#Its like toothpaste with a hint of chocolate

[thewintersbloom]

we can't be friends | theo nott (f)

𖹭 pairing : theodore nott x gryffindor fem!reader

𖹭 summary : everyone knows about your crush on theo, but does he?

𖹭 warnings : none, slight angst, pining, fluff.

𖹭 word count : 3.7k

𖹭 a/n : hello everyone! thank you for all the love you all have been giving to my fics, thank you, i love you all so much. ♥️ im back with a new fic and im very excited to share it with you all. happy reading, do like, reblog and leave your precious feedback. 🥰

The flapping of wings on your window wakes you up from the brief slumber you had fallen into while reading. Wondering who is writing to you on a weekend, you unfasten the latch and immediately recognize the large eagle owl of Draco Malfoy, perched on your windowsill, a letter between his pointed beak. Carefully, you extract the letter from the owl and gently stroke its head to which he lets out a happy chirp and then flies away.

Walking back into your living room as the late afternoon sun filters in your apartment, you carefully break the Malfoy family seal and pull out the folded letter from the luxurious golden envelope.

“Mr Draco Malfoy and Mrs Hermione Granger Malfoy request the pleasure of your company at their annual New Year's bash on New Year's eve with an evening of love, laughter, cocktails, good food, dancing and ringing in the brand new year with friends, old and new, by your side.”

Venue : Malfoy Mansion.

Date and Time : 31st December, 7pm.

After the Battle Of Hogwarts, you all had reached out to each other, mending frayed bonds, strengthening old friendships and forming new ones. Not only this gave you all the idea to celebrate holidays together but also brought Draco and Hermione closer, which eventually blossomed into love and two years back, Draco had proposed to her in France while on their vacation, the love birds had gotten married a month later and they've blissfully happy, married and in love ever since. You haven't been able to attend any of their parties despite receiving invitations for Christmas and New Year's every year since you are celebrating with your family, but with your parents on a vacation to Miami this year (which is your gift to them on their wedding anniversary) you'll finally be able to.

As much as the prospect of seeing your friends again after so long has your heart soaring, it also drops when you realize that he will be there, the one who has had your heart since your fourth year at Hogwarts and never gave it back, Theodore Nott.

All these years you had tried to convince yourself that your feelings for Theo was just a sweet little crush that you never got over but Hermione would say otherwise, you can almost hear your best friend saying, “It's not a crush when you're looking at him with those moony eyes like he's your entire world! And not to mention, you smelled him when we brewed up amortentia, the most powerful love potion to ever exist! It's love, you're in love with Theo.” And you know she's right.

That day in Professor Slughorn's class when you and Hermione brewed up amortentia for the class assignment, the potion was absolute perfection with its distinctive mother of pearl sheen and steam rising from it in characteristic spirals, the professor had awarded 20 points to Gryffindor but you weren't expecting your best friend to smell Draco's scent ~ sandalwood, amber with hints of bergamot along with freshly mowed grass, new parchment and spearmint toothpaste.

The spiral curls of steam waft over you and you smell dark chocolate, coffee, petrichor and musk, violets with hints of citrus ~ Theodore's scent. Heart hammering in your chest, you look at the slytherin boy who's working on his potion across the classroom while his girlfriend, Pansy Parkinson has herself wrapped around him, barely paying attention to the class. As if sensing your gaze on him, Theo looks up and your eyes lock with his hazel eyes as the world around you falls silent, the only sound being the thud of your heart in your ears but then he looks back to the brewing concoction that is almost ready and is an absolute perfection like yours and Hermione's, Professor Slughorn awards 20 points to Slytherin, very impressed by his sharp wit and potion making skills.

You are in a changing room of one of the clothing stores in Diagon Alley, trying on outfits in hopes of finding that perfect dress for the New Year's bash. You'll be attending the celebration for the very first time, might as well leave everyone gobsmacked.

“So, what if this bloke shows up with his girlfriend at the party? You know the mean one who was with him back then?” Lenore, your friend and colleague from St Mungo's where you both work as healers says as she flicks her wand to send the next dress inside, it lands right in your hands and you sigh as you start changing into it, sending the previous dress out to your friend with a flick of your wand.

“You really think they'll still be together?” You ask, your mind drifting back to Pansy Parkinson.

“Who knows? A lot has happened since then.” Lenore replies.

Everyone knew about your crush on Theodore, yes, it was and still is that obvious, including her which is why she didn't let go of a single opportunity to show him off, she was practically glued to his side, holding hands, snogging in the hallways, all the while her eyes would be on you, shining with malice, daring you to make a move on her boyfriend and she'll make your life at Hogwarts a living hell. Which is why you've always maintained a safe distance from Theodore, no matter how much your heart yearned for him and your mind made up soft romantic scenarios while you lay in your bed in your dorm room at night.

Like that one time when you, Hermione and Parvati were on your way to Professor McGonagall's transfiguration class, discussing about the homework she had given in her last class when you see Theo and Pansy talking in the corridor, her back against the wall while he stands facing her. Theo's eyes meet yours again and your breath catches as everything around you is plunged into oblivion and your heart feels as if it would beat out of your chest.

Livid with jealousy and anger, Pansy who very clearly witnessed it all, pulls Theo in for a kiss by the front of his robes and smiles mockingly at you as you walk past them, averting your gaze.

“Ugh. What does he even see in her?” Hermione speaks in utter annoyance.

“Maybe she's a good snogger.” Parvati replies then giggles when she sees the faces you and Hermione make, “But have you seen the way he looks at you?” She asks as the three of you reach the transfiguration classroom.

“What are you talking about? It was just a glance, nothing more.”

“No it wasn't, earlier this week I saw him looking at you during Defence Against Dark Arts and the day before yesterday, during Quidditch practice when you were talking to Harry.”

“Parvati..” You sigh.

“I swear he was!” Parvati says as she sits down beside Ginny, Hermione goes to take a seat with Harry and Ron and you make your way to an empty seat in the middle. The seats are filling up fast as it will be a joint transfiguration class for Gryffindor and Slytherin. You are taking out your books from your bag when Theo enters, his eyes looking for an available seat and finding one right next to you, he starts walking towards you.

Your heart starts beating a mile per minute as butterflies take flight in your stomach, you know what you have to do. Steeling yourself, you pack your things back in your book bag and stand up to look for another vacant seat, there's one next to Neville and he being the sweetest soul, immediately offers it to you.

Your eyes briefly meet Theo’s again and it seems like he wants to say something, his hand almost reaching out to stop you but decides against it when he notices the unshed tears in your eyes and you walk away from him.

I don't wanna tiptoe, but I don't wanna hide.

But I don't wanna feed this monstrous fire.

You thank Neville as you take a seat next to him, Pansy makes a beeline for the seat next to Theo just as Professor McGonagall walks in.

“Hey, you're okay?” Neville asks gently as everyone submits their homework and you nod with a smile even though you aren't, even though your heart is breaking into a million little pieces inside.

When the class ends, Pansy holding his hand, pulls him along with her. Theo looks back, his hazel eyes lingering on you as you begin packing your bag but you aren't oblivious to his gaze.

Just wanna let this story die,

And I'll be alright..

So, you endure the heartache and force your feelings for Theo to take a backseat, diving headfirst into studies and Quidditch until all of your lives were changed forever and were never the same again.

You snap back into the present when you hear Lenore gasp and run off to somewhere in the store, she returns a few seconds later, sending a dress your way.

“I just saw this on the rack and it was calling out to me, the dress has your name written all over it, try it on!”

When you turn to observe yourself in the mirror after putting on the dress, you make a mental note to thank Lenore for picking out the perfect one by treating her to lunch after this. The dress is long, in black silk with a sexy thigh high slit and long ruffle sleeves, the dress beautifully accentuates your curves and you just have the perfect jewelry and matching stilettos to pair it with.

You walk out of the changing room like you are walking on the runway and then strike a pose with a cute hair flip while Lenore claps in pure delight.

“Oh Merlin! That dress looks absolutely gorgeous on you, darling! Theo won't be able to keep his eyes off you.”

You slowly shook your head, “He might be attending with Pansy, the girl he was with back then or with his girlfriend, or his fiancee, or his wife ~ you are right, it's been years and a lot has happened since then, so I'm not getting my hopes up. I just want to have a great night with my friends and ring in the new year with them.”

If only you knew your life won't ever be the same after that night.

The moment you walked in, you were swept in by your friends, some of whom you haven't seen in the last few years, like the Patil Twins, Parvati and Padma, Ginny Weasly, Neville Longbottom and you even spot The Boy Who Lived with the love of his life Luna Lovegood, both of them wave at you from the other side of the room and you wave back, hugs are exchanged amidst tears of joy as each one of you holds the other a little tighter.

Hermione greets you with a tight, warm hug, both of your eyes glistening with tears as you hold onto each other a little longer while Draco watches his wife with a soft, lovestruck smile on his face and then greets you with a hug too.

“It's so good to see you! I've missed you so much, I know we've been exchanging letters but it just doesn't feel the same.” Hermione speaks, clasping your hands in hers, gently.

“I know, I've missed you all so much too! I'm glad we all reached out to each other after the battle, a lot has changed over the past few years but our friendships haven't.” You reply, smiling, holding onto your best friend's hands.

“I agree, I wouldn't have realized my feelings for Hermione otherwise.” Draco adds, looking at his wife with so much love and adoration that your heart melts into a puddle.

“That's true, but I think we were meant to be darling.” Hermione looks at him, smiling and you realize that she too looks at him the way he looks at her, her brown eyes full of love and adoration.

“We are, my love.”

They share a soft kiss and you politely look away, your friends found happiness, love and togetherness with each other and you couldn't be more happy for them.

“By the way, Theo is here.” Hermione says and at the mention of his name, your heart starts picking up its pace. “If you want to talk to him, it's the perfect opportunity.”

“Mione, it's been years. I'm so over him.” You try but to no avail, your best friend can see right through you.

“Uh huh, sure. You've fancied him for how long now?”

“Since our fourth year at Hogwarts.”

“And how many serious relationships have you been in until then?”

“Um, none.”

“I thought so. There's years worth of kindling underneath that fire you've both got burning for each other.”

“Hold on, hold on, both?”

Draco and Hermione look at each other wide eyed as if they've revealed a secret that wasn't theirs before Draco keeps a gentle, friendly hand on your shoulder.

“It's not our place to tell, but you should talk to Theo.” He says, smiling warmly and Hermione engulfs you in another hug before the couple moves to greet the rest of their guests.

Before you can think about anything else, Parvati pulls you onto the dance floor where Luna, Ginny, Padma join in. You sing, dance and laugh with your friends, happiness and nostalgia of your Hogwarts days of attending balls, competitions and parties washes over you, making you realize how much you've missed this, your friends, your school.

The squeals you all let out collectively when Luna holds up her hand with the beautiful diamond on her ring finger.

All that dancing and singing has left you parched so you navigate your way to the bar while the rest of your friends make themselves comfortable on the loungers.

You place your order at the bar and take a seat, on the dance floor, Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott slow dance in each other's arms as the music changes, their faces touching, their lips inches apart as Neville bridges the distance and they share a soft kiss. You smile and turn your attention back to the bar, wondering when they start dating but you are happy for them.

Someone else claims the open spot next to you, the whiff of their perfume has your heart rattling in your chest. Musk, violets with hints of citrus, it's as if you're back in that potions classroom, all those years ago brewing Amortentia and across the classroom, your eyes meet– is it really him? Theodore? Hermione and Draco did say that he's here tonight.

Just like all those years back, the whole world plummets into silence as your eyes meet Theodore's, it's just him and you now. The beautiful hues from the fairy lights illuminate his handsome features, his gorgeous hazel eyes reminding you of a clear autumn sky, like pools of liquid gold, green and brown, his dark brown hair falls in soft waves across his forehead and you wonder what it would be like to run your fingers through them, you wonder what it would be like to feel his soft, kissable lips against yours.

“Hey..” Theo smiles.

“Hey..” You smile too.

“How are you? It's been forever since we last saw each other.” He asks, stepping closer to you and thanks the barman as the latter places his drink on the table.

“I'm good, how are you? Yeah, it has been.” You reply as the proximity between you and Theo makes your heart race.

“I'm good too and I'm so glad you're here tonight. All of us have been celebrating the holidays with Draco and Hermione and each other but we've all been missing you. I join in the celebrations every year hoping I'll run into you..”

He joins in the celebrations hoping he'll run into you? Wait.. is he saying that he's been waiting to meet you all these years? What about Pansy? Is she not here with him? She was practically super glued to him all the time. Guess he isn't here with someone tonight otherwise they would've been here by his side and Hermione didn't mention him bringing a date either.

You are quiet as thoughts race around in your head and Theo, understanding your silence, speaks further, “Should we head outside to get some fresh air?”

“Sure, fresh air sounds good.” You smile and thank the barman who places your drink on the counter, picking up your drinks, you both make your way outside. Hermione winks, catching your eye and you roll your eyes, smiling.

The party rages on inside and while you immensely enjoyed catching up with your friends and having the time of your life, it feels nice to take a break as you both walked into the gardens of the manor, the sweet scent of roses perfuming the air, the sky is a mesmerizing shade of inky blue and the cold crisp air makes you shiver, you should've brought your coat along. Theo being the gentleman that he is, unbuttons his coat right away and wraps it around your shoulders, you thank him, grateful for the warmth and slip your arms through it. His scent envelops you like a hug and you pull the coat tighter against yourself for the cold and for the fact that you want to drown in his scent.

You and Theodore sit down on a bench, clink your glasses together and take a sip of your drinks, watching the stars twinkle. The peacefulness of the night washes over you and the silence between you two is comforting, your hands rest close together on the bench and every time your hands brush each other's, the tips of Theo's ears turn pink while butterflies flutter in your stomach.

“So, how's life treating you?” Theo smiles, keeping his now empty glass aside.

“It's going good. I've always wanted to be a healer so I knew I'll be working at St Mungo's, got a cozy little place and my cat, Coco.” You reply, taking a last sip of your wine. “What about you?”

“Considering the lasting impact that the battle had on my life, I think it's going well. I'm working in the Ministry Of Magic as an auror, my parents always thought that there was no need for me, their only child to work, our wealth can feed generations but the battle changed me in more ways than one and I'm really liking the change.”

“That's great Theo, I'm sure your parents are proud of you.”

“I hope so.”

You both share a smile and then look up at the stars again, enjoying the calm, easy conversation between you and him.

“Also, I meant it when I said that I've been attending Christmas and New Year's celebrations in hopes of running into you.” He speaks, taking a deep breath.

Your heart beats a mile per minute and you wring your hands in your lap, not looking up to meet his eyes.

“I know what you're thinking. Pansy and I, we broke up years ago. After the battle, we both realized that we aren't meant for each other and it wouldn't have been fair to her, when I have someone else in my heart.”

Finally, you look up at him, the corner of your eyes lining with unshed tears as they meet his dark auburn hues.

“Theo..”

“There's something that I've been wanting to tell you for a long time. You remember Professor Slughorn's class where we brewed Amortentia? I was sure I would smell Pansy's scent but instead I smelled roses, vanilla with hints of raspberry.”

Your heart pounds in your chest and your breath hitches. It's your scent.

“It's familiar, very familiar, until I realized it was you. My heart would skip a beat everytime our eyes met, my heart would skip a beat everytime our hands brushed during potions and spells, I eagerly waited for our classes with Gryffindor, my eyes would only search for you in corridors, in quidditch practices, in a room full of people and there were so many times where I wanted to tell you how I feel but it's as if the time was never right, then the battle happened and all our lives were changed forever. If I don't tell you how I feel tonight, I might never have the chance to do so.”

Theo looks into your eyes, holding both your hands in his, “I love you, I am in love with you, my heart beats for you and I can't imagine my life without you.”

Tears pool your eyes at his beautiful declaration of love, the ache in your heart subsides, he loves you like you love him and you take a deep breath, ready to bare your heart to him.

“When Hermione and I brewed up Amortentia, I smelled musk, violets with hints of citrus, your scent Theo and deep down in my heart, I knew I would. My heart would skip a beat everytime our eyes met too, my eyes would only search for you in corridors, in a room full of people, in quidditch practices even if I get hit by a bludger while doing so.”

You both laugh, “I almost got hit once while looking at you.” He confesses shyly as he tucks a lock of hair behind your ear.

“I love you too, Theo. I am in love with you, my heart is, and always will be, yours.”

“You are so beautiful, Cara Mia.” Theo cups your face, his thumb gently caressing your cheek and you close your eyes, giving into the warmth of his touch.

You both look into each other's eyes for a while, before leaning in. When your lips touch, it's as if the world spun backwards on its axis, the kiss starts off slow, sweet and full of promises but switches to passionate when Theo’s arms wrap around your waist, pulling you closer and you melt into him, one of your arms loop around his shoulders while the other cups his face. You both part with a sigh, resting your foreheads on each other as you hold each other in your arms.

“I love you Theo.”

“I love you more, Amore Mio.”

“I would love to meet Coco sometime.” Theo says as you both make your way inside, your hands entwined together.

“She would love you.” You smile, pressing a kiss to his lips, “How about we go to my place after the party and cuddle up with some hot chocolate and hallmark christmas movies?”

“Would love to, principessa.” Theo smiles before leaning in to kiss you again.

[finelinevogue]

the warmest bed

summary - your bed is the warmest harry’s ever stayed in

warnings: negative past relationships, swearing, inspo

word count: 1k

“Y/N?”

You shuffled up the stairs, turning of the hallway light with the spare hand that wasn’t juggling a cup of tea.

“Yeah?” You called back to Harry, who you knew was already in bed waiting for your daily bedtime cuddle together.

“Did I turn the heating off?”

“Yeah, H. Y’did.”

Walking upstairs and into your bedroom, Harry had his pyjamas on over his white wife-beater shirt and boxers. They matched yours identically. Yes, you were that couple. He was all snuggled into the cotton sheets and feathered duvet, ready for a long sleep after a busy day.

Only after a cuddle or two, though.

“What?” You giggled, wondering why he was being so bashful.

“What?” You giggled, wondering why he was being so bashful.

“Just excited to have you sleeping next to me.” He pulled back the duvet to allow you to slip in next to him, not wasting any time to draw himself closer towards you.

He smelt like home. His nighttime routine meant that his face smelt freshly washed and his breathe slightly minty from the toothpaste. His hair was slightly greasy, but that was nothing a morning shower together wouldn’t fix. He was gorgeous under the soft night-light glow, his face slightly dewy from the products he used.

“Really?”

“You might as well break up with me if I wasn’t excited. Nights with you are my favourite, Y/N.” He smiled, slinking his arm around your waist to pull you closer towards him again. Your hand went straight up to his hair, threading your fingers through the brown locks and massaging away the stress of the day.

“Tell me more.” You spoke softly to him, not needing to fill the room with your voice when he was so close to you.

“The only way to describe how I feel when you’re here, is this is the warmest bed i’ve ever slept in.”

His eyes caught yours and you could tell there was a hint of sadness behind those pretty eyes of wonder. You furrowed your eyebrows thinking about him being even slightly sad, because if you could you’d keep him in a bubble of happiness forever.

Leaning in, by not very much, you used the grasp on his hair to pull him closer towards you and meet your lips. You watched his eyes follow the movements of your lips, before closing his eyes when you closed yours. You pushed your lips onto his, hoping he could sense how much you loved him just by the simple gesture. It was only a little kiss, but it was filled with as much passion and love as any other.

When you pulled back, Harry’s cheeks had gone slightly rosy and a little ringlet of hair had fallen to his eyes. After moving the hair back into its place, you moved back so you weren’t completely breathing in each other.

“What was that for, hm?” He asked, looking at your lips to see that he’d left them beautifully tinted.

“I can tell when you’re sad. Your big soft eyes give you away.” You smiled at him kindly.

“Y’always tell me that.” He smiled back.

“Some people wear their hearts on their sleeve, whereas you wear yours in your eyes.”

Harry’s eyes smiled at yours, sparkling with so much love. His eyes often twinkled like a beautiful night sky when he was extra, deeply, in love with you and this was one of those times. Other times had been when he’d first met you at your local chippy, or when you gave his nephew your chocolate chip cookie even though you’d been looking forward to it all day, and especially when you’d met him at the end of the aisle.

“Now you don’t look so sad.” You took note of his eyes looking happier.

“That’s because now i’m thinking of you.” He chuckled like a 14 year old girl having a crush.

“And who were you thinking of before?”

Harry didn’t need to verbally answer because his eyes did all the talking. The way they down casted to look at the space between you both and his lips slightly frowned, made you realise he was thinking of his ex-girlfriend. The woman who tainted his heart to profit off of his fame. The ex-girlfriend that broke him so dearly that you were afraid to be the one to fix his heart.

“She doesn’t deserve a second thought from you, H. Or anyone, for that matter.” You told him, knowing sometimes he just needed some reassurance.

“I know. I’m not sad because of what she did or who she was. I get sad thinking about who I would be if I’d never have found you.” His eyes re-met yours and you could tell he needed a little bit of loving.

“You would’ve been okay. I believe you would’ve been strong enough to mend your own heart.” You smiled warmly, reminding him not to take himself for granted.

“Maybe. Still would mean a world without you and a bed left cold.”

“But I am here.” You told him, attempting to get him to realise the positives.

“You are.” He nodded.

He leant in to give your nose a soft touch with his own nose, humming in appreciation as you tugged at his hair for a continued massage.

“So don’t think about her. Think about how strong you are and how loved you continue to be. You are a fucking amazing person, H, and more of a decent human than anything she’ll amount to.“

He kissed you because he couldn’t wait another moment not to. You were his and no one knew how much time you’d have together, so he’d take every kiss he could.

“I don’t know how I found you or if the universe just decided that it was our time to meet in this life, but I could never leave you, or this bed, knowing it’s the warmest i’ve ever felt.”

[wolfhookk]

SUMMERTIME LOVE !

ft. childe zhongli xiao && diluc 

abt. summer truly is the season of lovers. 

CHILDE and you dont see property damage as a real crime, especially with the way you giggle among yourselves. the night sky is dull looming over the city lights, but his eyes are gleaming with a playful hint as he scrapes the stick against the tree, a rigid heart complete with your initials in the center. you both admire his handy work, staring lovingly at the new neighborhood addition—then to each other, a flurry of laughter escaping on a summer night.  

ZHONGLI despises these longs drives. these rolling hills never seem to end, and the rv gets hotter even with the air conditioning turned up every 20 minutes. the image of you under the setting sun lightly nodding your head to the music is a sight for sore eyes however. you turn to look at him momentarily—a soft smile playing at your lips and his heart soars out of his chest. zhongli really does despise these long drives, but you make it more bearable 

XIAO and you dont always see eye to eye. you know deep down that mint chocolate chip is the toothpaste reincarnate but you cant help but ask for a bite of xiao’s ice cream cone. he playfully chides that you hate mint chocolate chip, but offers you a bite anyway—laughing when you twinge at the familiar cool mint paired with the bittersweet chocolate. 

DILUC enjoys the summer sun on his skin. the flute of blackberry wine is unfamiliar in his hand—as is the taste on his tongue. you pick up your own glass of cherry wine off the table before you, noting its faint but dry taste before humming pleasantly. diluc’s eyes trace up to your own as you take a second sip, giving you a soft smile. his voice is soft when he asks you if you like his surprise and when you take his hands in yours, he already has his answer.

[madanpadhan123]

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Drink water or brush your teeth after drinking to flush away/remove any harmful ingredients.

Drink through a straw. Although not ideal for drinking beverages like coffee or wine, using a straw helps limit these beverages’ contact with your teeth.

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Your mom had good reasons for wanting to keep you away from too much sugar when you were a kid. Sugary snacks, like candy and chocolate, increase the bacteria in your mouth that destroys your enamel over time.

Some goodies, like caramels, toffee, and peanut brittle, are even worse culprits because they love to stick to your teeth. If you can’t resist sugary snacks, try keeping them at a minimum and brush your teeth immediately after eating them.

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4. Include Certain Foods and Beverages Into Your Diet

Although no extensive studies exist to show how effective certain foods and beverages are in whitening teeth, there’s an indication they can help to a degree.

Some foods, such as strawberries and watermelon, contain malic acid, which may help whiten teeth. Others, like pineapple, can dissolve pellicle, which is a layer of salivary protein that bacteria can adhere to and discolor your teeth.

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5. The Least demanding Teeth Brightening Tip:

Brush and Floss Day to day Many individuals ignore this variable while considering teeth brightening tips, yet truly brushing and flossing consistently goes far in assisting with keeping your teeth white by disposing of buildup from the food sources and beverages you devour.

In any event, flossing keeps a more splendid grin by eliminating food particles that could prompt plaque and tartar. To capitalize on brushing you’ll need to peruse our blog entries on the most proficient method to clean teeth accurately as well as our main 13 hints on cleaning your teeth.

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We don’t suggest the over-the-counter brightening units accessible in corner shops and on the web. In contrast to uniquely crafted brightening plate from your dental specialist, these have low convergences of hydrogen peroxide in light of the fact that their non-custom-fitted design implies the gel will experience your gums.

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10. Visit Your Dental specialist for a Cleaning

Albeit everyday brushing and flossing will assist with brightening your teeth, remember to visit your dental specialist for your normal cleanings. A dental cleaning is more exhaustive than at-home brushing and it eliminates plaque, which normal brushing can’t do.

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11. Last Teeth Brightening Tip:

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👉 You Fine Your Teeth In 14 Days Follow This Steps

[baking-with-a-gremlin]

Some Nostalgic Baking

Chocolate chip banana bread has been a staple amongst the family since I was a child due to the number of bakers we have. The scent of the slightly sweet yet yeasty smells evokes a type of nostalgia from childhood, effectively thrusting me back to a time where my fleecy, off-white coloured Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pyjamas were still an option for me. “Where’s your apron Reesie?” I asked as I pulled her usual stool up to the countertop. “Mommy,” she said. “Mommy has your apron? Why does Mommy have your apron?” I questioned her. “It’s in the dryer,” her mother softly yelled from the study. With the apron on the monster, magenta coloured bowls on the counter, and all the ingredients at our grasp, I asked Reesie, “You ready for this one, goob?” “Oh Daddy,” she snaps back.

Picking up the blackened bananas and handing them to Reese, her confusion as to why they were mushy and not their regular bright yellow colour was evident through her head tilting to one side, along with her momentary frowning facial features. Slitting the top of the soft banana’s neck with a stainless-steel butter knife to easily access its gooey pulp, I offered them to Reese. She was of course still befuddled and somewhat disgusted from the fermenting fruit. “Peel them sweetpea,” I said as I measured the butter for her to pop into her trusty microwave once she had finished with the bananas. Reese held the masher in her tiny hand, ready to shove the stain-steel meshed head into the bowl of mangled bananas. She was quite successful, taking her pride with her all the way to the microwave with the measuring cup of butter in her hand.

“Carter, Daddy. Carter,” she said as we poured the silky white flour into the bowl of what looked like something she would make out of hand soap and toothpaste in the bathroom sink. Her mother’s affinity for Aaron Carter and his unfortunate passing meant his song catalog had been playing for the majority of the day. She’s still requesting Aaron Carter as of this posting. After she dumped both the crystally sugar and salt, the dark and aromatic vanilla extract, and the alkalotic baking soda, she went to town on the mixture, stirring it with every ounce of endurance she had in her little fair skinned arm. The final step was then to wrestle the milk chocolate chips away from the gremlin, or at the very least, get her to share some with the batter. Three quarters of a cup into the mixture and now we’re tasked with scooping out the batter into the dark grey aluminum bread loaf pan. After Reese sprayed the pan (and after I wiped it out because of all the excess), I held the bowl while she used her bamboo stir stick to pour it out into the pan. Her movements are becoming more calculated, leading me to be hopeful for the double layer princess cake we’re making soon. Off to the oven we go!

Tick, tock, tick, tock. Reesie checked on the mixture roughly every 10 times during the bread’s 50-minute bake time. The sight of a pacing 2-year-old waiting for food was something akin to watching Dennis the Menace. She’s definitely a gremlin. She decided she needed her rainbow-coloured Crocs on her feet to make the pacing more comfortable. “You wanna check on the bread, love?” I asked as I held out a smooth toothpick. The classical alarm clock sound rung out as I grabbed the new floral baking glove we picked up during the previous day. She exhibited a certain conciseness in ensuring the wooden splinter went in and out as smooth as possible. No residue on the pick means we’re good to go. The smell of it most certainly took me back to simpler times, though the little monster in front of me ensures my continuous stationary status. After 15 minutes of letting our banana bread cool off, we dove in. It was exquisite; light banana taste with a hint of cream and sugar along with the melty dark brown chocolate chips throughout. I had to cut Reesie off, especially given the fact bedtime was in 30 minutes at that time (sugar highs are real!). I’ve come to realize this routine may have to transcend the required blog duration and reach further into the future due to the joy it puts on her face.

Until next time everyone!

[wowbright]

Fic: Crazy for You

Challenge: For the Klaine/CC Valentine's Challenge. This vignette takes its title and inspiration from the Day 3 prompt song, Crazy for You by Madonna.

Words: ~2100 words

Rating: Mature? But not explicit. No actual sex.

Summary: Things get hot and heavy after Blaine confesses his secret to Kurt.

A vignette in my Mormon!Klaine universe. This one takes place directly after To Tell the Truth.

My Mormon!Klaine Masterpost.

Notes: This one is dedicated to @gleekto and her communication kink. Also, I'm pretty proud of the way I slipped in song references to this one. As always, let me know if you see typos or have any questions!

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

The bedroom floor was more comfortable than Kurt would have expected. He'd never had occasion to lie down on it before, but right now, rolling his shoulder blades down onto the wooden floorboards, he found its cool hardness a soothing contrast to the heat flushing through his veins.

“Is this okay?” said Blaine, straddling Kurt’s lap and leaning forward until his face hovered just inches above Kurt’s. His lips were swollen and ridiculously pink, almost as if they’d been stained by strawberries, and his hair was coming loose from its gel in delightful curls. Kurt had never seen him disheveled in this particular way before, but he recognized the expression on Blaine’s face. It was singularly focused on Kurt, warm and gentle and giving, but with a contrasting undercurrent of need.

No, not need—desire. That’s what this expression meant. That's why Kurt’s skin prickled and his heart did somersaults under the weight of Blaine's stare. Because Blaine wanted Kurt. The same way Kurt wanted him.

And apparently, Blaine had wanted him that way for a long time. Because Kurt had known that look almost as long as they had known each other.

Kurt nodded stupidly at the revelation.

“I can— I can kiss you like this?” Blaine asked courteously.

“You better,” said Kurt, wrapping his hand around the back of Blaine’s neck and pulling him in.

Blaine tasted so good. He mostly tasted like skin and rain and warmth, but there was a little whiff of toothpaste and a hint of chocolate cookie that Blaine must have snuck during his personal study. And really, that should be completely disgusting, sticking your tongue into somebody's mouth and tasting the leftovers of their previous snack. But it wasn’t. It was hot. It felt intimate, to be able to trace part of Blaine’s path through the morning with his taste buds.

“I'm crazy about you, Kurt,” Blaine murmured into Kurt’s mouth. “Have been since the day I met you.”

“The day we met?” Kurt answered, half in disbelief and half in play. it made no sense, but deep in Kurt’s gut, right next to where the Holy Ghost usually spoke to him, it felt like the truth.

“Yeah. I was just too stupid or to afraid or something to understand.” Blaine trailed kisses over Kurt’s face. “But seriously, I thought you were the handsomest, bravest man I’d ever met. Still do.” The kisses moved to Kurt’s neck, soft and gentle but so, so good, and then—

“Whoa!” A current of pleasure shot through Kurt’s body, from the point just under Kurt’s ear where Blaine’s lips were planted, all the way down to his little toe.

Blaine jerked back. “Was that a good ‘whoa’ or a bad ‘whoa’?”

“Good. Definitely good,” Kurt answered breathlessly.

“So I can do it again?”

“Please do.”

Blaine dove back to Kurt’s ear, nipping and gently sucking on the lobe, and it took a massive feat of concentration for Kurt to undo his tie and the top buttons of the shirt to expose more of himself for Blaine’s lips. But the effort paid off when Blaine went for the juncture of Kurt’s neck and shoulder.

“Yes, that,” Kurt groaned.

Kurt ran his hands down Blaine’s back and stopped right at his waist, soothing small, repetitive circles to keep from wandering further down, to keep from pulling Blaine’s body flush with his. He wanted everything right now, but he also didn't want to try his luck. Blaine was a good Mormon boy. Kurt didn’t want to scandalize him.

“Oh, Kurt. That feels good. Love your hands. Love the way you hold me. Want you touching me all the time.” Blaine moved back to Kurt’s mouth and began rocking his hips to the rhythm of their kisses, their breath.

“Tell me how you knew,” Kurt said a few minutes later as he came up for air. He reached up to loosen Blaine’s tie and undo his collar. He needed to suck on some part of Blaine hard or he was going to explode. “About me.”

“Eight million different ways—oh!”

Kurt's mouth was on Blaine's collarbone, and he was pulling Blaine's skin up between his lips and against his teeth, feeling Blaine quiver against his tongue. It tasted like skin lotion but Kurt didn't care, not with the way Blaine was reacting, squirming on top of Kurt and muttering his name. Kurt. Kurt. Kurt. Is muttering got more and more excited, and he began shuddering, shuddering, and--

Wait? Was Blaine about to have an orgasm? If that was the case, Kurt should probably most definitely stop, except that he really didn't want to, he wanted to suck harder, he wanted--

"Hold on," Blaine said. "I need a breather."

"For how long?" Kurt asked, because he thought he might literally die if the breather was permanent.

Blaine lifted himself up slightly and stared at the wall. He took a deep breath. Kurt counted silently to himself. One, two, three, four, five ...

"That long," Blaine said, lowering himself back down and pecking a kiss to Kurt's cheek. "I'm good. Like ... Really good."

Their eyes met and they both burst into laughter. Laughter and kissing. Kissing, kissing, and more kissing. Kurt was swimming in kisses and it was glorious.

“How long have you known?” he whispered against Blaine's skin.

Blaine looked into Kurt’s eyes, his expression earnest. “For sure? Singing Circle of Our Love after that dinner for Schwester Rose. I mean, before that too, but— You move me, Kurt. And singing with you about eternal love— I realized I wanted that with you, Kurt. That I’d been wanting it with you, and just didn’t have the words to explain it.”

Kurt felt a deep, welling tenderness in his chest. This man. Wild, romantic, undoctrinal, beautiful Blaine. He just put everything out there, didn't he? Kurt had been running away from love for most of his life, but Blaine—it crashed into him and he embraced it. He held it in his arms and carried it to Kurt, showing him it was never anything to be afraid of in the first place.

Kurt loved him so much.

They kissed again. Kurt got lost in it, lost in lips and tongue and the ecstasy of being wanted. Or no, not lost at all, but found. Because here, in Blaine’s arms, Kurt was home.

Before this moment, Kurt had thought that tender feelings of romance and sexual desire were two different modes of being that couldn't coexist. But now, he understood the connection. When you opened yourself up to the yearnings of your heart, you opened yourself up to everything.

Kurt's desire bloomed to the surface. He wanted Blaine so badly, in every way possible. He wanted to kiss him and create a home with him and get married to him. But he wanted other things, too. His hands slid from Blaine’s waist to the curve of Blaine’s bottom, and Blaine let out a guttural moan. He tilted his pelvis, and Kurt could feel Blaine’s erection against his hip.

“Blaine, you feel so good, please—”

But Kurt didn’t know what to ask for, or if he was ready to ask. He just knew what his body was telling him— That he wanted to pull Blaine’s clothes off and feel their penises pressed together. He wanted Blaine in his mouth. He wanted to flip Blaine on his back and slide between his legs, to enter his body, to feel Blaine wrapped around him, to feel his heat everywhere. Kurt had never wanted anyone like this, had never let himself imagine it, had no idea how to get there. But he wanted it so badly. He wanted to taste and touch and feel every part of Blaine, inside and out. He wanted to drive him into ecstasies.

Kurt thrust up instinctively, his hard-on on jutting against Blaine’s groin. Blaine let out a desperate, hungry sound. It vibrated through Kurt’s mouth. He felt it in his teeth and tongue. He felt it everywhere.

Blaine liked the feeling of Kurt’s erection. It turned Blaine on.

“Blaine, I want…” Kurt panted.

“What do you want, Kurt?” Blaine said, his voice somehow gentle and patient despite his heavy breathing and that look in his eyes that said he was ready to be absolutely debauched.

“I want …” I want to take your clothes off, Kurt thought. I want to get naked with you. I want to make love to you, even though I have no idea how and I don’t know if we’re ready. But the words wouldn't come out of his mouth. It was like when he was first learning German, when he had moved past the phase of repeating stock phrases and had to form sentences on his own. He knew the words and enough grammar to piece them together, but somewhere between his brain and his tongue, everything turned into a jumbled mess and he'd be left there, repeating the same two or three words over and over again, hoping the person listening to him could figure out the rest.

It was the church, wasn't it? The church was knotted around his tongue like a rope—keeping it from moving, keeping it from saying words that Kurt knew in his heart of hearts were acceptable to God.

Kurt felt pressure build behind his eyes. He felt the sting of tears against his eyelids.

“Hey,” whispered Blaine. “You okay?”

Kurt nodded. “Yeah. I just got a little bit in my head for a second. It's nothing.”

“You sure?” Blaine pushed himself up a little, increasing the distance between their faces. “Maybe we should talk.”

“Isn't that what we were just doing? I mean, before we started …" Kurt drifted off. Apparently he couldn't say making out, either.

“Before we started what?” Blaine asked.

It was a test. Kurt knew it was a test. A gentlemanly test conducted out of consideration, but a test all the same. Kurt knew if he could say the words, Blaine might start kissing him again. But if he didn't, it was over.

And still, Kurt couldn't say the words.

More tears sprang from his eyes.

“Yeah. I think we should talk.” Blaine sat up completely, still straddling Kurt’s lap.

“I'm not crying about this.” Kurt gestured between them.

“What is it, then?”

Kurt lifted himself to his elbows and glanced surreptitiously at the bulge in Blaine’s pants. He might be slightly emotionally distraught, but he couldn't help it. He was still turned on like crazy, and frustrated in more ways than one. And if the church had made him incapable of saying what he wanted, at least he could say it with his eyes.

Blaine blushed and swung off of Kurt’s lap. He lifted Kurt to his feet. Their faces weren't much farther apart than they'd been before, only now they were vertical instead of horizontal. Blaine’s expression was concerned and loving, which made Kurt want to start kissing him again.

Why did he have to use words? Now that kissing was on the table, couldn't he just use that?

“I don't want to talk,” Kurt said—not stubbornly, but like a confession.

“Why not?”

“Because I don't know how to talk about this stuff. I've never— You know I've never done this with anyone before.”

Blaine nodded. He brushed the hair behind Kurt’s ear with his fingers. He looked suddenly vulnerable again, like he had right before telling Kurt he was gay.

Had that really only been this morning? It felt like Kurt had known forever.

“Are you— Are you feeling guilty?” Blaine asked sheepishly.

Kurt scanned his emotions. There were so many of them, all gathered in a tumult. But as hard as he looked, he couldn't find guilt among them. And that was odd, wasn't it? Guilt had been the driving force throughout so much of his life. But maybe love and guilt couldn’t dwell together. And Kurt loved Blaine. He knew that more than he knew anything. “No, I don't.”

“Okay. Are you feeling like we need to tell the mission president?”

Kurt gasped. He actually gasped. He'd been so focused on Blaine that he had honestly kind of forgotten that the mission president existed, or that they were on a mission at all. But even if Kurt had felt guilty, he wouldn't have wanted to tell President Steele. Falling in love with your companion would mean immediate separation at the least. And what they had done just now—if they told the president about that, they'd be back in the States in two or three days, at most. Kurt knew Blaine didn't come from the kind of family that would show unconditional love to a son sent home before his mission was complete. “Oh, gosh no. Are you?”

Blaine shook his head. “I feel the opposite of guilty. And I don't want to do anything that would get in the way of staying with you. Plus, I love serving here. So no, I don't want to tell him. Besides...” Blaine ducked his head and laughed quietly.

“What?”

“At the mission conference, when I met with President Steele, he told me—he told me that, when he decided we were going to stay together until you completed your mission, it was the result of one of the clearest promptings he’d ever gotten about a companionship. And he said the clearest prompting he'd ever received was about putting us together.”

“Do you believe him?”

Blaine shrugged. “I think God had something to do with it.”

Kurt felt his heart flip over in his chest. “You can't just say something like that and expect me not to kiss you.”

Blaine ducked his head and batted his dark lashes in a way that didn't make it any easier for Kurt to resist kissing him. He tugged on Kurt’s hand. “Here. Let’s go to the kitchen and talk.”

[simpcxty]

Tenya Iida NSFW

Okay okay, hear me out.

Tenya likes grinding, humping, just anything of the sorts. He likes the friction, of course he likes sex too. But there’s something about grinding that he finds appealing.

Ofc the characters in this are aged up to 18+

I’m gonna make one thing clear, I do not promote minors reading nsfw content.

But we all know I can say minors DNI and they’ll just read it anyway without interacting. Or they’ll disregard what I say completely and interact anyway.

So with that, I’ll just say READ RESPONSIBLY, instead.

Also, idk why I switch POV’s so much. That really annoys me. I’m gonna need to work on that, but here’s this :)

——————————————————

Third POV

“Ugh finally.” She slammed her study book shut and started to collect her things. Tenya collapses backwards on his back making her laugh.

“We’ve been studying for hours, I’m ready to just curl up in bed and sleep.” She goes to stand up but Tenya pulls her back down quickly.

She blushes at the compromising position he had pulled her into, but decides to tease him to try and ease her nerves.

"Tenya if you wanted to cuddle me all you had to do was ask." The flushed pink that was occupying his ears turned into a flushed red that spread to his face as he sputters on his words.

Reader POV

"T-That's not it- not that I wouldn't, you're very cuddle-able- not that I'm flirting with you because that'd be weird- again not that I wouldn't, you're very beautiful and you have the ideal body type that I would love to cuddle-" i decided to cut his nervous rambling off.

"Tenya, it's okay, I was just joking." He nods but before anything else can happen he tightens his grip around my waist, making the position we were in, even more awkward.

When he pulled me on top of him my legs wrapped around his waist in a straddling position.

I know he realized what he did as soon as he did it because it sent a shiver not just up my spine but his too.

The moment he tightened his arms around my waist and pulled me down tighter, he had inadvertently pushed our most sensitive areas against each other.

He had let out an accidental strained moan when he did it too. Not that I could blame him, I did too.

No words were spoken, just more moans as he purposefully did it this time.

That was only the start.

I was still wearing my uniform and so was he. There were very thin layers between us right now, therefore, it was easy to feel his member start to harden while it pressed against me.

And as he moves his hands to my hips, instead of pulling me down tighter, he lifts his hips up into mine.

A similar sensation, but also different in completely different way.

"T-Tenya, what are we d-doing?" He lifts his hips more and pulls me down as he does it.

Tenya POV

She lets out a moan at that one. A genuine one.

I didn't know how to answer that question in this moment.

I do know that she's making the cutest noises and the feeling of her grinding against my cock was the best thing right now.

Wait when did she start doing that?

"Tenya~ mmh." That desperate little moan was enough to give me the confidence to flip us over and push her skirt up.

"This is okay? Right? I'll stop as soon as you say the word." She nods and unexpectedly pulls me into a kiss.

This was different.

Yes grinding against her felt great. But this, this felt proper, her lips tasted like chocolate and banana, along with a hint of mint. Probably from her toothpaste.

“More than okay.” She looks up at me and every bit of my self control went out the window.

I ground my hips against hers at the exact same moment she decided to lift hers up into mine, causing us both to slow our movements for a moment.

As I feel her start to move slowly again. My hand decided to have a mind of its own and wrap itself around her throat.

The little gasp that leaves her throat as she feels my fingers start to squeeze makes me twitch in my pants.

Reader POV

"T-Tenya- we should stop. You're gonna regret it later-" he interrupts me with a sigh.

"No I won't." His hand moves to cup my jaw and he presses his lips to mine gently. As if he was giving me an opportunity to pull away.

I didn't.

The kiss was passionate, but slow and loving.

"I would never regret anything with you." He presses his lips back against mine for a quick kiss and when he pulled away he laid his head on my chest.

His bed was soft, but I'm pretty sure the real comfort I was experiencing was from him.

"What are you-" his arms wrap around my waist and his head rests in my chest now.

"Cuddles." I smile a bit.

"Why?" He looks confused.

"Do you not want me to?" He starts removing himself from the position he's in.

I quickly pulled him back in though.

"I didn't say that. I quite like the feeling of your arms around my waist." I gently run my fingers through his hair.

He sighs and I go to pull my hands away.

"No!" He whines and moves his head from the position it's in to whine at me.

The confidence came out of nowhere, but I shoved his head back into my chest.

My fingers slowly move through his hair again, earning soft sighs from the boy wrapped around me.

"You're a Teddy bear." He nods and pushes my boobs together, shoving his face in between them causing me to blush.

"I can be yes-" he interrupts himself as he pulls himself out of where he was, just to push my shirt up and shove his head underneath and do it.

"T-TENYA!" My face was furiously red at this point.

"I can also be quite mischievous at times." He finishes what he was saying earlier only to attach his lips to my left breast, sucking and biting roughly.

Third

The more dark marks he left along her chest the more she started to squirm underneath him.

He leaves a particularly dark one planning on making it the last one.

Until she wrapped her legs around his legs and pulled him in closer.

It wouldn't have been a problem, except he had unbuttoned his uniform slacks earlier to ease the pressure on his dick.

So when she had pulled him in by his legs it had pulled down his slacks.

So now it was just two very, very, thin layers in between them.

"S-Shit." His hands were groping her hips now as he decided to push his hips into hers experimentally. His head was still buried under her shirt leaving more and more hickeys along her chest. Not caring that he was running out of room.

"T-Tenya-" she's interrupted by a moan as he grinds his hips into hers again.

"D-Don't stop. Please- ngh~" she's interrupted by a different moan as he picks up his speed and puts more pressure into the clothed thrusts.

"S-Shit" he lets out a breathy moan when she lifts her hips to the lazy thrusts.

He quickens his speed again sending her hands to his shoulders.

"Tenya, if you keep going I'm gonna cum." She lets out a groan as she lifts her hips to meet his.

"That's the idea- oh fuck- do you know how hot it'd be if the first time I make you cum is gonna be without even actually using my dick or my fingers on you?-" He interrupts his sentence to pull her hips against him roughly.

"Just me pushing and pulling you against me, leaving hickeys all over your pretty chest, just that is enough to make you cum huh?" His words were definitely more than enough to push her over the edge.

Which pushed him over the edge because of her noises and the way her legs tightened around his as she came.

"Looks like it went both ways huh?" She lets out a breathy laugh as he collapses next to her.

He chuckled and then looked down at the mess in his boxers.

"I can make sure you get back to your dorm without being bothered if you want. I'm sure you don't want to be pestered about the situation, and because of your cum soaked panties." He smiled cheekily causing her to shove her face in his neck and groan.

"You're lucky it didn't get on my skirt or I'd be having a completely different attitude towards you right now." He smirks and leaves a soft kiss against her neck.

"It takes two to tango."

———————————————

Phew, okay this is all over the place but it’s done. So I took this from a fic on my Wattpad. So I had to augment it a bit. But I hope y’all enjoy it, and if you don’t. Well I honestly don’t give a fuck. I’m tired. So enjoy or don’t :)

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

Lets Make Our Own Christmas Story

Summary- 3k Mike (Me) x You. Christmas time is here and you are all set to throw your party. Mike might also have a surprise that will make it the best Christmas of all. 

Dividers made by @firefly-graphics​

Warnings- Smut. Puppy walking in on that moment. 

A/N- YEAH I KNOW. I swear this is the last one. Cross my heart. I have been doing this little tiny piece since forever, so Im not holding onto it for a whole year. 

Series Masterlist

You woke up to feel Mike pressing behind you, nuzzling the back of your neck with the bristles on his chin and his hand massaging your belly. You hid a sleepy smile in the pillow for just a moment, feeling him rock his hips against your back side. His heavy erection grinding into you. 

“G’Mornin” His voice raspy in your ear, nipping just below your lobe. “It’s your day off isn’t it?” 

You wriggled back into him a bit to make him groan, which he did while dropping his head into the crook of your neck momentarily before going back to teasing along your neck and shoulders once more. 

“It is, which means… I should be sleeping in Mike and not being woken at six thirty in the morning.” You peeked at the bedside clock. Mike chuckled while his hand dipped between your thighs, doing lazy rubs on your folds to make you widen your legs more. 

“We could sleep afterwards? Go to breakfast, take Max down to that park by Scott's place?” He offered as he let his fingers coat in your slick, dragging it up to your clit and circled, lightly pressing down. 

Your head lifted to see where Max was exactly, and the pup was sitting at the end of the bed having heard the two of you waking up, tilting his head to look at the two of you. “Mike…” You shivered a bit, your muscles tightening with desire. 

“What Sweetheart?” He went harder, feeling you start to melt into his touch. 

“M-max is watching.” 

“So? He ain't hurting nothing.” His mouth fondled the curve, biting slightly to tease and you rocked into his fingers. 

“I don’t know, it's just weird? Can you just put him in the living room until we're done?” You whined a bit and Mike huffed a bit before pulling his fingers away.  

“Be right back.” He pushed off the bed and the puppy started wagging his tail excitedly when Mike scooped him up to tuck him under his arm. When Mike left, you rolled out of bed and ran to the bathroom to mess your hair into a sexy bedhead instead of a snarl hot mess, at the same time shoving a toothbrush in your mouth real quick. 

Heading down the hallway, Mike petted the wriggling pups head. “Okay buddy, just give me like an hour okay? Then I promise a walk where you can piss on every fire hydrant between here and the park. All the damn cookies you can cram in that cute mouth of yours. Just do me this solid, m’kay?” He set Max down and he wagged his tail again, drifting away from Mike heading towards his food and water dish. For good measure, Mike tossed a scoop of food in the bowl, which Max set upon enthusiastically. “Perfect, eat and go take a nap.” Sure that the puppy was occupied for a bit, he hurried back down the hallway to find you lounging back in bed, in which Mike bounced back in his spot, pulling you back in against him. “Ahh, now where were we Pretty Girl?” he paused a moment, taking in your appearance and catching a whiff of toothpaste, making him grin. "Cleaned up for me? I'm flattered. Wait, you want me to go brush my teeth right quick?" He made a move to get off the bed but you pulled him back down. 

"No, You started this, let's finish it." You took his hand before it could travel back down to tease you and sucked his fingertips, swirling your tongue around them and you could see those sharp blues widen, his pupils taking over. Pulling off with a pop you wriggle your ass against him once more. “You really going to take me to breakfast?” you asked with mock innocence and Mike snorted, his knee pressing between your thighs and spreading them till your leg hiked over his to hold you open. 

“Yea, yea… after this.” His wet fingers massaged a breast, plucking at your nipple while he reached between you two and circled his cock to run along your slit and press against your entrance which drew out a lewd moan while he stretched you. 

“Mmhh, this is almost as good.” You whimpered out as he pinched your nipple slightly while burying himself in you. “Okay better…” You clenched around him while he started making shallow thrusts into you. 

“Fuck this is way better.” Mike nibbled on your shoulder and rested a hand on your hip to hold you in place while he rutted behind you, the more you squeezed around him, the harder he would move. 

A moan escaped you in that early morning love making, making a grab for his hand and pulling it up to cover a breast which he started palming harshly while flushing kisses along your neck and at the hinge of your jaw. Twists of fingers started pulling on your nipples, making you wither against Mike as the pinches excited you. 

“Mmmh I know you love when I play with you like this.” Another twisted pull made your chest heave. After a few moments he went to the other, teasing all while he kept fucking you from behind, pausing every now and then to give a dirty grind. 

You both are caught up in the moment, Mike rolling you to your stomach to pin you underneath him, his hands covering yours and weaving fingers together, thighs caging yours. Its all a but sloppy, but you don’t care at this point with how good he felt pushing into you at this angle. Then the bedroom door creaked open and there was an pitter patter of feet. 

“Shit-” Mike groaned against your neck, knowing that Max just barged in on them. The puppy sat on the floor by the bed and started barking to get there attention. “Max quiet!” Mike said urgently, knowing earlier you were uneasy with him being in the room. 

You arched back into Mike's chest pressing you into the bed, hissing out. “Just ignore him, keep going.” 

“That's what I said before.” He groaned above you as he angled himself, having found your sweet spot that made you start squeezing around him and begging him to keep going. 

“I know what I said Mike… Fuck right there, I’m so close.” Your noises going from mewls in need to cries as that spiral of pleasure started to tighten in a threat to snap. Max’s barks started to turn into howls as both you and Mike slammed into each other, your orgasm making your walls lock around Mike's cock, and he rocked harshly into you with stuttering jerking hips till he shot his load into you and sunk over you in his own bliss. “Max hush!” Mike said louder and dropped a hand over the edge of the bed to ruffle Max’s ears and thankfully that distracted the puppy to quiet him. 

You whined under Mike a bit, twisting a bit to get comfy. “You gotta ease up a little bit Mike…” In which Mike pulled out and eased back a bit, allowing you to turn under him and run your hands along his back. “You know you are better than an alarm clock. Thanks for waiting till my day off for that though. I would have been late.” You chuckled softly, your fingers sliding up and down his back, twirling patterns across the muscles. 

Mike scooped Max up onto the bed, where he wriggled in between the two of you, flopped on his back so you could tickle his belly. “Did you forget to close the door?” You teased Mike who shrugged while pushing up to sit, going to grab some clothes from the dresser. 

“I was a bit distracted to think about closing the door. Besides, he didn't see anything, did you Bubba?” He grinned as he yanked his boxers on and Max thumped his tail hearing Mike. You nuzzled Max one last time and got up to get dressed too. “So we're still on for breakfast and the park?” 

“Sure but I gotta be back tonight to prep food for the party tonight.” You hummed while snapping your bra on and going into the bathroom to finish your routine. 

Mike stalled a minute while buckling his belt. “That's tonight?” 

“Mike, please don't tell me you forgot about it?” You looked out the bathroom door with a doubtful look and your boyfriend flashed a good natured grin. 

“Nah Baby, I got a mind like a steel trap.” He winked at you and you rolled your eyes before disappearing back into the bathroom. 

"You totally forgot." You retorted and Mike winked at Max while whispering. 

"That's what she thinks." He tickled under the pup's chin. 

It was later that evening, you had food spread on the counter, Mallory had come over early to help prep. Which was more her supervising and gossiping. You were sure to keep her supplied with plenty of sex on the beach drinks. 

"So… what do you think Mike got you this year?" Mallory asked with a knowing smirk. You side eyed her while fixing a veggie platter up, placing a bowl of dip in the middle and setting it on the counter. 

"No clue, but seeing you grin, I'm sure you do." 

Mallory huffed, going all dramatic on you with a flutter of her hand to her chest and dropping her lips into a o at the accusation. "I know no such thing." 

"Yea You do, but it's a surprise. So I don't want any hints Mal." You stressed and she rolled her eyes. 

"You take all the fun out of it Y/N" she scowled. "Well what did you get for him?"

You grinned, excited to get to reveal your surprise. "Okay, you know how much of an action buff he is?" 

Mallory tsked. "I do. Action just loses the dramatic and romance in writing though, I just don't understand…" 

You cut her off before she could continue. "I found an authentic Bruce Willis signed Die Hard poster. I had a few places take a look at it. Then had it framed. I'm going to wrap it up and hang it on the wall Christmas Day before he wakes up." 

Mallory nodded with a chuckle. "Damn, he is going to go ballistic." 

"I know! I can't wait." 

You heard the apartment door opening as well as several voices, so you dropped the conversation, going back to spiking some hot chocolate in the crock pot with peppermint schnapps and putting the lid back on when Mike, Scott, Scott’s boyfriend Neil, Samson and Lyle barged into the apartment, loaded with packages and case of beer, bottles of wine and a excited Max bouncing up and down around on his leash. You went into immediate hostess mode, directing where the presents went under the tree, beers in a cooler, and the wine opened to breathe. 

“Mmh, looks good Babe.” Mike wrapped an arm around you, looking over the spread of food on the counter, reaching to grab a cookie and snapped a bite of it between his teeth. “I can't believe you got all this put together, we weren't gone that long.” 

“I had help. Mallory was here early.” You grinned and Mallory held up her drink in acknowledgment. 

“I will have you know Mikey that I kept her right on track the whole time.” 

He snorted in disbelief and grabbed the vodka bottle to top off Mallorys glass as she held it out towards him. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.” 

“Y/N, reign your boyfriend in please. If I wanted to be insulted I would be at the theater.” She stuck her tongue out at him and he mimicked her. 

“He can't be controlled, you know that. You've known him longer then I have.” 

Mallory hopped off the stool with a playful roll of her eyes. “Don’t remind me.”

“Love you to Mal.” Mike piped up while she flipped him off, going over to where the others were arguing who had the biggest present. Scott and Neill wandered over, Max flipped baby style in Scott’s arms, soaking up the attention. 

 “Scott is ready to claim Max as our child and take him home.” Neill grinned while pressing a kiss to Scott’s shoulder. Scott made a whimpering noise and whined out a bit. 

“Well look how cute he is, You love Uncle Scott and Neill, right?” Max wriggled in his arms and tackled Scott until he set him down where Max greeted his people, leaning his paws on your knee in a stand begging for a treat. 

“I have never seen you get all soft for a dog Scott.” Mike arched a brow and you leaned down to rub on Max’s face, wiggling your nose back at him. 

“He’s adorable, how could anyone not fall in love with him? And I'm sure Uncle Scott and Uncle Neil will be happy to have him come stay with them.” 

Mike grinned a bit, sharing a look with his best friend who winked back at him. “Oh you know Y/N, anytime, any day. Spoil and give him back right? I can teach him some manners too.” 

Neill tipped his head in a laugh and Mike had the dignity to look insulted. “Manners? He's got manners. Max Boy, come over here Bubba.” He beckoned the puppy, who happily followed him. Mike clapped his hands a moment to excite him, then dropped his hands for Max to put his front paws in and dance around the room for a few moments. 

Afterward they all gathered around the kitchen counter, snacking on food and talking about upcoming projects they all had going on, debating on when the next bowling tournament was going to take place. You and Mallory started mixing stronger drinks for yourselves, giggling together while snapping pictures with everyone. 

Mike watched you from the corner of his eye while you dragged Scott away from the group to dance ridiculously to Santa Baby and finally you crashed on the couch, cuddling with Max for a few moments to cool off when Mike excused himself from the others. Falling on the couch next to you, his arm going around your shoulder and he pressed his lips against your temple. 

“Having a good time Babe?” 

You happily nod and cuddle in closer, buzzed a bit from the alcohol and happy having your loved ones with you. “It's a great Christmas party, reminds me of the ones I had at home this time of year with my siblings and friends.” 

Mike let his fingers brush through your hair a bit, arching a brow. “They were like this gang?” The two of you watched the group shoot popcorn at one another, Samson loudly vocalizing how to properly catch popcorn, Lyle was just shoving handfuls in his mouth, Mallory attempting to prove Samson wrong by flicking them at him as he directed, and Neill effectively shooting them into Scott’s mouth, proving there was more then one method. 

“Pretty close. My brother is a professional beer pong player. I used to have the title though.” You bragged a bit and Mike laughed. 

“Well how would you like to get the title back? Granted if you beat me that is.” He wiggled a brow and you peeked up at him curiously. 

“Oh bring it on, as soon as I save the money for a trip, it's on Mister.” 

Mike leaned a bit to reach in his back pocket and pulled out two tickets to hand to you. “How about we go sooner rather than later Y/N?” 

You snatched the tickets, looking at the dates. They were for the day after Christmas all the way till after the New Years. Tickets to Boston. Your fingers clutched at the tickets and swallowed a bit to keep the knot of surprise down. “You mean it… were going to go see my family?” You twisted in your seat, holding the tickets at your chest. 

“You haven't been home in years Baby, I know you miss them. I already talked to the Head Nurse to give you the time off and I can bring my laptop to work on my script once in a while. I’m almost finished with it, I might be able to get it done before we leave.” 

It all sunk in what he was saying and you gave a squeal of excitement, launching yourself into Mike's lap and clutching his face to kiss him fiercely in excitement, babbling. “Baby I don't even know how to thank you. I don't need anything else, this is perfect. Thank you so much, I love it, I love you.” 

Mike just listened while rubbing your back as you let it all spill out, Mallory coming up behind the couch and leaning against it so she was level with you two leaning over it. “I see you finally told her you guys are going to Boston. Mikey, I know what you're gonna gettttt…” You reach over and cover Mallorys mouth. 

“Don't you dare spill it Mal!” 

Mallory jerked back with a wicked grin. Mike was always one to take the bait and he pinned you in his lap. “What? Come on Mallory, drop a hint because Y/N has been holding out on me.” 

She winked at the two of you while sipping from her drink. “You’re gonna get lucky Mike, that's what you are gonna get for Christmas.” 

You snorted, relieved Mallory didn't spoil your surprise. Giving a shrug, you nodded. “She's not wrong Mike.” 

Mike seemed to contemplate what you two were saying when he suddenly bellowed out. “Parties over! Everyone get out.” Which you smacked his chest and shook your head when the group suddenly went quiet in surprise. 

“He's kidding, guys!” you call out and they turn back to snacking and talking at the counter. 

Mike pulled you in closer, nipping at your earlobe and whispering to you. “No I’m not, I want my Christmas gift now.” 

“Mmmh, Later, I promise.” you rub his chest and place a sweet kiss on his lips before moving to a stand and pulling him up with you to rejoin the others. “We can make our own Christmas Story.”

[coping-via-clint-eastwood]

Bug Men - Gil Grissom x Reader

(A/N: PSA:  Numb is a very good song to listen to while writing. Who knew; the push I needed to finish this was a peaceful sit down at Starbucks, with Numb playing in the background {from my device}, heh.  Warning - Gil and Nick eat flies. Also, I am desperately touch-starved in this one.

@addictedtostorytelling thank you for your long-lasting patience 🙏)

"Goodbye, Grissom," Jim bade to the person clocking out.

You smiled at him, "Goodbye."  You were a detective assigned to the crime lab's graveyard shift, and the wife of Gil Grissom.  As soon as you stepped outside of the police station, you saw Gil.  "Hey," you smiled, walking towards him.

"Hi." He was smiling too as he walked to you, which was nice.  You let yourself get smothered in his embrace; you smelt of the same corpse anyway, just not as strongly as him.  You let out an, "Mmmmmffff..." as you buried your face in his chest, eagerly wrapping your arms around his waist; he placed one arm around your upper back and the other around your waist and tightened their hold, as you liked it, chuckling at your sound. You abruptly broke away from him and dragged him to a recess which you knew nobody would pass, and was in the blind spot of the security camera. (How convenient.) You gripped the collar if his jacket and pulled his upper torso and head down, so that his lips slammed onto yours. He quickly caught hold of your elbows to prevent himself from falling, his eyebrows jumping up in surprise.  He ran short of breath almost instantly and forcefully yanked his head back, wheezing.  "Antsy," he panted.

"Mm...I've missed you all damn day..." you rumbled, wrapping your arms around his neck, and he snaked his own forelimbs around your waist in turn.  You kissed the corner of his mouth since you had to let him breathe.

"But you worked with me all night."  He stood still and appreciated your affection.

"No..."  You were kissing along his beard up his jaw as you spoke.  "I ran around and collected information and brought in suspects for you. You were mostly in the lab." You had reached his ear; you gently kissed the bottommost area of its shell. You had always kissed his ears a lot to reassure him when he was feeling bad about his hearing loss, and even after his surgery it was something that stayed.

He closed his eyes and sighed as he leant into your touch. "I've gotten my breath back..." he murmured, hinting at what he wanted.  You brought your face in front of his again and kissed him again, gentler this time.  You tried your best to restrain your eagerness.  Fortunately, he pulled you closer and increased the pressure of his lips on yours, giving you the go-ahead. You let out a choked gasp when he did that, which was immediately followed by a whimper.  You used your whole body to push him, backing him up against the wall.  You used your hips to pin his to the wall, so that your hands could roam his torso. He held you and let you do what you wanted, letting himself enjoy the sensations. But he remembered something that was at hand and said softly, "Nick is waiting." The two of you were to go for breakfast with Nick. You let out a soft whine in protest, but gave him one last kiss and reluctantly pulled away.

You tried to smile, and not come off as disappointed as you were.  "Hello Nick."

But, he was good as his job.  His grin turned playful as he cocked an eyebrow.  "Did I interrupt something?"

"Yes..." you said ruefully, eyes downcast.  Gil smiled kindly and petted your back.

"You guys ready to go?"  Nick asked.

"Yes," your husband replied, looking at you.

You bobbed your head a few times, still looking down at the floor, eventually letting out a, "Yeah."  With that, Gil pushed you to his car (which he had sent you to the station in that night) and opened the driver's seat's door for you.  He knew by now that your grumbling noise was a 'thank you'.  He got in the front passenger's seat; Nick sat behind his own steering wheel. After everyone wore their seatbelts, Nick and you started driving. Throughout the whole ride, Gil kept nuzzling you, petting your thigh, kissing your cheek, and so on, making you smile.

The ride passed quickly and pleasantly this way. The three of you entered the diner and sat at the long table that was mounted all along the wall. You were on the left, Gil next to you, and Nick on his boss' right.  You ordered a chocolate muffin and chocolate to drink, Grissom ordered oatmeal and tea, and Nick ordered porridge and decaffeinated coffee.  Nick made most of the small talk, with you occasionally chipping in with a sound of acknowledgment, and Gil remained completely silent unless he was directly spoken to. The food came soon enough.  You heartily sank your teeth into the muffin, closing your eyes and humming, savouring its sweetness.

The conversation carried on with relative normalcy (well, as much normalcy - and grace - as was possible with constant refrains for eating) two flies landed and drowned in Nick's and Gil's foods, one in each. "Ugh..." you vocalised. However, the two men just looked at each other and spooned the insects into their mouths. "WHAT!" you exclaimed, flinching. Fortunately, there were no other patrons at the diner that early in the morning, so nobody stared at you; the staff did not care. Still, you remembered to lower your volume. "Ew!" you asserted in a harsh whisper. Your husband grinned mischievously at you. You sighed heavily and looked away, giving in to how adorable he was.

Nick got up from his seat.  "I gotta use the bathroom."  He left.

You were still looking away, with your chin resting on the crook of your elbow.  So you were unaware of anything Gil was doing until you felt his chin rubbing over your shoulder, his face coming towards yours.  "A-a-a!"  you exclaimed, jerking your head away and putting a hand over his forehead and nose to gently push him away, keeping clear of his mouth.  "You aren't allowed to kiss me until after you brush your teeth!"

He chuckled and leant back slightly. "Okay. Can I have a kiss then?" You happily kissed his cheek.

The both of you pulled away just before Nick exited the restroom.  He took his seat.  Again, he noticed that something had happened.  "I see the look on your faces.  What did you guys do?"  It was true that you both were sort of beaming now.

"I just kissed his cheek. That's all," you answered, looking away; you were facing the wall and smiling stupidly. Gil was, as usual, frozen.

"Really? From the way you two are carrying on, it seems as if more than just that happened."

You turned back to Nick at that.  "He's not allowed to kiss me until he brushes his teeth."

Nick chuckled.  "That makes sense."

"Yep."

"You know you guys can eat?"

You ducked your noggin and gently bumped your forehead on Gil's shoulder.  He was literally jerked out of his swirling mind. His head snapped to look at you. "Eat," you giggled at his dazed expression. He robotically did as you suggested.

Breakfast passed amicably. Nick paid for his own food, while Gil paid for his and yours because you shared earnings. Outside the diner, you hugged Nick, because unlike your husband, you enjoyed hugs irregardless of whether you were in public or privacy. Whereas the said husband just bade Nick goodbye with word of mouth.  Once again, Gil had his hand on your elbow as he escorted you to his car, bringing you to the front passenger's door this time. He took the keys out of your pocket, unlocked the doors and opened yours for you. You kissed his cheek in thanks before sitting down. He closed your door and made his way to the driver's seat.

As soon as Gil parked, you jumped out of the car and waited for him to take his kit. "I can't wait to shower," you said.

"We should shower only after we walk Hank, so we'll be relaxed fully."

"But I'm so tired..."

"So am I, but hold on for a little longer."

You pushed opened the door and squatted down to greet a waiting Hank. "Hey boy." You fondled his ears, then stroked his sides. He gave your face gentle licks. Gil squatted next to you and pet Hank as well. The dog barked and routinely turned from one human to another, making sure that he gave them equal affection.

Gil stood up first, so you followed suit.  While he went to put his kit away, you brought Hank to the kitchen.  You sighed with the effort of squatting again as you set out the dog food.  "Okay love, eat up, and then we can go for walkies."  Hank gave an enthusiastic bark and ate his food quickly but cleanly.

Not too long a time later, you looked up at the sound of Gil's approaching footsteps over Hank's chewing.  "Stand up," he directed as he walked towards you.  You did.  As soon as he was near enough, he put a hand on the back of your head and kissed the corner of your mouth, his other hand on your lower back, your hands immediately holding his shoulders. You sighed and closed your eyes at the minty scent of the toothpaste. You tried to kiss him properly, but he pushed you back, mocking you, "A-a, if you want more, go and brush your teeth."

You whined. "This is extortion."

"I'm just asking you to brush your teeth. Go," he scolded playfully, pushing you away. You nipped to do as he said and back at an embarrassingly desperate speed. Gil had cleaned and was just putting Hank's bowl away. That was fast," he teased.

"Shut up and kiss me," you grumbled, grabbing his shoulders and pulling him down. He chuckled as his lips crashed onto yours, but gave you what you wanted. He gripped your elbows to prevent himself from toppling over.  You pressed your lips hard against his; he had prepared and taken a deep breath this time so he could let you kiss him without having to interrupt you.

In fact it was you who had to pull back for breath first this time. Eyes shut, you leant your forehead against his, cradling the back of his head with one hand, the other still on his shoulder. He rubbed your back delicately. "Satisfied?" he mumbled.

"Yes," you laughed breathily. You slowly moved back from him, letting him go at last.  You turned around to see that Hank had removed himself from the area. Gil and you burst out laughing. You turned your heads to see that Hank was resting behind the front door.  You raced towards him, with Gil following as fast as he could.  "Come on Hank," you chirped as you opened the door.  He got onto his paws and padded out behind you, with Gil trailing behind.  While you locked the door, the other human went to open the side gate, and shut it once everyone was through, leaving it unlocked.

As usual, Hank picked the path, taking his time and sniffing anything that interested him.  Gil strolled along with his hands in his pockets; you put your arm in between one of his and his body, and rested your head on his shoulder.  "Still tired?"  he asked you.

"Yeah..."  you sighed.

"How about we bathe when we get home? You and me in the tub, together." He knew that that would most likely cheer you up.

You smiled. "I'd like that."  There was unspoken finality from him.

The old boxer completed one circumference of the housing area. He pushed his way through the gate.  Gil went through after him, leaving you to lock the gate.  Once in the house, Gil and you made a beeline for the bedroom, leaving Hank to do as he pleased.  You took off your clothes and dropped them on top of Gil's in the laundry basket. He plugged he tub snd turned the tap on, then just stood next to the tub, watching the water. You wrapped your arms around his neck from behind, resting the side of your head on his back with your eyes closed. He absentmindedly held and fondled your hands with one of his. A gentle tug on your hands signalled that the tub was filled to a satisfactory level. Gil stepped out of your arms and got in, sitting with his back against the side lengthwise. You sat between his legs, leaning backwards on him. He had his nose and mouth in your hair. "...you smell horrible."

"Speak! For yourself!" you interjected playfully, turning around halfway to look at him. He tittered.  He fastened his arms around your waist, holding you tightly against him so that you could not move.  You did not protest as you leant into his touch. For a few savoury moments, the two of you just remained still, cuddling like that.

[delicrieux]

pls pls pls write for joe from you!!! ur writing is *chefs kiss* and the lack of joe writings hurt my heart... maybe even forty too if you’ve seen the new season???

happy valentines day 💗

yes i thought joe goldberg is very fitting for v day:) cuz everyday for him is v day:)

February. The season of love. Reds, pinks, shy violets, spry yellows— an arrange of pleasant colours decorate every corner. Not even toothpaste can escape Valentines Day without having bright red hearts shoved into the paste to leave cutesy little decorations on your teeth before you spit it out. Down the drain it goes. Like most things.

But not love. No, love is really important, isn’t it? Otherwise, no one would be so obsessed with it. Everyone is obsessed with something, even when they pretend they aren’t. Like, that girl with the bright red scarf idling by the cards, trying to pick just the perfect one by avoiding seeming either too desperate or not interested enough; or that couple by the chocolates — the girl jokingly points and picks and heart-shaped candy, naturally hinting that that is what she wants, while her boyfriend stands bewildered and entertains her. He’ll probably buy her flowers. Or something boring. Dinner reservations should’ve been made at the very least a month ago, and he doesn’t look like the type to plan ahead, so it’s safe to assume she will not be happy when the clock strikes—

Oh, hello...you.

You make your way down the aisle, headphones in, gaze uninterested, unbothered by the absolute chaos around you. It’s...refreshing. You seem different.

The supermarket really isn’t the ideal spot for soulmates to meet, but when Cupid’s arrow strikes, it strikes, and who is Joe to stop true love from blooming. He makes his way to you, seemingly unintentionally, and as he tries to pass you he o-so-gently nudges your shoulder, pretending to be sorry about it.

You smile. You have a beautiful smile, or so he think, “Its fine!” You chirp, taking out one headphone out of your ear. You’re interested. Good. “Really hectic here, huh?”

“Yeah...” He says with a sigh, smiling ruefully, “Everyone’s loosing their mind trying to decide which teddy bear to buy. The big one or the extra big one.”

“And which one would you get?” You ask with a grin. He shrugs.

“Probably the extra big one.” He ponders aloud, “And a good book. Something to snuggle up to while reading.”

“No way, a man who reads in the twenty-first century? Riddle me impressed.”

“I’m full of surprises.”

You extend your hand to him and introduce yourself with that same lovely smile, and he shakes your hand and thinks it’s the most beautiful name he had ever heard and the softest hand he had ever touched.

Everything before you? That wasn’t love, couldn’t have been. Because You are the real deal. Because You are... special.

[the-ace-with-spades]

(3/6) the best is yet to be

five times someone realized Ronan and Adam were basically married and one time they actually were

Part 1 │Part 2 │Part 4 │Part 5 │Part 6

Read on ao3

Tad had been living on his own since his parents sent him to a boarding school when he was twelve. But being in high school now had its perks — he had his own credit card that he could buy whatever he wanted and never had to eat that awful cafeteria food they served in the dorms.

He usually ate out because it was the fastest and the most sociable but he tried to keep the dorm room and communal kitchen stored with pre-made meals and snacks in case he didn't want to socialize. Eating out alone wasn't really an option when someone has so many friends that go eat in the same places.

The frozen meals didn't always work and he had burned two pans already. The stuff you just have to put in the microwave was far easier.

Henrietta was a crappy small town and there were only two actually big supermarkets near the school. It was already quite late when he decided he wanted onion rings with chilli sauce so he drove a couple of streets and stared around the frozen goods alley, realizing it was probably too late and most of the good stuff was gone.

It was also unbearably hot, since the first heat waves just started to settle in for the summer, and the crappy supermarket AC wasn't working, so standing in the frozen goods alley was the only option, now that he was there and didn't have the energy to leave.

"Come on, we don't need a list," some guy said, way too loud. The voice seemed almost familiar in a sense that Tad had heard it before but he couldn't place where because it reminded him of someone but didn't sound exactly like someone.

It came from behind the alley with toilet paper and Tad couldn't see exactly who it was and wasn't exactly in the mood to go back into the non-heated area.

Maybe it was better. Next, he heard another voice but it was quiet to the point that Tad could only recognize that this someone was speaking something sharp and judgemental.

"I didn't forget it, I just think we could use going wild once in a while."

There was more hashed words in answer to that and if Tad had to guess, it was the wife. In his experience, wives had a tendency to be hysterical about the slightest misbehaviours — his dad had had four of them and every single one of them would argue with him about stupid stuff like why they didn't have a jacuzzi in the house, or why the pool wasn't cleaned twice a week instead of one, or why there was no grill in the kitchen. In Tad's experience, a wife wasn't worth the trouble. Not that Tad even wanted to have one.

"I could pay, I'm going to use up most of the stuff anyway," the man said, obviously fed up now.

He was met with even more sharp words. Tad knew how it worked — his dad often used quiet but pointed words and silent looks and it always felt even worse than being yelled at.

"Babe," the man said, trying for a softer but still frustrated tone.

There was no answer so that was the moment for silent, disappointed looks. If he didn't know that the guy chose to be with — or probably get married to — whoever he was talking to, Tad could almost pity him.

"Fuck, okay, just wait here, I'll go for the shitty list to the car."

And there was back again that annoyed tone with no fake sweetness. It definitely sounded more familiar now.

Tad hated married couples. They would always argue in the middle of the store — or any other place, to be honest — and were always loud and spend weekends in supermarkets or Home Depot like they were their regular date spots and take way too much time to decide about basic stuff like which color of a carpet they should use. He had yet to see a married couple that wouldn't argue about everything that should be casual in life.

This was exactly why he was never getting married.

The stamping sound went away with the guy leaving the store, hidden by the shelves and drawing away, further to the entrance. He was most likely pissed off, even though this was probably some stupid reason to be pissed off and grumbling to himself about his stupid wife. Tad knew the type — rural town couples that hated each other but pretended otherwise because they already spent the money on the wedding or already had a kid together.

Tad heard a deep sigh behind the shelves.

Married. Couples.

Maybe there was enough cool air in the milk and yoghurt fridges alley.

The store was mostly deserted, except for him and that married couple he still hadn't seen, he noticed only a small group of teens from Mountain View next to the chips and a woman with a sleeping baby at the checkout.

The fridges with milk were warm. Henrietta was a crappy town, and this no-name, locally owned supermarket was even crappier. The AC didn't work and the fridges felt like someone was turning them off and on every couple of hours.

The noisy sliding door opened again when he was contemplating buying vanilla milk, and the angry stamping could be heard, becoming louder and stopping in the cereal alley nearby. Tad was ready for the next argument, really, it was like the cheap version of reality tv. At least the baby at the checkout wasn't crying.

"I got the fucking list."

And the next quarrel was there.

There was silence and the cart in that alley moved — it was just a couple of seconds before it stopped again with a horrendous screech.

"Come on," the guy said. "Don't give me the silent treatment, it was just a stupid list."

There was a longer, even quieter monologue that was just as exasperated.

"Fuck, I know," the guy said, now giving in. "I'm sorry."

Tad didn't hear anything at all but there had to be an answer because the guy said, "You asshole."

This didn't exactly sound like something you should call your significant other just after a fight but Tad wasn't one to judge.

The cart moved again and Tad pretended he was busy choosing between vanilla and chocolate milk and not at all eavesdropping.

From around the corner of the shelves, Adam Parrish, leaning heavily on the handlebar, pushed the cart closer to the wall with the fridges. What made Tad freeze at once was Ronan Lynch, with his chin hooked over Parrish's shoulder and arms wound around his waist, hanging onto him like a leech. Really, this just ensured that his opinion on Lynch was right and Lynch was a parasite that fed on people who would otherwise make great friends, like Parrish or Gansey.

There had been different rumours about Lynch in school. Some said he was dead in a ditch. Some said he was in rehab in some private clinic in Florida. Some said he left with his brothers for DC. Some said he fucked off and became a farmer. None of those ideas seemed realistic but Gansey was adamant about not answering any questions and no one had seen Lynch in almost two months so the imagination was flowing wild. Personally, if he had to choose, Tad would bet for the second option.

"Parrish," he said, because he really didn’t know what else he could.

His eyes were still going up and down the weird fixture that was both of them, practically glued to each other, when Adam answered.

"Carruthers."

Parrish was wearing a black jean jacket full of tears and patches and pins and with slightly too long sleeves — too expensive to be his — and it looked completely out of place on him, Tad had only ever seen him in that crappy secondhand school uniform. Underneath he had the coveralls, tied low on his hips, faded out and stained with oil. If anything, Tad felt hot just looking at him.

The brightness of Lynch's shirt was almost as unexpected, because he had never seen him in anything but the school uniform, or black clothes — it was a red Coca Cola t-shirt, a little too small on him.

Tad made a step closer, reaching his hand for that weird handshake-high-five that Gansey and Parrish often did. Parrish took a step back and that step meant he was hips-to-hips with Lynch who was clinging to him. Instead of moving out of the way or yelling at Lynch to move out of the way, Parrish just stood there, ignoring it completely, like this was something normal.

"So," he began, pointedly ignoring Lynch. "What are you doing here?"

"Grocery," Parrish said and when Tad didn't find anything to reply with for a minute, he added. "We ran out of toothpaste. And some other stuff."

The we there was very explicit.

"You want something, shithead, or can we do our thing without your stalker eyes on us?"

Lynch was pleasant as always.

Maybe Tad should ask Parrish if he was blackmailed into, well, whatever that was. Maybe Parrish would finally realize all the hints Tad had been giving him and realize that he had options other than Lynch.

But then he realized — it had been Lynch's voice, back in the toilet paper alley, just unbelievably calm.

[trackmag]

Turtle Doves And Pigeon Shit

Romanticism And James Blake`s Can`t Believe The Way We Flow

Romanticism could be argued to be outdated, but once we look beyond the clichés and grasp the ideas behind it, we become aware of its relevance today; In how we live, in what we believe in and argue about. 

James Blake released the album Assume Form in 2019. He so far has released 5 Music Videos alongside it, one of which is the video for “Can`t Believe The Way We Flow” directed by none other than Frank Lebon. Frank`s approach to his videos and work so far has been a lush and somewhat wild mixture of techniques and media, leaving him with a massive pot of footage and tools for the hours he spends editing. To some degree even this approach of mixed media is in a sense very true to the fashion, believe and tradition of romanticism. This and many other aspects of the video, is what I hope to discuss and further investigate in the following TRCKMG entry. 

Still 01, Can`t Believe The Way We Flow, 2019.

A Short Introduction To Romanticism

Romanticism. I am not referring to roses, boxes of chocolates and the numerous red silk bows we see on valentine`s day. I hereby am referring to an epoch also known as the romantic period. Speaking roughly of romanticism we think of a time between the end of the 18th towards the end of the 19th century. This slice of our history is marked by many very major political and cultural events across Europe and the globe. Some worth mentioning here would be the French revolution (which is often believed to be a starting point of the French romanticist movement) and the industrialization, marked by heavy machinery, steam engines, factories and therefore factory labour. We do, however, believe that the origin of romanticism as a term and way of thinking lies in Germany. Friedrich Schlegel, a German philosopher, author and poet first used the term “romantisch” believed to be in reference to the word “Roman” which is German for novel. Romantic therefore being “novel-like”.

From there on romanticism spread fast across Europe supported by the events described earlier. More than just a fashion moment, romanticism describes a different way of thinking in direct contrast (and perhaps in protest) to the inhumane labour happening in factories caused by the industrial revolution. People needed to believe in something, in more relevant things, in nature, in purity, in emotion and in beauty. So not surprisingly romanticism manoeuvred like a wave, spreading across fine art, literature, poetry and even medicine. What we can see in many paintings of that time, are vast and lush landscapes. Nature at its most triumphant, often alongside a tiny human figurine, humbled by mother nature, reminding the human of his place and scale in this world. This emphasized by the Lyrics in the song: “I`m finding I`m a smaller piece than I thought. Oh no I really am”. Even back then, the immediate threat facing the natural world was carefully depicted in William Wordsworth`s poetry with the arrival of factory buildings and nearby compounds of living quarters for the workers. 

Painting by Hans Gude, “Fra Hardanger”, 1847.

With this surface level introduction to romanticism, we now can take a closer look at the actual Music Video for “Can`t Believe The Way We Flow”:

Act One: Red Lit Couples

Still 02, Can`t Believe The Way We Flow, 2019.

The Video starts off with a zoom into a mirror. The reflective image reveals James sitting on a bench. The continuation of the zoom is made with invisible cuts while dark silhouettes pass by, covering James for a mere flash of a blacked out frame. He appears closer and closer after each such black-out. Meanwhile you can hear the pigeons take flight, signalling a start to the song and video - take off. And with the first pigeon shit landing on James` cheek, it`s clear the video with its main plot now begins and the subjects appear. 

The 2nd time we hear Can`t Believe The Way We Flow in the Lyrics, the lips of the red lit couples meet. The images flashing by are fragments of their lives in relationships. We aren`t meant to immediately understand who they are, where they`re coming from and maybe more importantly what exactly they`re up to. We only see aspects that should be familiar to anyone who`s ever been in a relationship. For instance, being the most intimate during breakfast where spontaneous conversations can leave you happy as ever or absolutely gutted and devastated, maybe also depending on what occured the night before. 

Another place where we find a kind of intimacy where the shared space really gets noticeable to us as lovers, is the bathroom. Apart from the hints of breakfast scattered throughout the video there`s also the toilet. Waste. The toilet which stereotypically always seems to spark arguments. Flush the damn thing, put the seat down, put it up and then down. But it`s also the same space in which we share our toothpaste, standing in front of the mirror before bed. Leading conversations whilst getting ready to go out together. The point being, these images are highly familiar and highly emotional to us. The small window in which Frank lets these images flash across our screens is enough for us to recognize and connect. These are couples in their banalities. We aren`t meant to understand how they got there and where they`re going. We`re supposed to draw from our own experiences, our own relationships when seeing these fragments and glimpses into their lives. It`s a reflection. We still are looking into that same mirror from the first shot of the video, remember? 

Still 03, Can`t Believe The Way We Flow, 2019.

Cut between the kisses is a 2D animated kiss, in the same style as the quick drawing we saw flash by on a table earlier. It might be a glimpse into the Storyboard for the video, adding another layer and texture to the visuals. This approach alone can also be read as a nod to romanticism as there was a high exchange between different media and artists. Poets and painters, novelists and sculptor. All echoing and responding to eachother`s work. 

Throughout all of this we see James remain seated on that same bench, from the very first frame of the video. An observer. In romanticism, as a response to the capitalist mentality, the flâneur describes a person seen wandering around with nowhere to be or go. Observant, most likely unemployed, playful and sensitive to his surroundings. James is very likely maintaining this role in the video. The careful bystander, observing the beauty around him. Beauty that lies hidden for most others in their hectic lives. 

Act Two: Pigeons, Cupid and a Gun

Still 04, Can`t Believe The Way We Flow, 2019.

A culmination of shots of pigeons (and some seagulls) in flight. Close-up of a pigeon`s face, slowly revealed to be sitting on someone`s head. This someone is Frank Lebon`s dad, photographer Mark Lebon. Here he`s also cupid. A cupid who has aged and traded his bow and arrow off for a knotted sniper gun. 

Cupid is often described as a winged, nude, young boy armed with bow and arrow. He`s usually depicted as somewhat cruel and mischievous, very aware of what emotional turmoil he can cause in people. Cupid as a figure derives from roman mythology and is considered to be the god of love, or rather the god of being in love. The roman cupid is also understood to be somewhat based on the Greek god Eros, who some believe was a son to the goddess Venus. Eros and Cupid can`t be defeated, any- and everyone falls victim to them and their power. In the following painting, artist Julius Kronberg captured Cupid in his full demeanour in 1885, so towards the end of classic romanticism:

Painting by Julius Kronberg, Cupid, 1885.

Now in comparison to Frank`s take on Cupid we immediately notice the age difference. The world in many ways has become what romanticists had feared; Industrial, concrete, consumerist. Perhaps Cupid had to adjust to survive? Lose his wings and grow up. Wrapped in what seems to be a pvc jacket, not unlike the medical protective suits we currently see a lot. His outfit also contains sketches and scribbles of genitalia. Colours white and red, famously used in the medical field, also symbolizing purity, lust, sin and romance. He`s also wearing red earrings and cufflinks decorated with a more traditional depiction of cupid. 

The gun on the other hand, knotted, could also be a nod to the Non-Violance sculpture by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, which is in New York. Perhaps a rather twisted musical reference, as that sculpture was made in remembrance of John Lennon. The seemingly unusable gun however, does hold a heart shaped scope through which the absent minded and complacent looking Cupid is aiming to find his next victims. 

Enrolling the pigeons to take over the flying and firing arrows part, they soon after take flight once again and a montage of numerous pigeon shit landings are shown, including another drawn Animation of the pigeons` droppings turning into a falling human figurine. Perhaps falling, as in falling in Love, falling for you. Cupid bringing or rather dropping this person into your life. This sequence is concluded by acts of violence followed by tenderness. A slap, a hit, like when love “hits” you. Shortly followed by a gentle caress of the cheek, as though nothing ever happened. So in love that you`re not aware of the violence and force it potentially holds. Another short Animation, single flower turns into a tree, which transforms into a couple in love, a heart in the middle. 

Act Three:

Cut to seagulls instead of doves above James. Perhaps accentuating him to be different from all others around him, once again emphasizing his role as flâneur? Or maybe it`s just a subtle teaser for his following music video for I`ll Come Too, which was the next release, featuring a penguin and an albatross.

The couples, still lit in red are holding hands, and then facing the camera. Every individual on their own, staring into the lens, or at their partner. Keeping the mirror in mind from the beginning, this is another very common way for cinema, film and video to become reflexive (film with self-awareness) challenging the viewer in their passiveness and voyeurism. 

Still 05, Can`t Believe The Way We Flow, 2019.

The doves once again present by appearing as illustrations on the cushions of one couple. All the people involved appear in lettering over the faces of the couples, including a cameo by the director. Another beautifully added layer to this multimedia approach that lends it`s charm and texture to the entire complex romantic experience. 

There`s so much more to see and discover in the video than what I have tried to contain in this analysis. I do hope you`ll go on a search yourselves. The video for James Blake`s song Cant Believe The Way We Flow is linked below: 

[urdbell18]

Those Moments in Between Chapter 2: Boo to You

AN: So I’m not sure how often I would post new chapters but I’m starting a new project (not writing related) and decided to post this chapter before I completely forgot about this. Also I want to hear from you guys. I want to know what you guys want to see. My box is open and ready for your ideas. Everyone stay safe out their and enjoy.

Mary wouldn’t admit it to Zelda, not when the other woman had so much on her mind already, but she was nervous. She had never taken care of a child as small as Vida and though Vida seemed to like her that could all change in a heartbeat. This was the first time that the two of them would be alone together, without Zelda. To say that Mary was under some significant pressure was an understatement. This one night could make or break her budding relationship with Zelda. Was she overreacting? Maybe. Was it justified? 100% Mary hasn’t known Zelda long but the one thing that Mary did know was that Vida came first. If tonight went south that was it, she was done.

So far things seemed to be going okay. Vida took to her mom leaving very well and was still excited about going out for trick or treating. If that’s what Vida wanted then so be it. Well… trick or treating was part of the deal but Mary wasn’t going to force Vida to do something that she didn’t want to.

The advantage of Greendale being such a small town was that everything was in walking distance. From the town center you could easily walk to any of the housing neighborhoods. That made things a whole lot easier for Mary, she could park her car in one spot and not worry about its safety or where she left it. Mary managed to convince Vida that they should start with the furthest neighborhood.  As they approached the first house Mary turned to Vida.

“Do you remember what you have to do Vida?”

“Yes. I ring the doorbell and wait for someone to answer and then I say ‘trick or treat’. Right?”

“Very good. And what do you say after they give you treats?”

“Thank you and happy Halloween!”

“Excellent! Your golden.”

“But my dress is black.” Vida looked herself over, yup everything was black. Her dress, her tights, her shoes. What was gold?

Mary mentally slapped herself. Of course Vida wouldn’t understand. Mary stumbled on her words for a second. She paused and took a deep breath, she can’t let this phase her.

“It’s nothing Vida. Are you ready?” Vida nodded causing her pigtails to bounce from one side of her shoulders to the other. They walked up to the house, Mary hung back but kept a close eye on Vida as she stepped onto the porch. Vida turned to look at her, there was a tiny bit of fear on her face. “It’s okay I’ll be right here. You got this.” With a small smile Vida turned back to the door and rang the doorbell. A few minutes passed by until a middle aged woman with wheat colored hair that was in a neat bun answered the door.

“Trick or treat!”

“My aren’t you precious. Is this your first time?” Vida nodded.

“Yes, but my mommy sometimes lets me help my Auntie Hilda hand out candy. She works at the bookstore.”

“Dr. C’s? I think I know who you are talking about. And since you are my first trick or treater I have a special surprise for you.” Mary tensed and stepped closer to Vida. Though this woman didn’t set off any alarm bells it never hurt to be overly cautious. And if anything happened to Vida Mary was sure she would never see the light of day again and her body would never be found. The woman brought out a spellbook but when she opened it several large candy bars were nestled inside. Vida’s face glowed bright and she turned to Mary and then back at the woman.

“I can really have one!?” The woman nodded. Now came the hard part, which one? Mary scanned the bars over. They were all pretty basic, none of them contained nuts or a filling, but some had extra like the big Crunch and Kit Kat bars.

“These seem to be a good option Vida.” Mary brought Vida’s attention to the king size Hershey milk chocolate and dark chocolate bars, they were the simplest and would most likely appeal to Vida’s pallet. Vida looked between the two bars clearly torn between which one she should get. The woman smiled softly.

“How about this. I give you both but promise you won’t eat them both at once. I don’t want your mom hunting me down.” The woman looked at Mary and gave her a wink. Did she just... no... but she had to…

With her candy bars in hand Vida tried to fit them in her plastic jack o'lantern bucket with little success. Mary chuckled and held out the tote bag that she brought with her. Did she expect to fill the whole bag? No, Zelda might murder her. But Vida’s bucket wasn’t very big and would fill up pretty quick. The tote bag was there to help with that, as well as hold the flashlight that Mary brought with her just in case. Vida got the hint and placed the bars in the bag.

“Thank you very much! Happy Halloween!”

“Happy Halloween!” Vida and Mary waved the woman goodbye. One house down several more to go.

______________________

Mary decided to call an end to the trick or treating at seven. They have been out for a few hours and Vida was starting to get tired. They took a break when they finished the first neighborhood but that only stalled the problem for a little while. Halfway through the town center Vida started to complain that her feet were hurting. While yes she was tired it was bigger than that. Her shoes were physically hurting her. Mary understood and called it a night, she picked Vida up and walked back to her car. Despite that, Vida had a pretty good haul. She had to empty her jack o’lantern twice and it was half full when they called it quits. It stacked up to a nice size pile that Mary could just see Zelda scowling at.

When they arrived at Mary’s house Mary helped Vida remove her tights to see if there were any injuries. The back of the poor little girl's ankle was scraped up. It wasn’t bleeding but it looked pretty raw. After relieving Vida of her shoes they had some dinner. Mary wasn’t a cook by any means so the best she could manage was pasta with some sauce. Vida didn’t make a big fuss. While Vida was eating Mary went through the backpack that Zelda left for Vida. Inside was a change of clothes, pajamas, a stuffed bear, a blanket, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste in a zip lock bag, and a DVD, a double feature of The Addams Family. What wasn’t in there were bath supplies so Zelda wasn’t expecting Vida to bathe while she was with Mary but Mary decided to let Vida decide.

“Vida did you want to take a quick bath or shower? I can get the movie set up while you do that.” Vida tilted her head back in thought.

“What’s a shower?”

“It’s like a bath but you stand and the water comes down in a continuous spray.”

“I still don’t understand but I’m willing to try it.” Okay, alright, now what?

Deciding that it would be too inappropriate for her to be in the bathroom with Vida Mary got the bathroom ready. She started the shower, laid out a towel, and left Vida’s pajamas on the counter top. The last thing she did was brush out Vida’s braids, if she left them in water would get trapped and it would dry stiff. With one last check of the water temperature, it was ready for Vida.

“Okay Vida it’s all set up for you. There’s some soap and a sponge on the wall and I have a towel laid out for you. I don’t have any shampoo for you so don’t worry about washing your hair. Don’t worry about shutting the shower off. I’ll do it. I’ll be right outside if you need me. Okay?” Vida looked at her, she was a little scared but nodded. In she went, the door closed softly behind her. Five minutes later she was out, dressed in her pajamas and hair laid out on her shoulders in damp ringlets. “Finished?” Vida nodded.

“It was nice. Thank you Mary.”

“You’re welcome. I’m going to get changed myself so you can wait here for me or you can head downstairs if you like.” Vida nodded and she brushed past Mary to head downstairs. Mary gave a sigh of relief when she shed her Gomez costume. Between the stiffness of the actual costume and the clip digging into the back of her head it felt nice to let the slight breeze that was in her house wash over her. She really wanted to shower but decided that she couldn’t leave Vida on her own for that long. She would just have to live with her cotton sleep shorts and tshirt and her robe. It still felt refreshing. Vida was on the couch when she came downstairs. She wedged herself between the pillows and her bear was on her lap.

“So how about that movie?”

“Yes!” Mary didn’t need to be told twice. Turning on the DVD player Mary popped in the movie. She debated on whether or not she should make popcorn but decided against it. She didn’t want to feed Vida too much and make her sick nor did she want to end up on Zelda’s bad side. They made it though half of the first movie before Vida was out like a light. Mary carried her upstairs and settled her in the middle of the bed with the comforter tucked around her. It was still too early for Mary so she went back downstairs. After some light cleaning Mary poured herself a glass of wine and picked up the book that her W.I.C.C.A. club was reading, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Rosalind Walker already read the book, led a protest on the books ban which was why they were reading it. Mary wanted the group to touch on the elements of the actual book as well as the politics behind it, mainly why it was banned. It wasn’t a school requirement nor a group one, participation was purely voluntary. Mary was proud to be a part of it. Though it wasn’t a school read, Mary was treating it as such so her plan was to read it once, absorb it, and then make notes. As the advisor she felt obligated to be prepared.

At around eleven her eyes started to get tired. So she finished the chapter that she was on and called it a night. There was a little bit of wine left so she downed it and then placed the glass in the sink to soak for the night. That’s when there was a knock on her door. How odd. Her house was out of the way, so she wasn’t the one to get casual visitors. With caution she opened the door and was met with an exhausted Zelda Spellman. Mary wasn’t expecting to see Zelda, and she definitely wasn’t expected to be kissed within an inch of her life but you won’t see her complaining. However, they didn’t have the pleasure for things to escalate any further. It was late and Vida was just upstairs. Mary led Zelda upstairs and set her up with some night clothes just like she did on their first date. Mary climbed into bed but waited for Zelda. Vida murmured a little and scooted closer to Mary. When Zelda climbed into the free side of the bed she leaned over Vida to give her a quick kiss and then kissed her daughter’s cheek goodnight. Mary settled down and before she knew it was fast asleep.

__________________

When Mary woke up the bed was empty but the house didn’t feel empty. Though it was faint, Mary could detect some noise coming from downstairs. Mary followed it and was kind of taken back. Vida was on the couch, the movie playing where it left off last night. Zelda was in the kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of bacon simmering in the pan wafted from the kitchen. Vida was the first to notice her. She smiled and held her bear close to her chest.

“Morning Mary!” That caught Zelda’s attention. She smiled softly at her.

“Morning.” Mary nodded and made her way over to Zelda. On her way she ruffled Vida’s hair. Vida pulled back but she giggled and remained smiling. When Mary reached Zelda she hesitated. Though they have slept in the same bed and Vida has witnessed some moments between them that line hasn't been laid out yet. What was considered okay and what was considered inappropriate? That was up to Zelda, and Zelda decided that kissing was okay. She kissed Mary squarely on the lips and Mary was totally okay with that. She knew enough that it couldn’t escalate any further than that, it couldn’t be like last night, and that was okay too. Mary returned it, kept it nice and simple, that was enough.

“What are you making?”

“Eggs, bacon, and pancakes. I figured you earned a little reward for what you did last night.”

“It was no trouble. It was fun. Hey Vida!” Vida’s tiny head popped up over the armrest of her couch. “Do you want to show your mom all the candy you collected?” Vida nodded enthusiastically and scrambled to get the tote bag that Mary left near the front door. She brought the bag to the table and dumped it onto the wooden surface. The result was a good sized mountain made of pure sugar and chocolate. And Zelda turned as white as a ghost.

Mary was right, she did give it the scowls to end all scowls. Vida just smiled and Mary popped a candy corn into her mouth to try, and fail, to hide her smirk. Zelda turned the scowl onto her and her smirk cost her being hit in the hip with a kitchen towel.

Worth it.

[rantingfangirl]

I’m Tickled Pink

Summary: An attempt to bring some spice into Alfred F. Jones's life leads to a prank war of epic proportions.

Pairing: UsUk

You can also find this on AO3 and Fanfiction. I’ll reblog with the links :)

Arthur Kirkland was boring.

Alfred had walked into their arrangement knowing this, but he hadn’t thought that it would be such an issue. Having moved into the shared apartment three months before, he figured that he would’ve pulled Arthur out of his dull, monotonous tendencies and into the light. That, by now, Arthur would be tagging along to the club three blocks away from their university or maybe a bar, at the very least.

Except, it hadn’t happened.

He sat on their couch, a joint investment after Arthur’s had taken its final challenge—that is, Alfred’s ass—and collapsed two weeks after Alfred had moved in. Arthur sat in a wingback chair on the other side of their living room, cradling a book and a cup of tea— or at least that’s what he figured it was— a cat snoozing in his lap. Alfred stared, not as subtle as he should’ve been, softly tapping his thumb against his phone’s screen.

Arthur spoke as he flipped the page, “Yes, Alfred?” There was a hint of smugness in his voice, the same tone he got when he was about to roast Alfred into oblivion. Fuck him.

Alfred glanced down at his phone, clicking it open. He would keep him waiting, he decided, opening various social media apps and checking his timeline. It wasn’t until around five minutes later that he actually answered. “Nothing.”

He expected— hoped— for Arthur to get mad. To curse at him or tell him off. Anything that would give him something to do, to open up the possibility, no matter how small, for Alfred to have a little fun in his life.

Arthur did nothing, instead turning another page of his book. The pages were at this point yellow from use, Alfred only knowing that from a previous snooping session. How many times he had read it, Alfred had no clue, but the number had to be high. And how he managed, after all this time, to have never—

He had an idea.

Alfred had to wait for several hours for Arthur to go to bed. The latter always went early, waking up at the crack of dawn to do who-knows-what. It was then, after the rattling had gone silent, that his plan went into full motion.

If Arthur didn’t give him some mode of attention after this, then he supposed that he would call it quits. Alfred made sure to leave everything in the exact spot that it had been, not an inch out of place. He ended up going through about a quarter of the roll of paper towels, but Arthur wouldn’t notice. Probably.

It wasn’t until the next morning that he would be able to see the results.

Alfred woke up earlier than usual, sliding on a random t-shirt before walking out into the living room. Arthur sat in his usual chair, a book— a different one from the night before, strangely enough—in hand.

He sent Alfred a look, pure hate in his eyes. Alfred grinned, pushing his fingers through his hair, suddenly realizing that he forgot his glasses. “Good morning to you too, Mr. Rogers.”

Arthur reached for his tea and Alfred found his smile widening. Finally. Finally.

Arthur’s knuckles had gone white from clenching the mug, and though his face was calm, there was burning rage in his eyes. Oh, this would be fun. “Try this.”

Before Alfred had a chance to answer, the mug was all but shoved into his hands. It sloshed against the rim, missing his shirt only to spill onto his fingers. Alfred winced before looking up, suppressing the grin that was tugging at the corners of his lips.

“I don’t drink hot tea.”

Arthur scoffed. “Well, you’re going to fucking drink it, whether you like it or not.” His eyebrows shot up when Alfred didn’t move to drink from the mug. Arthur’s hand lifted, waving him on. “Go on, take a sip.”

Alfred didn’t bother to keep in his cringe. On one hand, he knew what it was going to taste like, and by God, it would be bad. But on the other…

He sighed. Even though Arthur knew he did it, he wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a confession.

Fuck it.

In a split-second decision, Alfred knocked back half of the mug, an immediate gag coming up his throat. His eyes watered. Fuck.

He couldn’t help but wonder how much sugar Arthur normally put in his tea because god damn. It was ten times worse with salt.

Alfred handed the mug back to Arthur, not bothering to keep back the cringe wrinkling his nose. “Jesus Christ, man, no wonder you always look like you’re about to explode.” He scrubbed his tongue against the roof of his mouth, anything to get the taste out his mouth. “What the hell did you put that?” The glare Arthur sent his way was one of pure hate. As his roommate’s upper lip curled into a sneer, Alfred couldn’t help but wonder what this would pull him into.

Arthur would find someway to absolutely ruin him, he was sure of it. A man with that little friends, one who read that much, he had to have some tricks up his sleeve. Sure, Alfred had never seen any evidence that he could pull the stick out of his ass and have some fun, but he could dream.

Excitement welled within him, pushing and pulling at his insides. This would be good. It had to be. Maybe he would curse at him, roast him to his very core. Arthur, according to Gilbert, was a savage in middle school. He could pull it off.

The sneer on Arthur’s lips faded, replaced by a cool, trained frown. As his face deadpanned, Alfred could’ve sworn that there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“I suppose I can live with it.” A beat later, Arthur picked up the mug, taking a long sip from it. No cringe. Nothing to indicate that there was anything in there other than normal tea.

Fuck. This guy had guts.

The feeling of failure followed him into the next morning, climaxing as Alfred made his first cup of coffee for the day. Arthur had already gone, leaving for his eight AM class without saying a single word. As if he’d forgotten the events of the day before.

Alfred leaned in towards the coffee maker, wafting in the scent as his cup slowly filled. He would have to try harder, at the very least do something different.

He glanced towards Arthur’s bookshelf before shaking his head. Arthur would kill him if he even dog-eared a book and made that clear his first day. If he did anything to them—Alfred shook the thought away before it could fully develop.

Grabbing his now-full cup of coffee, Alfred made his way to the pantry, taking a sip before setting it on the counter. He fished out a box of off-brand Oreos, pulling back the plastic film covering them.

Alfred reveled in the neat rows, exactly as he left them the day before. Taking a couple into his hand, Alfred dipped them one by one in his coffee. No matter what Arthur said, the result was addicting.

He took a bite out of the first one, ready to savor the pleasant mixture—

Something was wrong. Very wrong.

Whereas he expected a light mixture chocolate and mocha, a surge of mint took over his senses. It overpowered everything in his mouth, tasting worse than the salted tea, worse than the sauerkraut his grandmother shoved down his throat as a child.

Toothpaste. Someone replaced the icing with toothpaste.

Alfred spat out the concoction into the sink, throwing out the other ones he had dipped but had not yet eaten. Even with it no longer in his mouth, the hellish taste remained. They hadn't been like that yesterday, so it must’ve—

A thought popped into his head.

Slowly, Alfred took a step towards the package of not-Oreos. And then another. His lower eyelid started twitching, an irritating habit from when he was a kid.

Alfred once again peeled back the plastic cover, choosing a random cookie from each row and taking a small bite. Every single one of them. Filled with toothpaste.

He huffed, sliding the entire package in the trash. At the very bottom, several piles of slightly off-white and broken discs lay in their final resting place.

Alfred stared at the piles, flexing his fingers before digging them into the meat of his palm. The bastard didn't even have the heart to save the icing.

He scoffed.

The taste still having remained, Alfred made his way to the bathroom. Perhaps this whole thing made them even—no. No use in thinking like that. Arthur fucked with his Oreos, packages of those costing much more than a cup of tea.

Alfred flicked the light switch, the inner cogs of his mind already turning with ideas for revenge. He grabbed his toothbrush and toothpaste off the counter, only to find the tube empty.

 And from there, a prank war started. Grass seeds in Arthur’s keyboard, an air horn duct taped to the bedroom door, a couple hundred sticky notes stuck to his car.

No matter what he did, Arthur would retaliate, whether it was the next morning or a week later. A box of glazed donuts from Alfred’s favorite bakery, but instead of the usual grape filling, mayonnaise. Paper cut out into the shape of a bug and taped to the underside of the lampshade. Mentos frozen in ice cubes, just waiting for Alfred to pour a can of coke over the top.

Now, after a good six months of going back and forth, Alfred knew he was ready. He was going to touch the books.

He wouldn’t mark or cut them up, of course. Hell no, he wouldn’t. Alfred decided then and there that he liked living, especially with all his limbs attached and organs in the right place. No, Alfred would just use them for a few moments.

Arthur was at the store, had just left, so Alfred had time until he would notice the start.

The entire setup took around three hours to organize, Alfred’s backpack filled to the brim with delicately used hardcovers. He placed the first one on the kitchen counter, propped up against a teapot to catch Arthur’s eye, before ratting around and scribbling a quick message on a post-it note and attaching it on the cover.

He placed the next one on Arthur’s favorite chair, another sticky note on the cover. The next, on his dresser. Another one on Arthur’s pillow. One by one, a book and a post-it note, some in the most obvious places in the world, others in nooks and crannies that only Arthur knew about.

Some in gallon backs to keep away the elements, others set on the dining room tables and couches of Arthur’s friends and family.

Which led them both to here.

Arthur sat across from him at the coffee shop they frequented, arms crossed, an irritated gleam in his eye. Alfred took a quick sip from his coffee cup, the memory of the those terribly minty Oreos tapping its way into his head. He pushed it back down.

Arthur huffed, his frown deepening, arms crossed, an irritated gleam in his eyes. Tapping his fingers quietly against the honeycomb wood, the look he gave Alfred sent spiders crawling down his spine.

“Alright, what did you have me running all over town for?” Just hearing his voice set his head spinning.

Alfred sat forward, bopping his knee up and down, up and down. He grinned. “Did you find all of them?”

Arthur’s glare had slowly lost its bite these past short months, filled with something unrecognizable. Undiscovered.

It was a look that drove him crazy, that left him reeling to find an answer. To find the key to tell him what the hell it was, what the hell it meant. But so far, nothing.

“I suppose that I did.” Arthur took a sip from his tea, the koozie slipping down the side of the cup. Alfred watched as a tongue darted out from Arthur's lips, cutting short a small drop of tea.

Fuck. He didn’t know how much more of this he could take.

“Except for one.”

Alfred grinned. “Oh?” The bastard never let anything go.

A deadpan. “You know which one I’m talking about.”

And indeed he did. There was no denying the that in his laptop bag sat the gem- the jewel, the prize?— of Arthur’s collection. No, he would see right through it if Alfred lied.

With a sigh, Alfred set the book on the table. Immediately, Arthur grabbed it, turning it and observing the front cover. Around thirty seconds later, he cracked open the first few pages, the final sticky note falling from the inner cover.

The sticky note that would either damn him or…

Alfred tightened his grip on his coffee cup as Arthur picked up the post-it, spiders crawling up and down his back. This was it.

“Page 231? You won’t be sending me to the next town over this time?” The joke was dry as hell, but Alfred couldn’t help but laugh.

“Nah, man.” He took a sip of his coffee. The bitter bite calmed his nerves, slowed the spiders down. But barely. He swallowed, pointing a finger towards the book. “I even dog-eared it for ya. So you didn’t have to look to hard.”

The way Arthur glared at him—oh, that made him mad. He had taken the bait. Good.

The glare morphed into a scowl as Arthur pulled at the dog-ear, one small enough that it could be easily smoothed out. He would’ve killed him if Alfred had done anything more, and he certainly didn’t have a death wish.

The scowl fell when Arthur stopped at the page. “Alfred—”

“Don’t.” The word left Alfred’s mouth before he could stop it. He quickly backtracked, holding his hands up in slight surrender before Arthur could bite back. “I mean—I didn’t do anything to it. Just read it. The fifth paragraph from the top. Aloud.”

Arthur blinked, glancing down down at the page. “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how—

“Ardently I admire and love you.” Alfred joined in at the final line, the small speech he had been rehearsing the entire of the thirty minutes before Arthur arrived.

The latter had frozen, that unknown expression creeping up on his face. It hurt, in a way, to not know what he was thinking.

“Alfred?” Emotionless, as if he was distancing himself.

He swallowed, itching for his coffee, for something to hold. “Yes?”

“Is this what I think it is?”

He could say no, say that it was all a prank. That was their dynamic now, it wouldn’t be unexpected. Wouldn’t be a surprise.

But there was something about the look in Arthur’s eyes that made him hopeful. That gave him the inkling that maybe—maybe—this would work.

Alfred sighed, looking Arthur dead in the eyes.

For the man who could knock down three shots before Alfred could do one.

For the man whose eyes froze with rage when his boss called him on his day off, or when a professor cancelled class when he had already left.

For the man who could down a mug of tea mixed with salt without a trace of a cringe.

For the man who laughed at the dirtiest and darkest of Alfred’s jokes, no matter how far he went.

Fuck, Alfred was in deep.

He pushed his fingers through his hair. “Yeah. It is.”

Silence.

Alfred raised his head from his coffee, Arthur staring at him with that damn look.

And when he smiled, Alfred knew that Arthur Kirkland was never boring. He was.

[onlytaylor]

It’s time for some 8th year, HALLOWEEN Drarry! 👻

“Parkinson, would you care to explain why the lights just cut off?” Seamus Finnigan, beer in hand, blurted the thoughts of the entire group.

“Because, SILLY,” Pansy rolled her eyes and placed a hand on each hip. “This week’s get together is a Halloween soirée.” She relaxed into a more satisfied, smug manner. “And I’ve got some fun planned.”

“I’m going to need another shot for this.” Blaise Zabini tipped back the bottle of fire whiskey he currently harbored before passing it to Neville.

It was a typical Saturday night in the Room of Requirement, albeit the fact that it was nearing Halloween. All of the eighth years had joined for one of many drunken get togethers, which were sparse at first but had become a solid routine in recent months.

The parties had, in fact, led to the development of several relationships, including Dean and Seamus, who’d been dared a kiss during one night’s game of Spin the Bottle; Hermione and Pansy, who’d worked together to arrange the gatherings in the name of House Unity; and Neville and Hannah Abbott, who’d been too shy to speak to one another without the influence of alcohol.

Pansy lit her wand, taking a seat in the center of the circle and using it to eerily illuminate her face.

Across the group sat Harry Potter, who had incidentally ended up next to Malfoy. Not that it bothered him like it once would have; the two had become more than civil after the war. In fact, if he was truly honest with himself, it wasn’t Pansy’s creepy facade that had his pulse accelerating.

“Did you all know that Hogwarts is haunted?”

She pouted at Ron Weasley’s obnoxious laugh.

“Of course it is, Parkinson. What do you call Nearly Headless Nick?” He chuckled fearlessly.

“Not the house ghosts, you idiot! By something truly...evil.” She grinned maliciously, animated and ready to tell her story.

“Some ghosts are friendly. But some spirits are restless, vengeful beings who want revenge on their death. In fact, there was a young Ravenclaw girl here several years ago who was murdered on this very floor by her classmates.”

“Really, Pansy? Why have we never seen her before?” Draco took a shot and passed the bottle across the circle to Thomas.

“Because, morons, have any of you been anywhere on this floor OTHER than the Room of Requirement?” A silence rang throughout the group. Pleased, Pansy continued her anecdote.

“To this day, she seeks revenge on the students of Hogwarts caught roaming the halls of the 7th floor. Rumor has it that if you lay eyes on her, you disappear. And you’re never seen again.”

“I knew those Ravenclaws were savage.” Piped Finnigan, and Harry spit out his butterbeer. To his right, Draco shot him a humorous grin while the rest of the party roared with laughter.

“Well if you guys are all so brave, I vote we make this interesting.” Pansy spoke with intent. “Let’s split up and roam the halls. We’ll meet back here in 20 minutes. If we survive... you can make all the jokes you want.”

“Challenge accepted.” Weasley responded confidently. “I call Zabini.” Blaise flashed him a grin and a nod from a few seats down.

“Fine. Granger, you’re with me. The rest of you fools pick. Remember, 20 minutes!”

With Ron and Hermione spoken for, Harry glanced nervously around to see who he’d be partnered with. Unfortunately, most of the group had already paired off.

“Wanna piss Pansy off together?” The voice was soft and inviting and Harry felt his heart do flips in his chest.

He turned to face Draco with a gentle smile. “Sure, that’d be great.”

They roamed the halls, determined to see nothing but hoping that Pansy would prove them wrong if just for something exciting to do.

“Come on, let’s check these abandoned classrooms.” Harry urged Draco into a dusty, Godforsaken room that appeared to be a potions lab at one point.

Draco ran a curious finger along the edge of a lone cauldron that was perched lifelessly upon one of the desks. It wasn’t his complete lack of fascination with anything potions related that had Harry eyeing Draco, biting his lip nervously as he watched that slender hand wipe dust from the instrument. Everything Draco did was so intricate, so full of purpose and poise...

He found himself mindlessly migrate to the Slytherin, standing next to him, placing himself much too close.

Draco turned his head slightly to the left and was met by the taste of the Gryffindor’s breath, a mix of toothpaste and treacle tart and something else he longed to savor.

Harry watched his eyes flutter shut and mustered that Gryffindor courage that he was infamous for, that same bravery he’d used to save the world, to give himself something he’d waited far too long to experience.

When his lips met Draco’s, the sentiment was soft and sweet and for the first time since Voldemort had fallen, Harry felt free. There was the taste of peppermint, a hint of dark chocolate, and a sweetness that must’ve belonged solely to Draco that Harry gasped for. Draco’s tongue swept into Harry’s mouth, and God, he never wanted to let-

“SWEET MOTHER OF MERLIN ITS THE RAVENCLAW GHOST!!!!!!!”

Draco and Harry jumped apart, running to the door with a shared look of concern. Sprinting down the Hall wildly was an extremely frightened Neville, followed by a cackling Pansy removing a muggle Halloween mask.

Ron and Blaise arrived at the source of the commotion. “Come on, Neville, you gut Nagini but you’re scared of a ghost?” Ron called after him facetiously.

“That’s different, Weasley!” The voice echoed as he turned a corner.

“You’re wrong for that, Pans.” Blaise shook his head, smiling.

“I know,” she said smugly and turned to Hermione, who’d rounded the corner to observe the prank. “High five, Granger, phase one and phase two are now complete!”

“Phase two? What was phase two?” Harry asked, still standing in the doorway next to a curious Draco Malfoy.

“To get you two in a room by yourselves. The rest of us are tired of the sexual tension.” Pansy waved herself dramatically, as if she was going to faint.

“And it worked.” Hermione winked, giving her girlfriend a quick fist-bump.

Harry smiled at Draco, whose ears were burning hot pink. Thankful for his meddling friends, he leaned forward.

“Happy Halloween, Draco,” He whispered with a grin before pressing a kiss to the boy he planned on never letting go of.