#as for my favourite... i can't pick one!!

[sabxynsweet]

sweetheart!reader draws on mattheo’s hand

thank you @crazysweettooth-01 for the request <3 this is set pre-situationship (aka friends-ish!mattheo) & i hope you like this little drabble.

You’re nodding off in Charms class but your professor's glare is enough to keep you from falling asleep fully.

You tilt your head to the side to watch Mattheo, whose hard eyes are trained on the board.

“I’m bored.” You say in a hushed voice. "Help me, Mattheo."

“Unfortunately can’t help you, Sweetheart.” He says back, eyes trained on the board still, “I can't exactly play Monopoly with you right now.”

You laugh, covering your mouth to stifle the sound.

“You’re funny.” You sigh, all love sick as usual.

Mattheo's dry humour does make you laugh quite a lot but, truthfully, you think that him reading the dictionary would make you fall into a fit of giggles - maybe you’re just in love.

He smirks, though he hasn’t looked at you properly yet as his eyes are still trained on the board.

You sigh again, bored again as you rest your head in your palm.

You cross your right leg over the left and uncross again, your eyes flicker off to the clock on the wall. There’s still 24 minutes until class ends.

Your eyes wander. From the board - that was now scribbled on with words you couldn’t comprehend - to your loose pens that were scattered on your desk untouched.

Until your eyes land on your favourite view: Mattheo.

You stare shamelessly at his large hands, like you're adamant on memorising every detail: the scars on his knuckles, the faint veins that run up all the way along his arm, the thick silver rings adorning certain fingers.

An idea forms in your head and, without thinking, you grab Mattheo’s hand. You drag it closer until his arm is resting on your own table fully.

He fights every bone in his body not to flinch. You barely even notice, too enthralled with selecting the best pens.

It's then he looks at you, finally. With a little bit of a confused, tilted stare.

You pick out a pink glittery pen from your large selection of scattered pens and you start to draw little pink hearts and stars on his arm, trailing all the way down to his hand.

He gazes down at you.

Your touch is so gentle he barely feels it. Instead of a stinging pain, it's a light hum that just barely grazes his skin.

When you reach the scars on his knuckles, you gently draw flowers around it. It makes it look like you grew a garden around his scars. He thinks you have the capability of growing a garden around his bones, around his soul.

He would let you, he's sure you already have.

He notices the slightest furrow in your brows, your face is full of concentration. He finds it endearing.

Every once and a while, you switch between pens until his right arm and hand is filled with little doodles of different colours.

Your finishing touch is signing your full name on his wrist - in glitter gel pen - and next to it, in a bracket, you write the name you're given at Hogwarts: "Sweetheart".

Mattheo thinks maybe this is your way of claiming him, it should surprise him more how he doesn't mind.

But when you pull away to admire the entire "picture", you smile all satisfied, then your eyes flicker to his and he recognises the usual glimmer your eyes have.

and fuck, if your wide eyes don't make him want to melt into you and let you keep your grip on him forever.

Class ends without any more words being exchanged between you two, you breathe out a sigh of relief when the bell rings.

"Do you like your new tattoos?" You ask with mock seriousness while you pack up your things.

He smirks, playing along. "I really do."

Much later, you catch his gaze across the hallway and you see one of his sleeves rolled up. Your drawings on full display, but more importantly, your name, pressed carefully into his wrist.

i think this is one of my fav sweetheart!reader ficlets i've written :(( <3

taglist: @fallingwallsh @espressqe @theodoresvalentine @fanfictiononly4 @genuinelyfloatingsouls @fayezasstuff @glittervame @wxnterwidow333 @thalibaby @cminoko @blainea98 @randomfanpage @megzz-x @peterparkerspersonalplaything

[idkwhatimdoinghere1655]

Relax - Lando Norris

<word count - 2206>

Another week over, and another week that had driven you absolutely insane. Lando had finished his race weekend a few days ago, but he had some media stuff to do - you never really cared for the details, and he never cared to tell you about them. 

You couldn't remember if he had said he'd be back in the morning of Friday or the evening, but you would soon find out as you walked through the front door. As long as he was there by the time you went to bed, it didn't matter.

The stairs up to your apartment felt agonising, each one bringing you a step closer to your legs buckling underneath you. You could barely get your key in the lock as it clicked open and you stumbled inside, the lights not being on.

You just assumed that Lando wasn't home, so you dropped your bag down next to the couch and walked through to the bedroom. "Holy fucking christ-" you started as you jumped out of your skin when you saw Lando laying in bed with his headphones in. 

"Shit, sorry baby, I didn't know you were back," he smiled, noticing your slightly shocked demeanor. 

"I didn't think you were here, you scared the bejesus out of me," you sighed, leaning back against the wall as you looked at him. He looked so cozy, bundled up in his favourite sweater with the covers pooling around his waist. 

It was raining outside, the small droplets running down the floor to ceiling windows that you had in your apartment. The atmosphere was perfect, and you'd have given anything to just flop down into bed and spend the rest of the night all nice and snuggled up.

But, it wouldn't have been so comfy. You were in desperate need of a shower, since your body felt downright icky due to a day of working. Your hair was greasy as hell too, so that needed some attention sooner rather than later.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to," he apologised, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and approaching you. Lando wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you into his chest, tucking your head under his chin. "You're cold," he mumbled, pulling you closer as if it would warm you up somehow. 

"I know, I'm going to go have a shower," you told him as he leant back to look down on you. You could see the hints of tiredness in his eyes that he tried to mask, but you knew him better than that. You knew he'd be asleep by the time you got back from your shower. 

"You think there's room for one more?" he smirked, planting a quick kiss on your forehead. As much as that would have been openly welcomed, you just didn't have the energy in you for that. Neither did he, but he was sure he'd perk up if you wanted to. 

"Not tonight, darling," you shook your head. Normally, Lando might pout a little, try and pick away those small inhibitions in your brain, but he fell at the first hurdle. 

"Fine, suit yourself," he chuckled, resting his head back on top of yours. "You sure you need a shower? I think you'd be a hell of a lot warmer with me in bed." he told you, and you couldn't help but agree.

"I know, but I feel all gross and my hair needs washing ASAP," you groaned into his chest. After a few minutes, you pulled away from him and sighed. "The quicker I get in and out, the quicker I can come to bed," you said, turning and walking towards the bathroom. 

Just as you were about to shut the door, Lando called out to you. "Hey baby, I've got an idea," 

"Yeah?" you cocked a curious eyebrow at him, leaning against the bathroom door frame. Lando couldn't help but think the sight of our figure being lit up from the back by bathroom lights was nothing short of angelic, but he had to keep such thoughts to himself.

He could admire your beauty in non-carnal ways, which was what he tended to do every minute of the day. "Run yourself a bath,"

"Lando, I really can't be bothered with all of that-"

"No, hey, c'mon. You've had a long day, baby. Let me pamper my girl a little, OK?" he said softly, ushering you into the bathroom and starting to fiddle with the taps on the bath. After setting the water running, he left the bathroom and you could hear him rummaging around in the closet.

"You get yourself settled, and I'll be there in a few," he told you, temporarily leaving you alone in the bathroom.

Eventually, the tub filled up and you stripped yourself of your clothes. It was nice to get them off your skin after having them on for so many hours. Sinking down into the hot water, your muscles practically groaned in gratitude.

The heat instantly seeped into your skin, providing pure relief to your body. "You comfy?" Lando asked, setting a mug of tea down onto the edge of the bath and kneeling down next to it. 

"Very," you responded, closing your eyes and leaning back against the back of the tub. 

"You said you wanted to wash your hair, right?" he checked, and you replied with a small hum of affirmation. "Come sit with your back to me, baby," he gently instructed, and you did as he said. The water sloshed around you, lapping against the edges of the tub. 

"And head back for me, gorgeous," he said, and you leant your head back so that you could see his upside down face. Lando smiled at you, tilting himself forward so that he could kiss you on the top of the head. "Can I take this out?" he asked, tugging at the bobble that was keeping all of your hair clustered together. 

"Course," you approved, and Lando's fingers made nimble work of teasing the bobble out of your hair while he tried not to pull on it. From the counter, he reached over to grab your hair brush and slowly started running it through the strands. 

"You know, it's not that greasy," he chuckled, knowing you hated your hair being even the tiniest bit dirty. Lando was gentle with brushing your hair, not wanting to pull on it or snag on any of the bigger knots that had tangled themselves in. 

"It's greasy enough to need washing," you countered, and he knew there was no convincing you otherwise. 

"OK baby, OK," he relented, setting the brush aside once your hair was tangle-free. "Close your eyes," he told you, and you heard the clanking of metal as he picked up the extendable part of the bath so that he could wet your hair. 

"Tell me if it's too hot," he said, turning on the water and letting it run down and over your hair. After a few moments, your hair was wet enough that he could put shampoo in. He picked up the bottle from the rack next to the shower, popping it open and squirting a fair amount into his hand. 

Slathering the viscous liquid onto the top of your hair, his fingers worked it in as they danced over your scalp. It was like your brain was being lulled to sleep, your eyes fluttering shut as you tried to keep yourself awake. 

Once the top of your head was sufficiently lathered, Lando moved his hands away so that he could shampoo the rest of your hair. "Hmm..." you hummed in protest, opening your eyes to look at him.

"Was that nice, gorgeous?" he softly laughed, letting his fingers return back to your scalp and continuing their luxurious massage. You crooned in response, feeling too sleepy to give him a real answer to his question. 

"You know, I'll have to wash this out at some point," he teased.

"Yeah, but not now," you declined, and Lando was more than happy to oblige with your request. Despite his own tiredness, your relaxation was his, and there was no way he would rather spend his evenings than taking care of you. 

It gave him such a great sense of fulfilment and wholeness, knowing that you were settled, calm and all-round content. After this, you'd go to bed and he could hold you all night long, where you were safe. 

It was his favourite way to spend his time when he was at home, since moments like this felt few and far between during the racing season. It was nice to just forget about the rest of the world and focus on you, since his career often came first. 

As he rinsed the shampoo out of your hair, the suds slipped down your shoulders and your figure, and he could feel his throat going dry. Lando had to remind himself that tonight wasn't the night for that, but that didn't mean he wasn't tempted by the sight regardless. 

After working the conditioner into your hair, he left it to sit for a little bit. "You OK here for a bit while it works its magic?" he said, his hands moving down to your shoulders and gently massaging the tense muscles there. 

"Yeah, I'm good," you confirmed, just enjoy the tranquility of sitting in the warm water and being looked after by the love of your life. 

One thing that you could never say about Lando was that he didn't try. He always made the effort to a point where you sometimes felt guilty that you weren't doing enough for him in comparison to everything he did for you. 

Lando incessantly reassured that you were more than enough for him, and being attentive was just how he expressed his love for you. But, there was always that small part of you that didn't think that what you were doing was enough. 

"Do you want me to stay or do you want some quiet time?" he asked, not making any attempt to move from where he was knelt behind you.

"You can stay," you mumbled, opening your eyes to look at him was your head was still tipped back against the edge of the bathtub. He looked a little weird, but he was still just as gorgeous. He just chuckled softly, letting his hands still knead your muscles. 

You were nearly asleep as your eyes closed again, the warmth of the water and feeling of Lando's fingers were lulling you into a false sense of sleepiness. And you were tired as hell.

Lando couldn't help but smile, unable to help how adorable you looked: all mushy and tired as he took care of you. A few minutes went by as he let the conditioner work its magic in your hair, eventually having to rinse it out. 

"Gorgeous, you've gotta stay awake," he whispered, holding a hand over your eyes as the water carried the conditioner out of your hair. He was thorough in the process, not wanting to leave a single drop in. 

He left you in the bath a little longer, drying your hair with a towel until it wasn't dripping anymore. "Do you want me to use the hairdryer?"

"No, I'm too tired,"

"Baby you can't go to sleep with wet hair," he told you, and all you could do was groan in response. 

"I cannot be bothered and I do not care. Plus, if I get sick, I can take the day off work," you countered, and he couldn't help but hum in agreement. You worked some Saturdays, not for long, but he wanted to keep you at home with him everyday, all day. 

"Fine, just this once," he relented, putting your hair into a low bun at the back of your head and standing up from behind you. "I've left your clothes on the towel heater, I'll be in bed," he smiled, leaving the bathroom. 

Lazily, you got out of bath and drained the water, before drying yourself off and getting dressed in what he had left you. Once you were in your sweats and one of his jumpers, you sluggishly walked to your bedroom and flopped into bed. 

"Tired, baby?" he asked, a hint of teasing in his tone. 

"Mhm," you hummed in response, snuggling into his side without giving him a second to move. Lando just wrapped his arms around you, kissing the top of your head. He turned off the light and sunk further into the mattress, the only sounds in the room being your soft breathing and the patters of the rain on the windows.  

"I love you," Lando whispered through the darkness, holding you a little tighter against him. 

"Love you too," you mumbled back. He could barely make it out, but he knew what you had said after hearing it so many times. It was barely a few minutes before you had fallen asleep. Despite how tired Lando also was, he just wanted to relish in the feeling of holding you for a little longer.

No matter how far away he was, or how close, he always longed to have you by his side, and here you were. Right where you were meant to be, in your bed, snuggled up to him. And he wouldn't have it any other way. 

A/N - Just a little something I whipped up a while ago and thought it would be a waste not to share! A reblog would be really appreciated, and I have posted my upload schedule, which you can find here. Love y'all 💖

|masterlist|something similar: Pluvial - CL16|

[lanadelreyscokewhor3]

13 BEACHES- J.B BARNES

day twenty nine of the june bug masterlist

pairing: boyfriend! thunderbolts! bucky x fem! reader

word count: 1.3k

summary: after bucky saves the world, you and bucky try and escape from all the attention that comes along with it...

warnings: pure fluff! super soft, petnames, comfort, swearing etc

 “it took 13 beaches to find one empty, but finally, i'm fine/ past ventura and lenses plenty/ in the white sunshine”- 13 beaches, lana del rey

It had taken some time for the two of you to find peace and quiet.

It most definitely wasn't in New York, but it never really had been for the two of you.

It was even more hectic with the new events that had unfolded with Bucky and the band of misfits they called the Thunderbolts. Now- he was constantly on the move.

And you knew as much as he loved saving people, and helping others- he needed the break.

Not only away from Walker- but from the world.

It was loud. It was busy. And he had never once liked it.

Managed it, yes- he had even mastered the city inside and out. But it wasn't how he had known it when he was younger. So during times like this, when things settled down enough for him to take a vacation, he took it.

Due to his newfound (positive) fame, it was hard to find the privacy he needed and deserved. It had taken thirteen beaches, but you had finally found one. One that was away from the flashes of the paparazzi, and microphones that were constantly shoved in faces.

It felt like a breath of fresh air.

Not only for him, but for you.

He knew how difficult change was for you. His little Лепесток. You were anxious, and needed stability- which is why he sheltered you under his wing.

He wanted to take care of you, to protect you from the dangers of the world. And as hard as change was for you, you had managed to handle his lifestyle surprisingly well.

Always worrying for him of course, waiting at the tower to attend to any wounds he had, to kiss him better. Though he often took care of you, you were often slouched over on the couch, book in hand- falling asleep while waiting for him to get back. He’d smile to himself softly, dog earring your page before picking you up bridal style in his arms, carrying you back to bed.

Some nights, when you two could breathe a little easier, when work wasn't so tense- he’d show you old movies that he discovered later on in life, when he was freed from Hydras shackles.

Carnival of Souls was a favourite of yours, an easy pick when a coin toss wasn't enough to pick a film from the shelf. Candace Hilligoss’s words rang true in your ears now, as you watched the waves roll up onto the sandy shore. 

I don't belong in the world, that's what it is

Something separates me from other people

Everywhere I turn, there's something blocking my escape

Letting out a gentle sigh, you ran your fingers through his hair, as his head was perched in your lap.

Bucky Barnes was so beautiful it hurt.

And there was just something about seeing him so carefree and vulnerable that made him that much more beautiful.

“What are you thinking about Лепесток?” he asked, breaking you from your hazy trance. Your brain tended to “shut off” when you were around him, and he teased you for it. He found it adorable though.

But today, you were extra “out of it”.

You smiled, catching your reflection in his dark sunglasses. “About how quiet it is. And how nice it is, that its finally fuckin quiet.”

He laughed, closing his eyes as you began to give him a head scratch, knowing how much it soothed him. Purring, it was almost as if a black cat with wide eyes full of mischief had found its way onto your thighs, permanently.

“You deserve this, you know. This break. I wish you could experience it all the time. It breaks my heart that you can't.” you sighed, looking out to the open water again. How it seemed to stretch on forever. You wished you and Bucky could get on a ship, a little sailboat and sail until there was nothing but open saltwater surrounding you. You could journey out on an adventure and see where the winds took you.

Maybe in the future, you could mention it to Bucky. A little houseboat, or something along those lines. You knew he had helped Sam repair some before he had become a Thunderbolt. 

“Anytime I’m with you is all the break that I need. I need you, my  Лепесток. I couldn't do this without you.”

You nodded, shivering as his metal finger came up to brush your leg. Somehow despite the beating sun, it was chilled.

“You do so much good, you know that?” you asked.

He nodded. “I’m inspired by the girl I’m in love with. She shows me what it means to be truly good every single day.”

You felt a tear threaten to escape your waterline at his sweet words, knowing they were nothing but the full, honest truth. Bucky Barnes had never, and would never lie to you. He made that very clear when he met you.

You slipped your hand into his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He grounded you, held you steady. Taking a breath, you felt the world shield itself around the two of you, the trees seeming to bend in the wind, their trunks curling and wrapping around each other as a guard around the beach.

The only footprints in the sand belonged to you two, and the seagulls that flapped over the sea. Life was wild, and each day came as it did, but right now- you could savour the moment.

Today, all you had to do was eat ripe cherries and fresh peaches, and make out with a sexy, shirtless boyfriend on this empty beach, before heading back to your little beachside getaway house for the night. To have a normal night, no crazy aliens or black fog overtaking the city- just a nice, homemade meal, with some candles and a romantic vinyl playing to slow dance to.

You could already envision the meal he’d try to prepare, and god help him for any white clothing he wore. More often than not you had to swoop in and save the day, as laughing at his clumsiness for cooking with a glass of wine from the barstool by the island was only good for so long.

He had insisted on pasta tonight, and you planned on surprising him with your homemade focaccia bread, the one his mother used to make before the war.

Thoughts of a domestic, easy life with Bucky were ones that graced your mind often. And whenever he could, he’d try to make it happen. He wanted the same things as you. A steady, easy life somewhere far away from the bustle of society.

But right now, society needed him. And you were honoured, flattered really a man such as himself wanted you to be right there with him.

The world would always need saving, but someday- they would no longer call on Bucky. Which was something he had brought up in the late hours of the night, when your head lay on his chest, following the steady rhythm of his heart, and the rise and fall of his chest.

He enjoyed the family he had created, and it was nice to be seen as a hero for all his efforts. For America, and its people. But right now, he was off duty- and so were you. Right now, all you focused on was the feeling of his strong arms as he draped you in them, swooping you off your seat on the sand and carrying you over to the gentle waves that brushed his feet.

You let out a squeal as he walked out in the water, swinging you around before tossing you in the water with a gentle splash. Right now, you were focused on wrestling Bucky down in the water, to make it even.

And that was something you could manage.

But in reality, you could handle anything, with Bucky by your side. And according to him, he didn't plan on ever leaving.

[motzglorp]

It's been in my head for some time now, and since I just started with the Venom/Ghost x reader, I have no excuses left to avoid this particular crossover.

Bucky joins TF 141 for a mission and between friendly sniper competitions and comparing knife skills, he also kinda flirts with you. You being a civil contractor, supporting the team (for whatever reason, might be important later) and trying / failing to hide how being surrounded by big, strong, funny, intelligent, dangerous men on a daily basis affects you. Of course nobody oversteps, Price is making sure the boys behave. Price also tells them, that even if you were open to the idea, it is your decision who gets to take you on a date first. They will not make decisions for you. And they will absolutely not be pushy and whiny like a pathetic flock of incels, looking at you, Johnny. And since everyone has been absolutely professional so far, watching Bucky flirting with you makes them all very aware that you don't belong to either of them. Of course, you are theirs. They never doubted that. But now they are not quite sure if YOU know that too.

And you just... You feel somehow like you are being unfaithful when you blush under Bucky's soft gazes, when he gets something for you from the top shelf, when he brings you a trinket, because he "thought you might like it". Or how safe and cared for it makes you feel when Bucky remembers your favourite snack, reminds you to drink water and walks you to your room at night.

It's stupid because your boys (yes, you call them you boys in your head, they don't need to know that, they can never know what you really think of them when you are alone in bed, touching yourself, wishing it were bigger, stronger hands between your thighs) do the same things, it just feels more intimate with Bucky. As if he really means it, when he said he'll take you to his favourite spot and show you the stars, when this is over. Like he is actually interested in you beyond a fun flirt and a professional work relationship.

And the worst part is, that instead of finally letting go of your (obviously unreciprocated) feelings for them, you now just have one more crush and it breaks your heart a little that even if it was real, even if Bucky really would want you in the biblical sense, you could not leave them.

Bucky seems to notice. Sitting next to you watching Ghost and Soap throwing punches.

"Sure they didn't get the serum or something, doll? 'cause they sure look like super soldiers from here."

You laugh, a bit embarrassed "I've been wondering sometimes. But if they got one, it's a variation with a shitty healing factor. You'd think they'd try to avoid getting hurt, instead they seem to be running towards danger and then they complain about being forced to a bed with broken bones and everything. I know it's what they do, what they train for, but sometimes it feels like they forget they could die"

Well that got dark very quickly. You freeze for a moment, was that too personal?

Bucky just snorts "reminds me of a boy from Brooklyn, I knew. Always picking fights, always trying to protect people. I had to follow him everywhere to make sure HE is save. And now I am here and he isn't and it's not fair but it's what we have."

He looks at you, with a soft sadness that mirrors your own. "If you ever want to really talk about it, let me know. And now pull yourself together, because your boys really try to impress you out there and if you don't pay attention to them, they will hurt themselves."

You let out a teary sound between confusion, protest and laughter. "They are not my boys and they don't need my approval or something. It's not... They don't. Okay?"

Bucky just nods "Of course, doll, just teasing. And glad to hear that, means I don't have to share. I mean I would, they are very skilled, bet they have some wicked moves. Especially Ghost. It's always the silent broody types."

You just stare at him for a moment in shocked silence, then you can't hold back the laughter.

Meanwhile Soap is watching, barely focussing on the training. "If he touches her one more time, am gonna break'is arm, metal or not. Fackin' audacity that one" he growls. Ghost just nods. "Might have to do something about it. Maybe change tactics."

"we don't have tactics, LT, 'was the whole point. Not pressure her. Can't believe a'm saying this, but we all agreed not to be our overwhelming selves around her, so she won't be uncomfortable. She had to deal with gossip anyways."

Ghost knows this. Agreed that they would not make it harder for you. You were very good at your job, losing you because someone was thinking with their dick would have been stupid. But you worked with them for some time now, you are part of the team now, even if it wasn't official (yet), they trust you and hopefully you trust them as well. You had seen them after bad missions, celebrated successes, been part of their lives. Maybe they need to be more obvious about what that means.

~~~

I needed to get this out, might rewrite and format later. Feel free to comment <3

[callsign-swan]

Bones

Chapter Three

An animal trainer, a palaeontologist, an archaeologist, a rich boy, and an animal behaviourist on an island full of dinosaurs. They're bound to fall in love, right?

Poly Squad x Reader

Chapter One Chapter Two

“What do you wanna see first?” Bradley asked, voice gruff as he drove Jake through the park. 

It had been an effort not to laugh when he first picked Jake up. The clothes were designer, giving rich boy on a safari. Because, really, what else was he? 

“Something cool,” he answered and Bradley sniggered. It was the answer a child would give. Bradley hadn't done many tours involving kids while working at the park, only the ones you begged him to do when your research became too important (you loved to keep busy). 

This time, Bradley couldn't stop himself from replying like Jake was a child. “Well, what was your favourite dinosaur while you were growing up?” He asked, putting emphasis on the word ‘favourite.’ 

The grin dropped from Jake's face. “My uncle said you have compies.” 

“No.” 

Bradley didn't mean to be so harsh. He tapped the steering wheel with his thumb as he made a decision. “Compsognathus aren't a job for just one person,” he explained. “They're little shits that will jump on you the second you turn your back. I can't keep them calm and show you them all at once. We need Bones for that.”

“Bones? Like dog toys?” 

Bradley let out a laugh. “No, not like a dog toy.” 

He kept driving, following the path to the Gallimimus paddock. They were always fun, so damn fast you couldn't keep them still long enough for training. “A small bit of advice,” Bradley said as he flashed his bag and drove through the first set of gates. “Stay in the Bronco.” 

The second gate opened and Bradley drove through. “What is it?” Jake asked as he pressed his face against the window. 

“You'll see.” 

The walkie talkie in the centre console of the Bronco buzzed. “Rooster? Are you in with the runners?” 

Runners? Jake mouthed as Bradley picked up the walkie talkie. “Yeah, go ahead with feeding. I'm doing a demo right now.” 

“Copy.” 

The second gate opened and Bradley drove on. “You're about to see something incredible.” 

Like a child, Jake kept his face pressed against the window. The rumble in the ground started and Bradley grinned. It was coming. “Holy shit,” Jake breathed, pressed against the window as if he was trying to push through it. “Gallimimus.” 

“That's right,” Bradley said as the herd ran past them. “They're pretty cool, aren't they?” 

“Do you know how fast they run?”  

Bradley's entire morning was spent like this, showing Jake the different dinosaurs and shrugging his shoulders when he asked a question you would have known the answer to. This wasn't his job. This wasn't what he had signed up for. 

The Dilophosaurus was Jake's favourite. No frills on their head, as they had been depicted in kids media, and no shooting venom. He watched as they fought over a bit of food (even though there was plenty more in the enclosure for them). 

At the Tyrannosaurus paddock, in the log shaped viewing hide, Jake watched in awe as Rexy chased after the goat that had been let loose. That was your idea, to give the tyrannosaurus some kind of enrichment. “Jesus,” Jake breathed as he watched Rexy move. For such a big animal, she was still fast. 

“Yeah, you’d have no chance in there with her,” Bradley mumbled as he used his reflection in the glass to smooth down his moustache. 

The walkie talkie attached to his belt loop made a noise and Bradley pulled it towards his ear. 

“Roo? Is that you?” Came a distorted voice. 

Jake pushed away from the window, pushed away from the bloody scene in front of him. He watched as Bradley pushed the button on the side of the walkie talkie and held it in front of his mouth. “Hey Bones,” he said and Jake watched as a smile appeared beneath his moustache. He was cute, Jake thought as he leaned against the glass (but the image of the glass cracking and himself falling into the jaws of a T-Rex was enough to get him moving away). A little older, but still cute. 

“Can you get to The Girls? I’ve got something I wanna try.”

The grin beneath his moustache was replaced with a frown. “What’re you doing to my girls?”

“I’ll explain when you get here!” 

A sigh left his lips as he put his walkie talkie back and looked at Jake. This was the last kind of person he wanted around his girls. But you wanted him, and he couldn’t say no to you. “I’ve got rules for the next animal,” he said as he began walking towards the exit of the log shaped viewing hide. “And I need you to obey all of them, or you will get hurt, okay?”

Jake couldn’t help the charming smile he wore. “Whatever you say,” he said and stopped himself from biting his lip. How would this older man react to that whiny little voice he so often used to get whatever he wanted. It worked on almost everybody, man or woman, but it was clear Bradley didn’t like him. Maybe he would push him up against the wall. No, Bradley could have thrown him to the T-Rex, if he wanted to. Jake resisted. 

As they walked back to Bradley’s blue Bronco, Bradley listed off his rules. Jake nodded along to every single one as he climbed into the passenger seat, your usual seat. “Last thing, stay with me or Bones.”

“The girl from the walkie talkie?” Jake asked, looking far too relaxed in your seat. 

You should have been there, not him. You would have been talking about how happy you were to see Rexy able to display some natural behaviours in her enclosure. You would have been telling him about the enrichment activities you used to do with Taz, releasing him into his little field and driving around with a big piece of meat on the back. It was so damn risky, so damn stupid, but you loved it. Taz seemed to love it, too. 

“Yeah, the girl from the walkie talkie,” he muttered and drove a little faster. 

He parked up just outside of the training enclosure. Climbing out, he walked over to Pete Mitchell. “Where is Bones?” He asked the game warden. 

Pete gestured with his head to the training enclosure. “She’ll be out in a minute,” he said, the gun on his back not filling Bradley with confidence. It was there just in case, there for your safety. But the second he had to use the gun, it would have been too late. 

“What are we doing here?” Jake asked as he strode over to Bradley. The top few buttons of his shirt had been undone since stepping out of the Bronco and, with the heat of the day, Bradley couldn’t blame him. He ran his hands through his hair, messing it up but it still somehow looked perfect. 

Bradley shrugged his shoulders. 

The Raptors were in the outside paddock while you were in the training paddock. Just a gate kept you safe, a gate controlled by somebody else. Just one slip up from that person and you were a goner. All the while Bradley waited, he was so damn anxious.

Finally, you emerged from the training paddock. Both gates were shut behind you as you strode over to him, practically skipping. “What’s up with you?” Bradley asked as you stood on your tiptoes to kiss his cheek. 

You hadn’t noticed Jake yet, too focused on Bradley. “Reuben was being dumb with some eggs,” you said, as if that was supposed to reveal everything. “We’re gonna prove him wrong.” 

Your smile was infectious as you finally looked at Jake. “Hi!” You said, stepping towards him. You held out your hand, shaking his with enthusiasm. “You must be Tom's…” You trailed off, trying to remember just how Jake was related to your boss. 

You gave him no chance to tell you before you started speaking again. You gave him your name, last name included. Blackwood, why was that so familiar? “But most people call me Bones.” 

“You're the famous Bones,” he said, still holding your hand. 

Embarrassment was written in your expression as you looked back at Bradley. “I wouldn't say famous,” you said as you dropped his hand and stepped back towards Bradley. 

Bradley let his hand fall onto your shoulder. “What do you need me here for, baby?” He asked gently. 

All morning, Bradley had been so grumpy with Jake. Short, unwilling to answer his questions, hurrying him along while he wanted to watch the Stegosaurus herd have something to drink. The man in front of him now was completely different. 

You grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the stairs. “Reuben and Mickey wanted to introduce eggs to the herd and I had the theory that the girls would eat the eggs. We're gonna prove me right.” Looking past Bradley, you waved for Jake to follow. 

“What have you done?” Bradley asked as you pulled a camera from your bag. 

You slipped your hand into the little strap and held it up, pointing it at yourself and Bradley. You pointed behind you, at a bush in the paddock below. “That’s where I've hidden the egg,” you said to the camera. When you accidentally panned it towards Jake, he waved. 

You paused the filming to grin at him. God, he was cute. Cute and charming, it was a dangerous combination. But he was nice to look at, and you didn't mind having him on the walkway with you. 

“Roo, call The Girls.” 

The camera was on him as he put two fingers in his mouth and whistled. You stepped past him, focusing on the field that stretched out before you. Your camera zoomed in as the four raptors came running towards the training paddock. 

The gates opened and you moved to keep the camera focused on the Raptors below. They looked around, as if waiting for Bradley's commands. But he stayed quiet, knowing he'd offer nothing more than a distraction for The Girls. 

Jake opened his mouth and Bradley placed his finger against his lips, telling him to keep quiet. You watched, zooming in as London used her claw to roll the egg out from the bush. They vocalised to each other and, for a minute, you worried. What if you were wrong? 

But, suddenly, Paris lowered her head. You held your breath as she scooped egg into her mouth and ran off with it. You did your best to keep up with her, to capture the moment that she crushed the shell with her teeth and eat everything inside. 

“Good girl, Paris!” You shouted and all eyes turned to you. 

Paris quickly went back to the egg, but the other three approached the walkway. “Holy shit,” Jake whispered as the Raptors gathered beneath you. 

“Beautiful, aren't they?” Bradley mumbled. “Rio!” The smallest of the Raptors turned to him. “Eyes on me, everyone!” He held his hands up as he snapped his hands. They walked towards him, stood beneath him and vocalised. As soon as Paris had finished with the egg, she joined her sisters. 

As soon as Bradley dropped his hands, they went running out of the training paddock. You stopped recording and Jake released a breath. “That was incredible,” he said, smile on his face growing into something genuine. 

“You should see them properly in action,,” you said as you shoved your camera into your bag and made your way out of the walkway. 

Bradley and Jake followed. “Have you showed him Bertha yet?” You asked as you skipped over to the Bronco. 

“Who's Bertha?” Jake asked, watching as you climbed into the front seat, the seat he had occupied all the way here. 

Your tongue poked out between your teeth as you pulled the door shut and rolled down the window. “You're gonna love her,” you said and opened the glove compartment. Full of snacks. 

“So,” you began around a mouthful of little fruity sweets. Gummies. Jake had barely known you for five minutes, but he already knew they suited you. “What do you do, Jake?” 

Jake shrugged his shoulders. “I worked for my old man, but I got tired of it. I needed a change and this seemed like the place to be.” He omitted the part about his love for dinosaurs. The dorky love he'd had since he was a boy. But the way Bradley was glancing at him in the rear view mirror, he knew. 

You shovelled more gummies into your mouth. “So-” you paused to chew and  swallow your gummies. “Your change was dinosaurs?” You asked and Jake nodded. You emptied the rest of the packet into you hands, frowning when you were left with the green ones. They went back into the packet, which you threw into the glove compartment. “You gonna work while you're here?” 

For a moment, Jake was quiet. He looked at you, his oh so charming grin on his face. Trying to figure you out, but you didn't pick up on that. You were sat patiently, waiting for his response. 

“Not sure what use I'd be around here,” Jake said as Bradley drove through the gates of the Brontosaurus enclosure. 

You looked at Bradley, your eyes shining. “No,” he said immediately as the other gate slid open. He drove on through, heading towards the middle of the paddock. “Bones, no,” he insisted when you jutted your lip out in an adorable pout. It had worked every time so far. “What if he gets hurt, huh? What then?” 

You sat back in your seat and watched Jake in the rear view mirror. “He won't,” you said as the Bronco came to a stop. “I'd take care of him.” 

Once the Bronco had stopped, you let yourself out. “Bertha!” You shouted. “Come on, baby!” 

“So, Bones,” Jake began, leaning forward to rest against the back of Bradley's seat. “She's cute.” 

“She is,” Bradley agreed, running his hands over his face. He scratched at the stubble he had yet to shave. That was because you loved the feeling of it scratching against your thighs. 

Jake twiddled with his fingers. “Is she…” 

“Taken?” Bradley asked and Jake nodded. A laugh left his lips. “It's complicated.” 

“I can work with complicated.” Jake watched you through the window. “I like complicated.” 

He climbed out of the Bronco, watching as the Brontosaurus came running towards you. Jakes first instinct was to turn and run, but you stood still. The Brontosaurus stopped a little ways away. When she lowered her head, long neck stretched out, she was right by you.”Jake, I'd like you to meet my big baby Bertha.”

Bertha made a low noise. She almost looked like she was nuzzling against you. But she couldn’t have been, could she? Dinosaurs weren't this affectionate, were they?

“Raised her from an egg,” you said as you scratched her nose. “She's my little angel.” 

Jake swallowed. “Little,” he muttered through a nervous laugh. 

Grabbing his hand, you placed it on her nose. “Trust me,” you whispered, forcing him to stroke over her leathery nose, “She's the friendliest thing in this park. I trained her myself.”

Your phone buzzed in your pocket, and you tried to ignore it. But this was Bertha. Your Bertha. You could look away for just a moment, right? Plus, Jake could use the time to get acquainted with her. 

You switched on your phone and quickly scrolled through the notifications. Texts from your mother, likes on you latest Instagram post, all things a normal twenty-something year old would have on their phone. You scrolled right to the bottom. 

An email. You never got emails. A frown settled on your features as you clicked on it. 

From: b.floyd@email.com

Dear Bones,

a/n: idk if i've already posted this im haaard blanking 😭😭

taglist: @daggersquaddoll @lc-birdie @lavenhaven

[changingplumbob]

Second Round - Day Eight (R2) 1 of 2

@paracosmic-sims, @perolesims, @eljeebee, @jonquilyst, @riverofjazzsims, @matchalovertrait - Sim creators and co-writers

Bright and early, the household wakes up. Room order was randomised wih friends Isabella and Isla getting the ground floor rooms. A wheel was spun for type of shower the contestants would have (opportunity for energised, flirty or inspired moodlet) and whether they would brush their teeth (possible confident moodlet). Once they are finished getting ready they're sent to breakfast. Autonomy is toggled on and room doors are locked.

The order the contestants arrive at breakfast matters a little. Deanna compliments each of them in the order they arrive. Those who are talked to early seem to have more chance of fitting in autonomous socials with Deanna. They might fit in a joke, flirt or gossip between her complimenting others.

Deanna: I love that sweater on you Belle

Isabella: Thanks! It's one of my favourites

Isla: You're not too warm in it?

Isabella: It's pretty light

Hana: Well it definitely shows off your assets

Flirting? In PUBLIC? Not even with the bachelorette? Quetzalli is mortified to have witnessed such crass horrors. Nyami just quickly eats. She's tense from being inside and wants to get out.

Nyami: Dishes, dishes, who has dishes

Quetzalli: *still uncomfortable* I'm... eating?

Apolline: I'll help clean them. Then I need to dance

Deanna: How are you today Isla

Isla: *sighs* Another weird dream. I know it's silly to let them get me tense but they do

Isabella: Maybe you should relax before the challenge? Give you a better chance to go in with a clear head?

Isla: You're right. I'll be in the pool

Hana: Hey Deanna, you know I was just casually flirting right? I mean your dress clearly shows off assets as well

Deanna: *laughing* It's fine. I'm flirting with all of you. It would hardly be fair of me to forbid it

Hana: Alright good because I do really like you. I think the steamy shower just went to my head

Isabella: No harm done Hana

Apolline: Alright I'm bored, what's happening here?

Deanna: What happened to dancing?

Apolline: None of you were watching so it seemed... pointless

Missing Nyami? She took herself outside for some cloudgazing. It's better weather than when Kristina tried but there are still clouds to see.

Apolline: Quetzalli have you heard from your amour

Quetzalli: *rolls eyes and chuckles* Don't think I'm giving up Polly

Apolline: *bristles* That is not my name

Quetzalli sighs and excuses herself from the table to go play darts.

Hana: Nice Line, great job making friends

Apolline: I have you and Deanna. Do I need more? Deanna are you sure you can't give us a hint about the challenge?

Deanna: Ummm... I didn't pick it so please don't get mad when you're told what it is

Hana: *sarcastically* Her? Mad? Never

Nyami: Hey Quetzalli

Quetzalli: You might not want to stand between a person and a dartboard

Nyami: You can see me, it's not like you'll throw one

Nyami begins telling Quetzalli about all the wonderful memes she saw last time she was on social bunny. Quetzalli finds it hilarious! Sadly Isabella who is on her way to foosball just gets flashbacks to last round and the second hand embarrassment.

Devin: Hello everyone and welcome to Tartosa Gym. Today's challenge was picked by our pa, who is a fitness fan. Each of you has been tasked with completing the beginners endurance challenge on the rock wall. Fastest time wins. Good luck everyone

Devin hands it over to Aaron who gives a brief tutorial on how the rock wall works. It operates like a vertical treadmill, ticking over as contestants get closer to the top. Aaron takes everyone through some pre climb stretching to warm up, we need to be safe after all.

Aaron: I've picked this challenge because love is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to keep putting in the work if you want it to thrive. I'm looking forward to seeing who wins

Devin directs everyone to the right walls and the cameras position themselves.

Aaron: Any guesses who might win this one?

Deanna: I think Hana is a possibility since she's from Mt Komorebi, I mean she must have done some climbing right? Or Nyami, she does a lot of field work with her family and they go to some pretty hard to reach places

Aaron: Care to tell me who you want to win?

Deanna: *laughs* For the fourth time, nope!

Isabella: Oh..I'm not sure about this one. I don't want to break my bones...haha...

Isla: Rock climbing? Hmm... Not exactly my cup of tea. I hope we won't have to climb too high. I'm kinda scared of heights.

Hana: Did I mention I’m only good at the artistic parts of life?

Apolline: You know... I think staying under a guillotine would have been more fun than this. And more merciful. Far more merciful. But the balance and flexibility of all of my years of ballet, jazz and cheerleading will definitely come in handy.

Nyami: Please let me call Nereus (pronounced  Nee-Roos) he is gonna FREAK out that I get to do this as a challenge. It's one of our favorite things twin things to do

Quetzalli: I’m feeling optimistic about this. I picked up a book about rock climbing back at the villa.

There is danger in the air today! Quetzalli is the first to fall, but manages to balance. Hana however falls right on her butt, followed closely by Apolline. Isabella fares a little better but she to falls off the wall. Luckily she lands well.

Before we can blink Isla falls, having had enough of heights. Nyami slips and laughs at herself. Which means… no one wins the challenge? Can't have that, someone needs a date! Skill levels are investigated and it appears Nyami has the most (Level 3.68)

Apolline: ...that stupid machine broke my nail! Talk about adding insult to injury. 

Hana: I still have the strength to hold my brush — not all is lost

Apolline: Good thing this is over. Stupid challenge anyway

Apolline and Hana both had the same skill level (3.02). We should be very glad they didn't break anything serious.

Isabella: Thank the WATCHER, it's done!! I want to lie down!

Isla: I'm not super sporty or athletic, so it makes sense that I lost. Oh well, at least I got to try it! I still don't like heights, but I think this challenge helped me conquer my fear too

Quetzalli: I broke a nail (frowns)

Isabella (Level 3.26) Quetzalli (Level 3.27) Isla (Level 3.28)

Villa renovation by @paracosmic-sims Gym build by @hashimasims

[fall0utmind]

WAIT WAIT TOM/FABIO DOM/SUB FIC?? PLEASE WRITE IT I BEG....

Okay okay

Now is a good time to reply to this, cause i just posted the first part of my Tom/Fabio series and the last part is all about this.

So what I am thinking Is that Fabio doesn't know this is a thing for him, because that's my favourite thing to write about. It's gonna kinda be an under-negotiated kink thing, I think.

It's only when Tom and Fabio are sleeping together, they haven't long been together and maybe Fabio is kinda struggling to get into it properly, it feels like something is missing but he doesn't know what. The sex is good, so good but it feels like their usual vibe doesn't transfer to the bedroom, like Tom usually takes such good care of him, controls aspects of his life, makes sure he's looking after himself and orders him around if he isn't. But in the bedroom, Tom is of course looking after him, making it feel good, but he's so cautious, so unlike the tom he knows and Fabio is CONFUsed.

It's only when Tom is kinda frustrated one day, not at Fabio, but it has been a long day and suddenly he's pushing Fabio against the wall and picking him up and telling him to be good and Fabio is melting (🫠🫠). Best sec they've ever had.

Fabio is slipping hard and fast into something else, his brain hazy and far away which means when he cums he can't speak, can't think for a solid few minutes. He just lets Tom clean him up, and coax him to drink and THIS is what Fabio was missing. Fabio isn't a stranger to rough sex, but it's never been like this before, sure he's been tied up, and hit around a bit, but he's never felt like he was floating.

When he comes to, Tom is looking at him. All worried. And fabio is like idk what that was but fuck it was so good.

Tom presses a kiss to his lips, thinking. And says, " I had an ex girlfriend once. She was really into like being tied up, and hit and stuff. Yknow, bdsm"

And Fabio is blushing hard, avoiding Tom's eyes until he puts a hand under his chin and forces Fabio to keep eye contact.

"I learnt quite a lot. Turns out I was pretty into it. Where you just went, was that sub space? You wanna try it like that?"

Fabio has no idea but fuck is the thought so hot so he lets Tom take complete control next time and they start adding it into their dynamic, little by little, exploring as they go. It is not explicitly talked about but they're defo learning as they go and anyways the dynamic is so good!!!! Fabio is obsessed!! Tom always makes it about him, and his pleasure, and pushed him right to the edge and knows exactly what Fabio needs.

Not sure how far they'd go with it. What would you guys like to see? What do you all think???

[doeyeddaydream]

☆…━━━━━·:*☆…━━━━━·:*☆…━━━━━·:*☆

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕷𝖔𝖘𝖙 𝕭𝖔𝖞𝖘

⋆˙⟡♡ PAIRING ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ Poly!Lost boys x fem reader ۶𖹭ৎ

⋆ ˚｡⋆ SYNOPSIS ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆ You have another sweet yet tense encounter with the boys, and a mysterious one with the man who runs the video store. The man who seems to hold a lot of power over them. Alongside this, the relationship seems to escalate. A new page to a book that you've opened.

⋆˙⟡♡ AUTHORS NOTE ˚୨୧⋆ Not me sprinkling some of my favourite old horror movies within this, but when given the chance to in a setting like Max's video store, I'll take it.

✧ ⁺  𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ⋆｡˚ ⋆ Max jumpscare, reader is implied to have longish hair?, the nickname babe used (I can't stand that nickname but it's very within theme for them, therefore we endure), protective and possessive behaviour, kissing.

☆…━━━━━·:*☆…━━━━━·:*☆…━━━━━·:*☆

You had found yourself wandering in and out of stores this particular evening, the bustling crowds driving forward in a rush of chatter and thrill had you sweating in the summer heat, and the wisp of cool air blowing out the AC in the storefronts offered a much welcomed respite.

To your delight, you find a video store that's filled to the brim with dazzling TVs covering the walls and playing an array of movies that you faintly recognise.

It was exciting and buzzing in a way you could feel comfortable in, and the thought of picking up something to watch home later lured you in closer. Much better than another typical tourist store filled with overpriced buckets and spades and sunhats.

The moment you enter, the heavy lingering scent of cigarette smoke and AC air hits you. It hands thickly within the shop, a wispy haziness fogging your view.

Like graveyard fog or sea mist, it seeped into every crevice of this town, beneath floorboards and doorframes to engulf everything that the sea air touched. Like a grasping shadowy hand enveloping the town in an iron first. You felt like you couldn't hide from it, but you didn't want to struggle either. Mystery lingered in this murder capital, and you willingly let yourself be taken by it. At some point deciding that there was safety to behold here.

Whilst deep in thought, you look over the video tapes in the display case when a leather gloved hand settles on your shoulder, swiping locks of hair away from your neck. Deft fingertips idly brushing your hair, tenderly light yet firmly intentional.

A low whisper of your name pulls you from your thoughts, and you instinctively turn around.

You startle, gasping a little surprised noise, before realising it's none other than David. A strange warm feeling cloaks over you, enveloping you at the sight of him and his eyes peering straight into yours. Two chips of ice staring at you behind light eyelashes and dark under eyes. Unblinking and intense.

"What's going on?". He murmurs, muttering your name again with a lilting fondness. A soft smirk warming his expression at the sight of you.

"Oh". You reply, almost in a stupor. "Hey David". Breathing out his name, he looks you over before softening his smile. His hand is cupping your shoulder to pull you into his side, patting it reassuringly. Keeping you tucked against him. A possessive claim made loud and clear.

"There she is!". A head of wild blonde hair appears, the scent of smoke and weed and sea salt surrounding you. Paul's glittering blue eyes look at you like an excitable golden retriever, and he bounds over like one too. Toying with the stalk of a green lollipop that he presumably pinched from the countertop, but knowing him, he most likely definitely did.

His hand reaches for your waist to pull you into a hug, and you let him. The expanse of his palm cups your lower back before it drags around the curve of your waist, past a pocket. It's a brief hug, but it's warm nonetheless.

The others pile in like a group of piranhas, flanking each other's backs and sides. Dwayne leans back on the counter, quietly looking you over with his dark pinning stare whilst Marko rummages around in the lollipop jar and sends you an acknowledging wink and a finger waggle wave.

"Let's ditch babe, wanna ride?". Paul whispers, craning his neck down to murmur against your ear above the noise of the store.

Someone's else speaks up first before you have a chance to, and you almost jump.

"Boys". A stern voice calls from the register, and your head turns to the owner of it.

David turns his head slower, prolonging his gaze on you before making eye contact with the tall man adorned with glasses and a tie behind the counter. An odd tension settles between them, and his hand settles on your lower back.

"I told you not to come in here anymore".

You can hear Marko and Paul have quietened down now, no longer playfully pushing and prodding each other. They bow their heads quietly, yet in a defying manner like sulking children to a stern parent. Dragging their feet as they walk, making the time in your presence linger.

David makes eye contact with the man, as if saying something with his stare, before turning in acknowledgement. His knuckle brushes against your chin, gaze flickering to your lips before leading away. His boys are hot on his heels, as if connected to him with a string.

"See you later". Paul bids you farewell first, leaning down to whisper fondly against your cheek before departing with a boyish smile and a playful finger waggle.

Marko follows closely, his shoulder glued to his terror twin, but not before looking at you up and down with a lightheaded flirty glance. Brushing by, his lightly grasps your hand in his in passing, releasing your hand whilst dragging his fingertips down your palm before lightly hooking his fingertips with yous. Almost as if trying to drag you along outside with him.

"see you out later, 'kay?".

You give him a playful apologetic smile and squeeze his fingers a little before he lets you go. He looks at you with awe and forlornness before following Marko out. Dwayne hot on his heels, whose dark eyes are still pinned to you. Looking over you protectively before shooting the man behind the counter a stern glare. Almost in a silent warning.

They leave through the doors, and the tension settles. They must've really pissed off the store owner in the past or something.

"Apologies young lady. I hope they haven't bothered you too badly. Don't want those wild kids scaring off any new customers". The man chuckles politely. His smile doesn't reach his eyes.

"It's alright, they're my... friends. Well, Sort of. Thank you though". You assure him, offering a polite smile. You're still not sure what to name whatever is going on between you and the group of punks that seem to tail you, whatever sense of caution you had initially felt around them had somehow melted into something sweeter. Familiar. You weren't squirming prey, but you weren't just a casual friend either. Not with how they look at you.

His eyes flicker to the VHS you place on the countertop and his smile flickers fondly at the title.

"Horror Express. Excellent choice".

You pay for the video, handing him the cash, and he puts it into a paper bag for you.

He hands you a lollipop from the jar along with your purchase, and you take it shyly.

"Well I do hope you come by again, we've got plenty more movies like that around here".

"Will do. And thankyou...?"

"Max. Just Max will do". He chirps, flattening his palms on the countertop. Leering over you with his height.

"Thankyou Max. Have a good night".

"You too miss".

Stepping back into the chaos outside, you're hit with a sudden gust of cold nippy sea air. You're not at all surprised to see them all waiting near the storefront, their jackets warmed by neon light.

Popping the lollipop into your mouth, you send them a smile and a wave. Their faces differ with confused expressions as you turn the other way to walk, trying not to laugh as you hear their rapid footsteps approach behind you.

"no way you're already heading home". Paul groans playfully, leaning down to speak over the crash of waves and the noise of the concert playing nearby. "The night's still young. Come with us, yeah? We'll look after you".

You raise your brow at him, quirking a lighthearted demeanor.

"that doesn't sound ominous".

"nothing ominous here babe. All good intentions, I swear".

"As much as I'd love to, I can't. I have an early shift in the morning. Plus I really am tired". You sigh, tucking the packaged VHS into your bag and swinging it over your shoulder.

Dwayne approaches, and he's so close you can smell the leather from his jacket and the sea salt in his hair. His fingertips ghost past your lower back, and he peers down at you with those dark unblinking eyes of his.

"We'll get you home. Don't go alone". He murmurs lowly in a soft smoky voice, and the others grumble and sigh in disappointment. But they don't argue, and swiftly jump onto their bikes.

"She's riding with me". David announces, regardless if it needed to be stated or not. You always end up on his bike one way or another, and the other boys don't put up much of a fight.

Dwayne's hand warms the small of your back before it slips away, yet the heat remains. His nose nudges lightly against the back of your hair, encouraging you gently to join David.

He keeps his eyes on you as you approach him, hearing the others drag their bikes over the grit sand and gravel.

You feel nervous about riding on a bike, but with David luring you over with his gentle steadfast gaze and relaxed demeanor, you find yourself walking to him without quite realising it. You often find yourself drawn to him like that, as if you keep getting caught in his orbit. Lulling you closer with his fond expression and alluring confidence. You feel it. The promise of safety in his eyes, and you accept his hand, letting him help you climb onto the space behind him.

The bulk of cool metal against your hot skin and the low purr of it breathing to life beneath you makes it feel like a daunting death machine between your legs, but with David in the driver's seat, you feel at ease.

You feel warmer nestled against David's back, your cheek pressed against the leather of his jacket that smells distinctively of him. It helps distract you from the spike of anxiety that hits you the moment the engine roars loudly to life, and you hold tighter onto him when the weight of the bike glides bumpily down the sidewalk curb onto the road.

David feels you hug him tighter, and smirks softly in amusement.

Crowds part as they glide through the weaving pedestrians, and you look out onto the dark horizon of the ocean, seemingly blending into the night sky. The pale seafoam crashes against the shoreline in the distance whilst seasalt wind brushes through your hair.

The ride is slow and pleasant, and something about the mood tonight feels like they're drawing this out appreciatively. Bathed in moonlight and surrounded by your peculiar guardian angels devils.

They make the night feel like a realm of familiarity and safety, something you'd never thought possible when moving to Santa Carla alone. Nowadays you would go anywhere on the boardwalk without an ounce of fear, knowing that they were close by. You could feel their eyes on you if for some reason they couldn't join your side.

Your dark apartment stands amidst the others on the street, and it comes closer to view as you all drive to it.

You all pull to a stop in front of it, and the growl of bikes silence. Headlights bathing your front door.

Squeezing David's shoulder slightly, he offers you a hand to steady yourself with as you clamber off. He doesn't let you go right away, his gloved hand holding your waist, only letting you go when you give him a hug. His fingers flex against the dip in your lower back, a soft growly exhale brushing against your neck before he lets you go.

"Tomorrow night?". Marko asks hopefully. Jumping off his bike to scoop you into a hug too.

"Maybe".

He groans against your shoulder, and you laugh. He lingers longer with you in his arms, only pulling away when Paul nudges at his shoulder.

You card your fingers apologetically through his hair before getting pulled into Paul's arms, who picks you up off the ground till your legs dangle.

He huffs and snuffs noises playfully against your cheek to make you giggle, and you kiss clumsily at his jaw to make him stop. He does, cracking a dopey grin before lowering you back down on your feet. You flush, the kiss was impulsive, but he doesn't seem to mind one bit.

A tension settles in the air and their eyes pin on you. Like you've just tiptoed over the invisible barrier that had been lingering the whole time, quietly existing yet loudly being acknowledged by everyone. A simmering possessiveness glimmers in their eyes.

Dwayne dismantles his bike and approaches you first. The others watching on. David is lighting a cigarette, his dark eyes on you.

"Get some rest. We'll see you tomorrow". Dwayne mutters softly to you, leaning down to hug you before pausing. His gaze asking you for permission, and when you shyly nod and follow suit, almost a little clumsily, you let him kiss you. You grab a handful of dark hair, and he hums a low groan against your mouth.

It's brief and soft, and yet you feel like jelly afterwards. Especially how he looks you over afterwards. His dark pinning eyes glazed over with heated intensity. Like he wants more.

Paul and Marko saddle on their bikes, mouths agape, before scrambling off. David watches in amusement.

Marko's hand finds itself in your pocket as he presses a breathless kiss against your parted mouth. It's warm and sappy sweet like taffy, and he peppers a few more against the corners of your lips after pulling away. His eyes twinkling with giddiness and awe, and he pats Paul on the back as he returns to his bike. Now dopey eyed and mellow.

Paul is just as enthusiastic, ducking down for you to peck him on the lips. Nuzzling against your cupped hand that steadies against his jaw, light stubble tickling your palm.

They clamber back onto their bikes, smiles etched onto their faces. The three of them make a head start whilst David stands and leans by his bike, watching you. Curiously. As if waiting for his turn, and if you'd share the affection with him. The knowing relaxed smirk on his face gives it away however, the possessiveness he feels for you is already well established.

"I can't leave you out now". You chuckle awkwardly and shyly, your face warm against the cool night breeze.

"Well, aren't you sweet". He jests back gently, yet the intensity in his eyes is still there.

His gloved fingers brush against your cheek before taking a hold of your chin, and he kisses you after letting you anxiously huff air against his face from being so close. His hand moves to curl around the nape of your neck, and he deepens the kiss a little before pulling away. A soft smirk on his face as he looks at you admiringly. He tastes like smoke. Dangerous yet intoxicating.

"Goodnight".

"g'night David".

Once the roar of motorcycles deafens into the darkness of the night, you're left alone with your thoughts, and warmth lingering on your lips. Like they never left.

You step into your warm apartment and flick the kitchen lights on, the empty space looming in on you quietly as you press your back to the door, mulling over what just happened. That you've just made that step into their world now, no longer a bystander or a passenger.

This will definitely change things.

Wait, did Marko and Paul slip the candy they pinched from the video store into your pockets? Why are their lollipops-

[jinnaizaemon]

A post made out of procrastination

In 32-65, Rankirishin try to solve a Caesar cipher, and Shouzaemon kindly explains to them how it works:

The characters of the Japanese alphabet (well, to be exact, syllabary), aren't listed in the order you'd typically find them nowadays, as in あa いi うu えe おo かka きki くku けke こko... but following the iroha order, named after the poem Iroha, famous for being a pangram, that is to say it contains each character of the Japanese syllabary once.

So the first line... :

いろはにほへとちりぬるを

i ro ha ni ho he to chi ri nu ru wo

Can be translated as "even the blossoming flowers will eventually scatter". (In Nintama, classes are ordered using that same iroha order. We leave it as is in subs but 1-i, 1-ro, and 1-ha could very well be localized into 1-a, 1-b, 1-c.)

Anyways, as you probably know and as it's explained in the episode, a Caesar cipher can be decoded by shifting letters or characters by a certain number, which serves as the key to solving the cipher.

At the end of the episode, Hachizaemon shows another secret code to the audience to decipher, giving a hint with his hand (Rantarou would say the hint is in his smile...). At first I wanted to translate the entire episode but just thinking about it gave me a headache, so here's the solution to the cipher instead!

へろそふざ

he ro so fu za

いめむ

i me mu

めけうほ

me ke u ho

ぞきつ

zo ki tsu

This is the original text. Now if we shift the characters from two to the left...

にんたまで

ni n ta ma de

すきな

su ki na

きやらは

ki ya ra ha

だあれ

da a re

Which translates to...

💥Who's your favourite Nintama character?!!!💥

[incessantlark]

mom and dad are fighting again

[galagraphia]

I think my favourite thing about Stray Gods is that romances are not explicit, they are romantic. Seems like almost every game I pick in recent years is trying to wow me with nudity and sex scenes. You can't wow me with that, I'm a doctor and an asexual. But I really enjoy seeing people holding hands, dancing together, discussing their feelings, or singing together. To me it's way more important than sexy scenes. And Stray Gods does the romantic parts masterfully. And that's why I enjoyed the romances in this game so much.

[sysig]

Party (group) party (celebratory)! (Patreon)

[stopper-my-heart]

How are you doing

What’s your favorite episode of Heartstopper

Hey Anon!

I'm doing alright, though I wish I weren't constantly dizzy these recent times. Thanks for checking on me. I hope you're doing okay!

As I mentioned in my reply to the last ask, my favourites related to Heartstopper change all the time, so here's the snapshot answer:

My in-this-moment favourite episode of Heartstopper is the very first one, S1E1: Meet.

The Ben parts of the episode are always hard, but I absolutely adore watching Nick's nervousness and his crush on Charlie developing. (Honestly, at this point I think I could teach a Masterclass on Interpreting Nick Nelson -- in general, but especially in episode 1.) I also love watching Charlie's infatuation-at-first-sight progress and change as his friendship with Nick develops.

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

Have some giant gifs of cuteness from S1E1 (I worked very hard to restrain myself):

(The file name of this gif ⬇️ is "Nick being a little besotted")

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

For an overall summary of my "my favourite episode of Heartstopper" thoughts, see Joe's answer to a very similar question (and Kit's response to it) here.

Thanks for asking, Anon!

[toomanypeas]

Some paper cranes i made while in hospital :)

[bartallen-impulse]

I miss Hartley :(