#Bombay Wraps

[no-tengo-ojos]

SPOTIFY WRAPPED BABY

[weirdgirlvampire]

1-800-are-we-surprised

[vermutandherring]

DOWNLOAD:

• GENTLE EYES • MIDAS TOUCH • BOMBAY ROYAL • SAR BABILI • PREMIER EMPIRE • PRINCE SKYLINE

IMPORTANT

• I used body and head replacement by WalnutHill. If you already have any kind of replacement, you should either delete it or just don't download the ones in the archives.

• If the eyelashes in the 'feathers' section, any kind of leg wrapping gonna hide them.

• Marwari and Arabian use body/head meshes which are actually the accessories, so if you use accessory from that category, it will replace the body and head.

• If you keep Arabian's head from the mod, use bridles without noseband, otherwise they gonna look odd.

Thanks to @rembrandtdesigns @pure-winter-cc SchrodCat CC @objuct @pixelpony-cc for their mods.

Seems like TS4 equestrian community has died really fast for some reason. But I can't resist the urge to make pretty ponies from time to time, uuh 😞

[smeemos]

smeemo will probably look floor waxed smooth one day soon too. thats just how these little guiys are. bombay cats, known as "bricks wrapped in silk"

u r going 2 give smeemo body dysmorphia

[colettebronte]

She Rings Like a Bell Through the Night: Chapter 10

Taglist Form

Series Masterlist

Ao3 Link

Bridgerton Masterlist

Previous Next Chapter

Pairing: Vampire!Anthony Bridgerton x Witch!fem Reader

Summary: The Witch returns to England

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: 18+ for the overall fic. For this chapter: warnings for smut, specifically a hand job and oral sex. Minors DNI. I will put this up on Ao3 so please do not repost my work elsewhere

Author’s Note: I apologize for the delay in posting, this chapter took longer to get out than I expected. It was originally meant to just feature Gregory, but well, the story decided otherwise. Also, you read the warning right, we’re back with some smut, about two-thirds of the way through. Thank you as always to @fayes-fics for continuing to be the best and most patient beta reader

London, England 1800-1850

You stand in front of an office on an unassuming side street, looking at the placard beside the door that reads ‘William Mondrich, Esquire’. It’s nearly four o’clock in the afternoon, the time of your appointment with the lawyer. You knock and a moment later are surprised as the man himself, as described to you by your mutual acquaintance, opens the door and leads you inside.

His office, though small, is all elegant hardwood furniture accented by the light blue wallpaper and matching carpet. Mr. Mondrich leads you to a large desk, ushering you into a seat as he moves to the other side. The late afternoon sun filters through a gauzy white curtain that bathes his office in a pleasant glow.

The lawyer watches you with kind, keen eyes as you settle into your chair, your gloved hands folding over the leather folio in your lap. When you are at last in repose, Mr. Mondrich speaks.

“Ms. Y/l/n, as outlined in your letters, what you aim to accomplish here in London is possible, especially with the resources you have available. I have, as you requested, opened both a personal and business bank account for you, as well as started negotiations with the city on your behalf to purchase the land and buildings you wish to acquire.

You nod, impressed with the headway he’s already made. Fingers tapping lightly on the folio, you ask him, “And the progress on obtaining my business license?”

Mr. Mondrich shuffles a stack of paperwork on his desk and hands you a document. “It was approved yesterday.”

With a smile you take it from him and examine it, your approval to run an apothecary shop in the city of London. As you read, you say, “Excellent work, Sir.”

You look up as he nods, a carefully neutral look on his face. He folds his hands on his desk and, after a moment, says, “It’s all going well and I expect to have this business wrapped up in a few months but I must ask you, why did you choose me? There are far more prestigious lawyers in town and with the funds at your disposal, you could easily hire ten men better than me.”

You open the folio in your lap and pull out a calling card and place it on the table between you. He picks it up and studies it for a moment before looking up at you in surprise. One side is blank, but the other has a personal note written to him by your mutual acquaintance.

“You know Agatha,” he says softly as he puts down the card.

“I do,” you tell him, adding, “I spent the last quarter of a century in her company in Bombay.”

Mr. Mondrich stares, face inscrutable as you continue your explanation.

“From what Agatha told me, the three of us have something in common. We all fell in love with,” you pause to find the right words before landing on, “unique individuals who have gifted us with extended lives.”

The lawyer blinks once, then twice, before shaking his head with a wry smile. “My wife Alice certainly is unique. And as for being given the gift of an extended life, that is also true.” He sits back in his chair and seems to view you in a different light. “That’s why you chose to meet so late in the day, isn’t it?”

You nod. “As someone who has had to adjust to life with vampires, I know it’s easier to start the day late so as to be able to spend as much time with them as possible at night.” You lean forward, voice conspiratorial as you add, “I’ve also learned that the power of a good mid-day nap really helps one’s constitution.”

Mr. Mondrich laughs with his whole body. “It does indeed.” After a moment, he leans forward to shake your hand. “Thank you for choosing me, Ms. Y/l/n. Please call me Will from now on.”

You shake his hand in return, knowing that Agatha has steered you to the right man for this job. “Thank you Will. Please call me Y/n.”

Five months later, you’re standing side-by-side on a sunny main thoroughfare, watching as workmen finish hanging the sign above your new shop, Aubrey Apothecary. Once the men are gone, Will turns to you and holds up a ring of keys, newly made, the different keys cast in mismatching gold, silver and copper metal. 

He pulls three brass keys off the ring and presses them into your hand. Pointing to them, he says, “These two are for the outer and inner doors of the shop and this one is for your flat above.” He pauses to jangle the rest of the keys. “These are for the businesses and flats on both sides of the street that you are now the landlord for.”

“Landlady,” you correct him with a soft smile.

“Landlady,” he repeats. “I’ve directed all business and rental inquiries to go through my office so that you’re free to run the apothecary without bother. All rent money will be deposited into your accounts bi-weekly.”

You turn to him and offer your hand. “Thank you Will. I couldn’t have done any of this without your help.”

He takes up your hand. “It’s been my pleasure. I look forward to a long and prosperous business and personal  relationship.” He releases your hand and reaches into a pocket inside his jacket, pulling out an item wrapped in a handkerchief. “Alice wanted me to give this to you.”

It’s a small, blown-glass lily, a symbol of good luck. You hold it carefully in your free hand. “Please thank her for me. Let her know I will be keeping late hours a few nights a week, so I would be happy to receive her if she wants to stop by.”

Will smiles. “I’ll pass along the message.” He nods and then tips his hat, leaving you to unlock and explore your new shop.”

Once inside, the double-paned glass you had insisted on installing blocks out most of the sounds of busy street noise. The main room is large with pale green wallpaper and light coming in from the front windows as well as from high ones cut out from the walls and ceiling above and behind the counter. You had directed Will to source sturdy wooden pieces from rural artisans, caring more for craftsmanship than cost. The results were worth it. The counter was made from oak and spanned two-thirds the length of the room. Carved into it were symbols that appeared decorative but had personal meaning to you. The wooden knobs were the shape of lilacs and there was a slot carved out for you to place your beloved stained glass bird.

Behind the counter were tall, floor to ceiling wooden shelves, also carved from oak. They were filled with glass containers of all shapes and sizes that held different types of medicinal herbs, tinctures, tea blends, live plants and shelf-stable liquid remedies. You had installed a wooden ladder on wheels that ran on a small brass track that could allow you to reach anything on even the highest shelf with ease.

The back room of the shop held barrels and shelves full of herbs and other medicinal items you had sourced from all over England, as well as those sent to you from China and India by Daphne and Kate, with the assurance from both they would send you more of what you needed.

You make your way upstairs to the flat, your new home. The walls are lined with the same pale green wallpaper as downstairs. The furniture, while sturdy, is not as intricate as what is in the shop below. You enter a sitting room with a cozy settee and bookshelf filled with tomes and trinkets you’ve collected on your travels.

Just beyond, there is a small galley kitchen and three additional rooms. The largest, you made your bedroom, while the others serve as storage for your personal items. Thick, green curtains tied back adorn the sides of your bedroom windows, which face the street below. Your bed is large and luxurious, covered with a quilt Edwina and her daughters made for you. You smooth your hand over the swirl of colors as you think of your friends.

On your nightstand sits the box holding the glass orb that contains the spell Agatha gave you. You’ve faithfully kept up caring for it, but the glow from within the glass remains the same as it did when she first bestowed it upon you. But you remind yourself, with such intricate spellwork, patience, as well as time, are key.

Your opening day is modest with a steady stream of curious people stopping in to check out your selection and to suss out your knowledge. Will stands by watching with quiet support, refilling his cup of Oolong tea and plate of biscuits throughout the day. By the time you close, you’ve handed out many pamphlets and medicinal tea samples and even managed a few sales.

Business starts slow with the people of London unsure of your focus on Eastern medicine, but soon enough, you build a reputation for your knowledge, kind demeanor, and, most importantly, good results. Within a year, business is so booming that it becomes impossible to manage it all on your own so you advertise for a Shop Assistant.

While you vet applicants during the day, Alice Mondrich stops by to help you in the evenings, sorting through your latest shipments from Canton and Bombay and even assisting you in bottling tinctures and pill-making. She regales you with tales from her youth and how she met Will.

After a month of searching for the perfect employee, one quite literally lands on your front step. You’ve just opened the door and are setting out your welcome mat when a young man with bright eyes and chestnut hair, who appears to be about fifteen years old, walks by, staring at your ‘Help Wanted’ sign and trips over the cobblestone. You reach out to catch him, your hand grasping his and you both stare at each other in shock as the feel of Bridgerton magic flows through you. He jumps back, but remains holding your hand. He stares down at your wrist, which is covered by a glove, but all the same, he seems to sense Anthony’s magic within you.

“I’m Gregory,” he croaks out, squeezing your hand like it’s a lifeline.

“You’re hired,” you smile and tell him.

Over cups of tea, Red Clover for you, Chamomile for him, you learn how he came to be in London, his years spent traveling after separating from Violet and his sister Hyacinth and how he’s still young enough to be able to walk in daylight, as well as nighttime. You outline what his responsibilities will be as Shop Assistant, and you offer him one of your spare rooms to stay in. Later, he helps you clear the room out before returning with his possessions in a well-worn travel bag.

Gregory becomes indispensable, not only helping you to take orders and prepare remedies, but he also comes up with the idea of delivering orders to those unable to return to the shop. His preternatural speed allows him to be efficient even as he zig-zags around the vastly growing city, ensuring customers are not without their much-needed medicine.

He seems indefatigable and you’re not sure when he makes time to feed, but you come to cherish him as a little brother, all while trying to remember he is, in fact, older than you.

Some nights, while packing orders with you and Alice, he becomes maudlin, reflecting quietly on how he misses his family, so you tell him stories of your time with his mother and Daphne, as well as a sanitized version of how you met Anthony. If Alice casts you knowing glances, you ignore them.

Business continues to flourish and before you know it, it’s been nearly fifteen years since your doors opened. One particular night, dusk has just settled over the city and you’ve turned the closed sign but are keeping the door unlocked as you wait for Gregory to return from his final delivery run. 

You’re in the back, checking on inventory, when you hear the front bell ring. Wiping your hands on your apron, you go out to greet Gregory, only to stop dead in your tracks.

It’s Violet. After nearly sixty-five years since your tearful goodbye, she is standing in your shop. For a long moment, all you can do is stare at each other.

Her eyes fill with tears as she exclaims, “Oh, it is you! I heard people’s description of this place and its proprietress, and I thought, surely it had to be you, and it is!” 

Her words wash over you as you, too, begin to cry as you rush over to hug her, holding her in a tight embrace. You’re both sobbing and rocking together, neither of you in any hurry to let go until the front bell rings again and there is a sharp gasp as Gregory enters and takes in the scene.

His voice is small and full of hope as he asks, “Mother, is that you?”

Violet whirls around instantly and looks between Gregory and you and then she’s tugging both of you into a warm embrace, all three of you weeping silently.

Once your tears are dry, you send word for both Alice and Will to join you, which turns your reunion into a merry affair as you introduce your friends to your adopted mother. It’s then you learn that Alice and Violet are already acquainted, having met when Agatha was taking care of her. As they share tales from Violet’s youth, you sit back and marvel at how miraculous the world truly is.

Violet moves in, and your cozy flat truly starts to feel like home. While Violet sleeps by day, you and Gregory continue to run the shop. Your evenings are filled with her calming presence as you take the time to at last explore the city. Together with the Mondriches, you go out to restaurants, attend the opera and even the occasional ball. As the Regency period gives way to Victorian though, you find yourself growing restless, despite your success and happiness. 

It’s Alice who sits you down one night over a bottle of excellent brandy, proposing that it’s time for you to move on to your next adventure. You protest, even as you know she’s right. Violet chimes in from the kitchen, asserting that she and Gregory can take over the shop for as long as you wish it to remain open.

You worry about falling out of touch with her again, but Will promises he’s not going anywhere and is happy to be a point of contact, ensuring you won’t lose any of them, no matter how much time passes.

And so you pull out a map and begin to plan.

—

The night before your departure, you ready yourself for bed. The day had been spent going over the final preparations and the release of your excited energy has left you exhausted. You burrow under your blanket and sink into the plush mattress, ready to sleep. That’s when you fall into a dream, your most vivid yet.

You roll over, only to stare into a pair of familiar, dark eyes. Though aware you are asleep, you reach over and are surprised to feel a solid, warm cheek under your hand. Anthony smiles and turns his face to press a kiss into your palm.

After a long moment of staring at you, he shifts and pulls you into his arms, your body held flush against his. You feel his interest as your thighs brush against his hardening cock. You start to place a hand between you, but he takes it, bringing it up to his lips, his mouth opening as his tongue generously laves your fingers and palm, making you moan at the sight. 

He releases your hand and you reach down into his sleep pants to take hold of him. Though his mouth remains closed, you can hear his moan reverberating in your mind. The sound makes you suddenly desperate for him, the overwhelming desire to take and be taken making your passion a hurried, needy thing. His face is awash in the pleasure of your touch as you work your slick fingers up and down his length with ease, the memory of the last time you touched him clear in your mind as if it had been mere days ago and not nearly a century.

Anthony throws his head back, bucking as you speed up your movements against his skin, not wanting to delay his pleasure. He presses his face into the crook of your neck as he tips over the edge, the sound of his wanton moans and the scent of him filling your senses. 

After he comes, you rub your hands down his back and into his hair as he takes deep breaths, nostrils flaring as he tries to compose himself. This Anthony is just as warm and beautiful as the real one you remember.

Just when you’re sure you’re about to wake up, Anthony pulls the quilt over your head and slides down your body. The memory of his mouth fills you with warmth anew as a familiar dampness floods below. He smiles that sharp, wicked way he does in nearly every dream and then, without warning, lifts up the hem of your nightdress and parts your folds with that talented tongue of his as you grasp the sheets under you. 

You feel, rather than hear, him humming against your clit and then you too are bucking against him. He steadies you against the mattress as he sets an agonizingly slow pace, teasing and leaving you impossibly turned on.

It takes all your willpower to gently squeeze your thighs and not crush him as you want to, but he seems to get the message all the same. Raising his face, while still firmly attached to you, his eyes meet yours and you stare into his as he works away at you, his tongue speeding up its wild thrusting and swirling. And then, with a shout, you’re reaching forward to grasp his powerful shoulders, his warm skin still flushed like yours.

After what feels like a blink of an eye, you’re breathing deeply, held in his arms, both of you lying back against your pillows. Anthony traces a gentle finger over the contours of your face, a soft smile on his handsome face. And for the first time in a long time, you speak to him in your dream.

“I want to come find you, before I leave England,” you say softly.

Dream Anthony shakes his head, his face morphing into a look of resigned sadness. His mouth is closed, but his voice reverberates in your mind.

“Not yet, my sweet, clever witch.”

Somehow, you knew this would be his reply. Not wanting to jolt yourself awake, you keep your tone quiet as you ask, “Why not?”

He leans down to nuzzle your cheek as his voice once again sounds in your mind, “I still have so much to do before I’m ready for you to come home. But soon, I promise.”

You turn your face to brush your lips against his. And that is when you awaken.

—

The day dawns bright and clear as you make your way to the Port of London. Will and Gregory are seeing you off, having bade Violet and Alice goodbye the night before at a dinner hosted at Mondrich House.

As Will directs your luggage to your quarters, Gregory pulls you off to the side as people bustle around you. He hands you something small, wrapped tightly in blue tissue paper.

“Thank you for taking me in all those years ago,” he says. “And for helping me reunite with Mother,” he adds solemnly.

You take the small item, unwrapping it to reveal a bead carved from Sapphire, a stone that, among other things, represents strong bonds between friends and family. As you string it onto your necklace, you tell him, “I don’t know that I did anything; I was merely in the right place, at the right time.”

Gregory is quiet for a moment as he helps you put your pendant back on, his bead now sitting beside Daphne’s. You give him a hug and before parting, he says, “I think it’s much more than just coincidence. It feels as if we’re all meant to meet you,” he says thoughtfully, before adding, “I think it’s all leading to something, someday.”

You can only stare at him and think back to that day, so long ago, in the village where you stood beside Lord Edmund’s statue and drew energy from it to cast your reunion spell. Perhaps by asking for his help, it had caused you to become an active participant?

Your thoughts are interrupted by Will’s return. He embraces you warmly and then he and Gregory are bidding you goodbye as the whistle signals departure time is near.

That evening, you’re back in your cabin, studying your travel itinerary. Originally, you weren’t certain why you chose Venice as your destination. But all you know is that something, or rather someone, is calling you there, a name forming on the very air around you.

And you’d be lying if you said you didn’t feel a sort of anticipation at meeting him.

Benedict.

Next Chapter

taglist: @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @faye-tale @cosmiclove330 @abridgerton @fiction-is-life @kmc1989 @alexandrainlove @ietss @multi-fandom-lover7667 @turtle-cant-communicate @liliac-dreamer @hottytoddyhistory @laniec03 @sky0401 @kwbaby24 @spideymanluver @queenofmean14 @jtheteenagewitch

[velvety-cherryy]

This is so fucking disgusting, I can’t even wrap my head around it. A woman is taunted, controlled, denied basic agency, and made to sleep on the goddamn floor like she’s not even human, and the court says, “Oh, that’s not severe enough”? Are you fucking kidding me? How low is the bar for cruelty? What, does she have to come back from the dead with receipts of her suffering for anyone to believe she was abused? This system isn’t just broken—it was built to fuck us over from the start. Emotional and mental abuse is real, and it destroys people just as much as physical violence, but no one cares because it’s not visible. A woman can scream for help, but as long as she’s not bruised and bleeding, it’s just “domestic issues,” right? This isn’t justice. This is a slap in the face to every woman who’s ever been told to suffer in silence because her pain isn’t “bad enough” to matter. Fuck this system, and fuck the audacity of anyone defending it.

Bombay High court judge should die.

[moonlight-n-moondust]

day 43/100

almost wrapped up revision

just a bit more for tmr and i shld be ready

so damn tired

~3 hours 34 min on ypt~

���� : mudhar kanave by bombay jayashree

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

11

Read from the beginning

10......12

Billionaire media mogul married!

She stared at the fine print, clenching her fists. He had done it. Her Arnav was married. 

Lifting her cigarette to her lips, she drew in a smoke before letting it all out into the air. Her frustrations, her grief, her love.

Love for a man who simply never loved her back. She knew that now.

Despite everything, she had dared to hope. 

He had made it clear to her. The terms of their relationship were clear to them from the moment they laid eyes on each other. 

——

The city of Mumbai was chaotic on the best days. But today? It was a bustling pot of press, models and designers. 

Chanel was finally doing a show in India. 2012 the year of fashion import.

Lavanya sat in front of her dresser, as Rodrigo lathered on rouge on her cheekbones.

At 23, she had achieved what most models wish to achieve in their lifetime. She was Chanel’s showstopper. She was on all billboards across the country. Her father was happy but she knew he waited for the day she joined him. 

She was ready to go. Out on the ramp, where she will make history.

“On 1 Lavanya! 3,2,1 go!”

The lights blinded her but she sashayed forward. All eyes on her. She felt it all. Awe, envy, desire. That’s the thing with beauty. It never fails to inspire emotions.

Lavanya Kashyap was truly the showstopper.

—-

“Darling”

She turned to see Mia, the Anna Wintour of the Bombay fashion scene.

“Lavanya! You look drop dead gorgeous! I told you ASR, no one could have done the Paris in Bombay theme better than her.”

Mia moved aside to reveal the man who would change her life forever.

Arnav Singh Raizada.

A man whose arrogance was the talk of the country. He was the same age as hers. And just like her, he had painted the town red. AR media was dominating every aspect of the press. She finally met the man responsible for it. All wrapped in six feet of Armani.

“Honoured to meet you, Miss Kashyap”, Arnav nodded. His eyes…they were the most gorgeous shade of brown. 

She faltered. She was surrounded day and night by beauty. But never had she been left this struck. Arnav wasn’t a model, but there was something far more dangerous he possessed. An “it factor” so as to speak. 

“Likewise, Mr Raizada”

Arnav smiled then. And she knew what she felt.

——

Slipping off her mink coat, she prepared a glass of whiskey. Just like he used to like it.

Walking over to the window of Diego’s apartment, she looked at the twinkling lights of the city. Her slinky dress fluttered against the howling winds. The weather was echoing in her heart.

She glanced over at Diego who was sprawled over their bed. He was fun, gentle and just like her. She enjoyed him and herself with him. 

And yet….She hated that she had known Arnav once. It was like settling for a cheap bottle of wine after tasting the Cheval Blanc.

He was everything. Everything a girl wanted.

———

She stretched lazily. Her Egyptian cotton sheets brushed against her bare skin.

Arnav sat up, reaching for his cell on her bedside table.

She caught his wrist, “In a hurry, aren’t you, tiger?”

He rolled his eyes, letting out a chuckle.

“I have a meeting to attend. See you tonight”

He didn’t wait for a reply, just leaned over to kiss her. A kiss which left her deliciously warm.

—

“I painted this”, she declared as soon as the door swung open.

Arnav frowned, raising a quizzical brow.

“See these two birds! I saw them on my visit to New York.”

“Very nice”, he nodded, his cup of black coffee resting in his hand.

She walked in. 

“I was thinking of putting it here in the foyer-“

“Lavanya “

The cold composure of his which she had always found sexy now made her nervous.

“What are you doing? You know what this means. You know where we stand”

She looked away, “It’s just art, Arnav “

He sighed, “I don’t want anything to be misunderstood.”

She knew. She knew it when he had taken her to his place after the show. She knew it when he showed her stars on earth. She knew it when he had made it clear that it was a relationship where he didn’t want a future. He didn’t want a future with anyone, he had said.

But she didn’t want to give this up. The fireworks they shared were worth fighting for. Arnav was her Prince Charming. He was such a gentleman, it made her feel things she had never felt before. The intensity he brought to their intimacy made her dream things she hadn’t dared to.

But he drew the line. She knew he liked her company. But he was not a man in love.

And her? She had fallen ,and fallen how!

She wanted him. She wanted to be the mother to his children. She wanted to be the woman he came home to. To be the woman his eyes always seeked.

———

She lit another cigarette, the ashtray now resembling a crime scene. Tears streamed down her cheeks, as she struggled to look at the rising sun.

How could he?How could he do this to me?

———

Lavanya settled on the plush seats of Imran’s parlour. She needed this now more than ever. 

Arnav had not attended her show last night, choosing to go on a business trip to Dublin instead. She didn’t ask. Just smiled and kissed him goodbye.

“Lavanya?”

There under the bright lights stood Anjali Raizada. She walked up to her, resting on the seat beside her.

“Thought we would never meet”, Anjali smiled.

“So nice to meet you Anjali”

——

That’s how she felt hope beginning to grow in her heart. His sister liked her. How long till he resisted what he felt for her? She knew he did. 

Lavanya chuckled, drowning herself in whiskey. At least she thought he did. But did he ever really? Arnav didn’t really hide anything did he?

——

“I want marriage Arnav! Why can’t you see what we have! You are so scared of commitment you can’t even see me! You would be lucky to have me!”

She ran a hand through her hair.

Arnav sat there, his eyes enraged.

“Lavanya “ he blinked, “It’s clear we are not on the same page-“

“I met your family for god's sake!”

“No!”, he thundered, “My sister invited you to dinner. I was never asked. Lavanya, I have never acted in a way to hurt you, to mislead you”

“But can’t you see what we share? Why can’t you factor me in your life in any real way?”, her voice broke into a sob.

“I have never led you to believe that this was something which would lead to marriage. It was a relationship of mutual pleasure and company. And I had your consent from day one-“

“Screw that! You never care, Arnav! You never fucking care! You didn’t attend Toto’s funeral-“

“My mother was struggling from cancer”, his eyes now blank,” I apologise if I couldn’t prioritise your dog’s funeral over my mother’s life-“

“And that’s why Arnav”, Lavanya moved towards him, her eyes softening instantly, “You need me. I need you. You need a companion. You need a wife”

He stood up.

“Ratna aunty would have wanted us to be-“

“Enough!”, he snapped, his face etched in a snarl.

In a quick moment he was out the door.

Leaving her alone. Alone with her dreams. Alone with her love.

——-

“Lava?”

Diego’s concerned voice reached her. 

“Yes baby?” 

“How much did you drink? What happened baby?”

Lavanya leaned heavily on him, her eyes fluttering shut.

——-

“He is getting engaged. He is! Yes the ASR”

She stilled in the middle of her shoot, when an assistant spoke those words.

That evening, Anjali confirmed it.

Khushi Gupta. A journalism student. Twenty one. 

She had gripped her phone tight, denial twisting her into something ugly.

How? How can a man so averse to marriage now be ready to get married?

What had this girl done?

——

Nothing, Lavanya realised now.

Diego placed her on the bed, before slipping under the covers with her cuddled in his arms.

Khushi Gupta was nothing. An average girl. Someone who didn’t warrant the whiplash Lavanya lashed out on Anjali’s insistence.

“Oh she’s absolutely nothing. I feel sick just thinking about it. How could Arnav settle for someone like her? You must come to the engagement party. She needs to realise who’s shoes she’s trying to fill”

Lavanya hated it. Hated that Arnav now despised her more. 

She had never apologised for bringing his dead mother into their argument.

And now she needed to apologise for insulting his….wife.

Clutching her pillow, tears poured out. Her pain would dull with time. But she needed to ask him, why not her? Why couldn’t it be her?

-----

Next>>>

[penroseparticle]

Music asks:

13. a reboot of a song/songs you already loved (remix, mashup, acoustic, etc.)

21. a song from a local artist

29. your favorite album closer

13. A reboot of a song/songs you already loved

Sgt. Slick does a very respectable Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! version (my preference is the Freejak Remix). I also like his song called Song 2. As a Gleek, too many to count, but my favorite mashup they've ever done on Glee is Will You Love Me Tomorrow/Head Over Feet, from waaaaaaaaaaaay late in the show. I also love the Hall and Oates mashup. I know RHI/SLY is the better song, more powerful, more thematic, fits the plot. But I'm a sucker for Hall and Oates so I love that mashup. And of course, Dillon Francis' version of Goodies is my platonic ideal for a club cut. It's got all the good bits, some good pauses, easy to adlib. A little repetitive but has enough aural interest to not be boring. Perfect for a mix. Great job Dillon.

21. a song from a local artist

Technically the Foo Fighters formed in Seattle, but Dave Grohl is from Springfield VA (born in Ohio and moved to VA at like age 6 though, so close but we still don't get the dub) so everyone in DC counts them. Hardly local though. Color Palette is a pretty good local band, and I'm a fan of their song Marraketch to Bombay, and I know that tumblr LOVES Sub Radio, of which my favorite song is King of My Heart. Mambo Sauce has a song etched into my brain forever thanks to Hockey (Welcome to DC, in case you're interested). BUT OF COURSE I GOTTA GIVE IT TO THE REAL WINNER FROM DC, ONE GINUWINE WITH THE SEMINAL HIT CLASSIC PONY

29. your favorite album closer

It HAS to be Good Bye by Victoria Monet (Which made my spotify wrapped this year AND last year, so you know it's true). Such a sweet goodbye, a perfect sendoff to what I think (still) may be one of the best albums ever produced. Periodt!

[hobeemin]

midsummer

💐 genre(s): urban fantasy, romance, smut, hybrid au, fluff (so much)

💐 pairing: faun!kim seokjin x poc(f)reader 

💐 summary: once a year on the summer soltice, the veil between the realms thins. the couple can finally walk among the world without a care. what happens during midsummer, stays on midsummer.

💐 rating: 18+

💐 warning(s): swearing, exhibitionism, pet names, hickies, breast play, cock warming, dirty talk, penetration, unprotected sex (psa wrap it up), shooky being shooky

💐 word count: 2.3k

💐 credits: 💜 a special thanks to @kthpurplesyou​ , bee thank you so much for beta reading this fic!! 💜

banner resources found here: 1, 2, 3

💐 a/n: this is sort of a sequel to my fic Moon. i’d suggest reading that before this to understand what is going on 💜

for @btshoneyhive honey harvest cheers to another year with bhh. happy anniversary! 🎊🎉

“Jin, I’m home!” Y/N walked into her apartment, kicking her shoes off as she hung her coat on the hook and tossed her keys into the bowl near the door.

She didn’t have to go far to find the Faun, as something delicious intrigued her senses, making her walk into the kitchen. She leaned in the doorway, watching as he chopped some vegetables before dropping them into a pan on the stove. Her lips curled into a smile as he cooked, too lost in his task to notice her. She was still in awe from the first time they met. And just as before, he wore his favorite sweatpants, sans any other clothing, minus the apron wrapped snug around his waist. 

Y/N crept up slowly behind, wrapping her arms around him, and stood on tiptoes to kiss the shell of his ear. Jin froze before a smile appeared on his lips? He lifted her easily without missing a beat and kissed her deeply. Y/N wrapped her arms around him, grinning into the kiss, happy to be back in his arms.

He pulled away, rubbing his nose against hers. “Well, hello there.”

“Hi to you too,” she said, giving him a quick peck.

“You just get in?”

“Mhmm. I called your name but got distracted by the view,” she teased with a wink.

He laughed, setting her back down. “How was work?”

“Eh, more or less productive,” she answered. “Hobi stopped by during my lunch break, so we went out to eat.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Not bad. He says hello and wants to hang out again at some point.”

It had been almost three years since Jin appeared in her life. She wanted a fresh start after a bad breakup and moving across town.

And a fresh start she received indeed.

Jin fell into her life. Literally.

After a nasty bump on the head, Y/N could see this magical man; the rest was history. 

Due to his…nature, being seen publicly by any mortals would lead to chaos. That was the last thing he wanted for her. Of course, there was an initial shock when Hoseok met him. It took a while, but her friend grew accustomed to the Faun and became the best of friends. 

Y/N opened the cabinet rummaging through the different spices and handed it to him. “It’s awfully quiet here. Where’s Shooky?”

“Sleeping out on the fire escape,” he answered, stirring the vegetables.

Y/N grabbed a carrot stick from the cutting board and leaned against the counter. She chewed quietly, watching him. “Want some more help?”

Jin shot her a knowing look, making her laugh. Right. He was particular about cooking. And while he did love when Y/N was his sous chef, they’d become distracted, and then the food would burn or dry out. She put her hands up.

“Alright. Point made.”

He smiled warmly, placing a chaste kiss on her forehead. “I promise to let you know when it’s ready.”

“Works for me; I’ll go wash this grime away.”

As the water cascaded down, Y/N contemplated her situation. 

Shaking her hair out of the shower cap, Y/N went to the fire escape. Her loveable but sassy Bombay cat Shooky was resting near her plants. Ears twitching, the cat opened his eyes. He stretched and walked up to her, purring as he rubbed her leg. She giggled and reached down to scratch behind his ears.

“Well, aren’t you being sweet today? You must want something.”

Shooky stopped purring and glared at her. “Hardly. I can’t just be happy to see you.”

Y/N snorted as she continued scratching his ears. “I’ll let you be sweet for now.”

Shooky rolled his eyes before plopping himself in her lap and napping. Y/N looked out at the view watching the twinkling lights of  the skyline as twilight approached. 

Jin stuck his head out, a faint smile on his lips when he saw Y/N dozing off with Shooky in her lap. He almost didn’t want to wake her, but he leaned in, kissing her forehead to wake her up. She stirred, opening her eyes as a sleepy smile appeared.

“Did I fall asleep?”

“Mmhmm. Dinner is ready. Or do you want me to put a plate up for you, Princess?”

She shook her head just as Shooky woke up and stretched his body. “No, I’ll join you.”

Once Shooky jumped from her lap, Jin helped her back through the window and towards the dining room table. He set the table, ensuring the food was arranged beautifully on the plates. Y/N filled Shooky’s bowls before taking her seat as Jin grabbed a bottle of wine from the rack. He poured them each a glass as they settled into their meal. Y/N took a bite as her eyes closed in euphoria.

“This is delicious.”

“I’m happy you like it, Princess.” 

They made small talk as they finished their dinner, and Y/N washed the dishes before joining Jin on the couch. He pulled her onto his lap, kissing her cheek as he turned to a movie they wanted to watch. Y/N settled her head into his lap, and he stroked her hair. 

“So what do you and Hobi plan to do?”

“A festival coming up next week seemed pretty cool.”

“Oh? What festival?”

Y/N reached over to grab her phone and scrolled through her messages. “Um, a Midsummer festival.”

His eyes widened. ���Midsummer?”

“Uh-huh.”

His brows knitted in confusion as he began to mutter to himself. “Midsummer? Already? Couldn’t be.”

Y/N twisted to look up at him with concern. “Jin, what’s wrong?”

He glanced at her as a small smile appeared. “Nothing. Seriously.”

“Are you sure?”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his face. Y/N tried not to worry, but Jin had one of the most expressive faces. If he was upset or happy, it showed on his face.

The week went by without issues until she came home one day to Jin and Hoseok whispering to each other. They stopped talking once she entered the living room and returned to playing their video game.

“That wasn’t suspicious at all,” she commented as she placed her bags down.

Hoseok chuckled, giving Jin a long glance. “How was work, Y/N?”

“It was work. How was y’alls day?”

Jin pressed the pause button, but to Hobi’s dismay, and finally looked at his girlfriend. “Good. Are you busy this weekend?”

Y/N walked over to scan the calendar on the corkboard. She shook her head, turning back towards him. 

“No. I’m free this weekend. Why?”

“Just be ready around seven and dress up. I’m taking you out on a date.”

Her jaw almost reached the ground.

---

“Jin?”

“Yes, Princess?”

“Are you sure it’s safe to be out here?”

He turned to look at her with a grin. “Of course.”

“But–”

“Do you notice anything?”

“Notice what?”

“Exactly. No one is looking at me.”

He was right. No one gave him a second glance. It felt strange. The horns on his head didn’t cause any alarm. The Faun was finally out in public with his girlfriend. As they sat there at the restaurant enjoying each other’s company, Jin couldn’t help but feel relieved. He could finally be out in public with Y/N.

“So why can we be out like this?” she asked as they walked through town.

Jin brought her hand to his lips, giving her an endearing smile. “It’s midsummer night, Princess. The longest night is during the summer solstice. I can walk around and be seen, but not as a Fae.”

Kissing her hand, he noticed it calmed her as they continued their walk.

“So where are we going?”

Jin chuckled softly, squeezing her hand. “It's a surprise.”

She quirked her brow at him inquisitively. She didn’t enjoy surprises, but she trusted that Jin wouldn’t do something too extreme. As they walked through the town, she noticed as they approached a park with a gazebo in the middle. The gasp that left her lips was enough evidence for Jin to know she was pleased. 

Fairy lights tingled around the railings with flowers and ivy wrapped around them. A table was set with the works, champagne chilling in a bucket as soft music played from the speakers.

Y/N turned to look at Jin in disbelief. “Why? How?”

He reached up to stroke her cheek with his thumb. “Hoseok helped me set this up.”

“This is beautiful,” she whispered.

“Hardly pales in comparison to you, Princess,” he replied.

Her face heated up from his words, and he laughed at how cute her response was. He led her to one of the chairs and helped her into the seat before taking his own. Y/N was in awe, looking around the gazebo.

They outdid themselves. She made a mental note to get Hoseok. He could never keep a secret, so it was amazing how he held it in.

Now that she was here, Jin had become visibly nervous. They enjoyed the grilled vegetables and chicken meal as small talk carried on. He fiddled with the napkins while trying to think of something to say.

“–Jin?”

He blinked a few times. “I’m sorry?”

Y/N looked at him curiously. “Are you okay? You seem quiet.”

He gave her a small smile before clearing his throat and drinking some water. It was now or never. “Y/N?”

“Yes?” 

Jin stood from his seat and buttoned his jacket. Clearing his throat again, he held his hand out for her to take. Y/N wiped her mouth and grabbed his hand as he walked her over to one of the archways. Staring into her eyes, it calmed him down a bit.

“Y/N, we've been through some tough times. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through before we met, but since then, I never wanted to see you cry again. These three years have been the best time of my life, and I want to continue this journey with you.”

Was this happening? Y/N was speechless as she listened to Jin. It was happening.

Jin dropped to one knee, holding a small box covered in crushed velvet. As he opened it, she let out a choked sob. The rose gold band glittered with garnet gems. 

“Will you marry me, Princess?”

Still fighting back the tears, her head bobbed. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you, Seokjin.”

He slipped the ring on with care before pulling her into his arms. It seemed as if time stopped. It wasn’t until his lips brushed hers that she was taken out of her trance. She gripped the front of his shirt, deepening the kiss. Jin groaned into the kiss letting his tongue swipe her lips. Y/N obliged, moaning softly. Jin shuddered as soon as her hands left his chest and reached to caress his horns.

He broke their kiss, breathing hard.

“You know what that does to me?”

“Of course, I do, Jin,” she cooed softly.

Growling, he gripped her waist and shoved her against a pillar. “So you want to do this right out in the open?”

A mischievous grin crossed her face. “Sounds tempting.”

She leaned closer, nipping his neck as he bit down on his lip. “I promise not to be too loud.”

Jin panted as he pulled up her dress with a smirk. “Fuck that. I want everyone to know now.”

Y/N wasted no time unzipping his pants. So much franticness at the moment, wanting only to reach one goal together.

Not much prep work was needed as Jin’s cock slapped out onto his stomach, the cum dribbling down an angry head. Y/N licked her lips as she slipped her panties down. Jin grabbed them, putting them in his back pocket. Grinning, he hiked up her leg, wrapping it around his waist. Jin slipped past her folds with one fluid motion after getting her consent. His head dropped to her shoulder as expletives flew from his lips.

“So tight, Princess. And all for me.”

“Uh-huh. M-Move Jin. P-Please,” she begged.

His hips snapped forward as lustful noises erupted in the gazebo. Jin settled between the swell of her breasts, licking, sucking, nipping her flesh as marks began to bloom. Y/N’s nails dug into his shoulders, holding on for dear life—skin slapping skin. 

Promises pass their lips in their haze of pleasure. 

“I love you, Princess,” he murmured.

“I-I l-love you too, Jin. Fuck, right there. Yes!”

“I wanna cum deep in that pussy. May I, Princess? Can I fill you up?”

“Yes! Please!”

He slowed his movements, letting her feel every inch. Her walls clenched around him as he kissed her feverishly. 

“I’m so close, Jin. P-Please,” she purred into his ear.

“Cum with me, Princess,” he husked out.

At that moment, as his movements stuttered, Y/N clamped around his cock as she felt the spring unravel. Gasping, she cried out as Jin let out a long groan; he twitched before painting her walls white, filling her to the brim.

They lay against the pillar catching their breath, until Jin gently placed her on the ground, holding her up. Y/N pecked his lips as a sigh of contentment passed her lips. Jin stroked her hair, smiling at her.

“How are you feeling?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “I never excepted to be engaged or even have sex outside in a park.”

Jin’s distinct laugh had him tipping his head back. “Okay, the latter was not planned, but I have to say, now that I know you like exhibitionism–”

“Aht. Aht. Let’s not get carried away. I got caught in the moment.”

“It was a great moment.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You lucky I love you.”

Jin kissed her forehead, nuzzling her cheek. “I love you too, Princess.”

[quotespile]

Even though his cigarette stank — it was a local one, wrapped in a tendu leaf, fierce enough to make his head swim — he could smell the distinctive Indian odour — of dung, both of cattle and men, of smoke from the village hearts, of cattle food and cattle urine, of dust, of pungent food cooking, of old ragged clothes washed without soap and put out to dry, the aroma of poverty.

Anita Desai, Baumgartner's Bombay

[frogofalltime]

12.02.2024

i didn't get to sleep until super late due to extremely painful cramps, so i didn't set myself a morning alarm, and i woke up around 12:30pm

i stayed in bed for another hour because of the pain but i finally got up, took a shower, and got dressed

then i ate some soup and a toasted bagel really quickly before therapy. i was slightly late for therapy because my laptop shut down unexpectedly (it doesn't recognise the battery so if you accidentally knock out the charger it turns off lol)

my therapy session was good !! i love my therapist. they get me very well.

after that my dad facetimed me and i panicked (ever since my mother warned me about my aunt thinking i'm a lesbian — which i'm literally not, i'm a trans guy in a queerplatonic relationship with another trans guy, but my family is very transphobic and homophobic and they don't care about semantics — i've been constantly on edge worrying that my dad is going to find out) but he just wanted me to show him what was wrong with my laptop. alhamdulillah

my parents are coming to visit me on wednesday and i am very anxious about that especially because they make me doubt things and worry that i am going to hell, so my therapist recommended me to spend time in the morning before they arrive doing something / with someone that affirms my identity to remind me that being myself isn't something to be ashamed of. so i messaged @etherealspacejelly asking if they wanted to feed our pigeons, and robin was like YES OF COURSE, and also reminded me that day would be valentine's day, which i had completely forgotten existed lmao. since we are an aroace couple (and we are both staunchly against capitalism) we decided to just spend time together in nature rather than doing anything commercialised !!

then i went for a walk to watch the sunset from my favourite place, and joined in with an emergency protest calling to stop the attack on rafah (and gaza in general). after that i got some things i needed from a shop on my way home, then sat in my room for a while to decompress.

my childhood friend was going to call me in the evening, but they had a really long day at work and needed to go to bed, and i was also pretty tired and extremely dysphoric from being on my period, so we decided another day would be better.

then robin messaged me to tell me about a funny youtube video he just watched and i needed cheering up so i decided to watch it while eating dinner. i had no energy at all to cook, so i just made myself some sandwiches which i heated up in the microwave and i had them with some bombay mix and nuts. then i really craved chocolate so i ate the rest of a big hazelnut chocolate bar that i had left over from yesterday with some fruit to balance out the meal.

after eating i washed my dishes and went back to my room. i needed to wrap up my brother's 21st birthday gifts; his birthday was actually the day before mine but the book i bought for him is really big and heavy so i decided to give it to my parents to bring to him when they come to visit rather than spending a lot of money to post it in the mail. so i did that and made him a pokémon-themed birthday card using random scraps of paper and stickers that i had in my room, and it turned out pretty cool if i say so myself !

i kept listening to youtube while doing this which was very fun. i also got advice from @wiggles-mcgee on how to sign the birthday card because i haven't properly come out to my brother yet and he would probably open it in front of our parents so i didn't want to surprise him with my "nickname" turning out to be my chosen name, but i didn't want to use my birth name either, but lucy said to just sign it "your favourite sibling" which is funny because i'm his only sibling. so that was a very genius idea !

then i randomly had a burst of productive energy so i tidied up the huge mess in my room, i had done a lot of art / scrapbooking / card making in the past week so there was Debris™️ from that everywhere and it took quite a while to sort it all out.

finally i brushed my teeth, put my pyjamas on, and went to bed. unfortunately i couldn't sleep at all until around 2am or even after that idk, i had a headache and i kept needing to get up and use the bathroom which was very annoying because i had to wake up at 7am for class :')

but i must've fallen asleep eventually because i woke up on time to my alarm !! and i have to go get ready so see yall later :)

[best--dress]

Shuffle your on repeat playlist and list the first 10 songs that play, then tag 10 people.

Thanks for tagging me @thewholelemon ! I looove these. (Also, I started listening to one of the Troye Sivan songs you linked, and next thing I knew I'd listened to half the album 😆)

Hatachi No Koi - Lamp

August (Acoustic) - Flipturn

Home By Now - Bombay Bicycle Club

Hallucinogenics - Matt Maeson feat. Lana Del Rey

Bejeweled - Taylor Swift

Take My Breath Away - EZI

M'Lover - Kishi Bashi

So It Goes... - Taylor Swift

Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby - Cigarettes After Sex

The Valley - Miguel

I hadn't been listening to the songs from Rainbow's playlists until I got my Spotify wrapped results (m'Lover was my top song of 2023, ahahaha) and then I fell down that rabbit hole again. We all need our comfort music in January, right?

Tag, you're it: @iamamythologicalcreature @mooncello @alexalexinii @rimeswithpurple @that-disabled-princess @ileadacharmedlife @nightimedreamersworld @leithillustration

[emanuelfgw1009]

BEEF TERIYAKI

Resep Beef Teriyak

Beef teriyaki adalah makanan yang, bahan utamanya adalah gading sapi. Beef teriyaki adalah salah satu makanan yang sangat terkenal di negara Jepang.

Berikut adalah Resep Beef Teriyaki untuk 5 orang

Adapun bahan-bahan yang harus di siapkan yaitu:

Bahan:

500gr beef slice

butter atau margarin secukupnya

5 sdm saus teriyaki

4 sdm kecap manis

1/2 sdm kecap asin

1 sdm minyak wijen

black papper sesuai selera

1 ruas jahe, haluskan

garam dan penyedap sesuai selera

2 siung bawang putih cincang

Cara membuat

keringkan beef slice dengan tisu dapur dan tambahkan Saos teriyaki, kecap manis, kecap asin, minyak wijen, jahe, lada bubuk, garam dan penyedap. Aduk rata. Tutup wadah dengan plastik wrap, diamkan minimal 1 jam di dalam kulkas.

Panaskan margarin, tumis bawang putih hingga harum. Masukkan beef slice yang sudah dimarinasi. Aduk hingga rata. Kecilkan api, tutup wajan. Masak hingga setengah matang. * diaduk sesekali.

Masukkan bawang bombay, aduk rata. Masak hingga matang. koreksi rasa.

Sajikan beef teriyaki selagi hangat.

[hexcrystals]

63, 75, 81, and 97 for spotify wrapped!💛✨

63 - it's all coming back to me now by meat loaf 🍞 (i unironically really like meat loaf leave me alone)

75 - eat, sleep, wake (nothing but you) by bombay bicycle club 🚲

81 - sex by the 1975 📆

97 - i melt with you by modern english ❄️

[artificial-sleep]

“Zashi!” Shouta bellows as he storms into the house, pulling the door open with his one free hand, “I need wash assist, immediately!”

CW// EraserMic established relationship (they're husbands <3), Shouta finds a stray cat

Hizashi turns a corner with a towel on his head, using it to dry the water from his ear before he can slip his hearing aids back in. “Huh? Dishwasher help?” 

“Not that kind of wash…” Shouta says, but he doesn’t have to clarify because the small animal in his arms does plenty of filling in the blanks for him. Hizashi’s jaw drops when he sees him – the tiny kitten that can’t be more than 6 weeks, meowing up a storm from his place wrapped up in Shouta’s arms.

Shouta’s still in his hero costume, and the kitten is all bundled up in his capture weapon to keep him warm. It’s evident it had been raining, and from the looks of how thin the kitten is, he probably wouldn’t have survived the night. Hizashi is wise enough to know that there’s no question in whether or not they’re keeping it. Shouta doesn’t ask for much in their marriage, but when he sees an abandoned kitten that needs his help, he won’t pass it up – ever. It’s not like Hizashi minds anyway – something about seeing his partner so soft is endearing, and it makes Hizashi’s heart light up with little flares of endearment, flooding with the joyous reminders of why he married this man.

With a smile that holds years of commitment behind it, he removes his towel and puts his hair up, shooing their two grown cats out of the room before they can get too keen on the situation and develop an attitude about it. They will be introduced on the right terms at the right time, but now, the issue at hand stands with pertinence.

The kitten is all black with the most beautiful cerulean eyes and long, white whiskers. Hizashi already knows how sick it makes Shouta to find a black cat left so carelessly outside to suffer because studies show that bombays are most likely to get dumped solely because of their association with paganism. People can be so heartless, and Hizashi sure doesn’t like it any better, but it seems that it resonates even deeper with Shouta – maybe because of his heart for the sweet and defenseless that get cast away by the world for their “villainous” abilities. It hits close to home, and maybe even more so since Sushi. If there’s any one thing that defines Shouta, it’s his tendency to leap in and protect the weak or the naive from the pain of this world. Shirakumo taught him that – in more ways than one, and it changed him – made him speculative, more careful, calculated, rational; but Hizashi knows that it also made him softer, sweeter, gentler, and attuned. It’s no wonder Hizashi’s been a sucker for years.

“I’ll run a bath if you grab the soap,” Hizashi offers, and Shouta nods, the mewling fading into the other side of the house as he goes. They’ve done this before, most recently when they brought Sausage home. Shouta had adamantly called the puffy, long-haired cat “Box” because, creatively enough, that’s where Shouta had found him. At least he didn’t insist on “garbage” or “trash can,” considering the placement of the box, and Hizashi did show him some mercy for that. However, with his arms crossed and feet planted a nice 6 feet from his smelly husband who was still fragrant with residual waste, Hizashi scanned the fat cat who growled with a low gripe of discontent, and he decided: “Sausage, because he’s hefty, and he smells like the back of a Korean BBQ joint.” Shouta had just nodded once, Sausage vocalizing his offense, but all was forgiven when Hizashi opened a can of wet food for the cat and put on a quick meal on the stove for his husband.

Shouta entered shortly after Hizashi had drawn a shallow bath, warm water coating the bottom of the tub in their master bedroom. He came bearing the dish soap in his free hand as the kitten tried to wrangle free from its combines. It was no use – the device it was trapped in was warm and flexible like a scarf, but it wouldn’t give in to the small animal’s frantic moves, the metal elements keeping it bound tightly and safely, likely how Shouta made it home using just his arms.

The kitten didn’t act feral – not if the way it purred against Shouta’s skin was any indication, and Hizashi just hoped it wasn’t chipped. It would break Shouta’s heart to have to give the thing up, especially to someone he deemed irresponsible enough to let the poor thing roam free outside. Hizashi had faith that this kitten would remain theirs, though.

As Shouta unbound the kitten from his capture weapon and placed him in the tub with strong but caring hands, Hizashi began scrubbing. For such a small little being, the stench it carried was awful, and Hizashi could already tell that the vet bill would be… a feat. With the seamlessness that accompanied experience and partnership, Hizashi wrapped the kitten up in a towel and hurried to dry it, working with Shouta in tangent to get the kitty clean and comfortable as efficiently as possible.

Shouta handed the cat over to Hizashi as he stepped over to the drawer by their sink to rummage around for the clippers and a treat. Hizashi stared face-to-face at the kitten and cooed at it, even as it howled unhappily in tiny little screeches what with having been caught and bathed. It was good though, needed, with all the plants it had evidently been tied up in. Hizashi wondered idly where Shouta found the little guy (but he needn’t ask less he wished to spark a debate on why the cat should not be called “creek” or “thorns” or “nighttime”). He quickly found when the sweet thing managed to turn over in his arms, that he liked to have his belly rubbed, an unusual spot for a cat to enjoy, and Hizashi couldn’t help but think of how puppy-like the angelic little fur-ball acted. It was adorable, and Hizashi was already wrapped around the thing’s little paw. Sharp little paws, he dutifully noted when it took a playful bat at his hand. Shouta was at his side shortly after, holding the clippers in one hand and the squeezy-tube treat in the other. Hizashi repositioned the kitten in the towel so only one paw stuck out the top of the fabric and began administering the treat as Shouta skillfully clipped down the kitten’s nails. The runt barely noticed, too occupied with the feast in front of him, and Hizashi couldn’t help but giggle softly as he watched the tiny body scarf down the delicacy like it had never seen food before.

Even as quick as the kitty devoured the snack, Shouta was faster, knocking out 10 claws like nobody’s business before moving to the hind legs. This was easier, harder for the cat to pull away, and Hizashi just kissed and cuddled the tiny meow-machine, taking note of a very thin patch of sparse white hair right between his eyes.

“Check the sex?” Hizashi asked, and Shouta hummed in thought, crouched by the fuzzball’s stubby, restless legs.

“Male, I think… But it’s too early to tell. His fur’s a bit long there.”

“Cute little thing,” Hizashi remarked and Shouta agreed.

“Had to chase him through that little stream down off of 6th street, little bastard. He was a shivering mess by the time I caught him. Good thing I was in uniform because otherwise, my socks would have been soaked through in no time.” At that, Hizashi snuck a disapproving glance at Shouta’s boots and grimaced, seeing the layers of mud caked on that he had undoubtedly dragged through the entire house. But it was all inconsequential; Shouta would clean the mess tomorrow, and they’d have a new kitten, one that would make them both incredibly happy, and that happiness would be tenfold for Hizashi because seeing Shouta have something to fawn over was pure bliss.

“I love you, baby,” Hizashi says sweetly, and Shouta almost blushes, despite the ring weighing heavy on his finger that proves that statement indefinitely. “You have such a sweet soul, and I cherish you, my love. Look at this sweet little life you saved.”

Shouta takes the trash from Hizashi’s hand and discards it, closing in around Hizashi and the kitten to place a kiss on his forehead and then the kitten’s. “Thank you for always putting up with my bullshit.” Hizashi snorts at that, setting the kitten on the countertop to finish drying it meticulously so it doesn’t go into shock from the temperature change. Shouta takes that as his cue to go and gather up some miscellaneous supplies: a litter box here, a tunnel there, some bowls for food and water, some toys. Hizashi returns to finishing his moisturizing routine, and he still has a few emails to send out, so he draws the bathroom double doors shut and plops down onto the bed, pulling his laptop into his lap.

The sound of bells ring as a ball gets tossed around the bathroom and paws softly hitting the floor with rambunctious acrobatics bring a smile to Hizashi’s lips. It isn’t long before he can’t help but put work aside to leave for tomorrow, curiosity getting the best of him as he opens back up those double doors.

All he can do is stare for a while, a smile sitting permanently on his face as he takes in the sight of a still fully dressed Eraserhead sitting in his master bathroom, knees laid to his side with a pole in one hand, a feather dangling from a string attached to it and a little bell that rings with each and every turn and twist of the toy. The kitten leaps up in the air, trying to capture the enticing green feather, but it quickly shimmies away, skittering across the floor. The kitten goes pouncing, and Shouta wears a satisfied grin, not even noticing his husband in the doorway as he swings the toy back and forth, content doing only this for all of the night.

“You should probably try to rest, love. Work early tomorrow morning…”

“I know,” he agrees, tone amiable as he continues to hype up the little kitten. “I’ll come to bed soon.” Hizashi only smiles knowingly, making his way over to give Shouta another kiss. Shouta leans into this one, capturing Hizashi’s lips as they come closer to his.

Yep, Hizashi considers to himself, I have the cutest husband on the entire planet. And he’s happy for it.