#you’d think I’d be used to them by now

[swiftiethatlovesf1]

Heyy, could you maybe do an age difference reader x Toto Wolff or sunshine x grumpy, where he has one of his headphone breaking moments and she scolds him in the middle of the garage? Like I’d find super funny like his smaller, younger wife yelling at him for breaking his headphones and the fans and media eating that up haha. Please and thanks!! <3

The hum of the Mercedes garage was as familiar as it was chaotic, a rhythm of voices, machinery, and focused intensity. Engineers moved swiftly, the clatter of tools punctuating their discussions as mechanics fine-tuned the car for the upcoming race. Amidst the organized chaos, you stood by the monitors, scanning data with a calm focus that contrasted sharply with the frenetic energy around you.

Then it happened.

“Verdammt!” Toto’s voice boomed from the other end of the garage, startling even the most seasoned team members. Heads turned to see him, towering as always, but now radiating frustration. His expression was a storm cloud, and in his hands were the remnants of his latest pair of Bose headphones, the poor device snapped clean in two.

You let out a sigh, half amused, half exasperated. Your husband—the esteemed team principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas, feared and respected across the paddock—had once again succumbed to his infamous headphone-breaking habit.

“Oh no, not again,” you muttered under your breath. You handed your tablet to a nearby engineer and strode across the garage, weaving through the maze of equipment and personnel. The team parted like the Red Sea as you approached, sensing what was about to unfold.

Toto stood there, oblivious to the audience he had attracted. His broad shoulders heaved as he tried to rein in his temper, the broken headphones dangling from his massive hands. He looked every bit the grumpy giant he was known to be, but to you, it was just another Friday.

“Toto Wolff,” you began, your voice sharp enough to cut through the air. His head snapped up, and his stormy gaze softened—just a little—when it landed on you. But his sheepish expression did nothing to quell your determination.

“What on earth do you think you’re doing?” you demanded, planting your hands on your hips. Despite being significantly shorter and younger than him, you had no trouble commanding the attention of a man who could intimidate entire boardrooms.

“They broke,” Toto said, as if that explained everything. He held up the shattered headphones as evidence, his Austrian accent thick in his defense.

“Oh, really?” you shot back, sarcasm dripping from your words. “Did they break, or did you break them? Because I’ve lost count of how many pairs you’ve destroyed this season alone. What is it now, five? Six?”

A snicker rippled through the garage, and you caught George trying to suppress a grin from where he stood by the car. Even the media personnel hovering near the entrance couldn’t hide their amusement, cameras clicking furiously to capture the moment.

Toto’s ears turned red, a rare crack in his composed demeanor. “It was… a stressful situation,” he mumbled, looking anywhere but at you.

“Stressful?” you echoed, raising an eyebrow. “And snapping your headphones in half helps how, exactly? Are you planning to intimidate Red Bull with broken electronics now?”

The garage erupted in laughter, and Toto’s lips twitched, caught between a scowl and a smile. He shifted awkwardly, the 6’4” team principal suddenly looking very much like a schoolboy caught red-handed.

“You need to control your temper, mein Liebling,” you said, softening your tone but not your resolve. “You’re setting a terrible example for the team. And for the record, I’m not buying you another pair. You can use the cheap earbuds like everyone else until you learn some self-restraint.”

Toto’s eyes widened, the horror of your words sinking in. “Not the earbuds,” he said, as if you’d suggested he race barefoot.

“Yes, the earbuds,” you confirmed, folding your arms. “Consider it a lesson in anger management.”

Another wave of laughter rippled through the team, and even Toto couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him. He looked down at you, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and affection.

“You’re terrifying when you’re angry,” he said, his voice low enough that only you could hear.

“Good,” you replied, poking a finger into his chest. “Maybe you’ll finally listen to me.”

As you turned to walk away, the garage buzzed with whispered commentary and stifled laughs. The moment had been caught by every camera in the vicinity, and you had no doubt it would be all over social media within the hour.

A shadow loomed over you, and you turned to see Toto standing there, an apologetic smile on his face. In his hand was a hastily repaired pair of headphones, held together with duct tape.

“I’ll behave,” he promised, leaning down to press a quick kiss to your forehead. “No more broken headphones.”

“Good,” you said, giving him a pointed look. “Because next time, it’ll be the earbuds and no kisses for a week.”

He groaned dramatically but nodded, retreating to his post with his makeshift headphones. You shook your head, a fond smile tugging at your lips. He might be a grumpy giant with a penchant for breaking expensive electronics, but he was your grumpy giant. And if keeping him in line meant scolding him in front of the entire team, well, you were more than up to the task.

[mountttmase]

When You Know

Note - happy birthday masey 🥺 we’ve made it another year 🩷 thank you to the anon who requested this I know it was meant to be Christmas but I hope you like it for his birthday too 🤭 feedback would be appreciated as always and I’ve been plotting some other parts for this if you like it 😏

Pairing - Mason Mount × Reader

Word count - 2.5k

Warnings - fluffy

‘Night everyone, see you in the morning’ you heard Mason calling down the hall. You could just about hear the rest of his family reply as they made their way into their respective rooms and you knew soon enough it would just be you and Mason.

You’d been waiting for this moment all day but now it was finally here you were more nervous than you’d ever been before. Slipping yourself under the covers as he undressed himself down to his boxers and slipped off into the bathroom to get himself ready for bed.

‘I’ve been waiting for them to go to bed for hours’ he called as he was finishing up and when he appeared in the doorway your heart stuttered in your chest. ‘Need my time with my girl’

He was so handsome. His bright smile seemed to take over his whole face and you could see it in his warm brown eyes how happy he was when he finally slid in next to you.

Hopefully he’d still be smiling in five minutes' time.

His hands were on you in an instant. Gripping your bum and thighs as he pulled you towards his body and all you could do was grip his shoulders and kiss him back as his lips finally touched yours. A sigh of relief falling from the both of you but you tried not to get too lost in him as you wanted to stick to your plan.

‘Hey Mase?’ You asked as you tried to pull away but he was quick to capture your lips again as he pulled you in even closer and tangled your legs beneath the sheets.

‘Yes baby?’ He asked against your lips before peppering kisses along your jaw and down your neck. He was making everything so difficult and you were only a second away from ditching your plan and letting him have you but you’d worked too hard and had built yourself up for hours to get to this point so you reluctantly pulled away from him.

‘I was thinking, since it’s officially your birthday now then maybe I could give you a little present? You know while it’s just the two of us?’ You asked, both your breathing a little laboured from how you were feeling but you saw the cheeky glint in his eye immediately.

‘Oh yeah?’ He hummed suggestively. The hand that was on your hip traveling slightly so he could squeeze your bum and the feel of it made you jump. ‘I think I’d like that a lot’ he told you. His voice low and commanding as he tried to pin you down to the mattress but your giggles were making it hard for him to kiss you.

‘Down boy’ you laughed. Pressing one final kiss to his lips in hopes he’d calm down a bit. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. Just sit up a bit, I’ve got a card for you to open’

‘Fine’ he sighed. Pulling himself away from you so he could sit up and you were glad he was going along with it. This wasn’t something you wanted to explain to him beforehand so as soon as he was comfortable you handed over the white envelope with a shaky hand.

You watched him closely, tearing the envelope open before reaching inside to pull the card out and you felt the world stop spinning as he did. Your eyes solely focused on his face as he read over the words on the front and you knew he didn’t understand. Repeatedly going over the with his eyebrows bunched together and you thought his confusion was adorable.

It wasn’t until he opened it and the words I’m pregnant were staring him back in the face that he truly understood. His eyes as wide as you’d ever seen them as they flashed between the card and your face before they finally stopped on you.

‘Are you being serious?’ He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. ‘We’re having a baby?’

‘We’re having a baby’ you repeated back to him tearily. Reaching into your bedside drawer to pluck out a test you’d taken earlier that day and the words pregnant were still etched onto it clearly.

Truth be told you’d been suspicious for a while and decided to take a test a few days ago but kept it to yourself. It wasn’t that you thought Mason wouldn’t be thrilled with the news but you wanted to process it on your own and think of a special way to tell him. His birthday being a few days seemed like an obvious choice and as you watched his face transform into one of shock to then pure happiness, you knew you’d picked the right time.

He was bundling you into his arms shortly after. His ragged breaths seemed uncontrollable at first but you held him tightly and stroked the back of his head just how he liked until he was calmer and his vice like grip had loosened a touch.

‘I love you so fucking much’ he sniffed, pulling back to hold you face in between his hands so he could look into your eyes but his were hazy with tears. A joyful look on his face no matter how much he was crying and it only took one look at him to set you off. ‘Are you really being serious?’

‘I am’ you laughed. Placing your hands on his arms as you sat as close as you could and when a few tears escaped he was quick to wipe them away. ‘I took a test a couple of days ago but I wanted to surprise you’

‘Well you did a bloody good job, I had no idea’ he laughed, pulling you closer into his lap until you couldn't go any further. ‘Do you know how far along you are or anything?’

‘I took one of those tests that give you a date and it was saying six weeks but I’m really not sure. I’ve got to make a doctors appointment to confirm it and check everything’s okay but I wanted to wait until you knew so you can come with me’

‘I’ll be there no matter what, okay?’ He reassured you and as happy as he was you knew what you were about to say he wouldn’t be a fan of.

‘Thank you, but listen we have to keep this a secret though, Mase. Just for a few more weeks until after the 12 week scan’ you told him carefully and just as you thought his face dropped.

‘What? Why?’

‘Cause that’s what you’re supposed to do, you know just in case something goes wrong. It’s still such early days Mase’

‘Nothing will go wrong, baby. I’ll make sure of it’ he told you pointedly but you saw his face switch as he took in how worried you were. ‘But if it’s what you want then we can keep it between us for now’

‘Thank you’ you gulped. Reaching over to give him a quick peck but he held you closer and deepened it ever so slightly. ‘It gives us a chance of finding a nice way to tell our families too. I've seen loads of cute ideas and I was thinking we could get everyone together and tell them all at the same time?’

‘Yeah okay, I like that’ he nodded before you both started grinning uncontrollably. ‘Fuck’ he breathed. ‘I’m gonna be a dad’

‘You are’ you grinned, laughing along with him as he couldn’t hold it in any longer. ‘And I’m gonna be a mum’

‘Best mummy in the world’ he whispered sincerely before dropping another kiss on your lips. ‘I love you so much’

‘I love you too’

‘How did you find out? Are you feeling okay?’ He asked. More questions coming to the forefront as the news sunk in but you squeezed his shoulders as you were excited to talk about everything with him after holding it all in for days.

‘I’m fine I promise’ you nodded. ‘I’ve just been a bit sick and then I missed my period for the second time’ you huffed. ‘Missing it once means nothing to me but with everything else I just thought I better check’

‘I’m here okay? Whatever you need’ he nodded and you knew he was serious. Ready to be the rock you needed as you navigated this new journey together.

‘Thank you’ you sniffed, overcome with emotion at how well this had gone. ‘This is gonna sound awful but I wasn’t sure how you were going to react’

‘Why not?’ He giggled, laying down as he brought you with him and once you were settled you couldn’t help but notice the way he left his hand on your tummy.

‘We’ve never really spoken about kids, I wasn't sure how you’d take it. I know you’re so amazing with the girls but having our own will be completely different’

‘I know, and I’m ready’ he grinned. ‘I’ve always wanted a family of my own and I’ve known for ages I wanted it to be with you’ he told you earnestly. ‘I know we’re not married and haven’t been together as long as some but when you know you know, right? And I’ve always known we’d have everything and more. Maybe having a kid wasn’t first on the list but fuck it, you make me so happy and I just feel like this will make us even stronger’

‘I think so too’ you whispered. In awe of the sweet words he’d just whispered to you and you knew you’d never love a man like this ever again.

You spent the next hour or so exchanging sweet words and kisses until you couldn’t keep your eyes open. Explaining to Mason you’d never been so tired in your life and he was quick to get you comfy on his chest so you could go to sleep as he stroked your hair and kissed your head repeatedly.

It was chaos the next morning. Everyone in the living room as Summer and Mila demanded that Mason open his presents from them now and as much as you were excited for Mason's special day, your morning sickness was as worse as it had ever been. Rolling through you like a tidal wave that just kept coming back and no matter how many deep breaths you took it wasn’t going away.

Mason was on fine form, even happier than usual but he was able to play it off by saying he was just excited to have everyone around for his birthday. You knew Debbie knew something was up as her eyes were glued to the pair of you. Mason couldn’t seem to do enough for you and when Summer threw a present over to Mason he was quick to shield your body in case it hit you.

‘This is so hard’ he laughed quietly in your ear when everyone else was focused on something else for a minute and you squeezed his thigh in agreement. ‘I just wanna tell everyone’

‘Now you know how I felt trying to keep it from you’

‘Just think, in a few years time our little one will be running around and joining in’ he grinned as he watched the girls run around in excitement. ‘I can’t wait’

‘Me too’ you giggled, his joy infectious but you could feel another wave of sickness coming that was worse that all the others combined and you began to panic. ‘I’m just getting a drink’

‘Let me-‘

‘Honestly Mase, it’s fine. I need a breather’ you explained quietly. Squeezing his thigh before he helped you up and you quickly made your way into the kitchen to grab a cold glass of water.

You’d researched what to do to help it, grabbing a ginger biscuit from the cupboard to nibble on as that was meant to help and also reaching for the mint tea to make a cup but the kettle had barely boiled and Mason had come to check on you.

‘You okay in here, gorgeous?’

‘Sorry, I’m just a bit sick’ you explained with a pout and the sympathetic look in Mason's eye made yours sting. He was over to you in a flash though and was quick to turn you in his arms so your back was against his chest and you melted at the way he was slowly stroking his thumbs over your tummy. ‘You giving mummy a hard time in there, bubba?’

‘I knew it’ you suddenly heard. Both your heads snapping up to see Debbie stood in the doorway with an excited look on her face.

‘Fuck’ Mason breathed, moving his hands to you hips as he pulled away slightly and you wondered what Mason was going to say next. ‘W-what do you know?’

‘Don’t play dumb, Mason. The mint tea? The ginger biscuits? The way you won’t let anyone get close to her and you, little miss’ she smiled, her finger now pointing at you. ‘You’re as white as a sheet and you turned down one of my famous sausage sandwiches this morning. That never happens’

‘Listen, mum, I don’t know what you think you know-‘

‘Mase it’s okay’ you laughed. Turning to face him to let him know everything was fine and that he didn’t have to lie to her.

‘But you said-‘

‘I know, but she’s figured it out and maybe it’s a good thing. We could probably do with an adults help’

‘We are adults’ he laughed before you were both looking back at Debbie who was looking back at you with a giant smile. ‘Okay fine, but it’s early days and we’re keeping it quiet until we’ve had the scan’

No other words were spoken. Debbie crossing the kitchen to pull you both onto a hug and you felt a weight lifted as you all stood there holding each other.

‘Mums the word okay? I won’t tell a soul and when you finally tell everyone I’ll act surprised I swear’ she told you, tears filling her eyes as he held both your faces. ‘But if you need anything I’m here okay? I’m so happy for you, I can’t wait’

‘Thanks mum’

‘What a birthday treat, eh’ she giggled. ‘I’ll leave you be but come find me if you need anything’

‘Will do, thanks Debbie’ you smiled and before you knew it you were alone with Mason once more.

‘Sorry baby, so much for keeping it between us’ he laughed as he pulled you into a hug but you didn’t mind. ‘I couldn’t even do it for half a day’

‘It’s okay, I actually think it’s for the best’ you told him, watching him nod along as his face softened. ‘Happy birthday, Masey. I promise I’ve got you an actual gift, not just this’

‘I wouldn’t care if you never got me anything again, this is the best thing I could have ever asked for’ he told you. ‘I can’t believe I’m gonna be a dad, I can’t get over it. I love you so much’

‘I love you too’ you grinned, excited for what the future held for you and your growing family.

[sandraharissa]

How did they accidentally intimately understand the experiences of mentally ill ppl in s1??? How??? It’s gotta be cos the writers changed right

Ok bcos like, it’s not like Jinx in s1 was a good portrayal of mental illnesses in the sense that it was realistic. I’d actually argue that part of her appeal and what made her work so well is bcos she was undiagnosable. She showed many symptoms of what could be many different issues and so many ppl could relate to her on a basis of one symptom. But what they did with Jinx that made her work so well is that they seemingly understood the emotions and psychology that are shared by ppl with all types of different issues. They didn’t need to understand all the technicalities in terms of, like I said, a realistic portrayal of a specific issue. What mattered was that she felt like a really mentally ill person cos her arc dealt with the struggles of mentally ill ppl. She was portrayed to feel isolated, struggling to communicate/socialize, feeling like she was fundamentally wrong/different, like she inherently didn’t belong anywhere, frustrated with her own symptoms, having internalized guilt, a desire to be loved/accepted, feeling unlovable, trying to hide her issues/symptoms, futilely trying to fit/change her behavior to fit/pass, feeling like a failure etc.

The main betrayal of s2 when it comes to Jinx and her arc was violating that connection that ppl build with Jinx in s1. S2 Jinx is an extremely unrealistic, unrelatable and sanitized portrayal of mental issues.

99% of her symptoms disappeared after she experienced smth that would drastically exacerbate them. Are you pranking me? Is that what I’m supposed to relate to? Quick fixes were applied, like giving her Isha to fix her loneliness but 1)that’s not how raising a child while mentally ill would look like, it would make her struggles worse 2) they cease to portray crucial experiences of mental illness like feeling like you don’t belong cos your behavior is always off, these things don’t just disappear, even when ppl get better there’ll still be these moments, and that’s in a best case scenario. Like trans ppl after finishing treatment saying they got rid of 99% of their dysphoria, but never a 100%. look at how they expertly managed to portray Silco and Jinx having a close loving bond and simultaneously highlight her loneliness and isolation. So she has a kid now bcos single mothers are not famously lonely and isolated ppl right? It was a common point of criticism of Silco that Jinx not having friends amongst her peers is a really bad sign but now she still has no friends but now 1) it stopped being an issue 2) she’s also a single mother now.

The focus was switched from her being portrayed as likely born neurodivergent + traumatized to depression but specifically suicidality. it’s not like in s1 she wasn’t portrayed as depressed/suicidal and you’d think she’d become more so after s1 but that wasn’t the sole focus, but curiously it becomes so in s2. But despite this switch in focus that you’d think would stem from the writers wanting to write about their own experiences or smth that interests them that they think is important it couldn’t be clearer that the writers had zero empathy for the issues they were writing about cos it’s misery porn, a pitfall that many stories that center suicide fall into, glamorizing and romanticizing it. In s1 her worst symptoms like hallucinations were very dramatic and cool-looking visually but it was connected to this fundamental empathy, the understanding of mentally ill ppl as ppl with emotions and what those are. In s2 they drastically switch the portrayal of her issues to fit what they wanted to do with her in s2, and then proceeded to use it solely for cool and dramatic imagery/scenarios. It is completely disconnected from ppl’s real life experiences. The relatability was sacrificed for the sake of following tropes like 'death as redemption' that are supposed to be more dramatic or smth. Having her ping-pong from having no issues to having all the issues throughout the narrative.

Act1: She’s ‘dead inside’, she seems somewhat motivated at some point only for it to be revealed she was planning suicide – alright season, nice, what’s next. Act2: she’s just completely alright now from the get go, her hallucinations show up only when she first finds out Isha’s in danger. why? who knows. It’s like the writers understood that for them that would be a particularly stressful situation so they use the imagery of her illness to communicate she’s super distressed in this moment. So they used the imagery of mental illness not to convey mental illness and how it interacts with her life but as a dramatic-looking shortcut to convey a strong emotion, one that any other character would feel in this situation. Otherwise she’s doing better than she ever was, even in s1a1, and then Isha dies. Act3: so now she 100% ’wants to die’ again and it’s super depresso but then she has one conversation with Ekko and she’s again doing super good and then she dies by semi-suicide but she’s happy doing it and it’s like. beautiful? ok.

[venuslarkspur]

guys what if concerning dating history batsis did it with deathstroke.. or rose… WHAT IF HE’S HER SUGAR DADDY LMAO

OMG UR SO REAL FOR THIS THOUGH (Bruce is already getting grey hairs from this girl)

LIKE IMAGINE ME THIS ⬇️💗

Batsis and The Tale Of The Sugar Daddy (and gal pal Rose)

Warning: SLIGHT NSFW, canon dc violence, batfam shenanigans.

———————

Bruce: Listen I think it’s good that Batsis!Reader is financially independent now but where is she getting all this cash?

Tim mindlessly typing away: My theory is Roy got her pregnant and now Ollie has to bankroll them.

Damian: That’s ridiculous, they could have just came to father, Drake.

Dick who is sweating cause he knows why: Yeah..you’re probably right Tim..

Tim: What’s wrong?

Jason who is still agitated his sister is not only involved with his ex’s dad but also the ex: I’d tell you, but I was AND still am confused.

———————

- Batsis is definitely Rose’s awakening, she doesn’t care if she dated Jason that’s him fumbling not her.

- Batsis just started off as one of Rose’s friends when the masks were on, she didn’t know she was getting it on with her friends dad of all people.

- It’s difficult for anyone to really refute it when it comes to the age gap, yeah many think it’s gross but when they met she was the same age as Dick. (27-29) so if Bruce finds out not only can he not be argued with, Batsis will also bring up how his exes are just as bad.

- Not bc imagining Deathstroke who is just insanely soft on Batsis, say even if he gets her pregnant he isn’t going anywhere; Rose could use a little sister or brother ig. But y’all are careful, he knows better than to get a Wayne Family Heiress pregnant.

- I don’t write smut but Ik they are FREAKY, the one place they wouldn’t dare do it is Wayne Manor, he is cooked if they’re are caught there. He will have the Batman, Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, The Batgirls, Robin, Batwoman, Signal and probs more on him at that point. These mfs will let Batsis’s exes know that’s how petty there are about this.

- Imagine waking up with Deathstroke and ur both barely clothed and outside his window is the entirety of the Batfamily, Arsenal, Three Green Lanterns, Zatanna, Wonder Woman, John Constantine, Booster Gold, Harley Quinn and his own daughter are queuing up for first dibs.

- Slade knows about your problem with some of your exes (cough cough Hal Jordan) and aims to help you by drowning you in jewellery and clothes, like that new faux fur coat and boots? Yeah he bought you that, that new pearl and gold necklace with your initials? Yep he got it. That new skirt that’s shoes the perfect amount of thigh? Yep, his. Like all these past flames and flings (HAL JORDAN) know you’re seeing someone.

- Always reminds you how mischievous you are for getting nasty with him whilst being a “figure of honour and importance”, which quite frankly pisses you off, you’ve slept with most of your dad’s colleagues god damn it! He loves that it makes you feisty.

- Rose is super jealous, and you definitely share a heart wrenching goodbye kiss before she wishes you goodbye, you almost went after her before remembering your dinner date tonight and if went well you’d be confident to let your father know of your relationship.

- If your a vigilante, Rose knows your secret identity (wether you’re batgirl or not), Your Sugar Daddy doesn’t know and you quite frankly would rather he not, you make him swear off the Wayne Family all together, but you feel guilty at not being able to protect them when the masks go on.

- We know Batsis has a limit when it comes to his work, so she will break it off eventually, leaving all the dinner dates, passionate nights and shopping behind. You know you make him very happy (mostly aroused) but happy, so he’s always a phone call away, you’re always down for the occasional fling, and your time with him will always never be forgotten, even if you did the right thing, which isn’t your style at all.

- He’s up there with John Stewart and Wally West with top five men you miss but probably wouldn’t date again for different reasons.

—————————

IDK WHY THIS GOT ANGSTY THIS WAS MEANT TO BE FUNNY BUT WTH. Life goes on yall 😭🫶

[witchygagirlwrites]

Broken Bonds-Part 25

Greg "Mouse" Gerwitz x Reader, (Eventual) Jay Halstead x Hailey Upton

While Mouse is at training intelligence tackles a case that helps you figure out that something might have been helping yours and Jay's friendship reform. (Upstead rises?)

A new balance meant so many things for your life. Mouse fully being back in it for one, yeah he was in Georgia currently but you talked to him every morning and every night. He’d text you throughout the day and both of you now used the video call option on your phone regularly. It also meant Addy getting used to spending nights split between your place and Jay’s.

You knew that the one and one thing wouldn’t hold when she got older but for now? She was young enough it didn’t bother her any, besides the fact that the dark circles under his eyes had faded in the last couple weeks and his smile was starting to return meant the world to you. He’d even started to joke around with you at work again, you knew things weren’t back to where they were and there was a chance they would never be but he was trying and you loved him for that.

Jay had Addy the night before so waking up was a bit of a struggle without hearing her over the monitor. You stretched out your muscles, the gym was very much calling your name. That heavy bag needed hitting. Maybe Hailey or Stella would want to go with you? You reached for your phone about the time a text came through and you smiled when you saw the photo of Mouse with his longer hair he’d sent you before he’d had to get it cut for training pop up before you clicked the message Good morning to the most beautiful detective that ever walked. I love you. Have a good day. Stay safe you shook your head and texted back Don’t know about the most beautiful but from you I’ll take it. I love you too. Call me tonight? His response came through almost immediately Of course. Give Addy a hug from me

You sent a text to Stella and Hailey to ask if one or both wanted to go to the gym with you then got up to get ready.

Once you were dressed you came back to the text thread with the two to see Stella had texted Sorry honeybee early meeting at the station but Hailey had texted I’ll meet ya there Wifey 

You replied to Stella telling her to have a good day and you loved her then asked Hailey when she wanted to meet.

“It actually does feel better starting the day” Hailey laughed as the two of you walked up the stairs into the bullpen. Jay looked up from the file he was reading over and raised an eyebrow “Do I want to know here or?” you grinned “I took her to the gym with me, introduced her to the beauty of beating the hell out of the heavy bag before work” 

He looked from you to Hailey “That’s terrifying. The two of you, tore loose in a boxing gym” She laughed “What is it Halstead? Worried we may team up on you?” he shook his head “No, I know better than pissing either of you off” she grinned “Good. I’d hate for Addy to know her daddy got his ass kicked by her mommy and her auntie Hayhay”

He cut his eyes at you “Auntie Hayhay?” you shrugged “Everyone has kind of figured out she’s narrowing in on talking age or first words age and so they’re shortening or making their names easier” he looked back at Hailey then nodded slowly “Ok then”

Adam raised his hand “How the hell do I shorten Adam?” you shook your head “Easy, Ruz” he shrugged “I’ll take it” Kevin grinned “She gonna want her uncle Kev anyways Ruzek so don’t worry about it”  the two of them started in on who would be her favorite uncle out of the unit and you shook your head. 

You caught Jay’s eye and he smiled “They’re idiots but they love our daughter. That’s what counts right?” you smiled “Like you said we built her a strong family” for the first time since he found out you’d slept with Mouse again you didn’t see pain in Jay’s eyes when he looked at you.  “I think we’re doing pretty well for her” 

“Didn’t I teach you most of this crap?” you asked Kevin, tossing a ball up piece of paper at his head before glancing back at your computer screen. You caught his grin out of the corner of your eye “Yeah but you’re better at it” 

You spun around as your mouth fell open “No sir! We do not do weaponized incompetence around here! Get your ass to this screen!” you pushed away from your desk and he laughed before scooting his chair around to take your place. You watched him go through the programs, making sure he hit all the right steps. You finally had someone you could call if you got stumped, he couldn’t run it but he could talk you through other ways.

A ding chimed from your computer and you clapped your hands “Lookie there Kev. You did it all by yourself” he shook his head with a laugh “I love you but you’re kind of mean to me at times” you shrugged “But you love me, that’s what counts”

You walked over to lean over him and look at the screen “So much for his ass not being anywhere near the crime scene. He lights up the board. His phone and his car frequented the area. We just tripped him up on one lie, lets see what other lie Jay and Hailey can trip him up on”

__________

You stood up and walked back to the interrogation room they had the suspect in and opened the door “Can I speak with one of you?” Jay and Hailey glanced up then at each other. They shrugged “He isn’t going anywhere” then they both stood to follow you out into the hallway.

You glanced back towards the closed door of the room before saying “We just rolled his ass up in one lie. He lit up the board for the crime scene surrounding area, almost like he was scoping it out leading up to the drugs rolling into town” “That makes him seem alot higher up on the food chain than we originally thought” Jay said and you nodded “Which makes me think, if he was why would he lie. Most of em are cocky about it. This guy was scared almost. I think you two may be able to take this and flip him. Get us a meeting and access to the man actually bringing in the fentanyl” Hailey winked at you “We’ll get him to flip babe” Jay nodded “Just give us a little time sweetheart. We’ll have this asshole ready to give us everything”

You watched them walk back in and hoped like hell they flipped him. This was what you needed, a man on the inside. So far this crap had killed half a dozen but the number of OD’s were increasing daily. The crap wasn’t cut, it was too freaking strong and what was cut was done so with crap like bug repellant. This guy was an ass but the guy he was working for? He was a fucking bitch and you meant that in the absolute worst way possible.

_____________

You walked back out to your desk, everyone turning their eyes at you as if you were supposed to know right then and there what was going on. You sat down and started checking your emails. You were halfway through clearing them out when Hailey and Jay came walking out of the back hallway. You cut your eyes up at Jay and he gave a slight nod. They flipped him. The unit now had a snowball’s chance in hell of getting this crap off the street. 

“What now?” you asked and Hailey sighed “He needed buyers” you desperately didn’t want to go back under and knew Jay felt the same. “We’ll do it” Kim offered and you cut your eyes at her “What?” she nodded “Me and Adam or me and Kev. We can do it” Yeah like that would make you feel better, not at all. Hailey shrugged “Said he likes rich white couples with security guards. Sounds to me like all three of you may be able to do this” 

“What about me?” you asked and Jay pointed between him and Hailey “You’ll be in the surveillance van with us. We’ll be recording the buy and wanting to call in backup when it’s all going down” you nodded “Ok, sounds like a plan. Who’s telling Voight?” “Tell me what?” Hank asked from Jay and nearly made all of you jump in surprise. 

“Guy flipped. He’s willing to play the middle man and get us a meet. Ideal clientele is rich white couples rocking security” Hailey explained. He nodded “Kim, Kev and Ruzek?” “Yes sir” you replied. “Ok. Run with it”

You laughed, chasing Addy across the living room. She’d started crawling and was already a professional at putting you through your paces. “Adeline Halstead! Come your little butt back here!” she giggled harder. She was mumbling as she crawled, different sounds coming out. Leave it up to you and Jay to produce a kid that turned out to be an early crawler and looked like she was going to end up being an early talker too. 

Her dark curls bounced along with her and you laughed as she made it to the pillows you’d laid out. You could only imagine when she started walking. When you picked her up from daycare Chloe had warned that she was being a little menace with the crawling. Jay had a bruised shin from chasing her and catching the corner of the wall but then again he somehow worried more than you did. She had been a daddy’s girl since she started moving and it seemed like that would never change, not that you wanted it to. You adored how much Jay loved her. That man was the most amazing father you’d ever seen.That was why you were working so hard on a balance, on fighting to rebuild your relationship with Mouse and your friendship with Jay. The love you held for them both was too important to you.

“Addy! We can go meet hayhay for dinner!” you called out and she stopped to look at you. You tilted your head to the side. “Baby girl? Do you like hayhay?” she giggled and you laughed “I’ll be damned. Did Hailey just win when it comes to people outside me, daddy and stelstel?”

She started crawling back to you and you held your arms out for her “Come on baby” she made it to you and fell against your thigh. “Oh my big girl!” you cooed, scooping her up.

__________________

“I won!” Hailey grinned from across you where she sat in the booth holding Addy who was picking at the pasta you’d gotten her. “I knew you were going to rub that in” she nodded “Oh I’m calling Jay as soon as I leave here! Baby girl recognized my name?” you laughed “Or she recognized the word dinner or was just tired of the game” she shook her head “Nope, she wanted her hayhay” she leaned over to nuzzle her nose at Addy’s chest “Isn’t that right little miss?”

Addy laughed and you felt your heart jump hearing it. Hailey was so fucking adorbale being so happy at something that honestly could be a coincidence but you were not about to take it from her. No way, no shape no form were you going to try to diminish anyone who found that much joy in thinking your daughter had a recognition of them.

“She knows who takes care of her daddy in the field, same reason she likes uncle Kev” you laughed and Hailey nodded “Exactly. Uncle Kev protects mommy and Hayhay keeps daddy in one piece”

_______________

After dinner you could already hear Hailey calling Jay as you loaded Addy into your jeep. “Jay! Addy recongized my name! She wanted me!” she bragged and you shook your head as you buckled Addy in then closed her door to turn to see Hailey grinning brightly. You couldn’t hear his side of the conversation but her smile and the look in her eyes stopped you mid words forming on your lips. That didn’t look partner calling partner happy, did it?

Was Hailey starting to develop feelings for Jay? You’d been back with Mouse for almost two months, they worked together daily, you knew first hand Jay was an amazing man.  You would not be nosy, nope. Her smile though, that warmed your heart. Seeing anyone find happiness in this world? It was worth it.

“Night Hails. Tell Jay I said night” you called out and she waved “Night wifey. Love ya and Jay says night” you climbed in your jeep and buckled up before turning the engine over. She headed for her car and you headed home.

______________

Addy was already fast asleep and you were sitting in your bed when your phone rang with a video call. You swiped to answer and a smile slipped onto your face the moment you saw Mouse “Hey baby” “Hello beautiful. Where’s little miss? Already asleep?”

You nodded “She’s crawling so much. Jay has a bruise the entire length of his shin from slamming into the wall” he grimaced “Damn, though doesn’t surprise me when it comes to her. He’d do anything to try to keep her safe” you felt your heart flip hearing him talk so fondly about Jay.  “How’s things in the peace state?” you asked and he groaned “I’m ready for this to be over already. I’m relearning so much crap I already knew just so they can say I know it. I want to be home full time in Chicago”

You felt a smile slip onto your face “Why Mr Gerwitz, it sounds like you got someone you want to get home to” he grinned “Oh yeah. She’s gorgeous, detective with the CPD. Got the cutest kid and to be honest? There’s not a lot that could keep me from coming home to her” “Wow,not even two months back together and it's that serious?” you teased and he shrugged “Two months back together but she’s had my heart from the moment I laid eyes on her”

You felt your heart flip “I love you Greg, so damn much” “I love you too sweetheart, so damn much” you and him ended up talking for the better part of an hour before he had to go. After you hung up with him and plugged your phone in you went and checked on Addy then crashed yourself. The initial meet was scheduled for the following day.

Why the hell did the surveillance van feel like it was so damn small? Oh yeah, the new one had less space in the back and more equipment. The more equipment part was a really good thing, the less room part was proving to be a really bad thing. 

You had helped Kevin wire Kim and Adam then wired Kevin yourself back at the precinct. It wouldn’t pick up on most equipment unless they had some N.S.A. shit going on. You, Jay and Hailey had gotten here and parked to get into position and to triangulate getting patrol in the areas they needed to be in should things go south and your people need an extraction.

You and Jay were sitting in the back of the van, watching the multiple monitors of the country club, yes country club where the meet was happening. Hailey had slipped out to talk to Voight. “This place costs more than my jeep did every freaking month” you mumbled and Jay laughed “It costs more than your jeep and you can’t even get a burger” you nudged his shoulder with yours “That’s what I’m saying!” and saw a smirk slip onto his face. Every time you managed to get a smile or the slightest of reaction out of him you felt like you’d won the damned lottery. Rather you were meant to be with him or not you had so much love in your heart for the man next to you, you truly loved him and the time you’d spent with him barely able to look at you? Barely speaking to you outside of it having to deal with your daughter? It had torn your heart apart.

____________

The back door cracked open and Hailey slid in “Seller just arrived. Six patrol cars are in place” she closed the door and looked around at the limited space before shrugging and sliding into your lap. You reshifted your hips to comfortably support her weight and slipped your arms around her waist to still be able to type.

Jay sat staring at the two of you until you both slowly turned your head to look at him “Yes Mr Halstead?” he motioned with his hand between the two of you “Why does this continue to happen at every given chance? Every time I turn around one of you is on the other or you’re cuddling?” You grinned at him from around Hailey’s back “Are you wanting to sit in my lap Jay?” he shook his head “No thanks sweetheart” and turned his eyes back to the screen so you asked “Or are you wanting Hailey to sit in yours” and saw a blush creep up his neck but before either of them could say anything else the sell started happening. 

All of you turned your eyes to the screen and you pulled Hailey’s radio off her hip “Patrol be ready” “Copy that”

The initial meeting turned into the seller wanting Kim and Adam to come with them to their warehouse which was exactly what you wanted. “Patrol, we're on the move. Keep ears on the radio for your new positioning” you spoke across the radio as Jay went to the front to drive the van and Hailey hopped out to go hop in with Voight.

With any luck this thing would be wrapped within a couple hours and the fentanyl would never get the chance to hit the streets of Chicago.

___________________

You stood between Jay and Voight as all of you geared up behind his SUV. Kim had changed into the change of clothes you bought her because she’d been stuck in a dress. “We go in fast, hit em hard and clear em out. We know what we’re doing. Get it done” 

You bumped Kevin’s shoulder as you took your long gun from Jay “Let’s get it” he nodded “I got you” 

The total amount seized between drugs and money recovered was two point six million. A big haul even for intelligence. The haul wasn’t what mattered, hell the bust wasn’t really what mattered. Getting the damned dope out of the street. That was what mattered. No more people would be dying from this particular asshole.

You were heading out to your jeep when you heard Jay calling you. You turned to see him headed your way “Don’t you need to get going to pick our daughter up?” he nodded “I was going to ask if you wanted to get dinner with us. Talk about Halloween?” you smiled “I’d love to. Where are we eating?”

__________

You and Jay were sitting in a corner booth, both of you turned with a knee bent on the seat and Addy between you “Is Mouse coming home that weekend?” he asked and you cut your eyes up, you understood Mouse still being a sore subject between you and Jay but he smiled slightly “I’m just asking sweetheart, no ulterior motive. I’m trying, not just for her. I miss you. I miss this, us being able to just be us without it being weird. We have been in each other’s lives for so long I don’t know how to not have you in my life like this”

You smiled “I miss you too Jay. I love you, you’re my best friend and mean the absolute world to me. He has the option to fly home that weekend” he nodded “I think he should. If he’s going to be in your life, he’s going to be in hers””Ok. I’ll tell him” you said and he nodded then a grin worked its way onto his face “How do we shorten Mouse anyways? Mou?” 

You barked out a laugh, not only at the question but from the look on his face “I guess? Whatever works” he shrugged. You rolled your bottom lip between your teeth before saying “Ya know on Halloween it would be me, Mouse, Kelly and Stella with you. Why don’t you see if Hayhay wants to come too?” his eyes flew up to yours and you grinned “Just as your partner and friend and as someone who loves our daughter of course” you clarified with a wink.

The smile he gave you made your heart flip. God you loved the fact that Addy had gotten his smile. You had always hoped she would. “I’ll ask her” you grinned “Good. I’ll find the costumes” his eyes widened “Dear lord I forgot about agreeing to that” you laughed and laid a hand on his knee with one bracing Addy’s hip as she danced with the music in her head apparently because the restaurant played none “Too late. Do you love me?” he nodded “You know I do” 

“Then you have to trust me” you laughed and he shook his head “Sweetheart I fear every time you have ever told me to trust you”

@desimarie12

@allisonargent144

@nevaehstreater18

@alexisquinnlee-bc

[askereiniongilgalad]

🎶 “Tunes of the Storm” 🎶

Ah, Galadriel, my stormbringer extraordinaire… you are a force of nature. Between your endless quests and your ability to turn every casual stroll into an epic saga, life around you is pure chaos. Just once—just once—can we take a break? 🌪️🙏✨ My top picks: 1. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen Valinor tried, I tried… we all know how that went.

2. “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons Loud, unstoppable, and just a bit terrifying.

3. “My Way” – Frank Sinatra Could it ever be any other way?

---------------------------------------------------------- The Complete List:

1. “Vengeance” – Zack Hemsey For the oath you’ve turned into a Middle-earth’s production.

2. “Roar” – Katy Perry Galadriel, you don’t enter rooms—you storm them. 3. “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes Because to stop Sauron… seven armies might just be your warm-up. 

4. “Bad Reputation” – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Worn proudly, like your armor. And somehow, I’m the one defending it in council. 5. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen If Valinor couldn’t stop you, what hope do I have? 6. “How Far I’ll Go” – Alessia Cara You’d cross oceans to prove a point (literally). 7. “Demons” – Imagine Dragons Because you didn’t just come back—you brought Sauron along for the ride (unknowingly, of course).

8. “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten You don’t just pick fights—you wage wars.

9. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – Billy Joel But you definitely helped to it, didn’t you?! 10. “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake That’s for me.

11. “Defying Gravity” – Idina Menzel Suggestions? Rules? Orders? You're above all that. (Elrond strangely, I’m thinking about you too. ⛰️) 12. “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift Because the Halbrand... it was a storm of epic proportions. 13. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele Thanks for dragging us all in!

14. “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon At this point, I’d settle for anything that makes her stop.

15. “Unstoppable” – Sia Or not.. 16. “No Tears Left to Cry” – Ariana Grande Me: “Take a break.” Galadriel: “What’s a break?” 17. "Thunder” – Imagine Dragons When you went full storm on Sauron, and the rest of us just tried to keep up. 18. “The Fall” – Imagine Dragons Because nothing wraps up an epic battle like falling off a cliff. (@ Elrond) 19. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor And somehow you just rise like it was all part of the plan.

20. “My Way” – Frank Sinatra Your anthem. Your legacy. Always, always your way.

P.S. Galadriel,

I admire your drive, truly, but please, for the love of the Valar, just relax, and take a nap.

With exasperated respect, (and a side of please don’t stab me)

Gil-galad 👑✨

[topazy]

Tomorrow's promise

Paring: Daryl Dixon × reader, Rick Grimes × sister reader

Warnings: Swearing, violence

Chapter: 5.01

You had gone through a mixture of emotions. Fear, anger, and an overwhelming sense of grief, but now you felt completely numb. The night the farm was overrun by walkers was the worst night of your life, up until now anyway. The pain of thinking you’d lost Jace to walkers or the fire was horrific, but having him physically ripped from your arms was unbearable.

Terminus isn’t what anyone thought it would be. The people here weren’t saviors; they were monsters.

An older woman called Mary led you into a large hall. Everyone was in higher spirits than before with the prospect of having somewhere safe to sleep and food in your belly. But just as Maggie explained to Mary that there were more of your people still out there, you started to sense something was wrong. Abraham thought the same, and when he started to reach for his gun, your group was surrounded by people pointing guns at you.

They took everything they could from you, including Jace. You screamed and fought as he was ripped from your arms, but it didn’t do any good.

“You guys hear that?” Maggie asks.

There is a voice echoing outside; Gareth was talking into a megaphone again, but you don’t pay any attention. Abraham squeezes your shoulder. “We will get him back. Even if it means killing every one of those sons of bitches.”

You nod your head and wipe your fallen tears away, knowing that he was right. You didn’t doubt a single person locked in the metal storage container with you wouldn’t kill to get him back. Hell, even Eugene would do something.

Something heavy hits off the top of the roof, someone thumping their fist possibly. “Back away from the doors now!”

Doing as he says, you all back away from the door. “We need to be ready,” you whisper, suddenly feeling a new burst of energy fused by rage. “If it’s one of them, go for their eyes and then their weapon.”

“We take out as many of them as we can,” the redhead adds.

A few seconds go by, then the door opens, with the place being so dark the sudden light burns your eyes. While your vision still adjusts, Glenn steps forward. “Rick?”

I couldn’t be…

“Rick? Rick!” Seeing your brother standing before you covered in dirt and blood is almost overwhelming. You leap forward and throw your arms around him. “You look like you’ve been dragged through hell.”

“Almost,” his voice is gruff. He kisses you on the forehead, “You’re here, you’re here.”

Noticing Carl, you pull him into the hug, knowing he was safe was a massive relief. You smile and nod at Michonne, who was being embraced by Maggie. Rick steps back and stares at Rosita, Abraham, and Eugene suspiciously.

“It’s okay; they’re our friends. They saved us.”

“Then they’re our friends too,” Daryl steps out of the shadows.

He was alive. Your silent prayers had been answered, so stunned by his sudden appearance, you struggle to find any words.

“Hey, look at me.” Daryl steps forward and tilts your chin up so you’re looking at him through teary eyes. “I thought I’d lost you,” his voice starts to crack. “Where’s the kid?”

“They took him. These assholes took him from me.”

“The good news is we know he’s in that building,” Rosita looks through one of the small cracks in the wall. “We just need to be ready.”

—

You presume only an hour or two had passed since it was still daylight, but while you tried to make makeshift weapons with what little material was in the container, a smoke grenade was thrown inside.

It was impossible to see, and the smoke caught in the back of your throat, making it hard to breathe. The door opened, and amidst the confusion, it was easy for your people to be dragged outside one by one. Someone takes a tight grip of your arm, pulling you towards them, then throws a sack over your head.

Your hands have been tied together by rope, and you are currently being led somewhere inside the main building.

—

“Mommy!”

Your chest physically hurts when you hear Jace crying. “Take me to him, please; he’ll stop crying if I hold him.”

The two women talking just ignore you and continue their conversation. At least with them preoccupied, there was less chance of them noticing that you almost had the ropes off your wrist.

“A stranded woman with a baby? Good work,” a blonde woman chirps. “Perfect way to bring others here.”

Repulsed you at scowling them but say nothing. Just as you manage to free your left hand, there is a loud explosion close by, and the building shakes.

“What the fuck was that?” The blonde tries to talk to someone through the radio, but only static comes through. “Stay here; I’m going to see what’s going on.”

Once the blonde leaves, you slowly approach the other woman from behind and pull the shard of wood you’d sharpened earlier from your back pocket and stab her in the neck with it. When her body falls to the ground, you take her weapons, then check the hall to see if it is clear and start running in the direction the crying is coming from.

[s4svnn]

Out of bounds . JJK

↳ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬; his love subjected you to the true extent of deception, a merciless lie wrapped in the illusion of paradise, until the truth tore it apart - he was always out of bounds.

↳ Jungkook x reader

↳ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: ongoing

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Chapter Thirteen

I stormed out of the room, my heels clicking furiously against the polished floors as I tried to keep myself together. My chest felt tight, my heart ached, and my vision blurred with unshed tears. I wasn’t about to let them fall—not here, not where anyone could see me. But the effort to hold them back was exhausting.

By the time I reached the stairs, I was practically blind with emotion, blinking rapidly to keep my tears at bay. As I descended, my foot slipped on one of the steps, and I stumbled forward—straight into someone. The impact jolted me, and I gasped as I steadied myself, immediately launching into an apology.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry—”

“Seriously?” a sharp, irritated voice snapped. “Do you not have eyes?”

I froze at the venom in her tone and looked up. My breath caught when I saw the woman from before in front of me. She was stunning—blonde hair that fell in sleek waves around her shoulders, sharp green eyes, and designer clothes that screamed wealth and privilege. She stood with the kind of confidence that could crush someone like me if I wasn’t careful.

Her gaze narrowed on me as if I were something unpleasant stuck to the bottom of her shoe.

“I-I wasn’t looking,” I stammered, taking a step back.

“You think?” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. Her manicured hand brushed at her sleeve as if I’d contaminated her just by bumping into her.

“I said I was sorry,” I muttered, my voice barely audible as I tried to move past her.

But then her eyes locked onto my face, and a slow, malicious smile crept onto her lips. “Oh…are you crying?” she asked mockingly, her tone filled with cruel amusement.

I clenched my jaw, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of a response.

“Oh, this is rich,” she continued, laughing softly. “Jungkook make you cry right, what did he give you a reality check?”

At the mention of his name, my head snapped up, and I glared at her. “This has nothing to do with you,” I said sharply, my voice shaking with anger.

“Doesn’t it?” she asked, stepping closer until we were only a few inches apart. Her perfume was overpowering, and her smile was taunting. “Because it sure looks like you’re upset over him. Let me guess—he gave you just enough attention to make you think you had a chance, and now you’re realising you were just another little plaything to him?”

“Excuse me?” I snapped, stepping back to put some distance between us.

“Oh, come on,” she said, rolling her eyes dramatically. “You’re not seriously going to stand there and pretend like you’re not completely hung up on him. It’s pathetic.”

I glared at her, my anger rising. “You don’t know anything about me.”

She laughed, the sound cold and cruel. “I don’t have to. I see girls like you all the time—desperate, clinging to any scrap of attention he throws your way, thinking it means something. Newsflash, sweetheart: It doesn’t, my boyfriend isn’t interested in you.

I blinked, stunned by her words. “Your boyfriend?” I repeated.

“Yes, my boyfriend.” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. “So whatever little fantasy you have about him, you’d better let it go. Jungkook and I have history. We understand each other. And you?” She looked me up and down with a sneer. “You’re nothing but a distraction.”

I clenched my fists at my sides, my blood boiling. “Listen,” I said, my voice low and firm. “I don’t know who you think you are, but I am not about to let someone random bitch talk down to me. Whatever’s going on between me and Jungkook is none of your business. And frankly, I don’t care about your so-called ‘history.’”

Her eyes narrowed dangerously, and she took another step closer. “Wow didn’t know the daughter of the owner of this design company could be described as some random bitch.”

Her words hit me like a slap, but I refused to let her see how much they rattled me. “You’re the CEO’s daughter?” I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside me.

She smirked. “So you do have a brain. For your own good remember this encounter and watch your mouth the next time you try and speak to me.”

I stared at her, my heart pounding. She was cold, calculated, and clearly used to getting her way. But I wasn’t about to back down.

“I’ll tell you this once,” I said, meeting her gaze with as much defiance as I could muster. “I’m not afraid of you. So don’t expect me to roll over and play dead just because you told me to.”

Her smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered, her eyes narrowing. “We’ll see about that. My name’s Jade, by the way,” she said, her voice thick with venom. “And just so you know, every time you walk these halls and see my name plastered on walls you’ll never reach, let it remind you exactly where you stand—and where you’ll never belong.”

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, her head held high as if she’d already won.

I stood there, my chest heaving as I tried to process what had just happened. Her words replayed in my mind, and I felt a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach as I questioned whether my place here was really set in stone after all.

By the time I made it outside, I was trembling—not just from anger, but from the sheer intensity of everything that had happened. My legs felt weak as I descended the final steps and saw the building’s entrance.

The receptionist called after me, but I ignored her, bursting through the doors and into the chilly night air. I wandered aimlessly for a bit, my mind a mess of conflicting emotions that I couldn’t push back no matter how hard I tried. It was hopeless.

When I finally reached my apartment complex, all I wanted was to collapse in my bed, bury myself under the covers, and forget this entire nightmare of a day ever happened. My legs ached from all the walking, my head pounded with frustration, and all I needed was the small comfort of being home. But as I approached the entrance, my heart sank.

The front was blocked off by orange barricades, and construction workers moved around in organised chaos, unloading equipment and chatting over the noise of drills and saws.

“Great, what now..” I muttered under my breath, the fatigue in my voice more evident than ever.

I quickened my pace and stopped one of the workers, who was carrying a clipboard. “Excuse me,” I said, trying to keep the irritation out of my tone. “What’s going on here?”

The man turned to face me, looking tired but polite. “The building’s undergoing renovations,” he explained in a matter-of-fact tone. “It’ll be closed for the next two weeks. Notices were sent out to all the tenants a few weeks back.”

I blinked, my brain barely registering what he was saying. “Renovations? Closed?” I repeated, dumbfounded.

He nodded, glancing briefly at his clipboard. “Yeah. Sorry for the inconvenience. Everyone was given a three-week heads-up so they could make arrangements.”

My frustration spiked. “I didn’t get any notice,” I snapped, my voice a little louder than I intended. “No one told me anything about this!”

The man looked at me apologetically but shrugged. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but there’s nothing I can do about that. The work’s already started.”

I stared at him for a moment, a mix of disbelief and exhaustion weighing down on me. “Of course,” I muttered, throwing my hands up in exasperation. “Let’s just add this to the list of things going wrong today. Perfect.”

The worker looked like he wanted to say something else, but I turned away before he could. My heart sank further as I took in the chaos around me, realizing that there was no way I’d be sleeping in my own bed tonight—or for the next two weeks.

I stood there for a moment, trying to process this new curveball. My tired brain scrambled to figure out what to do next. I didn’t have any friends nearby I could call, and I didn’t want to bother Damian after the argument we had this morning. I pulled out my phone, scrolling through hotel options, trying to focus even as the weight of the day pressed down on me.

Suddenly, a sharp honk made me flinch.

I ignored it at first, assuming it wasn’t meant for me. But then it honked again, more insistently this time.

I turned around, frowning—and froze at the sight of the car in front of me. A sleek black McLaren 720S was parked at the curb, its aggressive lines and low stance making it look like a predator waiting to pounce. The car was breathtaking, a masterpiece of engineering and design. As a designer, I couldn’t help but admire its bold contours, the butterfly doors, the way the streetlights glinted off its glossy finish.

But my awe quickly turned to dread when the driver’s window rolled down, revealing Jungkook’s scowling face. I turned away, pretending not to see him, and continued walking.

“AJ,” he called out, his voice firm. “Wait.”

I ignored him, my anger and frustration from earlier bubbling back to the surface.

“Don’t make me chase you,” he warned.

I scoffed under my breath. Like I care.

Moments later, I heard the car door slam and his footsteps approaching.

“Are you insane?” he snapped, grabbing my arm to stop me. “What the hell are you doing wandering around this late at night?”

“Why do you care?” I shot back, yanking my arm away.

“Because it’s not safe,” he said through gritted teeth.

“Safe?” I laughed bitterly. “Don’t pretend like you care about my safety, Jungkook. You made it pretty clear where we stand earlier.”

His jaw tightened, and he stepped closer. “Don’t do this,” he said, his tone low.

“Do what?” I said, glaring at him. “Be angry? Be upset? Sorry, but you don’t get to dictate how I feel.”

“Just get in the car,” he said, his voice sharp now.

“No.”

“AJ,” he said, his tone warning.

I brushed past him, determined to put as much distance between us as possible.

But before I could take more than a few steps, I felt his arms wrap around my waist.

“Hey!” I shouted, struggling against him. “Put me down!”

“This is for your own good,” he muttered, hoisting me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing.

“This is kidnapping!” I yelled, pounding my fists against his back.

“Shut up,” he muttered, delivering a sharp slap to my backside. “You’re only making this harder for both of us.”

I gasped, my face heating in a mix of anger and embarrassment. “Let me go, you prick!”

“Not until you stop being stubborn,” he said, tightening his hold.

I tried to knee him, aiming for his groin, but he caught my leg with his free hand.

“Nice try,” he said dryly. “But that’s not going to work.”

I let out a frustrated scream as he carried me back toward his car. How was no one seeing this? I was basically be kidnapped.

When he finally set me down in the passenger seat, I glared at him, ready to unleash a string of curses.

“Get your seat belt on.” he said, his voice softer now but still firm.

For a moment, neither of us moved. Then, with a resigned sigh, I reached for the seatbelt, wondering what the hell would happen to me this time.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The car glided smoothly along the highway, its engine purring as the city lights streaked past us. I couldn’t help but stare out the window, entranced by the kaleidoscope of colors from the cars, streetlights, and towering neon signs that painted the night. The soft hum of music played in the background, barely loud enough to be discernible, but the bass thrummed gently, adding a rhythmic undertone to the stillness between us. The interior of the car was bathed in a faint purple glow from the dashboard, giving everything an ethereal, moody feel.

For a moment, I allowed myself to get lost in the ambiance—the way the shadows danced across the sleek, futuristic interior, the calming vibration of the car against the road, and the surreal feeling of being whisked away in a world I didn’t belong to. It was almost enough to forget the tension still lingering from earlier. Almost.

Then, without warning, Jungkook broke the silence.

“You gonna tell me why you were wandering around the streets at night like an idiot?” he asked, his tone casual, but there was an edge of irritation beneath it.

The spell shattered instantly, and my frustration flared. “Mind your own business,” I snapped, not even sparing him a glance.

He kissed his teeth audibly, shaking his head as he focused on the road ahead. The slight twitch in his jaw told me I’d gotten under his skin. Good.

I turned my head to look out the window again, desperate to avoid further conversation, but my gaze unwillingly drifted back to his hands gripping the steering wheel. Strong, veined, and adorned with tattoos that curled and twisted like artful strokes of rebellion, they were impossible to ignore. The dark ink contrasted against his smooth skin, the intricate designs disappearing beneath the sleeve of his hoodie. His fingers flexed slightly as he shifted gears, and I found myself momentarily hypnotized by the way they moved—graceful yet commanding.

What the hell is wrong with me? I tore my gaze away, embarrassed by the strange fascination.

“Cooperate or I’m leaving you on the side path.” he said, breaking through my thoughts.

I scoffed, crossing my arms and glaring out the window. “Go for it. I didn’t ask you to kidnap me.”

The car came to an abrupt halt, jerking me forward in my seat with enough force to make me gasp.

“What the hell!” I shouted, whipping my head toward him. “You could’ve killed us!”

He didn’t respond, his gaze unwavering as he leaned toward me, closing the space between us in an instant. His face was so close that I could feel his breath ghosting over my skin—warm, steady, and entirely too distracting. My own breathing hitched as my chest tightened under the intensity of his stare.

“Im not going to ask again. Why were you roaming the streets at night on your own?” his voice was low and deliberate, laced with both curiosity and command.

I swallowed hard, my usual defiance faltering under his proximity. My eyes darted away from his, landing on the faint glow of the dashboard as I tried to compose myself.

“I…” I hesitated, suddenly feeling vulnerable. “My apartment complex is undergoing renovations,” I finally admitted, my voice quieter than I intended. “They didn’t tell me, and when I got there, it was blocked off. I was trying to find somewhere to stay.”

His gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. He pulled back, giving me just enough space to breathe again.

“And you thought wandering around aimlessly at night was a good idea?” he said, his tone calmer but no less cutting.

“What else was I supposed to do?” I shot back, finding my voice again. “I don’t have anyone to stay with.”

He leaned back in his seat, his hands returning to the steering wheel. For a moment, he said nothing, and I wondered if the conversation was over. Then he spoke, his words catching me off guard.

“You’ll stay at mine.”

“What?” I blurted out, my eyebrows shooting up. “No. That’s not happening.”

“Do you have another option?” he asked, arching a brow at me.

I hesitated, glaring at him. “I’ll find a hotel—”

“You’re either staying at mine,” he interrupted, his voice firm, “or on the streets. Take your pick.”

His words hung heavy in the air, leaving no room for negotiation. I stared at him, my pride screaming at me to refuse, but the exhaustion in my body and the sting of reality kept me silent.

“That’s what I thought,” he said, his tone smug as he shifted the car back into motion.

The rest of the drive passed in tense silence. I refused to look at him, focusing instead on the road ahead as we wound through the city. Eventually, the bright lights gave way to quieter streets, the towering buildings replaced by wide gates and sprawling properties.

When we pulled up to the familiar wrought-iron gates of his house, a wave of unease washed over me. It looked no less intimidating than the first time I’d seen it, the grand structure looming behind perfectly manicured hedges and towering trees.

As the gates creaked open and the car rolled through, I tried to suppress the nervous energy bubbling inside me. Staying here was going to be a nightmare, but as much as I hated to admit it, it was better than being out on the streets. For now, at least.

Please check out my Ko-fi💞: https://ko-fi.com/s4svnn

[chastity-himbo]

What do you feel about this:

Everyone can love chastity for different reasons, of course, just like any other kink. Here’s why I do :Chastity takes away a boy’s ability to use his dick. He can’t jerk off, he can’t penetrate anything, he can’t stimulate it, he can’t get hard. To me (and to a lot of people) the dick is the ultimate symbol of masculinity. So when a boy doesn’t have access to it the feel of masculinity alters. He’s no longer in control of his dick, it is now controlled by the keyholder. The boy doesn’t get pleasure from it, the boy can’t get hard, depending on the device, the boy might not even be able to see it. It’s emasculating. Not being able to cum makes the boy very horny. You’d be surprised what males are ready/want to do after not being able to cum for a few days/weeks. That makes him look for pleasure in other places. He wants to be touched anywhere, he wants to touch. In gay boys’ cases they think about dick non stop. They start playing with their ass to get some release so their hole becomes their sex organ. And because their hole is being stimulated and they get pleasure from it, it’s not just a hole anymore. It’s a cunt. They may not want to call it that, but that’s what it is in their head. So we now got a boy who’s hungry all the time, he trembles from the slightest touch and gets lots of pleasure from his new sex organ. Chastity improves sex for the boy. Not only is he more sensitive, but without being able to cum he will always enjoy sex. If you bottom, you know that if you cum - it’s game over. Your top has to stop because you don’t enjoy being fucked anymore. That problem goes away with chastity. Boy is always ready and eager. That, of course, makes sex better for me. Not to mention the hands free orgasm the boy can achieve after enough time in chastity. Once a boy cums without stimulating his clit, he’s changed forever. Chastity also never lets a boy forget who he is. You may be a bottom, you may be a sub. But you don’t think about that part of you when you’re at work or visiting you family or going to parties with your friends. The chastity device is always there, you can always feel it. Horny or not, sad or happy, alone or surrounded by people. You can always feel it, it’s a constant reminder that your manhood was taken away. It keeps you in your place, it never lets you forget that you get pleasure from getting fucked. Every time you need to use the bathroom you are faced with the reality of who you are : male but not a man. That changes a boy. His behavior becomes that of a sub even outside of the bedroom. Chastity builds up a lot of frustration and tension. That’s why it’s also a great way to motivate the boy go to the gym or be more productive in general. I’ve had a boy with a barely average body transform into a beast after just 1 year of chastity. I’m no longer his keyholder, but he still keeps the cage. He doesn’t want it off, because it motivates him so much.

And most importantly, I love chastity because it sets clear roles. The boy is giving up his masculinity for me, he locks it up as a sign of surrender. My dick becomes the only dick in the room and he’s just holes. I’m his Man, he’s my bitch. Fucking a boy while watching his soft clit in his cage being ignored is just very, very hot. I never liked when my bottoms touched themselves during sex. I thought the chastity devices looked a little weird at first. But now I love them. If I see one on a boy it makes me hard instantly. Because that means that he embraced his role as someone who belongs underneath Men.

Can you vibe on this?

You pretty much nailed it in the head. The only thing I’d add is the humiliation aspect of it. Specifically how it requires the brain. One of my favorite things to do is go to the gym locked, plugged, and in a thong and change out in the open in front of all of the other guys there. Nothing quite turns me on as much as the laughs and snickers I get when my tiny cock in exposed in such a way

[everettes-requiem]

why talk about the others when i can talk about myself? i find it rather offensive you’re even asking about them.. but oh well. at least it’s about my opinion and not a “oh how are they?” “say hi to someone for me!”, otherwise i would have gone mad.

some are more bearable than others,

for example: simon, despite being all loony and ruining the choir’s look with his constant faints and i assure you, it is majorly trying to have to haul his addled self up to a place where he can rest, he can be dare i say pleasant sometimes. he may speak nonsense at times, but he’s one to help, useful, and i guess he’s... kind, something very far and few inbetween. perhaps that’s why no one really likes him, people don’t like those who are different. he’s still very much batty ‘hough, it would be better if he didn’t share his thoughts

then there’s ralph. he’s, fine i suppose. it’s just, it’s rather hard to tell with him. i mean, it’s difficult to form a solid opinion on him considering he… he’s odd, and little seem to notice it or see him that way. i don’t know how else to describe it which is shocking, i know. as someone who got full marks in writing, you’d think i’d have enough adjectives known to describe him. but, even then, there are special cases. my father told me you don’t want to be special, at least not like that, because then you’ll be sent where the mental are. i’m special though, but in a reverenced way and i don’t mean he’s odd like a roger odd, or maurice odd. it’s just, one moment he’s splashing about in the water like a littlun and the next he’s so serious about duties. first he’s so friendly with that god awful merridew, and next he’s to simon, and then he and piggy are attached. he’s a leader, and suddenly he’s a coward. but, as much as i would like to keep going i can’t say much, to be fair i did vote for him even if it was only to spite merridew

i do absolutely hate it ‘hough when he’s always going “everette! go and build a hut!”, get it in your mind that i’ve self designated myself to fire duty. why ask me to build a hut? im not going to get all dirty, you mangy ket.

oh and don’t get me started on piggy. it’s always all blether with him, i can barely stand him. even me saying his name is making my head hurt because apparently that’s all he likes to do. i’ll admit, his ideas could have a smidge of potential if it weren’t for how narking he is, it’s all whine with him and all he talks about is “oh but my aunt” and “ralph, my asthma!”. the only thing he’s useful for isn’t even himself, but his glasses. i mean, how else would we start the fire? i’m sure if he didn’t have those then he would have lived true to his name, all the other boys would have butchered him by now, if he wasn’t already slaughtered by the amount offenses thrown his way.

merridew, jack merridew. the way he speaks, the way he looks, the way he acts, the way his gritting voice sings kyrie eleison? he’s an absolute fool and i hate him, i despise every part of him. and you might be saying that i’m over exaggerating, that i simply am overestimating the extent of it, but i know well how i feel about him. everyone knows it, i know it, he knows it, and i have no problem letting you know either. you wanted to know my opinion so badly after all. you wouldn’t understand.

merridew has always been someone who has been intertwined into my life no matter how much i try to untangle myself. in school he was always the one to raise his hand first, just a second before me. in choir he was always the one appointed to lead small sections for some reason while the director was gone for a few moments despite the fact i sing better, i keep counts better. when there was church it seemed as though his bible was apart of him, praise following him for being so devout. i knew how he truly was though, i knew that the choir prefect, chapter choister, merridew was really just a pathetic boy.

one day, i told myself. i’d be free, be rid, from the wretchedness that consumed me. but no, god had other plans. grace was not given when we crashed on this island. stuck with merridew, more stuck than i ever have been. the way he’s so adamant about hunt, about that pursuit for blood. the way he sharpens a stick made spear, found no doubt about the bouts of forest. salvation, i need salvation. hate, gods i hate him. i hate him, i hate his freckled face, i hate his eyesore ginger hair, i hate the way he looks at me. he will never be better than me.

— everette ainsworth

[lottieclark]

lottie and monroe had been friends for so long she could barely remember a time without him by her side. but now, things were different—different in the way she’d secretly always hoped for. sitting in his car, sharing that quiet, soft moment, feeling his warmth, and that kiss he pressed to the inside of her wrist—it all made her heart melt. "i mean," she started with a chuckle, "if you were ever in a case against me and you kissed me like that, i’d fold. you’d win. i’d be a puddle." her tone was playful, but there was a sincerity in her words that she didn’t bother hiding. as they stood in front of the restaurant, she hesitated. the place was beautiful, filled with rich, fancy people who looked like they belonged there. but it didn’t feel like them. they didn’t need all that to have an amazing night together. they’d had countless memorable nights just being themselves, and this felt... too much for their first official date. "yeah, i’ll drive," she said with a grin, holding her hand out for the keys. "and trust me, no speeding fines tonight," she promised, her lips twitching into a smile. as she walked to the car, she tossed him a playful glance over her shoulder. "you’re a good man, mr. cooper," she added with a wink before sliding into the driver’s seat. adjusting the seat and turning to face him as he got in, she shook her head with a laugh. "look, i know this was the plan, but come on—we’re not a couple of old folks with no clue how to enjoy life." she smirked, glancing his way as she started the car. "it’s our first date, monroe. we’ve got loads of dates ahead of us, don’t you think?" her fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel as she spoke, her tone light and teasing. "right now, i’m craving the greasiest thing possible. maybe we hit up that little burger joint and even share some chips. sound good?" she glanced over, a playful gleam in her eye. "it’s a solid deal—take it or leave it, monroe. i’ve got no other offers for you tonight."

Monroe couldn’t help but appreciate how effortlessly they connected. She didn’t have to hide anything anymore. He saw the way she looked at him, the way her hand rested on his cheek like it belonged there, and it made him feel something deep and real. He had wanted to be with her for so long, and now it was happening. When he kissed the inside of her wrist, the tender gesture made her melt, and the satisfaction that came from it was mutual. She had wanted this for years, and he had too. Being with her now felt like a dream come true. Her laughter was music to his ears as she teased him about his defense strategy. "I don't know anything about that side of things. I'm not brainy like you. I feel like a kiss as my defense is my best shot at getting anything done." As they stood in front of the restaurant, Monroe noticed the hesitation in her eyes. She was looking at the people inside, dressed in a way that made her question if this place was really the right spot for a first date. They did look like they belonged there, but that wasn’t what mattered. It was the two of them. He caught her glance and felt her uncertainty, but before he could say anything, she spoke up, her voice light with a hint of mischief. Monroe couldn’t help but laugh. "Deal, that sounds more like us. You want to drive?" he said, amusement in his voice. “Alright, but I’m not sure I trust you to keep the speed limit. I might need to take the hit if we get a speeding fine seen as your lawyer clark." But he didn’t mind at all. The night was theirs, and there was no place he’d rather be than with her. He handed her the keys without a second thought. "After you, m'lady." The idea of driving to the beach, one of their favorite spots, made his heart race. "I can't promise I won't be a distraction on our way there though. I'm a man of my word and make no promises."

[arcxnumvitae]

Every time I make a post about my fae being dramatic or them being weird, please know that I’m doing so because I’m also in stupefied awe at it.

[redflannelsheets]

.

[itsdelicate]

how is it taylor is as popular as she is now but i still don’t have a single friend who’s also a huge fan 🤨

[justaplacetotalk]

I cannot believe my dad sometimes dude. God forbid I ask him for guidance on something relating to HIS business. I probably fucking fixed it wrong too. Can’t wait for that conversation.

[cloudwisp]

✮ sylus x wife!reader

contents: fluff, suggestive. arranged marriage au. hints of slow burn. you like playing hard to get and he loves calling you his wife. 1.4k wc.

꒰ note ᰔ I had to deposit my messy thoughts somewhere and this headcanon post was the result.

part two here. ꒱

⭒ Arranged marriage with Sylus where he prefers to call it a “strategic partnership” as a means of appearances to flaunt that he has it all—an empire, riches, strength, influence and now a darling wife who waits for him at home. You’re not so much as a random choice, Sylus had been watching you from afar for a while and in exchange for his protection in the N109 zone he strikes a deal with you to play a simple role. You have every reason to be wary of him and know to keep your wits about yourself, but even you acknowledge that your chances are better with him. Though, if you asked him how he was so certain you’d agree to his proposal he’d admit that he wasn’t but he knew you’d consider it if he had an advantage over you.

⭒ He sets his terms and conditions—you reside in his humble abode, wedding ring always worn on your finger, and attend events with him as a pretty accessory on his arm to contribute to his image. But he’ll never admit that he actually enjoys your company at business functions that often feel dull to him. You are more than welcome to spend your days as you please so long you don’t cause him trouble, and that also means you have his black card privileges to spoil yourself rotten. Of course, he accommodates most requests you may have like sleeping in separate rooms if that’s what you wish (and redecorating because his furnishing decisions are quite bleak).

⭒ Luke and Kieran can sense that their boss feels something for you despite his nonchalance toward this little arrangement. It starts off small, it always does—Sylus takes note of your morning and night routine, your picky eating habits and has the chef make adjustments to your preference, how he sees you out in the gardens and come back with spring tulips to brighten the space and the next week he already replaced the slowly withering flowers with fresh ones. The twins whisper among themselves that he’s often less annoyed and irritated when you’re around, and their boss wouldn’t go through the trouble of being considerate unless he cares for you. It’s almost exciting for them both to witness a budding romance unfold before their very eyes and they do offer a helping hand here and there to keep things interesting.

⭒ Sylus thinks it’s adorable how you keep trying to resist him and that’s precisely the reason he loves seeking you out just to watch your resolve crumble under his touch. He finds you in the kitchen preparing a snack and cages you from behind with his hands planted on either side of you against the counter. “Hey kitten, I thought I’d find you in here.” You feel his hot breath down your neck as he pushes your hair aside just enough to lay a soft kiss on your shoulder. He chuckles when you comment that he’s being awfully touchy with you, and he purposely moves closer so that his chest is pressing against your back. “Perhaps I just can’t keep my hands to myself where you’re involved. Besides, you’re my wife now. I think I have the right to touch you whenever I like.”

⭒ You remind him that you’re his wife in title only, but that doesn’t discourage his flirtation and teasing as he allows you to nudge past him. He follows you into the common area and takes a seat on the couch, spreading his legs wide and taking up a lot of space. His gaze is settled on you as he pats his thigh and his lips curl into a smirk. “Come here, wife.” You naturally scoff meanwhile you place the plate of seasonal fruits on the side table and situate yourself closest to the armrest, taking a bite into a juicy red strawberry as you ignore his piercing stare.

⭒ For someone who always gets what he wants, Sylus isn’t used to being defied like this. And had it been anyone else his patience would wear dangerously thin, but he supposes that you’re a special exception because he seems to enjoy the chase and claiming its reward. With one small gesture, he drags you across the couch by a gravitational pull and you squeal when the swirling red easily turn and maneuver you so you’re forced to straddle him and your hands prop on his shoulders for support. “There, much better. Comfy? This is the best seat in the house.” His gaze locks with yours, and he thinks you huffing and frowning at him is simply cute. He firmly grabs your wrist with the bitten strawberry in your hand and lifts it to his mouth for a sweet taste.

⭒ “No fair… using your Evol against me like this.” You grumble under your breath as you gently trail your thumb from his chin to the corner of his mouth where the strawberry juices began to spill. Then an impulsive thought takes over and you pinch his cheek between your fingers, creating a sticky mess on his face. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself. That’s for treating me like a sack of potatoes.” He chuckles once more, his hand falling on your hip and he gives you a light squeeze. “Oh, I do have every intention of fully enjoying my wife tonight.” And by that, he means taking you out for a joyride on his motorbike and feeling your arms wrapped around him tightly as the engine roars through the streets under the night sky and sinking moon. Sylus would never engage in any intimate acts you weren’t ready for, but he loves seeing you fluster at his suggestive remarks.

⭒ As the weeks cross over into months, you never imagined that you’d be spending so much time with Sylus outside of your agreed terms. He’s everywhere in every waking moment of your life even when he’s not there physically. You’re learning new things about him each day and you (begrudgingly) like being around him—even when he can sometimes be a playful bully toward you. When he’s gone for long stretches of time to deal with negotiations and other important matters in the N109 zone, you can feel your heart yearning for him but you’d never say that you miss him out loud when you think he's still toying with you. But with the way he cares for you like you’re both in a real and genuine relationship, it’s hard to know his true intentions and keep your feelings buried deep inside your chest for long.

⭒ You accidentally confirm that Sylus does harbor romantic feelings for you when you carelessly bring up your replacement in a lighthearted joke. You’ve never seen his face falter so quickly at your words as he averts his gaze for a moment to collect himself—a hint of vulnerability in his crimson hues. “I wouldn’t have found a new wife.” He shakes his head and tells you, his voice a little rougher than before. You don’t know what to say, but you manage a soft “No?” that reaches his ears. “No. I wouldn’t have been able to replace you, kitten. You’re it for me. The only one. No one could fill the void you’d leave behind.”

⭒ You and Sylus have kissed before, but this is the first time you’re initiating it. As you brush your lips against his, there’s a softness you never noticed. His hand slips around the small of your back and he pulls you close against him, returning your kiss with the same tenderness as though savoring the taste of you. You lean back after a moment, your palm meeting his cheek in a sweet embrace. “You know, I'm still getting used to the idea that I’ve fallen for you.” You can see him returning back to normal when he offers you a cocky smirk. “And yet here you are. In my arms, with your lips on mine. I think you’re not being entirely honest, my beautiful wife.” Sylus has waited a long time to hear those words from you but you don’t need to know that right now.