#why is this becoming one of my favorites?

[urstruly-ghst]

the 1 - the second years !

in which you return home with one last message: it would've been you.

author's note: love when we get to go home! but the cost?

cw: swearing

riddle rosehearts

how dare you?— that was riddle's first thought when you came to his dorm, ecstatic with the prospect of coming home. however, he knew that was selfish— his rose was finally getting their wish come true! what more can he ask?

yet, as he reaches out to your arm before you are whisked away, he only had one question: was he the one? the one you wish to have lived a humble life with? the one who would've been by your side for how long time will permit?

you smiled sadly, because, as much as you are ecstatic, you are gutted at the prospect of leaving him. he was one of your favorite— scratch that, he was your favorite part of twisted wonderland. he was your destined soulmate. how cruel was it for you to figure that out when you don't belong in his world.

"riddle, if i could just easily go back on forth... i would, because you are it, riddle. you're my..." you choked up and looked down at your interlocked hands,

"you're the one." riddle choked

ruggie bucchi

why was he here? ruggie asked as you snuck him out for something. he noticed you seem happier yet withdrawn. he reached out and when you spat you're going home? he froze and nearly wanted to leave you.

ruggie didn't need someone else to abandon him, not after all the shit he put through to make things work out. he's pissed, understandably so, but he also can't help but feel defeated. this "talk" could've been his time at work, he reasoned, but here he was— shattered at the prospect.

his first question was, why? he never had someone genuinely care for him that doesn't benefit them besides his family. so when you and him make it past that enormous mountain of doubt, it was a big deal. now here you are, leaving him for what? as he looked at you, he can't help but feel angry and worst of all, sad. because he usually finds ways, but here, he's defenseless once more.

"leave then." ruggie said as he tried to hide his flattened ears and teary eyes. you reach out to him and whispered your dreams of spending your last days with him.

"i would've loved nothing more than to grow old with you, stressing over bills and making ends meet... and maybe you'll find someone else, someone sweeter and..." you caress his face and smile. "and someone who'll be with you till they get to see you succeed."

azul ashengrotto

its unfair. azul would say, you were supposed to be with him until... then again, was there ever a contract? he prides himself that no one gets away from his grasp, yet here he is, losing the most important person he dreamed to have stayed.

azul dreamed of any outcome, just not this. he laughed, foolish enough to think you would've stayed forever. as you both huddle in your private space in the vip room, he can't help but want to make a deal with you, some deal to make you stay. why not delay for a year? a decade? but as he stared at your longing eyes, he knew he had to let you go.

but he can't help but wonder. you saw how azul accepted that the leech twins will leave him the moment the time comes, it took some time... but he surrendered to that fact long ago. azul blames himself for not doing the same with your departure. he should've kept some piece of himself behind, but how foolish is he to give you his whole heart.

"perhaps we can... my dear.. please" azul hiccuped as he hugged you and unable to find it in his mind to make you stay.

"azul..." you coo, "if i had a say in this, i would've... i would've loved to live this life with you. i would've loved to see you grow your empire and well... i would've been there in every waking moment to see you become the man you dream to be." you smile and kiss his head

"and if anything, i can see you becoming that amazing man." as you shakily kissed him, "you're the one i wish i can spend my whole life with"

jade leech

if you thought he'd not fight with you, you're dead wrong. you're welcome to sit there and think he'd grovel, but he's executing every means to delay you. but once he realizes he cannot keep you any longer, he just sits there in shock.

why? why aren't you going to fight against this? wasn't he a dream of yours? was he not worth the fight? he conjured up so many questions and unabashedly used some of his unique spell so you can speak your truth, and it hurt when you answer in full honesty.

can't he just whisk you away? why aren't you... you both sit together in pain and longing. so many times has jade gotten his way this was one of the first... it hurts. he stayed there holding you close, foolishy listening to your heartbeat.

"jade...?" you whispered, "i love you" he nodded with tears in his eyes. he whispered his reply and he glared at the fact you were honest. he wishes you lied, to make him feel angry... but..

"if i could lie to you, i would've. but jade, i meant it. you're the one. i wish i could say you weren't. it would've been easier but... hey, when did i ever choose easy?"

floyd leech

he squeezed you. he didn't want you to leave. it was not fair. floyd wasn't the type to let go and accept things so easily. you were his, the moment he saw you, but why don't you fucking act like it?

you hiccuped as you were taken into his arms, he was convinced you wouldn't be taken away. floyd opened up to you, he told you things not even his twin would know. who else would be his shrimpy? who else would make things count now.

as he hiccuped and held you tightly, you gave him the dreams you wish to have shared with him. and while floyd doubts he'll get your dreams with how he might avoid it, any connection of you, you smile and just believed him.

"i was wrong about you. you proved to me how fun it was to be loved and love crazy. so floyd, prove me wrong again, and prove to me i wasn't the one for you. but, if i can be selfish, i want you to know you can never..." you gasp for air as you regret saying it, "you can never disprove how you're the one for me."

kalim al asim

he was used to losses, kalim can just find new things. but not with you. never with you. irreplaceable was the only word for you, there could only be one you. kalim wasn't prepared to lose you too.

kalim promises he'll be good, he'll go the extra mile, he begs at your feet. you couldn't leave, no. only you could've broken him down to pieces. your sunshine was what he was missing and what he yearns for every waking moment. humor him, stay.

"i could be more... or i could also!" kalim has begged and traded anything he can for the nth time. you shake your head, giving him the biggest smile you can.

"i don't need anything from you." you say as you told him everything he needed to hear, from you, "because you've given me the world, im sorry if i couldn't have given you half of what you gave me. kalim, find someone that your heart desires, screw what your baba thinks. you deserve the world. you're my greatest treasure, so you deserve at the very least the world with love"

jamil viper

jamil reasoned he should've known better. good things end up gone when it came to him. he wondered if this was some cruel prank you did, to make him face reality. but you weren't.

you sat there with a big sad smile and told him why you're leaving. it wasn't because of x or y, it was just you wanted home. jamil should've known that, but he didn't believe it. why didn't he?

jamil curses himself, he prides on knowing what to do next but he's here dumbfounded and once again one upped by you. yet, as you both accept you'll leave, jamil whispers lowly how he wishes he can be free to choose to run with you

"as stupid as it sounds, i want to run off with you" you laugh and smile. jamil looked away and just shrugged, but you looked down and talked lowly

"i wish i can say "be stupid". but hey, don't. you're too good to run away now. jamil, you're amazing. if only i could see what you'll be in the future, i would be cheering on how you were not stupid." you both laugh as you shared one last night together

"and when time passes, just know, jamil, you were the one i know will rise above everyone else."

"and you would be the one responsible as to why i didn't fail" jamil responded

silver

in dreams, silver had visions of you and him sharing a life. you both were delusional to believe the dreams, when the vision was hazy at best. but, two hearts can dream, right?

silver was shattered when you told him that you'll leave. he wondered if he still had the right to dream about you and him. you reached out to him and told him the honest truth, no. he can't dream about you anymore, not when you were never to be seen again

but, unknown to you, the last night you had with him, he dreamt of you two once more. intertwining your last dream together. let silver be selfish, for these dreams are what his heart kept desiring for.

"what did i tell you." you smile as you are welcomed into the dream both of you built together. a small cottage in a far off land, no pain or suffering touches these walls.

"dear, let me be selfish." silver pouts. and you relent, feeling the bitter pain seep in as you realized this dream shall remain only that: a dream.

"how cruel it is, my happy ending won't be with you" silver muses as you held each other, "seven knows i want it to be with you"

"oh trust me, you'll still have your happy ending. much like how i will still get mine. but if wishes and dreams came true? it would've been you, silver"

[wosoloml]

— second chance || emily fox x reader

[ “I messed up by breaking up with you, because ever since then, I’ve been missing you everyday.” ]

summary: After having her heart broken by Emily, the reader decided to seize the opportunity for a fresh start in her career by moving to London. Little did she know, her worst nightmare wasi about to come true. But sometimes, nightmares have a way of transforming into the sweetest of dreams.

from this request

wc: 1,744 words. | masterlist

warnings: fluff, mention of heartbreak, angst, secret flirtings, jealousy, happy end

——-

"There is no future for us. I need to leave," were the last words Emily said to me as she walked out of our apartment. Well, not our apartment anymore.

This was the last thing I expected when I came home after interviewing the local handball team, excited to share some amazing news I had received at work.

I walked in with the biggest smile on my face, and we both said at the same time, "I want to talk to you about something." Little did I know that by the end of the conversation, I’d be alone in what used to be our home.

Usually, I’m the one who shares big news first, but this time, I decided to let Emily go ahead. I thought she’d need time to process the fact that the Arsenal Football Club had offered me a position on their media team. Letting her start felt like the considerate thing to do.

What a mistake that turned out to be.

If I’m honest, I don’t even remember how I survived the first night. Curled up in my bed, crying my eyes out, and consumed by the question, "Why?"

Everything began a few years ago when we met at UNC. It started with a little crush on the athletic girl, stealing glances every time we passed each other in the hallway.

After months of back-and-forth and a lot of help from our friends Alessia and Lotte, we finally started dating. It was never easy, especially with football becoming such a big part of Emily’s life, but she always treated me like I was the girl of her dreams. I couldn’t have been happier.

Doing long-distance was a significant challenge for us. She signed her first professional contract with Racing Louisville FC, while I was just starting my first year at the sports journalism academy. But our love was always stronger—stronger than any distance or circumstances. We were supposed to be a team.

Everything became so much easier and better when she finally moved back after joining North Carolina Courage. It felt like the greatest relief.

For days after she told me she was coming back, I fell asleep and woke up with the biggest smile on my face.

Eleven months, two cats, and one apartment later, here I am—without anything. I lost the love of my life simply because she "needed to focus on her career."

We were a team, but now she preferred a solo performance.

She was even too cowardly to come here and pick up her things when I was home. The only message I got from her was:

"When does your shift start, so I know when to get my stuff?"

- EF

EF? Is she serious? We spent the last six years together, went through everything, and shared so many firsts. And the only thing she adds to her message are her initials?

It's pathetic.

---

At 9:00, I arrived at the base camp of THE Arsenal Women's Football Club for this year's training camp in Spain.

It’s been a year and a half since I made the decision to start fresh and begin a new life. A year and a half since a certain American girl broke my heart. Coming to London was the best decision I ever made.

One of my closest friends from college is here with me. Without Lessi and Lotte’s support in those early months, I don't know where I'd be. I came to London with nothing but two cats and a suitcase. Now, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

"Y/N!!" I heard a familiar voice shout my name. As I turned around, I saw my favorite defender.

"Lottee, my girl!" I grinned, my smile growing wider as I pulled her into a tight hug.

"How’s my favorite girl? Ready for today’s media day? The first one during training camp in Spain?"

She chuckled. "I can’t wait to get sunburned. You know my British skin isn’t used to that much sun."

As I followed Lotte to her first media date of the day, we passed the changing room, and I suddenly heard a familiar voice. My heart stopped. This can't be real. No, it's not real—maybe I just overheard something.

"What's up, Y/N?" Lotte immediately noticed the shift in my behavior, but I tried to play it cool.

"Nothing. I just thought I heard someone's voice, but that can't be real," I replied.

She nodded, but I could sense a slight change in her mood.

I’m just paranoid. That’s it, for sure.

"Y/N? Could you possibly anchor the 'First Day at Arsenal' segment with our new signing today? It's not public yet that she transferred to London, but we wanted to take advantage of our training camp in Spain to shoot some nice scenes," the media team leader said.

I looked at him, confused. "I didn't know we got a new signing."

"Really? Everyone knows that. Especially Alessia and Lotte Wubben-Moy—they already know her from previous teams. Funny, huh?"

No. I’m just paranoid again. I know it. This cant be happening.

---

"Hey y/n".

That's it. That's the moment I’ve been scared of the whole day. No, scratch that—I've been scared of it for the last 18 months.

I haven’t heard her voice since that specific day she left me in our old apartment. I thought I’d be okay hearing my name from her lips again. God, was I wrong.

"Since when are you here?" I had to hold myself back from laughing at my own question. The first thing I asked her after she cut me out of her life was when she came to Arsenal. If someone had told me this morning that I’d say that, I would’ve laughed in their face.

"My plane from North Carolina landed this morning. It’s not official that I’ve transferred, but they decided spontaneously that I could join the girls here at camp already. I didn’t know you were working here, I promise. I would’ve told you about the transfer."

It’s over for me now. A small chuckle escaped my lips. "You would’ve told me? What would you have said to me? 'Hey, Y/N, by the way, I’m moving to the club where you work, after destroying your life a year and a half ago. Ready to ruin your new life too?' Because that’s what you’re doing right now. You’re destroying my new life. I came to London with nothing. But not with me, Emily. This time, you won’t take everything from me. This is my home."

I slightly shouted at her. She just stared at me. I’m done with her now. Turning around, I left.

---

As the days pass, I have to admit that maybe I’m not completely over her.

It all began when we both became nervous around each other during the "First Day at Arsenal" segment, and it continued with secret touches on the beach and our eyes searching for each other in a room full of teammates and staff.

It’s been difficult to admit that I still get butterflies when she’s near, and that this chapter isn’t as closed as I once thought. Am I ready to let her in again? She hurt me in a way no one else ever has, and that’s something I’ll never forget. But I just miss her, that’s all. Nothing more... or is there more?

It was our last evening in Spain, and the entire staff and team went out for drinks at a local bar. This time, my mind wasn’t occupied by a certain brunette American.

Instead, it was an Irish defender who caught my attention.

It wasn’t the first time Katie McCabe and I had spent time together outside of work. I wouldn’t exactly call it flirting, but we always had a good time laughing together. She knows how to talk to a woman, and let’s just say she’s not hard on the eyes either, so it’s a win-win situation, isn’t it?

When Katie rested her hands on my waist, it was enough to set Emily off. She grabbed me by the arm and pulled me outside. I was too stunned by her actions to even react.

"Is she your new girl?" she asked, her voice sharp. I had to hide a smirk.

"What do you mean, Emily?"

"You heard me. Is Katie McCabe your new girlfriend?" I chuckled again, maybe a bit tipsy from the drinks Katie had bought for me.

"No."

Emily didn’t believe me. I could see it in her eyes.

"Then explain to me why you’re giggling at every statement she makes and why the hell are her hands allowed on your body?"

My face grew serious. "What’s this, Emily? Are you jealous of someone who’s just being friendly? You? The one who ended this relationship, if I may remind you?"

That was it. That was the boiling point for Emily.

"I messed up by breaking up with you, because ever since then, I’ve been missing you every single day," she shouted, her voice frantic. My eyes widened, and my heart melted at her words.

Without thinking, I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers.

"Finally!" Lotte and Alessia cheered from inside the bar. Finally.

The plane landed in London. Coming back home, my hands locked with the girl I’ve always loved. This is us now—forever.

[coldilikeit]

Isekai reader x Batfam (Neglected au)

Female reader

Chapter 8- The REAL beloved princess

_____________________________

"This is so fucking bullshit" someone says as she storms out her used to be office, this someone got fired from her job after management found out she was stealing from the company

She's frustratingly fondling with the keys of her car and drives off in a pissed off state, "What's so good about them anyway.. I was top of my class you assholes! It was just a couple hundred thousand dollars, I needed vacation money!" She yelled

What she didn't notice was the light turning red meaning all cars should stop, then she crashes and hits a teenage girl, she swerved out to run away from the scene but her frantic driving makes her hit a pole and she dies

Then she wakes up as a 9 year old girl, she wakes up as "Viviana"

She's a little socialite and influencer who bullies people poorer than her, once a scandal about her was shown after she was seen throwing her leftovers at a homeless person's head

She's the daughter of a famous whore model and an unknown dad, her mom slept with one of the guests at fashion week and had her

Life was good for Viviana, vacations, designer bags and clothes, private school

When Viviana was 10, at one of her lavish birthday parties an earthquake happened, she was about to get crushed under the debris but a screen popped up

Welcome Reader! To the favorite child au!

Your story goes as someone who lives a normal life, but then when your mother dies, you find out you're the daughter of none other than Bruce Wayne! Aka Batman, the family immediately loves you and you become the most cherished person in the Manor!

After that Viviana's life changed, she was then actively trying to poison her mother so she can start the story of her being loved

She was given missions that gave her points and superpowers as rewards,

So far she has

Super strength, Lazer eyes, and infinity bag (a bag that has whatever she needs or wants at the moment)

At first Viviana didn't want to become a vigilante like the system was telling her to be, but then the opportunity came when she was transferred to Gotham prep, there was a school shooting and her brothers were watching, of course she had to show off

She apprehended the bastards and was praised by the school

Soon she was appearing alongside the bats, She was then given a love meter by her system to see how much they loved her, so far she's at 30%

There was one problem, that one girl

(Name) Wayne.

She wasn't part of the original family!?

Then her system informed her that she was another reincarnated person, but she reincarnated as the "neglected" one

How pitiful, Viviana laughed to herself

The problem is that bitch (Name) made the family love her... She had years with them!? It wasn't fair!

They were even throwing a gala for her birthday, the last straw for Viviana was when Bruce, the man who's supposed to love her most and declare her as the favorite child, danced with the bitch he's supposed to hate!

She couldn't wait and introduced herself right then and there, it was really unfortunate that her mom had died due to the Joker's attack

Why are her brothers smiling at her!? Why are her sisters adoring her!? This wasn't how it's supposed to go! She's the beloved daughter!

Viviana vows to make that change.

The party ended abruptly and now the family find themselves in a private room

Duke leans on the sofa "So you're that protagonist vigilante right?" He looked wary of the new girl

Viviana looked shocked "How did you!?-" Duke laughed recalling a memory, he looked at (Name) "Someone once told me 'A new vigilante appears, Bruce gets a new kid, it's not rocket science' huh (Name)?"

"we'll have to verify the DNA test you handed me" Bruce coughs "Until then you'll stay in a guest room-"

"Master bedroom." Says (Name), the system informed you that his girl is another reincarnated person! You've never thought you'd meet anyone back in your old world! Maybe you and her can help each other with missions and stuff!

Everyone looks at you "What? If she does end up becoming our sister are you going to treat her like how I was first treated? Make her feel welcome" you smiled, you found out that she was reincarnated as the "beloved" one of the Bat family, and her mission is opposite to yours, make everyone love her, you'll help her with that, and maybe she'll help you too

____________________________

Bruce feels tired, he had just made you feel part of the family after years of neglect, he feels like you were finally opening up to them and now you guys can be one happy family

Then Viviana comes.

"Maybe I should just fuck infertile women", he groans, the door opens and comes in the devil "Viviana... Why are you up? It's so late?"

She smiled "I saw how stressed you were at the family meeting earlier... I made you some tea" she said, Bruce falters "How... Thoughtful of you, thank you Viviana"

Bruce smelled the aroma, a sweet scent, he doesn't like sweets but it's fine, it was from his daughter, he took a sip... He was surprised it wasn't sweet at all, it was a bit bitter with a tangy taste, it wasn't a good tea, but who is he to complain?

Reader- um I mean... Protagonist! His love meter is going up in an alarming rate! What happened?

"I told you to not mess up on what you call me..." Viviana angrily whispered, I mean, she was the protagonist, so she doesn't see a problem on why the system shouldn't call her that

Viviana relaxed in an armchair near her father's desk "You know... My tea has a special ingredient... First it's him then the others... And then the entirety of Gotham..." She whispered

But protagonist... Using a love potion to up your love meter is considered cheating... If you get caught, or the love potion wears off, we'll both get in trouble! I suggest you get their affection the natural way!

"I hope you have a goodnight Father..." Viviana smiled then left the room

Protagonist! Bruce is still a vigilante! A scary one at that, if he finds out about this your love meter might plummet!

"it won't. Don't worry, I won't let it happen" she looked at her stats

Super strength- 6/20

Lazer eyes- 8/20

"System why aren't you doing anything to make this go up!?" She growled

You're the one who's supposed to make that go up on your own! By fighting villains! With every criminal you rehabilitate or put in jail, your stats go up, so far you've only managed to out the school shooters and some muggers

"powers aren't that important anyway... What matters is that girl, who does she think she is!? She was even trying to show her influence in the family by changing their minds and making me sleep in a Master bedroom!"

She was probably only trying to help you... She's been informed of your mission by her system

"Screw that! She's just scared that I'll take her place, so she's being kind to me to make herself stay! I'm going to take everything from her, those warm gazes, the gifts... They were mine in the first place!"

____________________________

Look who I met on an outing!

_____________________________

@jellyedkazoo @vanilliona @shyenemyperson @popboomcha @plsfckmedxddy @devotedlyshamelessdetective @dorkatron-2000 @yuyuzi-ling @sweetsugerskull @butratherbutrather @yu-reiii @clementinesyummy @lfiee @iamapotatoe @type-ink @unknownloner1345 @randomlyappearingartist @justatimidcreator

[misssilversunny]

Ok wait i just had a funny idea

Why stop at just a yandere batfamily? Why not all of Gotham?

Like, imagine Bane kidnapping you, calling you his "firefly" or whatever because you're a fleeting light in the darkness or something, and you're more guarded than the actual thing he stole.

And despite that, Poison Ivy manages to nab you, her "little rose", while Bane is busy dealing with Batman. She takes you back to her apartment, where you greet the plants you recognize and introduce yourself to the new ones (There aren't many, you were here 3 months ago).

At some point you take a breath of fresh air through an open window, and Scarecrow grabs you, taking you to his lair, into a room which is also pumped with a special strain of fear gas that makes you cling to him for safety.

And then, shock of all shocks, the one and only, motherfucking Joker snatches you from the lair, leaving behind a dummy for Scarecrow to find. Unlike the others, Joker's obsession is in the fact that everyone else is obsessed with you. He finds it hysterical how one person can have all of Gotham in a spin!

Eventually, the Batfam grabs Reader from the Joker, since he's not actually obsessed so he has them the least guarded, maybe a short conversation with Batman, but even Joker knows he's in water too hot to joke about severe injuries, especially since he doesn't know if Red Hood is nearby.

Batman might not kill, but he cannot guarantee that anyone else wouldn't if he killed their favorite person, and he does not have the influence where he could get away with that.

You get returned to your nice cage room in the manor, where the Batfamily scolds you yet again for another failed escape attempt trip outside getting you shipped around Gotham for weeks!

At this point, you're pretty sure you not only can't leave, but also any attempts at a normal life are pointless. You mostly do this because humans are animals and animals need enrichment, and no, the cycle of games/quality time they're giving you are not a suitable replacement for touching grass and seeing new faces.

Even the brief moments of time between kidnappings, the short moments of normalcy that the other villains, the other heroes and vigilantes give you, are a welcome change of pace.

Bonus points if it's literally everyone in neighboring cities/Justice League, so Superman finds you and you're just like "Well shit" because now you're taken to his house, maybe his parents' farm, and you're kept there until someone catches on that Clark has you.

Also if you tack this onto Spoiled!Reader, this becomes infinitely funnier because In my mind I'm treating that AU as 90% a crack/lighthearted fic, and another thing is I think of them as being ~12 sometimes, so it's the entirety of Gotham fighting over a middle schooler.

If it's an adult Reader, it's more of a "This is fine" as they are carted from villain to villain to vigilante to hero because their family literally has a fan club for them, so their perception of what is "normal" levels of interest is severely skewed.

If you want to go for the Neglected!Reader, then it would be really interesting for them to try and figure out where is a good level of "interested in your hobbies", and doubts whether they're so uncomfortable because they're actually too invested in their day to day life, or if it's because they were neglected for so long that any interest feels overwhelming.

Btw all asks about Spoiled!Reader and this Reader are welcome!

[scarletwinterxx]

thank your stars all you want but I'll always be the lucky one - choi seungcheol scenario

hellooo~ i am soooo not done with the proposal scenarios😅 this one is a request, hope i did it justice. and yes I did cry again while writing this. Happy new year!🤍

you can listen to your universe by rico blanco for maximum feels. this was insipired by this song🥺

for my other svt fics, check them here

All works are copyrighted ©scarletwinterxx 2025 . Do not repost, re-write without the permission of author.

(gif not mine, credits to rightful owner)

The soft glow of morning sunlight streams through the windows of Seungcheol’s apartment, the familiar scent of his cologne lingering in the air. You stretch lazily in bed, savoring the warmth of the cozy blankets and the faint murmur of the city outside.

It’s a routine you’ve grown used to after nearly seven years together—his home has become yours in every way except officially.

Seungcheol had left early for the gym, promising to grab your favorite smoothies on his way back. The two of you had settled into this comfortable rhythm, a dance of affection and understanding that made your friends tease you mercilessly. “You’re practically married already,” they’d say, rolling their eyes at how well you two knew each other’s quirks.

Still, in the quiet corners of your heart, you sometimes wondered why he hadn’t taken the next step. Not that you were in a rush—you loved him, and you knew he loved you. But the idea lingered, like a melody waiting to be completed.

Mid-morning, a knock at the door pulls you from your musings. You pad to the door, opening it to find a delivery man holding a small, nondescript package.

“For Choi Seungcheol?” he asks.

“That’s him,” you reply, signing for the box. It’s light, plain, and gives no indication of what’s inside. You place it on the kitchen counter and send Seungcheol a quick text: A package came for you. Should I open it?

His response is almost immediate. Don’t open it! I’ll deal with it when I’m back. Thanks, babe.

His urgency makes you chuckle. It’s rare for him to be this insistent. Shrugging, you leave the package untouched and go about your day, but curiosity itches at the back of your mind.

When Seungcheol returns, he’s casual—too casual, you think. His eyes dart to the counter where the package rests, and he quickly sweeps it up. “Thanks for letting me know,” he says, planting a kiss on your forehead.

“Sure,” you reply, narrowing your eyes at him. “What’s in it?”

“Just some gym stuff,” he lies, his tone a little too breezy. You know him well enough to catch the slight shift in his demeanor.

Over the next few days, you notice odd behavior. Seungcheol becomes extra cautious, sometimes darting out of the room with his phone or quickly closing drawers when you walk in.

It’s adorable but also maddening. You’re good at sniffing out surprises, and whatever he’s hiding, it’s big.

The breaking point comes during dinner one night. The two of you are seated across from each other, candles flickering between you. He’s unusually fidgety, his fork clinking against the plate as he tries—and fails—to make eye contact.

“Seungcheol,” you say, narrowing your eyes at him as he pokes at his steak. His fidgeting is driving you insane. “Spit it out.”

“What?” he replies, looking up with wide, innocent eyes that you know all too well aren’t innocent at all.

“You’re acting weird.” You lean forward, pointing your fork at him. “I can tell you’re hiding something. Just say it.”

“I’m not hiding anything,” he insists, but his voice cracks slightly. “Can’t a guy just enjoy dinner with his girlfriend without being interrogated?”

“Not when he’s sweating bullets,” you deadpan, crossing your arms.

He laughs nervously and takes a big gulp of water. “It’s just… I’m thinking about work stuff.”

“Liar,” you say, raising an eyebrow.

“Okay, maybe it’s gym stuff,” he says, grinning in that way he does when he’s trying to distract you. “I’m planning a new workout routine.”

“Seungcheol, I know every workout routine you’ve ever done. Don’t test me.”

He groans, dropping his fork onto his plate and dramatically rubbing his face. “Can you trust me on this one? I promise you'll love it and will hate me if I tell you right now. I’ve been working very hard on, can you be kind enough to spare me for now. I pinky promise you'll know soon enough"

You blink at him, stunned by his sudden honesty.

Then, a small smile creeps onto your lips. “Fine,” you say, leaning back in your chair. “But I’m only letting this go because you look like you might combust if I keep pushing.”

He lets out a loud sigh of relief, muttering a quiet, “Thank you.” standing up from his seat to go to you, giving your head a kiss.

The rest of the evening is pleasant, even though you can’t help but notice how Seungcheol keeps stealing glances at you, a secretive smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

It’s enough to make your curiosity burn, but you keep your promise and drop the subject—for now.

A week later, the snow falling heavy covering the streets with sheets of white. You love the snow, you've always love cold weathers more even though your body doesn't. Anything below 80° makes you shiver.

Your boyfriend knows this, he learned early on your relationship that you get cold easily so he always brings a jacket for you. Now you own his hoodies, a shared asset.

The air outside is crisp as Seungcheol insists on taking you on an evening walk through a quiet park. It's all covered in snow making the whole scene look magical.

Winter lights hang from the trees, casting a warm glow over the snow-dusted path. He holds your gloved hand in his, his thumb brushing over your knuckles as he leads you to a secluded gazebo overlooking a frozen lake.

“Why here?” you ask, smiling at his excited energy. “It’s freezing.”

“It’s romantic,” he replies, winking. “Just trust me.”

You shake your head, amused. “I’m starting to think you’re up to something.”

“Me? Up to something?” He grins mischievously

You look up at the sky, it's dark enough to see the stars. Living in the city, it's a rare sight so you close your eyes and send a quick wish to the heavens like you always do when you see a star. Meanwhile Seungcheol watches you, a smile forming on his lips and his heart thumping hard in his chest

With your eyes still closed, you feel Seungcheol lean closer to you. He kisses your cheeks eliciting a giggle from you

“You’re being extra sweet tonight, did you do something?” you tease

“I’m always sweet,” he counters, feigning offense.

He seems restless, though, his leg bouncing slightly.

“Are you cold?” you ask, concerned.

“No, no. Just... thinking.”

You narrow your eyes. “About what?”

He looks at you, his gaze so intense it makes your heart skip. “About how lucky I am to have you.”

You roll your eyes with a laugh, nudging him playfully. “What’s with the cheesy lines tonight?”

He chuckles but doesn’t answer, leaning in to press a kiss to your temple instead. Then another on your cheek. And one on your lips. His kisses grow deeper, hotter, until the cold around you feels irrelevant.

“Cheol,” you murmur against his lips, half-laughing, half-serious, “what are you doing?”

“Loving you,” he whispers, his voice low and warm.

Despite his sweetness, you’re still clueless about his plan.

When he finally pulls back, he takes both your hands, holding them tightly. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

You tilt your head, your curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

He drops to one knee in front of you, and your heart stutters. “You don't know how hard it was to keep this from you, every time you ask I almost wanted to tell you but I wanted everything to be perfect” He pulls a small velvet box from his coat pocket, opening it to reveal a glittering diamond ring.

Your mouth falls open, your breath caught in your chest.

“You are my everything,” he says, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes. “The one who makes my world brighter, warmer, better. Whenever I think about the future, I can only see us. You. Stealing all of my hoodies, cooking breakfast for us, me bringing home your favorite smoothie on the weekend. To be honest, I don't really need any wishes because I'm already the lucky one. But will you make me the luckiest man and let me be your husband?”

Your lips jut out, quivering as tears fall down your cheeks. You can't even form words right now so you just nod frantically, unable to speak. He slips the ring onto your finger, and you throw yourself into his arms, laughing and crying at the same time.

“You’re unbelievable,” you whisper as he kisses you again, deeper this time, stealing the breath from your lungs.

He smiles against your lips. “I take it that’s a yes?”

“Of course, it’s a yes,” you reply, pulling him closer. “You big, cheesy romantic.”

He laughs, his forehead resting against yours. “Told you, you'll love my suprise”

And you do. With the stars above, the quiet of the snowy park, and the warmth of his love, you know you’ve found your universe in him.

[chiaknight]

Thinking about Britt during this dark time and how she helped one of Awdry's great characters, Henry, become fantastic in the span of one episode- Henry's Forest.

Henry has a great backstory, but in terms of personality he wasn't exactly unique in the RWS- which is what most of his classic era appearances are directly based on. However, I like to believe that Britt and David teased their take on Henry a few times very subtly.

These screencaps are from Tenders and Turntables and Dirty Work. In the first scene, Gordon is delegating his plan for the strike. In the second, the big three are complaining about the names Duck supposedly called them.

I just find it interesting that they specifically chose his sad faceplate for these moments, as it implies that instead of being angry or combative like Gordon and James, Henry feels more unsure, hurt, or self-conscious. They are brief, but in my eyes these were showing Henry's sensitive side before Henry's Forest was ever written.

But then, of course, season three came along, and so did Henry's Forest.

This episode is so beloved because it creatively expands Henry's character in a way that fits Awdry's writing for him.

It always bothered me how Henry as a person never changed after the Flying Kipper, which was more or less a potential near-death experience for him. But Henry gaining an appreciation for life, for the natural beauty all around him makes perfect sense.

They also gave Henry the role we all know he has: the "nicest" of the Big Three. He has his grumpy moments, but overall he is agreeable, hardworking, and obedient to the Fat Controller.

He also doesn't subscribe to the "won't pull trucks/little engines are inferior" ideology- at least, not anymore. Not since the crash. And why should he? Ever since that day, Henry learned that there is so much more to life. He won't be around forever, so there's no sense in wasting time fussing over stupid things like that. He'd rather focus on being a good engine, 'cause now he finally has the chance to do that.

This kind of reimagining suits Awdry's writing for the character perfectly, as surely such a drastic change in Henry's life would cause him to see the world in new way. Cause him to become more aware of the world around him, more sensitive to the people and engines around him, more comfortable with who he is.

It's a shame that Awdry didn't really care much for Henry's Forest, because what Britt and David did for his character propelled Henry, my favorite character, to new heights.

Rest in Peace, Britt.

Thank you. For everything.

[endearng]

Distracted

Pairing: Spencer Reid x neighbour!fem!reader Summary: Finding time to date as a single mother is hard. Finding time to date as a FBI profiler is also hard. That's how you find yourself on a reckless date during a remote day of work. WC: 2.8k A/N: guess who failed miserably at trying to update more! me! Anyways so... this is Spencer and his neighbor having an impromptu date and forgetting everything around them as they should <33 neighbor!au masterlist | main masterlist

Olivia had disappeared under the giant umbrella she had to use that day — having forgotten her own at school, you lent her your own, while you let your raincoat try to shield you from the drops of water. Chuckling quietly to yourself, you kept an eye on her as she walked ahead of you for a couple of feet. As she reached the crossing, she waited for you and you tried to pick her up while balancing the weight of your daughter, your purse and her school bag. Once you both crossed the street, you put her back on the ground, sighing.

"Olivia?"

"Yes, mommy?" She asks, small hands gripping the handle of the umbrella, adjusting it so that her big doe eyes would look up at you.

"Remind me not to let aunt Jude ever borrow mommy's car again." You say in a serious-mock tone.

"Heheh, okay."

You both snickered, resuming your walk. As you dropped her off in her classroom, like you always did, you waved her goodbye and she returned the farewell, already searching the room for her friends. It made you smile internally, deadly proud of your daughter.

First days of school had a hint of terror in them that you could never shake off — it didn't matter if your first-days-of-school were all behind you by now, because everything could happen. New people? New friends? Enemies? Bullies? Teachers? Good or bad? Inspiring or dull? The chance to use your favorite notebook. The chance of not seeing a particular friend again. The chance of seeing them and possibly becoming friends. There were too many possibilities. And they were both terrifying and exhilarating.

Today, it was something special. It had made your heart flutter, churn, miss a beat, all within the same 10 minutes that a drive to Olivia's kindergarten school took. You braced yourself for her reaction, not knowing how it would be, even if the school had prepared a welcoming event to new students to get to know the building and the teachers a few days prior to the first day of actual class. Olivia walked the corridors cautiously, one hand holding yours and the other holding her father's. She looked at the two of you, questions behind her eyes that she didn't know how to phrase — or that she was too scared of the answers.

"Excuse me, hi. Good morning! Mrs. Davis, right?" You asked politely to a woman who appeared to be in her 50s in front of the classroom 205.

"Hello, good morning! And you are?"

You hastily held out your hand, a big, nervous smile on your face as you told her your name, that you and your husband were Olivia's parents. Mrs. Davis kneeled to Olivia's height to introduce herself properly. "Hello, Miss Olivia! I am Mrs. Davis, I'll be your first teacher." She said in a sweet tone.

"Hi... My Peacher?!"

You chuckled wetly already. It was an endearing sight, to say the least, Olivia in a uniform that was much too big for her small 3-year-old frame, making a few phonological exchanges — not to say mistakes. She squeezed Mrs. Davis hand, trusting, with a small, nervous smile. "Come in, dear. Your new friends wanna meet you."

Olivia stood in the threshold, looking at you and your husband, as if she wanted to know if you both were coming too. Why weren't you coming, too? You nodded, encouragingly, unable to speak anything as her eyes brimmed with tears. Your husband stood there, equally speechless, gazing at your daughter.

You managed to croak out, "Go on, dear. Your friends... wanna meet you."

Olivia nodded, her bottom lip jutting out. Carefully, your husband started, "Oli, baby, we'll come back... Go... go have fun," he said, a knot on his throat.

Olivia nodded yet again, even though her hand was reaching out to grab yours. You felt a tear on your cheek and you quickly brushed it away, not wanting her to see it. You smiled, trying to give her a bravery that you weren't sure even existed. "I'll see you soon, okay? Mommy loves you so much." You said, squeezing her hand lovingly.

Your husband kneeled to her height, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I love you, baby. We'll see you in a bit." He said, pinching his thumb and index finger together to emphasize the amount of time. Olivia opened a small smile, despite her tears and the crease between her eyebrows.

The memory had, simultaneously, made you smile and tears prickle at the corner of your eyes. Choosing a café close to Olivia's school, you set down your belongings and finally have something to eat (you make sure to get the cookies she likes so much), and get to work, revising yet another chapter of the book you're currently assigned to. As time goes by, the words on the laptop screen start to blur together, so you look up, squeezing your eyes shut. You hear a voice close to you, but you don't acknowledge it at first, eyes still closed, relishing in the feeling of resting them a little bit.

Eyes open, you search your surroundings. There were a few patrons minding their own business and for a moment, you stood there, people-watching. It always gave you a sense of comfort, people just... being. Existing. Sharing ordinary moments. Sharing important moments that a stranger wouldn't be able to totally grasp what was going on, but that it made you feel glad to witness love happening around you.

Glancing back at your computer screen, because of course you have to, you read, and then you read again, and for good measure, revise the chapter about thrice before you distract yourself with the external world again. It's about mid-day when your neighbor, Spencer, comes in, a caramel satchel bag slung over his shoulder and the usual serious expression on his face. Upon spotting you, something gave you the nerve to give him a small smile and raise your hand in a shy wave.

Oh. Quick explanation.

Spencer Reid, your good-looking, nice, gentle, kind, smart neighbor had asked you out on a date. But, considering your busy and unaligned schedules, said date hadn't taken place yet. It made you sad and you kept asking him all the time — it had come to a point where you two would meet at the elevator and after exchanging wishes of a good day, you or him would ask a hopeful "Tonight?" and then the other answer with a sad shake of the head.

It was starting to make you frustrated beyond belief.

Coming back to the present, he beamed instantly and hesitantly made his way to you.

"Hi," he greeted, a bashful happiness on his face.

You smiled back. "Hey... Um, wanna sit with me?"

He glanced at your computer and made a funny face. "I don't want to bother—"

"Please. That is a cry for help." He laughs at your interruption, taking the seat in front of you. "Hi, hey! How, um, how's everything going?" You ask, finally, smiling at the fact that he laughed over something you said.

"It's... going good, actually. Today is a rare, boring paperwork day. I, uh... I'm already done with mine, so I came here to grab coffee." He explains, fiddling with his fingers, hands sitting on his lap.

"It's mid-day," you grinned.

He rubs the back of his head, sheepishly. "Yeah, I, ah... I'm a bit fast when it comes to certain things." He admitted.

"Is that so?" You asked, a bit surprised. You figured that the paperwork would be very complex and that involved many details that one could easily miss if they didn't pay proper attention. "Well, I guess it's safe to say that I couldn't work for the FBI to save my life! I've been stuck in the same chapter for some time now—heh—I'm always scared to miss out on something."

"Really?" He asked, trying to take a peek at your computer screen, even though it was impossible, but his curiosity was once again getting the best of him. "What's the current book you're working on?"

Glancing down at the screen, you made a face. "Ah, an anniversary edition of Dracula. Speaking of which, have you read it?"

"Dracula," he muttered. "Yes, I have. I find the gothic elements and the way Stoker blends them with the horror aspects fascinating. The transformation of Dracula from charming and seductive to monstrous and vile... It's an intriguing character study. I actually first read the book—ahm..." He trailed off, unsure if he should keep going.

"You first read the book...?" You encouraged him.

"When I was 8. For the first time, I mean. I've read it a couple of times by now. I, um, I have a soft spot for Gothic Literature." He revealed, shyly. You smiled.

"I take it that you like it? Dracula, I mean." You asked, curiously.

"I do, as I've said, as a big enthusiast of gothic elements, the foreboding and the slow realizations made by the characters earn a few good points in favor of the novel." He replied, grinning. "Do you?"

"Eh, it's fine, yeah... it's a classic for a reason, right?" You say, a bit dismissively. He chuckles and you look up at him.

"You don't seem all that sure."

You chuckled. "It's just... When you have a different opinion on a classic, everyone is ready to throw rocks at you. It's not my cup of tea, but what can I say? It's... decent." You finish, a hint of humor in your voice.

"Mhm... Favorite character?" He asks, amused by your answer and forwardness.

"Mina Harker. She's the closest thing to a brave person in the book, not to mention that she was the one who found out all about Dracula. These men were just..." You trailed off, shaking your head, even though your tone was of pure mockery.

"Can't argue with that."

At that time, everything else had just... disappeared. Spencer was thrilled, to say the least, that someone was taking their time to listen to him. Not just someone, her. And it meant the world that she had basically dropped her job to talk to him over something so intricate and dear to him. His heart fluttered as he looked down on his lap, biting back a lovestruck smile. He was absolutely gone, to say the least.

By not looking at you, he missed the soft, adoring gaze you threw his way. Say something. Say. Something!

"Speaking of Mina, something that makes me a bit controversial is..." you start, and he glanced back at you, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, "I think that using the 21st centry lenses we have from our own age is not the wisest approach to a century-old work, whether poetry, of any kind, music, scientific records, novels, you name it. Anachronism doesn't always work, especially if you're thinking of older authors or artists. It's only going to lead you to disappointment." You say, shrugging a bit.

"That's for sure, actually. Some people are a product of their time. Writers are not an exception to that affirmation." He remarked, grinning. "It's nice to hear you have such a... clear view. I find it refreshing when I meet someone who doesn't try to... cancel... I hate that word... old authors just because their views don't align with the ones that are most common today. They were written almost a century and a half ago."

"That's right. And literature is also a form of documenting the thoughts of a certain era. Of course, there are authors way ahead of their time, and I do prefer to read them, of course, but human history so far is full of challenges and overcoming of such problems. With all that being said, Stoker was terrible at writing women other than Mina."

With your final sentence, Spencer laughed so heartily it almost sounded like a dream. Throwing his head back, even. It made you think that he was somehow exaggerating, but the humor and the hint of something in his eye told you that he was being genuine. You bit back a smile, looking at him fondly.

The glance was entirely disarming, the way your eyes crinkled at the edge as the prettiest grin spread on your face was too much to take. Spencer chuckled, totally flustered, by the fact that he had made you look at him like that.

"Yeah... I do read for a living. And Dracula is not my favorite because, in my humble, insignificant opinion, it is just too slow."

"Ouch."

"I blame it on the male characters."

"But you've just said that—"

Cutting him off, laughing, you defend yourself from the coming accusation. "No, I didn't. Pfft."

"But..."

"Nuh-uh."

"Okay, then, what's your gothic of choice?"

"Poe."

"Of course."

You hit your palms on the table, playfully. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He raised his own in mock surrender. God, this conversation was having an effect on him. "Nothing! It's just a safe choice. A good one." He laughs when he sees the skeptical look in your eye. "Favorites?"

"The Cask of Amontillado. The wording choices are just to die for," you giggled, "pun intended."

Spencer laughed, once again. Every time felt like the first that you made him laugh, not because he was shy or nervous, but because he had found something funny. Not only that, he had found something you said funny. It was silly, but mentally, you tapped yourself on the shoulder for the good job. You couldn't stop the endeared smile spreading across your face at the sound of his laughter. Your heart also beat like crazy.

Time stopped. As his laughter died down, you two stared at each other, almost as if analyzing each other's faces, just like the first time your eyes first landed on his figure. Had his eyesight not been this fucked up, Spencer could've probably be able to map out all the freckles of your face, so much was the intent on his gaze. You could feel your heart beat increase and your palms start to sweat, strong indicators of your rising shyness, but you didn't have it in yourself to look away, not when he looked at you like you meant something. Like you were something worth seeing.

"For God's sake," one of the baristas muttered in the background, clearly annoyed, shouting next, "SPENCER! ARE YOU STILL HERE?"

The yell broke you two out of your reverie, four eyes looking around to find the source of the sound. As Spencer bashfully and ungracefully stood up from his seat, being watched by every single patron and glared at by the angry barista, you couldn't help the chuckle that erupted from your lips. He awkwardly made his way over to the counter and got his order, returning hurriedly to the table he was sharing with you. You tried to cover the fact that you were highly amused by what had happened. It made you way too fond of him.

"Sorry about that," he said as he sat down, "I didn't... I didn't even realize my name was being called."

"It's okay. I didn't hear it either. I would've told you." You replied, smiling.

"I'm sure you would."

Staring contest, again. Your heart hammering inside your chest, again. Getting lost in those eyes which by now you could map at least three different colors—

Beep. beep. beep.

Picking your phone nervously, you answer the call without truly checking the ID. "H-hello?"

"Jesus, where the fuck are you? The meeting started 20 minutes ago!" A coworker, Paul, whisper-shouted over the phone. Your eyes went wide.

Spencer sipped on his coffee, watching your reactions closely.

"Be right there," and ending the call.

Looking at Spencer apologetically, you said, "I'm sorry... I had a meeting scheduled for—" you glanced at your, now, black computer screen. You had been chatting with Spencer for so long that your laptop had entered resting-mode. You blinked, now the one being embarrassed by reality calling you back. Spencer reached out and, during an exceptional display of bravery—nevermind the killers he chased for a living—, he placed his hand on top of one of your own, squeezing it lightly. The touch made shivers erupt on your skin and luckily, you had a long-sleeved top on that day.

"It's okay. I'm... I'm on my way back."

"Oh... okay... I just..."

He blurted out, not even thinking it through, "To be honest, I didn't want to say goodbye."

You smiled, giddily. "Me neither," but...

"Duty calls." He finished for you.

"Yeah."

He stood up to leave, removing his hand from yours. You missed it and the coldness it left was a bit too much to take. You fought the urge to wince, not wanting to look so out of place by his departure.

"Bye, Spencer."

"I'll see you."

He definitely would.

Fighting the urge to stand up and follow him outside to wherever he strayed to, you joined the meeting, silently comforting yourself with the thought that he definitely would. Screw schedules, screw everything. You two would make it happen.

[lairu]

Finally played Paper Mario ttyd and I it has officially become one of my favorite games ever

Had to draw my mvps (and also myself as Mario cause why not)

[fanfics-i-find-here]

Do I Know You? Part 7

Jason Todd X Reader

Synopsis: Jason asks you out, maybe. Red Hood helps you get ready.

Note: This chapter is a little bit longer than the others and we get both Jason and Red Hood in one chapter. Reader is slowly becoming the queen of denial. This is lowkey from life experience with boys who won’t say things straight to the point but vaguely beat around the bush. Anyways enjoy!!

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

The next month goes by like a whirlwind. How time flies when a vigilante is coming in through your window a few times a week and a cute boy walking you home the other days of the week. After a week and a half of coming in and eating your food, Red Hood admitted he needed to change his patrol. He looked a little ashamed and when you asked why, he said that Oracle (whoever that was) had gotten on to him about showing his face in the same location at the same time every night. You nodded in understanding and asked if you would ever see him again. His lip had quirked, and he said he would see you in three days. Then he explained, teasingly, that he would just be coming by less than every day. You had flushed and left him at the table to put away leftovers. You could hear him laughing under his breath as you walked away.

It was strange. You didn’t know what to call your and Red Hood’s “relationship”, you were somewhat teasing friends. He was a good listener, even though you weren’t a talker. Your awkward moments had lessened, and you didn’t feel so tense around him. Every once in a while, he would do something, move his hand in a certain way, say a word or a sentence in a manner that was so, so familiar. When that would arise in your mind you would slam it into a jar, twist the lid tight, shove it into a dark corner of your mind never to be thought of again. You enjoyed having someone around. It made your life less boring. Even if that someone seemed to enjoy seeing your cheeks grow red.

Your time at work always seemed to drag on. Like time knew you were waiting to see someone. Jason, who used to come in once every two weeks-ish, started to come in various times throughout the week. He always parked his bike in the same spot in front of your building. You worried after the first two weeks, but you had noticed he was right, no one ever parked in that spot. You started to pay attention to it when you walked to work or home without him. Always Empty. You even checked the signage, and it was public parking. It was a good spot.

Darla had taken to giddily nudging you whenever he came in. Sometimes it felt like she was more excited to see him than you were. She hadn’t asked about any of your “romantic walks” which you were both shocked and happy about. You loved your walks with Jason. You asked each other things all the time and you had learned a lot about him. His favorite color was red (a comparison your mind made with Red Hood which was shoved into the jar and hidden again), he was Gotham-born and raised, and he liked chili dogs. When you admitted you had never liked chili dogs, he went on a spiel about how you couldn’t possibly be from the East Coast and that you just hadn’t had a good one yet. He yammered about what would constitute a good hot dog and therefore a good chili dog, explaining that you had to find the right hot dog cart and person to get it right.

You had nodded politely as you tried not to laugh but he caught the barest hint of your grin.

“What’s so funny, huh? Hot dogs are street food cuisine, don’t mock me for my good knowledge.” He said bumping his shoulder into yours as you walked. You finally let out a loud laugh to which he grinned at.

“It’s just a hot dog, Jason. I wouldn’t call it ‘cuisine’.” You say lightly bumping him back.

“It is cuisine. Get off your high horse, miss fancy pants. You need to have some experiences.” He teased. Oh, yeah, he and Darla had gotten into a conversation about you. They both decided you were lame and boring (in the kindest way possible).

“I’ll tell you what,” he continues, “I know the perfect hot dog cart to get a genuine chili dog. Let me take you there.”

Your strides slow till you stop completely, taking in what he just said. You stare at the sidewalk.

Is he asking you out? Or is this just like a friend thing? Are you friends? We’ve been walking not hanging out. Or does that count as hanging out?

Jason, noticing you had stopped, turned around to find you concentrated on the sidewalk, brows furrowed and a pout on your lips. He resisted doing several things.  Mostly the urge to pull you into a strong hug (and maybe press a kiss to the downturned corner of your lips but that is neither here nor there). In the time he’s been walking with you and eating your food in the middle of patrol, he’s learned that you overthink a lot, like a lot. You seem to get stuck in your head worrying about something. He presses a warm hand to the side of your arm, and you look up to meet his gaze with wide eyes.

“We don’t have to if you don’t want to. I don’t want to force you into something you don’t want.”

You shake your head with a deep breath, “it’s not that. I would love to Jason; I like spending time with you but…” you pause and drop your eyes back down. He dips his head down to meet your eyes.

“But what sweetheart?”

Your heart races from a number of things. Sweetheart, his intent on eye contact, and your previous overthinking. If it was a date, he would’ve called it that, your friends.

“Nothing, it’s nothing,” you say shaking your head, brushing off your previous statement as you actively lock eyes with him, “Where is this famed hot dog cart?” your voice teases.

He stares at you for a moment like he’s assessing you, for what you’re not sure about, but when he does this, you almost feel naked. Your breath catches from the way it feels to be seen, instead of just looked at. He finally shrugs his shoulders and turns to keep walking. He stands beside you, and you feel him press a hand to the small of your back, reminding you to walk as well.

“It’s over by Robinson Park and the Knights stadium.”

“Ah, but of course, sports food.” You say, trying to ignore how much you miss his touch as it leaves your back. “I don’t have a car.”

He gives you an odd look, “That’s okay we’ll figure it out.”

That was last week, and your nerves were all over the place. This was your first real …hangout? Date? Whatever, as an adult away from family, you wanted to make sure you did everything right. It was decided that you would meet at Jackie’s and go to this perfect hot dog cart on his motorcycle. You still had a whole day until you were supposed to meet, and you decided you had nothing to wear. From the moment you got home, you were manic. You had quickly picked up and cleaned your apartment, so it looked nice (not that you were planning on bringing him here). Then you took the longest shower you had in a long time. You scrubbed everything and shaved then stressed about why you shaved (this wasn’t a date, and you were NOT bringing him home). You wrapped yourself in a fluffy robe and promptly went through your entire closet, bedroom now a mess of strewn clothes. You wanted to cry. Why did you have to overthink everything like this? It pissed you off sometimes. You needed help but who to call?

Your list of friends was abysmal, unfortunately. There was Darla (whose daughter just had a baby earlier in the week and you can’t drag her away from family like that), Jason (whose phone number you still didn’t have and whom you were going out with, so no), Steph (who had taken to showing up at Jackie’s fairly frequently when Jason wasn’t there but again no phone number), and Red Hood. What a sad, short list you have. You did not have Red Hood’s number, but you had a sneaky suspicion you would see him tonight. You hadn’t seen Jason today which usually means you would see Red Hood. A recurring note that you keep adding to your jar in the corner. You had opened your window up after your brisk cleaning and before your shower to let in some cool autumn air. You glance at your clock he should be here soon if he wasn’t already. Deciding you would make him help you get ready for your “hangout”, you stand from your slumped state and head for the living room.

Jason had had a very long day, and he just wanted to see you. Dick had been bothering him nonstop about your guy’s planned trip to Robinson Park. How he had known about that Jason didn’t know. (You had told Steph, and the information had spread quickly.) He had dealt with a few muggings in broad daylight and didn’t have time to visit you at work like he wanted to. Once he reached his roof across the street, he saw all the lights on in your apartment. A little odd but you might be cleaning again something you tended to do when you were stressed. Your window was open, which made him tense with worry. You weren’t supposed to leave the window open for him, just unlocked so it didn’t draw attention. He made quick work of grappling over and quietly landing on the fire escape, pausing to listen. It was quiet except for some soft music coming from your bedroom. He slides into the living guard on high alert, hand hovering over his gun. At that moment you enter the living room, clad only in a fluffy robe cinched tight at your waist, the hem of it resting above your knees. Your hair sitting unbrushed stringy and wet, sticking to the fabric.

“Oh, thank god you’re here” Clearly you weren’t very good at reading the room. Jason’s entire body seized for a moment. His natural gut instinct has him wrap his fingers around the gun in his thigh holster and he tamps down the urge to pull it out and search for a threat. The rest of him easily gets distracted by you despite your robe not being anywhere close to scandalous. You had it wrapped so tight the v of the collar pressed to your throat, the sleeves, long and covering your wrists. The only semi-scandalous part of it was the bottom hem. It moved as you walked, drifting below the knee and above the knee. He stays tense trying to get himself to stop staring but you do it for him. You wrap a hand around his wrist, pulling his own off his gun and attempting to drag him to your room.

“I desperately need your help, Red,” when he doesn’t so much as shift you add, “Please.” your worried tone snaps him out of his reverie. He’s lucky he still had his helmet on because he snaps his mouth shut from where he had been gaping at you.

“With what?” he says finally letting you drag him into your room.

“I have clothes, but I can’t figure out what to wear,” you say frustrated. He was shocked by the state of your room, clothes haphazardly thrown everywhere. Your home was usually pristine or on the edge of it.

“No offense, Sweetheart,” the affection pet name slips out before he can stop it, “but I’m not exactly the right person for this.” He says gesturing to himself. You pause in your movement, hand dropping from his wrist, and a moment of concentrated panic crosses your face for a split second and then it’s gone.

“I don’t have a lot of friends, Red, but you’re one of them and you’re here now. You have to help me. I don’t know what else to do.” Your voice has a hint of desperation but not panic and he can’t help but wonder about your earlier expression.

“Okay, fine,” he concedes, “but there’s no guarantee that I’ll be any help.” He brings his hands up and pops the latch on his helmet, sliding it off his head. You abruptly turn away as he does so, picking through a pile of clothes. He sets the helmet on the dresser and turns to watch you. Within the last week, you’ve been acting weird when he would do certain things, like taking off his helmet. You wouldn’t watch anymore, and you wouldn’t laugh at his double mask. More often than not, you’ve taken to busying yourself with something else and he tries not to take it personally.

“Why are we worried about clothes?” he asks, concern over you outweighing his personal feelings. You pause in your picking and turn back to face him as you tug on a wet strand of hair. You stare at the ground instead of looking at him.

“I have a date” you mumble so quietly he almost misses.

“oh” is all he says out of fear he’ll say too much. You think it’s a date? You’re worried about the date you’re going to go on with him. You wanted Red Hood to help pick out an outfit for your date with Jason. The same two people but now was not the time to tell you that.

His response makes you anxious (what else is new). You had already been worried about telling him about your date, not that it was a real date or that you were dating Red, he just seemed flirty. You assumed that meant he was into you, but you didn’t want to entertain the thought of dating a vigilante. That would go straight to hell in a handbasket, you were sure. You just hoped you hadn’t unintentionally led him on.

“Not like a date date.” You add, “Actually I think we’re just going to hang out.”

Jason suddenly realizes that you’re right. You two hadn’t discussed what this thing was and suddenly he thinks he’s not ready for a relationship, at least not with you. He likes you so, so much but you didn’t know each other. He was lying to you right now and that’s no way to come into a relationship. He pushes his own personal dilemma to the back of mind.

“What are you doing?” He decides he’ll help you if only to calm your nerves.

“What?”

“For the date. What are you doing?”

“Uh, hot dogs” you say a little dumbfounded that he’s even entertaining you.

“Hot dogs? Sounds lame.” Which Jason means full-heartedly, it’s not exactly what he had intended but it was the easiest thing he could’ve slipped into the conversation at the time. He just wanted to spend time with you outside of your normal routine.

“it’s not, I’m going to get a true Gotham experience, you know.” You defend Jason, to himself, and his lip quirks up at your tone, “I’m not from Gotham so it’ll be fun to do something different.”

He did know you weren’t from Gotham but not because you had told him. moved here like three years ago over some family drama. That’s what Tim had said but he never shared where from or what the family drama was. Not that he would want to learn that from Tim. He’s narrowed it down from not the east coast after you didn’t argue with him about it concerning the chili dogs. But that left whole lot of United States left to figure out.

“Alright, tourist,  let’s find something for you to wear.” Your nose crinkles at him calling you a tourist and he stares for a moment before looking back down at your current state of dress.

“Although I’m pretty sure you could just dress like this, and your ‘date’ would be happy.”

You look down at what you’re wearing and suddenly become aware of how indecent you. Your eyes widen as you start to push him out of the room you had just dragged him into.

“Out. Get out of my room!” You push the door shut behind him and lean back against it as you slide down the door burying your face in your hands. How embarrassing. You quickly dress in the most modest pajamas you have despite how warm you feel. You shamefully open the door with a warmed face. You don’t meet his eye as you apologize.

“don’t do that,” he stops you halfway through your mumble apology, “I should’ve said something earlier, but you seemed so stressed. I’m the one who should be sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

You finally look up and meet his mask. “it’s okay, I was stressed, and I’m still stressed. Will you still help me?”

His hand comes up to squeeze at your arm, and all you can think about is Jason. You pull out of his hold and back into the room, squeezing your eyes shut. Go into the jar and into the corner. Red Hood follows you and starts scanning your thrown clothes with hands on his hips. He finds, that despite the mess, there is a sense of organization. You turn to find him in a concentrated state, and you almost laugh at the sight of him. He glances up when he hears your giggle but focuses on the task at hand.

“Hot dog cart.” He mumbles, “Casual activity and outside.” He picks up a pair of black jeans from the ground. “Here” he tosses them at you. Even though they hit you square in the chest you almost fail to catch them. Jason laughs at the site, and you glare at him as he starts to go through your pile of shirts. He pulls out a blue t-shirt and gives it a disgruntled look before tossing it aside. He pulls out a graphic T and shows it to you.

You shake your head, “it’s just a t-shirt.”

He glances at it, “Yeah?” You roll your eyes.

“I can’t wear just a t-shirt. That’s too casual.”

“You’re going to be wearing a coat.” He says matter of factly.

“Yeah, but if I leave the coat open, he’ll see the shirt. It needs to look nice. Besides I don’t like how that shirt sits around my hips.”

He raises a brow at the comment. “Then why do you still have it?”

“What if I still want to wear it?”

“You just said you didn’t like it.”

“Yeah, but I might like it later” he stares at you in confusion before he shakes his head.

“Whatever,” he says as he goes back to looking through your shirts. You sit on your bed as he looks and pull your brush from under a pile of dresses, vetoed due to the choice of transportation. You slowly comb through the wet knots of your hair as he pulls out random shirts that you shake your head at. He doesn’t get frustrated, just teases you about colors, and cuts that he didn’t know there were problems with. His focused energy calms your heart, and you wonder why ever got worked up in the first place. Just as you smooth through the last of your hair, he pulls out a long-sleeved maroon top. You set brush down and glance at the top and then to the jeans and nod satisfied.

“You should be a fashion consultant.” You say pleased as you tug the top out of his hands. He snorts at the comment.

“Got any leather jackets?” your brows furrow at the question.

“Why would I need a leather jacket?”

“Because-” he stops himself. You hadn’t told Red Hood that you would be taking Jason’s bike. That’s what you needed the leather jacket for. He panics for moment but covers it up quickly saying, “it’ll pull the outfit together?” He inwardly cringes. You laugh.

“You know, I was totally joking about the fashion consultant thing. I don’t own anything leather.”

We’ll have to fix that.  He thinks as he glances around the room. The no leather thing made sense. It wasn’t your style. She’d look going in it though his mind adds as he watches you. You lay out the shirt and top together before going to your dresser to pick through your jewelry box. You pull out a heart-shaped pendant necklace and show him. You don’t even ask him if it’ll match before he answers.

“That’d look good with it.”

You nod happily at the confirmation and go back to fish out some earrings as you ask, “Would you pick out a pair of shoes? They’re over by my door in the living room.”

He doesn’t respond as he leaves the room. With you no longer in the room with him, he takes a mental step back. He had just admitted to himself that he wasn’t ready for a relationship but another part of him can’t help but admit that he loves this. Being around you and helping you with whatever you need. Talk about conflicting emotions.

As he’s picking up a pair of boots you come into the room.

“I’m sorry for dragging you into this.” You glance at the boots he’s holding, “Good choice”

“Isn’t this what friends are for?” Jason asks as he hands the boots to you. He hates to admit to himself that the question is genuine. All his friends were other heroes and that doesn’t quite make for a normal friendship dynamic. You nod absentmindedly to his question as you drop the boots down the hallway to your bedroom.

“You want something to eat? I haven’t made anything but I’m sure I have a good microwave meal.” You ask as you head for the kitchen.

“Don’t’ worry about it. I should get going.” He takes a few steps towards the window and you follow. “You should keep your window shut.”

“I need fresh air sometimes, Red.” You say with a playful lilt.

“Yea, yea. Shut your window.” He says as he places a foot out the window.

You don’t comment but grin at him. His brows furrow as he looks at you.

“What?”

“You don’t have your helmet.” You press your lips together to keep from laughing. Leather glove meets his hair as he pats at his head. Sure enough, no helmet. He pulls his leg back in with a sigh. You stop him there with a hand on his shoulder.

“I’ll go get it.” Your hand leaves him as you briskly walk to your room. Jason shakes his head at himself. You really were a distraction. How could he forget his helmet? You come back into the room with a disgusted look on your face.

“What is it?” he asks.

“You should get this cleaned.” You say as you hand him the helmet. He stares at it.

“Why?”

“It smells like sweat and boy.” Jason snorts at the comment.

“That would be because I’m a sweaty boy.”

“Gross,” you say face scrunching up a little be more.

“You’re the one that wanted a better whiff of me, babe.” He says with a grin and pulls on the helmet. Unfortunately, you were right about the smell. You shove on his shoulder with warmed cheeks.

“Get out of my apartment you weirdo.” He puts his hands up in defense with a chuckle.

“Okay, okay. I’ll get out. Good luck with you’re not a date date.” He finally slides out the window and is gone as you grumble, “It’s not a date.”

You close and lock your window, turn off the obscene number of lights you left on, and collapse onto your couch. You're still worried about whether or not this thing with Jason was a date but your 30 minutes or so with Red Hood had seriously calmed your nerves. You were happy he was in your life even if he liked to tease you. You decide to watch some TV while you wait for your hair to air dry, pointedly ignore the mess that was your bedroom.

Additional Notes: I'm so happy because the characters are starting to feel a little more comfortable. And I have plans! I actually have plot planned now. I just need to get there. Thank you for reading!

Tag List: @little-miss-naill, @nikilolo787, @joonunivrs, @uzxotic, @qardasngan, @stormz369,  @g4bbi3xx, @iwatobiswimbros, @the-lonely-flute, @elz-xo, @gone-batty-fics, @princessesgarden, @notfckincreative

[nightingale-ghost-writer]

141 Headcanons - The Five Love Languages

Simon “Ghost” Riley

Simon has been so severely abused for so much of his life that any form of love is just shocking and hard to accept for a long, long time

It takes a lot of time for him to let anyone love him at all. A LOT of time.

Touch would have to be his number one, though. He mostly hates to be touched by people, but once he has a taste of gentle touches, he can’t get enough

For the longest time, the only touch he got was being beaten, shoved, pulled, and manhandled. Enter his military career. Now, any intent to touch is intent to harm

Enter you. Whether it be brushing a hand across his shoulders as you pass, nudging him when something is funny, squeezing his hands or shoulders in reassurance, wrapping yourself in his arms, or wrapping him in yours, your touches have only ever sought to bring comfort to one or both of you

It goes both ways. Once upon a time, his hands were only for hurting other people. But now that he’s been shown physical love, it’s his favorite way to show love, too

Anytime he can, he wants to be touching you, he’ll put his hand on your back, his arm around your shoulders, or his personal favorite: have you curled up in his lap

Just the fact that you WANT to be close to him makes him feel safe and wanted and loved

He even finds himself reaching out to Johnny on occasion now, though he’ll never admit it

It still takes trust and a LOT of time for him to actually let someone close enough to touch him, though 

Johnny “Soap” MacTavish

Johnny values quality time above all else, though touch is a close, close second

Like Simon, he doesn’t let people too close. He banters and blusters, but few ever make it into the circle he would call his actual “friends”

When he meets you, being around you becomes as important as breathing. Wherever you are is where he wants to be. Whatever you’re doing is what he wants to do

Ghost teases him that he’s like a puppy (he’s not wrong)

You need help moving furniture? He’s there. If something happened? He’s the one you call, and he’s on the phone or on his way until he knows you’re okay. Shopping? Or better yet, cooking? He’ll read the cookbook to you

Speaking of cooking, dinner dates are his forte. He loves taking you somewhere nice to show you that you’re worth his time and money (and to hold your hand). But mostly, he just wants to listen to you and talk with you

Every dinner, while he’s home, is an at-the-table affair so you can both share what’s going on in your lives

And after every dinner is cuddling until bed, unless other activities take priority *wink wink*

You planning time together and asking him about missions makes him feel like the luckiest man alive, because it shows him that you're just as interested in him as he is in you

And of course it doesn’t hurt when you can’t take your hands off him. That’s quality time on a whole new level

Kyle “Gaz” Garrick

Kyle, soft-spoken man that he is, responds the best to words of affirmation

He’s confident enough, but there’s something about being told when he’s doing things right that really sets his mind and heart at ease

Whether it be on mission or at home, he likes to know he’s not off-base when he thinks he’s done things right

Part of why he and Price are so close is that Price always lets him know how he’s doing

Nothing boosts his confidence like you appreciating him vocally, whether it be for helping you cook or clean or doing the grocery shopping

Obviously, there’s one area of home life that vocal praise means even more

One of his favorite things is coming home to you to hear “I missed you” and “I’m so glad you came back to me”

“I love you” undoes him every time, and it’s his favorite thing to say to you. It isn’t said lightly

He loves with words of affirmation, too

“This meal is delicious” and “thank you for doing my laundry” and “I’m so grateful to have you in my life” are common phrases in your home

John Price

John is old-fashioned. Acts of service are his favorite way to be loved, and gift-giving is his favorite way to give love

With his team, he always makes sure they have the things they need to be comfortable on mission (tea to calm Ghost’s, earplugs so Gaz can sleep, puzzles or some such to occupy Soap’s idle hands)

With you? Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s? You’ll be getting flowers on every one

You’ll probably get flowers just sending him to the grocery store, too

When he travels, he picks up various little things for you he thinks you’ll like

When you need something done, he does it

He does whatever his team needs, too. On or off mission

When you get gifts for him, he doesn’t much care what they are. It’s the thought that counts

He still uses the wallet you got him when you started dating all those years ago

He feels the most loved and cared for when he comes home after a mission to a hot meal, his favorite sweats laid out, and a nice back rub from you

[accio-victuuri]

xiao zhan - kai xiao zao’s director (Xi Lou) Weibo update : letter to xz to celebrate 6 years of cooperation

"Six Years" To the late-maturing of "Us”

One year, two years, three years, four years, five cold and hot seasons, six springs and autumns; how beautiful is Chinese, there are so many interesting quantifiers to describe 365 days, time is like sand between fingers, no matter how tightly you hold it, it still slips silently from the gaps, piling up into the tall or low sand dunes full of stories on the long river of life, and the wind blows, and the past is flying.

2024 is a year of precipitation. "WM", which has been prepared for a long time, finally meets everyone. We met "WM", and the old friend showed his versatility as a singer. I still remember the first day the album was launched, a friend of mine on QQ com said to me: I haven't seen such a lineup for a long time. Looking at his appearance that had never seen the "world", I calmly said: "Nothing else, just use your heart", turned around and left, hiding my merits and fame. Thinking of the Excel spreadsheet five years ago, we were also new to the world. Actually, I want to say that I know what "WM" has experienced. Its success is not accidental, but the result of the gentleness of spring breeze and rain, and it is inevitable that it has accumulated over the years.

The birthday in 2024 was spent in the crew, which is not unusual. After all, most of the year, greetings were basically in the crew every time, but no matter how busy you are, you have to have a sense of ceremony. Xiao Zao specially customized a birthday cake and sent it to the crew. Then a friend in the studio sent me a picture of many cakes and picked Xiao Zao. Sure enough, the one who understands XZ's heart the most is XZ. After receiving the picture, I praised Xiao Zao because I know that it is easy to work hard for one year on the same thing, but it is difficult to work hard for six years.

I just got back from a business trip. It is now 22:42 on January 4th. I am sitting in my study table. As I write this, the phonograph album happened to play "Confessions of a Night Person". There is a sentence in Mo Yan's "Late Bloomers": "People with good natures mature late, and are forced to mature by bad people. Although they become wise later, they are still kind and sincere." I sometimes wonder why we can walk hand in hand for six years. Are we all a group of late bloomers? "When others are smart, we are stupid and dull; when others weigh the pros and cons, we are sincere; when others have exhausted their scheming and gradually fallen into a state of decline, we just happen to be wise." We are all a group of simple people, which may be the ultimate reason why fate can continue. If there is a chance, I will sing "Confessions of a Night Person" for everyone. This is my favorite.

Some friends told me in private that the 2024 Xiao Zao is a bit dull. In fact, I want to say that compared with the short-term and vigorous forgetfulness, I prefer the long-term mutual support. Companionship is the longest confession. This affection beyond commercial endorsement is worth cherishing forever.

Do you still remember the "Legend of the Condor Heroes" mentioned in "Five Years"? This one-year agreement will finally be fulfilled in 23 days. Xiao Zao invites everyone to watch the movie together in 9 major cities across the country, feel the swordsmanship, and regain childhood dreams together. Oh, by the way, the hero Guo Jing should also be a late bloomer.

We still need to give the "old couple" some sense of ceremony. Today, let's roll up our sleeves, tie up our hair, open our hearts, learn from the hero, and cook with him as wine.

As usual, toast a bowl:

Cheers to simplicity

Cheers to peace and safety

Cheers to health

Cheers to eating well

May the flowers be the same year after year, and the people be the same year after year!

Sixth year, please give me more advice.

[bellyaz]

Pasta & Lobster

(Inspired by @brownsugarxo1 )

“Good evening. James, table for two?” He said to the hostess who swiftly seated the man and his date.

“Right this way.” She replied.

“I’m suprised you recognized me.” She said as they headed to their table.

“How come?” He replied with smirk.

She grabbed her stomach on either side and squeezed it, making her outline more prominent, “I don’t exactly have my old stripper body anymore.”

The truth was, he almost didn’t recognize her. He was out grocery shopping one day when he ran into her. The first thing he saw was a stomach being constrained by tight little dress and the owner of that stomach pulling at the fabric around it. Then he looked up to see if the face matched the body. That’s when he finally recognized her.

He let out a low grin, “I could never forget that face, Princess.” He grabbed her chin and slickly swiped his middle finger across her newly formed double chin.

She blushed before sitting down at the booth. The new position made her stomach more prominent and it was starting to become harder than it already was for him to control himself.

She had her hair done in her signature style, wearing this little black backless dress that she looked like she had to squeeze into, which beautifully displayed her newly formed back rolls, bulging belly, and voluptuous breasts, and fat ass. Everything sat so perfectly on her.

He adjusted his pants before sitting down himself.

The waiter came to take their orders.

“I’ll just start with your chopped salad and a bottle of Moët for the table.” He said before looking at her.

Her eyes widen briefly.

“Uh, I’ll just have the Cesar salad, please.”

He shot her a confused look.

“You can order what you want. You don’t needa play shy.”

“Are you sure?” She smiled.

He nodded.

“Can I also get the crab stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, and calamari.” She turned the page, “Oh! And an order of the garlic mashed potatoes.”

“Make that two please.” He interjected. “Any drinks?” He asked.

“Oh, a blackberry gimlet and a Coke, please.”

“Alright, I’ll have your drinks out in just a moment and your food should be out shortly after.” The waiter said with a smile.

We thanked him before he walked away.

She chuckled, “We can share if you’d like. I know that was a lot.” Secretly hoping he’d reject the offer cause she wanted it all to herself.

He shook his head, “Don’t worry bout it, that’s all you.”

“That’s why you were my favorite.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Yeah?”

She nodded whilst batting her eyes.

They spent a little while longer catching up and flirting.

“Your drinks, ma’am.” The waiter said, placing her drinks in of her. She thanked him as he placed their glasses down and poured the pair a glass of wine.

“Have we decided what we want for our entrees?”

“I’ll have the ribeye with a side of fries.” He spoke before looking at his date.

“You said whatever, right?”

“Whateva you want, princess.” He whispered back.

“Can I get the lobster surf and turf with the lobster Mac and the stuffed chicken breast with an order of fries, please?”

“Perfect, I’ll put these in. I’ll be right back with your appetizers.”

They had a little more conversation until their first round of food came out.

He watched her as she unconsciously licked her bottom lip and examine everything that was about to be put in front of her. But, before everything could be placed in front of her, she dug in. She picked up one of her crab cakes and took a healthy bite. She smiled as she chewed.

She took another bite before she noticed him staring at her. She put her food down and covered her mouth until she swallowed.

“Sorry,” she blushed. “I haven’t eaten all day… I got excited.” She lied, knowing that a few hours before her date she ordered a big plate of pasta and a half loaf of garlic bread from one of her favorite spots.

“You’re fine.” He said lowly, with a smirk.

After what felt like forever, all the food was placed and the waiter dismissed himself.

She wasted no time digging back in. He noticed her taking small bites and trying to savor everything, but he also noticed that it seemed to be… a challenge for her. Like she was holding herself back.

“Is the food alright?” He asked.

She nodded with a mouthful of food.

She covered her mouth, “It’s really good.”

“Just making sure. Looked like you were eating slow, so I thought there was something wrong.”

“No, it’s fine. I promise.”

“Good, you might wanna speed it up though, we may not have space on the table for the mains with all these plates here.” He said gesturing to her array of appetizers.

Something about his tone sent a tingle down her spine. It was like he was teasing her for ordering so much, but he still wanted her to eat more.

But, she did as she was told. She took bigger bites, up to three at a time, whilst keeping up their conversation. She did her best to finish up before the main events got there, even putting calamari on top of the mushrooms just to make everything go down faster. All the while, he kept her glass full of the wine that was starting to go to her head.

He could tell her inhibitions were lowering. She was chattier, more giggly, she had stopped excusing herself after her inevitable burps, and perhaps his favorite part, she had started holding onto her stomach.

She made her way through most of her starters before the mains came, leaving only half of the salad behind.

She mimed a clap as the waiter placed her food down, and once again, she imediately went after it.

She shoved a few fries in her mouth before drenching her steak and lobster in butter sauce.

Once again, he topped her glass off as he enjoyed the show.

She ran through the surf and turf in just over 10 minutes and was now working on the Mac and cheese. But, he noticed she was slowing down.

She huffed in between bites, “I’m starting to get full.”

“Aw, don’t say that.” He cooed. “I don’t want this night to be over yet.”

She smiled and tilted her head, “Who said it’s over?”

He licked his bottom lip, “Are you tryna get me in your bed?”

“Mmm, maybe.” She threw her glass back to her head, finishing the little bit that was left before circling the rim with her finger. “I might need another glass or two before I make my mind up.”

He poured her up another glass without breaking eye contact.

She continued staring him down as she polished off the glass in one go.

She then piled a glob of Mac and cheese onto her fork then slowly and seductively ate it.

He took his bottom lip between his teeth.

She smirked, she had him figured out.

“Mm, it’s so good… but it’s sooo heavy.” She groaned.

She noticed his eyes widen.

“How so?”

She shrugged, “You can just tell the used a lot of oil and cheese.”

“You want to send it back?” He asked, hoping she would say no.

“Nah, I like it like that.” She said before taking another hefty bite. “I know. I probably should, but I can’t help it.”

He snapped out of his trance, “Well, I’m glad you like it.” He stumbled.

“Ugh, Im gonna be so bloated later.” She giggled, as if she wasn’t already bloated.

He looked down and noticed her stomach starting to spill onto the table. He shifted in his chair, trying to control his arousal.

“What’s wrong with that?” He asked, once again topping her glass off. “Part of life.” He shrugged.

The waiter came back to check on the pair.

“Can I get you guys anything else?”

“Just a to-go box, please.” She said.

“I’ll take a box too, and the bill, please.”

“So…” she said eating the final bite of her side. “Your place or mine?”

Part 2?

[gaymarisa]

when you are very young, if you move out on your own for the first time, you have like, one set of utensils, right? they barely fill up their designated box, you're always running out of clean ones, but you don't complain, they're yours alone

when you have lived on your own for years and years, you start to notice: i have bought so many more utensils, how come i am always running out? some sort of knife goblin? no, the reality is, they have not gone anywhere. you still have all the old forks and spoons, because why would you throw those away? and you also have the new ones, and maybe you moved in together with someone and now possess the combined spoon arsenal of two very, very adult people

the unfortunate truth is that you, dear reader, have favorites. for every variety of utensil that exists. the small spoons that are just a bit smaller than the other small spoons. the knives with the flat handles instead of the bulky round ones. i have those, and i also have my cooking knives of varying sizes, my chopsticks (the pointier ones, plastic or wood), ladles that you scoop soup with.

what happens to all the other ones then? they disappear, they become invisible. you look for the last one of the correct and undeniably virtuous type of fork, and you have lost all the other ones. no one prepares you for this feeling. for losing something that's right in front of you. you see it, but you don't really have it. not anymore

and doing the dishes still sucks ass and balls

[myokk]

I love you all so much🥹♥️♥️♥️

@thingsmaygetalittlecrazy @n0va25 @ravenwind-75 @rypnami @okeydokeylackey @honeyed-blossom @light-of-the-room YOU ARE ALL SO SO SO SWEET FOR TAGGING ME🥹🫂���♥️♥️😭♥️😭😭🫂🫂🫂

When I joined the fandom in April/May of last year, I didn’t expect for it to become This. I’m normally just a lurker online, posting with 0 engagement and having a lot of fun seeing everytbing anyways, but leaving comments and seeing everything you all post while I drink my morning coffee has become the highlight of my day!!! I genuinely love talking and connecting with all of you so so so much♥️♥️♥️

Special shoutout to my Canadian alter-ego yapping gremlin @choccy-milky (im almost back🤭😈) you’ve made being in this fandom so much fun!!!

@thingsmaygetalittlecrazy IM TAGGING YOU AGAIN😤😤🤭 Dani why are you so sweet and amazing!!!! I LOVE YAPPING WITH YOU SO MUCH & YOUR ART IS INCREDIBLE♥️♥️♥️ I was already excited to see your art before you posted & then you blew me away with your talent🫨🫨🫨

@elliecutte AN ABSOLUTE ANGEL !!!!!!! I’m so happy you found my fic and my blog and that we started talking!!♥️♥️♥️ seeing notifications from you always makes me smile🥹🥹🥹

@latymerct the only girl here who understands that older music/rock is the BEST & Lyle is the only mc that is canon to Eloise for me🥰🥰🥰 I hope you’ve had an amazing time over the holidays!!♥️

@bassicallymaestra Kelly, you were my FIRST fandom friend & my first ever ask (about the pencils😆😆♥️) AND I ALWAYS LOVE TALKING WITH YOU WHEN YOURE ON HERE!!!!!!

@kay9leo THANK YOU for being you & for always being so sweet and supportive!!! I need to catch up on your writing, but I LOVE your writing style/voice so much & your art is so cute🥹 I may or may not have lots of little sketches with Iñaki and Eloise I need to upload soon🤭♥️

@sparxyv and @syaolaurant for some reason you two sweet artists came into my life at around the same time & I always love supporting you and seeing your AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING ART!!! & watching you both grow SO MUCH & experiment is literally the coolest thing ever🥹🥹🥹

@writing-intheundercroft for being my first writing friend♥️♥️♥️ idk how we started talking but I love it so much & you already know what a special spot your Theo & Sebastian have in my heart🥰🥰🥰 plus your writing is just so good & always scratches that itch in my brain🤌 plus all of the art you’ve been posting recently is SO CUTE !!!!

@holdmymallowsweet THE SWEETEST PERSON ALIVE !!!!!!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ I don’t know if iou know this, but you were the first person to actually leave comments on my fic (i’d been posting it for months to an audience of: me before you found it😆) & it really gave me a lot of motivation!!! Plus it started a friendship with one of my favorite people on here🥰🥰🙏🙏🥹🥹 I love all of your writing: oneshots, the long fic, and now, your art !!!!

@traceyc-uk one of my first artist friends here!! We joined around the same time & I always love seeing New Fifth Year (may he never have a different name), your comics, and how your art evolves so much🥹♥️🥹♥️

@heylorrain tía, tu arte es increíble y estoy muy agradecida por coincidir contigo en este fandom😭♥️♥️♥️♥️ flipo cada vez que veo tus cómics y Lorra es una mc MUY especial para mi🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

@espressoristretto-patronum DES I LOVE YOU SO MUCH😭♥️😭♥️😭♥️😭♥️ my Italian counterpart…you literally have NO reason being so sweet and supportive & the best person ever🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂

@light-of-the-room SUCH A SWEETHEART🥹♥️🥹♥️🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂

& a million other people, but I ran out of tags😫 I love coming on here & talking with all of you talented people and seeing what you post♥️♥️♥️ sometimes i feel guilty and overwhelmed bc my algorithm doesn’t always show me everything, or I don’t have the energy to leave comments. I always try my hardest to comment on everything i see & like from my sneaky main blog though, & I always want to make sure everyone feels supported here!!

At the end of the day I’m just one girl who comes on here when i have a bit of free time, in addition to writing, creating little fanarts, and doing a million other things that have nothing to do with this fandom (plus work boooooooooooo🥲). So I’ll always be here when I’m able to & support you all♥️♥️♥️🫂🫂🫂 I’m excited to see what 2025 has in store!🙏

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

I think William and Kate are real people and real people go through stuff and not everything is sunshine and roses, so I do agree that going through a big thing like cancer may have changed their relationship in ways we won’t even know. However, there can a be a hundred different reasons for small interactions and we can’t know for sure what they’re feeling in that moment.

For example, my friend who is casual with her interest in the royals saw that video of William and the kids waiting fot Kate and just thought it was funny and cute and didn’t think much about it. But I guess for us, maybe we know better or maybe we’re just more prone to overanalyzing their actions? Idk.

Anyway, as I said there can be a hundred different reasons. William may have been aware of how her “hurrying Kate” was perceived the last time (during the Jordan wedding) and wanted to avoid something similar. However, I think he used to have more gentle ways of reminding Kate to hurry before, so there’s that. But maybe it’s possible Kate has told him she doesn’t like being hurried no matter how he does it and he’s simply following her wishes.

Also, this is Kate’s first time to talk to the public since Christmas 2023, so maybe William had that in mind and didn’t want to be seen hurrying Kate in any way because he understood the public would want to talk to Kate. Maybe he also knew a lot of people would want to talk to Kate about her diagnosis, and William isn’t really the type to open up to the public during walkabouts about big personal things like that. He keeps it light: anecdotes about the kids or their dogs, Aston Villa, dad jokes. He probably didn’t want to be cornered and ambushed about a question about Kate’s illness that would make him vulnerable. Or maybe Kate wanted space to talk to the public about by herself. I also did notice that he was constantly looking for her or trying to see where she was during the walkabout.

I also think we can’t always interpret the change as William being callous as if William is the only one wearing the pants in the relationship and everything relies on the change in his feelings. In my own personal opinion and imagination, I think Kate has become more vocal about her boundaries. And if something has changed in their dynamic, I think it’s Kate wanting more individuality in the relationship. But idk this is just a feeling. I know I’m doing a lot of projection and I can’t be sure about my interpretations.

Anyway, maybe it could even be something as mundane as William having stomachache and needing to go to the bathroom and that’s why he was in a hurry lol. As I’ve said, there could be a hundred different reasons.

To be honest, I'd completely forgotten about the Jordanian wedding.

I was thinking about this moment from one of the garden parties.

(This is one of my favorite photos of them. I love how happy Kate is. I love the firm hand William has on her, like he knows if he lets her go she'll wander away again. I love how ladylike her trailing hand is posed. I love the soft feminine pink of Kate's suit contrasted with the sharp black of William's suit. I love everyone in the background cheesing at them. I love how Mary Poppinseqsue it feels.)

[killercozmos]

Art The Clown Headcanons

(Warning these are my opinions!)

𖤐: He's non verbal autistic little guy

𖤐: He age regresses (it makes sense to me cause of the first movie)

𖤐: Reason he's autistic again is cause he stims a lot (and I do mean a lot)

𖤐: When he was human he would go to the circus a lot.

𖤐: I like to think he's a rejected clown that's why he uses a clown persona.

𖤐: He loves animals (I don't remember he ever kills them but if he does that doesn't stop him from loving them to me)

𖤐: I seem him aroace personally ( I'm aroace so shoot me)

𖤐: He doesn't care about gender (I mean come on he wears a girls skin-)

𖤐: When he was human he would get bullied a lot for being nonverbal. Which actually probably made him more vicious to people who are even just slightly rude with him.

𖤐: I realised I don't think anyone ever gave him a name. And only call him art. I think his name would have been Arthur. :3 cause like short Arthur to Art. And boom.

𖤐: Art favorite color would be yellow

𖤐: He gets overstimulated easily especially with noise. (Samesies)

𖤐: He has a biting problem. Not cause of canablism but his biting problem made him learn that he is one(was one? Cause he becomes a demon so idk-)

𖤐: He would use note cards to talk

𖤐: He would be heavily sarcastic (body language and with the note cards)

𖤐: If he was friends with you he would be clingy with affections

𖤐: He loves to celebrate the holidays

𖤐: When he was a child he would be skittish. (That's why he hates loud noises) (edit: it's not the only reason but it made it worse kind of deal.)

(I honestly should write him a backstory for funzies)

I can't come up with anymore rn but feel free to comment your own headcanons or even debate with mine (as long you are kind about it)