#I'd rather just talk about cake.

[lazywitchling]

I've identified as ace for about 5 years but for me I don't feel proud about it? I want to...

I'm trans and also ID as bi, so people don't really get how I can be bi and ace... So I don't make a big deal about my asexuality and even when I'm talking about my identity, or anyone is. My asexuality never comes up.

I don't know if you can relate to this at all really but my question is:

How did you come to accept your asexuality? Was it a struggle for you? And do you have any advice for someone that's shunned that part of themself for so long they've no idea how to even think of being proud of it?

Have a great day/night 🌻

Oooooh. Hm. Well this may or may not be helpful, but here we go:

I am currently only functioning with the one label. "Asexual" is my thing! Yay! I have my flag! I find my flag in gifsets and art and buttons and things! Cool! [points at the greyscale-and-purple] Look, it me!

I might be aromantic as well? But I'm less connected with that label, and not really sure if it fits. It probably does? Might not? idk. Either way, I don't see the aro flag and go "It me!" And tbh, that's totally fine. I can have parts of myself that are exciting and that I connect with and that make me proud. And I can have parts that are like "You know, idk, that's not really a big deal to me. It's part of me, sure, but it doesn't really impact me right now."

You don't have to be OUT AND LOUD AND PROUD of every bit of yourself. Some things can just kinda be there.

I don't really make a Big Deal about my sexuality IRL, either. I wear an ace ring because it makes me happy, and because I've found and been found by a few other aces that way. I have an ace flag pin that I made, because it signals others that I am Part Of The Group, Too. I have never really come out in the dramatic sense, never sat anyone down and explained to them my ace-ness. But if they pick up on the symbols I wear, cool! But nbd if they don't.

Most times, my pride is less prideful and more comfortable. Identifying as ace just makes me feel right in my own head and life and how I relate to the world.

The times when I have felt pride is around other people. Participating in covering this website in rainbows during June makes me feel pride, because I'm doing it alongside others. Talking to other aces and swapping urls of etsy shops that sell black rings makes me feel pride, because I've made that connection and found another person like me.

And I'll tell you what, I have never felt more prideful than I did when a friend of mine came to me and told me that she'd recently started identifying as ace, and it's because she had seen me and just how normal I made it just by talking about it. That by watching me, she realized that what she was feeling was normal and actually pretty cool and not wrong or scary at all.

[chef kiss]

I'm giving you a really long answer, I'm sorry 😂

But yeah. Pride is cool. Being comfortable is better. Pride follows that pretty easily. You probably know this better than I do, with your being trans! When you find something that seems to click your soul into place like a puzzle piece, you feel that moment of "Ahhh.... yes, that's right" like a good warm blanket. Flags can come later.

I can expand on the story later, but basically how I accepted my asexuality (after several months of waffling "am I? no. but am I? i mean. nah. but maybe?") was that I essentially said to myself "I am asexual. And that's pretty cool."

[thetriangletattoo]

.

[luveline]

whenever youre free!! can you please write a spencer x reader where we meet spencer during an early season where he’s still cute and awkward maybe we date too but something happens and we don’t see him for a long time only to meet him again when he’s older and hotter (post prison) and there’s still crazy tension after all those years. in love with your writing btw!!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

tysm for requesting! hope this is ok :D ♡ 1.2k

cw vaguely suggestive theme

Looking at Spencer, you could almost think you were fresh out of college again, unsure of yourself and in need of a friend. 

He'd been much more than a friend. It's why you're here. 

The cake might have been a bad idea. You hold it between two hands, the subtle smell of chocolate rising from the box's ill-fitting lid. Your breath catches, words coming out wonky, "Hey. Spencer?" 

He looks up from his book, startled at being found, you think. "Y/N?" 

He looks the same. 

Obviously, he's older. He has facial hair and his curls are styled rather than having been left to their own devices, but you feel as hopelessly enamoured with him as you had years ago, because he still smiles like a puppy dog.

You're twice as surprised as he is when he stands from his coffee table to hug you. The cake box wobbles in your hands as he squeezes you, swaying you from side to side, his laugh warm in your ear. 

"What are you doing back here?" he asks, diving backward to see your face. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again." 

"I still had JJ's number, you know, from when I wanted that address, and she texted me to say you'd been released, and I," —your voice curls tighter, are you talking too much?— "know you might not want to hear from me, but I was worried about you. You were my best friend." 

His smile flickers. You press the cake into his hands. 

"That's for you," you say. 

Spencer's wavering smile turns to the box. He sets it down on the table beside his coffee cup and tented book, removing the lid carefully. You remember suddenly how nice his hands are, and the tracing of his fingertips down your bare shoulders. Goosebumps erupt along the ghost of his touch. 

"Well done on not being a criminal," he reads, snorting. "Funny. Little too soon." 

You feel like your stomach's fallen out, but he drops the act with another laugh. 

"Oh, you're still a jerk," you say. "I'm glad something hasn't changed." 

"You think I've changed?" he asks. 

"You didn't get any taller, if that's what you're asking." 

Spencer's smile turns fond. It's the sweet, sticky smile he'd always give you before he'd tell you he loved you, or that you were the best best friend ever. Or that last night, when you followed him hand in hand down the long hallway to his bedroom. 

"I wasn't that much of a jerk, was I?" he asks. 

"No, you weren't." You hold your hands behind your back. "Could I join you? Just for a bit?" 

"You brought me a cake. I can't say no, can I? Of course you can sit down. I'll get you a coffee, okay?" 

He touches his hand to your arm as he passes. You sit down in the seat across from him, sick with what-if and should-have. What if I could've stayed? Maybe I should have done more. But when Spencer ignored the letters you sent him while he was incarcerated, you figured you'd done more than he wanted. The cake was a last ditch effort, spurred on by JJ's text that read, I think he'd be really happy to see you. 

Spencer puts a china cup down in front of you. You take a sip, muscle memory, and grin at him shyly as he slides into the seat across from you. "You remembered." 

"I remember everything." 

"Right. Your photographic memory." 

"Eidetic, and sure, but I wouldn't forget about you." He reads your shyness for what it is, worry you've overstepped. He's too perceptive to trick. "I think I tried, but… I have so many bad memories, I wanted the good ones to keep." 

You can't imagine the things he experienced in prison. JJ couldn't tell you much. You knew from how you had to address his letters alone that he was sent to a general correctional facility in Mexico, rather than the protective custody he'd needed. He doesn't look terrible considering, but you've barely seen him since you had to leave. He's aged well. The only worry is his dark under eyes. 

"We had a good time," you say gently. "I knew you'd need that. That's why I sent you all those letters, you know? I wasn't trying to come back into your life, I know I don't deserve it after I left, but I couldn't stop thinking about you by yourself." 

You stare at his book. 

"How many letters did you send?" he asks. 

"I don't really remember." 

"I didn't get one." He grimaces. "I didn't get any from my mom, either. Think it was a coincidence?" 

Spencer's time in was kind of sick. He stabbed himself, made friends with criminals, played a lot of chess, and learned how to make tacos in a doritos bag. It was also arguably the loneliest and most degrading time of his life. 

One coffee becomes two, two becomes a third to go. You feel a hundred emotions but there's one that stands out the most as you drift around Pentagon City with him —wanting. You want him to be your best friend again, to rub your back and hold you when you're tired, to take you grocery shopping in his beat up P130. You want him to kiss you like he had, like he was searching for something, but he's changed so much that you don't know if your Spencer is still in there, under everything, or if he'd even want to.

"You live in the same apartment?" you ask. 

"Can you imagine how much it would cost me to move that many books? Paying the rent turns out cheaper," he says, the two of you walking in the grey street. "What about you? You didn't come all the way here to see me." 

"I actually did." You rub up the length of your upper arm, sheepish. "I did, Spencer." 

For a while, all you can hear is the plastic rustling of the bag held in his hand. 

"Thank you for writing to me. I didn't get to read them, but it makes a difference." 

You lift your head to meet his eyes. He holds your gaze, a charge behind his dark brown eyes. You used to think his irises and his pupils were one and the same, but you can see now that there are flecks of light in his irises. His hedging of thick lashes kiss in the corners as he slowly, slowly smiles. 

You glare at him. "Don't." 

"Don't what?" 

"You know what. You're doing that thing. Pretending you're not trying to make me nervous." 

"I'm not doing that. Flustered, but not nervous." Is he smirking?

"Flustered," you repeat, your smile stupidly big now, cheeks aching. "Yeah, right, Reid."

His pinky brushes yours. You don't have any proof that he's doing it purposefully, but he is. 

"Do you want to get something to eat? You can tell me what you were writing in your letters. I'd really, really like to know." His voice is threaded with a familiar timidity for the first time since you reunited. 

There you are, you think happily. "Sure. You buy me a sticky bun from our old place and I'll tell you all my written secrets." 

"Deal." 

[rassicas]

my general Side Order thoughts:

I don't have much of anything groundbreaking to say. I haven't publicly said much in relation to side order in the first place, i don't want to build up crazy expectations, and I've seen much of the fanbase making solid theories anyways. also there has been a lot less information compared to ROTM which is great, I don't want to be able to predict the whole story before the game comes out. I'd rather be surprised like i was with octo expansion! here I just want to put out my thoughts real quick so people know where I stand and that yes i am aware of the Hints and Foreshadowing

Marina's quote at the end of her interview in Splatune 3 is relevant of course, gives us a sense of what this whole world of order is. But did she build it this whole digital simulation, or was it something she found? (mix of both perhaps? found it, contributed to parts of it and it went out of her control?)

Mem cakes, agent 8, cerebral theming...very interested where this all goes. love all the references to OE keep em coming

People have been talking about this already, and the foreshadowing was acknowledged back in haikara walker in 2018. the hat logos on dedf1sh and paul gotta be connected to this thing.

It'd be a huge waste for a more grown-up paul to not show up in s3, either as someone mentioned by Acht or for him to make some sort of musical return post side order.

Glen fiddler has always been interesting to me (in that i anticipated he would become plot relevant somehow) with how he was fully 3d modeled in his sunken scroll. im not 100% on if hes gonna be in side order but the copy machine connections in side order (the fish skeletons in splatoween, also the recent poster?) are sus

^has to be agent 4. of course. seeing enemy inklings instead of enemy octolings sounds awesome btw

I'm expecting the inkopolis square hub to come back as a thing you can access post-game. pearl and marina splatfest concerts

iso padre please come back to me (maybe in said inkopolis square hub world)

who the fuck are you. not a mantis shrimp, looks too soft to be a crustacean to me. closest thing i can compare this to is a black dragonfish nymph but i kind of doubt it. maybe it is some guy who was created to manage things, like CQ to the deepsea metro?

[nonranghaes]

you are the absolute worst party planner in the world, and there's nothing vernon can say to change your mind. he's taking it all in stride, because vernon always does, but your feelings are swirling inside of you and pulling you deeper into them. he's still clutching a bloody rag around his hand, shifting uncomfortably.

"i am so fucking sorry--"

"baby. you've said that a million times now."

the fact he's calling you 'baby' now means you've definitely over-apologized for a single accident that wasn't even directly your fault. it was one mishap with the knife used to cut his birthday cake that lead to him with a bloody palm that seungcheol insisted the two of you take to urgent care (wonwoo had to talk him down from the emergency room--the wound isn't deep at all, just bloody) and dropped you both off here before heading back to clean up with wonwoo and mingyu.

"hey, i think the guy at the desk is flirting with you," vernon says offhandedly.

it immediately makes you turn to where the attractive young man--joshua, according to his name tag--is hiding a smile as he looks away from you.

"want me to get his number--ow!"

your light smack stops him from teasing you further. "i still feel really bad, vernon." you lean into his side, frowning. "you shouldn't be spending your birthday waiting to get stitches."

he turns his head, pressing a kiss onto the top of your head. "it was an accident. i shouldn't have grabbed the knife so hard. it's no big deal--i'd rather have you here than cheol. you know how he gets sometimes."

"i'll make it up to you," you look up. "since you told cheol and the others to eat whatever they wanted and leave... how about we go somewhere after this?" you wrap your arms around his, "i'll pay for that place with the cheese tonkatsu."

he just pulls his arm free, pulling you in instead. "we don't have to... but i'm not gonna turn it down." he presses another kiss against your temple, a little longer this time. "thanks for staying with me."

"i'm not going anywhere anytime soon," you say, settling in for the wait to be seen. "happy birthday, nonny."

[mi-dori]

Valentines Event- Day 2

❥𝑭𝒖𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒔❥

Game: Honkai Star Rail

Prompt: As the lover of a dedicated scientist, you were requested to be a subject of one of her experiments, or rather, she wanted you to fulfill her fantasy.

Warnings: Use of a double sided dildo, Dom!reader, Sub! Char, mentions of squirting, dildo having fake cum.

Late in the night, Ruan Mei kept working. She was a devoted and dedicated lover of Science and her passion for creating new things went behind your comprehension, even creating things she's never showed you but wanted you to use on her.

Ruan Mei spent most of her time in her lab, located in the basement of your home. She was hardly in the house, and you being the supportive lover you are, you also spent most of your time with her, listening to her talk about her new found research, even though you didn't understand anything that came out of her mouth, you still listened just to see the smile on her face.

Valentines day had arrived and you knew it would be like any normal day for you; not that you didn't mind as you'd obviously spend the day with Mei in her lab. Since she loved cakes, you decided to bake one and bring it down to her.

Once that was done, you carefully took the cake into the lab and placing it down on the table. Ruan Mei was busy focusing on something so she didn't see you walk in, and you took it as the perfect chance to sneak up on her, wrapping your arms around her waist. She squealed at the suddenness. "My love, you scared me."

"I'm sorry baby, I baked a cake for you." Her eyes lit up and she immediately turned around and spotted the cake. "Happy Valentines day darling," your gentle voice soothed her nerves that were all over these past few days.

One thing that Mei loved about you was that you were always so gentle and sweet with her, something that made her fall deeper in love with you. She walked over to the table with the cake and immediately took a bite, moaning as the flavours melted on her tongue. "Hmmm this is delicious my love." It took her less than five minutes to already chomp half of the cake, leaving the other half for you to eat.

She kissed you om the cheek as a thank you before pulling you over to her lab table. It was unusual to see your lover fidget like that, only when she's nervous and that's what she was doing. "So ehem... one night I may or may not have accidentally went a bit over board with one of mu inventions, but before you say anything, it came out really nice and I'd... uh... like for you to try it out?" She looked at you with a pleading face, her puppy eyes full on display. How could you say no to those eyes?

"Okay fine. Bring it out."

"A-actually, could you wait for me in the bedroom?" With a confused face, you nodded but headed to the bedroom, your curiosity killing you now. Less than a few minutes she came back, holding what it seemed to be a large toy hidden behind her back and when she pulled it out, your eyes widened.

"A double sided dildo?! And it's so huge!" Now it wasn't exactly huge but it was thick and longer than the normal ones. It seemed to have a machinery part attached to it as well as a temperature tester.

She chuckled nervously. "It's valentines right? H-happy valentines day."

You walked towards her with a very soft expression. "It's going to be too much for you- no I can take it! I want it! Please?"

With an reluctant sigh, you nodded your head, immediately being pulled into a steamy kiss. She gripped the collar of your shirt, tugging it down to expose your collar bone. It seemed she had wanted to use this invention for a long time but was too nervous. While she took off her clothes, you grabbed the dildo and attached it to your waist, heat immediately rushing up to your face upon seeing the two cocks that would soon be stuffed in your lover.

She laid on the bed, her body naked and exposed, only for you to feast your eyes upon. She was glorious and beautiful, a very perfect sculpted human in your eyes. Sensing your gaze, giggled at your star struck gaze. "Staring is rude love."

"I'm going to tell you this every time I see your naked body, you're so sexy it drives me insane," you kissed down her neck and collarbone, leaving marks in the process. You dipped a finger into her core, gathering her slick on your fingers before sucking them off, maintaining intense eye contact. "You taste so fucking good as always." She let out a soft moan when you laid on the bed, turning her so her back could face you.

You wrapped your hands around her and threw your legs over her body so you could get good access to both holes at once. You slowly rubbed the heads over her slit before pushing it both at once as she let out a loud moan, feeling extremely stretched out by those enormous cocks. "F-fuck ahh~"

She gripped your hands as you starter thrusting, feeling the bulge the cock made in her stomach. Her ass slapped against you and made delicious sounds that spurred you on to go faster. "You're such a slut for wanting two cocks at once," you breathed out, thrusting rougher and deeper. Her ass clenched the cock tighter than how her pussy did.

"I need more... please.... ahh~" you gritted your teeth and increased the pace, shaking the bed in the process as her breasts bounced. You pinched her nipples while massaging her breasts, the pleasure making her see the stars. She moaned loudly as you switched positions, now pounding into her from behind. She was folded, giving you the best access and view to her holes as you watched the cock go in and out.

Your abdomen burned from the pace you were going and the temperature tester became red, and you saw white stuff starting to form as the more the pace increased. It was like the faster you went, the faster the temperature of the dildo went up, producing fake cum. You smirked once you figured it and leaned down to capture her ears between your teeth. "You wanted to be filled didn't you? Such a naughty slut mei," you chuckled as she screamed from the intensity of your thrusts.

"I-I'm coming! Ahh~"

As she squirted, the dildo released the cum in both holes, filling them up until it started to pour out. You pulled out and detached the dildo, placing it on the ground as you cleaned up Mei. "That was a genius idea babygirl." She couldn't talk due to the intense orgasm she had. You kissed her forehead and wiped her down, before covering her with a blanket as she fell asleep.

Maybe you went too rough with her. But Valentines wasn't over and she was in for a surprise when she woke up.

[celestialprincesse]

Cake 💌

The next Monday when you find yourself pulling into the cold, grey parking lot of the offices on base, you startle upon the sight of John leaned against the door of the defender he'd paid through the nose for, scrolling through something on his phone, which he puts away the minute you pull in beside him.

"It's cold." You observe upon slipping from the drivers side of your car, dropping the keys into the cluttered mess that is your purse, heat blossoming in the base of your stomach when he huffs out a laugh at your grumbling tone. "It is." John rumbles out, voice muffled as he reopens the door of his car, procuring a steaming takeaway cup from the centre console, grinning wide when you squeal at the caramel and cream contents within, his eyes darting to your lips when you take a sip from the cup and let your eyes roll back. John keeps a hand at the small of your back to guide you through the parking lot as you happily sip away at your undeniably overpriced warm beverage.

"Better?" He coos at you like one would to a child throwing a tantrum. "Wait!" You squeal, and he panics at the sudden urgency in your voice, a concerned hand resting on your elbow as you rummage through your bag, withdrawing a small tupperware, containing little iced cupcakes. "Why do you have cake?" John cocks a confused brow as you hand it to him, an enveloped card taped to the top. "Kyle mentioned that it was your birthday over the weekend." "Did he now?" "You didn't tell me." You can't help but be a little huffy. When the Sergeant told you of Price's upcoming thirty seventh birthday, which apparently but you was aware of, you felt oddly wounded.

Realistically, you knew that most of the guys you worked alongside were reasonaby reserved, not particularly inclined to share the grizzly details of their lives with some secretary only just bought into the fold. Despite that knowledge, something in you thought that perhaps John would be the outlier to that, that perhaps what you shared was different. Upon turning that idea over in your head, you end up only feeling more foolish.

"Oh, Poppet." He murmurs when he sees your barely concealed wounded expression, eyebrows furrowing in understanding as he takes the tupperware from you in one hand, pulling you into his side with the other. "I didn't - didn't even really think about it, Lovie." He murmurs stoftly to you, looking down at your unintentionally glum face. "Normally it's not such a big deal, y'know? I'd rather not think about how old I'm gettin'." "You're not old." You huff back with an exaggerated roll of your eyes, unable to stop the amused smile which pulls at your lips. "Mhm. Flatterin' me. You want a raise or something?" He grunts with a smile of his own, not removing his arms from around you when he opens the card, squishing you inadvertently into his chest, which you surprisingly don't mind. It's cozy. Snuggly and warm and safe.

John gives a little amused chuff when he removes the Peter Rabbit card from the envelope, looking down at you inquisitively. "I didn't have anything else on short notice." You admit, flushing slightly under his sudden attention where you're snuggled in the crook of his big arm. "But you did have Peter Rabbit." The heavy rumble of his chest doesn't go unnoticed, or unnapreciated, by you, every time he talks with your cheek still smushed against his pecs. "Friend of mine had a son recently, figured it was on theme for like - kids." "Thank you, Poppet. For the card and the cake." John murmurs appreciatively, the warmth in his voice making you smile yourself. "Just, don't let Johnny see them." You mumble, reluctantly pulling from his unfairly warm grasp to swipe your keycard on the security door access system.

The two of you walk to his office in step, and he lingers for just a moment as he watches you unpack your work bag, plugging in your laptop and checking your planner in the same way you do every morning, making sure John and none of the other boys miss any important meetings.

"What've you got for me, Poppet?" "You've got a debrief with Ghost at sixteen hundred, followed by a catchup with Laswell at seventeen thirty." "Then dinner at eight, right?" "Thats.. That's not in the planner." You stammer, looking up at him with a confused sort of bewilderment. "That's because you haven't said yes yet."

[bella-rose29]

Deck the Halls (and not your partner) - part 5

Christmas Eve part 2

Word count: 4.1k

Warnings: swearing, family members are mean (are we seeing a pattern?), can you tell that I love lebkuchen from the number of times it got mentioned, they kiss again but for like 2 seconds, then they kiss again later for longer than 2 seconds 👀, reader's grandpa isn't supportive of her job (but it's ok because lockwood saves the day), a pigeon was harmed in the making of this chapter (but it lives!), drinking (alcohol), lockwood talks about his family and the Christmases he spent without them, reader comforts him, there is so much communication but somehow so much miscommunication at the same time??? and I'm annoyed at myself for doing this (but it's necessary), this part does not have a happy ending at all (I'm sorry)

series master list

"Well," Lockwood started, looking around at everyone gathered. "I suppose it started in March."

He paused for a moment, trying to figure out where to go from there. "We were on a job, just the two of us, in Kensington. A couple wanted their house clearing out before they properly moved in, and called us. Everything was going perfectly fine, and then we realised that our clients hadn't told us everything about the property, and we were dealing with three Limbless in an enclosed space." Y/n remembered that job well. It was one of the few cases that she'd actually gone on with just Lockwood, and they had been arguing for most of it about the best way to get rid of a Limbless.

Their argument had attracted the other two that were out in the garden.

"Y/n was brilliant, of course, using her Talent to locate the Sources of the three of them while I covered her, but I got held up in the corridor by some Type Ones that had appeared and she was left on her own. I only just got there in time to throw a salt bomb at the Limbless behind her and give her the extra second that she needed to wrap up the Source, but I don't think I've ever been more scared in my life. I really thought I was too late and that I'd lost her." His voice sounded thick with emotion, and when Y/n met his eyes they were watery. She tried not to frown, since it was strange for her to see him so affected like this. Lockwood cleared his throat, and looked back at the crowd. "Then of course I realised that I couldn't live without her and I asked her on a date. She said no, despite my attempts at baking her favourite cake and all the flowers." He cracked a smile, and people around the room laughed.

"Well you did look rather pathetic, Ant. I sort of wanted to watch you suffer a bit more." That much was true at least, since any time she got to watch him squirm was entertaining to her.

"Well you certainly got your share of that, darling," he huffed, and Y/n bit back a snort at the frustrated look on his face. "I had to ask her about six times after that first one before she finally said yes. We've been dating since the middle of April."

"It was eight, but who's counting?" Something about his story didn't sit right with her, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Maybe it was how close it was to what had actually happened on the job, or maybe it was the dread of all the questions she'd get about her job once people started mingling, wanting to know if she had a backup plan in case this line of work failed, or if she realised how dangerous it was.

Maybe it was the way that Lockwood had looked at her when he was talking about losing her.

~~~

"What are your intentions with Y/n?"

"Don't be stupid," John said, whacking his brother Sam on the arm.

"No, but really, what are your intent- oof!" Sam had been tackled to the floor by John, and Lockwood did his best not to flinch.

He'd been dragged into the library a few minutes ago by Y/n's brothers, and although he was the smallest, Tom was currently the most frightening as he stared Lockwood down from across the room, despite the two eldest brothers currently scrapping on the floor.

"Did... did you want me to answer that, or...?"

"I mean, it would be nice to know," Will piped up, eating straight from a packet of lebkuchen in the armchair opposite. Lockwood didn't think he'd ever seen the man without some sort of food nearby. He sat forward in his chair slightly, trying to come up with a good enough answer that would mean he could go back to the party. John and Sam stopped punching each other to hear his answer.

"I'm mostly just happy that she even gave me a chance, if I'm being honest." That much was true, but Y/n's brothers didn't need to know that he was talking about her acceptance of a position at his company and not the mythical relationship that the two of them had been in for eight months. "I know that I'm incredibly lucky to have her, and I can promise you that I won't do anything to screw that up."

Sam and John seemed happy enough with his answer, and Lockwood started breathing a little more easily. Tom was still staring at him, and Lockwood could have sworn that the boy hadn't blinked the entire time. Will snorted, shaking the bag around to get the last crumbs of lebkuchen out. "Yeah, sure. What's the real answer? No more of that crap, because it's obvious you rehearsed that to make us happy." When Lockwood didn't say anything for a moment Will prodded him again. "Go on."

He clenched his jaw, wondering how he could say anything nice about Y/n when she hadn't said anything nice about him for nearly three years, and looked out the window. A memory flashed up, and despite it having only been that morning, he was surprised at how quickly he'd forgotten the interaction.

Since when had she memorised how he took his tea?

He didn't think that Y/n had ever made him tea before, always making it a deliberate point to make a pot for everyone but him, and yet that morning while they sat in bed she had done it perfectly as though it were second nature. Then his mind drifted back to the night before, and he felt his face warm up at the memory of the mistletoe. He cleared his throat.

"I guess..." Lockwood sighed through his nose and clenched his jaw again. It was starting to ache. "I guess that's true, what I said before-"

"You guess?" Will interjected. Lockwood hadn't thought that he would be under this much scrutiny, but he was starting to sweat uncomfortably. He'd rather be dealing with Barnes right now than be sat here.

"It is true," he amended, making wary eye contact with the man. The packet of lebkuchen was neglected in Will's hand, hanging limply as he sat forward to question his younger sister's boyfriend. "She's incredible - the most incredible girl I've ever met - and I truly am aware of how lucky I am that she chose me. I'm not exactly... easy... to be around sometimes because of my agency, but she deals with me perfectly. She deals with me more than she should, to be honest." He frowned, thinking again about how he needed to figure out how to apologise to her. Nothing he had said was a lie; in fact, he didn't think he'd said anything more true about Y/n the entire time that he had known her. She was incredible, since her Touch was so powerful and unlike anything that he had ever seen before. And he did count himself lucky that she, despite his horrible words, still decided to work for him. And she did deal with him, more than anybody should, and she did it by being just as much of an arse to him as he was to her.

Maybe they were good together after all.

A thud on the window made everyone turn to look at what had made the noise, and Tom finally broke eye contact with Lockwood.

"Pigeon," Sam said, having been closest to the window. "I think it might be- oh no, it's just got up and flown off. Don't tell Mum though, she'll have a fit if she sees the mark it left."

"Alright, I think we're done here. You're free to go, Lover Boy," Will said, waving his hand vaguely at Lockwood and scrunching up the empty lebkuchen packet. Lockwood got up to leave, but upon opening the door a body fell face first into his chest with a small 'oof!'

"... Darling?" Lockwood asked, confusion lacing his voice. The figure looked up and offered a smile.

"Oh, hi! I was just... wondering where you were, Anthony." He tried to not let it show how much it affected him to hear his first name in her mouth, but the slight intake of breath that he took probably gave him away. It didn't help that Y/n was in that dress, since she looked so stunning that he couldn't focus on anything but her.

"You're so obsessed with each other," Lockwood heard Will mutter from behind him, and he realised with a start that they had just been staring at each other and blocking the doorway, penning the others in the library. When they went to move, however, Sam stopped them.

"Mistletoe! You can't break tradition!"

"Ugh, again? Did Mum plant an entire fucking garden of it?" Y/n said, peering up at the sprig that hung over their heads. "They're not gonna let us leave without doing it."

"Alright. Let's get it over with then," he whispered into her mouth, and he couldn't help but feel the exact opposite when she pressed her lips to his.

~~~

"So," Y/n's grandfather Richard started, and internally she groaned. He had used the tone of voice that meant he was about to start asking about work, and she was dreading this conversation. "Being an agent. Are you still sure it's what you want to do with your life, Y/n?"

"Yes, Gramps. I'm sure. I have been doing it for years now."

"But there are so many other things you could be doing! Jobs that you could actually be good at!"

That stung a little, and Y/n sat back slightly in her chair. She loved her Gramps, and most of the time he was one of her favourite family members, but he'd been alive before the Problem had started and didn't understand that things had changed since he was a kid. He believed in her in most other ways, just not when it came to her life as an agent, which was one of the only things she was truly passionate about (other passions included drinking tea and hating Lockwood).

"I don't mean to intrude," a voice piped up, and once again Y/n found herself wondering how the hell Lockwood managed to always turn up at the right time. "But Y/n is one of the best agents in the country, sir. Her Talent is so incredibly unique and that's what makes her so brilliant at her job." He perched on the arm of the chair that she was sat on, and she frowned when she felt the urge to rest her head against his thigh.

"Well how can you possibly know that!"

"Gramps, this is my boyfriend, Anthony? You met him briefly last night?"

"Oh, is it? Right, well I suppose you would know then! Tell me, is she too much of a pain sometimes?!"

Lockwood hesitated slightly, glancing down at where Y/n sat in the chair and frowning a little at her Gramps' question. "If anything I'm the pain. I don't know why she keeps me around to be honest." He sounded so sincere about it that for a moment she forgot that he had ever said anything horrible about her. The rest of their conversation faded into background noise as she remembered what she'd overheard earlier.

It was probably breaking all sorts of moral laws to eavesdrop on her brothers' interrogation of Lockwood, but then again she'd made her boss her fake boyfriend to fool her entire family, so she figured that she was well past being entirely moral about things. And besides, she hadn't been intending on listening in at first, she'd just been walking back from using the loo and happened to hear them. She couldn't get Lockwood's words out of her head, and she'd been replaying them over and over since.

"She's incredible - the most incredible girl I've ever met - and I truly am aware of how lucky I am that she chose me."

What the hell did that mean? Was it a lie that he'd made up to make them happy? But then she'd also heard Will prodding for the truth and his exclamation that whatever Lockwood had said before (which she hadn't heard) was obviously fake, so did he just come up with a better lie?

Tonight, she thought. Tonight I'll talk to him.

~~~

When the last guests had stumbled out of the front door, singing loudly and bumping into each other because they had had too much to drink, everybody left in the house let out a sigh of relief.

Y/n mumbled a tired 'good night' to everyone as she pulled herself upstairs, and Lockwood followed after her. He'd been helping her father tidy up a little before turning out the lights, to save some of the food that needed refrigerating and chucking other things in the bin. She had been worried when her dad first started talking to Lockwood, but then she'd heard her father laughing and had decided that they would be perfectly fine together.

Now she collapsed face first onto the bed, not yet worrying about the chill in the room.

"I can see why you were dreading that," Lockwood said, his voice sounding too loud. She'd had to down a few drinks that afternoon to deal with the sheer number of questions and comments from family members and friends, and now her head was aching slightly.

"Can you get me some water?" she asked, but since her face was still buried in the duvet it came out muffled. Lockwood's footsteps shuffled around for a while, and then went silent, and Y/n huffed in annoyance. Of course he'd just get himself ready for bed and not worry about her, that was so typical of him. She pushed herself upright, wincing when the room wobbled a little and the pain increased in her head, then frowned when Lockwood reappeared, something in his hand.

"Here. I couldn't find any painkillers though, so I'll just go and fill that up when you're done so you can try and sober up before bed."

Oh. Maybe he wasn't being so typical after all.

"Thanks," she muttered, taking the glass from him and eyeing it warily.

"It's not poisoned, darling. If I was going to kill you I wouldn't do it in a way that might mean you could come back to haunt me."

"Charming."

He sat down on the bed next to her with a sigh, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve. "You know," he said, not looking at her. "This hasn't been... the worst Christmas I've ever had."

"No? You're spending it with me." He gave her a wry smile, finally bringing his gaze up to meet hers.

"Yeah, that's not really that bad."

Oh.

"Really?"

He hummed in answer, nodding slightly, then got up and walked over to the fireplace. They sat in silence while Y/n finished off her water and Lockwood got the fire going, and once she headed over to sit next to where he was crouching she realised how cold she had been before. He sat back, leaning on the chair behind him. Y/n was hunched over her knees, empty glass dangling in her grip. She could have done the same as Lockwood with the armchair behind her, and god knew her head needed something to rest against because despite the water dulling the ache it was still pressing against her temples, but she didn't think she could see Lockwood's face at that moment.

"The first Christmas after Jess passed was the worst."

Her head snapped to look at him where he sat to her left, but he was staring into the fire, eyes transfixed on the flames but looking at something far away. She didn't say anything, instead just letting him go ahead in his own time.

"The ones after my parents died were hard, sure, but at least I had Jess around and we knew what the other was going through. Then she was gone too, and I was nine years old in a big house that was suddenly empty of the family I had spent my life being loved by."

She knew that his family were dead since the absence of any of them was shockingly present in 35 Portland Row, but he had never told her anything. She'd had to learn it all from Lucy, George, and Holly.

"That first one was horrible. I don't think I stopped crying for longer than an hour the entire time, and I couldn't sleep because I kept replaying it over in my head. I could have helped," he whispered, and Y/n could see that his eyes were glistening in the light of the fire. "I could have saved her, if only I hadn't-" he cut himself off, his voice growing too strangled to continue. Quickly she placed her hand on his arm, turning her body to face him.

"Hey, hey," she said quietly, drawing him into her arms. Her glass had been abandoned on the floor, her hands now holding Lockwood's body in her lap instead. His head was resting on her chest while his arm wrapped around her stomach, the other supporting his weight, and Y/n told herself that she was only allowing this to happen because she hadn't yet sobered up.

She wasn't sure how long they were there for, her leaning back at an awkward angle to allow room for Lockwood to lie on top of her and curl into her side while he sniffled, but after a while she found that she didn't mind stroking her fingers through his hair (which was surprisingly soft) or having his weight on her (it was like having a weighted blanket).

"Thank you," he muttered after a while, sitting up and wiping at his face. He paused in his movements when he realised that their faces were much closer together than was normal for two people that didn't like each other. The memory of that morning when she had smoothed out his collar and he had been about to say something came back, and when his gaze flicked between her eyes and her lips she drew in a breath.

"Anthony?"

And then he was surging forward, kissing her with the same passion that he had hated her with while she reached up to grab his shirt, not caring that she was wrinkling the fabric that she herself had smoothed out that very morning. How could she think of anything but him when the two of them had finally crashed together like a tsunami hitting cities?

How could she think of anything but him when he pulled her on top of him?

And how could she think of anything but him when he sighed her name into her mouth and it sounded sweeter than the tea he drank?

And then she was thinking about him entirely, and remembering everything that had happened since they met, and suddenly kissing him was a terrible idea.

"She's not good enough for the company."

She pushed away from him with a start when those words blared in her mind like warning alarms, the memory of what she had overheard in the library around four months after starting to work for Lockwood and Co. She hadn't heard anything before, but the disdain in Lockwood's voice told her it was about her. She had run upstairs to make sure she didn't hear any more of what he thought about her.

"Y/n?" he asked now, voice hoarse from crying and kissing, and his expression was desperate as he watched her press her hand to her lips and take shaky breaths. "Y/n? What is it? Wh-"

"Don't," she snapped, standing up and trying to forget the feeling of his hands on her body. "Don't... just don't, Lockwood." He was getting up too, scrambling after her and reaching out to stop her from slipping away.

"I don't understand-"

"Don't understand what?! We can't- we hate each other, Lockwood!" The venom in her voice made him stumble back a few steps. "You never wanted me at your company and you made sure that I knew that!"

"I-"

"I heard you telling the others that I wasn't ever going to be good enough for you, and then a few hours later after a job you're telling me that my Talent is incredible?! What am I supposed to think?! And then you spend the next however many years being a complete dick to me and complaining about me, so I do the same because clearly being nice didn't work, and now you're here at my fucking family Christmas event pretending to be my boyfriend and kissing me when you don't need to-"

"Of course I need to! I know I was horrible to you-"

"An understatement," she scoffed, crossing her arms.

"-but I'm trying to figure out how to apologise to you because I know that I've fucked up and I need to fix it!"

"So you kissed me?!"

"No! Yes! That wasn't an apology!" He rubbed his hand over his face, clearly frustrated with how it was going. "It was a mistake- no, Y/n, I didn't mean it like that!"

"A mistake?" she whispered, her eyes stinging with fresh tears. "Kissing me was a mistake?"

"No," he said, tone filled with desperation. "No, Y/n, I just meant that I shouldn't have done it before apologising to you because then it would seem like... I don't know! Like I was doing it just to try and trick you into accepting my apology or something!"

"Were you? Doing it to trick me? Because right now I can't tell what the truth is, Lockwood!"

"It wasn't a trick. It was never a trick, and I'm an idiot-"

"Yes, you are."

"Would you just listen to me?!" he shouted, anger seeping in to his body, and Y/n took a step back at the look in his eyes.

"What, like how you listen to me?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Yesterday, on the platform, when I was talking about my family being a lot and how it was hard for me and I'm actually related to most of them, and I couldn't imagine how hard it would be for someone to be introduced to all of that in one go. You just assumed that I meant it would be hard for you because your family is dead, and then when I tried to explain you cut me off and gave me the cold shoulder because you didn't fucking listen, Lockwood. What I meant was it would be a lot for anyone, no matter their own experience. Hell, even George has said that he would rather be blocked from the Archives for life than ever meet my family, and he's got almost as many relatives as me!"

Lockwood didn't say anything for a minute, instead just standing still and staring at her while the fire in his eyes died down, and Y/n shook her head. "This?" She gestured between the two of them. "This will never work. We will never work. Because you never wanted me and no matter how much I want you to like me in the same way that you like the others, you never will. And I will never be good enough for you." That was one more person to add to the list of people that she needed to meet unnecessarily high expectations for in order to be even noticed. She wiped at the tears that had slipped down her face while she was talking, the salt making her cheeks itch.

"You're right," Lockwood finally said. "I won't ever like you in the same way as the others." He stopped there, looking down at the floor. When he went to speak again, however, he lifted his head to an empty room, and the bathroom door shutting him out.

Y/n ignored his attempts to talk to her through the door, shoving the duvet and blankets that she had quickly grabbed into the bathtub and plugging her headphones into her walkman so that she didn't have to hear the rest of his cruel words and excuses.

She had craved something different with him, and it had fucking destroyed her.

And now she had to wake up on Christmas Day and pretend that she was hopelessly in love with the fake boyfriend who had just broken her heart.

part 6

Tag list: @ahead-fullofdreams, @aislinrayne, @anathemaloren, @augustisintheair, @avdiobliss, @aysha4life, @bobbys-not-that-small, @briar-rose23, @curseofhecate, @dangelnleif, @edible-rat-vomit, @el-de-phi, @ell0ra-br3kk3r, @ettadear, @fearlessmoony, @fudosl, @idkbubs, @informedimagining, @karensirkobabes, @locklyebrainrot, @locklyle1kanij, @locknco, @mentallyillsodapop, @mischivana, @mitskiswift99, @mrsklockwood, @mrsyixingunicorn10, @newbooksmell777, @no-morning-glories, @novelizt, @phlooper, @ran23sblog, @simrah1012, @somethingrandomwatzit, @star-of-velaris, @superpositvecloudshipper, @t2sh0, @taygrls, @tournesol77, @whenselenefallsinlove, @wordsarelife

let me know if you want to be added to/removed from the tag list! <3

[via-l0ve]

I'd love to see more Supernatural stuff like "would you love me if I was a worm?", please! c:

Calling The Spn Boys Really Cringey Nicknames (preference!)

a/n: i literally love you sm. when you requested this i was fr begging my brain to come up with ANYTHING and then boom here you are so thank you sm for this :)) i wasn’t sure if you meant like preferences or a funny little chaotic write up so i did both :) hope you enjoy!! (wendy williams is such a meme.)

Warnings: swearing, chaos tbh, not proofread

characters included: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Castiel, Crowley

Dean:

Sam was in the room and you know you gotta mess with the moose man

you walk up to dean all innocent and you hand him a beer you got from the fridge.

“here you go, honey bunches.” insert voice you use when talking to a puppy

dean stared for a second before going

“thanks?”

“of course, Schmoopie.”

HELP

Sam rn:

You just walk away like it’s normal and go back to doing whatever you’re doing and sam is literally DISGUSTED

after a couple of seconds he just goes

“schmoopie?” bro is about to cry hes so dead cus wtf is that nickname

“yeah?” you respond, shrugging.

“never say that again.” Sam deadpans and Dean gets up to walk to you.

“what the hell was that nickname.” he asks, a HINT of a blush on his face.

you smiled. “i think it’s cute!”

he literally looks scared.

“stop it. never again.” SHIVER ME TIMBERS

you scarred the poor man and his brother

Sam:

He’s working late on research for a case you guys are in town for and he’s delirious

you bring him a coffee and decide to fuck with him a little bit

“here’s your coffee, Sammy.”

“oh, thank you y/n”

“anything for my cutie patootie!” you kiss his head and walk away

he’s literally going 👁️👄👁️

maybe he’s delirious but he’s not psycho (maybe)

him rn:

“y/n.. what?”

you just turn around all innocent

“what? cant i call you my cutie patootie? or would you rather me call you my schnuckums?”

“what the fuck.”

“y/n. go to bed.”

you made him go to bed because he thought he was hallucinating

castiel:

my precious baby

he totally asked dean all about pet names and stuff and dean was like “STAY AWAY FROM THESE ONES..”

so when you call him your poopsie he’s like 🤨

but he dosent wanna do anything weird so he goes

“love you too, Schmoop.”

GOODBYE.

he fought back

now it’s your turn to actively cringe

you when he fought back:

he tells dean about it the next day and dean is in absolute SHAMBLES

i love cas he deserves nothing but love and support

he would totally keep calling you that name just to see you die inside every time

he loves you

i love him

he’d research cringe couple names and come across Petite Chou (small cabbage) in french and call you that

everyone would think it was something cute and meant a lot

Small Cabbage

Crowley:

i honest to god feel like crowley has seen so much and you’re so chaotic he wouldn’t even bat an eye

“i love you baby cakes!!”

“mhm. love you too, y/n.”

“hey my schmoople!”

“hi y/n.”

“how was your day, snuffleuffagus?”

“good. how was yours, love?”

he’s so used to you and your antics tbh he honestly thinks it’s hilarious

but he isn’t even phased anymore lol

you guys are a power couple

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for telling my gf I'd rather have no sex at all than just once or twice a year?

So here is the deal. I (28m) have been with my partner (29f) for almost six years now.

I have a very high libido. She has none, but is in denial about that.

I tried to have the "talk" with her so many times - Being asexual is okay, you need to be honest about your needs, all that. But no, she insists she totally loves sex for real it's just there is always stress at work and new netflix shows to watch and cakes to bake and oh god have you seen how bad things are in the world right now who could have sex at a time like this.

Anyway, after yet another 4 months without sex I kinda snapped.

I didn't say anything, just watched and waited, curious to see when it would come.

And there it was. One evening, she just looks at me and say "Oh wow lol it has been months since we had sex Oopsie haha I didn't even notice No idea how THAT happened I guess I failed my womanly duties but no worries babe we're totally gonna have sex tonight promise".

And she was so chipper I didn't want to make her sad I really tried to keep it together but it was just too much.

I said, as calmly as I could:

I told you a gazillion times, there ARE no fucking "womanly duties". That is not how libido works. You are just not interested in sex. And that is FINE.

But me, I cannot live with "effort". I cannot live with fig leaf sex once or twice or three times a year just so you can tell yourself you're not asexual. And if you do this just for my sake that is very romantic of you but also misses the point because that is NOT what I want. I want to be wanted sexually, and if I am not, I'd rather not have sex at all. "Twice a year" sex does the opposite for me. If I want an orgasm I can take care of that myself. For being close to YOU, we can cuddle and kiss. But I cannot wait months at a time for sex that isn't even based on any true sexual desire you have for me. I don't want a "gift". I don't want a "compromise" or a "sacrifice".

And of course I want to stay with you. I want to have a life wth you. We can do so many things together.

But clearly, sex isn't one of them. Not like this. I can't stand it.

And of course she cried and was inconsolable and yelled at me why I would "accuse" her of something so horrible.

We've talked some more and it's sortof fine now but still awkward... Lots of heavy silence.

I deeply regret I said anything at all, but at the same time, I could not bring myself to have sex with her again, and I see no way how I could have stayed silent.

AITA?

What are these acronyms?

[crimsonbubble]

cw. nsfw, dad's best friend!graves, afab!reader, lots of teasing, overload on nicknames, pool sex, praise, fingering, exhibitionism, public sex (?), implied age gap (graves is mid 30s, reader is early 20s), allusions to car sex and mirror sex *not proofread, just pure horny

[inspo from an ask and @whip-smarts 🫣]

MINORS DNI!!

the water swished around your legs as you sat on the edge of the pool, simply dipping your legs in. you sipped on a cold lemonade, watching the ripples in the water. the sound of the sliding door and a familiar southern accent made you perk up.

"mr. graves!"

you set down your drink, all but running over to him. you quickly looped your arms around his torso, making him stumble back. a smile was quick to appear on his face, chuckling softly as he held you.

"well hi sweetheart, missed me, did ya?"

he planted a quick kiss on your head, holding your waist as he swayed you in his arms. his thumb drew circles into the exposed skin of your back, keeping an arm around you as he talked with your father.

"she couldn't wait to see you again, bouncing all over the place just waiting for you."

'bouncing all over the place.' his head was soon filled with the increasingly inappropriate moments he's had with you. the times he's kissed your soft lips and watched your tits bounce as you rode him in the backseat of his car. the way he held and groped your body as he bent you over in front of your bedroom mirror. not to mention how he watched how your tits bounced as you raced over to him just now and how they pressed into his arm.

"nice to know a pretty little lady wants me."

he looked at you with a smug smile, quirking an eyebrow as your cheeks heated up, looking away from him. he did not doubt that you were thinking of a handful of intimate moments you'd shared.

"you two have fun out here, I gotta make a few calls."

with that, your father headed back inside, already typing away on his phone. graves held your waist as he walked over to the poolside sun chair. you pouted softly when he pulled away from you, watching as he emptied his pockets on the small table.

"you gotta get in if you wanna have fun, mr. graves."

he turned to you, raising an eyebrow as he tugged you closer by your waist. "how many times do I gotta tell you to drop the formalities, babydoll?"

you huffed out a laugh, looping your arms around his neck as you pushed your chest up to his. he groaned at how you pushed yourself into him, watching your tits slightly spill out from your baby pink bikini top.

"alright alright, fine. philip, you gotta jump in to have fun." graves whistled quietly, loving the way his name slipped from your lips.

"yea? wanna get me wet, sweetpea?" you nodded sweetly to his words, swaying your hips with the music that played from your speaker.

"I'd much rather get you wet, wouldn't you want that too, baby cakes?" your cheeks heated up again, pressing your face to his shoulder. you walked backward slowly, still clinging to graves. with a quick move, you switch positions with him, pushing him down as you did. he quickly grabbed your arm, dragging you down into the pool with him.

you let out a quick huff, wiping the hair out of your face. graves quickly resurfaced the water, shaking his head as he wipes his face. thankfully you had fallen into the shallow end of the pool because of the way graves stood in the water with his dress shirt clinging to each curve of his toned body.

you shamelessly stared, taking in the way droplets of water trailed down his exposed forearms where he had rolled his sleeves up and down his neck and chest where he had unbuttoned his shirt a bit. "like what you see, baby?"

you hummed and nodded, tugging him close by his shirt collar. you pressed your lips against him, keeping a hand on his neck and the other on his chest. graves had a hand on your lower back, the other sliding from your ass to your thigh, hiking it up against his hip.

"you'll be good for me, yea? be my good bunny?" he pushed you against the wall of the pool, a hand still on your back while the other pressed to your pulsing cunt. you let out a choked moan as he circled his fingers over your clit. you bit your lip harshly as his hand dove under your bikini.

you tried to muffle your sounds, leaning your head against his collarbone as you watched how his fingers played with your clit. your nails are digging into your palms as you choke on your own moans. "atta girl, keep nice and quiet for me, yea?" you wrapped your arms around his neck, burying your face into his neck as he buries his fingers in your warm pussy.

"just like that sugar, such a good girl for me." warmth spread across your chest, your cunt clenching around his fingers. graves laughed each time your greedy pussy tightened around him with each soft praise he whispered in your ear. his cock twitched as he listened to each soft whimper that slipped past your lips.

your nails dug into his shoulders, hiding your face in his chest as he drew circles on your clit. he cooed out small praises, holding you close to him as you feel your body tighten. he held you close, kissing along your neck and shoulders as your body tensed and pulsed with bliss.

the sound of the sliding door made you both jump apart, rubbing your faces as you tried to act inconspicuous. you two stole soft glances as he got out of the pool, staring at the veins in his arms as he pulled himself out. he threw you a soft wink, blowing a kiss your way as you leaned against the pool edge.

[missluthorwillseeyounow]

Ooh I'd love to hear 27 for Lena 😂

27. What’s the worst gift they ever received? How did they respond?

For Lena, the worst gift was no gift at all.

Her first birthday at the Luthors, and the little girl woke up with the first tiny bit of hope and happiness in her little heart.

Her birthdays, as far as she could remember in her young life, were always happy days. Not grand, in any sense. But the tiny cottage by the cliffs would be filled with a warm, rich scent of the sponge cake baking in the oven, and her mother would always let her sneak a small piece before the cake was even decorated. The sponge would be buttery and soft in Lena’s mouth, and when she exclaimed at the taste, her mother would get a soft look in her eyes and cup her cheek gently, wiping crumbs from her mouth.

No matter how lean the year had been, there would always be a present waiting for Lena at the table, lovingly wrapped by her mother's hand in shiny paper. Most times it would be a cheap pair of shoes or a plastic toy or an old book from a thrift shop - all her mother could afford - but Lena would treasure each as if it were gold.

But where were they now? Discarded by the Luthors as cheap trinkets the minute she moved into their household.

But today, she has a little bit of hope. After all, her mother always showed her that birthdays are special days.

Lena waits at the breakfast table. Lex is at boarding school, she misses him dearly. Lionel is already at LuthorCorp. Lillian has spared a rare moment to sip her morning coffee before heading out the door, and Lena's spirits lift in anticipation.

But nothing comes. No acknowledgment as the maid approaches with her lunch box and book bag. It's not even Lillian who bids her farewell, but rather the housekeeper who tells her to hurry along or she'll be late for school.

Breakfast comes and goes, and Lena is ushered into the family limo without acknowledgment.

She keeps her expectations low throughout the school day, but a little part of her looks up each time the door opens. She knows better than to expect any of the Luthors to come in with cupcakes and balloons or anything like that. But a small message, any sort of acknowledgment would be welcome.

Nothing comes.

School is dismissed and Lena is too. She is sent to her room to do her homework and brush up on her reading. Her Latin teacher comes and goes. Her organic chemistry tutor stays for an hour and talks about chirality and stereoisomers, but mentions nothing about birthdays.

Her last hope clings to life at dinner.

She's too scared to bring it up to Lionel. The man who had picked her up and flown her to the States is more interested in the portfolio he's reviewing at the table. Lillian is similarly distracted by some documents at her side. The entire dinner is silent and distracted, work taken to the table just to avoid talking to the people they share a house with. It certainly can't be called a family.

Lionel retires early and the only two people left are Lillian and Lena. The little girl waits as the maid clears the plates and disappears around the corner.

She summons her courage and musters a small smile for her new mother, who doesn't even look up to see it. "It's my birthday today."

Lillian’s annoyed gaze flicks up at her, her grey eyes almost bored. "Is it? And did you expect some sort of congratulations for that?"

Lena's mouth snaps shut, and her eyes lower to her lap.

"Do you suggest we reward something as trivial as being born? Should you get some award for merely existing?" Lillian arches a fine eyebrow. "Accolades are for achievements, Lena. Birthdays are not achievements, and hardly worth any sort of offering. If you're looking for some sort of distinction or praise for merely existing, you're looking in the wrong place. Let me know when you've achieved something worth commemorating."

But you gave Lex his own lab for his last birthday. Lena bites the thought back, knowing better than to say anything. Instead, she turns back to her plate.

The rest of the meal passes in silence.

[infriga]

I convinced my mom to try the live action One Piece, because she's the type to like this style of show even though she isn't into animation and would never read manga, but I didn't think I'd be able to convince my dad because he's usually a stickler for more grounded and realistic stories (his favourite genre is war movies, his favourite movie is Saving Private Ryan, for reference). But, when I brought up with him how I figured it probably wouldn't be his thing because it was fantasy, he mentioned to me that he does enjoy some fantastical stuff if it has like an internal universe logic, like Star Wars, and the more I thought about it, the more I remembered that he also enjoys campy fun action adventure stuff that doesn't take itself too seriously like Indiana Jones or Pirates of the Carribean.

And One Piece has both that internal logic for why people can perform crazy feats (even if it isn't explained right away) which I mentioned to him (just that there is a reason why people can do crazy things in this world), as well as the campy fun action adventure thing going for it, especially in the Live Action (the fight against Morgan's base even has a major Indiana Jones vibes ngl). So I explained that to him and asked if he wanted to try it, and he agreed to watching the first episode with me to decide if he'd watch it with my mom and me.

AND HE ACTUALLY SAID IT WAS INTERESTING SO FAR!! Like, he is NOT the kinda guy to enjoy anime or manga or even western cartoons, always refuses to watch anything anime and doesn't show any interest when I talk about it (I've managed to convince him to watch a few movies like Sword of the Stranger but it's obvious that even when he's not bored or doesn't hate it, it still doesn't catch or keep his interest), and he's really picky about anything fantasy or SciFi, if it like sets off his bullshit meter too much he starts nitpicking the logic behind certain abilities, or decisions, or explanations, etc. I once tried to get him to try Gravity Falls and he wanted to stop after the first episode. He's THAT picky.

So the fact that he actually laughed several times while watching the first episode of OPLA with me, commented about Luffy's character positively several times (he seems to think Luffy is really funny which surprised me cause I thought he'd be the most entertained by Zoro but I mean I can't blame him it is Luffy after all), never cringed or criticised or said anything about how ridiculous it was, means a lot coming from him cause he's always really blunt and honest about his opinion on this sort of stuff (which is fine I don't want him to pretend to enjoy stuff when he doesn't). He actually watched the whole first episode without it losing his attention, and seemed to have fun! And he agreed to watch the rest with my mom and me!

This sort of thing is one of the reasons why I dislike when people just dismiss the idea of live action adaptations entirely. I get that people are jaded with past failures, and don't like when live action is treated like a replacement for or improvement from animation when it isn't. But it is a valid medium just as much as animation or comics or writing are, and can be used to produce some amazing things. And the fact is, there are people who have a hard time connecting with other mediums who will otherwise never engage with this media in its original forms. Live Action, when done well and done right, can reach new audiences and welcome them into the fold in ways the original formats never can.

One Piece didn't need the live action to be popular, obviously, and the live action cannot and will not replace the original, nor should it. But I love that we get to have it alongside the manga and anime. It's just more of what we love, it's the cherry on top of an already stellar multi-layered cake. It complements the original rather than taking anything away from it. And for the first time in over a decade I might be able to share One Piece with my parents, who would only ever have a chance of experiencing it and enjoying it in live action. There's just something so awesome about that for me personally. I just wish more live action adaptations would understand what the One Piece live action understood about the adaptation process, and that's how to keep the heart of the story in-tact, so more people from more fandoms could have a chance to share something they love with more people who it would otherwise not reach.

Anyway, thank you Oda and the OPLA cast and crew for doing live action right for once!

[spookypete-94]

I Know You

Vampire!GhostxFem!reader

Follows the old wives tales and legends of vampires.

Reader makes friends with Ghost, but does not realize he is hunting her in a game of cat and mouse.

SFW for now, and perhaps make a NSFW chapter later down the road.

CW: blood, biting, swearing

Happy Halloween!

It was not a common thing that Y/N visited a bar after work by herself, but after the shift she had just completed at her job, it was more than deserved. Holding her head in one of her hands, she swirled her drink, mixing the liquor in further with the base. The burn satisfied her throat on the way down. She set down the empty glass waiting before she got up to get another one.

Before she can even stand to approach the bar, another drink is sat down next to her, and a large man is sitting down in the seat next to her.

"Hello?" She asked, not expecting someone to join her.

"Saw yours getting empty, brought you another."

Turning to fully look at this man, she sees that he is rather large. Fit for sure, his arms looked tight in his long black shirt. He wore a black mask to cover his face, thick blonde hair on his head. The skin she could see was almost a milky white. So very handsome.

"Thanks. I think?" She said, still confused. "I honestly did not come here looking for someone or a hook up if that is what you want."

"Didn't say that's what this was." Eyebrows lifted at her boldness, smiling cheekily under his mask at her response.

Realizing maybe that come off wrong and rude, she sighed. "Sorry, I had a shitty day and don't mean to take it out on you."

"Yeah? Need to talk about it?"

"No," she said, shaking her head, "got into it with my boss. Might not have a job yet, I don't know." Her shoulders shrug arms crossing across her chest, trying to show that she wasn't worried about it.

"Looking for a job then?"

Her eyes narrowed, not sure she liked what he was implying. "Watch yourself," she warned, "I already told you I'm not here looking for a hook up, even if you would pay me for it."

This made him chuckle, her warning amusing to him from someone from her stature. "Not a job like that, sweetheart. I need a maid." The way he called her made her squeeze her legs together tighter, and her mouth went dry.

"A maid?" Her voice hoarse.

"Like a house maid. I'm not home all the time and need someone to clean and take care of my home. I'd pay you, and depending on what your living situation is, you can stay with me."

"With you?"

"There is a guest home you can stay in."

This offer was appalling, to say the least. She didn't even know this man... but pay and some place to live? It would cut her expenses nearly in half.

"I don't know you."

"Then get to know me. If you would like, you could come see the property."

"What is your name?"

"You can call me Ghost."

"Ghost? The fact you won't tell me your real name isn't helping you here. There are plenty of other women here that could be your maid."

"None of them as beautiful and bold as you. Your name?"

He was so smooth, so persistent, made her heart sing. But the fact he was flattering her and flirting with her as well made her flush. She rushed her name out to him.

"Just come look at the property and decide. You don't want to, I'll leave you alone."

Maybe it was the liquor... maybe it was the way he spoke to her, but she agreed.

"Fine," she said, finishing the drink he set down beside her, setting the glass down and sliding it across the table so she could stand up. Before she can fully lift herself up, Ghost had pulled the chair out from behind her, allowing her to better turn herself out to leave.

"Thank you," she said, looking to him. Who said chivalry was dead? But the real icing on the cake was the hand on the small of her back that guided her out the door of the bar and towards his blacked out car in the parking lot. He even opened the passenger door for her? A girl could get used to that... she thought.

"So, why do you go by Ghost?"

"Just a name I was given a long time ago." A short answer that still seemed to suffice her. It was like he had her under a spell... Things she would never let anyone else say to her being enough, let alone getting into a mans car, she had no idea his intentions.

In reality, Ghost had been watching her for a long time now. Waiting for his moment to swoop in and use his ability to charm and captivate her. Calling in to her job today and making a fake complaint about Y/N to her boss, knowing it would start an argument and make her vulnerable. Stalking her, following her on the way home, delighted to see her walk into a bar where he could cause a somewhat normal interaction that would not alert her. Y/N's smell was delightful, sweetly blended with her blood, but now anxiety leaked into it from her hard day, making her scent that much stronger to him. His heart pounded, excited to be able to taste her in his own home. The idea of his teeth piercing that tender flesh of her neck replaying in his mind over and over on the drive home. Satisfied that his charm spell was still working in making her passive in his passenger seat, like she had zoned out.

Y/N watched as they left the city, driving out further into rural area. Trees turning colors and leaves blowing across the road from the turning season distracted her.

"Pretty out here," she said looking out the window.

"Sure is," he said looking at her out the corner of his eye, tongue dancing across his teeth.

They pulled up to a large black gate that opened for him, allowing him in. It looked like a beast welcoming her into it's mouth as it shut behind them... if only she had a fucking clue.

"Wow," she said, stepping out and looking up at the large cathederal type building. "You live here?" Gargoyles guarded the peaks, their faces watching her every movement as if they were alive.

"For awhile now."

The tour started outside the property, him leading through what looked like an over grown garden.

"You haven't had help for a while..." she stated, looking around. Again, another realization that would have raised a red flag for her... but this seemed alright given by his next answer.

"Haven't found anyone I like or trust enough." His voice purring next to her ear.

"Let me show you around inside, and then maybe we can discuss your contract."

He opened one of the many doors on the house, letting her in.

"Let me take your coat," he said, slipping it from her stepping forward, inhaling her sweet scent one more time. She complied, letting him slip it off of her and down her arms, hanging it on a dusty coat rack behind her. She sure would have her work cut out for her if she took him up on his offer.

He seemed to cut the tour off of the house early. It was a lot of ground to cover anyway, and he was starting to get antsy.

"Let me show you my office," he said, opening a door and leading her in. "Have a seat." He said, gesturing to a couch. "Would you like a drink? I can grab you one."

"That would be nice," she said, sitting down on the couch, arm swung over the side, turning to face him.

"I will bring you one, be right back," he said, carefully closing the door behind him and disappearing towards the kitchen.

She looked around, noticing that this room, his office, was by far a little bit cleaner than the rest of the house. Telling her he spent more time in here. There was still dust and cobwebs, but it seemed less due to him using more of the space. Looking around, she noticed a sheet over what looked to be a mirror, making her more intrigued about the place. Standing, she strided over to his desk, fingers running over the top to wipe away then thin layer.

Maybe he really wasn't here all that often... she could stay here and have all this space to herself and not have to deal with this strange man daily. Unable to control herself, she opened the drawer of his desk, the very top one in the middle. In the drawer, she found a picture of a group of men in military attire. The largest she could tell was this man that had brought her here. She turned the photo over.

To Simon, it was addressed. Thank you for your courage and duty to the Task Force 141. - John Price

Next to it was an old piece of paper. Something that looked important, like it belonged in a frame.

Simon Riley January 1st 1885. It read at the top. Was it a birth certificate? Finally, her heart and fear rushed up. Placing the items back inside and closing the drawer quickly, she approached the sheet and pulled it off the mirror, leaving it exposed.

Hearing the door knob turn, she rushed and sat down on the couch, looking up at Ghost - hoping she didn't look surprised. Two drinks in his hand, she could see a startled look on his face.

"You alright?" he asked, her smell changing to him.. laced with adrenaline and hearing her heart pound faster. He was going to have to make his move and fast, the urge rising again within him.

"I'm fine... I'm just worried about my current job is all still. Keep thinking about it," she lied, looking up at him through her lashes, hoping he would buy it.

"Oh." he said quickly, pushing the door shut behind him with his foot. Approaching her, he set the drinks down on the table, taking the seat next to her on the couch. The close proximity of Ghost, next to her, made her rise from the couch walking across the room. Choosing to not raise his suspicions, she made it look like she was looking at the artwork on the walls.

"You collect paintings?" Noticing a lot of the works on the walls were old.

"Family started a long time ago, just been adding to it."

She heard him get up off the couch. Turning her head, she watched the mirror out of the corner of her eye. And just as she assumed, there was no figure, no reflection. Her heart spiked again. Ghost noticed the fear, noticed the fear of wanting to bolt, and before she could, he had her pressed against the wall.

"Where you goin' love?" He asked into her ear, making goosebumps raise on her skin. His hands guided her hair off her neck gently.

She whimpered, trying to push him back, unable to do so. He leaned above her, the mask hiding his malicious smile. He tugged it down, exposing it... and his long canines that glimmered. How pretty... she thought.

He leaned forward, kissing her, pushing her back into his spell. It worked... making her love dumb once more. He baited her with his tongue slipping in out, wrestling with her own. Ebbing it as he pushed her further into the wall, craning her neck carefully with his hand, prepping her to place his mark.

His tongue left her mouth running over her jaw line, heading slowly in the direction of her neck.

He placed a careful bite, tasting his meal before sinking his teeth.

"Such a shame, because you really are a smart and beautiful woman," he taunted getting ready to drain her of the life force running through her veins.

"Simon Riley." she said. His taunt relighting the fire that burned in her.

"What?" he asked stunned and frustrated.

"Simon Riley." Just like that, he could no longer mark her. It wrote among the old testaments, old enough they are now considered legend, just like himself. He leaned back to look down at her, her smile wide knowing she had won.

"How-"

"I found your name in the desk. You're a vampire. That's why you wouldn't give me your actual name. It holds power over you, doesn't it? I hold power over you now. I know you." she taunted.

He growled, teeth still pronounced. How could he of failed? How did she see through it all?

She chuckled this time, matching how he did earlier at the bar.

"I find it funny, really. A vampire that goes by Ghost. How interesting." Her hands ran up his arms to his face, stroking over his cheeks now. He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes. Sympathy struck her, feeling bad for him.

"Bite me if you must. Just don't kill me." She said, her voice quiet, putting trust into him.

With that, he was over her again arms on either side of her head on the wall. "You sure, love?"

"I'm sure. Just don't kill me." She repeated.

"You really are something else..." he said, biting her neck lovingly, this time making her give a small moan. He inhaled her smell again before he disgraced her neck. He placed his teeth slowly against the skin before sinking them in. Y/N winced, the feeling intense at first. She fisted his shirt, pulling him closer and looking for comfort. He slowly drank from her, watching as he did to make sure to honor her wish of not killing her.

His hands left the sides of the wall, gripping at her waist, holding her up as she started to feel wobbly against him. Just a few more gulps, he thought, before carefully letting her go.

"You alright, love?" His voice raspy, panting as he tried to catch his breath from greedily draining her.

"Uh-huh," she said, slumping against him.

Grabbing underneath her legs, he picked her up and carried her over to the couch, laying her down on it to rest and replenish herself.

"Thank you," he said, leaning down and kissing her again. Allowing her to taste her own blood. Tired from her heart trying to make more and catch up, she left her, unable to answer, head rolling over to the side to sleep. Ghost traced the bite marks, now starting to turn a blue and purple on her neck.

"Sweet, sweet girl." he said out loud, completely baffled at why she allowed him to do this to her. His eyes roved over her form laying on his couch like one of the paintings on the wall. A work of art.

[zsupika]

Hello! How are you doing? :D

I was wondering if I could request some headcanons or even a little drabble/fic, whatever you prefer, for Zayne! Something with a reader that's a lawyer, if that's okay. The reader is aloof and diligent and quite strict in her work, takes it really seriously and at first she butts heads with Zayne's cold demeanor but later they realize they have feelings for eachother. Anything on this idea is fine, just as long as you enjoy doing it! Thank you for your time either way ❣️❣️

Zayne x Lawyer!Reader

A/N: thank you very much for the request! I'd love to write this. I haven't written a proper fic in a while so please excuse me if this isn't good :> this is also wayy longer than I expected lol so enjoy? It might be a little rushed and cringy-ish... so yeah be aware of that

After a long day of work the only thing that you wanted to do is sit in a café and relax. Too bad that all the tables were already filled with people. Sighing, you spot one seat in a booth that isn't filled, although it is right across a rather stern-looking guy. Contemplating what you should do, you decided to just ask him if you could sit at his table. After all there was really nothing else for you to do. You walked up to him, holding your head up high, hoping to come across more confident.

"Hello, I was just wondering if the seat across from you was taken?" you asked him while pointing towards the empty space. The man, not even looking up at you, simply shook his head while returning to drink his coffee. His lack of words took you aback at first but you decided that it's best not to think about it for too long. You quickly thanked and sat down. His rudeness made you slightly regret even asking but you tried to shrug it off. After all you still had some paperwork that you wanted to finish. It was related to work so you had to finish it up quickly to be able to go home before it gets dark outside because you had to bring it back to your workspace before going home. After ordering a drink and a piece of your favorite cake, you got to work. You noticed the man across from you glance at your papers every once in a while. He looked slightly interested. Although your impressions of him was that he was rather rude, you decided to attempt to make some small-talk with him. At least until your order was finished.

"So, are you in this café very often? It's the first time I've seen you here and I come here every afternoon while I'm on my break." you pointed out while looking into his eyes. His look felt really cold and you wondered what a guy like him was doing in a café. It just seemed a little out of place considering that the café had a cute-ish aesthetic and he was, more or less, the opposite..

"No,", he exclaimed in a calm voice, softer than you imagined, "I come here pretty often. Although I'm very busy with work lately, this not being able to come here as often.".

You asked him what he does for work. After he said that he works as a doctor, your order came to the table, interrupting your conversation.

".. I'm a lawyer. There's some paper I want to finish. That's why I came here. I love this café. It's calm and usually not as filled as it is today. I apologize if I bore you with my talking but I just feel that it'd be impolite for me to just ignore your presence after basically stealing your seat." you chuckle.

"It's not boring me." he simply answered.

"I'm Y/N by the way." you said while taking a sip of your drink and further working on your papers.

"Zanye." he exclaimed. You smiled up at him. After this short interaction, you're conversations didn't resume. A few people left the café after some time and you considered switching seats to a booth without Zayne. But him presence somehow made you feel at ease. Even though you though he was a little rude at first, he wasn't. At least not too much. Finishing up your work, drink and cake you didn't see a point in staying any longer. Zayne was reading some news article while sipping on a coffee. You got up and went out of the café. You figured saying goodbye would be a little unnecessary, considering that you haven't talked at all after that small interaction. But you could've sworn you saw his gaze follow you all the way to the door.

It was snowing outside as you looked out of the window. It was Sunday, the weekend. Outside you saw people from all around coming together and walk or do other activities. Families, friends and partners. You had to admit that you were slightly jealous. You yearned for a person to stay by your side. After moving out and being on your own, the loneliness that came over you was hard to ignore. The only time it went away was at the day in the café with Zayne. Zayne, you could get his name out of your head. What was it about him that intriguing you? You barely even talked with each other. But there was no time to think about stuff like that, for now it's time to work on a new lawsuit. It was quite the tough one at that. You didn't have anything to do so you just decided to work on it on the weekend as well. It was pretty much the only thing you could do. Rotting in bed or doing nothing at all simply wasn't an option for you. There was no way you'll ever get to the point of not prioritizing work. It's what truly matters in your eyes. The rest can wait.

On your way home from the office you stumbled across a cute-looking bookshop. You figured it would hurt to look into it for a little while. Walking from isle to isle you couldn't find anything that was worth reading. After looking out of the glass door of the bookshop you spotted a familiar looking figure in the distance. Zayne. You couldn't form any proper thoughts when you noticed him walk towards the shop. You quickly walked towards the back of the shop. But why? What was the point of you doing that. It's not like he's gonna take a notice of you if he were to see you.

At least that's what you thought. In truth, Zayne couldn't stop thinking about you all week. When he saw you walk into the café he was mesmerizing by your beauty. When you spoke to him with your kind voice, he almost couldn't contain his excitement. He was cursing himself all week for not getting your contact info or anything really. He only had your name. Y/N. The only think he could think about. He went to the café every single day after that, hoping to see you, no matter how exhausted he was. But it was no use. It's like you just disappeared. His desire to see you again grew bigger and bigger by the minute. While walking home after work he noticed your figure in a small bookshop on the side of the street. He quickly walked towards the shop without giving it a second thought. Truthfully said, he had no clue how to approach you or what he was gonna say when you two were face to face again.

While he walked into the bookshop it looked like he was searching for something or someone. It made you feel slightly anxious to see him like this. Maybe he was looking for him girlfriend. All of those thought flooded your brain, so you didn't hear him walk closer to you once he spotted you. He stood right next to you, facing the bookshelf in front of you two. You gave him a slight side-stare and surprisingly make eye contact with him for a second, making you jump slightly. So he did notice you, you thought. You quickly grabbed a book and shoved your nose into it, trying not to make this whole situation too awkward.

Zayne saw you so intriguing into the book. When he saw you stare at him, he thought you might say something to him, making him hopeful. But it didn't seem like you even took proper notice of him. You probably didn't even remember him. He felt stupid thinking that you cared as much as he did. But why did he even care? He couldn't figure it out. There was just something about you that made him be drawn to you. You were like a magnet to him. You made him feel at ease. How was he supposed to deal with such a situation.. He couldn't find the right words to start a conversation.

You realized that staring into the book without actually reading it was making you look more awkward than you thought so you decided to close the book and put it back onto the shelf. You've waited for a couple minutes but he didn't say anything at all. He barely looked at you or so you thought. There was no point in waiting any longer in your eyes, so you moved around him and walked towards the exit.

Before thinking properly Zayne decided to rush after you. He couldn't let you walk away another time. He grabbed your arm as you walked out. His action made you jump but as soon as you saw that it was him you calmed down. He looked into your eyes thinking of a way so tell you that he wants to get to know you better, he wants to spend time with you and he wants you to feel the same way. You two stared at each other for some moments before you took the chance to say something to him.

"Zayne." you called out. He softly nodded, signalizing you that he was listening to you, still holding your arm and looking deep into your eyes. His look was quite intense and intimating but it didn't bother you at the moment. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you inside the shop. I... I didn't really know if you recognized me to be honest. I thought you forgot about me." you said while awkwardly chuckling. You didn't know if he felt the same way that you did and you had a hard time reading him. Just what was he thinking..

Zayne couldn't wait anymore. In his thoughts the only thing that mattered at the moment was you and the fact that he wanted to be with you. There was something tying you two to each other. He wanted more of you.

"Y/N. I didn't forget you. How could I possibly forget you. You have been all that's Ben on my mind for the last week. The moment I saw you walk into the café, I was mesmerized by your beauty. Your presence makes me feel at ease and I want to get to know you more. I don't know what it is about you but you drive me crazy. I am a rational person but when I see you, I can't help but follow my heart instead of my head." his breath is quicker than before and it's the first time you heard him say so much. You were staring at him, baffled. You were hoping to get some kind of confession but you didn't expect that he felt so strongly about you. It made you flustered. You nodded at his words and replied that you felt the same way and that you'd like to get to know him better.

Hearing your answer made him feel so relieved. He moved his hand from your arm towards your hand and he took your hand into his. Your hands now intertwined.

"Well then I suppose I'm allowed to do this now. I've been yearning for this moment."

[slowlypalefire]

Event Story

Ebert Vs Ellis

Part 1

*The translation are not guaranteed to be entirely accurate, so expected some errors.

On Valentine's Day, the kitchen at Crown Castle was filled with the scent of sweet chocolate.

Kate: "It's baked!"

I looked at the steaming chocolate cake and looked at the maids.

I decided to make sweets to convey my daily gratitude and love to each person I care about.

It was just yesterday.

Everyone seemed to be having fun talking in sign language while wrapping, and I couldn't help but relax.

(Hehe, everyone looks like they're having fun. It's like this after all.Every event is fun)

Maid Chloe: "The men might start fighting over my sweets!''

Maid Marie: "That's just too much of a dream! I understand, though."

"Kate-san, don't you want to see your chocolate be compete for once? "

Imagine that you have a chocolate and multiple people ask for it.

(I feel lonely when no one wants me)

(In that case, it would be better if they competed for it...maybe you might be happy)

Kate: "Sure, I might be happy."

I communicate this in sign language, which I have just begun to learn.and,

the chocolates made by the maids themselves ,they took it with them and quickly left.

Leaving behind only a “meaningful” smile.

Kate: "Oh, what? Let's make tea while eating the leftover cake..."

Elbert and Ellis: "Kate"

When I turned around, there was Elbert-sama with a wistful expression on his face and Ellis-kun smiling.

Ellis: "I heard a happy voice, so I was curious and came to take a look."

Elbert: "… Me too. Because I heard your voice."

"…The smell of chocolate.Were you making sweets?"

Kate: "Yes. We all worked together. We did a good job, look."

Ellis: "It's true. It's so cute in the shape of a heart. As expected of you, Kate-san."

Kate: "Ellis-kun is always good at complimenting. Thank you."

Elbert: "...I want it."

Kate: "eh?"

Elbert: "... I want your handiwork."

Ellis: "I want some handmade work from you too."

Mr. Elbert is standing on the left and Ellis is standing on the right. When they told me they e wanted it, I couldn't help but feel happy.

(Hehe, both of you are so kind as always)

Kate: "Of course, I have prepared it. I have prepared it for all the Crown members as a token of my daily gratitude."

Elbert: "Kate,this is?"

Ellis: "It's about two sizes bigger than the others. It seems a little special."

Kate: "Ah, that’s a present is for my favorite."

Elbert & Ellis: "...favourite?"

Kate: "The maids told me and I ended up making it..."

The maids told me that, unsexy Valentine's Day is not Valentine's Day.

(Besides, I'm also thinking the same)

Elbert: "...I see. ....Who does this belong to?"

Ellis: "I’m also curious about who Kate will give something special to."

Kate: "Um..."

When I was struggling to answer as I received stares from both of them, my left arm was grabbed tightly.

If you look to the left, you will see long hair with a fringe.His beautiful blue eyes were fixed on me.

Elbert: "...I want this"

Then, I was tapped on the right shoulder.

When I turned my gaze to my right, I saw twilight eyes that seemed to capture the changing time.

Ellis: "I want this too."

Kate: "But there's only one, is this okay?"

Elbert & Ellis: "Yeah"

(L-let me see…)

Kate: "Ah, that’s right! I’m going to make the same thing now. Shall I make another one?"

"There are still some ingredients left, and it looks like it would be fun for the three of us to make together."

Elbert: "...That sounds like fun too."

"I want 'this one', if it's not this, it has no meaning"

Ellis: "Then I'd like 'this one' too. Give it to me, Kate-san."

I can't help but notice that Elbert-sama and Ellis-kun might have had a rift, but...

That doesn't seem to be the case.

Rather than trying to keep each other in check, it seems like the two just want their favorite chocolate cake.

Elbert: "Kate?"

Ellis: "Kate-san"

(What to do...)

Liam: "Wow, I was drawn in by the delicious smell of chocolate..."

"Well, this seems like an interesting thing?"

Kate: "...Liam"

Liam: "Lord El and Ellis both want Kate’s favourite chocolate cake, right?"

"That's sounds fun. I was getting so excited. Can I join in the fight?"

Kate: "Mo,Please don't tease me anymore."

Liam: "Hehe, I'm sorry. I don't want to cause Kate-chan any more trouble, so I'll step down."

"Hey, El-sama, Ellis. Isn't it okay to just share eating this special chocolate cake?"/

"Hey, El-sama, Ellis. How about we just cut this special chocolate cake into half? Is it okay?"

Elbert: "Ah. ...I won't even gave away one of the pieces.I want them all."

Ellis: "I'm the same as El. I think I want them all."

Liam: "Bothering the princess, what a troublesome prince you guys are"

Kate: "Prince?"

Liam: "That's what the play we're rehearsing for is about. Ah,that's right!"

"The two princes fell in love with the princess at a ball party, and they prove their love by devoting themselves to the princess."

Liam takes my fragile hand in a light gesture. And, kiss on the spot.

Liam: "My sin was that I loved you at the same time. In that case, let me prove my love to you by devoting myself to you."

"-like that"

"Isn’t it okay for El-sama and Ellis to prove their love and compete for it? Just like a prince."

Ellis: "Kate's favourite,if i do my best and prove my love to you will i get the special chocolate?"

Liam: "That's right. The one who serves Kate-chan for a day and steals her heart the most wins."

Elbert: "Who decides the winner?"

Liam: "Of course, it will be Kate-chan."

Kate: "Eh, why does it have to be me?"

Liam: "So, don't hold a grudge and fight fair and square."

Elbert: "...I understand. ...I’ll do my best."

Ellis: "Hehe, it’s getting a little fun."

Liam pressed his lips to my ear.

Liam: "While you're at it, enjoy it, Happy Valentine."