#yeah I love him your honour you got a problem with that?

[regina-del-cielo]

The 25th of April is the day Italy celebrates (or tries to) the Liberation from both the Nazi occupation and the fascist regime at the end of World War 2.

Today is the best day to rec this fic by superblackmarket, absolute legend of an author, who managed to put together three of the things closest to my heart: the Italian Resistance, Puccini's Nessun Dorma and Nicolò di Genova.

Enjoy

[rinsoap]

➣ includes : boyfriend!matsukawa issei. and lord this is sooo suggestive but it never crosses into actual smut, it's just.. kind of intense making out and hickeys. this is probably ooc but I DONT CARE! HE'S SEXY OOC!!!

note : for my love @angelkiyo bc she gave me some inspo n i luv her <333 i got totally off track from ur original idea about mattsun n makki eating crazy edibles so yeah ummmm......

"let me know if you like it" matsukawa issei grins at you, waiting for you to eat the cookie in your hand held above your head. you're splayed across his bed, head hanging off it, turned to face your boyfriend. he's close to you but sitting on his rug with his back leaning against his bed. his arms rest on his knees, head lazily lolling back, copying how you've turned to face him.

you inspect the chocolate chips warily. last time you and mattsun got baked, it had you talking to the frank ocean poster on his wall for an hour and then going completely silent, no talking, for the rest of the night. staring at the wall silently while you desperately tried to regain your composure had become a common occurence when getting high. mattsun suggested you should slow down on it, and you agreed. but recently, you had been incredibly stressed, and it had been a a month or two since you had given up weed. so when your boyfriend proposed a sesh to help ease your mind, you happily accepted. that didn't mean you weren't having at least some reservations.

"i know you've been greening out on the old shit," he takes a bite, "that's why i got a new plug. i haven't greened out yet, but i know you're low tolerence."

"you didn't have to do that, 'sei" your eyebrows raise, flattered that he would go to the trouble to do something as tedious as that.

"anything for you, pretty girl," he shrugs, and gives you a small kiss, pulling back with a lazy smile that was enough to make you feel out of it without even eating the cookie, "and i didn't really fuck with the other dude anyways, always getting my stuff late. this new guy has edibles which is so much better than having to bake it myself"

you gasp. "i thought you liked baking them with me!" you roll over onto your stomach, folding your arms to rest your chin on them, pouting. "aw baby, don't pout," he pokes your cheek, "y'know i like baking with you, we can just bake something normally." you try not to smile which only makes his grow wider. "now eat that quick i wanna go see a movie" he nods to the cookie still in your hand, and you take a bite, emphasizing each chew sarcastically. "okay but if i start tripping out trying to kiss frank ocean again it's your fault"

"i'll break you guys up, no problem. i can't have you kissing him"

"what? are you jealous?"

"yeah, of you. as soon as i break you guys up, it's my turn to kiss him. i'll defend his honour and everything"

"i can't believe you would choose frank ocean over me- you know what just... go grab your keys."

mattsun pulls into the drive-in movie, one hand on the wheel and the other resting on your thigh. you continue to demolish the burger in your hand, a big grin on your face to see the movie playing was jennifer's body. "i love this movie!!" you exclaim through bites as megan fox holds a lighter to her tongue. "yo slow down" matttsun laughs and grabs the fast food bag from your lap. that pulls your gaze away from the movie to him as you lick your fingers clean from sauce, then widen your smile. "thank you for the food, baby"

he doesn't know what it is, but that has him feeling some type of way. maybe it's the weed, or maybe it's the fact that you just look so good right now. tank top spaghetti strap lazily slipping off your shoulder and little shorts riding up your thighs, makeup marinated and lip liner almost entirely smeared off under the gloss. he wanted to kiss it completely off, he wanted to slide both straps off your shoulder, he wanted you.

his pupils dilate even more, and he leans over to kiss you. your initial surprise dissipates into comfort as you melt into his touch. you tuck a stray curl behind his ear at the same time his hand goes to rest on the back of your neck. "mm, what was that for?" you giggle when he pulls away. "you just had a lil somethin' on your lips. had to get it for you"

"you're so sweetttt," you're drawing out your words, feeling dizzy from his sudden kiss, "you're sooo good to me" he love how affectionate you can be with your word when high. you refocus on the movie with a content expression on your face.

"you're so cute. i just kissed you, that's all." he muses, and he breaks your attempted concentration on the movie with a kiss to your neck. as he sucks a purple mark into your soft flesh, your breath hitches. "issei..."

"you're so sensitive like this." you can feel his teasing smile against your skin, and you internally roll your eyes. as if he isn't equally sensitive. he doesn't try to hide it, a small groan leaving his lips when his hand returns to its place on your thigh and you grip his forearm. the noises you're making has him feeling lightheaded, and he can't get enough of you. "'sei please can't you see i'm trying to watch a movie?" you complain while you lean into his touch especially when his thumb rubs on your skin. your thighs close on his hand, and he smirks, still pressing small blooming bruises into your neck. "'m sorry baby, i just can't get enough of you"

[sugurouge]

TEA MY LOVE I HAVE A REQUEST. And I know you are the only one I trust with this cause I know you’ll kill it maybe a little nsfw drabble of Tattoo Artist!Endo (or Togame whoever you’re feeling) fucking you in his shop after giving you a sternum tattoo? (Or like any tattoo it doesn’t matter I just peg him as a boob guy lol) He’s just starting down at you, one well placed whimper of pain has him snapping. OKAY I LOVE YOU BYE 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

listen, listen, THANK U SO MUCH IM HONOURED TO HAVE YOU BE MY FIRST EVER WIND BREAKER REQUEST!! BUT as if i could think about togame if you bring endo up first. i couldn't make him fold right on the spot, he somewhat tried to be a professional (or i just like to make him suffer)! but thank you so much for your trust and i hope i don't disappoint <3 i also can't shut up so forgive me for the length

— sickly sweet : tattoo artist!endo yamato x f!reader

summary: you heard about a great tattoo artist online. his reviews were astounding, almost too good to be true. but the shared images of his works convinced you to enter his shop. even more handsome than transferred online, endo welcomes you in, open and down to fulfil your request on the spot. he needed to stall some time anyway. but he didn't expect to be this affected by a pair of boobs and pretty whimpers

wordcount: 1.3k

content warnings! smut, pet names like angel & sweetheart, unprotected sex, slight exhibitionism, obviously you're getting tattooed so there will be mentions of needles and blood, don't try this with your tattoo artist

Customers like to stare at Endo's exposed body, at the tattoos decorating his skin. And he loves it; he practically basks in the attention. So, seeing your curious eyes roam over his arms, shoulders, and neck really shouldn’t distract him. You’re here to get a tattoo in a rather painful area of your body. Placed beneath him on the tattoo lounger, fighting like a brave soldier. You want a pretty tattoo, so you’ve got to be good for Endo to work his magic.

Yet, he keeps thinking about how you jerked beneath his touch when he placed the stencil on your skin, when he fixed up the lines by drawing on your chest. He made sure you were comfortable, even taping the fabric of the towels in place, should your arms grow tired of protecting your tits from his hungry, concentrated stares.

You can see the heavy swallow in his throat, see the way his brows furrow behind his curls. The handsome guy tattooing and touching you all over is really the only thing that keeps you from crying out loud.

Neither of you expect the adorable whimper that slips past your lips as Endo’s hand rests on your chest for stability. The needle just hit a sensitive spot. “I-I’m sorry,” you stutter, trying to act cool, tough.

Fuck, you’re so cute. He shakes his head, fighting his inner demons, struggling to stay professional. Thank God he covered half of his face behind a hygiene mask. “No problem,” he murmurs. “I know it hurts like shit; got one myself.” Your little hum in response is nearly as heavenly as your whimper. Please, whimper again.

Endo presses his feet into the ground, forcing himself not to bop his leg. Yeah, he needs a break; he can't think straight, can't ignore the weight of his cock in his jeans. But he's almost done, so close to finishing up and shooing you out of his shop. “Nearly there, sweetheart,” he says, the pet name escaping before he can catch himself, eyes widening. Thankfully, you’re too distracted by your own embarrassment and pain, mumbling "yeah" once, twice, as your thighs press together.

Your eyes follow a drip of sweat that runs along Endo’s neck, gaze hungrily dipping beneath the fabric of his tank top as he bends forward a little more. If you grabbed his hair, you could pull his pretty face right into your tits. Endo finishes up the last line, perfecting the tattoo with one final stinging pain he held for the end. Your toes curl in response, teary eyes rolling in their sockets as you spoil him with a pleased little moan, pain and lust clouding your mind.

Did you hear the curses beneath Endo’s mask? He hopes you’re too distracted to notice his eyes clouding with lust, pupils widening as he watches the jiggle of your tits with your heaving chest. The tattoo gun rests on the side table; he should go ahead and wipe your body clean. He really should get moving. He definitely needs to wank one out after you finally leave.

“Gonna clean you up, ‘kay? ’S gonna be cold,” he warns lowly. And come on, he has to reward himself a little. He has to lose the little strips of tape before he cleans your sternum, wiping off the mixture of blood and ink. One hand rests against your rib, thumb grazing your right boob ever so teasingly as his right hand cleans your skin. You hiss at the sensation, your hand flying up to cover your sounds as you bite into the side of your finger. “Almost finished, angel.” This has to be how he got this insane rating on the internet, you think, nodding your head up and down to his reassurance.

And when your eyes meet, he wonders: Do you do this in purpose? Look so desperate for cock? What do you want him to do? Why is it so fucking hot in here? Endo’s eyes flicker from your freshly tattooed skin back up to your eyes. He presses the protective cover on top of your tattoo, his warm hand rubbing along your chest as he finally frees himself from the mask, carelessly dropping it on the table. It’s unfair how handsome he is. It’s unfair how you lean into his touch. It’s easy for him to slip off the covers from your tits and cup them with his hands. His lips attach themselves to your skin, kissing along the bouncy flesh until he can suckle on your nipples, it’s cute how you suddenly fight back your sounds and your eyes fall shut upon the sensations. He totally deserves a five-star review.

Your fingers card through his locks, holding him close. You wouldn’t want him to stop now. Endo moves on top of you; confident in how much the lounger can handle. “Not sure which one of us eye-fucked the other harder,” he whispers in your ear. You can hear the grin on his lips. “But I for sure need to hear you moan for me now.” With that, he lets you feel just how hard you’ve made him, grinding down against your cunt as his kisses reach your neck.

“D-do you sleep with all your customers?” The silly question has him chuckle into the crook of your neck before he busies himself with pulling down your skirt, making short progress of your panties at the same time.

“Would you fuck all your tattoo artists?” Endo shoots back with a smirk on his lips, challenging you with that gut-wrenching eye contact again. He teases your clit, dips his fingertips into your begging hole only to pull back. Do you know how hot you are when you part your lips like that? When you crease your brows into this little look of utter bliss?

It is nearly impossible to quip back a witty reply. “Only if they were hot,” nothing but a distracted mumble as you yearn for satisfaction only he can give you now. “Why, thanks, angel,” Endo chuckles, “but enough small talk.”

Your legs are pushed apart by his gloved hands, pressed against your sides to be on display for him. You weren’t prepared for his cock to impact your pussy like this, not ready for the delicious stretch he overwhelms you with as your nails dig into his tattoos. You writhe beneath him, the shyness gone and replaced by filthy moans and curses mixing between your lips while Endo fucks you hard. Your mouths crash together in lust as you pull him in deeper and deeper. Don't mind the creaking of the lounger, relish in the panting of your tattoo artist, and enjoy the sensations of his gloved hands digging into your thighs as he laps at your tits.

The slapping of skin bounces off the walls before the chime of the bell rings through your body, your pussy gripping like a vice around Endo’s cock in shock as his hand comes up to cover your mouth. Not right now. He couldn’t possibly stop fucking you. “We’re closed for the night!” he yells toward the front of his shop, his hips unrelenting in pushing forward into you. You see the strain in his body in the way his veins pop underneath his skin, fighting his own noises as he waits for an answer from the visitor. Yet, no reply ever meets his ears.

But the pawing of your hands lures him back to focus on you, to bury his face in your tits and drown his moans with your body. He’s chasing the high, eager to get drunk on you. His fingers circle your clit, pinching and toying with the bundle of nerves, making you moan into Endo’s hand. So ready to topple over the edge, your body arches to feel the tip of his cock move right against that sweet spot inside your gummy walls, unravelling beneath him. It’s adorable how perfectly you respond to every touch. With one final, deep thrust, Endo sends you over the edge, your body trembling as waves of pleasure crash over you. Your moans are addictive.

“I always knew you fucked your pretty customers...” a sudden, unexpected voice teases. Right, there was never a second chime of the bell. Endo curses into your chest before pulling back, never stopping his shallow thrusts into you as he straightens himself to meet a pair of golden eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous?” Endo fires back, pinching your clit at the right moment to ensure Chika hears the pretty whines that started all of this as they both wear a knowing look.

dividers by @/cafekitsune

[dreamwatch]

Turn The Page

Written for @corrodedcoffinfest

Day #30 - Prompt: Fame and Fortune | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: implied alcoholism | POV: Steve | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: mild angst with a happy ending, future fic, they’re in love your honour, Eddie’s over it

Again, another iPad entry so hopefully no typos but… who knows!

The moment Eddie gets off the stage Steve knows something is wrong.

The twenty-first had been hard, a day of press, of meet and greets, of things Steve asked Eddie to cancel. ‘It’s easier to just do it’; it’s not though. It never fucking is. The press and the fans get a Diet Eddie, and Steve ends up with an angry drunk in his bedroom. But they power through it. They always do.

 Steve goes to special shows now, wouldn’t have come to this one but it’s the twenty-seventh, and what’s more special than knowing your boyfriend is still alive?

Eddie practically throws his guitar at his tech as he rushes off stage, rushing past everyone, Steve included.

“Eddie?” he calls out.

The rest of the band get off the stage. “Eddie!” Jeff shouts from behind him. “The encore!”

But he’s gone, down the labyrinth of hallways, the crowd still cheering for more.

He doesn’t shower, doesn’t grab his shit from the dressing room, just walks out of the back of the venue to their car,  Steve running behind him. The car isn’t ready, they’re not expecting him for another thirty minutes at least, and it’s a confused mess of security and crew, frantic radio messages.

“Eddie, what the fuck is going on?” Steve asks, taking him by the elbow. He gets a tight head shake as a reply.

The car ride is silent, the smell of cooling sweat blending with the air con blowing full blast at them, and when they get to their hotel room, Eddie heads straight to the phone.

“Hi, can I get room service to the Junior Suite?”

Steve just gawps, he feels like he’s losing his fucking mind.

 “Uh… can I get… do you have pineapple? I’d really like some pineapple actually. And a bottle of champagne… whatever you think is best, oh and hold on,” he says covering the mouthpiece with his hand. “Do you want anything?” 

He sounds manic, so off, so not his usual self. Wild in a crazed way, and it’s scaring Steve. He stands in the entranceway, mouth hanging open.

“Yeah, I want to know what the fuck is going on?”

Eddie blinks.

“And a cheese burger and fries.”

He hangs up and finally peels his t-shirt off, letting it drop to the floor as he walks to the bathroom to shower. The phone keeps ringing, Jeff asking what the hell is going on, their manager, Phil, screaming at him. Eddie wanders in, towel around his waist, another wrapped around his hair. He doesn’t even stop to ask who Steve’s talking to, just gently takes the handset from his hands, places it back on the phone.

The room service arrives and Eddie leads Steve to the dining table, tells him to sit and eat, and then he takes a huge piece of pineapple with him to the bed.

The phone rings again, and this time Eddie rips the cord from the wall.

“Ed, you have got to talk to me.”

“I will. Just let me eat this first. Eat your burger.” 

As if he could.

Eddie sits on the edge of the bed half naked, eating pineapple. Steve’s watched them trash rooms before, true idiot behaviour, but this is probably the weirdest fucking thing he’s ever seen.

There’s banging on the door, Steve can hear Gareth’s voice, then Phil’s again, it’s after midnight now. Eventually they go away.

“You know,” Eddie says breaking the silence. “I don’t think I’ve enjoyed anything in the last few years as much as I enjoyed that fucking pineapple.” He frowns at the half eaten fruit platter, like he’s trying to solve a math problem. 

Steve crouches in down in front of him, his hands gripping Eddie’s knees.

“Bambi, please, what the fuck is going on? I mean, do I need to call a doctor here…? You’re scaring me.”

Eddie looks at him like he’s water on a hot day. 

“What if I said let’s run away? I’ll quit the band, we’ll buy a ranch or a farm. Get out of LA.” His eyes meet Steve’s properly for the first time since he got off stage. “What would you say?”

“I’d say give me ten minutes to pack.”

“Really?”

“Really. Where’s this coming from?”

“I died twenty years ago. And I got a second chance and I took it, you know. We’ve done amazing things. But it’s not fun anymore. It hasn’t been fun for a long time. And life’s too short for that, it’s too short for me to waste it being miserable. And I am. I’m a thing, I’m a commodity. I go where I’m told, I turn up, do my thing. I don’t remember the names of the towns I’m in, I always thought that was a joke you know? It’s not. It’s real.” He laughs, but it’s shallow, his eyes flat. “Who fucking knew?”

Steve gets off the floor and sits beside Eddie on the bed. “Are you serious?”

Eddie doesn’t answer straight away, but when he eventually looks at Steve he nods, and for the first time that day, Steve realises, he smiles. “Yeah. Yeah I’m serious.”

“I hate that you felt this way and didn’t tell me.”

Eddie takes his hand, threads his fingers through, locking them together.

“I didn’t want to worry you.”

This stupid, beautiful man. His everything. His life.

“And the band?”

Eddie shrugs. “They’ll be fine. They’ll get another guitarist no problem. People would kill to join them.”

Steve reaches for Eddie, lays his palm against his cheek, trails his thumb along the silvery thread that runs all the way to his throat, a memory woven on his face. It scares him how close they were to not having this, hits him sometimes out of nowhere. He leans in, his lips meeting Eddie’s, tastes pineapple, tastes home. He wouldn’t deny this man a single thing.

“Alright then,” says Steve says, breaking the kiss with a smile. “I guess we’re going shopping for a ranch.”

[sidesteppostinghours]

HI THERE HELLO HAVE YOU SEEN MY SON. WOULD YOU LIKE TO.

caine is a very calm, collected, stoic individual. it takes a lot to get him caught openly off guard or flustered.

getting picked up and kissed by a villain a foot shorter than him with no prior warning would do the trick tho

mitchel belongs to @hyper-pixels! i Did have ideas before this but unfortunately for caine all of them got thrown out of the window when i got this notif

[redroomwidows]

notes: Sirius x James my love. Sirius and James sweaty and shirtless my love. Sirius and the reader are just as in love with James as he is with them in this. not a lot of quidditch content I'm sorry.

warnings: I can't write flirting, second person, I guess like sexual flirting?? I feel like i've written this wrong idk. reader is referred to as ‘gorgeous’

Poly! Prongsfoot × gn!reader

——-&——-

Dating Sirius Black came with many perks, he was all over you, all the time, and had no problems with PDA, or ‘defending your honour’. A perk you didn’t expect though, was bonding over your crush on James Potter.

James was tall, buff and had dark brown curls you wanted to run your hands through. He was also kind and passionate -

“You two are staring again,” Remus mutters from his spot next to you and Sirius. James had appeared after a nap, his hair a mess and his lips pouted and your eyes had not left him.

When you’d first started dating Sirius, Peter had joked how you’d also be dating James, oh how you both wished that was true. Sirius had been best friends with Jamed since first year, and he’d probably been in love since fourth. You could love two people at the same time, you both knew this.

What you didn’t know however, was that James felt the same way. Well, until he became terrible at hiding it.

You’d first noticed after a Summer Quiditch match, when the entire team had celebrated their victory by lying on the floor and begging McGonagall to pour water on them - she’d refused. Thus after the match, as little clothes as possible were on and Sirius had insisted you stay in his dorm while he showered. When he exited, a towel draped over his waist, two pairs of eyes were on him.

“Both of you see something you like?” he’d joked and while you merely laughed, James blushed and looked down “Prongs?”

“Huh?” he looks up, and then down again

“Are you checking my boyfriend out?”

“What! No-”

“You weren’t? I’m offended, I thought I looked hot,”

“No I mean, you do!” an eyebrow is raised and James scrunches up his face “I’m going to shower!” when he leaves the room, you smirk at Sirius.

Around a month later, after lots of flirting (mainly on Sirius’ end), the Gryffinfdors were throwing a party, And a lot of firewhiskey was involved. James ended up on the sofa with you, his head in your lap, looking at your boyfriend dancing .

James sighs, almost lovesick “You alright there Jamie?”

“He’s pretty,” you smirk and run your hands through his hair

“Yeah, he is,”

“You know he’s finally dating someone?” Oh, he’d got to that stage where he didnt know who you were “And they’re great, they’re really great, as great as Padfoot, and I love him, so they must be really great,” you stay very still, letting him continue “But I still feel jealous y’know, and I don’t actually know who of,”

“Maybe its both of them?” You suggest softly and he nods

“Both,”

Once you’d told a sober Sirius, that had opened up a rabbit hole, a huge one, one which included dates, that weren't really dates, and flirting that definitely was flirting. Sirius liked to make James - and you - blush, and laugh, and very flustered.

As the weather gets colder, you find yourselves in the common room more often, and on Wednesday, you enter and find James and Sirius cuddling on the sofa, this wasn’t new, it was something they’d always done, but today you needed a hug, and it made you slightly upset to see them so content.

“Hey Gorgeous,” Sirius greats and you smile, James waves “You alright?” you shake your head

“Need a hug,” you mumble, James goes to get up but you stop him “Want a James hug,” and so you sit next to him, and climb into his arms, sighing comfortably, Sirius’ hand’s find your hair, and James arms are around your waist. You were tired, tired of pretending that you didn’t like James, that you didn’t know he liked you, that he and Sirius haden’t loved eachother for years.

“James,” You start quietly “Do you remember getting incredibly drunk and forgettting who I was?”

“Uh- No?” you sigh and turn around, your elbows either side of him, you look up at Sirius and wink.

“I do,” and then you kiss him.

[shuastruck]

SIMP NOTES

one. profile 1 !!! jop till you drop

previous || masterlist || next

PAIRING || lee chan x female reader

GENRES || fluff, strangers to lovers, college au, humour, love triangle, angst

SUMMARY || lee chan, college's critically acclaimed and certified (read: self-proclaimed) cupid was a hundred percent sure that his guide to love manual aka the simp notes worked just perfectly fine, seeing the number of campus couples he had managed to get together. until you came up with your complex romantic problem and chan finds his trustworthy notes betraying him, especially when he begins to fall for you.

or, in which, chan never thought he would be following his own simp notes to win over you.

WARNINGS || none

A/N || yeah so things got a bit delayed from my end...but i'm so so excited to present you guys the very first chapter of simp notes!!! also for the sake of everyone's sanity and my ease of writing; disclaimer: everyone is of the same age in this smau. and YES shua has my username and what about it its funny and this was my concern since day one of using this url.

if you want to be added to the taglist, send me an ask!

l/n y/n - third year college student; a huge taemin stan along with best friend kwon soonyoung, will willingly jump into a death match to defend taemin's honour. currently has a mega huge crush on a certain campus heartthrob but has no clue as to how to even befriend him, let alone confess.

hong joshua - third year college student; y/n's neighbour who too happened to get into the same college and that's how they became close friends. all of the parents adore him because of how sweet and 'normal' he is, but unfortunately the group is yet to see his normal side.

wen junhui - third year college student; close friend of soonyoung from the dance team in school who too ended up going to the same college and hence in the friend circle. accidentally became one of the most popular student after his acting in the college play became a super hit.

kwon soonyoung - third year college student; best friend of y/n and definitely taemin's biggest fan. is a pretty popular student due to being a very good dancer and the head of the dance club. also, a huge lover of tigers much to the annoyance of the group.

lee jihoon - third year college student; another popular student and is currently the head of the music club. the reason he got introduced to this group was because his cousin's best friend had invited (read: kidnapped) them to meet his new group of friends and the next thing he knew, he was hanging out with them constantly.

lee seokmin - third year college student; is the cousin. got introduced to the group by his best friend joshua and was an instant hit, especially with soonyoung. is the co-head of the music club. parents adore him because of how sweet and 'normal' he is 2.0.

xu minghao - third year college student; y/n and soonyoung's classmate from high school. ardent art lover and is not quite sure when he started hanging out with soonyoung and junhui so much from outside the dance club until one day he was hanging out with the entire group. parents adore him because of how sweet and normal he is 3.0 only that he is normal.

A/N: Please do tell me what you think about this story!! I worked really hard on it and I would love to know everyone’s thoughts on it~ Comments and reblogs are appreciated!  

© 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐊 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

[pedrito-friskito]

Kay!

Can I just say, I love your sundae idea! It's adorable, and now I really want a sundae 🤤

Could I please request #3 from the fluff prompts with Javier Peña pretty please? ♥️

midge! I hope you got your sundae 🤍

I kinda of tweaked the prompt a lil bit here but I hope you like it, and you know I had to go back to the ranch for this too…

burning questions - the ranch - javier peña x fem!reader

word count: 1.4k

warnings: none! tooth-rotting fluff, javi is an over-thinker

Javi’s been thinking about it.

Well, more than thinking about it.

To be quite honest, the thing’s been burning a hole in his pocket since he picked it up. More than a week now. It’d be a lie to say this was an impulsive decision — on the contrary, he’s never felt more sure about anything else before — but now he has to figure out the how, and he didn’t think it would be this hard.

The biggest problem, he’s realizing, is that when you’re both home, you’re never far away from each other. Always within arm’s reach, close enough to know what the other is doing. It’s not an overbearing presence by any stretch, but it just means it’s going to take a bit more tact and planning to get things how he wants them.

But then his brain starts going…is that what you want?

Javier has always been an over-thinker. When it came to his career, it worked in his favour more often than not, but this wouldn’t be the first time he’s shot something to hell in his personal life because he can’t get his brain to shut down.

Steve, shockingly, is little help.

“You’re gonna do it!” his old partner hoots into the phone. “Javier Peña, you old dog! I knew she was the one for you, brother.”

Javi rubs his hand across his brow. You’re in the living room, your nose in a book, and he purposely left the TV a little louder than normal, in hopes it would drown out his phone call. “Yeah, yeah, you’re a savant, Steve, honestly. But listen, I need…how did you propose to Connie?”

“What?”

“When you proposed to Connie, how’d you do it?”

“Javi, are you asking me how to ask a woman to marry you?” His friend pauses. “Wait, haven’t you done this before?”

“Yes,” he whisper-sighs into the phone. “But with Lorraine, it was different. It was…obligation. It wasn’t special.” He glances toward the living room, just able to see the top of your head from where he’s stood in the kitchen. “She has no idea, Steve. At least, I hope she doesn’t, and I just…I need to make it special, you know?”

“Brother, it’s gonna be special no matter what you do, you realize that, right? You two love each other. It’s simple as that.”

“But—”

“I carried around Connie’s ring in my pocket for months, trying to do exactly what you’re trying to do right now. I was waiting for the right moment, the perfect moment, but here’s the thing, Jav: that moment doesn’t exist. If you keep waiting for it to feel perfect, you’ll be waiting a long time.”

“You’re right,” Javi admits, scrubbing his hand over his chin. “Wait, so how’d you do it?”

Steve chuckles lowly. “Middle of the grocery store. Connie asked if I wanted chocolate or vanilla ice cream and I got down on one knee right there in the freezer aisle.”

Javi laughs back. “You fuckin’ cheeseball.”

“Takes one to know one,” his partner shoots back. “Go, Jav. Whatever you do, it’ll be great.”

The line disconnects, and Javier sets the phone back in it’s cradle. From the living room, he sees you perk up on the couch, turning to look at him. “Baby, would you bring me a glass of water?”

Baby, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?

He nearly says it right then. The ring’s sitting in the chest pocket of his shirt. His eyes linger on you a moment, the easy smile on your face and the bright in your eyes. He’s lost for that second, caught up in the way he’s looking at you, the way you’re looking back. How beautiful you’d look walking down an aisle toward him, that same brightness in your gaze…

“Javi?”

“Yeah,” he replies, snapping out of his reverie. “Water, yeah, be right there.”

The rest of the night passes, and between commercials on the TV, Javi thinks it over. Over-thinks it, over and over and over. Steve’s words play on repeat in his mind, and the ring in his pocket feels white-hot. At one point, you adjust yourself on the couch, angling your body back against his chest, and panic rises in him. Can you feel the little round outline, the way it’s burning a hole in his skin?

Around midnight, you declare yourself suitably tired, turning to give him a soft kiss before pushing off the couch, carrying your book and your half-empty glass of water out of the living room. Javi listens to the quiet pad of your feet up the stairs, hears the creak of the bedroom door.

Silently, he fishes the ring from his pocket, turns it over in the dim lamplight. He recalls his father’s face when he told Chucho his intentions, that he was sure you were the one, that he wanted to ask you to be his wife. It was a far cry from the conversation they’d had when Javi proposed to Lorraine all those years ago, and the old man had stared Javier down with wet eyes. “I knew she was the one, Jav. Right from the first time I met her. She makes you so happy, mijo, and it makes me so happy to see it.”

It’s been a while now since his mother had been able to wear her wedding rings; the medications she took made her hands puffy, and while she usually wore them on a chain around her neck, when he went to the nursing home to talk to his dad, she unclasped the chain and slid the engagement ring from it. Simple gold, a singular diamond flanked by two sapphires. She’d pressed the ring into his palm and leaned in and kissed her son’s cheek.

“Be happy, mijo. Always.”

Now, he stares at the ring, pinched between his fingers, the diamond glittering in the light, throwing sparkles back at him. He presses his lips together, his mind going a million miles a minute.

Whatever you do, it’ll be great.

Javi flicks off the television, turns off the lights, and checks that the front door is locked before heading upstairs. You’ve left the light on, and soft orange light pours from the bedroom into the hall. He stops in the bathroom, brushes his teeth, runs a damp hand through his hair. When he steps inside the bedroom, he sees it’s the light on his nightstand that you’ve left on, and you’re asleep, sprawled on your side with your arm reaching across his side of the bed, your eyes softly closed, lips gently parted.

Smiling to himself, Javi walks over and sets the ring on his nightstand. He crosses to the closet, strips down to his boxers and puts his clothes in the laundry.

You stir slightly as he gets under the blankets with you, automatically shifting closer as he lays on his back and tugs your arm over his bare middle. Your nails dig in slightly and it makes him shiver.

It’s a moment before he realizes it’s your left hand slung across his waist, and the plan hatches quickly. He executes it before his mind can get the better of him.

Javi reaches for the ring, careful not to jostle or rouse you best he can. Then he takes your hand, rubbing his thumb across your knuckles before sliding the diamond onto your ring finger.

It’s a perfect fit.

He brings your hand to his lips, peppering kisses along your fingertips, rubbing his thumb over the ring. He doesn’t mind if he wakes you now, and sure enough, after a few moments, your eyes flutter open.

“Javi,” you mumble sleepily, squinting against the soft light. “Wha—” Your words stop short when your eyes land on your own hand, the ring now sitting on your finger. “Javier Peña.”

The corner of his mouth quirks up. He kisses the pad of your thumb. “I cannot fathom my life without you in it,” he murmurs, adjusting slightly so he can look at you fully. “You get that, right? There’s no one else for me, and there never will be. You’re it, querida. You always have been.”

“Javi,” you say again, pulling your hand out of his grip to cup his cheek in your palm, swiping your thumb along his cheekbone. “You…”

“Marry me, baby,” he whispers, turning to press a kiss to the palm of your hand. “Please.”

There are tears in your eyes, clumping your lashes together.

“Yes.”

[orionsangel86]

The Problem With Thessaly

I’m sure plenty of fans would agree with me that there are certain elements of the Sandman comics that are going to be very difficult to adapt for television. I don’t envy the mammoth task Neil and the creative team on the show have ahead of them. But one element in particular which has been on my mind frequently is how they are going to introduce Thessaly to our screens.

It’s not just that she’s a TERF. It’s that she’s a cold, cruel, selfish, and inconsiderate bitch who only ever thinks about herself. Oh yeah, and she’s a huge TERF. There isn’t a single likeable element to her.

And yet.

We are supposed to somehow believe that our main protagonist, idiotic as he may sometimes be, depressed and seriously down on his luck as he is, will fall head over heels in love with her.

Sorry. But it ain’t happening. Something has gotta change. So here are my thoughts on how they could fix the Thessaly Problem.

Under a cut for comic spoilers (and its a bit long)

I kinda get the reason it happens in the comics. Kinda. I can’t remember the exact quote, or where I read it, but Neil explained it as “two people who you know are absolutely not right for each other and no one who knows them can understand why they are together.” He purposely wrote it to be a really weird match that didn’t make sense.

From Dream’s perspective, at this point in the story he has just had some of his biggest romantic disasters slapped in his face (at one point literally) all within a very short space of time for an entity as long lived as him. First Calliope, then Nada, and then Alianora, and he is hurting from all of them. Having to face his romantic failures one after another within the space of a few years AFTER having to go through 70 odd years of relentless suffering trapped in a glass prison has GOT to mess with your head. So I think Thessaly is basically the worst rebound in history. They are only canonically together for a few weeks but he somehow falls head over heels for this plain, dull, horrible person. 100% this is a rebound. He’s messed up. So yeah, I kinda get it.

From Thessaly’s perspective it seems she just really liked the idea of being the object of someones attention and desire even though she never returned his feelings and left him the minute he stopped devoting all his attention to her (god she really is a bitch).

So why don’t I think this will work in the show?

Because the show is a kinder universe than the comic. Dream is different in the show. He is already more thoughtful, warm, compassionate, and has a better self awareness when it comes to his shortcomings. He’s also a far more romantic character in the show, which is probably thanks to Tom Sturridge’s excellent performance and likeability and absolutely maddening sexual chemistry with literally every character he interacts with (his pretty face doesn’t hurt either). You just have to look at his scenes with Calliope to know that they are playing up the romance and kindness there when in the comics Dream is extremely cold to Calliope throughout their very short interactions.

Given the news that the writing team on Game of You will include trans writers specifically to cover the sensitivities of honouring Wanda, I don’t know how they will adapt the transphobia she suffers at Thessaly’s hand, or whether they will include that at all - personally I think they should remove it. Not to make Thessaly more likeable, but because it reinforces a really wrong view of witchcraft and magick that modern witches and pagans are working extremely hard to reject. Not to get too deep into these topics, but transphobia is a fucking plague in those communities and the last thing we need is more people thinking everyone who practices witchcraft is a fucking TERF. The comic even goes so far as to imply the actual MOON is transphobic. Like WTF? The moon isn’t fucking transphobic and “womb magic” is stupid. If I ever have to read the words “divine feminine” in a witchcraft FB group again I’m gonna scream.

Anyway my point is that I don’t think those scenes in the comic are necessary and there are plenty of other ways to adapt that story without resorting to transphobia.

The other issue is that if they do keep it in, they somehow have to deal with the fact that their protagonist is seemingly totally cool with dating a transphobic murderous bitch. Um. Yeah, not cool Dream. I think the show is going to do everything it can to make Dream MORE likeable and based on what we have seen so far I definitely think that’s the route they are taking.

So yeah Dream won’t be falling in love with a TERF in the show, that I am sure of.

The thing is, the best way they can deal with the Thessaly problem is also the simplest - Don’t include her. Just don’t write her into the show. Simples.

Because we already have a character in the show universe who technically doesn’t exist in comic canon, who knows magic and the occult, and who is MUCH more likeable and kind whilst still being a bit messy and selfish and totally a terrible match for Dream... Oh, and who also happens to be played by possibly the most well known actor on the shows main cast list.

Johanna Constantine.

Jenna Coleman is a fairly big name and one of the primary stars for the show. At least Netflix seemed to think so since her face was all over the marketing and she was included in basically every cast interview, even though her character only turns up in 1 and a half episodes. She is also playing a new version of an already well known character in pop culture and I am convinced Netflix is already considering spin off options for her. So there is no way they aren’t going to include her in future episodes of the Sandman.

Except thats where Netflix has a problem if it wants to stick to comic canon. Lady Johanna Constantine only turns up in one more Sandman story, and John Constantine doesn’t show up again at all in the comics.

So my piece of speculation that I’m almost 90% certain will happen, is that they will bring back modern Johanna Constantine in an extended or adapted role based on another character.

My money is on Thessaly. Remove Thessaly, replace her with Johanna.

I’m not just saying this because I think Johanna and Morpheus hooking up will be hot (it will be, don’t deny it. My bisexual ass knows a hot couple when I see them). But because it makes sense.

Yeah okay we have that pesky little rule about the Endless not dating mortals - but that rule currently doesn’t exist in show canon either, so theres no reason why they can’t just also scrap that for the sake of some sexy, messy, and definitely disastrous bi4bi action.

All jokes aside, with only a few tweaks to the story in a Game of You, you could seemlessly fit Johanna into it. She can be in New York for a specific case, hell, maybe Barbie and the sudden appearance of Martin Tenbones on a busy New York street IS the case she’s investigating? She can still find a way to break Hazel and Foxglove into the Dreaming AND when Morpheus shows up they can have another tantalising showdown like they did in episode 3. It works better with Johanna tbh. She actually cares about people, the motivation is there for her to want to save Barbie and protect people from supernatural sources. We can just make the storm and the collapse of the apartment block be caused by George or the cuckoo or something (or not have it happen at all since I am also practically certain that Wanda is NOT going to die in the show).

This ALSO means that much later on, when Lyta is having her breakdown and destroying the Dreaming, having Johanna being the one to protect her from Morpheus rather than Thessaly also adds a more human element to it. Morpheus has never been a killer, but sometimes his duties demand it. He goes to kill Lyta to prevent the Kindly Ones destroying the Dreaming. If it is Johanna blocking him instead of Thessaly, their motives align. Johanna would protect Lyta for the simple fact that she won’t let a supernatural creature harm a human (as much as she can - sorry Kevin), and Morpheus, being hesitant about killing anyway, would be easily talked out of it by Johanna. “Find another way to save the Dreaming, I won’t let you harm her.”

It just adds an emotional weight that isn’t there with Thessaly, who only protects Lyta because she made a deal with the Kindly Ones in exchange for more centuries of life - an ironic request when Morpheus (and Death) are keeping Hob Gadling alive simply so he can be Dream’s BFF.

It just works for me. Scrap the “no mortals” rule and you can have them have the messy disastrous relationship that doesn’t work out. It is far more believable that Johanna Constantine could break Dream’s heart - she’s already a known heartbreaker in the show (sorry Rachel). It’s a doomed love story a modern audience can get behind, makes sense, the actors already have insane sexual chemistry, and it could definitely hit all those story beats needed to get the show to a version of the Kindly Ones whilst also actively improving it.

I may first and foremost be a Dreamling shipper, but talking in terms of canon I very much want Morpheus to have a passionate short-lived heart breaking affair with Johanna. Fuck Thessaly. Keep her relegated to comic canon. Morphanna all the way.

And THAT is how we fix the problem with Thessaly.

[fanficshiddles]

The Redbridge Hunts, Chapter 35

 Loki was sleeping soundly… was being the imperative word. He was rudely awoken when a suitcase was thrown on top of him.

‘Ooooft... What the hell?’ He shot up and squinted when Claire turned on the big light.

He let out a hiss and covered his eyes.

‘Come on, Loki! Time to get up, dressed and get packed.’

Loki blinked hard and glanced at the bedside table. He groaned when the clock showed it was just after six. He pushed the suitcase off of him and looked over at Claire.

‘Claire… My darling, my beloved… I love you, and I am very excited for our trip… but it’s only bloody six o clock. We have all day to get there, it’s far too early.’

‘Exactly, all day. It will take most of the day to get there, it’s like a five-hour drive away. Plus, we need to go via my place to get my things packed, then drop Bat off with Matt.’ Claire said as she dashed about the bedroom, not exactly doing anything proactive, apart from tossing some of her clothes into a pile that she kept at Loki’s.

‘Love… just how many cups of coffee have you had already?’ Loki asked. He noticed that her favourite mug was sitting on the dressing table.

Claire looked at him and shrugged. ‘I’ve been wide awake for an hour or two… I’m just so excited. Come onnnnnn vampy!’ She said as she shoved at his leg.

Loki fell back down on his pillow and pinched the bridge of his nose.

‘Let’s shower together, to save time.’ Claire said as suddenly Loki was covered by her nightgown. He tugged it off his head and then was instantly covered again when she tossed her knickers at him too.

Since when did she get such a good aim? Loki thought as he leapt out of bed and ran after her into the bathroom. A naked Claire with the promise of a shower together was more than enough to get him out of bed at any time of the morning.

-

‘You better be on your best behaviour, Bat.’ Loki said as he gave her another cuddle, then Claire took her for one last cuddle too.

She handed him over to Matt, who smiled as Bat clambered onto his shoulder straight away and purred against the side of his face.

‘I’m sure she will be.’ Matt chuckled.

‘I really appreciate it.’ Loki said as he patted Matt’s free shoulder.

‘No problem at all. I’m just glad I managed to beat Jessica and David for her.’ Matt grinned widely.

Loki had mentioned on the last school day before the Easter holidays about going away for five nights with Claire. Jessica, Matt and David all instantly asked who was looking after Bat. Initially, Loki was going to ask his dad to have her. Though the three teachers began offering, then argued over who got her.

So after a lot of bickering, in the end, Claire had them do rock, paper, scissors to find a winner. Loki found it hilarious, but he was very honoured that people were fighting over who got to look after his cat.

Matt was very pleased when he beat Jessica first, then won against David.

‘See you next week. Thanks again.’ Loki called to him as he and Claire went back to Loki’s car.

‘I’m gonna miss Bat.’ Claire said when she buckled in.

‘Me too. I always do when I go away, even for a night. I know she’ll have a great time with Matt.’ Loki said as he started up the car.

‘Yeah, she will. I’m so excited about this trip.’ Claire said with a big smile as Loki pulled out onto the road.

‘Me too, love. Just the two of us for five whole nights. What on earth will we do with ourselves?’ Loki smirked and reached over to squeeze her knee.

‘Hmm, I do wonder.’ Claire pondered and tapped her lip.

‘There’s a supermarket not far from the cabin, so we can stock up on food on the way there. Means we shouldn’t need to go into civilisation for the whole trip.’ Loki said.

‘Sounds perfect to me. A human, in a secluded cabin in the woods, with a vampire. All alone. Shit phone signal. Sounds ideal for a horror movie.’ Claire teased.

Loki laughed and squeezed her knee again. ‘It does indeed.’ He purred, winking at her.

They’d booked the cabin a month ago, it had a hot tub on the patio. Even though it was only Spring and not overly warm, it wouldn’t matter once they were in the water. There were no other houses around for miles, as it was quite literally in the middle of the woods. It had a log fire, with plenty of logs already seasoned and stacked, ready to use. Some walks were marked out with signs around the woods and up into the hills, so if they did get bored of chilling around the cabin they could go and explore without the worry of getting lost.

The only downside was it said on the website that there was no phone signal, unless you walked down the track a good bit. Though Loki and Claire decided that it wouldn’t be such a bad thing, it would let them switch off better and just be together. He did give Lucius the address, so if there was an emergency Lucius could fly there to alert them of anything.

They playfully bickered over control of the music on the way, then ended up compromising and having half an hour each at a time. They stopped for lunch on the way too, and just enjoyed the car ride as part of the holiday.

When they finally arrived at the cabin, after stocking up on so much food from the supermarket, Claire was practically vibrating with excitement.

‘This is so freaking amazing! Look at it! It’s like something out of a fairytale.’ She said delightfully as she sprinted from the car to the cabin.

Loki laughed as he opened the boot of the car. ‘I’ll bring in all the luggage, shall I?’ He called to her.

‘Of course, you’re the strong one after all.’ Claire called back at him as she opened the lockbox to get the key.

Claire rushed inside and had a good look around. It was mainly one big room, with comfy sofas on front of a large fireplace. Had a small TV, a snooker table at the back next to a dining table. There was a small kitchen area in the corner. A staircase led up to a bedroom that was open and overlooked the main living area. The only room that was separate was the bathroom.

‘This is so cosy! I love it!’ Claire said when Loki entered, juggling their suitcases and some of the shopping bags.

‘Wow, that fireplace is huge.’ Loki commented when he placed everything down.

‘Check out the bed! It’s even bigger than yours.’ Claire ran and jumped onto the bed, star-fishing as she landed on it. ‘IT’S LIKE A MARSHMALLOW!’

Loki couldn’t help but laugh, he absolutely adored her excitement. How easily pleased she was. It made his heart soar so much.

‘Just going to get the last of the shopping bags, love.’ Loki ducked back outside.

He looked around their surroundings and smiled as he sighed in contentment. It was so peaceful, just the birds tweeting. The only bad thing was he had a feeling at the end of the holiday, it would be difficult to leave. Though he tried not to think about that, since they’d only just arrived.

When he returned inside, he frowned as Claire had vanished.

‘Claire?’ He called out, but there was no response.

He checked the bathroom after knocking, but it was empty.

‘Where has that little minx gone?’ He muttered to himself.

As he walked by the kitchen area, he looked out the window and saw on the porch out the back was the hot tub. The owners had turned it on earlier so it was ready for them arriving. Claire was already stripping off next to it.

Loki laughed and by the time he got to the back door, Claire was sinking into the water.

‘Aaaah. This is freaking awesome.’ She groaned and let her head fall back. ‘Come and join me, Vampy.’

‘I’ll get the wine first.’ Loki chuckled and ducked back inside to grab said wine, then he went back outside and stripped down too, and climbed in next to her. ‘Ohh this is nice.’

Claire shimmied along the seat so she was pressed against Loki’s side. He handed her a glass of wine and they toasted.

‘To our little getaway holiday.’ Loki hummed as he slid his arm around her waist.

‘And to peace and quiet for the week.’ Claire added as they clinked glasses.

[lovefoolholland]

Birthday Wishes - Matty Healy x Reader

Summary: After dealing with last-minute problems and last-minute calls, you end up discovering Matty’s birthday wishes.

Warnings: None, just teeth-rotting fluff. A/N: In honour of Matty’s birthday…

English is not my first language !

“Shit, George, don’t…”

The splash against the floor makes you go pale in an instant. George’s face almost matches his hair now, and the both of you turn to look at each other incredibly astonished.

“What the fuck are we going to do?” he says, and you can’t help but groan.

“Get another cake, maybe?”

“We’re not getting it on time, Y/N” you take your phone out of your back pocket and search for the bakery’s number, when suddenly, a familiar contact calls you.

“Shit” George looks at the cake on the floor, almost crying “, shit, George, we have to do something. Matty’s calling me.”

“He’s probably pissed because you didn’t congratulate him” you give him an angry glance before he imitates you, getting his phone out “, I’m gonna text Ross.”

“Shut up and do it” you say, answering the call and putting your phone against your ear “, hi!”

“Y/N” he finally says. He sounds out of breath “, where are you? You okay?”

He sounds so worried, and you want to smash your head into the floor just like his birthday cake has, because of your stupidity. But right now there’s no time for it, not when Matty’s probably running up the stairs right now.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?” you say, trying to sound as normal as possible. George turns to look at you with a frown on his mouth “I was about to call you actually. I saw your other calls but I was pretty busy working…”

You’re met with silence, and taking advantage of this, you take George by the wrist and signal towards the cake. He makes a confused expression, to which you gesture at him to shut up and pick up the cake.

“I’m not going to…” George protests.

“Yes you are.”

“Are you alone?” Matty suddenly asks, and you answer amazingly fast.

“Yeah” George makes a gag reflex expression when he tries to put most of the icing on a safe zone of the cake, but immediately fails “, I’m just doing some work one of my stupid colleagues messed up.”

George turns to look at you, with the angriest poker face you’ve ever seen on someone’s face.

“Oh” he says, and you cheer in silence when George finally recovers most of the cake. The two of you start walking past all of the unoccupied hotel rooms before reaching Matty’s “, I just thought… Well… Maybe you’ve been busy but I thought…”

“What love?” you ask, and help George reach the card for Matty’s room in the bag of his sweater “Are you okay?”

“Obviously not.”

You open the door, and as you’re about to enter, a hand reaches your shoulder. You let out a scared gasp when you turn to look at the person that’s right next to you, and when you catch Adam’s eyes, you sigh.

“Wait, are you really okay? You just sound… Off.”

“Just a stupid spider, sorry” Adam rolls his eyes and nods, indicating you to enter the room.

“Anyways, as I was saying…”

You stop hearing him at that precise moment, because you notice that it is almost as if his voice was right there, in the room. As if you were right next to each other.

Then you notice the lights of the room are on, as well as the TV. And there are a pair of fluffy socks hanging from the only bed in the room, socks that only can be his.

“Shit” you say for what seems the third, maybe fourth time of the day?

Matty’s there, with long socks, running shoes on the floor, and a pair of short pants on, looking at you and his band mates with his mouth hanging open.

In the silence of his shock, you hear quick steps outside the hotel room. Loud steps.

“I got a new one!” Ross’ voice echoes through the room, with a cardboard box on his hand and birthday candles on the other.

“No shit” George says, and leaves the ruined cake on the table the hotel room has on its corner “, we’re sorry mate, we just dropped it by accident and…”

Before you could even open your mouth to wish him a happy birthday, Matty’s already out of bed, embracing you in a long, soft hug. You laugh, and he suddenly separates his body from yours, with a frown.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“It was a surprise!” a smile starts making its way to his face “As well as the cake but… Uh…”

Matty turns to look at the white mush in the corner of the room, and then Ross sighs and puts the new cake next to the ruined one. Matty laughs.

“Who dropped it?”

“George.”

“Y/N” the two of you turn to look at each other, an argument almost starting until Adam speaks.

“Maybe we should eat the cake” he suggests, and Matty chuckles, taking you by the waist in order to get your attention.

“Thank you” he mumbles, with his mouth against your ear “. It made me a little angry that you didn’t congratulate me but…”

“Please” you say, looking up to him with a smirk “, I’ve never forgotten your birthday.”

“I just thought…”

This time it’s you that doesn’t let him finish. You cup his face with your hands and kiss him deeply, with a smile on your face.

“Not to be that person but…” George coughs, and while your cheeks blush, Matty’s smile gets wider than ever.

The two of you turn to the rest of the band, and with the help of Ross’ lighter, turn on the light of the big candles that denote Matty’s age. The four of you sing him happy birthday.

“Make a wish” you say, seated beside him with your chin on his shoulder. He gives you a quick glance before looking at the candles, closing his eyes and blowing them “, what did you wish for?”

“Nah, it’s not going to come true if I tell you.”

You simply ‘tsk’ before taking the knife on the table to cut the rest of the cake into equal pieces for all of the people in the room.

Just as you’re about to start eating, Matty’s phone starts ringing. His mum is calling him on Facetime, and he answers early with a piece of cake in his mouth.

“Hiya mum!” you laugh at the fact that you never thought, in all of the time you’ve been together, that you would’ve heard him say ‘Hiya’.

“Hello Matthew. I see my dear Y/N made it to you” you wave at the phone, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.

“Hey miss Welch.”

“Oh please darling, you know you can just call me Denisse.”

“Enough mum” Matty says, and she laughs.

“Happy birthday ungrateful boy” she says, and now George laughs “, say hi to the boys for me.”

“Mum says hi” Matty articulates, and the three of them mumble a loud ‘Hi’ back “, we’re eating cake in my hotel room.”

“Yes, I can see” Matty swallows and gives his mum one of his characteristic uncomfortable smiles “, well, me and your dad, we hope you enjoy this birthday of yours. It’s sad that you’re away but, just know that we love you Matthew.”

“I know mum” he says, now putting on a sweeter facade “, thank you.”

“You have nothing to thank me for” she says, but a grin forms in her face “, well, maybe you do.”

You swallow audibly.

“What?” Matty asks, confused.

“I gave Y/N the idea to surprise you. Surely you must remember your last birthday, when you wished for her to be with you all the time.”

“Mum…”

Denisse laughs at his son’s reaction, flushed cheeks and shamed demeanour.

“Alright, I’ll stop” she says, nodding and then smiling “, have a good one boy.”

“Thanks mum. See you in a couple of months.”

“Uh, no. I’ll call you constantly while being on tour, you hear me? And if you don’t answer me, I’ll call Y/N.”

“Count with it Denisse” you say, and she laughs.

“Alright. Bye boys. Bye darlings.”

She then hangs up.

“So… you wished for me on your last birthday?” you ask, and Adam and Ross laugh. Your eyes go to them, surprised “What?”

“It is universal knowledge that he has been wishing for you ever since he met you” George says, and Matty punches him in the arm. He groans in pain “, I’m just saying it like it is mate.”

“Are you?” he asks sarcastically, and Adam nods.

“Course’ he is. Don’t you remember that awful birthday where you got really drunk on vodka? Even drunk you wished for Y/N to be holding your ridiculous hair while throwing…”

“Enough Adam” he says now, and you laugh “, but it is true.”

Expecting to hear your laugh, he turns to look at you confused when you stay silent. In fact, everyone does, until you slip your plate on the table and hug Matty from the side.

“Well, I’ve never loved you more.”

“Please, that was embarrassing” George says, and Ross (behind him) rolls his eyes.

“Let the couple be.”

“Alright…”

Matty giggles and turns his head towards you, giving you a quick peck with icing in the corner of his lips. You kiss him back and clean the icing with your finger.

“Love you.”

“Love you too Matty” you answer, smiling against his lips “, and I’ve never been more honoured.”

He laughs and nods.

“Right.”

“I’m serious!”

“Damn well you are” you give him another kiss before putting your hands on your piece of cake once again “, and just so you know…”

You look up to him, intrigued.

“This year was no exception.”

i wrote this in a frenzy this weekend, so don't blame me for the lover references and everything in between

[themultifanshipper]

The delusion in thinking you know what Lando is like... you don't know him, you don't know what happened with the media training and still you're writing so many useless apologies for him, and for what?

Everyone is responsible for what they say, no one held a gun to his head and forced him. Mazepin raped somebody and staied in the sport. Do you really think saying something against trump, or just something blander, would actually have consequences for him?

Until the day Lewis is a counter example to all of them, as was Vettel, you can't tell me that he or any of them are just trained puppets that only do what they're told and have no real agency

I'll keep writing, and apparently you'll keep reading, so here we go

Yeah Mazepin stayed in the sport because the system (in this cas f1 but true for all systems) protects rapists mysogynists etc... look at what happened with Horner. He's had no problems and the victim has been sacked. And that's where the difference between lando and some of the others is. They either stay completely out of it, or they speak, and when they speak it's ALWAYS to the advantage of the accused (I wasn't around during the Mazepin era so idk what statements the drivers put out there, but i'll bet they were not written by them).

As for consequences of going against the status quo, of course there would be consequences. It's political, it would take a comment about trump that a sponsor doesn't like for them to withdraw.

And of course I don't know Lando personally, but I am a good judge of character, always have been, and as per my last post abt this, I don't think I would get along with him, he's not a great person, but what I don't see is someone who went out of his way to endorse trump and what he stands for. It was a throwaway comment that shouldn't have been said at all, but some of you are acting like Lando is a misogynistic homophobic racist copy of trump, Which I Am Convinced He Is Not. (Not to play the "he's not racist he's got poc friends" card but... look at his friends)

Lewis Hamilton is (as I also said) a prime example, as is vettel (although I do have some doubts about the pedestal some people put him on), of how all drivers should be. However not all the drivers have the freedom that mercedes have given Lewis. Merc pride themselves of their diversity hires and pr diversity projects, but I don't believe for a second they believe a word of any of it. Can you imagine if one of the drivers of the "poorer" teams spoke out? They definitely can't afford to lose any sponsors. Even the bigger teams that stand for equality yadda yadda yadda are sponsored by brands that are: the worst thing ever for the environment (shell, ferrari), use child and or cheap labour and exploitation of poorer countries (puma, ferrari) or support/are known right wing or support palestine, CEO's a racist,rapist, homophobic etc.. Redbulls whole brand is based on AN ENERGY DRINK and old racists! If you respect your body at all you shouldn't drink redbull OR monster but anyway i digress....

Point is, there are more pressing things to worry about (including drivers actually being cunts and saying actual problematic shit) than Lando's offhand comment about it being an honour to meet trump just to keep the american right wing happy.

Anyway keep yelling at me I love the attention, keep it coming guys!

[mentallyinvernation]

Dreamling Bingo WIP - Library

This one is a snippet but it’s going to eventually turn into something like ‘5 Times Someone Finds Out Hob Gadling Is Engaged, and the 1 Time Hob Gadling Finds Out He’s Engaged’. 

The fill will be used for my @dreamlingbingo square - C1 Library

｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. 

“So, run by me again why Hob is allowed to distract you from running a kingdom, but when I say let’s go on a boy's night out, suddenly it’s a problem?” Matthew complains, really just for the sake of complaining because he’s bored.

“That would be because you are my raven and Hob is my fiance.” Dream murmurs distractedly, still pouring over the book he’s been engrossed in ever since he got back from the shores of creation and sequestered himself away in the library.

“Yeah, but I’m your best -” Matthew’s entire world comes to a screeching halt, the last part of that sentence hitting him with all the force of a brick wall. “Come again?”

Corinthian - who up until this point has been loitering nearby like a child put in time out - immediately perks up at the direction the conversation seems to be heading in.

Dream glances up, a tiny furrow creasing between his brows. “You are my raven.”

“Yes, I know that part! I meant the fiance part! What - you mean you’re - you’re getting married?”

“That is what fiance would imply, yes.”

There’s a stunned beat where Matthew just gawks at him, desperately trying to shape his mind around this information because it’s certainly news to him - probably to the entire realm.

And then he explodes.

“Since when? Oh, my god, there’s going to be a wedding. I love weddings. Why didn’t you say anything sooner? More importantly, why didn’t Hob say anything? I swear, I’m going to kill him. That fucker didn’t even have the decency to ask for your hand.”

A tiny smile tugs at Dream’s lips. “And my hand is yours to give away, is it?”

“Obviously. I’m your best friend. That’s what I was trying to say before, and why we should definitely have a boy's night out in the near future but we’ll stick a pin in that for now because what the shit, boss? You got hitched? You’re like tying the mother-fucking knot? Dude! I’m going to be a best man. Oh my god. Bachelor party in the Dreaming. Give me free rein for one night - just one - and this place will be party central.”

“Abso-fucking-lutely not.” Corinthian cuts in smoothly. “I already called dibs on best man.”

“What? No. Fuck off. You can’t just dibs best man. That’s not how it works.”

“Pretty sure it is.” Corinthian shrugs, scratching his neck. “There’s always best raven, though, right?”

“I’m sorry but weren’t you re-made like literally an hour ago? You’re a baby. You’re literally the baby. You can’t be the best man if you’re already the baby.”

“Says who, exactly?” Corinthian challenges, looking very much like he might stab whoever says so, which, you know, considering he wanted Dream dead not too long ago, this is a very new and strange change of pace for them, but Matthew’s not going to question it, because that’s above his pay grade. And his pay grade is nothing. “I’m still me. I was just gone for a while. Think of it like waking up from a nap.”

“Yeah, and you know who takes naps? Babies take naps. Toddlers.” Matthew snaps back, knowing full well he used to nap on the job all the time back when he was human, but that’s not important or useful for his argument. He ruffles his feathers and faces Dream again, who honestly looks a little discombobulated by their argument, and somewhat surprised to have two people fighting for the honour of being his best man - which is endearing and sad at the same time. “Anyway. I’m best man. End of. Moving on to what matters -”

“You’re not.” Corinthian mutters in the background.

And you know what, Matthew’s going to be the bigger person here because he is the best man, that’s basically already established without saying, Dream doesn’t even need to ask, and as the best man, he’s going to focus on what’s important.

“So? When did Hob ask? I want details.” Matthew says.

Dream arches a brow at him, tilting his head faintly. “Why do you presume it was Hob who asked?”

“Because - “ Matthew cuts himself off, beak opening and closing a few times. “Because it’s…Hob?” He finishes a little lamely. “Hasn’t he been planning to go down on one knee for you since the stone age or something? Wait - you’re saying that you proposed?”

“Is that so difficult to believe?” Dream replies, voice clipped as he juts his chin in that snooty little way of his. Matthew can see the underlying anxiety creeping into the stiffness of his shoulders, though.

“No,” He quite wisely says, “No, it’s just… I mean fuck, good on you, boss. You got your caveman. It’s just… I expected - hm. How to put this. Well, usually, you’re a little more…dramatic? When you do things. It becomes an event, you know?”

Dream frowns. “I do not know.”

Which is honestly impressive given that Hob gave Dream a flower once and the castle was overgrown with it for days.

The first time they fucked there was fireworks.

The Dreaming didn’t give off nearly enough theatrics recently to suggest there was a proposal. 

“I bet Hob cried. Did he cry? He definitely cried.” Matthew snickers. “Wait, so, why didn’t you tell me you were going to propose?”

Dream blinks, which is a little comical and definitely a human mannerism he’s unconsciously picked up from Hob. “Was I supposed to inform you?”

“Yes!” Matthew exclaims, throwing his wings out wide. “Well, no. Not if you didn’t want to. That’s fine, obviously. But you told Corinthian before me? Corinthian?”

“Watch it, bird brain.”

“Watch your face.”

Corinthian rolls his - well he rolls his head to mimic the motion of rolling his eyes. “Stop getting your feathers in a twist. It’s not personal. I only just got re-made, if you recall. We had a bonding session on the beach. Real tear-jerker moment, you know? He didn’t even mean to tell me. It just slipped out with all the other gross feeling stuff we were talking about.”

“Why don’t we do gross feeling stuff?” Matthew whines at Dream.

“I will endeavour to make room for it in my schedule.” Dream responds flatly. “If you must know, I did not intentionally keep this from you. It happened only last night and I had no such plans of proposing until I was doing so.”

“Oh, nice. Spontaneity is a good look on you boss. You should try it more often.” Matthew chirps, giving Dream’s arm a little headbutt and earning another of his tiny smiles. “Congrats, by the way.”

“Thank you.” Dream says, and he sounds so fucking proud that Matthew’s chest wants to burst with warmth.

So, for all of two seconds, everything is perfect, and there’s going to be a wedding, and Dream is clearly over the fucking moon about the whole thing because this is genuinely the happiest Matthew has seen him.

And then Matthew remembers this is Dream.

“Wait,” Matthew starts, and instantly the Corinthian fixes him with a sharp grin that only widens as the cogs start to turn in his mind. “Wait, wait. You did ask him, right? Like you properly asked him?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Yeah. Good. Um. But what did you like - what did you say to him? What words exactly?” He presses as carefully as possible, suspicion a wire coiling up his spine that only tightens the more Corinthian looks at him like he’s waiting for the pin to drop.

Dream doesn’t huff because he’s a king and a personification but it’s damn well close. “Must I apprise you of every detail, Matthew? It is quite simple. I said: would you marry me? And Hob said: yes. He woke before we could make any further plans.”

Would not will. 

Oh, sweet Jesus.

There’s a lot to unpack in that. Matthew doesn’t want to unpack that. For one fleeting moment, he has so much sympathy for Jessamy, his darling predecessor, who somehow put up with the drama that is Hob Gadling and Dream of the Endless for nearly six hundred years. Matthew has been dealing with them for a couple of months and he’s already exhausted.

Corinthian looks fucking elated.

“So, um,” he clears his throat. “You asked him in the Dreaming, huh?”

Dream nods, looking pleased, as though they’re now all on the same page. He shuts his book and rises. “If your curiosity is satisfied, perhaps you could now escort Corinthian back to the nightmare realms.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.” The Corinthian gripes.

“Babies don’t get to decide that.” Matthew retorts automatically, and then, “Wait why do I have to be the babysitter?”

Dream gives him a withering look. “I have a matter to attend to elsewhere. Queen Titania has been demanding an audience with me for some time. In the spirit of maintaining relations between realms, I must…indulge her.”

And with that, Dream sweeps out the room, robe flaring behind him as he leaves Matthew and Corinthian. Only once Dream is gone does Matthew sigh.

“Hob has no idea he’s engaged, does he?”

“Not a clue.” Corinthian confirms.

“And Dream doesn’t realise?”

“Not at all.”

“Does Lucienne know?”

“Nope.”

Matthew groans because now he’s going to have to go and track down Lucienne in this maze of a library that stretches on to fucking eternity, just to tell her that there’s a high chance there’s going to be a royal wedding in the nearby future, but one of the people getting married doesn’t know. And he has to tell Lucienne because Lucienne is the only one brave enough to tell Dream that he’s potentially not quite as engaged as he thought.

“Fuck my life.”

[leahnardo-da-veggie]

The Tragedy of Love, Death and Maggots part 8

Part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7

Their high priestess, decked in layer after layer of tattered robes walked up before Athena, bearing a ceremonial dagger. “Feral child,” she began in a voice like the buzzing of a thousand flies. “You have cost us the life of a Precious One, of our Honoured Sacrifice, He Who Would Bring About The Birth Of Our God. For that, you will pay with a thousand years of agony.”

“Cost them the life of their sacrifice? What the hell are they talking about? Athena-” It clicked, and I closed my mouth. “The hanged man. That- that was her. That's why she didn't care. That's why she tried to distract me when we found the tattoo. She knew, this whole time.” 

“But that would mean that she had starved, beaten and killed him in cold blood,” Brett protested. “Athena would never-”

“Athena would. You know that. You know that better than the rest of us, Brett,” Mrin hissed back. “That doesn't change anything. We've got to save her anyways. She's one of us.”

“Like hell this changes nothing,” I yelled. “She tortured a man! In cold blood! Do you not see why I don't want to rescue the bloody berserker who tortures people?!”

“Shut. Up.” Brett, of all people, had said that. He glared at me, knuckles white with rage. “Don't you act like such a hypocrite. You would have left that man in there no problem. Don't pretend that you weren't the one to convince us all to cull the cultists the first time. You wanted us to leave Athena behind, right from the beginning. What is your problem?” 

It was some miracle that nobody had noticed us. Somewhere in the background, the cultists began chanting, a deep sound like a boar stirring from dirt, like drums beat to the rhythm of war. “I did what I had to to survive. If that meant leaving someone for dead? Yeah, sure. I'll admit to that. But this is just viciousness! She did this out of malice. She is evil, Brett. That's what evil looks like.”

“No, evil is acting like fear and anger make you a monster. Evil is knowing better, and doing worse. You're evil,” Brett said, shoving me away from him. Mrin caught me, her face turned to watch the scene. “And I'm saving her, no thanks to you.”

He stomped off angrily. “Now look what you've done,” Mrin murmured. “Oh, I can see this ending badly.”

I glared at her. “Don't jinx us,” I replied. “Who knows? Maybe the kid will pull her out of it. He's done greater miracles, after all.”

Mrin's silence told me she saw through the lie.

Taglist: @coffeeangelinabox, @dorky-pals, @calliecwrites, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @shukei-jiwa

@thewingedbaron, @pluppsauthor, @cowboybrunch, @wylloblr, @possiblyeldritch

@tragedycoded, @finickyfelix, @urnumber1star, @ratedn, @ramwritblr

@vampirelover890, @possiblylisle, @illarian-rambling, @the-ellia-west, @differentnighttale

@evilgabe29, @glitched-dawn, @rivenantiqnerd, @dragonhoardesfandoms, @xenascribbles

@drchenquill, @everythingismadeofchaos, @owldwagitoutofyou, @dimitrakies, @beloveddawn-blog

@riveriafalll, @the-golden-comet, @rascaronii, @trippingpossum, @real-fragments

@unrepentantcheeseaddict, @the-inkwell-variable, @paeliae-occasionally, @an-indecisive-nerd, @thecomfywriter

@seastarblue, @wyked-ao3

(Anyone else who wants to get added can tell me in the comments, pm me, or send me an ask about it!)

[hopeyblogs]

Mind feeding into my guilty pleasures with More tyler babe content 🙏 I LOVE HIM UR HONOUR

I would be honoured to feed your guilty pleasures bby! <33 I'm your girl! ⇢Masterlist

Such a doting boyfriend, caring, you're his baby.

he's so cheery, he radiates sunlight. His soft smiles is infectious.

hugs, hugs, hugs. Bearhugs, long hugs. His hands needs to be on your body. A hug a day keeps you smiling all day <3

"hi sweets, miss you so much" grabby hands pulling you into his embrace and kissing you deeply.

"hi ty. miss you too" mumbling through kisses.

"mhm. you're so pretty" not letting go of your lips.

He's a patient and calm guy

He begs for your attention by staring at you until you realises.

He'll smother you in kisses once he gets you

"Ty stop staring, you're gonna have dry eyes" no answer just keep staring.

Puffing out a small sigh. "Fine, what do you need baby?"

"you." he shrugs. You did ask.

overprotective. Your happiness and safety comes first

Hates seeing you other than happy with him

Say the word he'll settle each of your problems. Always with you if possible.

You were sitting on one of the park benches waiting for him to buy something. A guy approaches and hits on you.

"What's a girl doing here all alone huh?"

"I'm with my boyfriend. Thank you for asking"

"a sassy one, I bet you i could control that attitude huh? You'll like that huh?" creepily snakes his hands on your thighs.

Slapping his hand away and standing up away from him.

"Get the fuck away from my girl" Tyler grabs the guy collar shoving the creep away from you.

He immediately pulls you away to somewhere of private, concern flooding him.

"You ok sweets? Did he do anything?" he holds you softly trying to find anything wrong.

"I'm ok ty, he just touched my thighs"

He wasn't one to mess with. He's pissed and it wasn't a good look

Out into the night he makes the move to find the guy who harrased you

The next day, news comes that the guy who harrased you suddenly died?

"Ty baby, look. The guy yesterday, he was found dead in his house. What a weird coincidence"

"mhm yeah. Atleast we know he's not gonna bother other people anymore right?" he queries while kissing your forehead.

He's so devoted to you. You're his and he's yours <3

His socials is just filled with you. Proudly showing off his girl to his friends.

Does not hesitate to defend you when his friends makes fun of you for being a freak.

"Dude really? A freak from Nevermore? Thought you hated them" One of the guys laughs.

"Yeah i know right. You stooped so low for a girl like that??"

"Call my girl a freak again, I'll have you looking like a freak" he was pissed.

After that incident, he cuts all contacts with all his friends.

he knows all your likes and dislikes.

he'll do anything to keep you happy, his attention is always on you

Late night calls, dates or even delivering some food for you

Ringing floating through your dorm, picking the phone up. It was Tyler.

"Hi sweets, how's your studies?" he asks. Such a dad fr

"It's good. Taking a break right now, eating some chips" you replied

"Do you want some food? I can send some" he offers

"Nonono need ty, I'm not really hungry just tired yk" declining his offer.

"Alright then, I'll leave you to rest a bit ok? Love you"

"Love you too babe"

Few minutes later he's texting you to meet him at the greenhouse that's connected to the forest. You obeyed anyways.

"Tyler why did you ask me to meet you here? It's dangerous!" you asked.

"Here, i got some leftovers dinner. I made em" He puts a container into your hands.

"I told you I'm not hungry! Tyler don't trouble yourself please"

"so? i want to. Love you anyways" he shrugs off.

You heaved a small sigh just asked him to go back home before anything bad happens. He's your loverboy <3

[givemea-dam-break]

hi my love, can you do anthony lockwood x reader

possibly with prompt 17 or 24 from the angst list?!? ive been craving some lockwood angst recently and i love your fics so who else could i ask to fulfill my needs

a/n: yes yes yes i have been dying for angst it’s my favourite thing to write. i'm so glad you like my fics! feeling honoured rn. this is shorter than some of my other fics, but i hope you like it!

warnings: angst, language prompts: "You're not my friend anymore, remember?" and "You left, you left, and now you have the gall to come back like nothing happened." gn reader

Your day couldn't have gone worse.

Originally, your plans for your first day off in weeks had been to spend your time in the library nearby, listening to the rain on the tall windows as you read in your favourite seat before stopping off to grab a takeaway on your way home.

Of course, things can never go to plan in a world haunted by ghosts.

To preface, the Visitors aren't the problem, not today at least.

You've reached a particularly good chapter of your book when things start to go wrong. You're completely content just reading away, sipping on some tea in your travel mug, when a shadow looms over the pages, making it hard to read.

Looking up, slightly irritated, you say, "Hey, do you mind moving, please?"

Then you see the face, and the irritation melts into something more: fury.

Anthony Lockwood stands before you, soaked with rain and dripping all over the floor. His hair, usually neatly brushed, looks like a wet rat, and his cheeks are flushed from the November chill. From the way he smiles, they remind you a little bit of apples. You like apples considerably more than you like him.

"What do you want?" you ask.

Lockwood points at the free chair next to you. "Can I sit?"

"Absolutely not."

"Right." He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his greatcoat. "Can we talk?"

"Also, no," you say, returning your attention to the book. "Goodbye."

A sigh. "(name), please, it's important."

"Important enough to bug me on my only day off? No, I don't think so."

You hope for a moment that he'll turn and walk away, but this is Anthony bloody Lockwood, and when does he ever listen to you? He moves, sinking into the seat beside you, and crossing his legs. You make a point of ignoring him, continuing to read the last paragraph you were on.

"We need your help."

No response. You keep on reading.

"(name), please. It's a big case, and we could really use your Talent."

Again, you ignore him, silently mouthing the words as you read them. Your focus on him strays, and for a minute it's as if he's no longer there, but the scent of bitter tea and citrusy shampoo lingers, taunting you.

Swiftly, you shut your book and stand, grabbing your bag. The action seems to shock Lockwood, and his daze gives you enough time to slip the book back into its slot on the shelves and storm out of the library.

Alas, Lockwood has long legs and catches up momentarily.

"I don't want to talk to you," you grumble, pulling your hood over your hair as you step out into the rain.

"I know, and that's my fault, but, please, listen this once. We -"

"Need my help. Yeah, I got that." Squeezing through a crowd of kids heading into the library, you continue, "But, thing is, I'm not an agent anymore. And, even if I was, you're not my friend anymore, remember? You gave up that right months ago. I wouldn't help you even if my life depended on it."

That stops him short. You keep on walking, arms crossed tightly over your chest.

"You're not an agent anymore?" he asks, catching up once more.

You scoff. "Haven't been since that last case we went on, and I don't plan on becoming one again."

Judging from his expression, he hasn't taken the news lightly. He almost looks betrayed, and that makes you want to strangle him. He's got no right.

"Why not?"

"Because," you say, stopping at the side of the pavement, out of the way of other people, "you left. You left me there, Lockwood. And now you have the gall to come back like nothing happened! You don't just do that."

His frowns. "I didn't leave you."

You want to scream at him, to pull your hair out. It feels like you're about to explode from the rage you're feeling.

"Yes, you left. I was left in that goddamn maze of a mansion by myself while you and George, what? Went to go have some celebratory doughnuts? Not all of the sources were secured, Lockwood. I almost died trying to get out of there."

"I didn't -" His face blanches, and he looks like he's going to be sick. "We thought we'd secured them all."

"Well, you didn't. Want to know why I didn't go back to Portland Row for a week before getting my stuff? I was in the hospital recovering from ghost touch. Took my a month to regain full use of my right arm, you know. I almost lost my arm, in fact. But you didn't ask, you just stood and watched as I packed my stuff."

That makes him angry. "What was I meant to do? There was no stopping you."

"I wanted you to try," you say, and your voice wavers. His expression softens. "If you'd tried, I might've stayed. I might've forgiven you. But you just watched. You never asked me where I was for that week. No, you were busy revelling in your success and hiring other agents."

"We needed another agent, anyways."

"You should've checked on the one you had!" Your breathing is heavy, and your head hurts from the myriad of emotions swirling around. "I'm not - I'm not doing this right now. Today was meant to be a good day. Goodbye, Lockwood. Don't come see me again."

You start to walk away, but his hand clasps around your wrist. Scowling, you tug it from his grip, looking at him incredulously.

"I'm sorry, (name)," he says. In his defence, he's being genuine, but that doesn't mean that you're having any of it. "I am. About all of it. Please, can we talk it out?"

Thank god for the rain, because it hides the tears in your eyes. "No. I - I'm going home, and you're going to leave me alone. I don't want to see you again."

Lockwood's jaw goes slack. "Please, I'm sorry. I can't lose you."

"The minute you left me alone on that case, you lost me," you say. "I don't care how sorry you are. It does nothing. It doesn't stop me from seeing the moment I almost died every night when I sleep. It doesn't change the fact that I don't trust you anymore."

"(name) -"

"I pray that your new agent, Lucy, 'the Superstar' - that's what you called her on live TV, right? - I pray she doesn't have the same fate. I hope things work out well for you, Lockwood, truly, but that doesn't mean we'll ever be friends again. Now, I'm going home."

"Please don't go." His voice is a little shaky. It's the most emotion you've seen from him other than that fake smile he gives to the press. "Please, I'll do better."

You shake your head. Then, wordlessly, you turn and make your silent, miserable trek home.