Thanks.”

“She looks like you. Or... you look like her.”

Amber’s lips spread into a smile then, knowing he meant it as a compliment. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, it took all she had not to pull him closer.

The last couple of days had been fantastic. Despite the ever-present nerves she had around Harry, her attraction to him building more and more each day, she took solace in merely being in his presence. He made her feel happy, assuring her - whether with words or not - that everything was going to be okay. And she figured that even if nothing happened romantically or physically between the two of them, she was glad just to know him and to be his friend.

“So…” Amber slapped her hands on her thighs. “What’s up? Did you wanna go grab something to eat, or…?”

“Oh!” Harry suddenly rose from the bed. “Well, yeah. But first, I have something for you.”

Amber’s eyes lit up as she scooted closer to the edge of the bed. “Ooh! What is it?”

“Close your eyes,” Harry commanded, backing into the dresser.

“Um...alright,” Amber obliged, but not without taking a peek to see Harry grabbing something from behind him.

“Keep ‘em shut, you cheater!”

Amber giggled, covering her eyes with her hands as Harry’s accent rang through the room. Then within a second, she could feel his presence as he stood before her, the smell of his cologne - and something else, perhaps one of his candles - filling her senses.

“Are they closed?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. You can open ‘em now.”

Dropping her hands, Amber lifted her eyelids slowly as she caught sight of the white, square box with the little apple on top in his hands.

“What?” she gasped. “You’re giving me AirPods?”

“Yeah. You need some, right?”

“Well…” Amber began as she took the box, unable to form a coherent thought. “Um...I needed earbuds, Harry, but…”

“These are better.”

“Yeah but...they’re like...way too expensive!”

“No,” Harry argued. “They’re a gift. From me. So you can workout in the gym...to ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ or anything else you fancy.”

The dimples made their appearance again as Amber replaced the lid on the box and set it beside her. Then rising from the bed, she wrapped her arms around his waist, his scent smelling a hundred times better as she pressed her cheek to his chest.

“Thank you so much,” she murmured softly.

“You’re very welcome,” he said, hugging her back.

“I can’t believe you’re not sick of me saying that yet,” she scoffed, unable to let go of their embrace. She felt Harry’s chest shake slightly as a tiny sound escaped his throat.

“Amber...I don’t reckon I could ever be sick of you.”

“Climb in!” called Faith from the driver’s side of her truck.

Amber sat on her front stoop, hugging her knees.

“No thanks.”

Putting the truck in park, Faith turned off the engine and climbed out. Walking around the front bumper, she sat down next to Amber.

“Where’ve you been?” she asked. “I haven’t seen you lately.”

“I’ve been sick.” Amber looked at her sandaled feet, tracing the V on her flip flops.

“Ugh, I’m sorry,” Faith grimaced. “Feeling better?”

“A little.”

The girls were quiet for a moment as Amber looked up to watch the one tree in her yard sway in the breeze.

“I was about to go to the store. Wanna come?”

Amber knew which store Faith was going to, and that was only because Tyler Finch worked there. He was in community college and was Faith's newest pursuit.

“Nah, I don’t feel like it.”

Faith sighed. “Are you still not over the whole Dallas thing?”

“The whole Dallas thing?” Amber scoffed. “Yeah, sure, if that’s what you wanna call it.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just…it’s been weeks now. I feel bad that he did you like he did, but…did you really like him that much?”

“No!”

“I mean…I seem to remember you saying it was over pretty quickly. He obviously wasn’t that into you.”

Rising from the step, Amber opened the screen door to her trailer.

“Amber…” Faith whined.

“Bye, Faith.” With that, Amber went inside, leaving Faith alone on the stoop.

The tour was going amazingly well. Not only were the shows sold out - it was Harry’s tour after all - but Amber noticed more and more that the arenas were filling up long before her set. She would see girls in the floor section arriving early in their Harry Styles merch or even custom Harryesque outfits, singing along to every word of her songs. One night in Indianapolis, Harry hugged her so tight after her set, murmuring softly in her ear.

“I’m so proud of you, darling.”

Had the rest of her band not come up behind her to join in the camaraderie, she might have kissed him. At least that’s what she told herself. She was on such a high that night. And ever since then, as she lay awake in bed, she’d fantasize about having actually done it - what his possible reaction might have been, and if he would have kissed her back.

She hadn’t had a drink in a while. One week and five days to be exact. That was a lot for her, given the fact that she used to have at least a couple drinks a day. She owed that all to Harry too. They had been spending so much time together, whether it was for a meal, to discuss music or just to fill time, that she hadn’t even felt like she needed a drink. Amber even noticed Harry would go to the gym a little later than usual in the mornings, so he was only halfway through his workout when she arrived, rather than finishing up. She wasn’t sure a hundred percent if this was intentional, but she liked to think so.

On this particular day, an off day, Harry had invited Amber to join him for a visit to the local museum. While she’d emphatically said yes when he’d asked, Amber quickly felt the nerves return to her tummy. She was not a cultured girl. In fact, most people would call her a hick or a hillbilly, at the very least a country girl. She had never visited a museum in her life, unless you counted the wildlife museum back home that she took a school field trip to in the third grade. She didn’t think that counted. It was more like a petting zoo.

Amber made it a point to wear a dress. Not a fancy one, and certainly not one she wore on stage. It was a black dress with dainty flowers on it, a 90s babydoll style. She paired it with her favorite cardigan and a pair of tan sandals. Twirling in the mirror, she felt cute, pretty even. And it was a pretty day.

Stepping outside where Harry told her to meet her, she saw the awaiting car, but no Harry yet. She was just about to check her phone to see if he’d texted her when she heard his voice behind her.

“Good morning.”

Spinning around, Amber was met with a very comfortable looking Harry in one of his signature hoodies and a pair of shorts. He’d obviously just showered as his curls were still damp, and he smelled of very expensive aftershave. His smile faded, however, when his eyes scanned over her.

“Shit, I feel underdressed.”

Amber scoffed and shook her head. “Don’t be silly.”

“C’mon, love, you look so pretty, and I…” he looked down at his own attire, “well, look at this rubbish. I’m gonna change.”

“Harry, no!”

“Just give me five minutes. You can wait in the car,” Harry gestured as he turned for the hotel.

“Harry!” Amber grabbed his arm, laughing. “Be serious! You look great. I might be a little overdressed. I just…don’t get out much.”

Harry chuckled at her remark as he rolled his eyes. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.”

“Why would I mind? You probably wanna look inconspicuous anyway, right? Just…c’mon. Let’s go.”

Turning for the car, she noticed the back door was already open. She slid into the seat, all the way to the left side to allow Harry room. When he climbed in next to her, he sat back and breathed a sigh.

“So, do you go to museums a lot when you’re on tour?” Amber asked, trying to lighten the mood as the driver turned onto the street.

“Oh. Yeah. I mean, as often as I can. It’s not like…a ritual or anything. It’s just something fun to do on off days.”

“That’s cool,” Amber cleared her throat. “Exactly what kind of museum are we visiting? An art museum?”

“No, not today,” Harry grinned. “I opted for the Museum of Natural Science. I hope that’s okay.”

Amber smiled widely. “That’s actually pretty awesome. I was so afraid you were gonna quiz me on some art I have no clue about.”

With a hearty chuckle, Harry nudged Amber’s arm. “I wouldn’t do that to you, even if we were going to an art museum.”

“Thank God!”

Harry was silent for a moment before he muttered, “You really do look nice today, by the way.”

“Thank you.” Amber could feel herself blushing, but she didn’t try to hide it. “So do you, actually. I hope you didn’t think I-”

Harry held up his hand. “Not at all. It was all me. I just saw you in that lovely dress and regretted my own choice.”

“Hmm.”

“What?”

Amber shrugged. “It’s just hard to imagine Harry Styles worrying about the way he looks.”

Harry laughed through his chest as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I have nothing to say to that…except…touche.”

When the driver pulled up in front of the museum, Harry stepped out of the car first, then reached for Amber’s hand to help her out. The chivalrous gesture was not lost on Amber, and she may have held onto his hand a little longer than necessary. She didn’t care if he noticed either.

The line for passes was long, but Amber followed Harry to a separate booth that only took a minute. She wasn’t sure if it was some sort of VIP entrance, as she didn’t have time to even look at the sign before Harry guided her to the first hallway to the right.

“Why do I get the feeling you’ve been here before?” she joked when they reached the end of the hall, a sign marking the entrance to the dinosaur exhibit.

Harry smirked, handing her the pamphlet in his hand. “Sorry, love. Here’s the map. They’re pretty much the same everywhere. I just wanted to get out of the lobby as quickly as possible.”

“I guess you do that a lot. It would take some getting used to…for me.”

“Yeah. The trick is to know where you’re going before you get there. If you can plan it out in your head, you’re less likely to be stopped by a fan.”

“Do they tend to surround you?” Amber asked as they strolled along the pathway that led to the first dinosaur skeleton.

“Actually, no. Over the years I think they’ve gotten more respectful of my privacy. They really only seem to stop me on the street or in a restaurant.”

“That can’t be fun. You gotta be able to eat in peace.”

“True. But I think they think of it as a casual place. And they’re not doing it to be malicious. They mean well.”

Amber hummed to herself as she thought of Harry’s words. She still had a lot to learn about fame.

And about Harry.

She’d found over the last several days that she definitely wanted to know more about him. Why was he always so kind, not just to her, but to everybody? She wanted to learn about how he decided to go solo. She was eager to discuss music with him more. And more than anything…even if she felt bad for wanting to…she wanted to know the story behind his previous relationship with Iris. But…as they say, all in due time.

“Ah, the T-Rex,” remarked Harry, interrupting Amber’s thoughts.

“He’s got little arms,” she giggled.

“Hey, don’t make fun.” Harry then bent his arms, his elbows at his chest to imitate the dinosaur, choosing a cartoonish voice. “I might have short arms, but my massive head will eat you whole.”

Amber cackled so loud, a woman in a uniform gave her an evil eye and a “shush”.

“So sorry,” she whispered, her hand over her mouth as she continued to giggle. She turned toward Harry whose grin was so wide, his eyes were almost shut tight. When Amber snorted, he let out a short laugh, catching her as she bumped into him, her head buried in his chest.

“Sorry,” he chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her. “I didn’t mean to make you laugh so hard.”

“Yes, you did,” Amber muttered against his chest as she playfully poked him in his side.

“Shh, c’mon.”

Harry took Amber’s hand and led her through the rest of the exhibit. Amber tried her best to keep her composure, but not just because Harry had made her laugh. He was holding her hand for fuck’s sake. She didn’t want to be rude and pull away. In fact, she was inner-squealing at herself so loudly, she thought for sure he could hear. Even when he would lean forward to read the information of the dinosaur in front of them, her hand remained in his, fitting perfectly - as if it was completely natural.

When they finally left the dinosaur exhibit - which itself had led into the evolution exhibit-, they made a quick stop at the restroom before Harry suggested they check out the mummies. Amber felt a cold chill when they entered the dark room, and she ran her hands down her arms, wishing she was still holding Harry’s hand.

Seeing old Egyptian boxes did not thrill her. The idea that there was an embalmed body inside gave her the creeps. As she stared at a glass case, the chill returned and she looked up to find Harry missing. Freaking out for a second, she hurried through the maze of boxes until she saw Harry standing by a large TV screen, watching a video on mummies. With a loud sigh, she walked up to stand beside him.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

“Yeah, why?”

“You’re breathing fast like you were just running.”

“Shut up. I don’t do well with dead people.”

“They’re thousands of years old, love. They’re not gonna bother you.”

Harry’s grin was not one of ridicule, but rather one of concern and reassurance. Amber noticed then that the glow of the low light in the room made his green eyes look like an emerald sea. And she wanted nothing more than to swim in them.

Harry must have noticed the hesitation - let’s be real, it was fear - on her face, so he guided her through the exit where they nearly ran into a group of preschool kids. They stood back while their teacher instructed them all to hold hands and walk together. A lump caught in Amber’s throat as she watched the small children. Laci was just about their age. She missed her terribly.

“We’re going to the moon!” a little boy shouted at Harry.

“You are?” he gasped. “Me too!”

The boy giggled, happy at Harry’s reaction. Then he made a motion with his arm, like a rocket ship going up.

“See you up there, buddy,” Harry waved as the line began to move, the little boy acting as the caboose.

“Bye bye!”

“That was so cute!” Amber exclaimed when the kids were out of earshot.

“Yeah, little tykes are adorable.”

“Do you want kids?” She had no idea why she asked that. The words just came from her lips involuntarily. She didn’t even have a chance to roll them around in her brain first. It was like they had intruded her mouth and she just let them fly.

“Of course,” Harry shrugged nonchalantly. “Someday.”

“I’m sure you’ll be a great dad.” What the hell, Amber?

Harry’s lips quirked up, revealing his dimples. “Thanks. Now, what d’you say we break for lunch? Then we can check out the planetarium.”

“Sounds good.” Amber let out a breath, relieved to be dismissed from her vocal faux pas.

There was a queue for the planetarium. But that was to be expected since there were scheduled times, and they only let so many people in. Amber mindlessly chewed on her thumb nail as she watched the screen that changed every couple of minutes with various images of space. Harry was looking down at his phone, his focus clearly elsewhere. Amber wondered if it was Jeff texting him. Or someone else. Not that it mattered. He didn’t have to keep her entertained.

She had enjoyed the day with him so far though, including the creepy mummy display. So far, no one had bothered him, or even seemed to recognize him. The museum wasn’t particularly full of people anyway. It was mostly school field trips, families with small children and the occasional older couple. During lunch, Harry had asked about Mal and if Amber was enjoying having him in her band. She assured him she was, that he was a really great drummer and a nice guy. For only a split second did she even entertain the notion of Carter. It was a fleeting thought that pinched her insides, and she quickly dismissed it. She didn’t miss that asshole at all. Not one little bit.

A voice suddenly came through a speaker overhead, announcing the next planetarium exhibit. Harry shoved his phone in his pocket and wiggled his eyebrows at Amber. God, she loved all his little flirty gestures. Even if he wasn’t intentionally flirting.

Following the line into a large room, Harry gestured to the far end of the auditorium, taking a seat. Amber joined him, sitting down beside him. The room was nice and cool, a calming atmosphere despite the chatter of the other people choosing their spot. Just before the lights lowered and another voice boomed over the speakers, Harry looked at Amber with a gentle grin.

“Is this where we’re supposed to lay back?” she asked in a whisper.

Before Harry could reply, the voice answered for him, instructing everyone to lie back in their seats. Then a low droning sound permeated the room as Amber looked up at the stars.

“Wow!” she breathed.

The voice continued, explaining the galaxy and the milky way. As the image shifted, the solar system came into view. When it shifted again, however, Amber felt a little dizzy.

“You okay?” Harry whispered, catching her holding her stomach.

“Yeah. Just a little queasy. Probably shouldn’t have eaten those french fries.”

“It can be a little disorienting. Close your eyes if you need to.”

“But then I’ll miss it!” she whisper-shouted.

Just as Amber was taking a deep breath, she felt his hand reach over and grab hers. She turned her head in surprise, but Harry only had a calming look on his face, his gaze on her and not on the fake sky.

And that was it. That was the moment Amber decided she liked him as more than a friend. More than a crush, even. Yes, up to that point she had definitely been crushing. She’d wanted to kiss him, and had he let her that night in the bar when she’d been wasted, she definitely would have pursued it further. But even then, it had merely been due to attraction. Now she was catching feelings. Real ones. Just great.

Amber made it through the rest of the show, her hand in Harry’s. About halfway through, she started feeling better, but wasn’t about to let Harry know. It felt too nice to break away.

She did, however, have to break away when the room began to disperse, and Harry announced it was time to go.

“Jeffrey’s been texting me,” he explained. “He needs to discuss something with me when we get back.”

“Jeez, can’t even have a day off,” Amber joked.

Harry rolled his eyes. “Just wait, Amber. He’s probably going a bit easy on you right now, but he’ll have loads of shit for you to do soon enough.”

“Really? Like what?”

“That didn’t come out right,” Harry chuckled. “I don’t mean he’s putting you to work. Just that once he thinks you’re ready, he’ll start setting up interviews and other kinds of promo.”

“Oh. What do you mean when he thinks I’m ready?”

As they stepped outside, the sunshine nearly blinding them, Harry stopped and looked at her. He was sucking in his lips as though he wasn’t sure how to word his thoughts.

“Harry?”

Finally, he ran his ringed fingers through his hair with a sigh.

“Jeffrey’s worried…actually we both are…that you might need some time. Y’know after…Carter…”

“Oh,” Amber frowned, looking at her feet.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t wanna say anything. I know you’re still fragile-”

“But I’m not, Harry.”

“Huh?”

“I’m not fragile,” she conveyed, lifting her head. “I’m not some porcelain doll. Please don’t treat me like one.”

“Amber, I-”

“Why can’t I have interviews and do promo? I’m a musician, too. Jeff’s my manager. I should be able to do that.”

Harry sighed. “Yes, you should. And you will. That’s what I was implying.”

“Good,” Amber nodded with narrowed eyes. As they began walking again, she continued. “Also, just so you know, I am way over Carter.”

“Really?”

“Yes. He was a douchebag.”

Harry chuckled. “I’m glad we agree on that.”

“He hurt me.”

Harry was quiet until they reached the car where he turned to Amber with a tight jaw. “I know. And I hate him because of that.”

Amber gave a quivering smile.

“I’m serious. I don’t hate many people. But I swear as fuck, if I ever see him again, I’ll break his God damn arm.”

Jeff was waiting in the hotel lobby when Harry and Amber returned. He sat on a big, brown sofa, talking on his phone. He gave Harry a short nod of his head before hanging up.

“How was the museum?” he asked, addressing Amber with a smile.

“Oh. It was great,” she beamed.

“Good. I’m sorry to cut your day short, I just really need to talk to Harry about a few things.”

“Sure, no problem.” Looking up at Harry, she lightly brushed his arm and said, “Thanks for inviting me. I really enjoyed it.”

“Of course, love, anytime.”

Still smiling, she walked backwards a few steps toward the elevators before turning and pushing the button to her floor. Once she was on the lift, Jeff cleared his throat.

“You two are getting rather chummy.”

“What?”

“Spending a lot of time together, don’t you think?”

“Is that wrong?” Harry raised a brow.

“Only if she’s getting the wrong idea,” remarked his manager.

“Jeffrey…”

“Harry, I’m not gonna control your relationships. God knows I wish I could have controlled the last one. But this girl is-”

“Damaged?”

“Well…yeah.”

“Then how about you help her instead of talking shit about her, huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re her manager, for fuck’s sake, mate! Her album is rising on the charts, she’s been on tour with us for nearly two months and you haven’t booked her one fucking interview!”

“I thought we decided she needed time,” said Jeff.

“Well, apparently she doesn’t. She told me today.”

“She told you what, exactly?

“How she’s over the whole Carter incident. And she wants to do promo,” explained Harry.

“She’s over it, huh? You really believe that?”

Harry shrugged. “I dunno, mate. I just…I don’t wanna see her sad anymore, you know? Give her something to be excited about.”

“She seems pretty excited about you.”

Harry threw his head back with an exasperated sigh.

“Fine, H. I get what you’re saying. I’ll see what I can do to get the ball rolling. Now…I do actually have a few other things I needed to discuss with you. Let’s go to the bar.”

Stepping off the lift, Amber laughed at something Harry had just said. He really liked her laugh. While still girlish, it had a bit of a heartiness to it, like she wasn’t trying to hold back. He appreciated that, and if he was being honest, it stroked his ego a bit. It felt good to make her laugh.

“There you are,” a voice called from near Amber’s door.

“Hi, Jeff,” said Amber, still half laughing. “Were you looking for me?”

“Yeah, I’ve been calling you. Did you not have your phone?”

Frowning, Amber pulled her cell from her purse. “Sorry. Harry and I were having dinner, so I had it muted.”

“I suppose that’s why he didn’t answer his either,” Jeffrey remarked.

Harry caught the look he gave him too, over Amber’s head. So now, what? He couldn’t even have a quiet dinner with his friend?

“I’m so sorry, Jeff,” Amber muttered again. “What was it you needed?”

“I got a call from Nashville Magazine. Seems they want to do a piece on you, and requested a short interview.”

“W- really?”

“That’s fantastic!” exclaimed Harry.

“Problem is, they wanna do it first thing in the morning,” Jeff added. “We’re not set to arrive until six. So it’s gonna be cutting it close.”

Amber snorted, surprising both men. “Not like I haven’t stayed up all night before.”

“So you’re okay with it?” asked Jeff.

“Are you kidding? My first article! Well…except for that time I was in the Perry Home Journal. I think my mom still has it stuck to her fridge.”

Harry caught the smirk on Amber’s face, and it made his insides flip. Instinctively, he reached his hand out to touch her lower back. She didn’t even flinch. Instead, she turned her head to look back at him, giving him a massive grin.

“Alright then,” nodded Jeffrey. “I’ll go return their call and confirm the plans. Then I’ll meet you two backstage.”

“How exciting!” beamed Amber once Jeff was on the lift. “Wait, did you have something to do with this?

“Not directly,” Harry smirked. “But I may have put a bug in Jeffrey’s ear.”

“Well…thank you. Dang. Nashville Magazine. I can’t believe they wanna talk to me.”

“Why wouldn’t they? Your songs are all over the radio now. I think Jeffrey even mentioned one of them being played during an episode of General Hospital.”

“To be honest, I haven’t been paying much attention. Besides the shows, rehearsing, and…well, being with you, I haven’t done much else.”

Harry was quiet while Amber slid her key in the door. Just as she pushed it open, Harry softly said her name.

“Yes?” she turned, holding the door open.

Her full lips were partially open, and just like when he touched her back, Harry felt the urge to touch them. But he restrained himself, holding tight to his belief that it was too soon. Not that she’d been drinking. In fact, he hadn’t seen her take a drink in a while - that evening in his hotel room was the last time he could recall. And they had been hanging out together a lot since then. A lot. Jeffrey hadn’t been wrong with his observation. But still…despite her argument that she wasn’t, she was still fragile. That’s what he’d told himself anyway. He was looking out for her. Of course, that didn’t mean she didn’t sneak a drink when he wasn’t around.

Stepping toward her, he placed his palm on the door, relieving hers. “Do you think we spend too much time together?” he asked.

“What? No! Why…why would you ask that?”

“I dunno,” Harry grinned sheepishly. “I was just…wondering.”

Narrowing her eyes, Amber tilted her head. Then stepping into the room, she held the door as she gestured for Harry to enter.

“I’m confused,” she said when she shut the door behind him. “Do you think we spend too much time together?”

Harry looked down at his hands, twisting the ring on his middle finger before looking back up at her. “No.”

“Does Jeff think we do?”

Harry chuckled. “I’m not worried about Jeffrey.”

“But…does he?”

“He might have mentioned it.”

Amber let out an audible sigh as she crossed her arms.

“But listen, this has nothing to do with him,” Harry explained. “I just…was worried that you haven’t had much of a chance to…you know…do your own thing. I mean…if you wanna go off on your own, or spend time alone…”

His words trailed off as he caught the corner of her mouth threatening a grin. Punctuating his comment with a shrug, he decided not to finish his thought. He wasn’t sure where he was going with it anyway.

“Harry…do you like hanging out with me?”

“Of course.”

“Good. Because I love being with you. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But if it makes you uncomfortable…I get it.”

“It doesn’t.”

“Well then, that settles it,” Amber smiled, reopening the door. “Now, I should probably shower. I’ll see you in a little bit.”

Giving a quick wave, Harry headed for the lift. Though it was a short ride to his floor, he thought about what Amber had just said. She loved being with him. Shaking his head as he stepped onto his floor, he decided not to decipher her comment. Though she could have meant a number of things, he was going to take it to mean exactly what he would have meant had he said it.

He loved being with her. And he couldn’t stop thinking about her when he wasn’t.

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