#ITS MY HOME. I EVEN PICKED A BUILDING WHERE I MIGHT WANT TO LIVE IN

[kaeyachi]

hsr spoilers in the tags!

[octuscle]

I’d like to know if you could help me! I want to be a professional open bodybuilder (just like Nick Walker, Derek Lunsford), but, at the same rate my muscles grow, so do my male musk (specifically sweat musk from my armpits and cock) - no shower, deodorant or anything else will clean/cover my strong smell - until the point people around me get dizzy with my musk, start to complain and ask me to leave the places. With more muscles and less body fat, more sweating and musk until it reaches a strong level that people start to avoid me from fear of my muscles and my intense gym musk! Could you help me with that? Thanks a lot!

It's always the same people who are unhappy. You're rich, you've inherited, you don't have to work. You look dazzling, you know the right people, you're always invited to the best parties. And you don't feel like it anymore? You want to change that? Do I have a free hand? Then I'll get started!

You're sitting with a few friends in your favorite bar and tell them about your plan. More out of politeness than anything else, everyone says it sounds very exciting. You loosen your tie knot and undo the top button of your shirt. Phew, that's how you get your breath back. But you still need some fresh air, it's too crowded and stuffy in here. And somehow you don't feel like going back to the sissies. You feel more like going home, maybe doing a few more press-ups and then going to bed. After a few steps, you take a deep breath. And the top button of your shirt is blown off your chest like a projectile. The seams of your suit trousers are dangerously taut.

In the stairwell of the magnificent old building next to the city park where you live, the first seams crack. Thank God you don't meet anyone. By the time you get back to your apartment, your slim-fit tailored suit is in tatters. Somehow you're not even surprised. You tear off what's left of your clothes and stuff everything into the garbage can. Even your underpants no longer fit properly and are thrown away. You go naked to your dressing room and do a few push-ups, then squats, then a round of sit-ups until you're drenched in sweat. You stand in front of the mirror. Yes, you've gone through a growth spurt. And you stink. Sweat and musk. Delicious. But you still take a shower. The towel smells awful after drying off. And you don't feel a bit cleaner.

When you wake up the next morning, your cleaning lady has opened all the windows and is airing out the apartment. When she hears your footsteps on the way to the bathroom, she comes around the corner and is about to ask you where this unpleasant smell is coming from. You almost collide. You are still naked, scratching your hairy balls while still half asleep. Your cleaning lady turns bright red with fright. Then she holds her nose. You smell your armpit and say with a grin, "Excuse me, Maria, I'd better go and have a shower". In the bathroom, the laundry basket smells like a football team's changing room. You jump in the shower, but it doesn't seem to do any good this morning either. Damn, you might as well go to your workout. At least everyone there smells of sweat.

Damn, that was a really good workout. You pose in front of the mirror. Your sweaty tank top on the floor. During the workout you were incredibly focused on the weights, only now do you realize how disgusted the other customers are looking at you

You check your reflection again. Holy shit, you look really good, what's wrong with them all? Probably just jealous. You pick up your tank top from the floor. Somehow it smells a bit. You hold it up to your nose. Yes, it's sweat and musk. Maybe a little intense. You love it. The smell makes your cock hard. The sweat stains on your sweatpants are joined by precum stains. You need to take a shower now. And wank.

When you check out, the receptionist looks at you in disgust. He puts some ointment under his nose and puts on a face mask. He informs you that the studio requires a minimum level of personal hygiene from its customers. Several customers have already complained. He asks you to come showered and with fresh clothes next time.

Yes, you smell bad despite the shower. You walk back home because you don't feel like complaining again on the subway. Normally a pleasant walk. But for one thing, your legs are really exhausted from training. On the other hand, you feel that you easily weigh 20 pounds more than you did yesterday. You look in the mirror of a shop window as you pass by. Fuck, yeah! You see the reflection of a serious amateur bodybuilder.

You're too exhausted to climb the stairs to your apartment. You get into the elevator. Mrs. Spencer from the floor below you shouts for you to hold the elevator and barely slips through the closing door with her daughter. She holds her nose in disgust. And her daughter, perhaps four years old, asks why the big man smells so bad. Phew, the elevator isn't big anyway. Today it feels even narrower.

That was all a few weeks ago now. You left your impressive apartment because the stuffy neighbors were getting on your nerves. The nagging was unbearable. You thought that the cheap apartment building where you were staying temporarily was really just a temporary solution. But there are a lot of guys living here who are like you: fuck the opinions of others, the main thing is that you grow up. Really big! When you walk through the front door, you take a deep breath. It must have smelled something like this in a Neanderthal cave.

Since you've been banned from your hairdresser, you cut your hair yourself. You like it, it looks even more brutal and masculine. Even in your hardcore gym, your stench stands out. But here the other musclemen envy you for it. Hehehe, and there's always someone who will even pay money to press his face into your armpit or suck your cheesy cock. Your life is great!

Pics found @antoinepaul and @maxx-magnum

[ma3mae]

Don't be so annoyed, love!

Summary: He's so annoying sometimes but it's ok because you love him 😭 (HC w/ Dazai, Kunikida, Ranpo)

Genre: Crack, fluff, lowkey suggestive themes

Warnings: 🗿 we ignoring the red flags bc we can. also mentions of farting bc dazai 🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿

A/N: u cant tell me that they wouldnt do any of these things ok 💀also kunikida's got a small drabble out of nowhere but im always wildin when it comes to him 😭😭😭😭😭

Dazai Osamu

u cant tell me that as soon as hes rly comfortable in ur relationship that he WOULD NOT be ashamed of just farting outta nowhere honestly 💀

Like yall r just chilling on the couch, watching smth and he just lets it all out bc why should he hold himself back 🗿

Hes at home 🗿

But bro's lucky he doesnt smell but 🗿🗿🗿🗿 wheres the warning from him

u give him the side eye and hes like "What? Are you perhaps ashamed of human nature, bella?" like ok we'll leave him alone but he ruined the emotional moment of the movie yall were watching 😭😭😭

Is also the type to prob leave his socks and clothes lying around

It got better over time but he still sometimes does it bc old habits die hard i guess 🧍

once got so bad you just collected all of his clothes and put them infront of the door so he'd have no choice but to pick all of that up and do it himself 💀

would try to talk his way out of it in the beginning but also felt kinda bad after the relationship got more and more serious

So now hes a good bf/ husband and does it himself 🤩 (with the occasional sock under the couch 💀)

drinking habits would take a bit longer to be fully gone, he'd learn to regulate it over time

He's learned to warn you tho when he thinks that a rly shitty day might hit him bc work and more

sometimes you take the day off and do something together to take his mind off of it

Sometimes you're at work and a "im home" text without hearts will come and you know whats wrong

would feel more comfortable over time letting you take care of him

will definitely show you his appreciation for you the next days in one way or the other 🤩💅

talking about living together, yall would often have to sit down to talk about his spendings bc our man cant save for ANYTHING

Used to often come home with little things like "Look, this reminded me of you!" and it's a plushie of a cat or something

Started off cute and small but got dramatic like him really fast

ngl he came home with a expensive necklace u liked when the both of u went shopping but u didnt buy it bc.. she expensive...

like he was charming as always with his "Tada! Guess what I've got you?~ 😋" ".... Not the necklace...? 😧" "🤩 How did you guess that right, bella??" "😨😨"

THIS man right here wouldnt even hesitate to just right out fking steal shit for you if u want it bc thats how much Power u got over him he'd never admit that tho sksks... OK maybe in bed...

he'd def either blackmail or bribe chuuya into helping him with stealing

probably even has access to his bank account and you'd only realize that when he'd stand infront of your door, asking where that "f*cking b*stard" is

you'd legit have to mediate their convo or else the whole building you live in would be gone immediately skks 💀

Chuuya likes u so he wouldnt make yall pay for it bc he knows that dazai's nearly broke 24/7 and u dont deserve to pay for his fault 💅

it would be enough to destroy his pride to make him obey chuuya for like 2 weeks or sum cue evil cackling from said red head

queen of Gaslightining nr. 1 😭 sometimes its for the dumbest arguments tho like why its okay to smack your lips while eating 😭

"I don't know it's just really noisy and kinda annoying for me?" "But Bella, that shows just how tasty your food is or are going to deny that fact and say that I should not show my appreciation for it? What if for me personally it's a sign of a good meal?" "Yeah but doesnt need to be that for me. Also you can show your appreciation for it in other ways like just simply saying its delicious?"

"But actions speak louder than words, my love." "YEAH, well then what do you want then???"

Its just a whole shit show and would (lmao it WILL) end in him giving you just shameless bedroom eyes and well you know whats gonna be after dinner lmaooo 🤡😭

Also also i do believe that hes not the best cook at first but hes a real fast learner so it prob would only take him a week of consuming cooking videos and reading books and BOOM

"Samu, is this a 3 course meal you're cooking because that's a LOT of ingredients in the kitchen." "Sssh just sit down, wash yourself up and enjoy the evening, my love! I'll call you when I'm done 💕"

Manages to somehow still give you some snacks and drinks in between the cooking 😭 with some sneaked in kisses on your shoulder or lips 😏

If you go and hug him from behind, he'll be MELTING

Like nuzzling your face into his back while wrapping your arms around his torso, you feel the slight rumble in his chest as he chuckles at your cute action 😭

"If you want to eat something then you should take a break from being so cute, you know? Don't want the food to go bad from maybe getting a bit distracted if you stay here for a bit longer." "Ew, are you implying you'd start something infront of our food??"

"... Well, I can just have a whole meal by myself but you'd be left hungry so it's your choice 😋"

🗿 the way he doesnt need long to be turned on is alwaya amazing to u but thats just how whipped he is and bro is a whole snack himself so WHOS complaining 😋💅

food's is guaranteed to taste heavenly but if he knows youve got time, then he'd make excuses to taste your cooking like

"Samu, it's been a while since I've gotten to taste your cooking." "Aww, was it that delicious for you? Hmm but I actually prefer your cooking!"

Time for some cooking and baking lessons together, eoow 💅 with the occasional make out session because the sauce found it's way on your lips and he just had to clean it up with his 😭😋

honestly despite all of some of the difficulties, dazai would never fail in making you feel loved in his own way even tho u gotta peel back some layers 🗿

At the end of the day, his bear hugs and many kisses are smth u love to come back home to after work

also doesnt say it but would def be a house husband for u 🤩 with the occasional "whoops gotta go and do smth quick" text and he comes home at like midnight skks bc the agency needs his cute ass 😋 but dw dinner's ready and house chores have been done so enjoy ur evening after work, zurlie 💅

dont kill me for this but id give him a 7.5/10 😭

Obsessed with him and i love him but it would prob be really really exhausting to get him to FULLY trust you and its honestly understandable

Also he kinda makes me feel like i'd have to walk on eggshells around him because you often dont really know what hes thinking 😭😭

could smile at u while thinking "why u so ugly" 😭😭

also bro is so smooth, its scary like he'd prob make us forget immediately that hes trying to find out everything about us(why he sounding like a stalker 😨😨 wouldnt want him to be MY stalker 😨😨 or would I?? 🤩) MY DELULU BRAIN 👹

Doppo Kunikida

😨 Cleaning maniac

personification of the verse "I can COOk, i can CLEAN" (i know its "dont" instead of can but we all know hes like perfect house husband material... maybe a bit too perfect 💀💀💀👹)

If u forgot a cup on the dinner table, he'd legit take the cup, put it in ur hand and be like "why did u leave it there if u r not using it"

WILL def rant about why u shouldnt do it

Honestly huge nagging mom vibes 💀💀

At the beginning of moving in together, he'd just clean everything without a word whatsoever

Like you wanna help around the house too? NUH UH, he already finished everything up.

Vaccuming the house? Done

Swiping? Lmao be sure to not arrive at home after work around that time bc u gotta stand at the door and WAIT until the floor is dried 💀😭

Dishes have been done like at 5 in the fucking morning 💀👹

Bro thankfully doesn't wash clothes that often (gotta be careful of the water bill 😭) but there r days where he legit throws his clothes nearly everyday bc the worse the mission the more blood yk 🗿🗿

U had to legit drag his ass to the couch to talk to him bc he gonn be deep clean the house if someone doesnt stop him

"Kuni, you literally don't need to do EVERYTHING by yourself! I'm also here to help and frankly, it feels like you're my maid sometimes 😞" " Don't worry. Everything fits perfectly in my time plan and since you sometimes work overtime, it's better if I do a bit more of it."

... "🗿 You are legit saving this city from being destroyed so often and I just sit in the office, bro 🤡" "I understand your argument but I have seen the way you look tired so often so let me take a bit of your burden"

He knows how to make us go "🥺"

The argument prob went on for an hour until yall settled on making a plan on who does what on which days and if someone's gotta work overtime or sum then the other takes a bit of it over and so on

So in the end its alrighty 🎉

Groceries and so on are never a problem except it sometiems turns out like going shopping with your mom because...

"Omg Kuni, look!!" *holds up cute decoration* "We could put this on our dinner table! Isn't it cute 🥺??"

Bro just takes it from you and looks at the price. Legit gives you the 🤨 look

"That's 937,32 Yen (around 6€) 🤨🤨. For a tiny statue of a dog? We could find it somewhere way cheaper." "🥺 But it's a limited edition and it reminds me of you bc its got the same fur color 🥺. It's even got ur glasses on 🥺"

Bro will say no but the day after you spot the dog on the table 🤡

Yall lying in bed together and cuddle so give him a peck on the lips while killing him with your cute ass smile (U MURDERER 🗿🗿)

"What was that for?" "Hmmm, well I just noticed that said statue magically appeared on our table. You think it was a cute long haired fairy with glasses and a grumpy look 😋? "

He tries really hard to deadpan at you but the corner of his lips still tug upwards as he pinches your nose

"Well, sometimes its not so bad to buy a little extra, I guess."

If theres a market nearby with some really good deals then you'd either be dragged together with him or he'd come home after work with tons of bags

Always surprises you in how good he is at negotiating about the price

Sometimes you gotta stop him from arguing with some of the shop keepers because some decided to sell some items way too overpriced 🗿🗿🗿

you once found him stay up all night researching about reasonable prices for veggies... 😨

and cue to yall standing in the morning infront of said shop keeper getting absolutely destroyed in an argument by your man.. 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

Well guess who even got some extra free stufd because kuni terrified the shit out of him 😋

"Thank you for your hard work in harvesting and selling us these delicious vegetables. My wife is quite a fan of them." Your husband said as he put the money into the shop keepers shaky hands, face red in embarassement as he squeezed out a "It's nothing." between his teeth. His face paled at the words "We'll see each other next Monday. Until then have a great week." leaving your man's mouth as he gave him a friendly smile before taking your hand and going to the next stall,only for you to sheepishly wave goodbye to the shop keeper before going with your husband.

"Well, you gave him quite the scare back there." You said as you felt him squeeze your hand a bit tighter, the bustling of the array of people only increasing by minutes. "Someone had to correct his ways. It would help his sales but only if he's willing to take that advice seriously." he simply answered as he looked at the contents of the bag, counting the ingredients left to purchase.

"Well atleast we got ourselves more than we needed so we can go home and call it a day." "Who are you?" Chuckling at your surprised face out of the corner of his eyes, he continued to make his way towards the end of the market, to finally reach your car.

"I thought over your words and I do believe it would be nice to" laze around together "for once in a while. Everything in the house has already been done, so maybe we could try out that one series you've been talking about. The reviews seem to be quite positive about it."

He just lets a breathy laugh escape his lips at your squeal while you begin to rant on why its gonna be so good watching it and

UUUUGGHHGH 😭😭😭😭 GIVE ME KUNIKIDAAAAAAAGHHHHHH 😭😭😭🤡🤡👹👹👹

honestly there are like no real red flags like his red flags are disguised green flags and yall can legit work through it easily

The only thing would be his tendency to overwork himself and it could lead to an argument but never a real fight because hes pretty easy to reason with

Like even when hes stubborn, he'll STILL listen to your words because the many good things about him that he'd always make sure to take your words seriously 🗿🗿

which sometimes makes it tempting to tease him bc we can lowkey understand why dazai easily tells him the most outrageous shit and your man just casually writes it down in his notebook 😭

"That damn idiot managed to fool me again by telling me that aliens have been among us (AMOGUS 👹) and that the goverment has been hiding it from us for decades." "I thought you already knew about that tho?"

"What" "What?"

"Wait so they're real?"

Cue to him showing him a video (that dazai sent to you a week ago just for this moment 😭)

Lmao dont tease him too much tho but dw, he cant stay mad at you at all lmao 😋💅

Honestly a 8.5/10 bc his nagging scares me 💀😭

Edogawa Ranpo

"Greatest Detective" more like "Queen of Gaslightining" 👹👹

Everyone knows hes way too obsessed with sweets but how the hell is his teeth actually still existing 🗿🗿

ngl i believe fukuzawa would prob sometimes just randomly ask him if he brushed his teeth bc he lowkey lowkey raised him ok 🤡

Ranpo is all nice like "yup, i did." but when u ask him, hes a whole b*tch about it

"Hah??? Why would you ask me that?? Do you really believe that I'd be so dumb to forget about brushing my teeth? If i can solve the most difficult cases then why would you assume that brushing my teeth might something that I'd forget, huuuhh??"

His gaslightining used to work at the beginning of ur relationship but sooner or later its not hard to notice his patterns 🗿

Like yas ok, he could just put up a whole ass strategy in how to not get u to notice that he didnt brush em at all but bro

Hes too lazy

And hes a sucker for attention 😩 like he might be "annoyed" if u nag at him bc of smth but he absolutely loves it bc its just one of his many ways to get ur attention without him having to actively get up and get it for himself 🤡🤡🤡🤡

Hes a huge clown but i love him 😭

Dazai tends to forget his socks or smth lying on the floor but THIS mf right here just doesnt rly care 😭

Like that was the first thing u noticed when u entered his apartment 🤡

Its not right out messy on a disgusting degree, its more like theres tons of trinkets n shit from cases or just random candy wrap hidden under the couch 💀💀💀

The epitome of "I can do it tomorrow" bc bro doesnt forget, he just IGNORES that he has to do it 😭

might take a while to actually get him to yk do smth around the house

used to prob only sleep and shower at his apartment and thats it💀

But when hes whipped then hes whipped and hed actually try his best to help around the house

Key word "try" 🤡

Like its often tbh accompanied by "okay, ill do it but only if i get smth"

A MANCHILD, I SAY 👹👹👹👹

But there are days when he legit deep cleans everything by himself bc either you had a bad day or yall had a fight 👹👹

still would whip out the "now gimme something, please 😋" if yall cuddle after a fight and he cleaned and tidied everything up for his love 🤩

doesnt always have to be candy yk HEUEHEUEHEUUE 👹👹👹👹👹

also its not a surprise but dont let him near the kitchen

HE COULD

HE RLY COULD COOK SO WELL

Like he had only cooked for ONE time and it was like a fever dream

Bc u legit had a fever and he cooked chicken soup but uhm 🗿

he cooked it so good??? Like veggies n meat cut and cooked up nicely?

Broth kicking in real hard?

Like? "What the hell? I thought you couldn't cook??"

Bro is about to put that spoon fr away 💀

"I'm not so heartless to let you starve and I definitely wont be giving you some cheap soup either. I just looked it up on the internet and followed the instructions so you gotta get well soon because I miss your cooking 🤩🤩"

Are we flattered?? Gurl, maybe but he'd def know if we tried to make ourselves be sick to taste his cooking again

Bro only offers to help when it comes to baking 😪😮‍💨😮‍💨

His only help is licking the dough or chocolate outta the bowl or smth 😀

would sneak in many kisses tho bc he likes u and sweet stuff is just sugar overload for him and he loves it 🤩

I think one of the important factors for him in a relationship is that fukuzawa approves of you? Since he does value his opinion over his own intellect

Like bro trusted him when it came to Fukichi and other ppl 💀

fukuzawa could legit go "aliens r evil" and ranpo would be like "ok everyone, aliens are evil!!!!" 🗿🗿🗿

honesrly i dont think why there would be a reason for fukuzawa not to accept you (if there is one then time to take 100 steps back and reflect on urself 💀)

He'd prob be impressed on how u even fell in love with him bc.. its ranpo💀

petty, clingy, can be manipulative ( but never with ill intentions), would legit prank ur ass bc he can, impatient and quickly bored af

But hes attentive, kind, can be patient when it comes down to it, empathetic (depends sksks) (also thank u fukuzawa for kinda ramming that into his head 🤩), affectionate in his own way (a sucker for physical touch but would NEVER right out admit it 🗿) and so much more honestly

there arent any real red flags tbh (might come as a surprise for some ppl)

Maybe maybe he'd obviously have a bit of difficulty fully opening up and i do believe there might be times where he once or twice legit deducted what ur feelings r for him bc hes used to being careful around people and especially bc in case someonw could randomly target the agency

Or is some kinda criminal in general

But honestly when hes learned to trust you then you know youve got yourself someone loyal 💅 and i mean FR loyal

personal favorite hc and honestly prob canon since we've already seen it : he'd not be ashamed to throw hands at someone when he thinks you're being insulted or harassed

And with hands i mean exposing them to 100% until they are pissing their pants and begging him to leave them alone 🤩🤩🤩

Also also, gives me off a similar vibe to dazai with the "maybe having to walk on eggshells" around them but ranpo doesnt make you feel as watched tbh as dazai which would kinda make it easier to talk to

but bro isnt as smooth as him so whOOP 💀💀

Overall iconic and a solid 8/10 🤩🤩🤩💕💕💕

The random ratings i gave them LMAO 💀💀💀 hope u like em 🗿

[sayafics]

Just For A Moment - Part 1

Jay Halstead x OC/reader

This is my first time trying to write something angsty, so please be kind! I've seen quite a few fics where the partner always gets seen when they see their SO cheating, and its always teary denials and breakups, I wanted to put a spin on it and go down the line of "she knows, but she doesn't tell anyone" and the OC kind of just thinks of them as broken up and strangers without telling their SO that.

My plan with this storyline is that everyone kind of sides with Jay because no one really knows why she's being so cold with him, and it just carries on building until it reaches the breaking point. The question is, who'll break first?

Please let me know if you enjoyed this!

TW: cheating, (slightly?) angsty

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Masterlist

Voight had extended an offer for Aurora Gallo to join his Intelligence department a few days after Erin had left, Erin's departure left a gaping hole in the team and Voight was hopeful that Aurora would be the one to mend it.

Aurora was the daughter of an old friend of Hank's. She'd spent a few short years working her way through different organisations such as the CIA and FBI as an undercover operative.

But she needed a break. She was slowly losing herself in the multiple lives she had lived, and she needed a change.

Aurora hadn't expected the offer from Voight, but she was grateful all the same.

She moved to Chicago shortly after his offer, joining the Intelligence office and being partnered with him.

Jay Halstead.

Jay was an enigma - one she couldn't get enough of.

She had heard the rumours, of course. Of how Jay had been in love with Erin before she left.

And she had been the one to replace Erin, in both the team, and now in Jay's life.

It was hard not to draw comparisons. The whispers of the department always found their way to her, and, sometimes, when she looked into Jay's eyes, she always thought she could see him longing for more.

But she told herself not to worry, that Jay cared for her, that Jay chose her.

Not Erin, and definitely not anyone else.

That's what she continued to tell herself. Even after Hailey joined the team, even after Hailey found ways to get close to Jay when she wasn't his partner.

Soon, the small habits that Jay carried out for Aurora, he would carry out for Hailey too.

Checking up on her after a tough case, bringing her coffee in the mornings, dropping her off home after a late day at work, and picking her up bright and early in the morning. All of it, once done just for Aurora, were now moments and memories she shared with Hailey.

And just like that, those actions lost their meaning. But Aurora learnt to hide her hurt, instead choosing to ignore her heart and listen to Jay.

They were just friends.

That was what Jay had said the first time she expressed her concerns over their relationship, and she believed it. That everything Jay did for Hailey was out of the goodness of his heart because he was just so good.

So, on the night of their six month anniversary, when Aurora had dolled herself up and grabbed the cake, she had spent the whole day baking, on her way out of her apartment, she had left with a heart full of love and excitement.

The team had the day off today, and she had spent most of her morning at Jay's house before drumming up an excuse to go back to her apartment so she could finish her preparations.

Aurora held no sadness in her heart at the idea Jay might have forgotten their six month anniversary, after all such a thing wasn't significant to everyone.

But it was special to her, and she wanted to celebrate it with Jay - surprise him even.

Before leaving his place, she had asked Jay if he had plans, and he denied saying his only plan was to drink beer and watch the game. The revelation had calmed her nerves as she promised to text him later if she was free, knowing that she wouldn't because she wanted to surprise him instead.

And that was why she now stood in front of Jay's apartment, a small box with the cake she had baked and decorated that afternoon laid by her feet as she rummaged for the spare key Jay had given her for emergencies.

This seemed like the biggest emergency of all. If she stayed outside any longer, the frosting on her cake would melt off. And no one likes melted frosting.

As she quietly opened the door, she prayed silently that Jay had fallen asleep on the couch as she bent over to pick up her cake before walking through the door. As she closed the door behind her, her heart had calmed at the silence that rang through the apartment, hopeful that Jay truly had fallen asleep so she could set up the kitchen table before waking him.

She had taken two steps towards the kitchen before her eyes landed on the couch, and through the dim lights of a table lamp, she could make out that it was empty. She frowned slightly, hoping Jay wasn't asleep in bed - he rarely slept well, and the idea of waking him from a deep sleep rather than a nap would have just made her feel guilty.

If he had, she would just have to surprise him in the morning, and the thought brought a timid smile onto her face.

She continued her walk towards the kitchen, her steps quiet but hurried as the skirt of her deep blue dress billows around her thighs. She sets the cake on the kitchen counter, hands ready to lift up the lid to see the damage her journey here had done to the cake before she heard it.

Aurora felt her heart sink, pressure building in her sternum as the sound she heard repeated over and over again, not only in her head but in the apartment.

It sounded like... a woman?

She felt her breath stutter, the quiet moans she heard building in volume as she slipped her heels off and treaded cautiously towards the room she knew to be Jay's. After all, she and Jay had been in there many times.

As she got closer towards the room, her hands trembled as she stumbled, her feet catching on clothes thrown astray. The sight caused her to hesitate, frozen in a stupor as she looked at the articles of clothing which littered the floor.

Shoes, trousers, shirts. Women's clothes.

Aurora screwed up her eyes harshly, her breaths coming out in ragged pants as she tried to control herself, trying to convince herself that she was wrong. That Jay couldn't do anything wrong. He cares about her. He loves her. He said so himself. Her Jay wouldn't do something like this.

She opened her eyes, determination painted her gaze as she continued her path to Jay's room. His door was cracked open, and she held her breath as she peaked through.

Aurora's heart fell to the ground - shattered and broken. She had hoped, and she had prayed that the grunts and pleas - sounds she was so familiar with - were just a trick her paranoia was playing on her.

But looking into Jay's room, there was no denying it.

There sat her boyfriend, on the bed they had made love in, fucking another woman. Jay was leaning against the headboard, his head thrown back in pleasure as his hand gripped the waist of the blonde woman perched on his lap, his knuckles blanched as he ground her hips against his, the motion causing a moan of pleasure to wrench itself from her throat, his name on her lips as she spoke - "fuck, Jay, I'm so close."

The blood had drained from Aurora's face, she knows that voice.

"I know, baby. I'm close, too. God, Hail you feel so good."

Baby?

Tears began to well in Aurora's eyes. Jay calls her baby, and now he's called her too?

This wasn't some one night stand or some mistake. No, Jay cares about Hailey, so much so that he is willing to betray Aurora to have her.

Aurora's throat ached as she held back her sobs, her heart burning in agony as she stepped back quietly from the door. She made her way back to her things and hastily grabbed her box of cake and shoes as she scrambled away from Jay's apartment, running away from the her own nightmare.

She made it to her car, hands shaking as she shut herself in and sobs poured out from her.

Aurora had no one to go to. She didn't know the team as well as Jay, and she hadn't been around Chicago enough to make close friends. Her previous career and her lifestyle made it hard to make friends, much less keep them.

And now, when she needed someone the most, she had no one.

And she had lost the one person she thought she could always go to.

Aurora's eyes were filled with tears, and her heart filled with pain as she drove home. Her hands were shaky on the steering wheel, and she relied on muscle memory to bring her back to the place she felt the most safe in.

The place she had allowed Jay in, the place she was the most vulnerable in. And he ruined it. He ruined her.

Without warning, anger began to bubble in her chest. Anger towards herself for being so naive to believe Jay when he said they were just friends, anger towards Jay for lying to her, for betraying her, anger towards Hailey for being a friend to her only to betray her too.

The anger that built up in her on the drive home festered throughout the night. As Aurora lay in bed, struggling to quieten her mind enough to get some sleep, her eyes burning from all the tears she shed and her throat raw from her screams and cries, she felt her anger morph into dread.

Tomorrow, she would see the man that betrayed her, and the woman she called a friend.

On her nightstand, her phone continued to light up the ceiling as notifications popped up. But Halstead's texts went unanswered.

***

The next morning, Aurora had awoken from a restless sleep, and she instinctively reached for her phone, a ghost of a smile on her face as she looked for the sweet 'good morning' messages her Jay would send her every morning.

Hey baby, you okay? You didn't come back over yesterday.

Aurora felt her smile falter - the most recent text Halstead sent caused the memories of last night to flash past her eyes. The remembrance of his lies and his betrayal once more brings tears to her eyes as they fall, leaving hot trails in their tracks.

Her eyes then fall to a text from Voight - Case. Meet at 9.

It was currently 7:30am, which gave her plenty of time to pull herself together and push away the dread of having to see the two people she trusted most after their betrayal.

She pushed herself out of bed, shuffling towards the bathroom - dear God, she looked a mess. The makeup from last night still painted her face, but her mascara and eyeliner were now smudged and drawn down her cheeks in smeared streaks, and through the smudged-off makeup, the faint lines of the scars she hid could be seen.

And her eyes, they looked sad.

And that realisation made fury bite at her, she looked so pathetic.

God, it was her fault. To let him in so easily, after all she had been through and all she had learnt about men. She had still gone and trusted one with her heart.

Aurora had come across all kinds of men and stood against them undefeated - those who beat their wives and children, those who hurt and raped the innocent, those who killed without fear of consequences and those who tortured with hearts full of glee.

And yet, it was Jay Halstead who broke her. All because she let him in, let him get too close.

Determination set in her gaze once more. She wouldn't let Halstead be the end of her. No, she was stronger than that, better than that.

With that thought in mind, Aurora got ready to face the man she once called her boyfriend and the love of her life.

***

When Aurora stepped into the district, it was obvious to Sargent Platt that something was different.

She looked the same - her hair pinned up in the same sleek ponytail, dressed in the same long sleeve jumper and cargos. But her face was void of emotions, and her eyes looked like they were drowning in them.

Sargent Platt liked Aurora. She was a good kid, and despite all the years she spent around violence and horror in her years undercover, she had managed to keep a pure heart and a joyful soul.

It seemed now that both of those things had been drained out of her.

"Hey, kid. Come here a sec."

"Sorry, Sargent, got a case," Aurora nodded stiffly in Trudy's direction before walking up the steps to the intelligence office.

Sargent?

Aurora has called her boss, even Platt. When she tried to push her friendship with her, Aurora would even call her Trudy, sometimes, in a teasing manner. But she had never been so formal, so devoid of emotion.

Trudy felt worried for the girl, her mind running countless scenarios as she wondered what had made her lose her light in such a short amount of time.

***

When Aurora had made her way up the stairs, the office was already buzzing, her team talking and walking around in circles as they discussed the case on hand - a twelve year old boy had been kidnapped, this was the third case over the last ten days and the other victims had been found dead. Homicide had turned up empty in their investigation, and given how close the last case was to their district, Voight offered to take it off their hands, to which they gladly agreed.

She looked over her colleagues, scanning the room for the one person she was unsure of if she would want to see. But it seems his eyes found her first.

"Babe, there you are," Jay's voice sounded exasperated as he leapt up from his seat at his desk, and just like always, Hailey was hovering over his shoulder.

Usually, the action would cause her to feel slightly annoyed, the feeling being quelled when Jay would hold her hand or kiss her cheek or just say her name.

Now, the sight brought a burst of emotions, all of which she fought down and locked away to face at another time when she was alone and it was safe to be vulnerable.

Halstead made his way to her, his hands cupping her cheeks as he looked at her in concern, "baby, you didn't answer my texts, I was so worried."

Aurora shrugged lightly, her face still blank as she found she had no energy to even fake a smile to him, "I was tired."

No apology, no placation. Because he didn't deserve that.

It seemed that Jay had noticed her lack of reason and apology, too, the concern in his eyes growing as Aurora pushed his hands down gently - "we have a case to work."

She pushed past him and walked to her desk, ignoring the 'hey, Aurora' Hailey had thrown her way, grateful when Voight had chosen that exact moment to step out of his office and brief them.

Unbeknownst to her, Jay continued to eye her in worry. He had already been struggling to fight off the guilt he felt when he stepped out on Aurora and slept with Hailey, but to see her so drawn away and isolated only made that grow. Paranoia ate at his heart, but he knew there could be no way she caught them.

Voight had given them the basics of Aurora's past career as an undercover agent, and Jay knew that if she had caught him and Hailey, they would be working on their murder case right now instead.

What do we think? Do we want a part 2?👀

[levisolace]

[1] Expendable Hearts (Levi x F!Reader)

Chapter 1: Windex and Baking Soda

WC: 7,182 Chapter Warnings: slight angst Summary: Everyone in Levi's life knows he only ever dated one girl and that she left him wrecked, bitter, and heartbroken. Many years later, she's back in his life and he doesn't know what to do. story masterlist > next chapter

“It’s always my pleasure, Mr. Brown.”

The corporate smile on your face drops as soon as you hit the end button in the video call application on your laptop. It was the first meeting of the day with a client and you were already exhausted, wanting nothing but to go home and curl up in bed, heavily surrounded by your pillows and weighted blanket for hours. But you know that’s a dream that would remain a fantasy for a while. Why? Because it’s a Monday. It’s only the start of the week and judging from the pile of paperwork delivered to your desk this morning, you would have to work overtime again for the third week in a row. 

Being recently hired by one of the top leading firms in the country is a blessing you will be thankful for every day but as the week goes by and you’re on your fifth pile of paperwork, more than ten meetings in one week, you can’t help but think what would it be like to work for a small, quiet firm. You shrug those thoughts away as soon as they come. You’re grateful for the more-than-average salary the firm provides, at least.

The day went on as it always does: hours of you trying to ignore your back pain. It was becoming unbearable and you can’t even use the ointments your grandmother used to insist you use because it would no doubt infest the building with its smell—your reputation and first impression from your coworkers is at stake. 

As you’re typing back an email from your superior, Atty. Dot Pixis, you halt when you feel the buzzing on your table. You pick it up mindlessly, checking to see the notification. A smile spreads on your face to see that it’s your previous boss, Vanessa. 

hey. how’s working with the big leagues?? pixis is not tiring you out too much is he?? i can give him a word if you want.

pixis is treating me really well, nes. thank u for checking up on me! i miss everyone there at the firm and little ian :(( 

Vanessa, besides being your former boss back in Olsen & Associates, is also your friend and self-proclaimed older sister. She's a well-known attorney, and Olsen is a legend back in law school because she’s an alumnus who’s actually cool and doesn’t have their head up their asses. However, after deciding to settle down and start a family, she opened up a small firm in her hometown. 

i might just have to visit bc i miss my little sis :(( should’ve never let u leave

technically, it’s your fault i left 

i know :( don't remind me

Two months ago, Vanessa told you that ODM is hiring and Pixis contacted her to see if she knows anyone to take the job. Your jaw dropped to the ground when she told you she recommended you and you can send in your resume if you’re interested. It was an offer no one could pass up so before you knew it, you were being hauled into a hours-long bus ride and then anxiously seated for an interview in the city you used to live in. And after about a week of being a nervous wreck waiting for their response, you were contacted that you’ve been selected for the position.

Now here you are, finally settled in your office. You still can’t believe you have your own space in this huge building. You would’ve never thought you’d be working here in the firm you only used to stare at in awe while passing by years ago. 

Although, you have to admit that you miss the warm feeling of the small firm where you all know each other, exchange heartfelt greetings, and gossip when there are not too many clients. Now, you pass by a new face every now and then, most not even bothering to greet you or spare you a look. You can’t blame them. The work here is drastic. 

By the time you left the office, it’s already dark and way past office hours. As you were driving home, you remembered you still needed a few supplies in your apartment. You haven’t exactly settled yourself in, prioritizing work more. God, you even still had a few boxes to unpack. 

You stopped by a 24-hour supermarket that you spotted on your way to work this morning when you had to reroute because of the traffic. It was a little out of the way but it would do. It was still two hours before midnight, anyway.

As you drag your feet through the aisles and drop whatever you felt like you needed in the cart, unwanted memories come creeping in. The air in Paradis City is still the same. Even if a few buildings might have changed or some stores you used to frequent have closed down, it was still the same Paradis you knew—a buzzing city filled with dreams. The streets are never empty, famously congested by students from top universities or office workers. 

When you got the offer for the job, you weighed out the pros and cons. There were only two cons you were able to determine:

You don’t want to leave Olsen & Associates and Vanessa’s hometown, Trost, and

You’d be going back to your hometown, the one you promised not to go back to. 

The pros outweigh the cons, obviously. That weight being the thick fat salary you would be getting. Besides, Paradis is huge and has like three million residents. It’s not like you’d cross paths with him. And it’s been years. He probably forgot all about you anyway. You barely think about him. It was just a silly puppy-love relationship. No biggie.

Keep telling yourself that.

Shut up. 

“That one’s better.”

A voice directed to you made you snap out of your thoughts. It made you painfully aware of how you had been staring at the two options of green tea in your hand for probably more than the normal minutes it takes one to decide. The tall brunette had on a face mask covering half his face, his hair parted in the middle, and he wore a simple light blue button-down and black slacks. He was about two feet away from you when he pointed at the tea canister in your right hand. 

“Oh. Thanks,” you replied sheepishly. Desperate to run away from the embarrassment of zoning out in the middle of a public space, you take his advice and put down the canister on your left hand back to the shelf. 

“You’re welcome. I see my friend drinking it all the time so it has to be good,” he nods and you see his cheeks prop up, probably sporting a smile beneath the mask. You smiled back and thanked him again.

“Can you grab that one for me?” He points at a sweet one, a flavor in contrast with the green tea you chose. It was on the shelf being blocked by your cart beside you. You quickly mutter an apology and reach for a can. 

“My fiancée prefers her tea fruity,” he explains even if you didn’t ask, his ears tinted a bit red from his own statement. You immediately find it endearing. He seems very fond of his partner as he continues to babble about her. “Well actually, she prefers coffee with an unhealthy amount of espresso shots but I eventually persuaded her to drink tea once in a while.” 

“Moby! I know we usually don’t get this brand but guess what? This has a free pink sponge!” 

You freeze at the sound of that awfully loud and familiar cheerful voice heading towards you at a fast pace. You couldn’t turn your head. Your fingers unconsciously grip the can you’re holding harshly with wide eyes. Silently, you were wishing that the person just had the same voice as the crazed tall woman with glasses you used to know or the man beside you isn’t named ‘Moby.’ The former would hardly be the case because from the sound of the voice, the personality of being uncaring of the silent atmosphere of the supermarket, and the way she ran excitedly from your peripheral vision, you were sure that this person was your old friend Hange. For the latter, your last hope dies down as you see the stranger turn his head at the sound of his name and reply with a sigh.

“What the hell are you gonna do with a sponge, babe? We have lots of sponges.”

“Okay but imagine! We swap out Levi’s sponge with a pink one.” 

“I don’t think Levi cares about the color as long as it cleans.”

The fight or flight response in you went crazy at the mention of the name you haven’t heard in years, heavily leaning on the former. You could just hand this guy named Moby’s tea and make a run for it. You doubt Hange would care while being heavily invested in her free pink sponge. 

But why would you run? You only run when you’re scared or did something wrong. Which is it? It can't be the latter, right? 

I did. 

Oh? So you did. You’re scared, huh? That she’d get angry at you for what you did back then. 

I am. 

Run then. That’s all you know to do anyway.

Shut up. Leave me alone. 

“Miss? Are you okay?” 

For the second time in front of the same stranger, you were snapped out of your trance and find yourself gripping the can so hard that you think you’ve made a light dent on the can. Damn, you should really get a decent amount of sleep. You’ve been losing it a lot lately. 

You shake your head and slap your cheek lightly with your free hand. “Sorry. Lack of sleep. I’m fine. Here.” 

You turn to him and hand him the can, hoping he wouldn’t mind the barely noticeable dent you made. Purposely, you don’t stray your eyes away from the man. You don’t want to be the first person to acknowledge Hange. Maybe she doesn’t even remember you. Maybe she doesn’t even want to acknowledge you. 

“Greenie?” 

It was more of a mutter. But with how loud Hanji’s voice is, you and Moby clearly heard it. 

That’s when you look at her and actually see her. She looks the same as you saw her last. Her brown hair was tied up in a ponytail and her brown eyes were covered by thick-rimmed glasses. Nothing much has changed from her appearance except for the disappearance of the youthful look now replaced by maturity. Her gaze is fixed on you, slack-jawed. Her reaction doesn’t surprise or faze you, having expected that much. It’s what would follow that you’re nervous about. What would she say? Will she get angry at you? Or will she even remember who you are? Somehow, you dread that last possible outcome worst. 

“H-Hange,” you breathily let out. You wonder if it’s audible. 

Her fiancé also looks shocked, staring at you and then back to Hanji with widened eyes. “This is Greenie? The Greenie?” He points at you while asking Hange who was still frozen. His tone and reference to you immediately tell you that you have been discussed with people you never met, no doubt now knowing your past with them. 

Greenie. You haven’t heard that nickname in a while. 

It was silent for a few seconds, eyes not straying from each other. You probably look apologetic—scared, even. The man beside her is waiting too. You think he’s having a mini breakdown in disbelief. 

When you see her start to lunge at you, you shut your eyes, expecting her palm to collide with your cheek. You expect her to slap you and scream at you in the middle of the cold supermarket. You expect her to ask you where you got the nerve to come back to the city after all you’ve done. 

Instead, what she did broke down all your expectations. 

Long and slender arms wrap around your figure, pulling you tightly to her chest. Your face is squished against the fabric of her fluffy parka jacket. Even if you suddenly have trouble breathing with how tight her hug is, you were thankful that it covered your face and how you were biting your lower lip, trying to suppress the relief that comes with tears.

“Where the hell have you been?!”

You couldn’t even answer. Or move at all. Not that you even know what to say. 

“Hange. You’re killing her.” You hear her partner say. Hange instantly loosens her grip on you, muttering an apology with a slight chuckle. When she looks down at you, you give her a gentle smile.

“I missed you too, Hange.” And you meant it. 

The tall woman was still not letting you go, arms wrapped just below your shoulders because of the height difference. Even if you were caged in her arms, you can still tilt your head up to look at her. Suddenly, tears started streaming down her face as she tilts her head down to you, her mouth quivering. Then it turns into full-on sobbing. You chuckle as she starts swaying you with her, going side to side like a pendulum as she sobs while wailing your name repeatedly. 

There was no stopping Hange when she gets like this. So you let it happen. You let her hug you like she did many times before. You relish the moment, wanting to pass out and let loose in her hold. Maybe you’re dreaming and you’ll wake up in your bed, filled with disappointment and yearning for some warmth.

When she was satisfied, she let you go and introduced you to Moblit, her fiancé and coworker. They walked with you as you continued to shop, telling you stories about her and Moblit. Thankfully for your sake, she didn’t ask you much about yourself or what happened when you were away. She just asked how you were doing right now and what you were doing in the city. Although you were scared that the news would get to him, you told her the truth that you recently got hired at the law firm. 

“So you moved back then? Like permanently?” Her brows raised in excitement. 

“Well, I have a temporary contract for six months before I’m permanently employed there so hopefully,” you shrug while heading to checkout. As expected, Hange doesn’t care that you practically explained that it’s technically a ‘not yet,’ she shrieks and jumps up and down anyway. 

“Oh my god, this is perfect! Greenie, one of my bridesmaids had to back out but we already had the dress paid and it’s a no-refund. Can you step in for her and attend our wedding? Would you? Please? Please?” Hange begs you, hands clasped together as she stares at you with puppy eyes and a pout. 

You stop in your tracks and feel your heart sink to the ground. She wants you to attend her wedding knowing that many, if not everyone, you used to know will be there. And if his name was so casually mentioned earlier, that meant that they were still very much best friends and he would definitely be there.

And a few minutes ago you were convincing yourself that you wouldn’t accidentally run into him in this city. Now, you have to actually see him and be in the same room for a few hours? 

You start with a chuckle. “Oh. I wouldn’t mean to impose—” 

You were abruptly overpowered by her loud negation. “No, you wouldn’t! Everyone would be ecstatic to see you! I swear.” 

“But—“

Hange sighs dramatically, shoulders slumping with a pout on her face. “I guess it’d be too much, wouldn’t it? You’re probably busy, right? Right. Sorry, I just got excited.” She turns to her boyfriend. “Moby, can you pay for our stuff and Greenie’s too?” 

“What?”

Your eyes widened but before you could protest or take a strong hold on your cart, Moblit was already dragging it away and sending a flying kiss to Hange who giggled like a schoolgirl to catch it with her fist. You turn to her in disbelief as he turns his back. She catches your face, knowing what you’re about to say. 

“It’s fine. That won’t make a dent in his bank account.”

Just like that, you were painfully reminded how no one could get a word in with Hange. 

“Un-fucking-believeable.” 

Niccolo, the training chef, flinched from behind him when the silver-eyed man let out an unprovoked profanity as he entered the restaurant. Connie, his loyal secretary, doesn’t even bat an eye at the unprofessional behavior of his boss, only following behind him with a straight face. 

“Shithead. Call Nile later. Tell him I want a new team on this…” his words halt in disgust as he sees the unfinished, poorly done walls of what was to be a new branch of Kuchel’s. “or I’ll fire his stupid construction company out of every damn project. Verbatim.” 

“Will do, sir.” Connie nods, mentally sighing. Not only is he used to hearing the profanities, but he’s also used to being ordered to say it too. 

Levi nods at his secretary’s response, eager to leave the abomination that was supposed to be at 80% progress at this date. As he turns, he’s faced with Connie and a blonde man he doesn’t know. 

“Who’s this?” 

The blonde man practically shivered at his haze, the corner of his lips twitching at the sides. It was a sad attempt at a smile. Mentally, Connie sighed at his boss’ unfocused mind when there was something that greatly irritates him. The trainee chef was just literally in the car with them and Levi told Connie to bring the chef with them on the way to check the new location. 

“This is Niccolo, sir. He was in the car with us. He’s the one highly considered by the HR,” Connie expertly answered. 

“So you’re on the last stage,” Levi addresses Niccolo. The nervous man gulps but answers. “Yes, sir.” 

Connie watches the exchange, feeling a bit of pity for the tall man cowering at the gaze of such a short guy with a temper taller than a skyscraper. He was exactly like this when Levi interviewed him for the position. 

“Sorry, I had to make a detour because some shitheads can’t do their job right. Let’s go.” 

And so Niccolo and Connie followed the grumpy man back to the vehicle they just got not even three minutes ago. 

Not that he knew what to expect or had guesses but Niccolo was utterly surprised that he was brought to the first Kuchel’s restaurant. The legendary one that went viral. 

When he passed by the reception area, his eyes widened when he saw the reservation list filled with no spots left. It was practically booked for the month from what he saw. 

The kitchen smelled amazing, each one of the cooks was busy and they actually looked happy while working. They worked with so much coordination and laughter like he had never seen before. 

He thought that he’d train or cook with them today, seeing as they’re Kuchel’s main branch’s team. He was excited too. But again, Levi surprises him when he pushes another door open from the kitchen, revealing a staircase. The man says nothing but climbs upstairs. 

Confused but too scared to ask, Niccolo only stares at Connie but who beckons him to follow him up the stairs. When he sees Levi take a glance behind him, his feet move on its own, following the cold short man’s steps.

He sees a living room first. It’s a simple home but maintained well enough to look pristine. He kept on following Levi as he eventually led him to a kitchen. Levi turned to him and he’d be lying if he said that his heart didn’t jump at his sudden order. 

“Do whatever you like. You have an hour.” 

And then he leaves the kitchen, leaving Niccolo confused as he looks around at the domestic kitchen. He sees Connie, Levi’s assistant aggressively mouthing the words ‘cook anything’ as he follows Levi back to the living room. 

“Good job. I think he liked it.” 

Connie whispers to Niccolo before he leaves. Normally, he isn’t allowed to tell the training chefs what Levi thinks. But he’s feeling a little silly and Niccolo is his friend and his best friend, Sasha’s, boyfriend. 

Just like all the other training chefs, Levi brought Niccolo to his old home to cook something for him. Levi is hella picky with them but Connie could see that he actually liked his friend’s food. There was no pursing of lips, which was the worst of them all. Connie had to scramble and get the trainee out before he burst the room into a myriad of colorful words no one wants to hear. 

When they got back to the office, Hange was already there and most probably uninvited. 

“What the fuck are you doing here, four eyes?” 

Levi’s eyes were seething with annoyance as he sees his friend sitting at his desk on his chair, spinning around like an idiot. It was hard to believe that this woman is a professor at one of the most prestigious universities in the country. 

“Shorty! You’re here!” She exclaimed, slamming her hands down on the fine wood of Levi’s desk to stop the chair from spinning. 

“Get the fuck up before I strangle you to death, Hange.” 

Hange chuckles but stands up anyway, skipping before plopping herself on the couch in Levi’s office. “Can you relax? I was just here to remind you that I’m getting married.” 

Levi groans and rolls his eyes. “Who would fucking forget, Hange? You text a fucking countdown at seven in the morning in the group chat tagged to everyone. The mute option has been fucking useless since you learned how to do it.” 

Levi sits down on his chair and switches on his computer to return to work despite his friend’s unsolicited visit to his office. 

“Oh! I wanted to ask you something too! Do you have a date for the wedding? So I can take note of a plus one, maybe?” 

He gives a blank stare to his friend for a second before turning back to his screen. “You know you can ask me that through a phone call, right?” He began typing away on his laptop, answering a few emails Connie forwarded to him. 

“Well, you blocked my number so I thought that you’d rather see me in person.” Hange shrugs with a grin.

Levi pauses, remembering that he did block Hange’s number that one night she insisted for he come over and watch a horror movie with Erwin and Moblit. He was working and couldn’t turn his phone on do not disturb mode so he had to specifically block Hange’s calls. He then proceeds to forget to unblock her until now. 

“So, no date?” Hange presses further. 

Levi grunts, annoyed at the stupid question. “Who the fuck am I gonna bring? It’s not like I’m gonna bring a random girl to your wedding, Hange.” 

“You totally could. They’re called escorts,” Hange suggests like a know-it-all.

“I don’t want a random stranger in your wedding pictures, four eyes.” 

“I would rather have that than see you so depressing in my pictures with your bitch face. Oh! Want me to set you up on a blind date?” Hange’s voice rises again, something that happens when she gets excited over an idea. 

“Fuck no,” Levi spat. 

“Your last serious relationship was decades ago, Levi. Give it a try again.” 

If looks could kill, funeral flowers would be thrown at Hange’s casket instead of wedding flowers. His fingers hover over the keyboard, hanging frozen at her words. At the mere implication of you, his blood boils and his chest tightens. 

“What does that have to do with anything?” 

“Well–”

“Are you saying I’m not over her again, Hange?” 

Before she could answer, the door swung open, revealing a tall blonde man with thick eyebrows who was grinning cheek to cheek. Great. Erwin’s here. Maybe they could send a few more uninvited people, order greasy pizza, and have a party in his office. 

“Over who?” Erwin asks, ever the gossip man. Levi grunts and rests his forehead in his palms as Hange greets Erwin enthusiastically before answering.

“You know who.”

Erwin narrows his eyes at Levi before sitting down on the other edge of the couch. Hange tells him about getting a blind date. “You could try, Hange. I’ve set him up with surprise blind dates before and you know how that went.” 

“Can you two fucking shut up and leave? I’m trying to work here,” Levi spat in annoyance. The pair ignores his grumbling, carrying on their conversation like he wasn’t in the room.

“But I have never set him up with someone before,” Hange points out. 

Erwin purses his lips. “I doubt that you can find a girl better than me, Hange. I tried everything.” 

Erwin and Hange look at each other with mischief, clearly enjoying Levi’s suffering from their teasing. He knows they won’t stop. If anything, it only egged them on further.

Hange places a finger on her chin obnoxiously. “Maybe you could ask the girl to wear green next time.” 

Erwin nods, crossing his arms like he’s actually considering it. “Absolutely. We all know Levi still loves his greenie.” 

God, even her nickname is a pain to hear. 

Levi slams a hand down his mahogany desk so loud that people outside his office probably heard it. It didn’t faze his friends who were snickering on the couch though. They know he’s about to blow. He’s so frustrated that he almost ran a finger through his well-kept hair but caught himself before damaging it, exhaling loudly in frustration before speaking. 

“Look, you dipshits. I told you a thousand times. Forget about that damned woman. I’m not dating because I’m goddamn busy with all these expansions, not because I’m not over a girl who left us all without a fucking trace.” Every word is laced with venom and he ends it with a huff. 

“Fine. We get it. You’re over her but you’re still angry at her.” Hange rolls her eyes. 

Levi doesn’t know exactly when they started referring to her as mere stories or inside jokes. But evidently, it turned out that way. They used to be hurt at the thought of her disappearing. Slowly, they started to forget. Except him. He’s still angry and confused when he thinks of a reason why. 

“I am,” he admits.

“And if she comes to see you again? What will you do?” 

This question again, Levi thinks. 

He sighs. Like an automated machine, he answers the question as he did a myriad of times before, the first being the answer to one of your stupid games of what-if questions when you were together. Most were just ways to make him say those damn three words to you. It was usually just dumb things like “What if I was a worm?” and he would roll his eyes and tell you that he would unhesitatingly kill you before kissing you when you frown in disappointment. One question, however, deeply offended him more than anything. 

“Levi, what if I asked you to break up with me?” 

You were sitting on the couch with a blanket draped over your legs, still reeling from the sad romantic movie the two of you watched where the disabled paralyzed man still decides to die even after he fell in love with his caregiver. 

Levi, who’s in the middle of choosing another movie from your collection of DVDs, freezes in his seat. He doesn’t turn to look at you but you see his whole body tensed up having heard what you said.

“What if we break up like that?” 

You repeat the question with a pout on your lips. Levi finally looks at you with a frown on his face. He sighs and looks away, gaze lifting up for a second as if he’s thinking. 

“No,” he answers even if the question upsets him. “We’re not gonna break up.”

You noticed that his mood falters from your question.  Feeling a little bad, you wrap a hand around his bicep, pulling yourself close to his side. With a smile, you lean in and give him a peck on the cheek. “Don’t be sad. It was just hypothetical.”

He instantly leans unto you. He always does so when you’re near—like opposite sides of a magnet being pulled together by force. He always wants to be near you.

“Can you just go back to stupid questions like the worm shit?” He asks with a low voice, faces too close to each other that his lips could brush yours. 

You give him a teasing grin and hum, nodding but doing the exact opposite of what he asked. Ever his stubborn girl, you continue asking. “But what if I leave you?” 

He glares at you, not very pained this time, knowing it’s just you teasing again. Instead, his brows furrowed as he gazed down at you with his silver eyes. His eyes flick down to your lips and his lower lip brushes against yours for a millisecond. When you were sure he was about to kiss you, he shoves a hand at your face and pushes you away with a little force, making you land on the couch on your back. 

You laugh but curse him out loud for his attack. Levi huffs, crossing his arms and looking away. 

“If you do that, I will ignore you for the rest of my fucking life. You’re dead to me.” He says it with so much conviction that you know he doesn’t mean a word of it. 

You sit up again, frowning then lightly slapping his shoulder. “That’s rude. What if I come back to see you, then?” 

He scoffs loudly, still looking away from you, and spots his box of cleaning supplies. Then, he says the second thing that comes into his mind, thinking that the first one he thought of would seem desperate and pathetic of him. 

He opens his mouth to speak and the words you hear from him causes an ever louder laugh out of you. He smiles before pushing you on your back again. This time, pulling himself on top of you and sealing your lips with a kiss. 

“I’d spray her with some fucking Windex, throw baking soda on her stupid face, and kick her out.” 

Usually, the statement is so funny to them that it ends the conversation. Sometimes, he even gives them a demonstration where one of their unlucky friends gets to be on the receiving end. But this time, Erwin has a follow-up question that goes straight to Levi’s chest.

“And if she insists on staying? What will you do?” 

Levi went quiet. Hange and Erwin give a knowing sad look at each other that Levi doesn’t catch. They didn’t mean to push him this hard. But they had to know if he was ready. 

From just outside his door where Connie’s desk is placed, his secretary listens in as well. He heard about his boss’ ex. The whole office knows about it. His mysterious ex and the only woman Levi Ackerman loved. That was what everyone knew. But from spending too much time with his boss more than he wanted to, Connie had learned the following about his boss’ only relationship:

Her nickname is Greenie because she liked green tea. Levi prefers black tea but he accidentally told you he liked green tea too then ran with it for four months until Hanji revealed the truth accidentally.

The four of them knew each other for a long time. He doesn’t know if they met in high school or college. But in school, definitely.

After getting their undergraduate degree, she asked Levi to break up and broke his heart with words.

After the breakup, she disappeared from Paradis. Levi waited for her for a long time, broken and yearning. She didn’t come back. Now, all Levi has is bitterness in his body.

Those are what Connie gathered from his little detective skills to cope with having to work under the horribly mannered man. Then, he shares it with his best friend, Sasha, during his lunch break. 

He listens a little more, the email he was reading sitting idle for longer than it should. His boss still doesn’t answer. 

Inside, Erwin and Hange await their friend’s reply who is still lost in his own thoughts. Erwin decides to push him one last time. He clasped his hands together and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. 

“If she comes to you for closure, will you accept it? You’re over her, right? You can stay angry, that’s valid. She did you wrong. But will you at least hear her?” 

Levi keeps quiet but listens to Erwin. The word closure gives his stomach an unsettling feeling. It felt wrong to hear it. But it doesn’t matter. His friends were just bored and bluffing again. He can bluff too. 

“I don’t really care about her as much as you think I still do. When I see her, I’ll do what I said I would. Then it’s done. I don’t care what she does anymore.” 

It’s been five days since you coincidentally met Hange and Moblit. Before you parted ways, you exchanged numbers and your old friend has been messaging you nonstop. You appreciated it. Hange was always light-hearted and kind. You’re glad she found someone who appreciates her and takes care of her. So when she mentioned that there was a conflict with the invitations, you offered to fix it for her, knowing a thing or two about it. You handled project management a few times as an intern. 

There was once a time when you called her your best friend. You know that’s a title you no longer hold but either way, you were glad to talk to her again. Even if you know that in the very near future, you would have to face what it holds for you. Now that Hange is back in your life, it’s only a matter of time and you’d have to see your ex again. You lie awake at night thinking of what you’d do then. 

It was Saturday. That means no work for you after lunch, thankfully. You ground through your paper works and clients like a corporate machine all week, wanting to finish them before Saturday so you wouldn’t have to go overtime on a weekend. And after about nine cups of highly caffeinated green tea, you finally finished all your work for the week. Now free from the shackles of labor and capitalism, you slung your tote bag over your shoulder and headed out of your office and onto the elevator. 

Passing by Pixis’ office, you inform him you’re taking your leave which he cheerfully allowed, wishing you a happy weekend before you left his office. You bid him to have the same and left the building, anxious to see through the next events of the day. If this was a normal weekend, you’d be content with wasting away in bed as soon as you rushed home. 

You handled the invitations over the week, using your break time to oversee how it’s going with the printing service you trust for things like this. They generously accepted your request for a rush order, knowing who you are. 

The invitations were piled into a box on your coffee table by Friday, ready to be sent out to Hange’s guests. When you texted Hange that they were ready, she sent over her apartment’s address, telling you to personally meet her there on Saturday after work. She argues when you tell her you can just send it in the same day through an app, whining about how she wants to hang out with you. 

Hange, ever the persuasive and persistent person, got you to agree. That, and you still feel guilty for declining her invitation to her wedding. 

After you press the doorbell, you wait patiently with your left hand holding the small box of invitations. Her apartment was apparently a penthouse. An apartment in this building already costs an arm and a leg. Hange is smart and talented, one of her research must’ve been really successful. You also remembered that she was probably living with Moblit here. Ah, the wonders of having a partner in life—shared rent. Maybe you should get a roommate. 

When the door was taking too long to be answered, you shoot up a text for Hange. 

hey i’m here outside ur door ! :)) 

ok! just wAit a bit

It didn’t take Hange long to reply, easing your anxiety a little. When it takes more than a minute after she sends her text, you tilt your head in confusion. Are you at the correct address? Maybe you’re at the wrong unit. You were pretty sure you were on the right one, though. You rechecked it a few times. 

You wait a little bit more before ringing the doorbell again. You assume she’s probably grossed into something and can’t take the door at the moment. With a sigh, you wait a few more minutes, turning away from the door and deciding to scroll through your social media accounts that you barely use. 

A smile involuntarily plasters itself on your face when you see the posts of your coworkers from Trost. Warmth spreads to your chest as you see the office through the pictures, reminiscing your time there. It’s suddenly frightening, the realization that you’re alone in this huge city with no one to turn to. It’s a feeling you’re awfully familiar with, a state you’d rather not return to. 

When you feel yourself drift away to those thoughts, you pull yourself away immediately, figuring that the time you waited should be enough to press the doorbell again. 

But as you turn around to press it for the second time, the door swings open harshly in a swift motion, making you jump a little in surprise and fear as you hear an annoyed groan from a man that is most definitely not Hange coming with it. 

“For fuck’s sake. Did Hange give a woman my addre…”

The two of you froze. 

The raven-dark hair parted in the middle. The undercut. Those gray eyes and his beautiful piercing gaze. Those high cheekbones and soft cheeks. Those furrowed brows and scrunched forehead that was softly dissipated from his face when he sees you standing behind the door. Those delicate pink lips, now parted in awe and mirroring yours.

Neither of you can move like you were frozen in time. Every muscle in your body refused to move. Your brain stopped functioning and wasn't even able to conjure a coherent thought, much less a response. The only thing you could do was stare at the man you once called home. 

He still had dark under eyes but they were more prominent than before. You hate how it still suited him even if you hated how little he sleeps; they make his gaze heavier, willing you to get lost with him. A few strands of his fringe fall over his eyes. They were a little longer than what you were used to but it was still the same haircut you used to run your hand over when you were cuddling. It was a little unkempt. And even though his white shirt is a little crumpled, it still smoothly falls over his frame. It drapes from his defined shoulders to his waist until the hem of the shirt goes over the band of his gray sweatpants that hugged his legs loosely. 

He breaks the gaze spell when his eyes go over you, top to bottom. He stares at your shocked and devastated countenance, the casual but decent clothes that you changed into after work, the box in your hand, and the way your right foot has stepped further back than your left when he opened the door, ready to run away at the thought the man who opened the door was angry. 

You open your mouth to speak. You know you have to say something. Anything. Hi? Hello? How are you? Is this where Hange lives? Why the fuck do you still look so hot? 

But none of that comes out.

Why? 

Levi’s face hardens before you can speak, wiping off the bewildered eyes and replacing them with his infamous glare, silver eyes glistening with specks of anger. His mouth closes into a frown but not before scoffing at you. The scorned expression on his face shuts you right up for a second but you try and carry on.

This time, before you can speak, he slams the door shut in your face with an impact so loud it booms through your whole being enough to raise all the hair on your skin, leaving you standing there in his floor’s corridor appalled and deeply belittled.

Your startled brain is more confused than ever. As you decide to slowly process what happened and not even ten seconds after he harshly shuts his door, it swings open again, revealing the same man who not-so-gently shut it, with a hand still on the knob and the other holding something blue.

His arm outstretched towards you and you were faced with a nozzle of a familiar spray bottle. With a straight face, he sprays the fucking liquid right on your face. You immediately shut your eyes and mouth, leaning your face away from the spray. Although it’s far enough to not cover your face if you hadn’t moved, you still cringe when you feel the tiny droplets on your skin.

You lift one eye open, scared that he’s about to spray again. He puts the bottle down to his side, looking satisfied with his work. When you open both eyes, he shuts the door again, leaving you in the corridor with heightened emotions from the first time he did it paired with an itching aggravation. 

Was that a fucking Windex? 

Hold on. Windex? 

The door swings open again and he fully reveals himself without a hand on the knob like the two times before. This time he’s holding an orange cardboard box labeled Pure Baking Soda and reaches into it with his other hand. 

You shut your eyes close immediately, realizing what was happening when you remembered his words to you years ago. 

“I’d spray you with some fucking Windex, throw baking soda on your face, and kick you out.” 

The baking soda hits your face, making your nose involuntarily scrunch up because of the fistful of powder he threw at you. When you guess that he’s satisfied after successfully throwing you the promised baking soda, you blink your eyes open, finding him still standing there with a straight face. 

“Are you done?” you asked with a deadpan face, covered with baking soda.

© levisolace. please do not copy, translate, claim any of my works. my works are cross-posted only on my ao3 account. thank you.

[veryinnovative]

how would et james react to reg bringing someone home for the first time (like in the first couple months that he is living w him as clem)

I HAVE THIS WRITTEN OUT BUT IT'S SUPER ROUGH </3 also 98% dialogue bc i build fanfics around dialogue since that acts as the spine. i usually don't post shit early but im so far behind on tt that it might take a while for alien au to take up the spotlight again, especially with how January is gonna be a SUPER busy month with my exam week coming up

“You’re kidding me,” the stranger rumbles. “Don’t tell me he’s gonna be watching us.” “Don’t be ridiculous.” “I’m being ridiculous? He’s been staring at us the entire time! You’re not listening.” “What’s it with everyone and my cat? Maybe you just have to know how to behave around him,” Regulus mutters, taking off his shirt. James wants to scream because he’s undressing in front of a stranger, which he has learned is something exclusive to very close friends or intimate partners, but he’s trapped in cat form. Then, Regulus points towards the door. “Clem, out.” James meows, backing into the corner. “Come on, darling. You can’t be in here, I can’t traumatize your poor eyes like that.” “Did it just shake his fucking head, what the fuck?” the stranger almost yells. “Clem is a very smart cat.” “No fucking cat shakes its head!” “Clem, come now. Be a good boy. I’m trying to enjoy myself tonight.” James doesn’t know what that means but the implications and the stranger taking off their shirt are making him very determined to stay. 

But pretty much james hates their fucking guts. stares them down. fucking panics when they walk into regulus' bedroom and its just him almost reverting to original form and killing the dude. reg carries him out of the bedroom and in his anxiety, james accidentally scratches him, which lands him in timeout. he knows he upset reg and tries be good and sit in the corner in the hallway but absolutely loses it when he smells a strong scent of reg and the nightstand getting serious and starts clawing onto the door and crying. the dude is absolutely fucking fed up and is like 'if you let that stupid cat interrupt us one more time im fucking leaving' and reg is equally fed up and p much kicks them out of his house before tending 2 james

Regulus sighs, hair disheveled, and drops to his knees. “What’s wrong, Clem?” James makes sounds closest to that of a cat crying while pawing onto Regulus’ leg until he picks him up. Regulus makes a face but remains crouched on the ground. “You were supposed to be on time-out.” James noses the small, thin scratch on Regulus’ arm and licks it, apologetic “So you’re sorry is what you’re trying to say?” “Meow.” Regulus sighs and finally, finally takes James into his arms. Instantly, he lets out engine purrs of content, butting his head against Regulus’ jaw. Downstairs, the front door slams shut. Good riddance, James thinks. “Don’t worry, you helped me out there. He really sucked at oral, and not even in a good way.” James blinks, confused, and gives the sideways cock of his head. Regulus drops himself onto the bed, which smells too strongly of the stranger, but James tries and not focus on this too much. Instead, he buries himself in the crook of Regulus’ body, chasing after the spots where his scent is strongest, wants to live in the curve of his neck “I wish I was a cat. Life seems so easier.” Reg murmurs James agrees with this. If Regulus was a cat they’d have a nice cat life. They’d cuddle up in an Amazon box and James would groom him until he was [man idk insert more cat couple shit Or. Or, James could turn into a human.

[clumsiestgiantess]

A g/t scenario I think about late at night:

Character A thought it would be cool to complete a miniatures set as a fun side project to help de-stress.  Once they finish building it, they proudly display it on a shelf, but as the first few days of its completion go by, character A realizes that the pieces aren’t where they’d set them up before.  Day after day they check on the miniature cabin they’d made, only to find signs that it’s been lived in.  Chairs are pushed back from tables like someone sat in them, books are taken off the shelf and strewn across a coffee table, bedsheets are rumpled as if someone sat in them, there’s even little crumbs left on the kitchen counter.  

One day character A decides enough is enough and comes home early to catch whoever is messing with their miniature.  They find character B, perfectly scaled to the tiny cabin, lying comfortably on the couch.  Character B, scared and confused by character A‘s sudden appearance, darts away out the tiny back door.  Character A tries to catch character B, but they’re gone.  They wonder if what they saw was even real.  The next day they try tricking the tiny thing by coming in at yet another different time.  It works and this time they block off the back door, trapping character B.  They don’t intend to harm them, they just want to know who and what they are.

(more under cut because this is a longer one)

From here, the story can go one of two routes (I pick different ones to imagine depending on my mood)

Route 1:

Character B is a borrower.  They lost their home in the walls due to an infestation of termites (it could be whatever reason really.  They might just move into the cabin because it’s a lot better than their old house.)  Either way, character B loves life in the miniature cabin.  There’s working electricity, perfect furniture they don’t need to make for themselves, and a high vantage point with easy access to the snacks the human leaves out on their desk.  Everything seems to be working in their favor until the human comes home earlier than expected, just as character B was settling down on the couch after a good borrowing run.

Seeing the human staring down at them, they quickly rush away out the back door and down the rope cord they use to get off of the shelf.  Character B hides in the walls the whole day, scared of getting captured by the human.  As soon as the human leaves the following morning, character B rushes back into the cabin and begins cleaning up any signs they were there, packing away any of the tools and other items they have that don’t belong in the miniature.

Before they can finish, the human returns.  Character B realizes how stupid they were to come back for their things and rushes to the back door again, but this time the human stops them.  They panic and look around wildly for another exit as the human, character A, watches them in shock.  Before character A can react, character B leaps off the shelf after running through an open wall.  They hope they can land on the next shelf down, but they hit the edge instead.  Character B clings to the wood for a moment before falling all the way to the ground.  The fall should’ve killed them, but character A catches them instead.

Maybe after some reassurance from character A, B realizes that A wasn't trying to hurt them and character A lets B live in the little cabin.  Maybe character B pulls out a borrower weapon on A and manages to escape to another living space, underneath the sink.  (Character A will undoubtedly find them again later)

Route 2:

Character B is a human.  They were left an old cabin in the woods by some late relative and decided to live in it for a while like a short vacation before selling it.  They were laying on the couch after a long day of seeking out realtors when suddenly a few of the walls around them fizzle out and disappear.  Character B is left staring up at a literal giant.  They escape through the back door (the front door disappeared with the walls) and find that everything outside is normal.  After a few hours of debating what to do, character B steps tentatively back inside.  Everything is normal now.

Character B assumes what they saw was a weird hallucination caused by stress and tries to ignore it, continuing to live in the cabin.  The next day, at some obscene mid-morning hour, the walls disappear as they’re cleaning the cabin.  Again a giant looms over them and they rush to the back door to escape like they had before, but the giant blocks it with their hand.  Character B scrambles away from the hand and dashes under a table, curled up and shaking in fear.  

Meanwhile the giant, character A, stares at character B confused.  “Who are you?  How are you so small?  Why are you living in my cabin?”  Character B stares up at them from beneath the table.  Did they just say this is their cabin?  First meeting stuff ensues as both characters confusedly try to figure out what happened.  Character A realizes that B is a person like them, and the cabin has a real life counterpart somewhere in the woods in a neighboring country.  Character B realizes (similarly to A) that the giant is actually just a person, and they somehow have a scale model of the cabin they’re staying in which makes them able to access the real one.

Maybe character B decides to keep the cabin and learns more about character A, and the two can become unlikely friends.  Maybe character B doesn’t want anything to do with this and abandons the cabin, leaving the next homeowner to deal with the strange giant person.

If anyone wants to use these for a story, I’ll be happy to read it!  I doubt I’ll do anything more with these ideas other than daydream about them, anyways.

[argentrenard]

cash - for the single-word fic prompt!

It shouldn't have had to come to this point. He shouldn't be in this position.

Argent Renard was Bertrand Blandevornne this evening (of the Burgandy Blandevornnes) and he was losing every high-stakes Triple Triad game he had played. Bertrand was a noble persona he had created, a man who owned a moderate fortune, wore hand-me-down everything from an ancient house that had lost its prestige over the years, and lived in a dilapidated mansion in Ishgard. A recently created false identity, he had not used him yet in any high-profile cons, thus he was in the early stages of building the alias' history. Eventually, once he reached Bertrand's peak reputation, he most likely would pursue a large score and then be forced to burn the boarish bastard and retire his reputation up on the shelf where all his created characters went. For now Bertrand needed to appear as a somewhat bumbling noble with more money than sense.

The difficult part he had to deal with now was tonight showcased him as a bit more bumbling than intended, and he was further coming across as having a lot less sense than the norm. He'd brought a sizeable sum to the tables at the Saucer tonight, at least 4 million gil, his winnings from a recent lucrative operation. Yet, he had only about 200,000 left. His reserves should never have gotten this low, he should have stepped away as soon as he'd lost half, but he had been feeling particularly reckless this evening. It was one of those sunsets that had spurred him to risk it all. He was sure (positive, in his gut) that something special was going to happen tonight.

So he'd kept going. He'd lost, then lost again. He nursed the remains of his now watered-down whiskey, adjusting the red ascot at his neck, and looked at his cards. Sitting in his stolen and shabby Ishgardian tailored coat and vest, at least he also looked the part of a noble who had fallen on hard times. It was just a shame that the hard times were actually accurate and not at all a scam. If word spread he had been spotted losing vast quantities of money at the Saucer, that could help him appear as bait to someone he might want to entice, but actually losing all his gil wasn't usually part of the plan.

So he mused, chewed his lip, and thought about the others at the table while he waited for the hand to play out. He'd lost what, ten times now or so? The dealer was certainly flirting with him, but she wasn't giving him any advantage. The Ul'duh merchant on his left and the Limsa captain on his right all had won at least a few rounds. They kept giving him sidelong glances of pitty. That was good for 'Bertrand's' image, but it still rankled a little bit.

He must have really pissed off the Weaver this time. He grunted. At least he was used to pissing off Gods and Goddesses.

The captain, a Roegadyn woman, leaned towards him from his right, "No shame comes from heading back home when the seas look rough, friend. Your hull has taken… quite a beating!" She guffawed and gave him a glance that suggested even though she thought he was cute, he had no chance with her.

'Bertrand' laughed, a little sheepishly, as if embarrassed. Argent did not have to strain his acting skills to accomplish this, what with how his luck had actually suffered thus far.

Two hundred thousand left. It would make sense for Bertrand to step away from the table, maybe go find a date to go home with. He'd hoped to pick up the dealer, but while she was nothing but smiles and twinkling eyes for him, she gave that look to all three of her patrons this evening. He had a feeling she was as skilled as he in flattering those she talked to.

The merchant, a Lalafell gentleman with a meticulously maintained goatee, offered some advice without even looking up from his own cards, "Were I you, I would lick my wounds so I could come back for more another time. The house has practically swindled you, my friend," and he too chuckled, placing the back of his hand over his mouth as if this made laughter at Argent's expense more polite.

Why did everyone call you a 'friend' when they sought to insult you?

The noble he was tonight, however, just grinned with them, as if completely unaware he was being mocked and assumed he was in on the joke.

"Well, perhaps… perhaps you're both right but… well it's just gil, to me. I have more than I know what to do with, as my family always said!" He laughed loudly with them, an obnoxious and somewhat buffoonish laugh. Then he went on longer with the laughter, eventually making them uncomfortable so they both quieted and returned to their cards.

"Are you going to stay with me then, and keep me company a little longer, Ser Blandevornne?" the young hyur behind the counter asked him, almost batting her eyelashes.

Argent pursed his lips, and then pushed his chips across the counter. All of them. He made it look like she had won him over with her charm. In reality, he was positive this hand would be the turnaround win he needed. He still had that feeling. A tingling that something magical was about to happen. He'd be going home with a huge win, he could just feel it.

"All in!? My my, Ser, aren't you bold and brave," she sweetly said. It was all he could do not to roll his eyes. Instead, he hung his head as if he was blushing.

The cards flipped. Argent stared. It looked like this might be it. First, the merchant lost and clucked his tongue. He'd only bet a small amount this round. Then the captain lost, and she plopped her drink down with a curse. Her wager had been a bit more sizeable this time around.

Then the the final round hit and Argent was practically on the edge of his seat as…

The card flipped over and his fortune was told.

Silence met the table for the span of a few clinks in his glass as the last of the ice settled into the dregs of whiskey.

After a beat, Argent muttered, "I'll… cash out now."

The dealer, chipper no matter the circumstance, brightly said, "Very well, Ser Blandevornne! Here you go, your cash out!"

She slid one chip across the table to him. He looked at it, then looked back to her.

"Keep it," he sighed, and tossed the last chip back to her, along with a wink. He then swept up his glass (which was now mostly whiskey-flavored melted ice), and walked away from the game table.

It wasn't a good night for him, but then again, it wasn't a bad night either. He had experienced much worse, and this evening had only left him broke with no one on his arm. He glanced about at all the patrons, from those clanking around in full armor to those wearing the tiniest of bikinis, and everything in between. Perhaps he could salvage some of the night, at least.

It was only cash, after all, and he should have known it would end up this way. The House wins. The House always wins.

[minminho0]

✤------------------------------------------✤

◈The one◈

✤------------------------------------------✤

<Kazuha x Reader>

<Venti x Reader>

-Angst - Fluff

⏤͟͟͞͞ Part 1 - Anything Please

Summary: After he left you still processing that he already had a girlfriend, you decided to move on but did you really move on?

Gender: Female

Warnings: --

A/n: feel free to correct my grammar!

i suddenly had motivation after using it up all bcz of a single comment💀

I hope you enjoy~!

--

After the day you found out about his girl friend, you distance yourself from him but like did he even notice, its no use since he already distanced himself.

The new girlfriend is far more better than you.

Since Kazuha is quite adventurous himself, of course he wants a lover the same as him, so of course he'll never pick you, as his girl friend at least.

You waited for him for so long just for him to found another, its time for you to go.

You have so many failed attempts of moving on cuz each time you just unconsciously wait at the door and think about him.

You felt bad because he already have a girlfriend and your here thinking about him romantically.

You tried dating a couple of guys since your pretty popular, its quite easy but each time you keep thinking about him which clearly the dating thing isnt working.

You decided to just move away because your home just reminds you of him.

You went to Monsdant since its peacful and calm there, you never told Kazuha because why would he care? He forgot about you so its fair and besides your mom is living there so it wouldn't be that hard.

-

The next few days, you were looking for someone to sell your house and you finally found one.

You gave your keys to the seller after packing all your things.

A few weeks later you got the money from selling the house and gave half of it to your mother.

-

Kazuha's pov:

"How can she do this to me? Did i do something wrong?" I said as tears roll down my cheek.

How could she? After all ive done for her..i even left y/n because she feels uncomfortable!

How could she cheat on me...

I thought, memories w her flashing before my eyes and then suddenly she popped up.

Ha?

Y/n?

What?

Oh ya..i remember...she was the one who comforted me all that time.

She was...

She was the one.

-

Calming myself down, i immediately went to her house, hoping that we didn't drift apart that far.

I rang the doorbell and i was greeted with silence.

I rang it again and this time, someone finalky opened the door but wasn't the one i were hoping for sadly.

"Oh um hello, do you need anything?"

"Oh um- who are you?"

"Uh the owner of this house, why?"

"No youre not..."

"Pardon?"

"Sorry, where's Y/n?"

"Y/n? Idk who that is but i can reassure you, no one here is named y/n."

"Oh ok.."i mumbled, wondering what happened while he was gone.

I heard the door close which startled me.

I quickly run to places where she could possibly went but to no avail.

I searched everywhere but she was nowhere to be seen.

-

Today im going to Monsdant still thinking about where she could be.

Once i stepped foot at the land of Monsdant, i immediately went to a small village to ask people if he could rest at their place for a few hours.

While he was roaming around, he suddenly saw..

"Y/n?"i murmured, frozen at my spot.

"Ha?"

Your pov:

"Ha?" I turned around, hearing someone call my name.

'Kazuha!? What is he doing here?'you immediately truned on your heels but before you could walk off someone held your shoulder.

"Y/n?"

"Mhm?" You turned your head and cane face to face with him.

"Ive been looking for you! why didn't you tell me you went here?"

"Oh sorry i forgot" you reapeted the words he told you a long time ago.

"Im so sor-" before i can tell my apology and my love for her, i was suddenly cut off.

Anger slowly building up inside you but soon came down when you heard a familiar voice.

"Y/n~!"

"You two looked at the person, his face confuse while yours happy.

"Oh? Who might you be~?"

"Who are you?"

"I asked you first but oh well, my name is Venti! And can you please let go of my precious s/o"

"S/o!?"

"Mhm~? Is there a problem?"

"Oh-..uh no.." He slowly let go of you, cursing at himslef for doing that to you, now he was to late.

"It was nice meeting you and your boyfriend..hope you two have a nice life"

He turned his body around and slowly walked off with a heavy heart.

Kazuha's pov:

I finally found a place to rest but how can i rest when all i think about is her?

Honestly i knew about her huge crush towards me but i cant believe i ignored it and now.

*sigh*

Sitting up from the bed and pouring myself a glass of water when suddenly i saw them together..having fun.

"I was really to late ha?"

I went back at the bed and slept praying that this was just a dream.

--

*Masterlist*

Hiii!! Hope you enjoyed it~!

Thx for the sudden boost of motivation @luvnoya

Have a nice day~!

-February 28, 2023

[solarpunkaestheticweek]

How do you do solarpunk aesthetic week when you live in a tiny apartment with no outside access? I always want to participate but I feel like most stuff y'all post is geared towards people who live in houses...

Hey, thanks for sending in the ask!

We put our heads together and came up with a few ideas for you!

Grow plants indoors! You could grow a few houseplants to green up your space, or even try growing some vegetables and/or herbs indoors! I've heard people have lots of luck with basil indoors, and my freshman year of college I grew cherry tomatoes and peppers in my dorm room! Maybe check out information on semi or full-hydroponic setups? You can also propagate a lot with a few cuttings and a glass of water! If you have a balcony with your apartment, that could also be a good place to grow flowers or vegetables--depending on the season and temps where you are, it might be a bit cold to start things out there right now, but you could always start planning!

Crafting could be another fun idea! You could try your hand at mending clothes, or making your own clothes from scratch! I (Ani) am learning crochet, if you wanna join me in spirit and pick it up as well! Kala/Fennopunk (who lives in a small apartment 👀) also knows a lot about crocheting, its a pretty nice winter craft! You could also try embroidery, so you can add unique designs onto your clothes! Other options are things like knitting, sewing, leatherwork, jewelrymaking, soap making, and maybe even woodworking or soldering if that interests you!

Learning how to repair tech would be cool! Honestly, learning how to repair anything sounds super cool and is pretty solarpunk! This can also kinda go hand-in-hand with learning how to build your own things (one of my friends knows how to repair and build computers, for example). Try finding some information on something you're interested in and going wild!

Decorate your home in a way that feels Solarpunk to you! Even if you don't get it all done during the event week, I think its definitely a nice way to bring joy! Look into ways your apartment can change with the seasons, ways to keep yourself cozy and warm in winter but cool and bright during the summer! If you get started, feel free to send in progress images, we'd love to see!

Guerrilla gardening! Winter's a great time to scatter wildflower seeds (at least here in the states for me) as it gives the seeds time to acclimate to weather conditions! if you want flowers in spring, you plant seeds in winter! Maybe find a place you wanna target if you go out, think about what seeds you want to plant, and start planning? Or if you have seeds on hand already, you know what to do! Honestly, I also kinda view picking up litter as hand-in-hand with guerrilla gardening, if you've got the vibes for that at all.

Build community with your neighbors! Even if its just saying hi, or talking about what you're up to!

Maybe guerrilla art as well? Moss graffiti, spray painting, or even plastering a couple of stickers up counts as solarpunk! I will give a general warning that doing stuff seen as illegal probably shouldn't be posted online, but hey, you can participate in the week without telling us what you do!

Speaking of art! Maybe you could make art at home! Whether you use chalk, or pastels, or paint, or pencils, or if you've got a tablet you can use--find some inspiration and draw! I've seen lots of people draw solarpunk fashion ideas, solarpunk building concepts, or just general vibe art!

You could also take a crack at writing! You could write a short story, or get started on a longer project idea! You could even just write worldbuilding-type stuff, like examples of event listings or building histories you imagine a solarpunk society would have, or ideas for holidays and festivals!

Learning an instrument feels pretty solarpunk to me! I (Ani) say this as someone who has 2 guitars around and has forgotten 80% of the stuff she learned in her lessons back in high school. Just in general, picking up an old hobby you miss, or starting a new one works great for this event honestly!

You can also check out the Apartment Solarpunk tag on the Practical Solarpunk blog, it may have more ideas for you!

We hope this helps! Either way, I hope you enjoy the event week!

[all-my-writings-and-musings]

Continuing with the Falling Prompt! For those of you who are new to this, I have predone writing prompts and you can request which character to see in them next, and I'll write a short story for it following your specifications! For this one I have one here for Ne Zha, one here for Yin, and you can request the next in my inbox! Here's some Macaque for my fellow edgy monkey fans.

Falling Prompt

"Through one method or another, the reader ends up falling in the presence of a character who's secretly crushing hard, who catches them and feelings ensue."

Macaque x Reader

"While helping him move out of the Dojo, the reader finds out just how badly the building is crumbling, and the Six Eared Macaque jumps in to save them despite his mock ambivalence."

"How much of this do you really need?" you called out from the upper level, briefly setting down the pile of junk you'd gathered to stretch your poor back. A huff from below compelled you to turn around and look down to the first floor of the Dojo, where Macaque was sorting through a much heavier set of items. 

"You know, when I asked you to help me move…" he began, crossing his arms after dropping a metal beam he used for training. Though the resulting thud shook the floor, you pretended not to notice, even if it sent some worrying tremors through the weakened building. He was moving out for a reason… The pout turned more playful as he concluded, "I don't think I mentioned anything about needing life advice."

"Why are you moving anyway?" you asked, fully aware of the answer but still not too happy about it. All of the training he did had undoubtedly worn the building down, but you thought it was still salvageable, and certainly worth salvaging if he didn't have to move. "The Dojo's been your home for so long, I know you're comfortable here."

"Yeah, well… it's kind of falling apart, if you haven't noticed." he replied playfully, using his tail to point to the growing number of holes in the structure he had chosen not to patch. Your heart ached a little when you realized you didn't have a leg to stand on. The new building he'd selected was better suited to his needs, but it was a solid half hour further to walk there… Of course he'd be able to fly to you instantaneously, but if you wanted to visit him…

"It is a little rough…" you conceded, nudging a bit of broken cement with your foot. Goodness, wasn't that an understatement, the floor beneath you was cracked in multiple places. Worries as to its structural integrity were hard to process with so many emotions swirling in your chest, as well as the hope he might be convinced to stay… "But you're really sure about this new place?"

Macaque looked a touch more serious, no doubt picking up on everything you were holding back. "Why wouldn't I be?"

You bit your lip, but decided to be honest. "It's… a bit further from me."

Macaque lit up with genuine delight, which he quickly hid behind a veneer of smarmy delight, tail all but wagging at your admission of affection.

"Aww, will you miss me?" he cooed, making you roll your eyes and stand closer to the edge to give him a piece of your mind.

"Suddenly, seeing you less is a much more bearable idea!" you shouted down, fully aware the two of you were bantering as he always preferred. There was a part of him that very much appreciated your confession, but he would express that through quips as he almost always did. It was another thing you'd miss if he moved away.

"Ouch!" he replied with a hand over his heart, pretending to be wounded. "Don't worry, I promise I'll visit from time to time! One day you'll admit you can't live without your favorite mentor."

You couldn't keep from smiling, arms crossed as you looked down on him from above. "Only if you admit you need your favorite student."

Macaque shrugged and bared his fangs with a taunting smirk. "As if I need you-"

Pushed too far too many times, whatever was supporting the cement beneath you gave up completely and without warning, resulting in a slab of stone cracking free. Thrown by the force of the break, you instinctively shielded your face and curled up as you'd been taught to protect yourself. A single thought of whether or not Macaque managed to dodge was all you had time to consider before the hard ground rushed up at you.

The world righted itself with a flash of purple and a rush of wind. Finding strong arms beneath your back instead of the cold ground, you opened your eyes to see everything had stilled, your fall thwarted by a very fast moving monkey.

Macaque didn't have the time or capacity to hide the emotions furrowing his brows into an expression of worry tinged with panic. You could feel him breathing against you, as well as the secure grip of his protective arms keeping you tight against his chest. That simple fall and the speed at which you'd nearly been hurt under his watch… Macaque was terrified.

Once the fact that you were unharmed dawned on him, he coughed and averted his gaze. "Haha… need you to… say thanks for the rescue."

You were more than happy to give him the out for what was obviously too much emotion for him at once. Patting the side of his cheek, you pretended not to notice when he lit up with a fresh blush. "Thanks, Macaque."

"Now, back to you moving my stuff for free." he coughed, setting you down gently but not gracefully. Dusting some nonexistent mess off his outfit, he looked away for a moment of thought, eyes resting on the broken bit of stone that had sent you tumbling. Kicking a piece of it, he let out a soft breath and appeared to steady himself. "I'll let you… maybe stay at my new place in return, sometimes."

"Awww, you do care." you teased, turning his own joke right around on him. The Six Eared Macaque groaned in a mix of mortification and reluctant pride.

[pensat-i-fet]

Private Photoshoot (Rúben Dias x Reader)

Masterlist

Word count: 2372

** Little imagine inspired by this shoot. With a teensy bit of smut. I'm not good at writing it, but I hope you like it ❤️ **

After a month of travelling and non-stop working, the last thing you wanted was to hear about anything related to work. So when your boyfriend Rúben picked you up from the airport you could only think about getting home and cuddling with him. But he had different plans.

“Do you need anything before I go?”, he said as you fell, face first, on the sofa.

“What? You are leaving?”

“Sorry. I was supposed to do this photoshoot while you were away but it got cancelled and I need to go now. It’s just a couple of hours”.

“Ugh, don’t talk to me about photoshoots. I hate them”.

You could hear his laugh getting closer and turned your head to see him kneeling next to you before he started to play with your hair.

“So…you won’t come with me? I need my fashion expert to help me pose”.

“I wish I could, babe. But I’m literally so exhausted”.

“You sure?”, he said, trying the puppy eyes tactic. That usually works but you truly were too tired to move from the sofa. Or at least that’s what you thought.

“Sorry, babe. Leave the address of the studio written for me just in case I feel better later and I might join you there”.

“Ok!! Maybe you can pick me up. I'm going to call a taxi now instead of driving.”

"Sure", you said, closing your eyes to try and get some much needed sleep.

He wrote the address for you on one of your post-its that were everywhere in the apartment and left after giving you a quick kiss.

Annoyingly, you couldn’t fall asleep despite being extremely tired. And so you got your phone to scroll on Instagram.

Only five minutes later, you got a message from Rúben.

“Are you awake?”, it said.

“Yes, can’t sleep. How is the shoot going?”

“Well, I wanted your opinion about my outfit 😉”.

You told him to send you a photo while you got up to get a glass of water. When you opened the photo, you almost choked on your drink while taking a sip.

The last thing you were expecting was a photo of Rúben only wearing very short and very tight boxer briefs. 

Once you recovered from the shock, you started to text him back.

“I think you sent the wrong photo, but keep them coming. I’m not complaining 😏😏”.

“Not the wrong photo, my love. This is the only thing I’ll be wearing”.

Oh.

“Well, this and the same thing but in three different colours”.

It obviously wouldn’t be the first time you saw your boyfriend wearing so little, but the idea of him posing for the camera wearing just that made you forget about the exhaustion you’ve been complaining about all day.

You were the one who took his photos during the holidays and the way he was always so playful made you stop mid-photoshoot every single time. There were better things to do than take photos.

“You know, I better go there and help you”, you said.

“But I thought you were tired”.

“I’ll get over it”.

You quickly changed into something a bit more appropriate than your plane clothes and ran to the garage. The address Rúben left for you was very familiar, since you had worked at that studio multiple times and, thankfully, it wasn’t too far away from where you two lived.

Once you got to the building, you saw that the woman working at the reception was one you had met many times, so you wouldn't need to call Rúben to get anyone to let you in. This meant you could get to surprise him a bit even though he knew you were on your way.

“Oh hi! What are you doing here? I thought you’d be in Paris?”

“Hi! I just came back from there”.

“And you’re back to work already?”, she said, frowning, “can’t they give you a break?”

To that, you laughed. “No, I’m not working. But my boyfriend is doing a shoot here for Nike and I thought I could surprise him”.

“Right, I thought I recognized him from somewhere. Well, sign here and you can go see him”.

After writing down your name and thanking her, you went to the studio where Rúben was doing the photoshoot.

When you opened the door, your boyfriend was the first person you spotted. His back was to you and, as promised, he was only wearing the tiny underwear he showed you. An assistant was busy putting moisturizer on his legs and you could tell how uncomfortable he felt by the way his shoulders were tensing. She looked terrified too. Poor thing couldn't be older than 19.

“Need help with that?”, you said, startling him.

“You actually came?”, he said, turning to face you and almost hitting the poor assistant in the face with his knee. “Sorry!”

“Are you done, honey?”, you said to the assistant.

“Almost”.

“Do you want me to finish so you can take a break?”, you offered.

“Ok”, she said, giving you the pot of cream and running away.

“Jealous of another woman touching me?”, said Rúben, cocky expression on his face.

“Worried about her passing out”, you laughed. “So, where else do you need me to moisturise you? I was an assistant once too, you know? I’m an expert”.

“Mmmmm”, he said, looking at you in a way you had definitely missed this past month. “I think you should start all over if you are that good”.

“Of course you do, you perv”.

You then put a bit of the cream on your hands and rubbed them together to warm it up before grabbing one of Rúben’s arms to apply it. Once you were done, you did the same with the other and then moved to his chest and stomach. He tensed again, but in a very different way to how he had before. You remained silent the whole time and didn’t even look at him. You knew that was going to have an even bigger effect on him. He loved holding eye contact with you, especially during more intimate moments, and not being able to do it was driving him mad.

He gently grabbed your chin so you would look at him, but you only told him to turn around so you could do his back.

“Brat”, he said under his breath and you had to bite your lip to stop yourself from laughing.

“All done”, you said once you had finished.

“I think she missed a spot on my legs, baby. You should do them too”.

“Rúben!”, you said, pretending to be offended. “Wait until we get home to ask me to get on my knees”.

“Unbearable”, he said, rolling his eyes. "Absolutely unbearable".

You moved away laughing, looking for a towel so you could clean your hands from the excess product and then felt strong arms wrapping around your waist. Rúben then started to leave kisses on your neck and you just closed your eyes to enjoy being this close to him again.

“I missed you”, he whispered.

“I can tell”, you said, laughing.

You turned around and looked him up and down.

“Well, the good news is they won’t need to put any filling in the pants to make you look good”, you said with a wink before leaving to say hi to the crew.

Except for a couple of people, they were all people you had worked with and they assured you it was ok for you to stay there.

Fifteen minutes into the shoot, you could tell it wasn’t going well. Rúben was too stiff and the photographer was getting annoyed.

You tried to catch your boyfriend’s eye to give him an encouraging smile and maybe get him to relax a bit, but he just stared at the camera in the most unnatural way.

“Mr Dias, for a man that posts so many shirtless photos, you seem a bit lost today”, tried to joke the photographer.

“Sorry, I just…it feels weird to be doing this in front of so many people”.

“Don’t worry. No one cares about what you are wearing, we are used to seeing models in a lot less”.

“Less?”, he says, and that was when he looked at you. Is that jealousy or are you seeing things?

“Who takes the photos for your Instagram? Just imagine I’m them and relax”, offered the photographer.

That made Rúben look at you. “Her”.

The photographer turned to look at you. “Right, the girlfriend. Why don’t you come here and get him to pose for me, darling?"

You obliged and went to where Rúben was standing.

“Babe, you need to relax, ok? Let’s try the poses I tell you about when we do silly shoots at home. You’ll look amazing”, you said to him while massaging his shoulders to try to stop him from being so stiff.

“So you see a lot of naked men at work, huh? You forgot to tell me about that”, he said, a funny look on his face.

“I also see a lot of naked women and you never had an issue with that”.

“It’s not the same”.

“It is for me. This is a job. I don’t come here to flirt or look at anyone. I like being professional, thank you very much”.

You could tell he still wasn't very convinced. Such a silly boy.

“Besides, why would I look at anyone when I have you waiting for me at home at the end of my work day?”

That got a small smile from him.

“There, keep your smile like that. Perfect!”, you said, running to where the photographer was to tell him to start shooting.

Once they were done modelling the first two colours, it was time for the black boxer briefs. Your personal favourite.

“I feel like doing something a bit different now that he’s got the hang of it. What do you think?”, the photographer told you.

“I have the perfect pose”.

You then moved Rúben so he was sitting down on the floor. Every single muscle could be seen even more now that he was in this position. No need for photoshop with this one. 

“Ok, look down and…your hand can stay here”.

“What?”, he said, looking up at you. “It looks like I’m looking at my cock. You sure this is the pose you want?”

“It’s hot!”

“How?”

“You won’t get it”, you said. “But trust me”.

Instead of joining the photographer, you moved to the monitor to make sure you saw every photo made. You didn’t want to miss any. Taking your phone out, you filmed a quick video of the photos as they were showing up on the screen. Hot indeed.

“Stop drooling!”, laughed Claire, the stylist for the shoot.

“Can’t!”

Once the shoot was over, everyone started to pack their belongings and left one by one. Claire offered you to keep the underwear Rúben had been modelling and you didn’t doubt it once before accepting. A little idea coming to your mind.

"I'm done", said Rúben, hugging you and lifting you from the floor, making you giggle.

"Do you want to drive?", you offered, giving him the keys to the car.

"Sure".

When you got home, it was him who fell on the sofa, sighing and complaining about how tired he was.

"Get up!", you said to him, making him look at you confused.

You then took the underwear from the shoot out of your bag and showed it to him.

"It's time for part two of the photoshoot. The private photoshoot. The one only I get to see".

"Did you steal that?", he said, laughing and slowly walking towards you.

"No, but let's pretend I did. Makes the whole thing sexier".

You grabbed his hand and took him to your bedroom. After changing the lights so they wouldn't be too bright, you told him to get changed into the black boxer briefs again. When he left, you went to your underwear drawers quickly to pick your own outfit and ran to the other bathroom to get changed.

While you were almost done getting ready, you started to hear Rúben calling you.

"One second".

You made sure you looked as good as you wanted and decided to put your hair up in a messy bun so your long locks wouldn't get in the way.

On the way to the room, you grabbed your camera. No way this was going anywhere near the cloud.

"Ready?", you said looking at your boyfriend.

He looked at you hungrily and started to approach you.

"No no no. You don't get to touch the photographer yet".

"You and your games", he said, shaking his head and sitting on the bed. 

You started to take photos of him, stopping only to tell him how to move. Kissing him and touching him lightly every time you got close to him, only to leave him wanting more while you took more photos.

You then set the timer and positioned the camera so you could both be in the photo. One time, and two, and three…each time forgetting about the camera more and just getting lost in each other.

When you went to set the timer again, you could feel Ruben's hand on your lower back, getting higher until he reached the back of your bra and unclasped it.

You moved to remove it but he stopped you. "No, strip for the camera, remember?", he whispered in your ear, reminding you of the times you had told him the same thing.

He then moved to hold the camera himself, signalling with his eyes that he wanted you back in the bed to pose for him.

"For the camera or for you?", you said with a smirk.

"Same thing. And take your time like I will later".

You definitely took your time, first not facing the camera and turning slowly to allow him to take a photo of your every move.

Once the bra was on the floor, you covered yourself with your arms and looked at the man behind the camera, who had clearly enjoyed the show.

"Let me see you", he said, voice low.

"Make me!", you dared him.

[mimisempai]

If elevators could talk

Summary

Being stuck in an elevator during an argument can sometimes help smooth things over.

Notes For the Dreamling week, day 2 : stuck in an elevator

Series : The life of a retired Lord of Dreams

On AO3

Rating G - 776 words

In front of the elevator, Hob asked Dream in a worried tone, "Are you okay?"

Dream answered for the fifth time in a laconic tone, "Yes."

Since Dream had come to pick him up while Hob had stayed to work long after his classes were over. But since they'd left the teachers' room, Hob had received nothing but monosyllabic answers from his lover.

As the elevator doors closed on them, Hob insisted, "Dream, I can see you're not well."

Dream began pacing the elevator before stopping in front of Hob: "Yes, I'm not well, and it's your fault. I'm upset because once again Hob Gadling, Mr. I'm Doing Everyone a Favor, has stayed at work much later than expected."

"But how do you know that..."

Dream raised his hand to interrupt, "Stop! That's not the point. I know because I know. For example, I know that there were other colleagues who could do this replacement, but that you insisted on doing it because those colleagues had families. Doesn't that kind of contradict what you said? You know your fine words about how now that we're living together, you have a reason to come home early."

Dream crossed his arms and turned away from Hob.

Hob, who looked embarrassed because he knew Dream was right, sighed, "I know, Dream, I'm sorry, really sorry. It's just that I don't know how else to function. It's all very new to me after centuries of functioning this way. But I promise I'll try. Dream... Please look at me. I hate it when you turn away from me."

Dream turned and, seeing that Hob was sincere, sighed, "I believe you... I also know that I am in no position to judge you, but..."

Hob put his hand on Dream's arm and replied quietly, "No, I understand. I promise I'll be more considerate."

Dream nodded and was about to lean in and kiss him when the elevator made a strange noise before a shudder caused them both to stumble.

Hob almost fell forward, but Dream caught him.

"What's going on?" exclaimed Dream, annoyed.

"We got a memo that the maintenance guys might have to shut down the power to the building, but I didn't think it would be during working hours," Hob said. 

Dream replied wryly, "It's not during working hours, you know. Not to remind you what we were arguing about..."

Hob sighed, "Sorry..."

Dream realized that he was still holding Hob in his arms and, bringing his head close to Hob's, whispered, "It looks like we're going to be stuck here for a while. That's why... I think you've got the perfect opportunity to make amends."

"Oh, yeah? And how?" asked Hob in the same tone, absolutely not fooled.

"Oh, I'm sure you're capable of being creative, my dear Hob," Dream continued, a gleam of mischief in his eyes.

"Well... I wouldn't mind a little inspiration. I've already done so much work today."

Hob gasped as Dream's hands pulled him closer. Then Dream leaned in close and whispered in his ear, making Hob shiver with anticipation, "I can think of something."

"I'm open to suggestions, anything to make it up to you," Hob replied breathlessly.

Dream murmured against his mouth, "Hob..... " before closing the distance between them and kissing Hob. The kiss was rough and soft at the same time, with a taste of urgency, both of them aware of where they were, but also a taste of sweetness, because Hob really wanted to make amends. They parted to catch their breath, and it was Hob who didn't wait to press his lips against Dream's this time, pushing him against the elevator wall, pushing himself even closer.

He traced a path of kisses along Dream's jaw to his neck, kissing and biting the exposed skin.

Suddenly, the elevator started moving again and continued its descent. They parted hurriedly, looked at each other and laughed. Hob took Dream's face in his hands and kissed him again, softly, almost chastely.

"I'm sorry, and I promise I'll do my best to do what I've told you." He kissed the tip of his nose and added, "I love you."

Dream smiled and nodded, "I love you too. That's why I reacted the way I did. Thank you for understanding how I reacted. And if you forget, I'll remind you." 

Hob kissed him on the cheek one last time and replied softly, still with a little mischievous gleam in his eyes: "And I'll do anything to make it up to you."

When the elevator doors opened, they stepped out quickly, both eager to get home so they could continue what they'd started in the elevator.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝I

Dreamling Masterlist here

[squirrelwrangler]

Fic author interview - tagged by @elwing. i think the mutuals who would be have been tagged but if a follower and wants to answer this, use me as your excuse.

1- How many works do you have on AO3?

80

2- What's your total AO3 word count?

287,637

3- What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Whatcha Gonna Call It? wins by a landslide with 268 kudos, 2. Tears, 147 kudos, 3. The Brides of Death, 111 kudos, 4. Book of Hours, 91 kudos, 5. Hold Fast Ere Night Comes, 85 kudos

4- Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to reply to all of them, though sometimes I can't offer much more than a thank you.

5- What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

ooh, that might be difficult. Since one of my favorite things to write is 'death of an elf', but I always have in the back of my head that for 99% of these cases the elf in question will eventually be healed, reborn, and reunited, even if the fic ends on angst the knowledge that this isn't final lessens the angst, at least for me. But my other constant well into which I am dipping is Aegnor/Andreth, which has a less certain and far more distant proposed rebirth reunion. And Kinslaying from the Teleri perspective. In its own way, The Swanships has the most fridge-horror delayed angst ending because the fic is building up what these objects mean, their source of community and safety, and ends right before they are going to be permanently destroyed right when most needed. Of the various Tol-in-Gaurhoth fics, every single one ends on or right before the death of the focal character, so it's a tossup on which one is the angstiest. It's down to what flavor of death seems saddest, the futile hope of Pins, the anger of Filial Piety, the despair of Take Thy Brother's Hand and the mental break in Kingfisher... Or the Hithlum fics- the stuff with Mornacu is really angsty and the happy ending reunion more delayed than anybody but canon Aegnor/Andreth.

Let's take the cop-out and pick one of the Andreth fics, and tie it between The Ring and Blood on Bone for a Lover's Burial.

6- What's the fic you've written with the happiest ending?

Okay so there are pure fluff fics that I've written. They exist!

But I think in the spirit of this question, for a single fic, it has to be Release from Bondage because the final chapters are all about how the horror of Angband is defeated and the main couple admit their feelings and get to now live in freedom and paradise. With the coda of Our Lady of Canine Compassion because what is happier than an abused dog warg also getting reborn and adopted into a happy home as a pampered toy dog named Cuddles

7- Do you write crossovers?

....YES and no. Fusions. feels like 50% of the time the fic is that variation of a crossover where the characters and/or plot or even just small details are directly inspired to the point of an AU, but these are never pure crossovers of canon interactions.

8- Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Got into an argument in the comments of one fic but never hate. At least not for the fics themselves.

9- Do you write smut?

Tiptoe around it and some very light smut in the finale for Release from Bondage. One day I'll copy over the smutty paragraphs to Ao3.

Then there's everything with "Cold/Baby Shower". Which never gets fully explicit but is overloaded with D/s vibes and is basically a porn with plot fic that censor blurs the actual porn. And Baby Shower is the "millisecond post-climax" fic.

10- Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of.

11- Have you ever had a fic translated?

Twice by the same person I think. Howl and Whatcha Gonna Call It? were both translated into Russian for two collections or challenges.

12- Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No

13- What's your all-time favorite ship?

Well, discounting original characters, looking at my fics it should be obvious that in canon it's Aegnor/Andreth, with some Theon/Jeyne

14- What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will?

I tell myself that I'll finish or get to all the fics. For a long time Warpath home was one I wasn't sure about but now that I know how I want to expand out Faron's angle and tie into the Author Findis, it has a better chance.

OII is the one that I scream at myself for lost inspiration/drive to write and the one that will be most stubborn about because of the scope - esp because the parts I want to write about and the parts that need to be written/that readers want don't always align.

15- What are your writing strengths?

I think when I nail my descriptive prose it reals sells itself. And I usually find writing both action and dialogue to be easy.

16- What are your writing weaknesses?

It's hard for me to plot out and write multi-chaptered fic and commit to finishing those in a reasonable time frame. My sentence structures can get convoluted and dropping articles for clauses, some of which is reflective of my manner of speech which in itself is partially dependent on dialect - I know some features would be damn obvious if I was reading what I wrote out-loud and y'all heard that Texan drawl. Also my character voices and personalities aren't as distinctive as someone to whom that was their strength would be.

17- What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

I dislike it if it's more than a phrase or two and if it's more than a sentence I start to dislike it, because it makes reading comprehension extremely difficult on the readers and ruins the flow. And the POV- if the character understands the second language they would be at least partially translating and if they don't they wouldn't discern the words. Better to describe the dialogue than transcribe it untranslated in the body of a fic. Written text in-universe I give more leeway. Authors' notes are an excellent place to put the untranslated text.

18- What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Fanfic? Tolkien

19- What's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to?

ASoIaF proper maybe, or Star Wars. Not just a fusion. Well, the ASoIaF would just be writing out that silly modern AU or maybe the Selyse constantly trying to assassinate Robert.

20- What's your favorite fic you've written?

uuuuh. Let's got with In Need of a Cold Shower.

[urscreendoor]

001 - two different places

"i think i get it now. "

that's what i tell myself at the moment because what else could i say? i didn't get it when the signs were obviously there when you let me down the best possible way anyone could. i could comprehend what was happening, but i couldn't find a reason why. i think i get it now.

the possibility of us feeling better, looking better, and being deserving of a better life was all i could think about for the both of us. i understood why it had to happen. it was crystal clear - everything was falling apart in multiple aspects of my life. from the cold responses, that cold shoulder you feel when someone doesn't want to speak with you.

i think i get it now.

you told me that it wasn't the time for us and that you wanted to be friends. you must've known how i felt. especially after i drunkly proposed my love to you, or when it slipped out of my mouth when we were laying down next to each other. i tried to conceal it, but i think we both knew. you knew how i felt. that’s why it must've been the hardest thing you had to do for yourself, your healing, and well-being. although i have a ton of questions,

i think i get it now.

i was never one to look at your location. why should i? we were always communicating. i remember when we shared plans, and sometimes our plans would intertwine. you'd bring me over to gatherings to meet your friends, let alone your parents. that meant the world to me. i would have a show or go out with friends and we would eventually greet each other like two people who obviously are crushing on one another.

but maybe thats all it was - a crush. those tend to fade fast or stay a longer, lingering. i would never look at your location. it was towards the end when i picked up that habit. i hate myself for it because even now i wonder what you're doing, who you're with, what the conversation of topic is, what you're doing out on a weekday. i need to stop. i shouldn't think that way, but it doesn't make it less true its all happening.

i think i get it now

you're living your best life and i remember encouraging it. you're dancing with your friends, traveling to new territories, planning on getting healthier, expanding your opportunities, meeting new people. because that's the part that scares me. you might find someone that is better than me in more ways than one, a constant pattern. there's always someone and something better. i don't blame you - we all want better, we all deserve better.

thats what you want and thats what you deserve. you're on your way making a life for yourself when i have to build my life back up. i tried revisiting my old life the moment we called it quits only to realize i left it behind for a reason. the clubbing, constant smoking, everybody around you trying to make some sort of statement that could only boast ones ego. this is not my life anymore, where am i? a lesson i learned a long time ago - two people in two different places can't exist in the same place. i understood, but i was stubborn back then and got burned. i can't let that happen again.

i think i get it now.

what we had was special. i don't think i'll hear that from you, but it doesn't make it any less true. what can i do now? what can i say now that hasn't been said? there's a ton of unanswered questions, but maybe they don't need to be answered right away. maybe they'll reveal themselves with time. until then, i'll start becoming a background in your life, and maybe you'll fade into mine. perhaps you become the poster on my wall like a 16 year old has of timeless models. or maybe we'll have each others baby photos put away in a little box.

perhaps at this moment i have to make a home for myself so you wont be the only one. i know this is what you wanted. "i could see you being the best," or something along those lines where the words you said when i brought up my aspirations. with these mixed emotions and the struggle of finding a middle ground, you still inspire me to do better. don't worry, i will.

maybe we'll have coffee one day and everything will fall into place and we live happily, or maybe we'll just have coffee one day.

i think i understand.

[anxiety-thyme]

First Friday fic night is here again!

For a refresher you can see what this is about here. Last month was Snow White With the Red Hair .

In last month's poll you degenerates voted for Real Slow Burn - 100k words or more. I should've known. Since we are focused on fic type we are going to hit a few different fandoms.

Voting for next month's topic at the end!

I had a couple of requirements for myself when choosing fics this month otherwise I wouldn't have known where to start and the list would be too long. It's already really long tbh.

The 100K word count had to be for the single fic - not for a series.

The wordcount had to actually be above 100k. No cheating with those 98K fics.

The ship had to be a main part of the story, not an afterthought.

No more than two fics per fandom.

I have to have read it more than once. <- I'm aware of what this says about me. I'm the degenerate actually.

If you've read some of the fics I've posted previously you might have picked up on the very specific vibe in most of what I recommend. Yes, I am just now realizing it and no I don't want to talk about it. Yes maybe a hug wouldn't hurt. We actually have a few that won't leave you emotionally damaged this month!

I thought I'd start with some fandoms we haven't hit yet. As always mind the tags. There is definitely smut.

My Hero Academia

Pairing: Todoroki/Bakugou I'll admit, I was unsure whether to include any MHA since the fandom can be A. Lot. especially when ships are involved. That said, I live in my own little corner of the internet and there are some phenomenal writers hidden away if you go look for it.

The lights are all out (its a big big city), by shaekspeares

"Izuku leaves for America for six months; Shouto fights his way into the Top 5 Hero Rank, takes out Godzilla, reconnects with a criminal, adopts a cat, and has several belated emotional crises (not necessarily in that order). He might also be in love with Bakugou, but that's another problem altogether.

Izuku probably shouldn't leave him to his own devices anymore."

I enjoy everything shaekspeares writes in the fandom. Their prose is beautiful and their work feels fully rested within the universe while telling compelling and emotional stories.

Candy Canes and Christmas Crackers, by bigdorkenergy

“So….your huge family somehow all think that you have a long term boyfriend and are insisting that you bring him to your week long Christmas family reunion?” Despite his efforts the end of his question raised in pitch as Kirishma swallowed down a giggle.

“How does that even happen?” Kaminari added popping some of the hashbrowns Bakugou made into his mouth.

_

OR your classic holiday romcom where Bakugou needs a fake boyfriend to bring home for Christmas and Todoroki is willing to take that bullet."

I'm not big on Christmas fics. Not for any particular reason I don't think? But, I am a big sucker for fake dating fics. This is adorable and so pure as these two do the whole friends to lovers thing.

Okay. Are you ready for this?

BBC Sherlock

(I know, right?? What is this 2012??)

Pairing: Sherlock/Watson

Performance In a Leading Role, by Mad_Lori

"Sherlock Holmes is an Oscar winner in the midst of a career slump. John Watson is an Everyman actor trapped in the rom-com ghetto. When they are cast as a gay couple in a new independent drama, will they surprise each other? Will their on-screen romance make its way into the real world?"

I know I've said this a few times, but I don't read a lot of true AUs but of course there are always exceptions. This is done so well that I don't think you have to be in the fandom or know anything about the characters at all and you would still enjoy it. The slow build from distain to love is really well done.

Community

Paring: Annie/Jeff (don't @me) I know Community isn't everyone's thing but there is some great fic out there just sayin'

It's Always Open Season on Princesses, Elsiesnuffin

"Annie is given the opportunity to do some travelling over the summer after her second year at Greendale."

This is very Roman Holiday-esque. It's a fun romp through Italy while Jeff figures his shit out. Jeff figuring his shit out is my bias. Also, is that a fanfiction.net link I see? 👀

Attack on Titan

pairing: Erwin/Levi

Small Mercies, by Calacreda

"Levi misses Erwin in the margin between sleeping and waking. He thinks about Erwin when he steps out of a hot bath into cold air. He imagines Erwin’s new life, his new vocation, his new family, when the seasons change, or when he blows the candles out, or now, as the sun sets. The only space he does so is a space of a threshold. It does not feel good or bad. It does not feel happy or sad. Levi realises now, however, that this is not the same as it feeling nothing."

Six years after the War ends and they part ways, Levi finds himself at Erwin's door again."

I cannot express how beautiful this is. I've read it so many times and I still cry each time. Levi feels so raw and real as someone who has never really known family and doesn't have the words to put to what he wants and how he feels.

Tiny Anthem, by onthearrow

"Levi swore to Erwin he would kill the Beast Titan. But how can he follow such an order when it's Erwin himself he pulls from its nape?"

Okay, imagine that you have spent years recovering from the grief of losing someone you loved, healing from a toxic relationship, learning to be comfortable in your skin, taking on a role you never asked for and fighting to create a space for yourself in the world. Got it? Now imagine the person you were grieving turns out to not be dead. And also, they don't know who you are. Oh and they have been brainwashed by the enemy. That feels good, right?

I am embarrassed by how many times I've read this. Every time a new chapter came out I would start from the beginning again. I finally promised myself 5 chapters ago that I wasn't allowed to start all over from the beginning until the final chapter comes out. It should be soooon.

Teen Wolf

pairing: Stiles/Derek

Home, by TheTypeWriterGirl

"January seventh. Seven days since the start of 2015, and seven days since his father’s death.

The bastard, he thinks bitterly. The past year Derek Hale had made it blatantly obvious that he hated his scrawny guts, taking every given opportunity to shove him up against a wall, growl threats in his ears and roll his eyes whenever he stepped into the room, muttering some snide comment about how spastic or idiotic he was.

So why did he fucking volunteer to take him in?"

Here is the thing. Not only is this fantastic, but the companion piece that is about Derek and Stiles' parents is also good. I didn't think I'd be able to read a fic about parents who are almost non-existent in the show without the characters from the show in it. I did here and I couldn't put it down.

The Hollow Moon, by thepsychicclam

"It's the summer after Stiles' first year of college, and he's working a crappy job and dealing with nightmares and anxiety - but he's okay, he swears. He makes it through most days without too much trouble. Then, a certain werewolf comes back into town. Which Stiles doesn't care about, nope, not at all.

After two and a half years, Derek returns to Beacon Hills with his small Pack. Though he tried to move on, something just kept drawing him back to Beacon Hills, he's just not sure what. Now, he figures he can start building something like a life - but he keeps getting distracted by Stiles Stilinski of all people."

I know this makes me awful but I'm a sucker for post Nogitsune Stiles. Nightmares? Yes. Disassociation from reality? Bring it. Add in a dash of Derek recognizing what he's going through and I'm there.

There are two fandoms missing that I would have loved to include however:

Snow White With the Red Hair: There are only 2 100+ Obiyuki fics on AO3 so they didn't feel in the spirit of this month's recommendations.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Let's be real most of what I have bookmarked is just straight up porn and not terribly long. That said, there is one really good story that I love but when I went back and looked at the word count turns out it is only like 50K words?

Tell me how much you like them on a scale of Abba to shoulder cat!

Do you like looking at fics by themes or do you prefer by fandom? Let me know.