#I'll try to add some later on but I've been so busy lately so this is a quick one

[butchrat]

womanhood and the inherent tragedy of it

[drysdaleknieslee]

can i request smut with juraj? maybe he comes home from practice a little sore, and you offer to give him a back massage, which somehow ends up turning him on and leads him to fucking you into oblivion 😫 thanks love x

Your wish is my command my friend (Sorry for the late reply I've been busy)

The front door opens followed by a strained groan, telling you that Juraj is back from his morning practice. He drops his hockey bag by the door, releasing a sigh, and rubs his neck exhaustingly.

"Hey babe," you say getting up from the couch and kissing his cheek, "how was practice?"

"Coach wasn't too happy about our loss last night and definitely made us pay for it."

"Go ahead and take a shower and I'll give you a massage. We can relax for the rest of the day and just order in" You say rubbing his shoulders. He just nods tiredly and heads upstairs to your shared bedroom.

About 15 minutes later, Juraj gets out of the shower and changes into some boxers and some sweatpants. You go and grab your massage lotion and motion for Juraj to lie face down on the bed.

You apply the lotion to his back and slowly start to massage out the knots that you feel. Each knot you massage elicits a groan followed by a sigh of relief from your boyfriend. "Thank you for this dieťa."

"Of course my love," you say softly. Montreal hasn't been having the best of luck with the games recently and you know it's been taking a toll on him, especially with him being one of the more prolific players and having teammates get traded out of nowhere.

"Ok babe your back is done," you say patting his back, "anywhere else that's sore or giving you discomfort?"

He smirks for a second before slyly saying, "My legs for sure."

"Your disgusting" is all you say while laughing.

"You like it," he chuckled, "but do you mind doing my neck?"

You sit in front of him and begin to massage the sides of his neck. His eyes closed momentarily at the sensation and he let out a small sigh. You try not to let your mind wander while seeing your boyfriend react to your touch like this but it's hard not to.

You lean forward and give him a soft peck, which goes from his lips to his chin, eventually to his Adam's apple.

"Dieťa-" he said straining. With the way you were positioned on his lap you begin to feel his budge against your right thigh. "I think I have another way to help you relieve the rest of your tension" you whisper in his ear.

His eyes open and they are dilated to the point you can see a little of his irises. He repositions you on his lap as you begin kissing him properly and he bucks his hips slightly, releasing a moan from you.

"Are you sure you want to do this? I don't want to hurt you."

"I want this more than anything."

After the nod of confirmation, he removes your shorts and drags your underwear down with them. "All soaked for me" he said with a rasp.

He places the pad of his thumb on your entrance and you throw your head back at the sensation. He then inserts his middle finger and curling it upward extracting a yelp from you and your back begins to arch.

Juraj watches you with dark eyes and smiles knowing he's the only one that will ever make you feel this way. He adds another digit as he feels you begin to clench, telling him you are close. With you grinding against his fingers and curling his fingers, you feel that coil snap followed by a drawn-out moan as you climax on his hand.

"My turn," you say panting.

You and Juraj stand so you can remove his boxers and sweatpants. You signal him to lay on the bed and he does, never taking his eyes off of you.

You reach in the bedside table and grab a condom. You climb on his lap once more. You rip the condom open with your teeth and place it over him and pump him a few times, feeling him getting hard again with each pump. "We don't have to do this if your too tired Juraj" you say noticing his hooded eyes.

"I'm never too tired for you dieťa," he says reassuring you. He grabs your hips to position you over him. After prodding your entrance a few times, you finally sink down on him, both of you taking in shallow breaths. You slowly inch down as it always takes you time to adjust to his size. You're halfway when he thrusts up into you without warning and the most explicit moan escapes your lips.

"If you do that again, I'll come too soon and it won't be fun for either of us." You begin to move up and down at a steady pace, hands-on Juraj's chest for balance, as he's hitting every spot imaginable. You try not to clench as his groans become more strained. But a part of you wants to be a brat, so you stop.

"Why did you stop?" Juraj asks practically glaring at you and straining the words out as you clench and wiggle your hips a bit.

"My legs got tired," you lie. You just wanted to see how worked up he could get. He's close to his climax, you can tell, because he keeps trying to buck his hips to get come friction.

"Dieťa," he says through clenched teeth, "Move."

"I don't think I will," you say while pretending to ponder. You can feel him pulsing inside you and it's taking everything in you to not move just for your own sake.

Suddenly, he lifts you and places you face-first on the bed. He doesn't even give you time to get your bearings before he starts to pound into you from behind. His large hand on your back, pressing you against the mattress and you have to put your face in the pillow to muffle your sounds.

"Let me hear you dieťa, especially after being a brat," he says into your ear before grabbing your hair making a makeshift ponytail, and lifting your head. Not hard enough to hurt but with that and the fast pace of his hips, it was setting you over the edge.

"I shouldn't even let you cum" he says hitting your spot relentlessly.

"I'm sorry I was a brat, please let me come," you say desperately with baited breath.

"We'll see."

The sound of skin on skin reverberating around the room along with the explicit sounds from the both of you. Juraj getting lost with the sensation of your walls around him. He moves his right hand from your hip and moves it to your front, felling the imprint of himself in your lower stomach and moving it to your clit.

"You feel me inside you? I'm the only one who can make you feel like this."

"Oh my god, fuck-" you say, the last word coming out choked.

At this point, there are tears in your eyes from the sensation. "Let go," he rasps in your ear. After one sloppy thrust and him hitting your g spot you climax and he follows suit. You both are a panting sweaty mess and it's taking everything in him to not collapse on top of you.

A whine leaves your lips as he pulls out to remove the condom and discards it. You're too spent to move. Juraj lifts you and takes you both to your bathroom. He sits you gently on the toilet as he runs bath water for you both. He makes sure that the water isn't too hot and looks up to see your eyes struggling to stay open.

"Hey sleepyhead, lets have a bath first and then we'll go to sleep, ok?"

You nod tiredly and he helps you step into the bath and he sits behind you. "Who knew both of us wouldn't be able to walk?" you say with a light laugh.

He chuckles while you both take turns bathing each other, getting each other dressed with minimal movement. Juraj changes the sheets and both of you finally drift off to sleep in each others arms, mentally happy that there's no practice tomorrow.

[lizhaoyu]

Why so shy? PART 2

(A/N): Hello, gaymers. I'm back at it again. Sorry for the late update, I've been busy malding in VALORANT lately. Thank you for all of the support in part 1, it means the world to me. Now, some of the things here are referenced to that one casual Iso fic. Huge thanks to whoever wrote that, I'm in love with that fic. I physically gagged and cringed at the part where I made the reader channel their idk to do sum shit I can't do this. Enjoy thirsting, gaymers.)

(I also accept requests, please request about Iso)

(Iso x Shy!GN!Reader)

Part 1

Part 2 (You are here.)

Nervous.

That's exactly what you were feeling right now.

Not nervous for yourself, but for Iso.

Today marks the day of Iso's first ever mission in the VP. To your advantage, you were assigned as Iso's lead comms.

You were busying yourself with taking breathing exercises in KJ's command room.

Iso was gonna be hearing your voice, following your orders and intel, counting on you to tell him what to do at the right moment and he's probably gonna fall inlo-

A knock on the metal door of the command room broke your trail of thought. It opened, revealing Iso.

"Hey." Iso walked in with a small smile, nodding to you.

You look up from the mission brief that Brimstone gave you and look at Iso. This time, you actually managed to train yourself to try and not stutter in front of Iso. You're not exactly there yet, but you're trying your best.

"Hi, Iso. Ready for your mission?" You offer him a small smile, feeling a little nervous for him and his safety.

"Yeah. I made sure to read the brief at least five times." Iso nods.

"Better safe that sorry." You smile, typing in the last command needed to start the mission.

"Right, uh... I just wanted to say that I wish you a very good luck on your first mission." You try to smile despite your nervousness.

"Thank you, but... I don't understand why I have to do this mission alone." Iso sighs, shaking his head.

"Brimstone says that he thinks that you're strong enough to handle it yourself, but I think he just doesn't want to admit that everyone is busy with everything else, so they can't go with you." You stifle a laugh.

"But I agree with Brimstone, whether or not he thinks you're strong enough. Your abilities are really powerful and you handle yourself pretty well. I think you got this." You smile at him, trying your best to hide your blush.

"Thanks a lot for your encouragements, it helps a lot." Iso smiles.

"And our training sessions, too. They're really helping me improve." Iso adds.

That alone was enough to make your heart race faster than normal.

"A-Anyway, I'll be the lead, and only, comms for today's mission. If you have any questions, calling for backup, or need help locating the target, I can help." You explain, turning to the table behind you.

You carefully took an earpiece from the table, turning to Iso and offering it to him. He follows your gentleness, taking the earpiece with careful hands.

In the process, his fingers brushed against yours. It was enough to give you butterflies on your stomach.

"This is what we use to communicate to each other from great distances. You can talk to me or hear me through it." You explain, snapping out of your thoughts.

"We have two trackers on you. One on your phone that we requested you to add, and one on your earpiece. Although you can turn off your location trackers, I advise you not to, just in case." You smile at him, hoping he'd understand what you were trying to say.

"I got it. Thanks for explaining it to me." Iso nods, taking off his left earbud and replacing it with the earpiece.

You took note of his actions, observing him closely.

"By the way, if I did ask for backup later on..." Iso paused.

"Yeah?" You tilt your head with a smile.

"Since you said that everyone else is busy, will you come?" Iso asks.

IS HE IMPLYING SOMETHING????????? AM I JUST DELUSIONAL OR WHAT, you thought.

"W-Well, yeah. I'm still responsible for you and your safety, according to Brimstone." You nod, pushing the thoughts to the back of your head.

"I'm glad." Iso nods, smiling.

WHAT DOES THAT MEANNNNNNNNNNNN???, you thought.

"Can I only talk to you about anything related to the mission?" Iso asks.

"Not necessarily, as long as you're not in the middle of a gunfight." You shook you head.

"Great. Uh, one last thing." Iso rubs the back of his head.

"After my mission, do you think we can go out for hotpot? My treat." Iso smiles, looking at you.

WHATWHATWHAT OHMYGOD IS THIS REAL FUCKFUCKFUCK, your thoughts raced.

You had to take a moment to process what Iso just asked you. Was this some kind of prank? Maybe Phoenix told him to prank you? Was this just a friendly gesture-

"You okay? You don't have to say yes, or we can get different food. Anything you like will do." Iso smiles.

"I- No! Hotpot is fine... A-Anyway, yeah, we can go out after your mission as long as you come back unscathed." You nod, your face turning visibly red.

"Then, I'm looking forward to it." Iso smiles.

"A-Anyway... The jet should be ready to transport you to the mission site. You can head to the departure wing now." You look back to the screen.

"I'm going, then. Thanks for your help." Iso nods.

You look back at Iso and smiled.

"Good luck on your mission, Iso." You nod as Iso walked out of the room.

You turn back and sat on the chair, all while letting out a shaky sigh. Was it just a friendly gesture or something more?

Suddenly, your thoughts were interrupted by Iso's voice in your earpiece.

"Hey, can you hear me?" Iso asked through the comms.

You snap back to reality and let out a small huff.

"Yeah, loud and clear." You nod to yourself.

"Right, thanks. I'm in the jet right now, heading to the location." Iso says.

"I got it. I'm writing the report for Brimstone right now." You reply, typing out a document.

After a moment of silence, Iso speaks up.

"Hey, when you first arrived in the VP, how was it?" Iso asks.

"Huh? Well... It wasn't really easy." You say, recalling back to your newbie days in the VP.

"I was kind of an outcast and everyone thought I was creepy and stuff." You shrug, still typing.

"Why's that?" Iso asked.

"Well, just like Omen and Fade, I have abilities related to shadows or darkness." You paused.

"I was really quiet and stuff, so some were afraid to even look my way, because I can just merge myself with their shadow without them knowing." You shrug.

"But hey, I managed. Omen became my very first friend. He understood me." You smile.

"Wow... Omen? That's kind of him." You hear Iso hum.

"How about your first mission? How did it go?" Iso asked.

"Back then, I had little to no control of my abilities. I was merging myself to shadows back and forth because I didn't know how to control it." You laugh.

"But I learned how to control it, thanks to Omen. He knew exactly how I felt and why, and he taught my how to control it, even if he can't control his own." You sigh.

"My first mission went really well because Brimstone paired me up with Omen. He was really helpful, teaching me how to defuse the spike." You explain.

"Anyway... How about you? How are you feeling? This is your first mission, after all." You ask.

"I was kind of hesitant when Brimstone first told me." Iso says.

"But when I found out that you're gonna work closely with me, I feel much better." You could almost hear Iso smiling. Wait, was that even possible?

You could feel your heart beating faster and your face turning red. Surely, he didn't mean it that way. Maybe it was just a friend thing?

"I think I can handle this mission." Iso continues.

You quickly shook off the lingering feeling.

"I'm sure you'll do great." You nod.

"By the way, what kind of milk tea do you like? Sorry, that was a random question." Iso chuckles.

"Me? Well, I like heavy oolong milk tea with tapioca pearls." You paused for a moment.

"Jett and Phoenix often made fun of me for being so basic, but I think it's really good." You smile.

"What about you? What do you like?" You ask.

"I actually like the same thing. I get it all the time." Iso replied.

"Whoa, really?" You smile.

"We have a lot of things in common, hey?" Iso says.

"That makes me really happy." Iso added.

It was starting to get hard trying not to think of this as a gesture of interest and not just for friends.

"Oh, we're landing now." Iso says.

"Be careful, Iso. You'll just need to eliminate the Omega Earth Radiants and defuse the spike if planted." You nod.

"You'll come if I ever need help, right?" Iso asked again.

"Yes, I will. Don't worry." You assure him.

"Okay, I'm heading out now." Iso says.

For the past hour, you've been helping Iso locate the enemies and giving him instructions. You watched his location attentively while writing a report, all while talking to Iso.

"Iso, there's one enemy left. Do you think you can defuse the spike until half?" You ask.

"Yeah, I think so. I'll try." Iso replies.

On the other end, you can hear Iso running to the spike. You heard beeping, which means that he was defusing now.

"Don't let your guard down. Don't rush, there's still plenty of time left." You remind him.

"Almost half, come on..." You hear Iso mutter.

A few seconds later you could hear a Vandal being fired, then Iso grunting.

"Iso?!" You stood up from your seat.

"Spike is half... I got shot on the shoulder..." Iso groans.

In the background, you can hear Iso firing his Sheriff, presumably at the assailant.

"Okay, okay... He's down, I can still defuse with my other hand..." Iso coughs, followed by the beeping sound again.

"Iso, listen to me. Just hold on and keep defusing, okay? I'm coming." You connect the comms to your phone, running out of the room.

"Really? You're coming...?" Iso asks, his voice low and pained.

"Yes, I'm on my way. Just a little longer, okay?" You ran to the departure wing, getting on the jet.

"I'll wait for you." Iso grunts.

"Keep talk to me, Iso. I need you to stay awake." You frantically went through the jet's storage for some medical equipment.

"Put some pressure on the wound to prevent excess bleeding. I'm on my way." You say, your voice shaky.

"Will we still go out for hotpot after this?" Iso asks, his voice low.

"Yes, I promise we will when you get better." You promised.

The jet hovered over the mission location. You shout for the pilot to open the door, as it'd take longer if you waited for the jet to land.

The door opens for you and you look out from it. Your eyes scanned the mission area from above, looking for any kind of shadow you can merge with. Once you do, you stepped back to prepare yourself to jump.

"I see a jet in the sky, is that you?" Iso asked, coughing.

"Yeah, it's me. I'll be with you soon." You breathe out shakily.

"What are you planning to do?" Iso asked.

But before you can answer, you dashed out of the jet. Your eyes locked onto the shadow of the building, preparing to channel your ability. You closed your eyes, letting your shadow take over.

In seconds, your body turned into a shadow-like orb, heading for the shadow of the building. Your body reached it immediately, merging with it. Once you did, you jumped away from it and ran to Iso.

"Iso! Hey, I'm here." You pant heavily, kneeling beside Iso.

"Hey..." Iso grunts, sitting up slowly. Beside Iso was the defused spike.

"Don't move, stay still. I'll do my best to help you, okay?" You mumble shakily.

How will you even do this? You weren't a healer, you weren't even trained for this. You look at Iso's pain expression and you knew you had to do something, anything.

You could make use of your abilities, the shadows. You remember what Omen told you, about how if you channel enough energy to your shadow, you could make it do what you desired. If you could do it, you could use them to absorb the wound, the pain and the bullet and save Iso.

Could that even work? Were you crazy? But you knew you had to try.

"Iso, listen to me." You hold his bloody hand shakily.

"This'll hurt a bit, okay? Do you trust me?" You squeeze his hand gently.

"I trust you." Iso nods.

"Stay with me." You mumble, letting go of his hand.

You place your hand over his wound and your other hand on your shadow. You close your eyes, channeling your shadow to your hand. You press your hand firmly on Iso's shoulder, your shadow entering his open wound, earning a pained hiss from Iso.

You focused your mind into commanding your shadow to absorb whatever it would have to absorb in order to heal Iso. You didn't know what you were doing, you were going crazy.

You let a few minutes pass, with your palm pressed on Iso's wound. You didn't know if what you did worked, but you were growing lightheaded.

pleaseworkpleaseworkpleaseworkpleasework, you chanted in your mind.

Once you feel your shadow disappear from your hand, you opened your eyes, slowly removing your hand from Iso's wound.

It was gone.

The would was no longer there, just the skin of Iso's shoulder through the hole of his hoodie. All that was left was Iso's blood.

"It... It worked..." You let out a shaky sigh, still not believing in what you did.

"What?" You hear Iso ask as he looks at his now-gone wound.

"It's gone? How did you..." Iso looked back at you.

"I don't know, I..." You mumble, looking at your shaking hands.

"No, I... It doesn't matter right now. Let's go back to HQ." You shook your head, shakily standing up.

"Can you stand? Do you need me to support you?" You offer your hand for him to take.

"I think I can." Iso nods, using his other hand to take your hand as you pulled him up.

"How did you do that? You never told me you could do that." Iso asked, looking at you in awe.

"I didn't even know that I could do that." You shook your head.

"Let's go back to the extraction point. I'll definitely need to write a detailed report about this..." You mumble, walking with Iso.

You and Iso walked for a few minutes, before finally arriving to the extraction point. You both got on the jet as it took off.

You plop down on the seat, still feeling a little lightheaded.

"Are you okay?" Iso asked, sitting beside you.

"I should be asking you that. How are you feeling? No more pain?" You sigh.

"I feel fine. It doesn't hurt anymore." Iso shook his head.

"Hey, thank you." Iso says.

It was enough to catch your attention, so you look at him.

"You came to save me, and I'm really thankful for that." Iso smiles.

"We can't have you dying on your first mission, Iso." You smile.

"But you hurried here, you tried your best to use your ability and ended up learning that you can actually heal me." Iso shook his head.

"Can I be honest with you?" You ask.

"I came to you despite knowing that I couldn't help at all." You admit.

"I had no medical experience and I wasn't anywhere near Sage's level." You sigh.

"But I still came to you. It was... an urge." You mumble.

"But now, I'm glad I came, after all. I learned a lot." You smile.

"I'm glad you came." Iso smiles.

-

After that, Iso was sent to the medic wing, where Sage checked Iso's health.

Brimstone informed you of this, so you went to check up on him for your hotpot with him later.

As you were about to slide the door open and walk in, you heard Iso talking with Sage.

"I'm glad you're okay, Iso." Sage says.

"Thanks a lot, Sage." Iso replied.

"Hey, do you think we can go out for milk tea later today?............" That was all you heard before your ears blocked out every other noise.

And here you thought that you were making progress. You really thought that Iso liked you back? Of course it was Sage.

You thought back to his interactions, how he'd look at her, how he'd call her his senior. But you were dumb and ignored all of it.

Now, here you were.

You had hoped for something when he talked to you earlier today, when he asked to go out for hotpot with you and only you.

Maybe it really was just a friendly gesture.

[s1k0zu]

Hey everyone,

While I was a bit (okay a lot) late to board the Austin train, once I did, I fell HARD. Before I saw him in Dune II, I knew about him, but never thought to take a second look.

Then I saw Dune and I still can't get Austin's performance out of my head. He was amazing! 😍

I've devoured everything I can find with him since then, and I've been reading a lot of fan fiction lately, and a scene has been playing on repeat in my mind, so I decided to write it down.

I love all the Feyd fics but I find myself wanting more of Austin and less of Feyd (he's just a bit too intense and I kinda miss the hair). So I came up with the idea below.

Let me know if you liked it and if you want me to try writing about something else. 🫣

Fair warning ⚠️ I've never written any fiction before, so this will probably be a mess...and it's maybe a bit too long.

🔞 It's pure smut, so minors stay away!

Under his skin

You and Austin have been together since before his Elvis movie.

You'd met when you were teenagers and became fast friends, but until you had to spend two weeks locked together in his apartment in Australia, because of the pandemic, that was all you were - friends.

You'd visited him for the weekend and then the lockdown forced you to stay.

The tension between the two of you had started escalating gradually, until one night he couldn't resist kissing you any longer. All it took was that one kiss and you were his forever.

You started getting jobs in the crew of all of his projects so you could stay together, which is why you're now in Budapest on the set of Dune II.

It's early morning and it's already as hot as hell. Add to that the giant sound box you've been setting up, so Austin can film his fight scenes in it later, and you're close to fainting.

You haven't seen Austin in two months, because he was busy training in L.A. and you were on location in Jordan with the rest of the cast.

You flew in with the night flight, dropped your bags at his place and went straight to set. He was already there, getting into costume, and you didn't have the time to see him.

Once you're done setting up and finally have some free time you head to his trailer to surprise him and wish him luck.

You open the door and cool air hits your face. Then you see him and you're sure the chill running down your body isn't from the AC.

He's gloriously naked, a black loincloth is all that covers his body. They've painted his torso with black lines and he's got his bald cap already in place. You've seen him in full costume before, but only in photos. This hits differently.

There's something feral and imposing about him and it's doing things to you. Gone is the sweet, gentle Austin you know and in his place is a man who exudes power and dominance.

His body is pure perfection and you know how hard he worked to get here.

"Hey, Earth to y/n. Are you ok?" Austin's voice comes through the fog.

"Yeah", you sigh, "It's just..."

"What?", he asks, a sly smirk forming on his lips.

"Let's just say if you weren't about to shoot, I'd be ruining your makeup right now", you say, raking your gaze over his gorgeous naked body.

"Fuck", he mutters and steps toward you, biting his lower lip, his eyes darkening with want.

"Ah, ah", you stop him, placing a hand on his chest, "makeup."

"Damn you woman! How am I supposed to focus now?", he asks brushing a stray hair behind your ear.

"Hey, I'm not the one wearing next to nothing here," you tell him, "and you're not the only one having a hard time focusing."

You brush your lips against his and his hands instantly grip your face as he deepens the kiss. All the frustration of not being able to touch each other for the past two months melts as your tongues dance frantically, fighting for dominance.

"I'll make you a deal," you say, panting, "you go slay them with your talent and we can come back here during the lunch break, to finish this."

"Deal", he says huskily in your ear, melting you with his beautiful voice.

A crew member comes in to call him to set and breaks the tension before you two can go any further.

You watch him perform, always in awe of his ability to switch between himself and the character in seconds. You busy yourself with work and bringing him water bottles and towels between takes, and just like that the hours go by and it's time for lunch.

"I can't wait to take this thing off my head. I'm sweating like a pig," Austin says, taking a towel from your hands. He's been doing fighting scenes for the past hour and he's in full combat get up.

"I'll stick around to help with the set. Text me when you're done and we can take a shower," you say, walking your fingers playfully up his chest. You lean up to give him a quick kiss but he grabs your waist to keep you there, turning it into a steamy makeout session.

"I've missed you so much," Austin breathes out, his forehead touching yours.

"I've missed you too," you say, tilting his head lower to kiss his nose.

You disengage and he heads to his trailer so the makeup team can remove his bold cap.

A while later you get a text from Austin:

R u coming? We had a deal remember?

You mutter an excuse and head towards his trailer, willing yourself not to run.

#

When you enter, you see him running a hand through his wet hair, the bald cap gone. He still hasn't removed his costume.

"Want some help with that my lord", you ask, starting to unzip the back of his wetsuit.

When he hears you call him that Austin feels a shiver run down his body. He turns and wraps his arms around you.

"Say that again," he growls.

His eyes are dark with desire and you swear you can see Feyd still lurking in the background, ready to pounce.

"You should play the bad guy more often. It's a good look on you...my lord."

"Yeah? Wanna show me just how much you like it?"

You grip his neck, fingers tangled in his hair, and kiss him long and hard, your tongues fighting for dominance. You bite his lip when he pulls away and the groan that escapes from his throat sets your whole body on fire.

He returns the favour by placing kisses on your jaw and down your neck. When he reaches your collarbone he gives it a bite in just the right spot, making heat pool between your legs.

You lean into him, feeling his erection against you and bite his earlobe, whispering into his ear: "I want you inside me."

Austin's hands tighten on your ass and he gives you a smouldering look. His blue eyes are dark with desire as he dives in to kiss you again.

You start undressing each other frantically, hands running all over, tongues locked in a dizzying dance. The room fills with the sounds of heavy breathing, your moans, Austin's groans and wet kisses.

He grabs you by the hand and pulls you into the shower.

You're both panting while he turns around to fidget with the water tap. You admire his naked body while he adjusts the temperature. He's a work of art - all lean muscle chiselled to perfection.

Your eyes travel down his chest to the trail of hair under his belly button and between his thighs and the sizeable erection he's got. His penis is perfect: a round red tip, its length marbled by veins. You can't wait to taste it and feel it inside you.

You can't believe he's yours.

"My eyes are up here, gorgeous", Austin's amused voice brings you out of your dazed wet dream.

"And what a sight they are," you smile up at him.

After seeing you standing gloriously naked before him, raking your lust-filled stare over his body, Austin can't hold himself back any longer.

His hands come up to grab your face and he bends down to devour you. As the kiss deepens, Austin's hands travel down your body, lingering on your breasts. He pinches one of your nipples and you moan into his mouth.

He breaks the kiss to look at you.

Before you can answer he bends down and licks your neck, slowly descending to your left nipple.

"Fuck you're gorgeous. I can't wait to be inside you."

You start kissing his neck, his chest, his abs, your hands trailing down to his hips. His skin tastes salty from the sweat. You kneel in front of him and lick his length slowly, feeling the veins with your tongue. He lets out a groan and braces himself against the tiled wall.

You place tiny nibbles on the head, squeezing his balls, teasing him. He shudders in ecstasy as you swallow as much of his length as you can and start moving your head up and down slowly.

"Fuck, y/n, you have to stop or I'll come...," Austin pants on top of you. You speed up your pace, locking eyes with him.

Seeing you kneeling before him, your mouth on him, looking at him like that drives him over the edge. Austin comes with a groan and you feel his seed spill into your throat. You take him out of your mouth and give the head a little kiss.

"You taste so fucking good every time," you say standing up.

Austin grabs your cheeks and gives you a rough kiss.

"You have no idea how hot you look on your knees, do you?"

When one of his hands sneaks between your legs and he rubs his fingers on your clit you feel a jolt run over your whole body and you can't stop the moan coming out of your mouth.

Austin hears you moan, hands digging into his back and throws caution away - he bites down hard on your nipple, sliding his fingers into you.

"Fuck Austin", is all you can say, your mind going blank with pleasure. You don't know what's gotten into him, but you love this new, dangerous and dominant side he's showing you.

Austin places wet kisses and nibbles all over your breasts and stomach, pumping his fingers into you. You writhe in his arms, hands tugging his hair.

When his mouth descends on your clit you moan loudly. He bites it and then licks the sore spot, curling his fingers inside you. This sends jolts of electricity all over your body and you feel yourself coming, nails digging into his hair.

"Tell me what you want me to do to you," he says, voice hoarse from lust. You can feel his hard length pressing against your entrance.

Austin groans in pleasure when he hears you moan his name, the pain from your nails digging into his scalp sending bolts of pleasure straight to his groin.

He gets up, grabs your hips and lifts you, your back against the tiled wall.

You look at his soft, puffy lips and can't help kissing him again. Austin groans and slips his tongue into your mouth, making you dizzy.

When he finally breaks the kiss to look at you, you see the passion burning in his eyes, but there's something else there too - something feral. You realise he hasn't shaken Feyd off completely.

That sparks something in you, emboldens you.

"Have your way with me, my lord na-Baron. I'm all yours", you say, threading your fingers through his hair and pulling on it, your hips bucking into him.

Hearing you say that, something in Austin snaps. He can't think anymore, all he knows is that he wants to be inside you, now.

With a quiet growl he bends down to crash his lips into yours, sliding into you in one swift move.

You can't help the cry that comes out of your mouth when he slams into you. You were already wet, but he's big.

The sharp pain quickly turns into intense pleasure as he starts thrusting into you with abandon. You can feel every vein on his hard length as he's stretching you and filling you in the best way.

You've been together for years and every time he enters you feels like the first time. It's like your bodies are pieces of the same puzzle. The feel of him inside you is divine.

Austin doesn't wait for you to adjust to his size, he couldn't even if he wanted to. He's possessed by the desire to be inside you, to own you. He picks up his pace, slamming into you, his teeth leaving red marks all over your neck and shoulders. His left hand is moulded to your thigh, his right squeezing your breast.

You've never seen him like this, so forceful and primal, and you realise you love it. As the pain shoots through the pleasure you find yourself coming, trying not to scream. You mould your lips to Austin's to stifle your moans and that just spurs him on. He continues to slam into you, balls-deep, throughout your climax.

After a while, Austin comes to his senses and realises he's too rough, he's hurting you. Just as he slows down his pace, releasing you from his grip, he hears you say:

"No, don't hold back. I want you to lose control. Ravage me."

He looks into your eyes, making sure he didn't just imagine that, and sees only carnal desire and love there. He can't believe you're his.

"Fuck, I love you," he whispers.

You smile and bite his neck hard. The little control he'd managed to take back shatters. Austin slips out of you so he can turn you around, your back towards him, and slams back into you.

One of his hands travels to your neck and squeezes, the other goes to your nipple.

This angle helps him sink even deeper inside you. The sensation is almost too much and you feel the waves of another orgasm coming. Sex with Austin is always great but this is different. He's lost all control and given in to his desire, and you fucking love it.

Austin feels your walls clenching around him and he knows you're close. The hand around your throat tightens as he moves his other hand from your breast to your clit, running his fingers in agonisingly slow circles, and right before you come he inserts two fingers in.

The feeling of his fingers and his hard length inside you is too much and you trip over the edge, your whole body shaking. You claw at his neck and bury your fingers into his hair as he swallows your moans with a kiss when you both come.

You've never seen this side of him before. He's always so protective of you, so gentle. You realise he's been holding himself back, afraid to lose control and hurt you.

He looks at you apprehensively and you smile at him, tugging him close so you can wrap your hands around his neck and give him a slow, tender kiss.

For a while the only sounds in the shower are the running water and your heavy breathing as you're both coming down from your highs.

Eventually, Austin lets you go and eases out of you with a groan. Your legs are shaking as you lean onto the tile wall while he turns around to adjust the showerhead.

He melts into you, relieved you're okay.

You disengage and proceed with your shower, washing each other's hair and bodies, placing soft kisses here and there.

When you're done, Austin stops the water. He swaddles you in a huge fluffy towel, picks you up and carries you to the bed.

He lies next to you on his side, head propped up, facing you, tiny droplets of water running down his face and torso.

"I'm sorry", he says quietly, giving you a sad puppy look and caressing your face.

"For what? Giving me multiple orgasms?"

"No..." he laughs and then falls silent.

"I hurt you. I don't know what came over me."

"Not what, who. You've still got some of Feyd lurking in the background," you say a soft smile playing on your lips.

"That's not an excuse y/n. I should've stopped...I should've..." he trails off, looking remorseful.

"I don't know if you noticed Butler but I liked it. A lot", you lift his head so he can look at you.

"I'm not made of china you know. Promise me you'll stop holding back on me. This was fucking amazing."

"Yeah it was, wasn't it," he says, finally relaxing, "Okay, but on one condition: you promise to tell me if I cross the line."

"Deal," you say and mould your lips over his.

[maddipoof]

Room 217

Steve and his girlfriend just having a lovely moment in a hotel. Lots of banter, lots of teasing, every old woman wants Steve to propose, like yesterday, and John Mellencamp. CWs: No y/n, reader uses she/her pronouns and there are no descriptions besides wet hair. Old ladies being weird, mentions of skiing and they have a dog. Some references to the shining as well, also I've never been to colorado so if i get the 2 things I said about it wrong you have my endless apologies. If I missed anything, let me know and I'll add it here, also if you're any kind if enby and you would rather this with any other pronouns, as a fellow gender blender demifemme feels right atm, I'm more than happy to oblige and repost with whatever you'd prefer.

March, 1992

Steve thought he’d pay a visit to the nice ladies in the mailroom that afternoon after work, he’d been having a pretty good day so far, why not share the joy? “Hello, ladies. How’s today been treatin’ you two?” he asked them over the counter.

“Not too busy, thank you for asking. Always so charming isn’t he?” Mrs. Smith asked Mrs. Lowe, both their white hairs deflating by now from the curled, permed coifs they shaped and gelled and sprayed every morning. 

“Oh yes, oh, and Steve, we saw your girl this morning. Looking lovely as ever.”

“Mhm, we saw her, but no ring.” Mrs. Smith reminded him again, twisting her own 2 carat diamond around her finger. Just 2 weeks ago she told him the whole story about it, how Mr. Smith scrimped and saved for ages to afford it, including selling his favorite tractor, to which they both side eyed his BMW through the window. 

“Oh, Deirdre, didn’t you see her with a ring catalog this morning?” Mrs. Lowe asked her, both of them poorly hiding their schemes. 

“I do think I did. I’d take notice of these things if I were you, Steve. How long have you been together again?”

“I’ve known her for 9 years, we’ve been together for 5, Mrs. Smith.” He wasn’t hurt by them asking again, in fact he expected it, as much as his tone expressed it. “And yes, I do notice, which is why I’ve been coming home so late these last few days, I need a bit more than 30 hours a week to afford this place and a ring.”

He saw the sneaky smiles on their faces as they wheeled around in their office chairs to get his mail. A few deliveries and a blush colored envelope with a floral postage stamp in the corner, a wax seal on the front. “Ooh, a wedding invitation?” Mrs. Lowe teased.

Steve nodded as he read the return address, “Looks like it’s from her cousin.” He checked his wrist watch and realized his girlfriend must have been expecting him, “I better be going, don’t want to be late for dinner.”

“Oh, you two going out?”

“No, staying in tonight, making risotto.”

Mrs. Smith gasped, “My recipe?”

“I think so.”

“Oh you watch out for that one, Steve, I used that recipe once and 9 months later I had Joey and Hannah,” Mrs. Lowe added.

Steve huffed a laugh. “You are bad.”

“Watch it Harrington.” “It’s very easy for mail to get lost down here.” “Packages stolen,” they joked back before waving him upstairs and calling for him to send their hellos to his girl. 

“Hey, gorgeous, where you at?” He finally got to the fifth floor and held the door open with his foot while he took the keys out of the knob. “We got a fuck ton of mail.”

But he didn’t see any sign of her or their dog, Leo, a big black lab, anywhere. “Babe?” He walked further into the kitchen of their cramped apartment. Leo’s leash was gone too, but there was a scratchy note left on the counter, probably left in a rush accounting for the scribbly handwriting. 

Hello my love, I hope you had a wonderful day. I was going to wait for you but Leo got antsy so I’m taking him for a walk. We’ll be back by 6:30 I promise —xoxo 

It was already 6:25, and by the time he was worried enough to grab his sweatshirt and go out to look for her, there was already an incessant scratching at the door and a giggle of ‘I’m trying, I’m trying. Relax buddy, I gotta get my keys.’ 

It clearly sounded like a struggle, Steve assumed her keys must have been deeper in her pocket than she remembered. He could have waited and let her unlock the door herself, but the excitement to see her was too much to bear. Also because he didn’t want any complaints from the landlord about scratched paint on the door. 

He heard her surprised little gasp when the handle turned from the other side, ‘Is Stevie home?’ He heard Leo make some sound like E.T. would have made in response, as well as the slamming of his tail on her leg.

“It’s 6:30.”

“What? No ‘hello’? No ‘how are you my beautiful, gorgeous, angel of a darling? Every hour in your absence has been agony.’ And here I was, thinking you were such a romantic.” She hung the leash up while Leo was shoving himself against Steve’s leg to get more attention and pets. She was about to walk out of the teeny tiny foyer after taking her shoes off but Steve caught her by the arm before she got the chance. Leo got out of the way while he pulled her shoulder into his chest, both hands on the other one furthest from him. 

“Hello,” and she expected his usual schtick of saying everything she said back to her, a little teasing but she could always hear the truth underneath. “My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die.”

“Steve,” she groaned and pushed him off of her and into the coats, “You’re supposed to love me, not kill me. I don’t even have six fingers on my right hand.” She got louder as she walked further away, “And besides, you’re much more of a Westley anyway.”

“Really?”

“Mhm.”

“How so? Wait, farm boy Westley or Pirate Westley?”

“Oh, Pirate Westley, definitely.”

He silently shooed her out of the kitchen and fed Leo before washing his hands and starting on their own dinner while she explained.

“I don’t know, you just love too much to be an Inigo, too smart to be him, also you know I love you but you have like zero loyalty to your father and you shouldn’t anyway, so definitely a Westley.”

“Like I’d carry you through the fire swamp and everything?”

“And everything.” Leo laid at her feet while she went through the mail on the couch, sinking deep into the cushions that were probably older than her since it was a hand-me-down from Hopper when he moved in with Joyce at the same time they moved into their apartment. A sparkling seal caught her eye. “A wedding invitation?”

“I was waiting for you to open it, I think it’s from your cousin.”

“Hm. Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Deanna Sampson cordially invite you to a renewal of their vows, the 12th of December, 1992, Colorado Springs, Colorado. It’s at a hotel, like the Shining.”

“Oh that cousin?” The renewal of vows is what caught his attention. “Must be a small venue then.”

“Not funny, Steven,” she didn’t take her eyes off her lap where she flipped through the details of the invitation but the slight quirk of her lip that Steve was always able to clock betrayed her amusement. A wedding with ample opportunity for skiing, her cousin’s husband, and now by extension her cousin, are kind of rich, at least his family is, so they're renting the biggest, nicest, fanciest lodge for the day and having the wedding and reception there. “I’d totally have a small wedding first with just the people I want there then a bigger one for all the people that are mad they didn’t make the cut.”

“Who’d be at this wedding? The small one.”

“Dustin, Eddie, Robin, the kids, Joyce and Hopper, and maybe my parents, I haven't decided.”

He knew he was pushing his luck asking this, but the ladies of the mail room planted a strong idea in his head and he just couldn’t let it go. “I’m not there?” but he stayed facing the near boiling pot.

“I thought you were a given,” She said so casually. Only looking at him when the clatter of the spoon falling on the floor pulled her attention his way. They’d discussed it before, in passing mostly. Saying a marriage and a family is something they both want, but he’d never heard her say it like that. Like marrying him is the only option she’d ever choose. Like he’s always going to be the obvious choice. “So we’re going?”

“Hm?”

“To the wedding?”

“Oh, yeah, of course. Deanna’s the best.”

December, 1992

They arrived two days before the wedding, Steve wanted to get more use out of his skis. She liked them because the bottoms were bright pink and she could find him anywhere. Checking in was a bear though. The mailroom part 2 for him since y/n was at a payphone to check in with Dustin about Leo.

“How can I help you, sir?” The woman who looked to be around Joyce’s age asked.

“Uh, I’d like to check in, please. Should be under Harrington.”

She scrolled through the system to find it, “Oh yes, you’re here for the wedding? Bride or groom?”

“Bride, she’s cousins with my-”

“You’re wife? I’ll get you an extra key then, one for both of you.”

“Thank you.”

“Enjoy your stay, room 217.”

“Thank you.”

***

“God, I’m exhausted.” Y/n threw herself down on the bed, wet hair and all. Everything about this room was so much bigger than their apartment. The bed, the bathtub; the kitchen was smaller though, but there was a much bigger space as a sort of living room. The fake fire was going and the tv above it was stuck on one of those MTV channels, the ones that only play music with slideshows of various album covers, because they couldn’t figure out the remote. She called the lobby about it and found Steve must have made quite an impression in the few days they’ve been there. “Hi, we’re in room 217, our remote kind of broke and it’s stuck on one channel.” “217, hmm… Oh you must be Steve’s wife, he’s quite the charmer down here.” “He usually is. Um, is there anyone who can help us with this?” “Unfortunately not at the moment, but we can send someone up first thing in the morning, just give us a ring and we’ll send maintenance right up there.” “Will do, thank you.” “Mhm, have a lovely night Mrs. Harrington.” “You as well.”

Steve came out of the bathroom with a cloud of steam surrounding him and a fluffy, white towel around his hips. “Steve?”

“Hm?” But his main focus was on digging through his drawers for pajamas.

“Have you been telling everyone in the lobby I’m your wife?”

He quickly straightened with his sweatpants clutched tight to his chest. “No-uh…no. They just assumed and, y’know like, who’d pass up a chance to have such a total knockout babe for a wife, right? So I just-didn’t correct them.”

“Mhm,” the look in her eyes feigned skepticism, but she really didn’t mind, she thought it was cute. “Can’t flirt your way out of this one, Harrington.”

“No flirting, just truthing.” He knew even that wouldn’t save him from his fate, her thinking he’s such a dork and then most likely going home to tell Robin all about it. He needed to think fast before she rolled over on the bed and picked up the phone to dial Robin’s number, he thought he could see her fingers already twitching in its direction. The song changed and while the intro played and he rushed to get dressed, inspiration struck. He held his hand out for her hoping she’d get the hint. 

“What?”

“Come dance with me.”

“This is hardly a danceable song,” she swung her legs over the side. 

“It’s John Mellencamp, of course it’s danceable.” Steve pulled her up by the hand even though she was already going to walk over. 

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Sh, sh, sh, let me listen.” He held their joined hands in the air, her left in his right, and his other was on her waist, swaying side to side and rotating around in a circle.

“You dance like such a dad,” she half whispered, half giggled.

“I’m a great dancer.”

“I never said you weren’t.”

“Could you listen to the song please, they’re like us,” and he started mouthing the words out with his breath.

A little ditty 'bout Jack and Diane; Two American kids growing up in the heart land

“Steve, we’re from Indiana.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“That’s not the heartland.”

“I’m pretty sure the heartland is all of the midwest.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Jack, he's gonna be a football star; Diane's debutante, backseat of Jacky's car

“You played basketball and swam, those are like the furthest things from football.”

“You’re really draining all the fun out of this,” but she could feel the rumbles of his laugh with her ear pressed to his sternum. 

“And I’m not a debutante and we’ve never done anything in the back of your car.”

“The point that you’re purposely missing is that they’re in love.”

“I know they’re in love, but I’m in love-er with you.”

“Is that the right way to say that? Not ‘more in love?’”

“Well now look who’s being willingly obtuse.”

“I’m not obtuse, you’re obtuse.”

“I’m not obtuse, I’m in love with you.”

“I’m in love with you too.” He rested his head on top of hers, his eyes stuck on her bare fingers. “But those things can coexist.”

“Steve!”

This was not a request but I thought of it at work because all we listen to is fm radio and everyday John Tesh makes me want to strangle myself with receipt paper. But I had the idea and I thought it was cute, and as always, it got way out of hand. So here, have my first complete Steve Harrington one shot <3

Tagging some babes because I love you and I want to annoy you all @beezywriting @haydipoof @sw34terw34ther @esperisdrunkinwonderland @avipoof @loving-and-dreaming @katsu28 @manyfandomsfanvergent and if i think of anyone else and they don't get to this before I get to them <3

[rdbrainz]

I just found you through some Bleach tags today and I love your art! Zanni is so cute, I love the jester vibes. Would you be willing to share some tidbits about Zanni? If not, I'm a big fan of Shinji. Do you have any hca about him and the rest of the Vizard crew?

Thanks!! Tbh rn I can't add much to what I've written about Zanni so far without telling about the other members of my arrancar troupe but I hope soon enough I'll bring myself to drawing them... Anyway I'm glad you loved him! It means a lot when my designs gain positive attention 🤧 Here's what I have for Shinji:

I think everything that happened with Aizen really took a great toll on him. Ofc Shinji is not the kind of person to show how he's really feeling and the only one he puts the blame on now is Sosuke but for the hundred years that he was in the world of the living every time it was raining he stayed in bed until late afternoon. Literally just lying and doing nothing with music in the background because he felt terrible. No matter how much he tried the rain really did bring the blues out of him and sometimes it had gotten so bad he felt physically ill. Probably because it had been raining a lot when they ended up in Karakura. This habit of his kinda returned once he was in the position of the captain again because he felt like he was not supposed to be there. For the first couple of months his higher-ranking officers had to do EVERYTHING for him on rainy days.

His love language is acts of service... when the person he likes is doing something for him of course. Sometimes he would literally whine so they would cook for him or something like that but he is very grateful if they give into this stupid game. He would snoop around to check on them and sometimes even sneak up on them to look over their shoulder and say something silly.

Speaking of love I think he's very good at unconsciously studying and remembering the habits of the other person. If they do the same and for example don't try to wake him up when it's very cloudy and just leave the tray with breakfast on the bedside table/floor for him to eat later then he's head over heels. It means a lot to him when people take him seriously at all times even though he does and says stupid things a lot.

The last two paragraphs may be the reason why he was very into Kensei at one point lmao

Others:

Kensei has always been very popular among both women and men. I mean look at this guy!! Though it's a source of a lot of stress for him because 1) "My eyes are up here... have some fucking respect" and 2) he's actually very old-fashioned when it comes to love and attraction. Casual flings because he happened to be attractive to someone is NOT his thing. What happened to courting your love interest and all that?..

Sometimes Rose would sing for others. It didn't happen a lot because he didn't exactly get much inspiration in the situation they were in and he knew for sure other vizards couldn't always be in the mood for some music. It was far too cramped and noisy already for something like that and Shinji had already taken the role of the person who was going to annoy everybody with noise. Once they returned to Gotei he hoped it would change but with the sheer amount of work that waited to be done it was deemed impossible. Too busy, too tired, too uninspired. Who sings just for themselves anyway? Though I think if someone asked he would be soo happy to play or sing something for them

Lisa knows EVERYTHING about other vizards. Sometimes she would pick up on things even faster than them. She's not being creepy about it ofc. Well... Usually. But if she thought it could help someone or herself she's gonna use it either for them or against them.

[observeowl]

Resignation Letter

Scarlett Johansson x Reader

Summary: An unexpected news arrive at the wrong time

Note: Slight talk about death

Your POV I am tired of my work, my co-workers treating me like a piece of shit, ordering me around like nobody's business. Jobs are assigned to us by our managers but lately, it seems that they have been pushing their jobs off to me but submitting them in their names.

But that's not the end of it. There are always things to follow up on and maybe things that are not on par with the manager's expectations, so when they ask why things are done this way and we need to have further work done to provide assurance, my co-workers always say they will add to it but I'll be the one doing it.

I got sick and tired of such a working culture and decided to quit. I even wrote my resignation letter and was ready to give it to my manager the next day until I received news I didn't dare to think.

"Okay..." I replied shakily. "When will the funeral be?" I asked my aunty, she was taking care of my mother since she would be able to take better care of her than me who has to work. Sometimes after work and during the weekend, I would visit her. "Thursday? That fast? Okay. I'll take leave from my work, don't worry."

I looked at the resignation letter that was in my hand and threw it in the bin near me. This is no time to quit. I have to stay strong. My father, my younger brother-

A knock on the door caught my attention and I spun around in my chair to see Scarlett standing by the door. "You got the news as well?" She nodded her head and came next to me, leaning against the side of my table.

"I didn't get a call like you did. But I got a message." She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I will call the office and apply for leave for you. Why don't you change and get ready? I'm sure your aunt and dad would love to see you."

"Thank you." I gave her a kiss before heading to my wardrobe. Just as I closed the door, I could hear her punching in the numbers and speaking into the phone. I didn't stay long enough to hear a full conversation but I was thankful that she was by my side.

"You're packing a bag to stay with them for a few days?" Scarlett saw I was stuffing a few clothes into my backpack. I stopped in my tracks, I didn't actually think this through, my hands just moved without thinking. I didn't even ask Scarlett if she was okay with it.

"I was thinking about staying with them until the end of the funeral."

"That's a nice idea. Spend some family time together."

Scarlett POV Some say you get to see more from a different perspective. I could tell Y/N was stressed with each passing day but she says she's fine and refuses to tell me anything. I thought after spending time with her family, she would be better but it only seemed to get worse.

We all gathered after the funeral and I spent some time talking to Y/N's brother. It confirmed my suspicions that she was putting too much on herself, trying to help when she already has a lot on her plate. As the eldest, she tends to carry everything on her shoulders.

I was cleaning the house yesterday and I noticed the letter in her bin when I was dumping it out. It wasn't covered up or anything so I noticed it pretty easily. She was planning on resigning, it was dated one day before her mother died. But why did she not send it to her company? Why is it in the bin?

I kept it at a different spot, hoping to be able to speak to her about it later.

"She's not letting herself think about it. She always does this. I don't think I've seen her teardrop yet. Either that or she didn't allow us to see it." Her brother said.

"Thanks for taking care of her the past few days." We said our goodbyes before going back to our home.

During our drive back, it was silent all the way other than the radio that was playing in the background. I offered to put her bag in the backseat but she just hugged it tighter. We didn't speak much that day and she went straight to work the next day.

I was concerned for her. It was not healthy keeping it all in. I even noticed that she kept her security stuffy aside. That's when I knew this was serious. No matter how many times I told her that it was hindering me when I was cuddling to her, she refused to put it aside. Even when we were still friends, she was hugging it when she first broke up with her girlfriend. For her to put it aside was a serious problem.

"Babe, sit down." I dragged Y/N to sit by the edge of the bed after she was done showering. She looked at me like I was doing something weird and I could tell by her eyes that she was scared. "Nothing is wrong babe, I just want to know what's happening in your mind."

"Nothing." She shook her head. I sighed and let her know what I found. If I don't present her with the evidence, she's never going to break down the wall.

"It was just a reckless move, I did it in a heat of anger. I don't feel like resigning anymore. Besides, did you not wish for the stuffy to be gone?" She flipped the question at me.

"Babe, you know most of the time I'm joking. If you feel safe with it, I'm not going to take it away."

"Well, anything else? I can always just take it out again." She made it seem as if the whole conversation was pointless and we were wasting time.

"Babe, listen to yourself." I didn't want her to walk away so I held her hands. "You're not giving yourself time to process all of this. You don't allow yourself to relax. You're always doing something before and even during the funeral. You went back to work immediately the next day and don't lie to me because I know you hate your work."

She groaned and rolled her eyes. "I don't what you want from me Scarlett. It's not affecting me as much as you think it is. Must I shed a tear for you to think I'm okay?"

I calmed myself down before speaking, not taking it to heart. I knew she was going to be defensive about it. "First of all, I'm just worried about you. Secondly, I would believe you more if your shoulders weren't that tense." Immediately, her shoulders dropped and she acted as I was seeing things.

"You don't have to put up a front with me. Or anyone else. You're allowed to break down, no one is going to be mad at you for that." Her throat started trembling and I knew she needed a bit more push for the wall to crumble.

"And don't even get me started with that work of yours? It's way too demanding and your co-workers are not even nice. They don't appreciate you, they don't deserve you. The amount of work you're doing deserves more. You're more than capable enough to get a better paying job and people want you. You don't have to be afraid."

I watched as she dropped her head and walked out of the room. I sighed fearing I may have pushed her too far and made everything worse. Wanting to give her some space, I went to change into my night clothes and got ready for bed when Y/N came in again. This time with her stuffy.

She stuffed her face in it and walked over to her side of the bed while I smiled at her even though she couldn't see it.

"I didn't get to say I love her enough. All she received were my complaints but I really really love her. There's so much I didn't get to say to her."

"I know you do. And I'm sure she knows too. She'll be so proud of you." I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"And about my job. I hate lounging around so I'll wait until I get an offer from somewhere before quitting." I hummed following along. We stayed in the same position for a while and she didn't say anything so I thought she fell asleep. "Thank you too, Scarlett. For bringing me back."

I kissed the top of her head. "Anytime, babe."

[salaapaoo]

it's been a while since i've been on here!! I've been p busy w school >< but i got tagged !! by @fanfiction-artist-prototype for 20 questions!! 1. how many works do you have on ao3? I have 16! but a bunch of wips hidden in my docs hehe 2. what's your total ao3 word count?

144,014!! I feel proud bc it's been,,, almost a year since i started?? I haven't really had time to write lately though :<

3. what fandoms do you write for? hmm... only lcf so far, but i wanted to write for sss class revival hunter !! but i need to catch up and brain rot harder!!!

4. what are your top 5 fics by kudos?

young master, you dumb bitch

puppy teeth

in the comfort of death

death's little reaper

teeny tiny trouble

5. do you respond to comments? why/why not?

I usually do!! I feel kind of bad tho bc I see comments and then tell myself that i'd just respond later, but then forget.... hhh i will respond to them eventually ;;

6. what's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

hm.. there's only a few that are done... so i guess i'll say what i think will have the angstiest once i'm done?? I think it might be between mr forgettable, witcher's calamity, or comfort of death???

7. what's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

uhm.... i feel like a lot of mine don't really have happy endings??? hhh

8. do you get hate on fics?

no ! i'm really happy with that! i feel like the fandom is really nice tho heh

9. do you write smut? if so, what kind? :] yes,,, uh theres.. some out there

10. do you write crossovers? what's the craziest one?

i don't write crossovers hhh mostly because i would worry about trying to keep even more charas in character ;; brain too rotten w lcf

11. have you ever had a fic stolen?

not that i know of ??

12. have you ever had a fic translated?

yeah! i had one translated into russian!! that reminds me,, i should probably add a link to that to the summary or smth ghksjhg

13. have you ever co-written a fic?

hmmm officially on ao3, no, but i would consider a lot of my fics cowritten w my friends because would end up brainrotting together so hard that it would end up mostly written!! so if i end up writing it, i usually end up dedicating it to them or smth

14. what's your all time fave ship?

hmmm,,, im not too picky??? i usually like eating them all

15. whats a wip you want to finish but doubt you will?

hmm... im a bit worried about finishing comfort of death ?? i want to finish them all!! but for comfort of death i'm a bit worried because i know how i want it to end but the in between hhhh uughgggh having to connect it ughghghg we're still far out!!

16. what are your writing strengths?

my friend said that my writing felt nostalgic and like heheh that makes me feel proud!! smth abt how i desc scenes, so i think that's a thing i'm really proud of !!

17. writing weaknesses?

i think the fact that i don't like rereading is a big weakness because i'll read it again after a long ass time and then see so many errors!! I think i have a lot of run on sentences, too!!

18. thoughts on writing dialogue in another language? i don't think i'm too confident on writing dialogue in another language!! I would probably just put it in italics and say its being done hhh or if i do, then i'd want it checked by someone who speaks it

19. first fandom you wrote for?

lcf!

20. fav fic you've ever written?

mmmm that's hard... but i think i'm really attached to like, teeny tiny trouble or maybe witcher's calamity? theres a few hidden ones that i'm actually really attached to !! i hope to have more time to write soon!!

-

tagging

@vveirdnobdy uuh,,, idk who to tag??? whoever wants to join?

[duskwoodgirl4life]

Chapter 8

MCs POV

Phil had been in prison for a couple months now, Jake and I are getting on better than ever. He's been so busy in the shop that he has talked about getting a bigger shop. I love how excited he gets when he's working out a plan. Hannah and Lilly are still trying to get back in my life; they just won't take no for an answer.

Jake will be back from work soon. I've been making him a special dinner, he's been so busy I wanted to surprise him. I was even able to update the website and add more things to it. I just need to set the table and get the champagne out of the fridge I thought we could celebrate tonight.

All I need to do now is go change and freshen up before Jake comes back, I think my strapless red dress for tonight Jake loves it when I have it on. It always drives him crazy. I love it when he gets all tongue tied now that I've changed. I just need to light the candles and serve dinner.

MC had everything ready just as she made the final touches Jake had arrived back from work. As he walked in he was met by candles flickering soft music playing in the background. He put his keys down and went into the kitchen where he could smell his favorite dinner cooking.

Jake: wow what's all this it smells amazing

MC: I just wanted to surprise you, you have been working so hard lately

Jake: thank you MC, I love it and I love you

MC: I love you to Jake

They both shared a kiss and sat down to eat. MC had made one of Jake's favorite Chinese dishes, kung pao chicken with a side serving of dumplings, egg fried rice and beef fried rice.

Jake: everything looks so good, this must of taken ages

MC: it was worth it to see the smile on your face

Jake: oh and don't think I haven't notice that red dress, dessert will definitely be out of this world

MC couldn't help but smile. She kissed Jake on the lips softly and both sat down to eat, they both enjoyed each other's company as they talked and laughed. After dinner they cleared away the plates and put what was left over in the fridge.

The next morning Jake woke up early as he had an important meeting to get to, he didn't want to wake MC so he kissed her softly goodbye and left her a note. A Little while later when MC woke she found the note she couldn't help but smile. She got out of bed and went to take a shower after she had finished. She got changed, put a little makeup on and went to grab some coffee.

While she was drinking her coffee her phone buzzed, picking it up Lilly MC couldn't help but roll her eyes in annoyance.

Lilly: Hi MC, hope your okay just wanted to ask if you would meet up with me and Hannah later x

MC: omg Lilly!!! How many times do I have to say this? I don't want to see you or Hannah leave me alone.

Lilly: please MC it's really important to us

MC: Don't you understand the word NO!! Go away and leave me alone

The texts went on for a few more minutes then stopped, MC had had enough of constantly being bothered by them there was only one thing to do and that was block them. So MC did just that blocking both numbers MC put her phone back down then it rang this time it was Jake.

Jake: Hey MC, what are you doing right now?

MC: well I've just blocked Lilly and Hannah they are getting to annoying no

Jake: I'm sorry baby, I've got a surprise for you come meet me outside the aurora

MC: Why the bar?

Jake: I'll explain everything once you get here

MC put the phone down and went to get herself ready, grabbing her jacket and keys she left the apartment and made her way to the bar. When MC arrived at the bar she saw Jake talking with a woman and he had a big smile on his face. They shook hands and the woman walked away holding a briefcase Jake saw MC approaching and ran up to her putting his arms around her spinning her around.

MC: Hello to you, what's got you all excited

Jake: well you know that surprise I told you about well this is it

MC: You bought the aurora but why?

Jake: It's not going to be staying at a bar you remember when I said we should look for a bigger shop? Well this is it

MC: Wow!! This is amazing Jake

Jake: I'm glad that you say that because I will need your help with the design

MC: Anything for a handsome man

Jake took MC inside and explained to her what he had in mind, MC was loving every minute of it. She thought that going into the bar would bring back painful memories but all she could feel was pure happiness. Over the next 6 months the bar started to get ripped out, everything inside was to be pulled out and gotten rid off. MC was going through the office throwing everything into boxes she found Phil's secret collection of Playboy's. She just rolled her eyes in disgust and threw them into one of the boxes.

As MC was dumping some of the boxes into the skip Hannah and Lilly came over wanting to talk to MC. MC tried to get back inside before they got closer but it was too late.

Hannah: MC! Wait please we just want to talk

MC: I have nothing to say to either of you leave me alone

Lilly: MC please don't be so rude hear Hannah out

MC: Me? You don't want me to be rude!!! How dare you, your whore of a sister opens her legs for any guy walking past her and you want me to not be rude go fuck yourselfs

Lilly: we just wanted to talk that's all we want you to be in the baby's life

Hannah: I was thinking that you could maybe look after Izzy for a few hours while I go shopping

MC didn't say anything, she walked closer to Hannah and slapped her as hard as she could, knocking Hannah to the floor.

MC: I am going to say this once and only once leave me the hell alone because of you don't you will regret it for the rest of your lives

MC turned round and Jake was standing near the door, she walked towards him and he put her around her waist and walked her inside.

[bunny-priiince]

Hi, bunny, it's been a while! Been thinking about you a lot lately, about tying you up and serving you up on a platter to all your other anons hungry to play with their favorite little rapeslut. Y'know, after carving the best bits for myself, of course.

Of course that's what the knife is for, bunny. It's for your fun too, though, just like the ropes keeping you helpless for me, face down, ass up, with no way to stop me from doing whatever the fuck I want to your pretty little boycunt. Because that's how you like it best, isn't it baby? That's how you need it. You need it to hurt, you need me to make you forget your own name because you're too busy screaming mine. Or screaming for mercy. Or just screaming in general.

Got that big, thick, knotted strap you liked so much last time I visited, too. I think this time I'll use it to plug up that perfect ass of yours, honey, really take my time stretching you out on it while you struggle because oh it's too much, it hurts so bad, it won't fit, and all those other pretty excuses you'll make; lying to me while trying to fuck yourself on it even faster like the lovely little whore you are.

Of course, I do tend to get bored while taking my time with things, even with all those gorgeous, desperate sounds you're making. Might see how you freeze when I start tracing the knife over your skin. Might dig it in just a little to see how you struggle to get away from it and see how pretty you whimper when it slips and cuts you.

You're fucking irresistible when you make that sound, you know that bun? I just can't help myself, I have to keep marking you. Maybe I'll take that first little nick, drag it out into a longer line. And then add another. And another. Shallow enough it won't scar, but god it's gonna sting like a bitch when we get you sweating. You'll feel it for the rest of the night where I've carved 'faggot' onto your perfect, soft skin.

Maybe I'll keep carving all the things I want you to remember, some on your back, some over your hips so you can feel it burn with every thrust when your next plaything or ten comes to use you, some on your legs so you can see just how much we love you, baby, how much we need you. Marked all over your body with sweet things like whore, angel, rapeslut, sweet prince, fucktoy, pretty boy. Draw an arrow down the small of your back and the words rape me just so everyone knows what you're best for.

Fuck, I'm so close looking at how pretty you bleed for me, listening to how sweetly you beg, how you cry for it to stop, for me to let you finish. Scream for me, baby. I wanna hear how much you love it, how much you hate me for it, how much you need it. Gonna take the handle of this knife and fuck you with it while I slam that knot into your ass and you're gonna take it like the perfect, depraved little faggot you are.

And when we're done coming down, I'm leaving my toys in you for everyone to see just how desperate you are to be filled. So everyone knows what you need right now. And when the next takers come by and keep filling you up, you'll get to keep screaming with your face buried in my cunt.

I promise I'll clean you up later, bundle you up tight and cozy after bandaging up my handiwork. But after you put that tongue to work because right now, I think we all need this.

-💙🌘

😳😳😳 o h my god hi holy fuck me I'm so sorrh if my response is nonsense you just absolutely destroyed me fuck me this is the hottest fucjing thing

Please god I'll scream and cry and beg sll you want I'll be so good for you I need this so bad it's like you completely read my mind ohh my god

I'll make sure evem while I'm completely out of mh mind I do my best and make you feel as good as you do for me I promise ill be so good!!

[darlingpsh]

hey nice to meet you ! I'm looking for some member × member ateez roleplays:)

- i'm 23, so i only write with other adults. please include your age when reaching out to me.

- i'm primarily looking for a seongjoong roleplay and i can write as either seonghwa or hongjoong, i have no preference here ! i'm always down for adding side ships if you're into that too.

- quality over quantity is most important !! but i tend to average 6ish paragraphs with my replies. or i'll just mirror my partner. also i use proper capitalization and styling (3rd pov) when actually writing i promise Imao

- this doesn't pertain to the roleplay but hopefully we can become friends too ! i love plotting and just chatting in general

- i usually roleplay on discord

below are some ideas i've been thinking about lately. feel free to change any of them or suggest your own ideas, i'm open to most things ! i look forward to chatting soon 💕 and if you’d prefer i reach out first, just like this post !

- character a is a criminal on the run who crosses paths with character b, a notorious pirate. as a desperate attempt to flee, character a lies and tells character b he's a prince who can gift his crew lots of money if they take him on board. now he's stuck on a ship trying to maintain that lie and not develop feelings for the feared pirate along the way. (pirate au, angst, villain characters who actually have soft sides, hurt/comfort)

- character a was bullied all throughout high school, so he moved far away for college and never looked back. now, ten years later, he's being invited to an old classmate's wedding. as a way to spite the people who used to torment him, he decides to track down the former high school bad boy, character b, and bring him as a date. (fake dating au, maybe they kind of crash the wedding, they end up actually liking each other)

- character a and character b used to date. after they break up, character a (unknowingly) ends up dating character b's landlord and now he sees character b all the time around the apartment complex. (dating to enemies to lovers, forced proximity, maybe they get stuck in one of their apartments or something)

- anything a/b/o !! we also can make any of these plots a/b/o, or do something completely different, or we don't have to add this at all. it's up to you!

- character a and character b meet in a club and start hooking up. flash forward a few months and they realize they're rivals at the company they work for.

- character a has always been too busy to date, so he hires an escort, character b, to keep him company from time to time. what he doesn't expect, however, is for the escort to be a friend from childhood that he grew apart from over the years.

- character a and character b are best friends, character a has always had a crush on character b, but character b is now married. whenever character b's partner messes up, character a is always there to pick up the pieces.

[champagnepodiums]

Hi

What have you been writing lately? Or thinking about writing? Or reading? Or researching?

Did you see that Callum bought a bunch of RC cars?

Yes, I'm blatantly trying to change the subject for you.

HAHAHA when i say the ask preview on my phone i was like "oh bless her trying to save me from myself"

So I'm researching, I'm always researching.

The problem with my work at the beginning of the motorsport mortality project is that i did a terrible job recording information/sources (but tbf to myself, I didn't actually ever think I'd get this far or be this serious about it) so right now, I'm going back through and sorting all of the death certificates I can access online, catolouging and sorting where every person died (to make requesting death certificates easier later) and filling in all of the information/sources that I didn't get the first time (and through that, I've also managed to find how to access another state's DCs online for free so I get to add their CODs to my database too).

So a lot of it is just refinement to make sure that I have everything the way I need it before I move onto the next phase of the project.

Which, when I get all of this information just so, I'm going to start ordering death certificates, probably a few every paycheck, depending on how busy my work is haha. In an ideal world, I would love to have death certificates for every driver in my database (all 1200 of them) but I have no idea how to get ahold of international death certificates + I think some places have privacy laws etc etc. If i could get like 75%, I think I'd be incredibly pleased??

While I'm going ordering death certificates, I'll start the next phase which is combing through newspapers and documenting things like: racing injuries (and the type), legal trouble (especially violent crimes/legal trouble involving substance abuse). Basically, I'm looking to see if there's any sort of link I can make between drivers who have sustained a head injury and those who have committed violent crimes and/or who have publicly known substance abuse issues.

In short, I'm looking to see if there are drivers who appear to fit CTE diagnostic criteria. I do know there is one, a driver who participated in the very first Indy 500. I suspect I'll find others but I don't know.

Okay yes, typing all of this settled me down so thank you for swooping in for me pal, I really really appreciate it <333

[dustofthedailylife]

Hi! I'd like to take part on the event! Congratulations on 1k by the way!

I'll just get started with the main thing if that's okay!

Name: Nova

Hobbies : writing, drawing and cooking

Personality : This might be a hard one for me here I go!

• I've been told that I'm so soft spoken that I should loosen up sometimes,

• I procrastinate a lot

•  I'm actually a good listener if someone wants to talk. Late night talks are my thing

• I've been told that I'm very awkward in public and doing adult things by myself.

• I am passionate about writing even though I'm not good at it

• I'm actually funny! My friends love it when I start to joke around

• I'm really clumsy and often hurt myself

while doing the simplest stuff which is very infuriating ( Cause I have to clean up the mess later!)

• I love windy days and the smell of rain, citrus,old and new books, shampooed hair, clean laundry

What I look for in a partner:

• I think he needs to have at least something similar with me. Otherwise that would get boring.

• He has to listen to me when I open up about something because it takes me a lot to do that

• Supportive

• Sudden back hugs!

• Kind, considerate and caring

• If he's flirty once in a while, that would be hot

Personality traits of others I dislike:

When they aren’t even listening when you are trying to say something. You almost feel invisible. That's annoying

Saying things like "lol I've been through worse than you"  when you open up about your struggles in life

Leaving your messages on seen

anger issues

Things I like :

(I've already said that on the partner part so I'll add something new here ^^)

When someone cooks something for me, I love it. It's the purest form of love on a plate

Hand written letters or tiny notes! I love writing and receiving them.

Every little kind gesture that makes you feel loved

MBTI PERSONALITY TYPE: INFP

[ I figured this would help you with my personality traits so I added this]

ZODIAC SIGN: aquarius

Favourite romance trope:

Soulmates

Enemies to lovers / Rivals to lovers

Fake dating

Ideal date

Beach dates!

A date at home! Baking together, cuddling on the bed and watching it rain from the window

A campfire date where the two talks deep stuff and stargaze

Hii! Thank you for participating my evaluation tells me that...

Your Perfect Match is...

Zhongli

You two first met at the Third Round Knockout. You often came here to listen to the storyteller to get inspirations for your writing and to improve on it while drinking some tea. Today was especially crowded for some reason.

Eventually a quite handsome gentleman name Zhongli asked if he could sit down at your table, seeing as all the others were occupied and only yours had a seat still. You agreed and first sat there together in silence, each minding their own business.

You'd notice that a slight smile plays around his lips every time the storyteller begins reciting some history about history that you eventually ask what is so amusing about it.

He begins telling you tales that are quite different and seem definitely more historically accurate than the ones the storytellers have been telling. Certainly would prove useful for your writing.

You sat together at the Restaurant until late at night and something had just clicked between you two.

Afterwards you'd begin to meet up more and more often, at first for more of his stories but later on because there was that sort of spark between you two.

When dating you just love to listen to his stories, that thing never changed from your first meeting on. He could talk to you all day and you would listen to his soothing voice.

Zhongli is someone who likes to keep his home in order and definitely strikes me as someone who would use air refreshener. Maybe gift him one with a citrus smell. Makes his house smell like books and citrus. Perfection!

Even though he likes to talk a lot he is also a very good listener and is very happy when you open up about things to him.

Zhongli loves going on walks with you or simply just hanging out with you at home, lying in bed with you together cuddling or hugging you from behind, leaving a kiss on the back of your head.

He is not so much into PDA but prepare to be smothered with love and pampered when you two are at home.

He is definitely a bit old fashioned so expect to get handwritten letters and notes from him all over the place. As well as other small gestures like brewing you a cup of tea or offering to cook dinner.

"Love? Would you like me to make dinner today? What should I make? Your favorite... alright."

[casspurrjoybellbittner]

Wreckless - Shopping

*Warning Adult Content*

Emmett

I'm so full that when Finnegan asks if we can go see the stores, I literally don't know if I can.

I may never leave this chair... walking sounds hard.

"How about a nap first?" I counter.

"No, too much to see."

"Okay but we have to go really, really slowly, okay? I am stuffed."

"You can stuff me later Emmett," he teases as soon as we're out and I smack him lightly on the ass.

It's already hard enough to walk... I don't need to add a raging erection to my difficulties.

He's been in full-on little mode for hours, even asked me nicely to order his lunch because he was too busy coloring the back of the menu.

We ate popcorn and played tic-tac-toe until our food arrived and now... well now we're apparently going shopping because I can't say no to him.

I don't usually enjoy shopping all that much even though I've done a good bit of it lately for Finnegan.

But my shorts, for example, are now three years old.

I don't need much so I don't buy much.

Ocean-front stores are different though, it's sort of like going to Ellicott City and wandering through there... you never know what you're going to see.

Three hours later I'm exhausted, my backpack is full to bursting and I'm carrying another bag.

I've talked him out of shells because it's just lame if you don't find it yourself and a hermit crab.

He REALLY wanted the hermit crab.

To be fair, he wanted ALL the hermit crabs... a whole colony.

He said he would organize the shells in a row so everyone could just move up.

He's a hoot but I had to tell him that Marten was enough for now, he's too busy.

He only gave in when I promised we would come back sometime and talk about a hermit crab then.

He bought us each a t-shirt and himself a sweatshirt even though I have never seen him wear one.

We now have matching swim trunks and he actually bought something he needed, a hat.

I'll worry less about his little nose now.

He bought a snorkel and about 500 toys for the pool and sand toys.

We are apparently making the worlds largest sand castle tomorrow and I've promised to let him bury me because he's seen it in movies.

And he just saw it... the LGTB store.

How he missed the huge rainbow flag on our way past the first time is a mystery but now he wants to go in.. of course he does.

Wait until he hears about the leather store.

Actually, that might need to happen.

His smile is about a foot wide.

He's spinning slowly and trying to take it all in.

The bear at the register is chuckling but it's good-spirited, he gets it a lot I'm sure.

Finnegan buys two books because he says reading is a vacation must, a sun-catcher, a little pair of rainbow briefs that I'm sure will join his night collection, the gayest sunglasses I have ever seen and a purchase I didn't think he'd actually go through with.

He bought a t-shirt, a plain white t-shirt with simple black printing.

It says... 'Good Boy'.

He stared at it over and over and now it's in my bag.

"You look tired."

He does and he just yawns,his feet are dragging a bit.

"Tired but don't wanna stop."

"You need to save some energy for daddy, don't you? I think we'd better head home."

"Okay."

Now I know he's tired, he didn't even argue.

"I had a good day, Emmett," he says as soon as I open the front door.

"It's only five, we have plenty of day left but it was busy, how about a movie or a game?"

He gazes outside and I know he's thinking of all the pool toys he bought.

"The pool needs to wait until another day. If we don't swim tomorrow we can do it Tuesday before we head back to Baltimore."

That will work well, actually, not being covered in sand during a car trip.

Talk about chaffing.

Just thinking about the sand makes me feel it.

"I need a shower."

"Why?"

It's a valid question... I've showered twice today already.

"I don't like having sand on me, Finnegan. Not when I'm dressed. It's okay at the beach."

Because the water keeps my head in the right place but stuck in a car or bed with sand in places it shouldn't be?

Not happy thoughts.

"I'll be quick."

He follows me upstairs, the bag of sand toys in his hand and I toss my bag on the bed.

"You can unpack your toys while I shower, okay?"

He says okay and then follows me into the bathroom.

"Emmett?"

"Yeah?"

"We could take a bath. I can bring my toys?" he suggests, his voice lifting at the end.

The tub is huge, much bigger than mine at home and has air jets.

I'm not actually covered in sand, it's mental, so this should do the trick.

At this rate I'll be sick of water and need a break by Wednesday so heading back to Baltimore might not suck as much as I think.

"Sure. Pick a few little ones while I start the water. Finnegan?"

"Yes?"

"Little ones. Hold up your hands and show me little."

As soon as I say it I chuckle but he does it anyway, holding his hands up about a foot apart.

"That's a lot bigger than my cock. Are you saying it's small?"

He shakes his head.

"No."

"Smaller, baby boy. The tub has to hold both of us, too."

He narrows the distance to about six inches although he doesn't look happy about it.

"Good. Two or three that size or smaller, okay?"

"Okay."

He disappears and I can hear the rummaging even over the bath water.

I truly have no idea what he'll bring.

He bought a lot but most of it's clothing so the pool toys are the only option.

I don't know if any of them are small enough... actually, I may have given him an impossible mission.

He comes back in naked and holding three small packages.

"These are small."

Well yes, right now but...

"They're not blown up yet, darling."

"But I don't have anything small and I want to play."

Oh wow, we are close to tantrum.

Closer than I've ever seen him, actually.

"Okay, pick two, alright? And we will TRY to fit them in here. Don't worry if we can't... I have a toy you can play with."

I can't believe I just said that.

He seems happier and rips one open and starts trying to blow it up.

He gives up and passes it to me.

That's okay, I'm turning into a pro but actually no, he is the blow king.

My little blow prince?

Hmmm, maybe I'll figure it out tomorrow morning.

If I have to get buried in sand... I'm burying my cock down his throat first.

Seems more than fair.

[more-than-a-princess]

Sorry this one is later than usual, but here's positivity anon wanting to wish you a very happy weekend! Did you get to do anything fun during the week or is there something this weekend that you're looking forward to? Finally, try to do something nice for yourself! Buy that thing you've had your eye on, treat yourself to takeout, etc etc! Remember that you're always loved and needed and that your presence here brightens up the day of everyone who is on your dash! ♡

Random OOC asks (especially positivity anon!) - Accepting!

Hi, Positivity Anon! Trust me, it's never too late to share some good vibes, in real life and here in the tumblr RPC. Thank you for the well-wishes!

Did you get to do anything fun during the week or is there something this weekend that you're looking forward to?

The week itself has been a bit of a mess due to trying to get ahead in work and wedding planning, but the weekend? Well..that's going to be equally busy! I'm repairing, fixing up, or otherwise finishing an array of cosplay costumes for a convention next weekend: a lot of ironing, pressing, securing fasteners and touching up paint, and wig taming. I'm also building a new wig, but mostly from pre-made wig parts, so to speak, to save on time. It's beginning its life as what I assume to be a Saber (Artoria) wig from Fate, but it'll be something else once I'm done!

And the usual pre-convention stuff: pick up badge in advance, make the grocery store/craft store runs for hotel room snacks and first aid/cosplay repair kits. I have to figure out how I'm going to pack a few prop weapons for this con, too: my heart would break if they did!

A friend is also throwing a Halloween party, but I'm debating if I want to go. I may just not have the energy to attend, much less put on a costume, because so. much. costume. prep. TFW most/all of your offline friends are cosplayers and we still think we're going to show up in some comfy costume for a party when there's a convention coming up.

Finally, try to do something nice for yourself! Buy that thing you've had your eye on, treat yourself to takeout, etc etc!

I miss takeout food so, so much. To be honest, I make my own food at home 90% of the time or so, and even more often when I've got costume or formal events coming up. I have to keep to a certain eating plan (not a 'diet' but more of a lifestyle at this point) and most restaurants simply don't cater to how I need to eat to keep myself healthy. I'm also determined not to make any alterations to my wedding dress at this point.

But buying things? I've needed to, from last minute cosplay supplies to some new, dark wash jeans (I love the Madewell Perfect Vintage line!) and sweaters. Cardigans and jumpers alike, there is some serious bliss involved with soft, warm, high-quality knitwear. I'll say it always: you all deserve nice clothes.

My new knits weren't cheap, even if I bought some of them secondhand. But my goodness, I want to live in them. I'd nap in them too if I wasn't afraid they'd wrinkle horribly. I'm glad I'm not allergic to wool.

And uh, looking at costume possibilities for 2023. I have at least four new things I'm planning to add to my closet, and may tack on a few more.

Remember that you're always loved and needed and that your presence here brightens up the day of everyone who is on your dash! ♡

This so sweet, thank you! I'm not sure my presence brightens up the dash every day, or at least those who follow me. I don't post that much and my characterization and writing style isn't for everyone (or hell, I'd say the majority of muns) in the RPC. But what I'm trying to do is the following:

Have, and show, sincere gratitude for the writing partners I do have. Engage with them, enjoy coming up with new plots and interactions with them. It doesn't matter how many muns or blogs I'm writing with, as long as I'm focusing my energy on those who do the same for me. It can be incredibly discouraging to try and reach out to others only to have asks ignored, threads dropped, and/or memes shared without sending something in return. But instead of stewing over it, I'd rather just focus on those who want to write with me. Followed by...

Curate my dash experience. It's been shared plenty of times on tumblr, but we're all responsible for what we decide to keep on our dashes. And frankly, if something isn't working, it's okay to say goodbye. For me, this comes from the discouraging reasons I listed above: sometimes, it's just easier not to have blogs on dash that provoke unhappy feelings. It's also why I do interest calls every few months: I never want to unfollow muns who do want to interact, but I tend to give up after awhile of sending asks with no response, constantly dropped threads, or using me as a meme/aes/art source.

Mostly though, I hope those who do see my posts and/or write with me enjoy it. More than being loved or needed, I just like to keep RP as a fun hobby (that doesn't require wig caps, bobby pins, shapewear, heels, heavy makeup...wearing costumes can feel like you've participated in a marathon sometimes! I'll be a pajama-wearing gremlin when I write and I'm relieved for it).

[hyunsuks-beanie]

Running Away With You

*Image Credits to rightful owners*

Bang Chan x reader; non idol AU; established relationship; fluff; midly suggestive at places

Word Count: 4.25k

A/N: A huge thank you to @youn9racha, for this super cute request. I am as much a sucker for road trips as I am for Chan, so I really enjoyed writing this!! I hope you like it as much as I did.

"Do you ever just want to pack your bags and run away in the night, without telling anyone?," you ask your boyfriend, Chan, as you both lay in bed one night. "That's an interesting question," he says, playing with your hair, "Though first I'd like to know what made you think of that." "Pfft. It's nothing too complex, Christopher. It's just a random thought that popped into my head," you say, while rolling your eyes at his inquisitive nature.

"Y/N, I know you, and I can sense that you've got something bothering that pretty head of yours, and making you want to run away. So tell me, what is it?," Chan speaks in a soothing tone, making you snuggle into his chest even more, while letting out a sigh. "It's just, work has been so crazy these past few days, and the pressures of the real world are getting to me. You remember when we were back in college? Whenever things got too hard, we used to go on road trips to clear our heads. Even a couple days away from the harsh real life were enough to rejuvenate us. I guess I just miss those times, now that real life responsibilities are wearing us down."

Once you're done with your little rant, Chan pulls your head up a little, making you look at him. He softly says, "Aww baby, I'm so sorry I didn't realize you've been struggling these past few days. I guess I've been too busy with my own work tonoticee. I know we're no longer in college, but I promise to you, that whenever the going gets tough, I'll do everything in my ability to help your through." "I know Channie, I know. I have you, and it's more than enough."

You give in to sleep after a while, and so, you fail to notice that Chan takes a little longer to fall asleep that night. He keeps thinking back on what you said earlier, carrying out an internal debate with himself. "Y/N is right. Work and responsibilities have taken a toll on us, and a road trip may be just what we need. But can we really afford to just 'run away?' There are too many projects, too many commitments. And we owe it to our colleagues to tell them that we will be away for a few days," he thinks to himself, before slowly drifting off to dreamland.

The next morning brings with itself a fresh hustle, but your face doesn't betray any sign of the frustrations you let come to the surface last night. But Chan knows better, and, seeing his reflection while getting ready for work, he realizes that his own expression mirrors yours. A thin veil to hide the fact that it's getting too much. At his office that day, he can't seem to focus on his work, since his mind keeps drifting back to your words. By the time the evening rolls around, he has made up his mind. He's going to run away with you, for a week anyway.

But a road trip needs some planning, and Chan wants this vacation to be the perfect little surprise for you. So, on his way home, he stops by at the convenience store to buy some essentials. Instant noodles, a few bottles of beer, disposable utensils, rental DVDs, he collects quite a few things, being reminded of your college days with each item he adds to his cart. In a moment of impulse, he even purchases a tent fit for two, and once he's done shopping, he hides everything in the boot of his car. You don't need to know of his plan, yet.

The following day, he leaves his office early, calling in a week's leave of absence due to some made-up reason. Instead of going home, he first drops by at your office. Not to meet you, but to get a similar application for leave approved on your behalf.

He finally heads back home to pack and ready a couple of things for your trip. "Y/N wanted to run away in the middle of the night, and that is what we'll do," he smiles to himself. When you come home, he remains tight-lipped about his little surprise for you, even though his excitement is trying to get the best of him.

Once the clock strikes twelve, he brings you out to his car, without telling you the reason. "Just please, come on! Don't you trust me?," he says, pouting. On his way out of the house, he picks up your phone from the couch, along the house keys. You don't notice this, however, as you're busy pestering him with questions. "Chan, why are we going out so late at night? What's going on? Tell me!" "You wanted to run away, right? Well, how about running away...... to the convenience store?," he smiles cheekily, making you giggle. "Gosh you're such a cheesy idiot," you say, getting into the car, still blissfully unaware of his intentions.

"Yeah, but I'm your cheesy idiot," he laughs, pressing his foot on the accelerator.

It doesn't take you long to realize that instead of driving over to the 24/7 close to your house, Chan has pulled onto the highway. You turn to look at him, only to see him smiling brightly, his eyes trained ahead. "Chan, what are you doing?," you ask, though feel like you already know the answer. "Running away with you," he says, taking your hand in his his, and bringing it up to his lips.

"What? But that was just a random rant! And what about work? We can't just disappear like that," you exclaim, to which, he only replies by giving you a knowing look. "Let me guess, you already informed our offices?" "Yes, and no," he quips. When you look at him quizzically, he elaborates, "I submitted applications for leave, making up some random excuse. So we have a whole week to ourselves." "But, what about essentials and supplies? We don't have anything to eat," you try to reason. He counters, "Babe, I've been planning this for two days, and I already stocked up on all our favourite snacks, drinks, and movies. I even got us a tent for days we want to sleep out in the open. I've got it all set, so don't you worry. The only thing I need you to do is to promise me that for the next seven days, you won't check your phone. I've already downloaded tons of songs and created at least 20 different playlists. You won't be getting any work-related messages, since I've taken care of that as well, and for directions, we'll take the traditional way, and ask around."

"Directions? Where exactly are we going anyway?," is your next question. To your surprise, he simply shrugs, before telling you that he doesn't have any specific place in mind. "Let's just wander away, going wherever the road takes us," he says, rather poetically, to which, you can't help but laugh. You then let out a soft sigh, making him look at you. "Sounds like a plan to me. Chan and Y/N, running away together, with no destination in mind," you smile, before reaching over and kissing his cheek.

"Let's play some music, shall we?," you ask, before hitting shuffle on the first playlist that pops up on your phone. You both settle in a comfortable silence, and soon enough, you begin to get drowsy. Chan notices this, and tells you to rest your eyes for a bit. "Promise to wake me up in like, two hours, so that I can take over the wheel," you yawn. "Okay fine bub, now sleep." Chan continues driving, occasionally stealing glances at your sleeping form. "How did I get so lucky?," he wonders, just like he does every day.

Morning finds you to be the one behind the wheel, as Chan naps contently in the passenger seat. The brightness of the sun finally wakes him up, and he realizes that you've left the highway, and are now driving through what appears to be the countryside. "I wonder where we're headed," he says while yawning. "Well, a signboard I saw earlier told me that we are somewhere in Jeonju," you reply. Instead of words, Chan's reply comes as a grumbling from his stomach. "Hungry," you quip, making him nod his head vigorously. You hit the breaks, before preparing some instant ramen for breakfast.

You eventually continue on your trip, and after a few hours, you find yourself in the midst of traditional Korean buildings, which seem to be from the Joseon dynasty. "Is this perhaps a tourist location?," wonders Chan loudly, making you reply, "Only one way to find out." You both get out of the car and do some asking around. You find out that the place where you houses the residences of the noblemen of old, and has now been converted into a shooting-cum-tourist spot. "Tourists can get traditional hanboks from that store, to complete the experience," an old woman tells you.

You turn to look at Chan, your eyes shining. Twenty minutes later, you exit the store, dresses from head to toe in a light blue hanbok. Chan's eyes nearly pop out when he sees you, and when he tells you the same, you can't help but blush.

You continue to hang around the place little while longer, and have dinner at a small eatery nearby.

"I feel like I'm 20 again. Thank you Channie," you say, holding his hand across the table. "Anything for you love," he winks.

Evening eventually comes around, and you guys hit the road once again. Around dinner time, you notice that you are crossing by a wood and supplies shop, and an idea strikes your mind. "Let's buy some wood and grill our meat!," you say excitedly, making Chan coo at how adorable you are. "Great idea babe. Let me park."

You quickly exit the car and visit the shop to buy some wood, then get started on your mini bonfire. It proves to be more difficult than you had thought, given how inexperienced the both of you are. In the end, you manage to get the fire going enough for the meat to be grilled, and turn around to ask Chan to bring in the eatables, when you see his face. It's completely covered in soot from his failed attempts at lighting the flame, making you double over in laughter. "You look so funny," you say while gasping for air. "Wouldn't be so funny if I got this soot on your face now, will it?," he retorts, coming after you. You try to run, but it's obviously in vain, as Chan grabs hold of you in under a minute. You both laugh harder than you have in months, and when you finally calm down, you give your boyfriend a tight hug. He hugs you back, and whispers, "I love you." "I love you too, Channie," you say, "Now go and get the meat, I'm hungry." "Way to ruin the moment, Y/N," he grumbles as you push him away.

After dinner, you walk up to the shop owner to thank him, and ask his permission to camp nearby. "It rained a few days ago, so the ground is still wet, and will be uncomfortable. But you can rent a room here for the night if you'd like," he offers. "That'll be great sir, thank you for the help." Chan says, coming up behind you. The shop owner gives you the keys to a room, and before leaving, says something that leaves you both red at the ears. "No funny business here, please. I know you both are young, and controlling yourself is hard. But I'd rather you didn't 'play around' unnecessarily on my bed."

You get changed and climb into the bed, snuggling up to each other. "First day down, babe," you smile with your eyes closed. When Chan doesn't reply, you open them, only to find your man staring at you with love in his eyes. "This is pure healing for me, thank you for suggesting this trip, love," he says. You talk about anything and everything for a while, and then suddenly, you feel Chan's soft lips pressing against yours. He gives you a sweet kiss, and pulling away, says, "About what the old man said earlier.....," while smirking. You shove his chest, saying, "We shouldn't," making him pout. "Although, making out doesn't count as 'funny business,' does it?" And that's enough to make him press his lips back to yours, moving so as to hover over you.

You wrap your arms around his back, pulling you closer to him. He licks your lower lip, making you part your lips and allowing his tongue to enter. After a while, you break away, only to grab his T-shirt and take it off his body, before wrapping your hands around his bare back. Needless to say, the two of you didn't get much time to sleep that night.

You get started on your way again the next day, and around mid-day, you see a milestone telling you that you are entering Iksan. The small town seems a lifetime away from your hectic lives in Seoul, and you spend the day going from shop to shop, buying small trinkets and stuff that are reminiscent of the country life. The residents welcome you with open arms, and more than once, you find an old couple telling you how cute you look together.

"He's a keeper, that one. Don't let him go," a lady says to you, pointing at Chan, who can be seen playing with some kids. "I won't," you smile.

That night, you stay over at a family's house, who were nice enough to allow you to sleep on their futon. You have dinner with them, during which the kid's ask Chan, "Are you two married?," making him choke on his food. "I'm sorry for that, they are learning about families and marriage in school these days," says their mother. "It's all right," you smile, "But no, we aren't married." "But do you plan on getting married soon?," the kids persist.

You and Chan look at each other and smile, before saying in unison, "Yes. One day."

The next morning you take the wheel from Chan, and the both of you drive of in silence, as High School Musical plays on your dashboard screen. After a while, you say, "What is it, Channie? You've been staring at me," "It's just that, you seem way too quiet. You've been like that since last night, after dinner," he replies, "What's the matter? Are you okay?" "I'm fine, just been thinking." "About?" "About us," you begin, elaborating when you see him looking at you expectantly. "When those kids asked us if we were married, it got me thinking.....I love being with you, I love waking up next to you. We live together any way, and share all the burdens that come with it too. So I guess...getting married to you wouldn't be so bad after all," you say softly.

"Is this your way of proposing to me?," giggles your boyfriend. "What? No! I mean, I did say it would be nice to get married, but I don't have a ring right now. And I meant it when I said 'one day,' but it's not today," you hurriedly say. Chan bursts out laughing at this, "I know love, I'm not ready yet either. But yes, if I have to get married, I'd rather marry you than anyone else."

Around noon, you decide to set up camp in a forest clearing. It takes you a few hours to get the tent up and ready, as you keep getting delayed because you can't stop fooling around. Amid Chan getting himself wrapped with the tent instead of unwrapping it, and you assembling the rods the wrong way up, you spend some not-so-productive, but enjoyable quality time in each other's presence, something you didn't know you had been craving for.

Evening rolls by, and you have a light dinner with ramen, some roasted chicken, and beer, following which, you lay down on a picnic mat, with your head on Chan's arm. "The stars look so beautiful, don't they Channie?," you softly ask. "Not as beautiful as you," he says cheesily, making you hide your face into his side. "But yeah, you're right. I really wanted to go stargazing with you, but we never got the time," he sighs. "I'm so happy we came on this trip, love." You open your mouth to speak, but just then, you notice a star shooting across the sky. "Channie! Channie get up, it's a shooting star!," you squeal, before closing your eyes and praying. Once you open them, you notice Chan looking at you with a gaze full of love. "Didn't you wish for something?," you ask. "I did," he smiles. "But what about you? What did you wish for?"

"Come closer Mr. Bang, I'm not about to announce my wish to the whole world," you whisper slyly. He leans in closer to you, only to have you say, "You don't tell others what you wished for," before pressing a sweet kiss to his lips. He smiles into the kiss, before breaking away and hugging you tight.

The next day turns out to be the last before you have to turn back homeward, and so, Chan suggests you make the best of it. "From what I know about the country's geography, we should be close to a beach somewhere here," he says, making you look at him with your eyes shining. "Too bad we're not going to get help from the GPS, but I'm really enjoying the phone detox," you smirk. "Who needs GPS when we've got people? Look there, we're gonna enter a city soon, so let's ask our way around," he replies. An hour and a half later, you come across a milestone that tells you the beach is a mile away. Once there, you look for a deserted spread of sand, keen on not getting stuck in an unnecessary crowd. "We face enough of that in the city, I just want to be alone with you," you whisper, taking his hand in his.

When you finally succeed in finding such a place, Chan giggles, "Good thing I packed our swimming gear as well, right?" "You did well sweetie," you say, booping his nose softly. After getting changed, you spend the next few hours playing in the water. Suddenly, Chan pulls you flush into his chest, and whispers in your ear, "You look so hot wearing that, and with water dripping down your body, I'm really finding it hard to stay away." "Then don't," you say, biting your lip. One thing leads to another, and you're thankful for the changing shack nearby.

By the time the sun starts to set, Chan has pulled you out of the water, and is making you dance with him on the sand, after bringing your phones and portable speaker from the car. Waltzing to the music, you shyly say, "I love you Channie," making him blush and reply with an "I love you too, my cute baby."

After dinner you climb atop the roof of your car, talking about your younger days. "You remember when we got into a huge fight once, back in college? And I was about to break up with you, only to have you whisk me away on a road trip, just like you did this time," you say, laying your head on his shoulder. "It did get you to stick around with me though," he replies, laying his chin on your head. "And you remember how we first met? You spilled your latte all over my T-shirt, and then took me to the infirmary to check for any burns," he reminds you, making you throw your head back in laughter. "You kept whining for a year over how you missed out on being the 'campus heartthrob' because of that incident, when in reality, you still were the most popular freshman," you jab a finger at his chest, smiling.

"Okay, I've got a secret. I wasn't actually sad about the campus heartthrob thing, since I already knew everyone was head over heels for me," he grins, making you punch his arm. "Hey! Let me finish first. I knew everyone loved me, but I only had eyes for you. And whining was just a tactic to get you to feel sorry for me and go on a date with me." You fake gasp at this, exclaiming, "Treachery! And here I thought you were genuinely sulky about that. do you have any idea how guilty I felt that whole year?!" When he simply states at you, unamused, you add through a pout, "I'm planning on revoking your cuddle privileges."

All of a sudden, you realize that Chan is moving over to lay on top of you, trapping you between him and the roof. "You know you can't resist me, babe. So don't even try," he says. "You are right about that," you say, pulling him for a kiss.

You both end up remaining awake till dawn the next day, and decide to start on your journey home around mid-way, after having napped inside the car for a few hours. You get started on your way just after noon, with Chan behind the wheel, and you eating (and feeding him) from a packet of gummy bears in the passenger seat. You re-enter the city you had seen earlier the previous day, and decide to spend some time roaming around. It's a fairly big city, but still much quieter and more peaceful than Seoul. You pass on visiting the mall, reasoning that you do so too frequently back home.

Soon enough though, you come across a store that displays a signboard saying, "Free wine tasting session for couples." You both look at each other, and with a smirk, Chan says what is on your mind. "Can't pass up on sophisticated wine for free now, can we?" You giggle and say, "Nope, absolutely not." And so, in you go. The session proves to be equal parts fun and educational. From the Chardonnay to the Pinot Noir, you go through with the tasting of at least 20 different types of wines. While you actually stick to the literal meaning of the word "tasting," drinking no more than a sip per drink, Chan goes all out, and not too long after, he's totally drunk. "Hey there beautiful, mind telling me your name?," he tries to act smooth with you, making you facepalm as you say, "I still get surprised about how low your alcohol tolerance is for your size," you shake your head.

Once you leave the tasting, half dragging, half carrying a wasted Chan who continuously tries to flirt with you, you decide to take the wheel and hit the road to the outskirts of the city, and cover the remainder of the trip once you're fully sober. When you cross over the city's borders and re-enter the road in the wilderness, you hit the brakes. You let Chan sleep, knowing that waking him up will only give him a hangover. Getting out of the car, you get yourself something to eat from the boot, and once you're full, you snuggle up to him, throwing a blanket over the both of you.

You wake up around nine at night, and as you had predicted, you see Chan holding his head in agony. You nurse him for while, before putting him back to sleep, then continue down the road. You keep sneaking glances at his sleeping form, smiling to yourself when you notice how peaceful he seems, something he hasn't looked like in ages. "We really needed this. Thank you for always knowing what I need, and for always taking care of me. I love you," you thank him silently.

When he finally wakes the next morning, he sees you huddled up in the driver's seat, and he can feel his heart swell with love for you. He gets out of the car, then picks you up and softly places you on the backseat so that you can rest well. Looking at your expression, he can easily see how content and truly happy you are. You are his reason to keep going, and if this little getaway idea of his could help you find your reason to keep going (unbeknownst to him, he himself is your reason to endure too), his heart is at ease. Sure, your week off is going to end soon, but he's positive that you will have rejuvenated yourself and would have gathered enough beautiful memories to last you a while.

Sure, going back to Seoul would mean going back to the hustle and bustle of your lives, but hey, he knows that that you by his side, he'd be ready to run away from home again any day, because his home is with you. But even more than that, he knows that with you by his side, life will be just a tad bit easier. Because you will always be there to remind him of who he was back in college. You will keep the young, carefree boy who loved you to bits, alive in him. And he'll do the same for you. And with that thought, he drives off into the distance, back to where you started from, with a smile on his face.

Because at the end of the day, you both have each other, and that's all that matters.