#Everytime I work on the list I start thinking so hard about fics I read years ago or on FFnet and I can't remember the names

[ghostly-cabbage]

I have officially edited and updated my DP fic recommendation document

I've so far only used it for friends but now I'm wondering if any of you guys would be interested...

[fev3rish]

hellaur wife kenji sato fic and acc recs PLEASE MWAH MWAH MWAH 🤗🤗🤗

VIC’S FAVS ! kenji sato x reader

hiiii wifey<3 i know exactly who sent this. she’s a newer addition to the fandom and it is my duty to help her adjust 😇 this is a complete YAPATHON. by the way. i LOVE using any given oppurtunity i have to compliment writers because it’s like a win win situation to me. i get noticed by a cool writer and the writer knows someone enjoys their work like what thats so coolio

overall recommendations . . .

@luneariaa -> stepping into her account is like stepping into another dimension. i remember skimming through the kenji sato x reader tag while i was first settling into the fandom—before i was a writer myself—and they were one of the first writers i saw. their whole aesthetic and the way they format their writing, the way they write in general, is so beautiful and she’s such an underrated writer in the community! im also obsessed with their account theme it’s like a living visual stimboard on my phone. how do u do those silly little gif videos bby. im like one of ur biggest fans please notice me oh mg god pls PLEASE NOTICE ME PLEASE HAVE DINNER EITH ME PLEASE PLEASE (does a handstand) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

@yzzart -> my inspiration hello 🙏 she’s the reason i actually started writing for ultraman! her kenji boyfriend headcanons were the first things that caught my attention, and it sparked a bunch of will to write in me. she lowkey got me out of a writing block that lasted almost one year and im forever thankful for her beautiful existence 💗 her usage of vocabulary is IMPRESSIVE. i don’t usually have to google the meanings of words but the first time i ever did was when i read her writing and i mean that in the most positive way possible. it is ALWAYS a green flag when a writer uses big words and uses them right. her writing prowess is EVIDENT. and she deserves every nice word people say about her she is such a GORGEOUS girl

@reyalvr -> my friend who doesnt know shes my friend btw. we both went through the avatar -> ultraman pipeline and i think its so funny ?? i distinctly remember reading her ao’nung fics and eating them up ALL the time. when i discovered her again, i was like “oh! that username seems familiar?” and it’s kind of peculiar because while i do remember reading her writing back when i was still @/victoirey, and enjoying it because she devoured everytime, i don’t know if she’s had the same username for like forever? i digress! whatever it is, her writing always has me hooked. like i physically CANNOT stop reading. it put me in this trance like state and im like so “woah!” when i experience it because usually i can’t sit still. she deserves all the hype shes gotten; her writing is the closest thing to perfect, everything about it is entrancing. from the storyline to the dialogue, it all just falls into place. the only thing that isn’t perfect, is the fact that it ends. like why cant u just like write forever boo… come on😡💗

@mitskicain -> i have her most recent works in my read later list. her previous twoshot lowkey had me all giggly! i kicked my feet while reading and i accidentally stubbed my toe onto the nearby table but the story was so great it quelled my pain immediately. she’s such a good writer and i LOVE her characterization of kenji like it genuinely makes me blush so hard. also her username? is that a reference to ethel cain in it? …if u see this, i love ethel cain. my fav song is unpunishable. ure so cool. also her blog is like so … how do i say, like organized? like she has a way of making everything fit and fall into place . literally even if its a MEME. she’ll make it fall into place because thats judt how skilled she is. also batter up is such a clever name idk why im so impressed whenever i see it on ur blog im like “woh. batter up….. name nice. i love the name kween” but overall shes SO FUCKING GOOOOOOD AUFH

my fav fics . . .

ultraman, ultrafine, ultramine ; “kenji sato, the man that you are.” / WORD? i fucking love this twoshot its so GOD ugh i gush everytime i read it user mitskicain you are so GOOD

cutely written by @mitskicain

when i was led to you … ; “kenji could get used to his routine, but, only with you by his side.” / grrrrrr grrrrr i 😡😡😡 punchign wall!!1! so good. always so good ysa

gorgeously written by @yzzart

she’s mine ; “catch me, i’ve fallen in love for the first time.” / me after entering the kenji sato characterization competition, seeing user reyalvr and user mitskicain: 🚪🚶‍♀️ so FUCKING YUMMY

extraordinarily written by @reyalvr

piece of art ; aka kenji and u go to the museum / my honest reaction:

flawlessly written by @luneariaa

mommys here ; reader takes the role of pretty baby emi’s mother🥺 / i haven’t read this in full yet, but from the first few paragraphs i already know its a good story!! I am literally so attracted to this authors writing style for some reason like wow…. beautifully written by @kiwiikato

kenji & baseball!critic reader ; okay so its not really a fic think of it as me recommending you a trailer for a movie im really excited to see because i LURK. and I LURK ON THIS BABES ACCOUNT AND IM READIN WHEN U LEAST EXPECT IT 👀 writing style is flawless, by the way, baby. you’re such a starling .

wonderfully written by @rieamena

labor of love ; I FUCKING LOVE KENJI SATO AUTHORS😭😭/ read this today and i went 🙏 . my hands clasped together in prayer. literally thank you god. i love this so much. spectacularly written by @jinwoosungs

that’s it from me my loves, if you actually did read this—thank you? that’s sweet? gimme a big ol kiss? and i hope you know that whether or not you’re on this list literally all you need to do if you want to get your works out there is send me an ASK and i will literally edit this post and add my fav work from you i will literally do it. to the authors i included and to the others i didn’t, your efforts are seen and appreciated. i know it is hard to write stories and it is so impressive that you’ve written in the first place. you are all so talented, and i just wanted to remind you of that fact<3

💋 kisses, v <3

[mediumgayitalian]

Im writing a ficlet to post here on tumblr and I got inspired by ur writing but everytime I read the mere start it's just a big no no What do i do???

first of all send it my way if you like!! second of all you have a few options:

1. Just Keep Going

remember you can go back and fix things!! if you keep writing you’ll stumble into a flow, and then you can go back and edit the beginning or middle to fit your vision.

2. Fuck Beginnings

the number one obstacle i had with writint when i was first starting out is that i could never think of a damn beginning. even now i struggle with it. best way to handle that: fuck beginnings. wherever you have a scene, start: in the middle of an argument, the middle of a scene, hell, the middle of a damn sentence. wherever the start of your idea is is the start of your story! don’t force something that doesn’t exist. (that 10k will angst fic i just wrote? started w the sherman & will argument scene! i had Nothing beforehand! and you’ll notice a lot of my stuff starts in the middle of a conversation, cause it’s easier!*)

3. Start Over

sometimes i’ll try so hard to make something i’ve already written work, even if i’m stuck, because i’ve already sunk so much time in it that starting again feels like a waste of time. but, dude, trust me — if you’re that stuck, just start over. maybe not the whole damn piece, but you can definitely rewrite a paragraph or chapter. personally, i tend to cut and paste whatever isn’t working into a new doc so i don’t lose it (in case i manage to reuse it elsewhere) and then i begin again, with uncluttered space.

4. Post What You Have

i should really link y’all to the first post i ever made. it was Hot Stinky Garbage. i don’t care. it Helped, you know? it started me out. maybe your thing isnt perfect — post it anyway. maybe nobody cares — post it anyway. (took like two weeks for someone to care about what i was posting on this account, and i posted daily. my first fic had zero notes for eight days.) you might even find that you’re just being too hard on yourself!

5. Dialogue Prompts My Beloved

dialogue is so so easy for me to write. it’s WAY easier for me to script a conversation and then build facial expressions, emotions, actions, and intention behind it, because i never shut up! i have a lot of practice. as you may have noticed i’ve been using the @p0ck3tf0x 100 ways to say i love you list — i’ve put it in a spinner wheel lol. so i spin the wheel and write the prompt, then i don’t have to make a decision. if i don’t like what comes up i spin again.

good luck!! wish you all the best!!

*it is a thousand times easier to build exposition through context. example:

Kayla walked up to her brother, who was sitting morosely on the porch. “Hey, Will. You good?”

Will shrugged. “I’m okay.”

vs.:

“Will. Hey. You good?”

“‘M okay.” He tried for a smile. “Thanks though, Kayla.”

see the difference? in the first, i am outright telling you that 1) kayla is walking over to will 2) he is sitting on the porch 3) he is sad 4) he is answering her question. this are all stated things, either by the narrator or by the dialogue. this is clunky! this is so clunky!

but why?

you know all these things. you know ‘hey’ is a greeting — so obviously kayla is newly approaching will. kayla calls will by name — you know who she’s talking to. will mumbles, and ‘tries for a smile’ — both things that indicate he’s feeling morose. he responds to kayla by name, so you know who he’s responding to. when you over-explain or state too much in your writing, you’re telling your readers twice, which can feel awkward.

[whoseyscientist]

BEST BRUCE WAYNE/BATMAN  FICS I KNOW 2!!

A part two of bat fic recs cause i’m insatiable and something tells me you are too~ 

Here’s the list of one-shots (or max threeshot) i’ve read and adored where bruce is the focus, mix of agonising angst and tooth-rotting fluff.

There’s still shipping, but this is overwhelmingly more filled with general batfam and justice league shenanigans, which in itself is annoyingly hard to find but a gem everytime you spot it out in the wild~

_______________________________________________________________________

BATFAM

The Dark Knight Strikes Back

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16172390

If Bruce knew anything, he'd know one simply didn't finish Minecraft.

Tim would have told him, but he didn't exactly expect him to actually play-- Bruce didn't play things.

Dick remembers Bruce playing things. Jason does, too.

There's a hard line between what Bruce was like before and what he was like after the, well, you know. The thing with Jason.

Maybe it's time for that to change.

(^ starts crackier than you’d think which distracts you from all your crying by the end)

Have I Told You About Minnie?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23517115

After you’ve known Matches Malone long enough, you get used to him telling you about his kids. Not that his kids know about it.

(^ its the only way bruce gets to brag about his kids and its through a thick new jersey accent and bushy moustache bveisrl) 

I Used to Be an Adventurer Like You, Then I Took an Arrow to the Knee

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16437716

Stephanie was just on patrol and now she’s stuck somewhere, sometime, with Bruce.

They bleed and bond and mostly try to keep each other alive— you know, just a Tuesday.

(^ bat bonding steph focused)

though your eyes will need some time to adjust

“I think…” Stephanie takes a deep breath, “I think I’m bad.”

“I don’t.”

“So what, I’m just supposed to believe you?”

“I am Batman.”

Stephanie snorts, “Yeah, you are… but what if I’m still bad?”

“Then I forgive you.” _______

Or: Stephanie and Bruce, figuring it out

Cycles of Sunshine

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41123100

Scenes from a life spent raising a son.

Or: Alfred & Bruce throughout the years.

(so good man ;_;)

big pockets & juice boxes

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33193552

“Juice boxes,” Bruce explained, pulling out one for himself, “the most common stakeout drink.”

Jason blinked. “Nah, pretty sure that’s coffee.”

“Most common stakeout drink for children,” he amended after he swallowed.

“And you just carry them around?”

Bruce shrugged. “Never hurts to be prepared.”

(^ batman is a fanny pack dad as he was always meant to be<3)

The D-Word

https://archiveofourown.org/works/9597686

so jason gets into the habit of dropping the d-word in there just to see what he can get away with, want a batmobile? take it. fleeing his siblings after irritating them? you do you jay chum.

"bAtMaN dOeSn'T mAkE pReSeNtAtIoNs" - The Sequel

https://archiveofourown.org/works/39791658

Tim sees the PowerPoint

(^ do yourself a favour and just- read through this whole series. they even made the actual powerpoints its amazing)

I got a jar of protection

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40491972

the bat family all have their own little quirks, Jason with his books, Dick with his hugs, and bruce's... trays?

or: Duke accidentally knocks over something sentimental to Bruce and finds out why.

(so bittersweet because on one hand alfred on the other family bonding)

_______________________________________________________________________

SUPERBAT (PLATONIC/ROMANCE)

Favorite Strangers

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16663516/chapters/39073186

When Batman v Superman!Bruce ends up in the comics world, he'll have to navigate another version of himself, his family and the man he tried to kill if he wants to get home.

(^ killer concept but this hurttttt too ;-;)

To Bring Light Back To Your Eyes

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26640703

Months after the Justice League is formed in the wake of Steppenwolf's attempted incursion, Superman begins pulling away, becoming isolated and withdrawn. Bruce wants to help, but doesn't know how. He goes to Martha Kent for advice, and an offhand comment leads to a clumsy, though successful, outreach.

Or, Bruce bakes Clark terrible pie to make him feel better, and Clark finds this very endearing.

(delightful)

Whoever Falls First

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7679041

"There's more kryptonite out there. When the Superman returns, there's going to be an all-star battle royale in the criminal underworld. Every megalomaniacal freak will want a piece of it so they can get a piece of you. And some of them will manage. They'll weaponize it and won't hesitate to use it against you, and when that happens I will not have you flailing around like an idiot."

aka: Bruce teaches Clark how to fight.

barely a shard of heart

https://archiveofourown.org/works/37311268

In the end, it was the Joker who killed him.

He'd not been aiming for the Bat - nor had he been aiming at anyone in particular. It was just a game he decided to play. A bomb, buried in the basement of the Gotham ballet. An unexpected guest in the form of arts patron Bruce Wayne.

And Clark? He was thousands of miles away, dealing with a tsunami in Japan.

(^ crazyyyy)

good in red

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42127347

“I can’t get it off me,” Clark whispered, turning his hand over so the blood embedded into his skin caught the fluorescent lights of the Cave, “Please, Bruce.“

(^ platonic but also just so sad for clark, you can’t save everyone :(( )

The End of Infinity (With You)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38216218/chapters/95480404

The end of the world was just over the horizon.

(^ I remember losing my shit for this, clark and bruce talking before they die </3)

My Own Desert Places

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11290077

Batman had been making himself scarce since the media storm started, but he shows up for an interstellar mission when no one else could go. Clark just wishes he knew what to say to fix things, but that can wait until after the mission.

Unfortunately unfriendly aliens, crash landings, falling trees, and the freezing cold makes everything much more difficult. Now Clark can only hope they can stay alive long enough for the rest of the League to find them. There are worse times to have a heart to heart with his best friend, right?

(hit like a ton of bricks ;-; loved the very realistic way they displayed acesexuality and the media's frenzy of it )

_______________________________________________________________________

JUSTICE LEAGUE

Lugubrious Alarmism

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27812494

Magic is always a pain. Superman might temporarily be a toddler, but the League's knows they've gotten off easy this time: everyone's in the proper dimension, there's no annoying entity trying to teach them a lesson, and the de-aging spell should wear off without any weird consequences in less than a fortnight. Babysitting duty gets ten times more adorable with the purchase of a Justice League plushie set. Now Clark can continue his heroic adventures with his friends: fighting crime, spreading justice, and... beheading Batman?

(toddler clark keeps beheading batplush and it is hilarious, i was dying of laughter, platonic, hints of superbat)

Flying Lessons

https://archiveofourown.org/works/549770

Batman teaches Flash how to pilot the Javelin-7. Flash is clearly better suited to the ground.

(^ fun bat and flash banter, platonic)

Put Away Childish Things

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21361447

Clark has a birthday party. It's pretty great, until it isn't.

(Hal and bruce taking a moment to just- talk about life and bruce comforting an emotionally raw hal, platonic)

In the name of the father, the billionaire, and honorary bat-uncle

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38067379

It becomes a bit of a tradition, after this; when Wally gets mad, he announces with a (obnoxiously loud) screech he'll be living with Uncle Bats until Barry gets his act together, except the smaller redhead doesn't use the word 'act' and Batman, with a reputation to uphold, has to resist the urge to cover Robin's ears.

Or; everyone fears Batman. the younger heroes tend to forget it. Bruce is thrusted into the hesitant uncle role.

Thin Line

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41584209

Bruce knows he walks a thin line between Batman and my friend's dad with a lot of the younger heroes. He just isn't sure when they skipped Mister Wayne altogether and he became Uncle B. (Or, Bruce may have an adoption problem, but this is not his fault. They just showed up.)

(^ these two fics being peak ‘uncle batmannnn can’t we go to batburger???’ vibes)

_______________________________________________________________________

GOTHAM/ BATLANTERN

to span the tide

https://archiveofourown.org/works/37793593

Batman looks after Gotham City. Maybe, Bruce Wayne has something to contribute as well.

or, five (plus one) times Bruce Wayne is observed as he quietly takes care of the people of Gotham City.

(^the bats actively connecting with gotham and its citizens has a special place in my heart)

and i'll be two steps on the water

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38005144

Studying his profile as she pours, the name clicks in her head like she knew it would. Even downturned, that face is unmistakable, and the realization thunders lightly in her mind.

Bruce Wayne.

(^ batty connecting with gothamites is just my jam especially if they were robbers or killers who had no choice, mans just trying to do good c:)

A Work in Progress

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41426337/chapters/103887219

Bruce is recovering from Scarecrow's latest fear toxin, having had a hallucination more terrifying than any before. He learns he has more kids than he thinks, that trips to a country cabin can be surprisingly healing, and that maybe it's time to accept that people worrying about you can be a good thing.

(^ batlantern, and bruce having a father/daughter camping trip just to ground himself where literally all the other bat girlies just tag along is IMMACULATE i love that idea so goddamn much)

The Mission Worth Fighting For

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21165110

The one where Harry Jordan and Bruce Wayne wake up in a hotel with only a couple of wallets, some weird things they don't think they want, and no idea who they are.

There is only one bed.

(hilarious and so very in character, loved hals and bruces relationship grow from ‘who is this grump??’ to this is my grump :) batlantern)

In Ruins

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5925469

It's the late 1930s and Bruce Wayne is an expert in Egyptian archaeology. When he's called down to Egypt to help out an old friend, he meets Hal Jordan and everything goes downhill from there.

(^ took me an embarrassing amount of time to realise it was an indiana jones au and when i say embarrassing amount i mean right now- i have just right now realised it was an indiana jones au. in my defence, i’ve never seen the movie sooo) ((anyway, it’s really good))

[thefoundationproject]

Re Read Wholly Unprofessional again.

First of all never getting over Bacara and Rex. I Love Love. It's so funny because Rex we expect to be So Much, but when Bacara RESPONDS!? Truly two idiots in love lol. Thinking about them all giggly smiley composing their love letters to eachother Tactical Insight Reports For The Benefit Of The GAR 🫡. Bly helping Rex because that's his baby brother and Bly is a romantic at heart. Feel like Aayla would agree.

Kot to Cody and Doom and Fox and all the others who have to witness it all though. Tbf Cody did it to himself soo.

Also Ow at Forwards Someone Hug Them 💔

Second of all LMAO Ponds is going through IT

Priority Response

Ponds: I don’t quite remember ASKING YOUR OPINION Commander Bacara.

and,

Priority Response

Neyo: The IMPORTANT question here is: where can I get myself a hot little Captain sidearm to impress with my kill count. I’m asking for me.

Priority Response

Ponds: Excuse me, what.

Vod'ika Defilers and Vod'ika Defiler Enablers Oh My!

The relazation for Ponds that Cody KNEW! 17 KNEW! NEYO KNEW!Traitors all! Ponds' Less Favorite Vode List getting crowded. At this point I see him going down the list of all the people who could've known putting a little :( Just for future refrence.... Casually asking some CC like hey weren't you on the same ARC training range....?

But VAUGHN MY BABY!!!

Lol at Neyos What? x 5. He fully short circuited. He Was Kidding Rex! It Was A JOKE REX! How dare you call him out?

Imagine Vaughn starts messaging him, sparkle, sunshine and all. And Everytime Neyo is trying! so! hard! to be Cool Suave Spy. And Everytime Vaughn gets him all spluttering blushing kicking feet.

And he's like "This time I'll catch him off guard HE won't know what to with HIMSELF". Writing The Perfect Message only for Vaughn to answer in .2 seconds with something that has Neyo screaming into his pillow. How does he do it?!

Vaughn sitting there watching the Neyo is writing... begin and stop endlessly. Grinning like a fool so excited to talk to him about anything and everything and nothing but Neyo is so careful and feeling emotion(s), so he needs timeee. So Vaughn waits with anticipation. Turns out they're talking about the newest change to some obscure tiny blaster part or something lol. But The Subtext Potential....

(Wasn't one of the like three canon things about Neyo that he and Bacara worked on some speeder tactics or something? Imagine Vaughn compliments those and gives feedback. Neyo is so impressed but oh no feelings catching!?!)

Sorry for The Wall but it's such a ride every time i read your fics again, it's like it's the first time! Always something new to appreciate. Thank you❤️

Hello!!! Thank you very kindly! Everyone expects Rex to be a shebs about things but no one expects it from Bacara. So no one suspects it coming and Bacara can just roll up and drop the shebsiest moment and stroll away. That first moment when one sees a message and realizes 'oh this isn't JUST am update' .... my heart, it's exploded. I squee for them. So very much.

Bly is not the brother that would hide a body for you. Bly would supervise the body hiding and tell you what you're doing wrong that wpuld get you caught, because the best way to learn is by doing it yourself. A+ brothering, in my opinion. He’s also naturally ride or die. Because Rex IS still his baby brother. Also 2.0 .... it's really funny watching "Cody is typing" and imaging how that annoyed eye twitch of his is going. Very entertaining.

At some point in the future, the very distant future, long after even the most paranoid have stopped anticipating it, Ponds will attack. And everyone will RUE THIS DAY. Including Wolffe who by necessity will just have to be caught in the splash damage. Ponds feels bad, really he does, just so dreadfully awful, but he couldn't risk the others being alerted. So some Wolffes had to be collateral damage and that was just a sacrifice Ponds was willing to make. As for getting Neyo, well Fox is already In Too Deep in the Edee prank war, it would be incredibly simple for Ponds to hide his plots behind Fox's misdeeds. Ponds knows how to play the excruciatingly long game but then he hits everyone all at once. He's sitting in his observation room surrounded by screens, cackling while Fox finally understands the true depth of Ponds' deviousness. Truly terrifying.

I imagine that at this point Rex at least somewhat knows Neyo. Well enough to say 'MY TIME HAS COME'. I'm entirely sure he's been plotting how to socialize/distract the in-law and all of a sudden the perfectest opportunity presented itself. And what is Torrent if not opportunistic? Vaughn is starlight and sunshine and whiskers on kittens and it's endlessly amusing to me to throw him at Neyo and say "catch". 🤣

Thank you so very much!!!!!

[blocksruinedme]

WIP Wednesday: SFW

#1 in the poll was NSFW (check it out at @blocksruinedmeafterdark, and I had a tie for #2, so I'm going with the LARPer au cause i hope to get another fic in this series out soon!

This work will be nsfw for maybe the last 1/3. If anyone really loves this, i'll do chapter breaks and indicate when it's nsfw - it's the end though. :)

Because I did such long wip clips when ao3 is down, I don't feel like cutting this down. I was going to cut out the middle, cause i love the end, but why not! there's no rules! I like sharing!

Here's what LARP and roleplaying bleed are, an evolving doc by me as a reference for my fic. Please ask questions I can answer in the doc!

----

Everyone knew that Jimmy gets really into character. It surprised many people, who thought of him as a dumb jock (majoring in physical education, what a trope), but few people went as hard roleplaying in LARPs as Jimmy. (If he and Sausage were in a rp plot together, the min-maxers stayed as far away as they could, afraid of being sucked in to roleplay they claimed to not want.)

Scott had roleplayed with Jimmy before, and always had a good time, but he was unprepared for the results of doing a love plot – and an angsty one, at that. Scott liked to roleplay, and he was good at it. He’d hit other people hard with emotional play, but he didn’t see himself as the same as the others. In his own mind, he was gaming first and acting second. He didn't get into debates about acting vs. roleplaying, but if pressed he’d say he didn’t really roleplay. He did what he wanted to do as a player and was very talented at finding reasons to justify it for his character. Serious roleplayers liked playing with him, so he assumed no one could tell the difference, which he was quietly pleased with.

He’d watched other people deal with roleplay bleed, their own emotions and their characters’ bleeding together. He’d watched people fall apart (and sometimes fall together) from love plot bleed, but he had been quite sure of his immunity. How could he get roleplay bleed when he was, by his accounting, only pretending to roleplay?

Then along came Jimmy. He’d had no objection to playing a love plot with Jimmy - he was undeniably hot, and he’d seen how he played some of his love plots. If letting him roleplay led to Jimmy draping himself on Scott, he certainly wouldn’t complain.

Scott was surprised at how careful and detailed Jimmy was about negotiating everything like that before the LARP began. He was reading off a list of questions, but he still took the time to do it. Scott happily said he had absolutely no limits of physical contact, and made a joke about being a slut that got him one of Jimmy’s “throw his head back and laugh [somehow]” laughs. Jimmy said he was happy to just negotiate in the moment if anything felt off.

Their characters were from rival families and their love could never be – Scott thought it fairly trite when he first read his character sheet. They started the larp with their relationship hidden to everyone (or so they thought) and spent most of the larp trying to keep it that way... Scott had thought the secret nature of their relationship, their inability to hold hands or act like a couple in public, would decrease the intensity of the love plot for him. He thought it would be something to try to check off on his character’s to-do list, trying to find a way to be together (which was incredibly difficult, but good plot to try for) and maybe some furtive glances across the room. 

Scott completely underestimated The Power Of Jimmy.

He knew Jimmy could do serious roleplay, that he loved playing with emotional intensity, but everytime Jimmy looked at Scott like he was in love with him, like he wanted more than anything to touch him but couldn’t, like he was thinking about Scott all the time… Scott knew he was totally fucked an hour in, and that was before they’d even managed an secret assignation in a remote classroom. Scott had expected they’d pull chairs up against the wall and talk about their plot, but the moment they were out of view of the doorway, Jimmy threw his arms around Scott, pulling him in tightly. Scott tried to remember that it was actually Sebastian throwing himself on Caleb. Jimmy didn’t mind doing these things, but this was roleplay, this was because they’d been cast to have a Romeo and Juliet plot. 

Scott gave up trying to remember anything and enjoyed being held. 

They kept the lights off, and cuddled in a corner out of view of the door. They held hands, he stroked Jimmy’s hair - Sebastian’s hair - he stroked the hair of the very nice boy whose head was in his lap. It was sweet, and comfortable, and was a more intimate experience than Scott had experienced than some of his one night stands. Scott kept their faces apart, besides hugs at the beginning and end, because it was taking all of Scott’s self control to not kiss Jimmy, because if he kissed Jimmy in a dark classroom he would quickly be tearing his clothes off. 

Jimmy left first, so no one would suspect Sebastian and Caleb were sneaking around. Scott appreciated the time to pull himself together. It didn’t matter if it was acting, or roleplaying, or some third secret gayer thing – Scott had a huge crush and was absolutely fucked.

------

Hope you enjoy! I should have out soon a fic that is about SmallEtho, some months, and a lot of queer angst, after this fic. At this point Joel and Etho haven't even met - the Double Life larp hasn't run yet!

[platonic-qpr-selfshipping]

okay let me finally show you my updated f/o list!! I am also planning to add some s/i info but tbh i still havent gotten to it cause im procrastinating it while trying to relax doing other stuff klsdksj here it is!! (I am aware that the first photos look weird in phones so pls bare with me and put it in pc mode lmaoo im a carrd super-beginner)

now if you'd let me, Imma talk a bit about the changes just because

I wanted to get a bit more specific mentioning platonic f/os so even if I like many characters in sources like Obey Me, you can now see which characters I think my s/i would be the closest with :D!! I also played a bit with labels ig but I read this fic where Mammon said there was no need "to be anything" as long as we were in peace with each other and I felt that on a spiritual lvl so instead of overthinking how to label f/os sometimes I just put him as unlabeled lol I just love self inserting in his world being really close to him and he's my fav character of the game and all but ig it becomes hard sometimes to try to fit that into something so I said whatever, it's my little self insert world and they can do whatever they want that brings me comfort XD yknow, sometimes partnering concepts just feel off but at the same time I enjoy saying I am a Mammon simp cause I love the character so it's a bit of a mess in my brain sometimes, trying to make both my experience as a player and my s/i's fit for my best comfort

(yes this was another Mammon UR+ I did not get on Nightbringer)

talking about labels, I've decided to put all the Golden Deer as platonic soulmates :D! I think it suits us all and all the unique bonds they form with each other, and I thought that the whole thing of my s/i probably having this huge feeling of admiration and loyalty towards Claude felt better like this somehow, like it's a part of my s/i lore and not so much about what their relationship can be or not? I dont know if this makes sense worded like this but it seems to work out in my head XD I still plan to someday develop my s/i's story a lot so who knows

anyway, FRIENDS AND FAMILY!! I feel like it's pretty obvious that I've started to play Honkai Star Rail because suddenly I got a friend, a brother and a father from there- listen everytime I see the Astral Express Family written in the groupchat I emotionally cry happy tears (also I wouldnt be surprised if i ended up also f/oing Himeko in the future lmao, I love found families can you tell)

from Genshin Impact I've officially added Thoma as a platonic f/o :D!! (my hearts craves to befriend kind characters, yes) I think my Genshin s/i is probably the one with the most lore right now so I'm excited to write about this in the future! well,,,,, actually my Super Mario Bros s/i also has some info around themselves already,,,,,, like would you believe me if I told you I was already making up s/i lore while still watching the movie,,,,, the self-shipper experience huh.....

I love her

and do you know who I also love a lot.....?

those platonic f/os I've been mentioning in some reblogs lately saying I still havent talked about them......?

the dudes that may have taken over my brain recently using the power of friendship....?

yeah

yeah

aren't they the coolest tho

anyway I love them (repeating it as if i hadnt made it clear already) and I had to rewrite part of this cause I accidentally deleted it it so I think I'll finish it here ksdhkjs I believe there is a bit more to see in the carrd though, I'll put it in my pinned post soon :D! now if you'd excuse me imma go consume more hypmic manga as a healing experience, if you've read until here go drink some water, listen to Break The Wall and thank me later

[bearsinpotatosacks]

Sweet Dreams my Love - a Penrole fic

Penny's heavily pregnant with Amelia and can't sleep. Carole reads her a bedtime story.

~~~

For a prompt list, this was "A tells B a story to help them sleep"

Words: 1407

Penny wiggled about on the bed, trying to find a position that was comfortable. As excited as she was for this baby, the bump didn't make it easy for her to fall asleep. She rubbed her swollen tummy as she moved to her back.

Carole moved next to her. Her bedhead came into view as she hovered over her, leaning on one arm.

"Can you stop wiggling?" She said.

"I can't help it, if I lie on my back, it hurts my back, if I lie on my side it hurts my shoulders," she smiled at her. "I'm sorry."

Carole rested her head on her shoulder and rubbed her bump, "No, I'm sorry, I remember being pregnant and it can be really shit. What can I do to help, huh?"

"I don't know, maybe something to help me sleep?"

"Oh, you want a bedtime story?"

"I mean, I didn't mean it like that, but sure, tell me a bedtime story."

Carole moved to sit up, placing the cushion behind her back as she placed Penny's head in her lap. Gently, she began to card her fingers through her hair. Just that alone made her relax. 

"Okay, lemme think of something," she watched her bite her lip as she thought. "Aha! Right, you settled, all comfy?"

"As I can be."

"Alright, I'll start then. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess, she was loved and loving, kind and smart. She was born in wartime, so was heavily protected to make sure she would live to become queen someday,

"And when the war ended, although the enemy really just disappeared into the shadows, the world was allowed to go back to normal. Soldiers returned home, the princess was allowed out of the castle and the youth of the land were called up to try out for the elite knight school."

"Hm, this isn't called Top Gun, is it?" Penny said coyly.

"No, it’s called Top Sword actually, they don't have guns yet, silly,"

"Oh, well sorry,"

They went back to the story. Despite it all being a bit of fun, Penny couldn't stop herself from getting invested.

"The new knights were needed because the princess was officially taking on her role, she was a flower coming into bloom and would be visiting the people and courting other nobles to hopefully marry," Carole said. "But the world was still dangerous, so she would need only the finest protection."

"Now, there was this knight, she was strong and whitty and capable, and not from a knight kind of family, she was a farmer-" Carole stroked Penny's cheek. "-and so everyone doubted her, she had to work twice as hard to get the same recognition,"

"But it was worth it, because everytime she did extra practice, it was in the princess' favourite garden and so she was always watching her, and eventually they started talking." She said. "Then talking sparked feelings, feelings that weren't appropriate, but they didn't really care."

"The final test came and the knight knocked it out of the park, making the princess' personal guard. They were set to travel for a year to every city, every town and province to show how much the princess cared."

Any discomfort began to ease as she sank into the mattress. This was just a silly fairytale but the way Carole told it melted all her tension. Her eyes got harder to open with every blink.

"Everywhere they went, in secret, the knight and the princess would spend time together in a way that wasn't allowed for a princess. She had to marry a noble, this knight certainly wasn't a noble, she came from a farmer's family."

"One day, they went to the knight's village. It was humble, full of kind people who always helped, and, much closer to the enemy they'd fought years ago. There was evidence of their curses in the trees of the forests, buildings on the horizons echoing relics of a time long gone."

"And that’s when the princess fell truly in love with the knight, because she'd come from such humble beginnings and was a knight in the truest sense of the word. She came to protect, not because her family were knights, but because she'd probably seen first hand how their enemies affected people."

Carole's face was whimsy. She loved reading books, that's why she worked in a library, and telling stories. Now Bradley was too old for bedtime stories, a part of her must be glad to get a chance to finally tell them. Penny rubbed her bump again, this baby was going to get the best stories, she hoped they were listening.

"The princess spent a little more time there than she really should have, she did whenever they went to a knight's hometown, she wanted to give them a chance to see their families as they hadn't seen them in so long," she said. "But there was a reason they didn't linger in places, a reason none of them knew because their enemies were gone, but it must have been forgotten how their enemies worked in secret at the start of the war."

"Because what started as a simple celebration tour for her officially being a princess, turned into something darker, as an enemy thought long gone, one that was closer than any of them realised, and finally found its moment to strike."

Despite getting to an exciting moment in the story, Penny's eyes were getting more and more tired. She did want to hear how it ended, but there was a way Carole spoke that made her forget her worries, that made it so easy to sink into sleep.

"They were attacked at night-time, when they least expected it, the knights jumped into action, trying to fight off monsters and spirits to the best of their ability." Carole's voiced picked up in energy as she moved her hands with the story. "Our knight stayed close to the princess, not wanting her love to get hurt, and she meant it, because when a well aimed curse was headed straight for her, she took the full brunt of it."

Penny's eyes opened. She knew this story was about them but couldn’t quite match who was who. They met eyes, Carole's were sparkling, she was enjoying this.

"What was the curse?" Penny asked.

"It sent the knight into a never ending slumber,"

"That’s just a rip off of sleeping beauty!"

"I never said I was entirely original, and I'm coming up with this on the fly so shut up, missy,"

Penny chuckled and held her hands up in surrender. Her eyes sank lower as she settled back down ready for slumber. Maybe she could just hang on until the end.

"Anyway, back to the story, the knight was left in her hometown, the princess was ordered back to the castle by her father and kept in the grounds. If they weren’t careful, this could be war, he didn't care about the princess' broken heart or how much she longed to see her fallen knight."

"So, one day, she goes to the knight's barracks and orders them to escort her to the hometown of the knight and they know she means it by the look in her eye," Carole said. "The trip wasn't as fun this time, but they got there and the princess was in agony as she lay next to the knight hoping for a miracle."

She stopped for a moment then, leaning a little closer. This relationship was so new. Neither of them had been with a woman before, but that didn’t stop them. Even Penny's dad approved, as long as Carole wasn't Pete Mitchell he was fine.

"And she got her miracle, she gave her one last kiss and woke her up. They went back to the castle, and after some pleading, the knight was deemed worthy for the princess to marry and they lived happily ever after."

Penny's eyes began to shut slowly. The story had worked. Carole's hands stroked her face and laid a kiss on her forehead. 

"Night night, my princess," she said.

"Thought I was the knight," she mumbled. 

"Okay, night night my princess knight," she kissed her on the forehead. "And our blossom."

Penny watched her stroke the bump before she moved her head back onto the pillow. Carole shifted back to her side of the bed and soon she was her own sleeping beauty.

My timeline for them has Penny moving to Texas in 1990, her and Carole become friends, Carole gets ill with cancer so Penny cares for her, she gets pregnant with Amelia, breaks up with her boyfriend and gets with Carole. Thanks for reading!

[taegularities]

Hello lovely Rid 💕💕💕

I'm sorry, I don't have an assumption about you based on your fics other than that you're a lovely and beautiful person, but that's already confirmed!

I did want to drop in though since last time all I came for was to create chaos lol. How have you been Rid? How is the new job and uni treating you? I hope the answer is well because otherwise I'm ready to have a talk with whoever I need to 😤😤😤

Why were you asking which fic from your masterlist should go 🥺🥺🥺 You literally never miss with your stories, of course the answer is none! And also I loooove a long masterlist, I miss the days exactly a year ago when I started reading bts fanfic and I had the time to binge everyone's whole masterlists :')

I'm literally itching to get this semester over with so I can be free again. I just need to get to the start of july 😭😭😭 I have so many things I want to read and even a lot of ideas for very specific fic rec lists because I love doing those a lot.

Fun fact, when I made my first ever fic rec list, you commented about how I did well with it and it just made me so happy because it really took me a while to put it together and I overthought it a million times. That's also what made me decide to reread cmi and properly review it too and now we're here 🥺🥺🥺

Also about your question whether we picture ourselves as the reader while reading fanfic! I actually never do. I feel like if I did, I'd just always keep thinking 'I'd never do/say that' and get annoyed lmao. Every main character in a fic is an OC to me and they all have their distinct looks in my head based on their distinct personalities.

Also also, you talking about cmi14 has me feeling so emotional. I literally can't imagine a time when that story has ended so I'm always happy to hear that we still have a while to go. And I love seeing couples supporting each other through hard times, so if there's some comfort with the hurt as you said, then that's totally my thing and I'm so excited 🥺🥺🥺

Ah thinking about the first time we interacted and then cmi has made me emotional and sappy. I don't think anyone's made me feel so comfortable this quickly, Rid, and I'm grateful for you every day. Love youuuuuuu 💞💞💞💞

no YOU'RE a lovely human, don't test me, i'll give you a whole list of things i appreciate about you 😭 i'm okay, love !! been busy and tired, but i'm liking that new schedule bc i don't sleep late and wake up late anymore :') uni's been great as you saw today !! 🥺 wbu? has everything been okay? we don't need to fight anyone, right?

and ohhh looll i was just asking about the mlist bc it looks way too long to me. and there's a lot of old writing that's... very different from my work now. maybe i'll rewrite those fics one day, but since i know they mean a lot to some people, i won't remove them at least. and same, july is the goal !! i hope time passes fast, so you can read as much as you like <3 i do remember leaving that comment and i meant it – i used to make rec lists, and my gosh, it takes ages. so i applaud and appreciate everyone who compiles them, so thank you 🥺

iviiii, i know right? 😭 i cannot physically think of cmi ending, it tears me up fr lmao. like, i sometimes feel like i'm being annoying with it, but it just means so much to me... i need their story to go on forever :') and yeah, cmi14 is a different kind of pain. definitely a lot of comfort :( I GET SAPPY EVERYTIME WE TALK LIKE THAT. i do remember, too, how much i vibed with you from the very first moment. so thank you for being here, and i love you always 💕

[starchild--27]

Morning! Your Secret Santa here!

It's a relief really knowing we only have two more to suffer through. My heart gets a little constricted everytime I think about Jongin and Sehun being sent off. It'll be good when they return and we'll hopefully get group contents once again. I'm hoping for an actual world tour, though it's been nice that some of them have been making appearances at festivals and such…it's just not the same as all of them together. 

As for places I'd love to visit…everywhere. The world is so big and I have seen so very little of it. But, if I had to choose a handful, Korea would definitely be on the list as would India and Italy. Peru for certain. Hungary, possibly? It's honestly a toss up between Hungary and Morocco. Most of these are based on their cuisines by the way.  What about you? You mentioned you loved traveling too? Any traveling anecdotes to share? Or places you'd live to visit? 

Well, just because you don't cook for yourself often doesn't mean you can't enjoy food….any particular favorites? I tend to just make whatever catches my eye and my stomach. Like, for instance, this week I made a large batch of corned beef and colcannon. Once those leftovers are eaten, I plan on making jajangmyeon with some squid I have in the freezer. Or maybe I'll make a curry…. Huh. Well.  Now I have a dilemma. I'll figure it out. Anyway. Baking! That's so neat! I don't bake often because I dislike the measuring aspect of it. I much prefer methods and recipes where I can cook by sight and smell. Are there any baked goods you prefer? 

I'm of the same opinion on choosing favorites….it really does come down to cases….like context and detail are everything really. And sometimes it's just hard to articulate why something resonates. I've not read any of the books you've mentioned so I'll have to look into them eventually. I'm not a big shipping fic type person when it comes to Real Person Fic….reader insert is preferable to me because it feels more like sharing a daydream with a friend. If that makes sense. I have no problem with those that do read it of course, we all have our own preferences. I've read some of marshmallow-phd's works, she's very talented! As for guardians-of-exo I'm not sure if I have read anything of thiers, but to be fair I've been mostly reading Harry Potter fic recently. 

Donnie Darko! I have only watched it once but that movie stuck with me as one I recommend to people often. The sequel was good but…I was somewhat disappointed with it though I never quite been able to put my finger on why. The others I'll add to my list of things to look into, though the Lotr and Starwars and HP I don't need to lol. 

Gilmore girls is an awesome show! Though I still need to finish it. I think I stopped watching right around the time when Luke and Lorelai first got together. Kinda like…hey this is where the happy ending starts…I don't need to watch the writers potentially ruin it. I'm assuming Bad Prosecutor is good? I mean it has Kyungsoo in it so I doubt it's bad. I'm waiting til it's finished before I binge it. ….honestly my list of "I need to watch this" is horrifically long lol. 

And thank-you! Its something I've never understood, even though I'm guilty of it myself at times…if you're asked for what you'd like in terms of a gift …why not offer a few choices? Like you mentioned, saying: "anything really!" is not helpful. Especially when it comes to events like this. Irl I've taken to telling my family if you don't give me at least a short list to pick from I'm not getting you anything. We're all adults at this point and we don't see each other often. How am I expected to know what you'd enjoy? And before I get into a tirade about social niceties not making sense we shall change the subject lol. 

So. When reading fic, do you have any aus that you gravitate to? Any tropes you get irrationally excited over? Do you like art? Do you have a favourite photoshoot for Chanyeol? Favourite exo stage? If you had to pick an environment to live in for the rest of your life what would you choose..dobyoubhave areas on areas on the choice? (City, country, suburbs, desert  rainforest, forest. Etc.) You said you like space, yes? Do you have a favorite constellation? Nebula? Planet? What about space makes you go: Yes. THIS.? 

Hope your week goes well! 

Hello, dear secret santa! ✨️

I am already excited to answer your questions at the end!! But let’s start from the top xD

I don’t like to think about Sehun and Jongin going either :c Aren’t they like… babies? Is that even legal? Joking aside tho, I was so thrilled to have at least 5 of them playing silly little games in the Acorn Market videos – I really can’t wait for having them all together in a room again and mayyybeee even having a group comeback early next year, when Baekhyun’s back and Sehun and Jongin haven’t left yet… but yeah, I’m delusional like that xD a true clown, ready to face disappointment if it doesn’t end up to happen like that xD

I totally get your travelling mentality – there are so so many places to see! I love your little selection here ^^ I have been to Hungary and Italy before and of course also got tastes of the local cuisines and even if I’m not really a fan of Hungarian food, it’s always different to taste it in the actual country so I enjoyed it a lot still. I really hope you can visit all these places and try all the local dishes you want :DD My own travelling bucket list also has Korea way on top, and Japan and Taiwan, and a couple of European countries I haven’t been to yet, for example some places in Spain, Portugal or Iceland. Morocco is also one of the places I’d really like to see too. And then of course there are countries I’ve already been to but want to see again. I’m really interested in languages, cultures and history so that is where the interest for all these places comes from for me.

Haha, please feel free to share what dish you settled for ^^ Because you mentioned it: Jjajangmyeon is actually one of my favourite Korean dishes. I tried in a Korean restaurant and loved it ever since. But other than that, I’m really your average pizza-pasta-burger kind of person xD But I think it’s so cool to be able to cook so many different dishes and to be open to try out whatever interests you. You can experience a part of another country right there in your kitchen like that – I really like that concept ^^ For baking, I really like the good ol’ cakes because they are so easy to share and  can be very versatile too!     

Your explanation makes perfect sense! As you said, everybody has their own preferences, and I can totally get behind your reasoning here. I used to like reading (and sometimes even writing) both, but these days I don’t really get to read new fics (I have too many other books to read xDD) and always come back to my one, all-time-favourite when I need a comfort read, hehe. From guardians-of-exo I can recommend her Songfic series with the EXO members, if you want to check her writing out! It’s really amazing!

I’ve actually never seen the sequel to Donnie Darko, but yes, the first movie has this peculiar, eerie feel to is that really memorable! The other two I recommended also have a certain peculiarity to them, but are totally different in character, hehe. I feel you with your too long to-watch-list tho xDD

So, now to your questions (I’ve done a lot of thinking on these):

Mostly, I am gravitating to fics in academic contexts like College!AUs and also a different musical context than being an Idol like Band!AUs (……it’s gotta be so obvious that Chanyeol is my bias xD) but I also enjoy to read fantasy themed stuff. For tropes, it’s definitely slowburn romance that just grabs me the easiest. There is something so sweet about reading how two characters get close and then closer and then a tiny bit closer and then they realize the have feelings for each other and it’s the most obvious thing but they fail to see it until the end xD I also like a good amount of angst if it ends well and fluffy, like, I am a b*tch for hurt/comfort stuff. And of course tropes that feel very domestic like “…and they were roommates” and they are having the most fun hanging around each other – doesn’t matter which relationship the characters have. And, as I said, I get totally mental over anything music related – crazy dance parties in the living room, making music together, “hey listen to this I think you’d like this”, you name it. ^^

I am very interested in art! I have very minimal knowledge about it haha but I love going to art museums and learn and see and explore what emotions an artwork can communicate.

My favourite photoshoot…. This one’s so hard, oh god. Well, we’ve got the iconic Acqua di Parma shoot for the W Korea Magazine for November 2019. And the one for March 2019 too, once we’re on it xD absolutely otherworldy beautiful, both of these in their own very special ways *^* also everything from the 1 Billion Vjews (longish hair on him was just <333), Love Shot, The War and Exodus and- I will stop here bc otherwise there would be no stopping. I just think he’s always beautiful, always has been :c I still hope my little selection helps you a bit ^^'

For the environment, I grew up in the countryside so I love it there, how calm and familiar nature is. But some sort of bigger city should be nearby, for all the exciting activities, like museums or concerts and all that. If I can choose I want the best of both worlds xD

Anyway, I love love love space, it’s so fascinating! I don’t have a favourite constellation per se, but my favourite stellar object is the Pleiades star cluster (because of the mythology behind it) and my favourite planet is Jupiter, I think. Or Saturn. I generally love our gas giants <3 It’s both the philosophical and scientific aspect of space that makes my brain whirr, they go hand in hand really. It’s just… our home. Our gigantic, infinite, ever-growing home and we are just a teeny-tiny speck of dust in this vast infinity that holds so much - much more than we can fit in our heads. And yet, here we are still exploring it, doing research, wanting to know what forces work out there, how they work, what is out there in general and if we are alone in this universe. The size of it all makes me feel small in a very calming way, shows me this sort of nihilistic positivity that makes me feel less anxious about life at times. And then again, this ever-expanding and growing universe full of contraditing phenomenons and complex workings and colours, particles, elements and shining stars and deep darkness is something I think we can find in ourselves too. We as humans, as persons are always growing, are full of wonders, of light and dark and complexities that make us us - that let us feel and think in our very own beautiful and unique way. As a wise korean musician called Park Chanyeol once said, I am also a universe. And you are a universe as well. It describes all I really love about people so well. And that's what I love about space too.

Now I talked a whole bunch again xD I forgot if I asked alredy but do you have any favourite books, movies, series you can recommend? Including fanfics too. What kind of fanfics do you like best? Anything that just gets you everytime no matter how often you've read it before? And if you want to share your thoughts on art and space, you always can ^^ like are you interested in these too, any particular favourites? or are you not too much into that? and another things i've meant to ask (only if it doesn't give too much away ofc): What kind of music do you like, what songs do you listen to the most these days?

Anyway, this was pretty messy, I hope you're having a good halloween season~ 🎃

[thedrarrylibrarian]

Happiest of Fridays and Warmest of Welcomes to our guest, @softlystarstruck. I am so excited for them to join us in the library today!

I first loved Bee for their own brilliant prose, but quickly fell in love with their softly reading weekly rec lists (due to time constraints they aren't currently creating new lists - understandable! But be sure to search their tag “softly reading” to find their previous lists) Bee's blog is aptly named because they bring a sense of soft love and acceptance to everything they write or rec - everytime I visit their blog I feel like my heart is taking a deep breath and I'm able to find a moment of peace. I knew they'd be a great guest for the library and I've been so excited to see what lovely fic they'd share with us. They didn't disappoint me, and they wont disappoint you either, so without further ado, I'll let Bee give their fic rec!

Hello and happy Friday!

I’m so excited the Librarian asked me to collaborate on a rec–I’ve found so many fantastic fics through their thoughtful rec lists. When they reached out to me, I was at a loss for what to talk about, because I read a lot of fic. But then I started thinking about fics that hold a special place in my heart, fics that I come back to over and over like I’m reaching for a hand-knit blanket in the winter, and I knew exactly which one I wanted to bring to Happy Hour:

To Vanish Into Something Better by the fantastic @m0srael (35,094 words, rated E)

Harry Potter thought he could outrun the burden of infamy by isolating himself in the Muggle world. Draco Malfoy hasn’t been seen or heard from since his trial. Will a top-secret Ministry project, a beautiful garden, and a little heat carry them both home?

This fic was written for H/D Erised 2021, and I was lucky enough to help with it and see Mose build this story from the ground up. Through careful plot points and beautiful prose, Mose creates a lush, evocative, and mysterious environment at the Manor that stands in stark contrast to Harry’s life at the beginning of the story. Here are just a few reasons this fic is one of my favorites: 

⭑ The magical theory is absolutely stunning.

Mose never fails to write creative magical theory, and this fic is no exception. As Harry grows into his career as a magical architect, we get to experience the possibilities of magical structures, like these charms that can be built into a home: “a laundry charm specifically designed to sort clean clothes by owner, a charm for the entryway that recognizes each family member’s magical signature and announces their arrival.” Additionally, the natural magic that Harry encounters is so vivid you can nearly smell the blossoms and feel the soft grass underfoot. Magic works in distinct and varied ways throughout this story, always humming underneath the characters' daily lives or surging to the surface at critical moments. 

⭑ Harry’s growth as a character is wonderfully hopeful.

At the beginning of this story, Harry is not in contact with his loved ones and has just broken up with his Muggle boyfriend. He’s at a low point, overwhelmed and alone, and focuses on his work to stay afloat. However, as the storyline of this fic flourishes, so does Harry’s happiness. Mose writes Harry realistically struggling to find his place, but it is always threaded through with a tenacious sense of hope for something better. If you need the comfort of a hard-earned happy ending, this fic is perfect– Mose guides you through the highs and lows with a steady, careful hand.

⭑ There is mystery! And intrigue!

I won’t elaborate too much on this point for fear of spoilers, but if you love a Ministry with obscure intentions and Harry being absolutely baffled by a reclusive (and long-haired and gorgeous) Draco, this is the fic for you. It’s so satisfying to uncover the truth of everything right alongside Harry, and the climax of this story absolutely blows me away no matter how many times I reread it. 

⭑ The prose is stunning. 

Pretty much all I’ve got for this is a quote: “The early morning sun streams over the horizon and in through the window above the kitchen sink, warm and honey-gold. Draco squints his eyes as the long, drooping catkins of the hazel tree outside waver on the wind like dancing caterpillars and send showers of light dripping across his face.” This story is full of beautiful, sense-filled imagery that lingers like warmth on a late spring afternoon. 

I could go on and on about this fic, but instead you should just go and experience it for yourself! If you love it as much as I do, don’t forget to leave kudos, drop a comment, and check out Mose’s many other works. Also, take a look at this beautiful artwork by the talented @helle-bored! Thank you again to the Librarian for inviting me to Happy Hour, and for all the hard work they do 💖

If you enjoyed this rec and want to find more recs by guests, check out the Friends of the Library page at the top of my blog!

A big thank you again to @softlystarstruck for this incredible rec - one that I haven't read yet (but am eager to start!)

❤️ As always, if you find a fic you enjoy, please remember to leave the author a kudos or a comment! ❤️

Lots of Love and Happy Friday!

[l4verq]

crossed out | b.b

bucky barnes x reader

in which you’re one of the names on bucky’s list

warnings : angst, fluff?, mentions of choking

fic : one shot

a/n : u know i’m a sucker for therapy bucky lol

He should have skipped today’s session.

Cause he’s starting to regret coming when she brings it up.

“You gonna tell me about her?” Cecelia questions, casually flicking through a thick folder labelled James B.B.

But it was never casual.

Bucky knew she was observing his every move, his every tick. And he’d been pretty good at faking through every session until now.

“I thought you were helping me make amends.” He forges an unamused smile, which was second nature now.

“Yes and that’s why I asked you about her.” She looks up from the folder, the smallest smile tugging at her lips.

“It says here that you guys were complicated.” She continues, eyes skimming over a particular page.

Complicated was the last thing he’d use to describe it.

Cause it was the one thing that gave him some clarity, hope that he could be deserving of love again someday.

“We used to date. We broke up.” He gruffs, crossing his arms.

Maybe he should fake a mechanical failure in his arm, reschedule for another time.

“Do you still love her?”

He doesn’t answer but it’s written all over his face and Cecelia can read him like a book.

She turns over his list that she’d assigned him to make, eyes trailing down names until it reaches a hastily crossed out name at the end.

“Why don’t we pick this up next week? I hope you’ll be more comfortable to talk about it then.” She hands him back the small, black notebook.

He hesitantly takes it back, his feet already springing to get out of the room.

Was it just him or was the air running out in this tiny room.

“And, James?” She calls out.

He looks back, slightly winded.

“Remember, sometimes you need to just take a leap of faith, trust your heart.”

He nods solemnly, almost tripping over his legs trying to get to the door.

Hands fumbling over the handle, he’s greeted by a rush of cool air when he finally opens the goddamn door.

He stuffs the notebook in his pocket, taking big strides towards the exit.

It’s the same everyday.

Keep his head down, one sharp left, stop by the nearby cafe if he feels like it.

But today, he takes a right, taking out his flip phone he prefers to the touch screens these days.

Punching in the only number he knows, his stomach’s doing flips.

Don’t pick up, don’t pick up.

“So you do know how to call someone.” Sam picks up after a few rings.

He could almost hear the stupid smirk.

“How are you?” He cringes, the grip on his phone tightening.

It’s a small pause before Sam chuckles, “Y/N’s doing fine. In fact, she just got back from a mission in Prague yesterday.”

Of course, you’d still be going on missions, it was the only thing you knew.

“That’s not why I called.” He huffs, leaning against his car now.

It was an old, beat up Honda that he’d fixed up from the local junkyard.

“Really? Then enlighten me.”

It was Cecelia’s fault for bringing you up. If she hadn’t brought her up, he wouldn’t be here doing this.

“Where is she?” He closes his eyes, wanting the ground to just crack open and swallow him whole.

“Right where you left her.”

He mumbles a hasty goodbye cause he’s not sure he can trust himself to keep his composure any longer.

Getting into the car, he pulls out the notebook, going through the list.

He’d ticked off the list last month, even adding a few more names just to avoid the crossed out name at the end.

He jams the keys in, the car purring to life, before he can change his mind.

-

The door is taunting him.

He doesn’t know how but it is.

A quick exhale and he raises his hand to knock on it, half hoping you won’t open it.

But you do.

He always loved your eyes cause they held so much life to them.

Like for now, confusion morphing to recognition and rage in an instant.

You’re in bad shape, he can gather from the slight limp and bruises.

It feels like forever before you call his name in disbelief, what he’s longed to hear for so long.

He wishes you’d curse him out, hit him or tell him to go away cause that’s what he deserves.

But you don’t.

Instead, your pretty eyes brim with tears.

“Don’t.” He grits his teeth, unable to meet your eyes.

He always hated to see you cry.

“Then, why’d you leave?” Your voice breaks as months of bottled up heartache pour out.

He had to.

You were the only right thing he’d done in a long long time and he couldn’t mess it up.

“I needed to fix myself before I could trust myself around you.”

He grimaces as he remembers the life draining out of your face, while his hands were wrapped around your neck.

That very night he’d left, requested for therapy and could only hope it would work.

But it didn’t.

There was no fixing anything, he’d realised that waking up from nightmares far too many times.

“You could have picked up the phone.” Your voice barely above a whisper, stinging like a nasty burn.

He almost did, everytime.

But he hated himself too much to allow that.

“I’m sorry.” That’s all he can whisper, fighting the urge to take you in his arms.

“If you’d just let me in, realise that I do understand you.” You’re basically pleading at this point but you don’t care.

“I know you do. But you don’t have to. You deserve a better guy.” He says the same thing when he left like a broken radio.

“There is no better guy for me, Bucky. Why can’t you get that through your thick skull?” You limp over closer to him.

You know he’s focused only on your limp, eyes filled with concern as they rake over your wounds.

“Does it hurt?”

The same thing he always used to ask after a mission while tending to your injuries.

“Yea, here.” You pat the left side of your chest, biting down a smile.

He has to fight back one too, but it’s kinda hard.

You meet his eyes, a little too long cause you’ve missed gazing into them every morning.

Maybe this is the leap of faith Cecelia keeps droning on about, he thinks as he leans in, “We should take a look at that, then.”

You sniffle, “I’m still mad at you.”

He laughs, which involuntarily makes you 2% less mad.

“I missed you.” He whispers, his lips inches away from yours.

You don’t have to say it back cause he knows.

He leans in closer, ghosting over your lips, waiting for your approval.

You close the distance, lips crashing into his almost in desperation.

Which you regret almost immediately cause you taste blood.

A split lip and kissing, not so pretty.

He pulls away and you mewl, pulling him back.

“You’re only making your lips worse.” He chuckles, hands slipping into yours.

Instead, he kisses your forehead, trailing all the way to your lips where he pecks them gently.

“I’m sorry.” He whispers again, head leaning on yours.

“I forgave you a long time ago. I was just waiting for you to come back.” You sob, tears springing out again.

He pulls you into his chest, steady hands you’ve craved for so long.

Gently rocking you back and forth, he strokes your hair, fleeting kisses to calm you down.

You’re struggling to keep your legs stable as your eyes grow heavy but you ignore the blatant aches in your body cause you don’t want to leave his embrace.

And he somehow always seems to notice.

“You need to rest.”

You shake your head, holding onto him even tighter.

He knows he won’t win against your stubborn ass so he lifts you up carefully, legs swinging over his arms while you snake your hands around his neck for support.

“Stay.” You mumble as he takes you in the room you two used to share.

And he does.

Boy, was Cecelia in for a ride next session.

-

a/n : im cringing as i post this🧎🏻‍♀️🔫🏃🏻‍♀️jsneyswjausowkaw but supeerr excited for tfatws this friday :)) also i named bucky’s therapist for convenience lol im pretty sure she’s not named in the first ep? i could be wrong tho

[snow-in-the-desert]

Dramione Recommendations

Ok so, 2020 has been A LOT but on a personal note one of the most surprising things to happen was me discovering Dramione fanfiction and becoming unashamedly obsessed with it. I really didn’t see that coming but I’m here now and I’m here to stay. 

I think I started reading in the Dramione fandom around mid July last year?? (In all honesty I’ve lost any true sense of time’s progression at this point so I could be well off the mark with that) And I’ve decided to compile a list of all my favourite fics I’ve read so far. Why? I really just want to gush over all the amazing writers I have found through this fandom because y’all deserve it. 

Side note: If any of the authors actually sees this post just dm so I can buy you coffee or post you writing supplies or something idk I feel like that’s the least I can do for all your amazing work x

Remain Nameless by @heyjude19-writing

Ok I have to start with RN because this fic is pretty much the sole reason I decided to create an account with A03 or a tumblr or just decided to get involved with this fandom at all. 

I headcannon this story hard. But I think even if you aren’t a fan of Dramione you should just read this because it is so unbelievably good and well written and poignant and Draco’s sarcastic personality in this is truly a thing of beauty in this - I relate to his inner monologue’s on a deep personal level. 

I could rave about this story any time, any day of the week, just ask me. In fact, maybe I’ll just start a HeyJude19 fan club to fulfill that urge.

There are so many elements that I love but for the sake of brevity, RN is a beautifully told story of Draco and Hermione finding love and healing in a post-war HP setting. Heyjude19 had the very special ability of making me want to simulatenously laugh, cry and swoon with the power of her words. Just stop what you are doing and go read it now if you havent already, ok?  

I also really enjoyed reading Bells on a Hill, Beers, Potions and Unwise Notions and A Shift in Focus, if you are looking for smaller fics, definitely give these a go. They are all funny and heartfelt stoires that will make your tippy toes wriggle with glee. 

The Rights and Wrongs Series by @lovesbitca8

The Right Thing To Do, All The Wrong Things and The Auction are the holy trinity of Dramione writing. I have christened it thus, so mote it be. And frankly I’m not interested in any other opinion than that one, thank you very much!

After reading this series I don’t think I’ll be able to look back on the orginal HP books without thinking of Hermione’s and Draco’s memories of their time at Hogwarts in these fics as anything other than strictly cannon. 

So many things to love about this series but I think one of the major highlights was Hermione and Draco’s use of occlumency. LoveBitca8 created such beautiful visuals with how occlumency works as a magical practice and seeing Draco and Hermione so devoted to eachother to the point of safeguarding their inner most feelings to protect eachother was unbelievably romantic and poetic. 

Also the smut is divine ;)

Manacled by @senlinyu​

My heart will never be the same after reading this story. Like I actually can’t think about this fic without getting a lump at the back of my throat. I have never felt so emotionally ruined after reading anything, compared to the likes of this fic. Just please, please read it. To badly quote HP, reading Manacled will make you suffer but you’re going to be happy about it.

The flashbacks are a rollercoaster in of themselves but the way Hermione inadvertently refers to them when she is still in a state of memory loss was so heartbreaking to read. My heart still aches for them both. Also its a truly satisfying to see Draco and Hermione written in a way were they are both so fiercly protective of one another. They make my insides go soft. 

I also really enjoyed Snow Fall, Now Is A Gift and All You Want by the author but to be honest anything written by Senlinyu is always thoroughly enjoyable and worth a look. 

The Erised Effect by @adaprix​

Ada is QUEEN of dramione smut but ‘The Erised Effect’ is top tier. Its equal parts funny, romantic, sentimental and oh so sexy. Ada really knows how to build and build on sexual tension and doesn’t disappoint on the final delivery. I’m a big admirer of her writing style and just veraciously read whatever she posts but ‘The Erised Effect’ is just golden. A must read. (Also Pansy’s sexual fantasy in this story is a visual I don’t think I’ll ever be able to remove from my brain so thanks for that Ada)

Also quick side note: Adaprix’ stories were the first I read when I was looking into this fandom and it was enough to get me hooked on the pairing from the get go so I have that to thank Ada for too. I remember devouring all the stories she had posted to A03 and when I was done I was like... now what am I supposed to do with my life?? And that’s basically when I began to look deeper into the fandom and thus the course of my life in 2020 changed for the better. 

Some other stories I love by her are Break for Me, All My Sins, The Big 4-0, The Fucklust Series and The Flat in Bath. 

Clean by @olivieblake​

This 6th Year AU where Draco and Hermione work together on a class assignment and end up falling in love had me feeling all kinds of ways when I read it. I almost don’t know where to start but I think one of the stand out things for me was how immersed I felt in reading it. 

Hogwarts is captured really well, you get a good sense of class atmospheres, character nuances and behind the scenes of events that happen in HBP but from a Draco and Hermione’s perspectives. It’s well executed and intricate tapestry of a fic. With an excellent plot twist ending! 

Also Hermione and Draco’s relationship in this is equal parts fluffy and smutty and it just ticks all the right boxes that you want to see for those characters ;)

Breath Mints / Battle Scars by @onyx-and-elm​

The angst in this one is just *chef’s kiss*

God I love this fic. The way Draco is portrayed is very true to his defensive and tetchy character in the original books but he is also given so much more depth. The way his diary entries are written are just so well executed. It’s a true testament to the author’s creative writing skill. And I LOVE how even though Draco is clearly in such a messed up place, he still has a basic level of self respect and dignity that he won’t tolerate being used or undervalued in his relationship with Hermione. 

Yep, I really love Draco’s characterisation in this one if you can’t tell.  But Hermione is also well written too. Her stuggles and trauma of returning to Hogwarts after war is described in a believable and grounded way. And my heart definitely ached for them both. I just wanted to wrap the pair of them in a big fuzzy blanket and tell them that everything will be alright. 

WANDS OUT! by @persephonestone​

This murder mystery / Dramione / Theo x Harry / AU crossover is everything I didn’t know I wanted until I read it. I felt like I was picked up and plonked right into an alternative dimension where all the characters of HP are just living it up in an Agatha Christie novel. 

It’s a funny and clever story that I found refreshing to read amongst all the other fanfics that are usually cemented in the HP timeline or universe. Theodore Nott in this fic is perfection he should be written like this in every fic from now on in my opinion. I couldn’t stop giggling any time he had a scene in the story.

And the ‘only one bed’ trope in this fic is 10/10. I don’t want to give spoilers but ohmygod. It hits all the right notes. 

The One With Technical Difficulties by cassielassie 

Cassielassie has an excellent three part series of Dramone called ‘The One with...” but I have to give special credit to this story in particular for one main reason. ELEVATOR TROPES. I can’t get enough of em. I think I have my early childhood viewings of NCIS to thank for my obsession with elevator tropes they just do something to me that simply cannot be explained with mere words. The palpable sexual tension of being in a broken down elevator with an ‘enemies to lovers’ pairing, a heated arguement breaks out followed by a discovery of mutual feelings and a romantic embrace...

Eugh. It gets me everytime. And this fic is no exception. I loved it for all the reasons I’ve already stated above but also for the attention to detail in Draco and Hermione’s careers makes this one particularly immersive. The dynamics between them established in this one-shot are convincingly portrayed and the chemistry between them is so undeniably hot. 

The Light is No Mystery by @masterofinfinities​

Yooo if you want to read a dramione fic that is a deep dive into Pureblood culture and Post-War recovery but is also a perfect allegory for discrimination and today’s political landscape of moral grandstanding for votes then look no further than this one. 

This story has a bit of everything. Intrigue, mystery, ptsd and recovery, enemies to lovers / secret relationship, government conspiracy and humour, to name a few. I eargerly await every update to this story and am anxious to know how it ends!

The Eagle’s Nest by HeartOfAspen 

Finally! A fic that gives me the Ravenclaw representation I crave. I think I could recommend this fic on the lore depicted of Ravenclaw house alone. ‘The Stacks’ and Rowena Ravenclaw’s own ‘come and go room’ are just such cool details that I could see being real in the HP universe. 

This fic is so cosy and makes me feel like I’m just popping back into Hogwarts for another year. You get to see all the usuals like prof. Mcgongall, Nearly headless Nick, PEEVES, Hagrid, as well as learn more about minor characters from the other school houses. The story follows Hermione going to her day to day classes and there are interesting concepts about magic and alchemy that are explored. 

Draco and Hermione’s relationship in this one is of course very fluffy and heartfelt. But it’s the attention to detail that really makes this fic outstanding and the experience of reading it feels fleshed out and true to HP universe.

A shorter fic by HeartofAspen that I recommend is one called Set in Stone, it has an adventurous, Indianna Jones vibe to it, that I am so down for. 

Teachable Moments by @purplesugarquills

In this fic Hermione is an innocent little virgin determined to learn everything about sex. And Draco Malfoy is her tutor. If that isn’t enough to get you on board then I don’t know what is. Both Heartfelt and Steamy. PurpleSugarQuills writes smut so well but it’s the progression of their growing attachment and the nervous treading of new uncharted waters of romantic relationships for both of them that just adds a whole other level of feels to the story. Also chapter 9 is like reading poetry - its so good. Eugh just give it a read if you haven’t already.

Les Pèlerins by @pacific-rimbaud

This story is high art. It’s transcendent. Reading this story feels like the emotional equivalent of standing around a hundred glowing fairy lights, sipping hot cocoa and being wrapped in the loving embrace of a s/o. I can’t speak my praises highly enough or even become passably coherent in my words when I try to articulate a review. 

From the very first paragraph I felt like I was just whisked away on a Parisian holiday and I’ve never even bloody been to Paris but damn it if this story didn’t make me feel like I was there. The writing style is just so tactile and intense it’s like I could feel the cold winter air brush against me as I read it. Eugh I just completely fell in love with the story and the writer. 

New Year’s resolution. Read everything PacificRimbaud has ever posted online. 

[gildedmuse]

Hey, everyone.

So recently I've (predictably) very not well. Actually, whenever I don't post for long periods, just assume my body is trying to kill me. But I've gotten messages from three people asking if I. Okay, which is super sweet. I am actually trying to work on the next All Hearts, a really long ZoLaw post and two request fics, but mixing chronic kidney pain and capitalist society's mandate to work 40+ hours is not recommended.

But to prove I'm okay and still me, here is some Shanks antics with him being a total slut while Mihawk and Beckman just roll their eyes and go along with it. [Shout out to @jhaernyl who not only listens to me ramble about this stuff, but actively encourages it]. I also have many thoughts on the latest episodes and so many screenshots it's embarrassing. Hopefully, when I'm in less pain, I'll get around to actually posting those. Otherwise I just look like an insane person who literally takes by the second frame shots every time Zoro is on screen.

.... What is that? I look like that anyway? Fair.

Shanks Is A Bad Influence

It feels like Buggy and Shanks split up after Roger's death (the crew was told to, and they are the only ones who went to his execution) and I find it impossible to think Shanks didn't immediately set out and find a crew; like, pirating is the only thing this kid knows in life. This means two things:

He set out from East Blue. Also, he seemed at ease and familiar with the East so it's possible he spent like a year there getting everything together. Maybe he even played around in the other blues for a while before heading back to the Grand Line. I say this because his crew is from all over so either he found and recruited them in the Grand Line or visited various blues. Either way, I'm gonna say it took him about two years before getting a 'proper' start. In that case, he would have started out properly at the age of 17 and we know One Piece likes it's parallels.

That still puts Shanks at 17 to Benn Beckmen's 28. How the fuck did Shanks manage that? I'd call it grave robbing, but let's face it, the little tyke probably got up to some actual robbing of graves as well.

My point being everytime Shanks teases Mihawk about keeping this 19 year old kid on his personal island, mostly shirtless, Benn Beckmen just lifts an eyebrow.

Excuse me, captain, who had prefected the 'opps still don't have my sea legs' trip-and-fall into their first mates lap by the age of 17?

Shanks: Beckmen, you caught me! *Shamelessly nuzzles up* Thank goodness! I could be a devil's fruit user after all and - Ahh!

Benn: *Drops Shanks straight over the side of the ship into the water*

Shanks: *Sputtering* What what that!?

Benn: Checking to see if you had eaten a devil's fruit on us, Capatin.

Benn: You didn't.

Smart ass. But he can't resist Shanks forever. Shanks will wear him down eventually.

Next time Mihawk tracks him down for another match - because you know he gets bored way quicker than he'll ever admit and Shanks is at least amusing a challenge - Shanks makes a big deal out of how Mihawk follows him around, "accidentally" revealing they slept together, sighing about how it's so hard to resist him.

Benn Beckmen is just leaning against the side of the ship, sipping his booze.

Shanks: -and I can't stay for hours like last time!!

Mihawk: Are you quite done?

Shanks: *whispering* Does Benn look jealous?

Mihawk: He looks bored. Much like I am. Is this some strange attempt to get out of my challenge, Akagami?

Shanks: What? No, come on I told you I was game. But, hey, could you do me a favor? Maybe like try and kiss me or something? Like take a swing like your going to hit me but then stop shot and grab me by the waist instead.

Mihawk: .... Trickery is beneath you. Besides, you're absolute rubbish at it.

Shanks: Oh, come on, I would totally help you get laid if you asked!

Mihawk: .... *Sigh* I want a proper match afterwards.

Mihawk: *In a forced, monotone voice* After this I will take you to my lair and have my way with you, Akagami.

Mihawk: ... My lair? Really?

Shanks: *Holding up cue card with quickly scribbled line* What? That is how you talk.

Mihawk: I can't believe I wasted precious hours of light tracking you to this atrociously rural port.

Shanks: See? Now, read the next one.

Benn: Captain? If this is going to take all night, I am going to go join the rest of the men in the tavern.

Shanks: Huh? Wait! Benn! What if Miha really stabs me this time!?

Benn: *Salutes Shanks with his bottle* Sounds like that is his plan captain. Have a good 'challenge'.

Shanks: What? No... *Reaching out hand, like he might die if Benn leaves, looking completely devastated* Not even a little jealous...

Mihawk: You couldn't have thought that pantomime would actually work.

Shanks: Benny, don't leave me.... *Turns to Mihawk, immediately brightening* Oh, well, there's always tomorrow. Hey, Miha, guess whose free all night and horny as a pirate in the calm belt?

Mihawk: .... *Sigh* Very well.

Mihawk might as well get something for the trip he made. Although, he's reconsidering if the sex was actually worth the trouble after he ends up listening to Shanks worry half the night that Benn is shacking up with someone else (after a couple hours of rough and raw fucking, admittedly).

Is it the hat? He likes his captain's hat. Miha, you think his captain's hat is sexy, don't you?

Mihawk: It's utterly ridiculous.

Shanks: ....

Shanks: ....

Shanks: *Smile* Ahh, Miha, I knew you liked the hat!

Shanks: What do you old Northerns find sexy?

Mihawk: I am only four years older than you.

Mihawk: And silence.

Trying to convince Mihawk to go spy on Beckman for him. Shanks doesn't actually care if he does sleep with someone else, it's more that Beckman didn't immediately turn angry and jealous like Buggy would have that has him paranoid.

Mihawk is going to fuck this annoying red head again just to shut him up.

Mihawk: Maybe he doesn't like red haired boys who don't know when to be quiet?

The next morning Shanks is pacing among his poor crew that's gotten stuck listening to Shanks obsess about Beckman again. IS IT REALLY THE HAIR!?

It's not even a matter of Shanks's age (or obvious immaturity). I mean, Beckman got on board and stayed, didn't he? Beckman just enjoys watching Shanks try so hard to get his attention. Like Benn's attention isn't constantly on Shanks. He had to when his captain is always one step away from disaster.

He only left him with Mihawk because it was clear Dracule is not a real danger to Beckman's captain.

Except maybe insulting him to death. But Beckman is pretty sure Shanks can handle it. He's met Buggy. He's suspects Shanks LIKES it if anything.

It gets to the point where when they dock somewhere and see Mihawk waiting, or come back to the ship and spot his familiar silhouette, most of the crew goes off somewhere for another drink (sometimes the newer kids will stay to watch such an awesome fight, everyone else is like... Look, you'll have plenty of opportunities later. This is not a one off.)

Benn just takes a look around, nods to Mihawk (a silent signal for, "he's all yours, do with him as you please, if anything happens to him I will track you down and make sure your last few hours on this blue world are as painful as humanly possible") and heads off.

Oh, it's just the Hawk boy.

That's fine then.

Benn use to be a sailor on a trade ship between the North, East, West and Grand Line. He's seen it all.

They called him The Gun Slinger BEFORE he joined Shanks's crew and became a pirate.

So this young, broke ass kid from the streets of some near artic northern island trying to pass himself off as a Lower North rich type has a thing for his captain? Not really enough to keep Beckman up at night, no matter how good at swords he's supposed to be

Besides, he's pretty sure for the kid to keep tracking down Shanks, he must be bored out of his skull. He's not going to do anything to endanger their captain.

Not if Shanks is the only thing he can find to keep him entertained.

One day, Mihawk is going to be waiting on the dock when a bunch of Red Haired pirates are stumbling home, laughing and chattering amongst themselves (Shanks's crew always seems to be in a good mood). One of them will catch sight if Mihawk and walk by with a smile, patting him on the shoulder.

The captain's occupied. Seems likely he'll be 'occupied' for a good while, too.

Mihawk won't smile, but he will think "So you finally warmed him up to you, Akagami?" and snort lightly.

Poor Benn, though. Mihawk could never imagine being with someone so much younger than him. Shanks is only four years his junior and already it strains Mihawk to put up with his occasional moments of "youthful whimsy" (aka being an annoying, immature child)

"A young, cocky pirate with strangely colored bright hair"

Mihawk just putting that on his Not To Do List.

That lasted until Roronoa.

(Mihawk just looking at Zoro knowing this is bad news.)

Mihawk: *Takes list from Benn*

*Cross out, scribbles*

*Hands back to Benn*

Do Not Do:

- A young, cocky pirate with strangely colored bright hair a silly hat, who is overly dramatic and in any way, shape or form related to Gol D Rogers.

Ace: Hey what's up?

Mihawk: *Takes list from Benn*

Go ahead, Benn, laugh it up. Mihawk is aware he has a type. Young, pretty, and utterly insane.

After that night where Shanks was otherwise 'occupied', it's over six months before Mihawk sees his friend his rival again. He is, as expected, far too smug and proud looking.

Shanks: Oh, Miha, so sorry you came all this way, I'm-

Benn: Well, I'm off, captain.

Shanks: What!? But we, you, I... Benn, hessoeexyarentyouworriedforyourcaptain?

Benn: *patting Mihawk on the shoulder* Have fun with him. Don't forget to return him by noon tomorrow, we have a schedule. Oh, but if you can babysit him for at least four hours? That would be great.

Shanks: BABYSIT!?

Mihawk: I suppose I can be troubled to do so.

Shanks: TROUBLED!?

Benn: Thanks, Hawkeyes. I owe you.

Shanks: *Fake tears clinging to his lashes* You two are so mean!

No, don't feel bad for him. Shanks is just trying to guilt the two of them into bed at the same time, and they both know it.

Thanks no thanks, they're not into that. But Shanks can be pretty cute when he's trying so hard (Benn) and at least he's not as boring as everything else in this world (Mihawk) so they allow him to keep up the act

Shanks: *looking at Zoro's wanted poster over Mihawk's shoulder* But I feel like you'd gladly go to bed with him and his captain if he asked. That doesn't seem fair to me. You'd never go that far with me and Benn.

Mihawk: *Eyes Benn*

Mihawk: *DEAD. ONLY.*

Mihawk: I have my reasons.

They can and do agree on plenty of things, including reciprocally not being that attracted to each other.

Shanks: Sounds fake to me

Shanks: But guys!

Shanks: This isn't about you

He's gonna need you guys to drop the egos and focus on what HE wants. I.E., being in the middle of two sexy Northern men.

Honestly, so mean to poor Shanks!

[writing-in-april]

Pleasant Surprise

Spencer Reid x Female Reader

Summary: Reader asks Spencer if she can try to be more dominant in the bedroom.

A/N: This is my 5th fic for my 750 follower celebration! This one was especially hard for me to finish, I’ve had a massive headache all day 🤕 it was also hard because this reader is definitely very different to how I am in real life. I hope you guys do enjoy it I tried really hard to make sure I could finish it today. Thank you @spencers-dria again for fueling all my sub Spencer fics this week and giving me this idea!!

Warnings: 18+, Reader is a bit nervous at first, Use of the name Bunny (F), Spencer is tied up, Hand job, Sex toy (wand vibrator M receiving), Edging

Main Masterlist Word count: 1.4K

“Hey Spencer?” You called from the bedroom of your apartment with Spencer just a little bit nervously, you couldn’t lose your nerve. it was now or never.

“Yes, bunny? What is it?” You always blushed a little everytime Spencer used that nickname, inside and outside the bedroom. Usually, Spencer was the dominant one in the bedroom. Recently however, you had been fantasizing what it would be like to have him underneath you for a change. You had been wondering endlessly how he would react. Would he beg for you quickly? Or would he be stubborn? Would he be a brat? Or would he be a good boy for you?

The questions wouldn’t stop bouncing around in your head and you finally decided that you needed to ask him if he would let you test it out. Your resolve dimmed just a little as Spencer entered the bedroom after you had not responded immediately.

“W-well I was wondering…”

“Wondering what?” He looked concerned now, his eyebrows raised high as he made his way to sit next to where you sat on the bed.

“I was wondering if maybeyouwouldletmedominateyou?” You rushed out, faster then even Spencer normally spoke when he was especially excited about something.

“Could you say that again I didn’t quite catch that.” He was probably thinking that there was a much more serious thing going on, you felt kind of bad that you unnecessarily worried him. Hopefully, you could actually get the words out, instead of worrying poor Spencer anymore, he already worried enough as is.

“I-I was wondering… If maybe you would let me dominate you?” Even if Spencer said no to your request, you were proud of yourself for finding the words to ask.

“Th-that’s not what I was expecting you to ask me…” He wrung his fingers while he stuttered, however he wasn’t rejecting you, he looked intrigued if anything.

“But, would you be interested in it Spencer?” You bit your lip in anticipation, pretty sure that he was probably interested just by reading his immediate reaction to your request. His eyes were focused intently on you with his pupils blown wide and when you looked at his slacks you could tell that they were tightening slightly.

“Yes.” Once he had confirmed that this was something that he wanted, your confidence returned, and you were ready to unleash all your thoughts onto Spencer.

“You’ll let me know if it’s too much?” He snickered a little at your worry, probably thinking that you weren’t even going to get close to his threshold. However, you had some pretty extreme plans up your sleeve.

“Of course, bunny.”

—-

You now had him laying down on the bed completely naked, legs spread and a tie he no longer really used knotted around his wrists bound to the bed frame. Spencer’s eyes were wild and desperate already with his cock hard leaking precum all over his belly. You hadn’t even really touched him yet besides a few kisses. Spencer definitely wasn’t expecting you to be this prepared.

Grabbing the lube and opening it you then dripped it over his leaking cock, making sure to make a show of it before wrapping your hands around his length. You started to jerk him slowly, barely even really brushing over the skin causing Spencer to let out a beautiful high pitched whine.

“Does that feel good baby?” You teased, knowing it wasn’t nearly enough for any kind of relief, really only serving to spread the lube around. Then you moved your mouth down near his cock letting your hot breath hit him while you continued your lazy hand movements.

“Bunnyyy- Bunny, Will you please let me touch you?!” Before you had started, you had asked him to still call you bunny, finding it quite amusing how he was begging for mercy so easily while using a moniker normally associated with submissives. You hummed and thought about his request for a moment while he writhed in desperation underneath you.

“No, I don’t think you’re nearly desperate enough for me yet. We’ve only just started.” He was most definitely one to beg easily, after all you had only been jerking his cock for a minute before he had already started pleading. You continued to pull pleas from him, only speeding up slightly when you wanted to make his moans just a little bit louder. When you could tell he was going to cum soon you pulled away, his hips bucking up off the bed

“Please! Bunny- free me, let me touch you! You know I’ll make it feel good!” His pleas did little to convince you, you still had so much planned. You then went under your bed to pull out your secret weapon. Your hitachi magic wand. The wand was normally used by Spencer to edge you and you thought it was time for a little bit of payback.

“Remember to let me know if it's too much for you, Spencer.” You said as you made your way back to him armed with the rechargeable vibrator. Spencer’s eyes were wild as he nodded in confirmation.

It roared to life when you pressed the power button, then you brought it to his cock lightly while you sat on top of his thighs. When you started to focus the vibrations at the head of his cock his thighs started to shake under you and his eyes rolled back.

“Remember to ask for permission.” Taunting him evilly while you turned up the vibrations to a slightly higher setting.

“I cant- I cant, I’m gonna cum!” He cried, with involuntary tears now rolling down his cheeks.

“Hold it. If you hold it just for a few more seconds I’ll let you touch me.” He let out an unexpected growl at your command, causing the fire in your belly to be stoked just a little bit more. He probably expected to be allowed to take over when you freed him, but you weren’t going to give up control that easily.

After the few seconds were up, you removed the wand from his aching cock. He jerked around again in frustration after being edged for the second time, but he’d soon be happy that he successfully held it. Once he started to come back from the edge you reached forward to undo the knot of the tie and he breathed a sigh, relieved that he was free.

When he tried to flip you over to enact his own little revenge you held your ground, the only way you were going to let him fuck you is if you were on top. You gripped his jaw between your fingers and pulled his face up close to yours, then making him look directly before speaking, “Remember I’m in charge tonight. I get to be on top or you don’t get to fuck me. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Bunny. I understand... Can you please fuck me?” You let go of his face after he spoke, letting him hit the back of his pillows harshly before giving him some relief by sinking down on his cock.

You weren’t gentle as you started to roll your hips into his own, loving the feeling of Spencer’s cock dragging through your walls. Spencer was crying underneath you, begging for you to let him cum as he gripped your hips hard.

“You only get to cum after I do.” You growled out while slamming your hips down harshly, causing a squeak to fall from him. Luckily for Spencer, it didn’t take long for your own orgasm to come over, helped by him rubbing your clit in quick circles. It was a long and powerful one, coming over in waves that had you moaning out loudly as well. Spencer was finally going to get what he had been desperate for.

“Alright, you can cum.” All you had to do was say those simple words and Spencer exploded inside of you. His moans were so loud while he rode it out that you were sure you guys were going to get a complaint in the morning.

After you both had come down a little you made sure to do a similar aftercare routine that Spencer did for you when he dominated you- cleaning him up, massaging his wrists with lotion, getting him some fresh clothes, and especially making sure to cuddle him up tight. Just before you were about to fall asleep Spencer asked you, “You were really good at that bunny, that was a pleasant surprise. Can you do it again sometime?”

—-

Tag list (message me if you want to be added):

All works:

@shotarosleftpinky

Spencer Reid/CM

@calm-and-doctor @destiny-tsukino @safertokiss

Sub Spencer

@thatsonezesty13 @pastathighs @virtualpeanutartisanjudge

[oh-for-fic-sake]

It’s A Match Chapter Two

Masterlist

Summary: as you and henry become closer he lets his family know there may be a new woman on the scene. And you surprize him by moving a little quicker then he had thought. Not that he is against it. He is all to eager to move along to the next step.

Warnings: RPF, Swearing, Angst, Heated Discussions, Fluff.

A/N: here is chapter two, this will only be a short fic maybe there or four chapters but i hope you all like it. This is just me writing down my fluffy fantasy.

Taglist: In Reblogs.

'Shes a big fluffy teddy bear, and loves hugs, even if Shes crushing me~' henry froze hands quivering nervously over the keyboard. You replied? You actually? Holy shit! He bit his lip sitting up straighter with a grin and smoothed his hair back. He wasn't sure why it made him so happy but? He had a reply, and actual reply from a person! A woman!

Now what?

He wracked his brain and frowned. What does he say? Does he ask questions or just talk about dogs? He didn't know all he did know is that he had messaged a complete stranger and she had messaged back.

'I can imagine moving her must be hard work if she's comfy'

'Yeah but on the plus side she's always warm~ a huge hot water bottle'

'A numb but warm set of legs then😂'

'Absolutely! That sounds like the talk of a man who's been there?'

'Yes I have an American Akita, a very snuggly boy that gives me atleast one dead leg a day😅'

'Aww I love Akita's, I was going to get one but them Amii sort of fell into my lap, and has stayed there ever since'

'Big or small a lap dog is a lap dog'

'Definitely😂' Henry paused. Shit what does he do now? Does he just ask questions? Explain a bit more about himself? Both seemed a little too juvenile... And it was scary... Awkward he wants a nice chat, for conversation to flow naturally. He didn't want to fuck up. There was another ping as you typed another message.

' I have to say I'm surprized I got a message on here, only been on here for a few days😅' henry was thankfull, you wasn't going to judge. You were both in the same boat. Both nervously talking to a stranger in the hopes of there being something more. It made replying a little easier, he hoped that things would get less awkward after breaking the ice.

'Really? I made mine today... not sure about all this new online stuff but will figure it out'

'Well I'd say your doing alright,  at least you had the courage to message someone, i made the profile then chickened out😅'

'I almost did, your the first profile that caught my eye'

'Was it Amii?'

'No, as cute as she is you lacked a duck face selfie, and you look very sweet and have kind eyes' henry froze after sending the message. Shit, shit! That was fucking cheese! Cringe and just a fuck up! He quickly wracked both hands through his hair and cursed trying to think of a way to get out of this but nothing came to mind... And then he saw it the tiny y/n is typing... At the bottom of the screen, he winced dreading the reply he was going to get. He bit his lip worried he hopes he hasn't tripped at the first hurdle.

'Thank you that's kind of you to say. And is a missing duck face that strange?🤔'

'Every woman has a duck face'

'Well I do not have a duck face'

'Really?🤨'

'Well not a good one 😅My duck face is sub par more a fish face, call me guppy😂' he chuckled, you did have a sense of humour which was good. He liked making people laugh and not having them take everything so seriously, it meant he could relax and let loose. To just have fun! He heaved a big sigh unconsiously petting Kal as he sat up and leant on his leg. He quickly began typing once more finding it easier chatting with a stranger with each message.

'🤣🤣 I got to admit I'm not sure what to talk about, this is my first time🤔'

'Well that makes us both online virgins😅lets start with the important things shall we?' Henry froze panicking. 'Oh god! Oh god! What ere you going to ask?!' He thought watching the little dots on the screen holding his breath dreading you'd ask for picture or something. He was put out of his misery with a tiny ping sound and your message popped up. He threw his head back and laughed outloud seeing the all important question.

'Who's your favourite superhero?' You were definitely a geek girl, just like he wanted. He bit his lip and typed without needing to think of the answer.

'Superman, afterall he is the grand daddy of all superheroes. You?'

'Oh your not gonna like this~ I love batman🤗' henry smiled at the screen and leant back wiping his mouth trying to massage the ache from his cheeks. He really was grinning ear to ear just from speaking to you so... Unguarded he was just being himself and it was freeing!

'Oh no!😱can I ask why?' He typed quickly not wanting you to think he was going to keep you on read? Was that what they called it nowadays?

'He proves that at 30 you can have a dramatic goth early midlife crisis and that regular assholes can be heroes too, all you need is money🤗🤗'

'🤣🤣 oh god! You know I never thought of it like that!' henry shook his head laughing out loud as he replied

'But you'll be happy to know supes is number three on my list'

'Well he makes the top three so that's salvageable😆'

'Yeah... Two is Captain America though'

'Rich goth with issues, man with an expensive tea tray, then supes got it 👌👍'

'Omg yes!😂that's sums it up beautifully🤣' after that the conversation moved on which he was a little thankful for. Not that he disliked geeking out but... it'd be easy for him to slip up on that subject. Luckily though he didn't have to think of a change of topic as you began chatting away casually about your day and he did in return before long the conversation was over too soon as you stated you really had to get on with filling out these payslips. So the chat drew to a close with promises of speaking tomorrow.

And you kept your promise. For the next week you both spent your evenings chatting away at one another becoming fast friends. That was when he decided to let his family know in the new weekly face time zoom chats.

He looked to the screen fidgeting as his family spoke amongst themselves trying to find the right moment to break the news. But his mother had noticed and asked him out right, leaning closer to the screen watching him worriedly.

"Henry? Are you alright your looking nervous?" The others stopped speaking at the question and henry heaved a sigh nervously twisting his fingers.

"Yeah yeah I... I just have some news... Is all" he said swallowing trying to find the words. He was worried, it had been a while since he'd tried to introduce someone new into his life and his family. He didn't want to alarm them but... he wanted to forewarn them that he was on his way to hopefully sharing his life with someone.

"News? Oh its nothing bad is it?" His younger brother asked, but his oldest paused straightening up with a smile already guessing his brother had taken his advice.

"No nothing bad... Its really good actually... I'm sort of... well I'm speaking to someone online... A woman"  he stuttered rubbing the back of his neck and called Kal onto the sofa with him stroking his fur trying to calm himself and fend of the huge grin that seemed to spread across his face everytime he thought of you.

"You did it?" His eldest brother called out clapping his hands excitedly. A ripple of confusion washed over the others and they frowned looking to one another unsure what had happened between the two.

"Did what love?" His mother finally asked not understanding what her sons were talking about

"I made an online dating profile" he said plainly drawing gasps from everyone.

"Oh gosh love are you okay? Your not being hounded are you?" His mother jumped immediately concern etched deep in her features. His father looked uncomfortable-hell they all did! Each worrying over him. He wasn't surprized they had seen fans both love and hate on him and his partners.

"No mum its fine-better then fine I'm really carful... I've covered my ass and no one knows its me, she doesn't know" he said trying to placate his family but instead he was rewarded with disappointed faces, tutting and small, cringing hisses. Fuck.

"Oh god Henry you haven't made a fake profile? Tell me you didn't- please tell me your not lying to this poor woman" his father scolded sternly. His dad may not be up to speed with all this new age online dating shenanigans but he did know that it was wrong to lie to a potential partner. Just thinking that one of his boys were doing just that left a bad taste in his mouth. If he could he would clip his son around the ear!

"Well no not exactly- its me and I'm myself on there I just... changed my name to Hank... And crop my photos so she can see me but not recognise me that's all! I swear I'm not lying or-or anything!" he explained willing then to understand but with the deep sighs and unimpressed looks he got it would seem they didn't understand or approve.

"Are you sure about this? What will she think if things get serious and then this young lady finds out you've been lying?" he father spoke up again wanting to hash this out. Henry faltered for a moment, he worried about that too. He was frightened that you'd get angry and leave him without even giving him a chance!

"I'm not lying, I just? just omitting certain details about my life, I'm being me I'm showing her the real quirky geeky side of me- this is? Its my one shot! The only chance I'm going to get to have someone look at me, not what they can get out of me... I'm not going to blow it or hurt her... if we get to that point then I will explain things- she'd understand she's really thoughtful and is logical" henry pleaded trying to convince both himself and his family. He cant ignore it, he was worried and had been telling himself over and over you'd understand. But he also knew it could really shake you up. But what he was doing wasn't wrong! It couldn't be helped, he thought they would understand!

"Well I hope so because you could break her heart son... And I want you to understand that, this woman could fall for you. You could really upset her when she finds out" his father finally spoke drawing the issue to a close not wanting to argue, but he still wanted henry to know what ever happens was his own fault good or bad. Not everything ends with a happy ever after, but he didn't need to voice that out loud. Henry knew, they all did.

"I know dad, I've only been speaking to her just over a week anyway, for all i know she will ghost me or something" henry nodded calming a little not wanting to fight but still it was clear to everyone henry hadn't appreciated the lecture.

"Ghosting?" he mum perked up trying to diffuse the situation not wanting this to blow up. Tensions were high and no one needed a family spat at the moment.

"Its when someone stop talking to you and ignores you for no reason" his brother revealed explaining the term to his parents. They both ahh'd in realisation but were still a little tense. So his younger brother spoke up deciding to try and be more supportive to him. And henry was thankful.

"Well how about you tell us about her henry. What's you lady freind like? What does she do?" henry quickly grinned forgetting the irritation. His family watched the sudden change as henry got the chance to boast about the woman who had caught his fancy. It was sobering to see, he was glowing with pride and excitement, overjoyed from just thinking about this mystery girl.

"She's just? God where do I start? Shes amazing and funny and wholesome... She doesn't live too far away- Shes pretty much on my doorstep! Shes really funny and nice we talk everyday and have soo much in common its amazing we like the same music and tv and just- everything! Its like talking to a female version of myself! And Shes a fan too" his family all seemed to warm to the idea of this woman until his final remark. Everyone paused. And so did he, what was so wrong about her being a fan? Why was that a red flag for them and not him?

"A fan? Henry... are you sure she doesn't know? If she's a fan she might know and be... making her answers more favourable" henry bristled at that and visibly leaned back brows furrowed and eyes glowing, showing as much anger as he dared show his mother who had spoken out against you.

"What? No! No she doesn't mum she hasn't got a clue- Shes not a fan of mine per say but? She likes my work, she's a huge lover of DC and fantasy so has seen the Witcher and she loved it! Shes really just like me! Is that really hard to believe? That there are women like me? That enjoy the same things?" what had started as a panicked explination quickly became heated and sour. His words slowly becoming uncharacteristically venomous. But Marie Ann new it was just him getting defensive, he was frightened. He had this silly belief he was an abnormality, that his interests will make him forever alone. The thing that did stand out was just how defensive he was about you. A woman he'd probably not even met yet, someone he was only chatting to. It wasn't like henry to take to someone soo quickly. It made her hopeful, that he really had found someone, found his soulmate. But she was a mother and couldn't help worry over him, no matter how old or huge her boys got they were just that. Her boys. And she will always feel the need to look after them.

"Henry please don't get angry, I didn't mean to upset you but... I worry" she said slowly trying to calm him before he got himself into a tizzy. She could see much more then he wanted her too. And right now he was anxious, probably questioning himself over this woman and the way he was approaching her. She could only hope her son was right and had covered his ass and that this woman was as understanding as he said. Otherwise henry was about to get a wakeup call like never before. It wasn't everyday a well known actor fakes a dating profile. It'd be a media shitstorm that he may not recover from.

"I.. sorry I didn't mean to- y/n isn't like that I... I just know alright she isn't after anything" henry apologized smoothing back his hair taking a huge breath and leant back once more relaxing.

"So why don't you tell us a little more about her son? You've been speaking for a week so must know a little more then her name and were she lives?" she said moving on wanting to coax more information about the woman.

"Well she has her own successful business that caters to dogs, walking, grooming and rehoming and is a kc registered breeder. Shes thirty years old and... Absolutely stunning- and no she hasn't filtered any photos either...wait here! See?! Isn't she beautiful?" Henry gushed quickly bringing up your profile picture he had saved on his phone and holding the phone to the camera. He heard a few compliments but could still see the worry in his family. He understood but he just new. He new that you were real, that you were honest and everything you said you were. You were blunt and didn't have time for games, you said life's too short for that crap. And he agreed.

"You have a photo saved already?" henry faltered at the question that had followed a round of compliments and quickly pulled his phone back flushing embarrassed he hadn't even thought of how that would look

"I.. w-well yeah... I'm gonna ask for her number soon and want a photo for my phone... We decided to stick to messaging for a while first and" he tried desperately to dig himself out of the hole he'd just unceremoniously swan dived into. But his brothers burst into laughter making whipping motions making him flush and shrink further. They were definetly going to busting his balls for this. But with a quick shake of his head he continued to gush about you wanting to side step this whole premature photo saving incident.

"she doesn't have Instagram or snapchat... she's just... I can't explain it she's just funny and sweet and genuine... I really like her.. I could easily fall for her" silence reigned after his admission and everyone saw just how serious and devoted henry was to trying to make this relationship work. His mum nodded with a smile, this was just a watch and wait scenario. This woman would either make or break her son, and all she could do was hope to god it was the former.

"Okay then love. I'm happy for you henry just be careful okay?" she finally drew the curtain on the subject and everyone sighed in relief.

"I will, I promise but you have nothing to worry about, I just wanted to let you guys know that i might have someone for you to meet in a few months" henry said eagerly, like a small boy waiting on Christmas eve. He was full of life and enthusiasm. It was nice to see this side to him again, she'd dare say he was well on his way to being loved up! Smitten.

"And we look forward to it henry, but take your time. There's no rush just enjoy yourself" one of his brothers spoke up jumping in on the conversation wanting to make it clear they all had his back whether this ended good or bad. For now they were happy for him.

"I will, we decided were wont meet for a while and just see how things go for the time being but... I have a good feeling, she's everything I've been looking for I'm really excited" henry preened trying to pace himself, he didn't need to be daydreaming in a family face time. Luckily he was pulled from the edge of his own fantasies by another question.

"You said she had a company?"

"Yeah here I'll send you the link its called Puptown! She's actually handled Kal a few times, I send him there for his nails and teeth" henry said quickly sending the link to his brother. He wasn't stupid they were going to look you up, they were worried. He might aswell sent them the link. There was a tiny bio on there of you- the owner on the staff page that had all the staffs qualifications and roles on there.

You moved through the groom room Amii was curled up under your desk fast asleep as you began taking a stock list. Recently you'd been getting more and more white dogs in for their groom so needed to top up on the bright white shampoo and it was tick season soon so had to double check you had all the tick removal forceps, and ear powder- lots of ear powder the poodle clients had doubled over lock down after all the new puppies bought in lockdown. Every dog deserves a professional groom. But poodles needed them.

"hey boss! You doing another check?" Mandy called as she hoisted a tiny black poem into the bath. Bella a regular and very few people could actually groom her out of the five staff only two of you dared to try. And you didn't blame them this dog was a tiny savage, but the trick was not to show fear.  

"yeah, trying to prepare for summer already, you know i think this will be our busiest yet especially with lord whiskey." you muttered nibbling the pen and moving a few bottles about. Flea treatment and some dry skin conditioner were quickly added to your growing list.

"lord whiskey?" Mandy asked louder over the sound of the shower instantly Bella began snarling like the hell demon she was. On walks and about the place she was a little soppy loving lap pup, but when it came to bath time? Different dog. You cant help thinking she had a bad experiance before she came here. You sighed and placed the pad and pen down standing along side the bathe and began petting the tiny dog.

"yeah they are the vet clinic for lower incomes... They want to set up a new clinic and have reached out" you explained you had to admit the request came out of the blue and you hadn't had chance to tell everyone yet. The staff meeting was on Friday.

"that would be good!" she said slowly wetting the snarling prom that was trying her absolute hardest to frighten you both off. But alas she was no great wolf, but a teeny cute little raging fluff nugget, and to her utter dispair neither you or Mandy found her scary at all. Even if she was trying to foam at the mouth.

"yeah that's what I thought, having a vet on site... We're still talking but if everything goes acording to plane we will have the mobile vet out front while setting up the small clinic... I was thinking in the old groom rooms? They had water and electricity already and its a littl out of the way so the unwell puppets can be separate from the healthy customers" you shrugged moving around Mandy to help tend to your most vocal customer.

"so business will be booming?" Mandy said moving to rinse underneath the small feral beast. You giggled and stood Bella on her back legs as she seethed but in between her savagery she was actually licking at you, showing a hint of the sweet girl she really was. You pet her praising her promising chicken treats and snuggles afterwards. You might even pop Amii in with the others in the small day care pen. Bella liked laying on her using the huge dog as a fluffy bed.

"yes hopefully, i mean were not taking anything for them, they are a charity but hopefully we will get a few visits in the shop? And the more people know about us the more likely they are to use us!" you said you had been weighing up the pros and cons about the new venture. More people visiting the premises, more footfall in the shop and hopefully you can draw enough people to have a little pet café. Your business was right on the edge of the huge woodland park you'd always wanted a small café that serves both animals and people you want a little empire to become a franchise company and give the little guys a chance.

"And how about you? Any luck on the online dating front?" she asked with a small smile. You sighed you half regretted telling her about it. Mandy has been with you since the beginning, she was your first employee and most trusted freind. And she has been hounding you about your love life for a while now. She wants you to take a step back from Puptown and find some time for yourself, and now that the business was established and ticking over nicely it was the time to do it.

"Ooo! Oh my god your blushing!? Bitch spill!" she squealed excited as you flushed and looked away not answering her. And by doing so answering her at the same time.

"I'm talking to someone~ Hank.. He is... Funny and charming we've been chatting each night for about a week" you revealed quietly making her beam at you. Thankfully Bella chose that moment to make a mad dive over your shoulder but you managed to catch her and pop her back into the tub.

"ooo yes get in girl, you have been pouring too much into this company! Its about damn time you focused on yourself" sandy began as she washed Bella lathering the pup with a rather expensive de-sheading anti tangle shampoo.

"Please don't start, I'm doing it now and that's what matters. He is... He messaged me first and things are going good and that's where I'm going to leave it okay? I will update you as we go... I promise" you said releasing the now wet pup as Mandy began rinsing her down. You stepped back to the shelves full of half empty bottles of product. needing to change the topic to avoid daydreaming and fucking up your orders. As great as the wholesaler was this was still expensive stuff and you didn't want to unbalance the books and get more then you needed.

"Oh Bella?~ baby girl its so bad isn't it? Being brushed and washed and massaged? Then getting yourself a blow out and having a nap in the nice cosy play room?" you called over your shoulder condescendingly at the pup who was still snarling out her displeasure. She really was a little brat in the bath.

Another week passed and you were lazing around the house having a duvet day, snuggled in bed with Amii on your lap. Normally your days off were all housework and finalizing orders or paper work but this week was different. With lord whiskey agreeing to taking the old groom room you decided to finally get an extra set of hands in management to take care of paperwork. It was strange at first but worth it. You now hade someone else to rely on, not that you didn't have managers to help out before but now you had a full time employee that's whole role was to take care of the business side and alleviate the pressure. So instead of the normal made rushes and mountain of paperwork you were in bed chatting away with henry.

He had just finished his work out and was relaxing, having a cool down before having yet another painfully boring sounding meeting with his own bosses. You sympathised. Practical work was the bomb! But the theory and paperwork kicked everyones asses. Risk assessments can eat shit! I'm a person and can asses the risk and decided to do it, why answer to a tick box system? But then again everything needed a tick in a box nowadays. You shuffled about grunting as Amii played dead on your lap so you couldn't move her from the comfy slump she was in over your thighs pinning you down.

'Soo you said you game?'  was the message that changed the subject, thankfully choosing to move on from speaking about work.

'God yes, when I can'

'What do you play? Sims and stuff?'

'depends if I'm on pc or xbox I'm more into fantasy and historic rpgs, but if I'm on my switch its little farming sims sometimes I branch out to things like shooters but not often, I like the big immersive fantasies!'

'So you really do mix and match are you playing anything atm?'

'I'm doing a re-run of skyrim with a load of mods just to spice things up. And just restarted Witcher wild hunt again'

'You like Witcher?'

'I adore it, Witcher skyrim and dragon age are my all time favourites, do you? Sorry I realise I'm just takeing over, I just get excited, I never really talk about this stuff 😅😅'

'No, no its fine I'm the same, I never really get to geek out anymore with work and stuff. I'm happy to have the chance, and I do love the Witcher too fantasy is my thing😄' henry paused for a moment. Should he? I mean you just said you were replaying it... Would it be big headed? To ask what you thought of the show? Of his performance... I mean it'd be an unbiased view, you wasn't going to try and butter him up you still didn't know it was him.

'So you've watched the show on Netflix I presume?' he typed and pressed send quickly before he lost his nerve.

'Absolutly, I binge watched it a few times.😅'

'You liked it? I know a few people didn't' henry couldn't help but dig a little deeper, he desperately wanted you to have enjoyed it.

'I loved it, but I think it was easier for me to watch bc I new what was roughly going on before hand. Most people that struggled thought it was going to be an easy watch? Like got'

'Oh come on, there must be something you didn't like?🤔🤔'

'😞okay you got me, I was a tad disappointed with geralts eyes you can do the toxic eyes and cat eye potion at least give me a teeny cat eye just a smidge🤏🥺'

'Yes I see what you mean, their could have been a little frame of it but there are always sacrifices when going from books to the big screen 😅'

'But henry's portrayal more then made up for it! That man was on point! I was so happy when they anounced it was him playing Geralt there was no way he was going to fuck it up!' henry stopped breathing. You liked it? You actually like him playing Geralt? His heart swelled and he laughed out loud for some reason you enjoying his work just... It meant the world to him! He was over the moon. Quickly his attention was drawn to his tablet again as another message pinged on screen.

'And I have a little fan theory over the whole eye issue😏'

'Hit me with it I'm all ears'

'Geralt has complete control of his eyes right? And is a softy deep down so my idea was he is always holding his pupils open so he doesn't scare anyone'

'🧐that is brilliant! It makes so much sense! 🥰🥰 its also nice to know I have a little conspiracy fangirl on my hands😁'  henry frowned heart clenching as you went quiet, he waited and waited minuets seemed like hours. His mind immediately jump to conclusions terrified you had caught him, that you'd figured out just who you were speaking to. Sweat formed on his brow as he frowned praying he hadn't got a little to close to home and given himself away. Then the dots appeared. You were typing.

'So I was wondering I know we agreed not to at first but since we've chatting every night I thought we could maybe exchange numbers? Only if you want to! No pressure. I'm just excited' henry slumped, melting into his seat. Thank fuck for that! His relief quickly became excitement at the prospect of hearing you! Actually speaking to you properly having an actual phone call? Fuck yes!

'😊😊I was actually trying to find the time to mention it myself, i know its only been three weeks but it feels much longer.'

'Omg thank god! I thought you would think i was rushing you😅here xxx xxxx xxxx' henry was quick to pull out his phone and type the number in, not wasting any time in creating your contact info into his phone book. And whislt doing that also replied to you putting you at ease.

'No not at all, I'm excited I cant wait to hear you🥰'

'Oh god don't build your hopes to high I don't have the most attractive voice it may be the deal breaker😅'

'I doubt that anything could put me off you love, your gorgeous, smart, funny, kind everything I could of dreamed of and soo much more'

'I'm glad its not only me Hank, I have to say I was frightened by how quickly we have become friends, but I suppose it makes sense we are two peas in a pod' henry grinned reading the message and nodded to himself pressing the small green call button and held the phone to his ear feeling confident as he re-read your last message.

You hummed nibbling your lip, chewing it nervously after giving out your number. You couldn't help your mind dredging up all the horror stories of Ted bundy-esque creepy ass psycho killers, luring in prey on the internet... Fuck you were a bigger girl so easy to sweet talk. You whined and snuggled into the massive furry lump on your lap, lacing your fingers into the dogs thick fur. Petting her as your over active imagination conjured scenario's that could end up with you in a eight foot hole in someone's basement ,being told to 'put the lotion in the basket'. Jesus Christ. But it was fine right? He wasn't weirded out or anything? He seemed happy. You were sensible, or at least you thought you were.

You yipped at your phone suddenly vibrated in your hand, you almost threw it across the room. The screen lit up with 'unknown number' you swallowed eyeing the device then nodded answering the call heart beat thundering in your chest your breath picked up you made to speak but couldn't quite make sounds, unable to force the words to roll off your tongue. There was a deep chuckle, gorgeas and rumbling even if it was quiet.

"You have no reason to be frightened darling I'm just as eager to move on" you gasped as the thick voice spoke in slow syllables, calling you by the nick name he had taken to calling you. You'd asked a few girls at work about it, worried things were going to fast. But they had calmed you down saying it was his way of avoiding being freind zoned. You had to admit the cute little names always made you grin and blush, but this? God this was better then anything! His low timber and slightly more eloquent accent uttering the name sent a shiver up your spine.

A surprizing reaction in all honesty, you'd never really thought about voices much, never had a voice kink or really thought anyone could have an attractive voice. Well not a real voice anyway, sometimes characters on tv with low raspy voices got you going Geralt and Alcide to name a few. He almost sounded like the former if you thought about it... Just more refined? A regal soft lilt.  It was definetly a voice you could listen to all day, this man could read you a bloody take away menu and you wouldn't even gruff at the extortionate prices. You wet your lips and dug your fingers into the warm dog in your lap breathing deep, filling your lungs with air trying to ease yourself and draw in some courage.

"O-oh your? Really there? Really.. real?" you stuttered slowly. You chided yourself for sounding so silly, so childish. But you couldn't help it you felt completely unprepared. Which irritated you because it was you who'd offered your number, what were you expecting him to do with it? Use carrier pigeon? Of course he was going to call you.

"I'm most definitely real love" he spoke again with a small chuckle, he was clearly amused by your flustered question. You blushed and squirmed on your seat trying to breath quietly, you didn't want him to hear just how on edge you were.

"Oh gosh that's.. wow I cant even, I don't know what to say" you huffed trying to think of something- anything else you could focus on rather then the absolute sex that was his voice, then he spoke once more

"Now, now don't be shy love, I want to hear you, your voice is just as I thought it'd be" henry tried encouraging you wanting to hear you and revel in your sweet voice, wanting to commit it to memory.

"Oh? And what's that then?" you asked trying to be playfull but in all honesty you wasn't hitting the mark, you were to nervous. You'd never really thought about your voice, was it attractive? Or too high? Deep? I mean you were normal, you spoke normal and if anything sounded common.

"Pure and delicate, playful and charming all in one just like the woman it belongs to" henry's breathing hitched as you giggled. The sweet tinkling laugher warmed his heart and made him huff out a chuckle himself. He was so happy he could have cried. It was just so overwhelming to hear you finally, to put a voice to the amazing woman he was slowly falling inlove with. He sometimes grew wary thinking you were too good to be true, that you were a catfish yourself. But here and now he knew. You were as real as him and all it did was solidify his resolve, he was doing the right thing. He was falling for a genuine woman. A real woman with no strings attached, and with any luck you were feeling the same.

"well I think I just found my mans flaw~" you giggled once more blushing under the weight of all the compliments. He was really smooth, smoother then you'd thought and that was saying something.

"really darling? Care to enlighten me?" he quipped playfully you usual banter and teasing between you both flowing just as effortlessly as it had when messaging each other.

"your clearly deaf! Well have no fear, i will talk a little louder and learn some sign language for you~" you laughed out loud he joined you low echoing chuckles that sounded as if they came from a deep wide chest. It was enough to drive you mad with lust, but that may be the new found voice kink brewing.

"well its nice to know you are so committed to your man and his disability love" suddenly you froze and trembled panic and anxiety washed over you clogging  your wind pipe at his words... Fuck!

"oh god- no I? Your not really deaf are you? I'm sorry I didn't mean to make fun-" you began apologizing not quite picking up on his sarcasm. Henry was quick to cut you off and stop your guilty rambling.

"No love I'm not deaf I was just pulling your leg" his voice was strained as if he was trying not to laugh at you, but you couldn't really say anything. You were the one nervously crack jokes then immediately trying to take them back. Stumbling your wat through the very first real conversation with a man you were crushing on. God you were such a dweeb!

"oh Jesus you scared the crap out of me" you heaved a sigh wanting to bury yourself into the covers and hide despite knowing he couldn't see your glowing face.

"I apologize darling, I have only the purest of intentions... Well maybe not that pure~ but I don't want to scare you" he grinned when you gasped at his little flirtatious comment. And he wasn't kidding, he found you incredibly attractive and wanted to do all manner of very filthy things with you. It didn't help when you were sending him photos of you drenched nipples hard and drawing him in like a moth to a flame. You probably hadn't even noticed that and he was thankfull for it because you wouldn't have sent it otherwise. It was his favourite photo, apparantly it had been a husky escape from the bath as you switched his lead to another hook.

"your fine, I'm just a little nervous is all" you huffed finally somehow managing to sort yourself out and think clearly overcoming your excitement and nerves.

"I understand but just remember its just me love. So have anything else planned for today?" henry hummed sweetly before giving you a chance to change the topic, you'd never know it was because he was barely holding himself together. He was almost bursting at the seams wanted to laugh and cry and shout all at once. He was completely overwhelmed with joy and relief and wanted to listen to you as much as he possibly could.

Both you and henry then began the nightly ritual of phone calls and texted all day. He even had a new nick name. Puppy. And he couldn't be more thrilled you'd said it was because he made tiny cute puppy whines when you teased him. But he didn't care, he would happily be your puppy anyday!

The weeks became one month, then two and before you knew it you were one week shy of three months. And that was when it happened. Those fateful words left his mouth as he spoke to you just before bed. He had asked to meet, he was certain and confident he wanted to meet you and take this further, and he hadn't really planned to ask it just happened.

"So your really letting lord whiskey in your old groom space? That's incredible, I'm so proud of you for letting them in love. It says volumes for you and your business, that its not all profit driven" henry spoke down the phone as he stirred his tea getting ready to go up to bed.

"I mean it just seems right... No matter the income everyone should be able to get medical care for their animals. And I'd be lying if I didn't hope some people will come into the shop or realise that we are here and come back for our facilities." he smiled at that. You wasn't just trying to make a great profitable business, you cared and wanted to give everyone a reasonably priced alternative to pooch care. And he was right behind you, he loved that you were trying to give owners the chance to spoil their fur babies without breaking the bank. In slashing your prices you'd attracted more customers and been making a great profit, so much so that you could afford to just give away your old groom rooms to the charity for free.

"shop? You have a shop?" he pondered padding about the kitchen giving Kal his nightly biscuit treat and motioned for him to take it upstairs. Which he didn't need to do, Kal new the jig and was already carrying the treat to the stairs.

"yeah it opened last year? The year before maybe? Its small but here with food and treats a few toys and leads... I try to use smaller businesses the brands that you wont see in the bigger shops" you said slowly and he heard a small yawn and rustle of paper. You had said you were packing up and heading to bed for the night soon.

"I may have to pop over with the bear~" he teased coyly humming to himself as he sipped his tea.

"pop over? I.. Well you could I suppose?" you hummed quietly, henrys eyes almost popped out of his head were you inviting him to ask you out? He coughed quickly trying not to choke on the mouthful of tea and then rocked his head from side to side. I mean he could come over and see you.

"I'm only ten minuet's away darling, Kensington... I've actually used your grooming service once or twice getting the bears nails and teeth done"

"oh?! I didn't know that." you said trying to picture the owners of the akita you saw, but honestly? You had soo many customers now it was hard remembering everyone, that and you wasn't really front of house now, you had more and more to deal with back of house, even with the new manager.

"well you do now sweetheart... So? Do you want to meet up tomorrow?" he asked placing his tea down in favour of crossing his fingers hoping he had read your signals right.

"Yeah of course I'm covering for walking duty tomorrow... So I can't really do anything in the morning or early afternoon" henry fist pumped and grinned faking a silent shout of victory as he managed to wrangle a date.

"That's fantastic actually... I could meet you in the park? I'll bring the bear with me and we could walk the dogs and grab a coffee or something?" he said somehow managing to quell his excitement enough to arrange the date properly, placeing a hand on his heart as it beat wildly. The realisation that he could see you- meet you face to face!

"Yeah that sounds like a brilliant idea, will noon be alright? That's when we do a switch over and go back to feed the dogs in day care so I'll have an hour lunch break" you said stuttering a little when it began to sink in that this was happening!

"Its a date I will see you tomorrow at noon love" Henry anounced eagerly suddenly tomorrow couldn't come soon enough!

"See you then puppy, good night sweet dreams" you said needing to hang up and squeal into a pillow or something.

"sweet dreams love" as soon as he hung up he was already scrolling his phone selecting the number he was after and called in a tizzy.

"Piers?! Piers! I'm? Oh god- were meeting tomorrow and fuck- I'm freaking out already! What do I say? What should I wear- kal's coming too do I put his halti on or just his collar- fuck I don't know what to do!? Please help!" he yelped down the phone to the unsuspecting man drawing a deep sigh from him before he began talking him down.