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2018shawn · 5 years ago

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fourth time lucky

Hi hunnieeeeeees!!!! Based on these asks, thank you all so much for requesting 🥰:

Hi! I was wondering if you could write a Shawn Mendes x reader smut where they are trying to get pregnant and they are going at it like bunnies and then they reader is exhausted from everything and then they are pregnant in the end? Thanks!

Baby-making sex with Shawn

I saw this on someone else’s blog, but can you please do it as well, it’s about Brian complaining about how loud you and Shawn were the night before, you’re all on holiday somewhere

warnings: swearing, smut, unprotected sex (duh), drinking?? a long ass ride

a/n: 6.5k-ish of my not-up-to-standard writing!!! I think I'd like to carry on some dad!Shawn concepts so come to my ask box with any requests/suggestions 🥰🥰 ALSO I think I'm really bad at smut so let me know how you guys feel lol any feedback/likes/reblogs are very much appreciated 💓💓

The sounds of the boys fooling around in the pool, that was private to your shared villa, kept you company as you paced around your room. You laughed at yourself, having no idea why you felt nervous at holding what you did, it was just a pre-test kind of situation. The green carrier bag on your bed, filled with extra goodies from the shop (because was you even on holiday if you didn’t try every foreign chocolate bar), flapped around from the soft breeze drifting into your room from the open balcony door as you placed the test box on the bedside table. You placed the stick you’d just peed on, on top of the box which contained 9 other small test strips, the instructions (which luckily came in English too) next to it.

Shawn had spoken to you many times about starting a family, but you were the one who held back, which is what surprised you most. You had your entire life planned out with Shawn, the two rings on your wedding finger backing this up. It had even gone as far as having rows over the matter – Shawn’s anxiety eating away at him that you actually didn’t want a baby because of him and how different his lifestyle is; this was the complete wrong end of the stick. He was a busy guy, sure, but after five number one albums and countless tours, you knew he was genuinely serious about taking a break in order to start the family you’d both discussed so many times before.

You’d only gone to the shop in order to get more supplies for the group of you staying in the villa. The beer levels were running low, meaning the water levels were running low as they nursed their hangovers in the day, gulping beer again come night-time. You’d found yourself down the medicine aisle of the small store down the road, thinking aspirin and more sun cream would be essential for the rest of your stay in the extremely warm country. Bending down to look furthermore at extra bits, because you always thought it would be better to have too much than not enough, your eyes gazed over the selection of pregnancy tests before you noticed one row of a slightly different test – an ovulation test. A lump in your throat formed, and you felt something you’d never felt before. A want. A need.

A small, soaked volleyball came soaring through the open balcony door, landing just at your feet with a soft thud, bringing you back from your daydreaming. You heard one of the boys shout sorry, laughing to yourself at the playful behaviour of what you thought were mature 20-something-year olds. You bent down, picking up the wet ball, walking over to the balcony to check out the situation.

Looking down, there was Brain, Connor and Naill all flailing around in the pool below you whilst Connor’s girlfriend relaxed on one of the sun loungers, topping up her golden tan. Shawn, also in the water, was resting his arms on the surface around the pool, looking up and waiting for you to appear on the balcony. And when you did, he beamed, like he hadn’t seen you in years. “Whoever threw that should definitely keep their day job,” you laughed, throwing the ball back aiming in nowhere in particular. You never imagined that what you said could spark the beginning of world war 3; if you could actually play properly and yeah well if your fat fucking head wasn’t in the way being amongst the bickering as Shawn just continued to lovingly look up at you, rolling his eyes at the antics behind him. “Can I borrow you for a sec… from the… intense game you appear to have going on?” You asked, wagging your finger at the guys who were now trying to dunk each other underwater, neither of them not really paying attention to you or Shawn as he instantly nodded. Pushing the palms of his hands against the heated, concrete ground he raised from the water in what you could only describe as a bond girl/Baywatch aesthetic. The water trailing down his body, the sun instantly soaking up the moisture on him, was a sight you though could impregnant you alone.

You worked out your pH against the chart on the instructions as Shawn made his way up to the room, screwing your face up as you tried to familiarise yourself with this new technical language. Shawn’s head appeared around the door and you smiled in return, moving the stick and instructions that were in your hand to behind your back, trying your best to mask the evidence although knowing you failed. “What you got there?” He asked, sauntering in the room, droplets of water still trickling down the lines of his abs every so often as he continued to dry off naturally.

“Well, urm, yeah… nothing” You throat suddenly went dry, as you wondered whether you’d made a stupid impulsive decision to tell Shawn you wanted to try for a baby.

“Okay, I’ve always wanted one of those?” He joked, sitting himself on the end of the bed, not caring about dampening the sheets or messing up your specific bed making skills. He noticed your foot tapping, something you always did when you felt nervous, as he glanced over your features to try and gather some idea of what was going on. “You’re worrying me now.”

“You don’t need to worry,” you laughed, shaking your head as the expression on his face didn’t change. “I just… uh… think I wanna try get… y’no… pregnant”

Then his face changed. To a big shit-eating grin and a sparkle in his eyes. “You do?” He asked, just to make sure he had full confirmation and wasn’t hearing things. You nodded, a small mhmm escaping your lips before rambling on about seeing these stupid sticks near the pregnancy tests, even though you only went in for beer but ended up peeing on this stupid stick. “So… what does the stick say?” He said, holding out his hand for you to take. You did so, happily, the instructions in your hands getting crinkled between your hold on each other.

He pulled you close, your body stood in between his now opened legs, his hands travelling up your sundress, keeping you close by stroking the skin on the back of your thighs. You brought the stick out from behind your back, finally, looking at what it displayed one last time before speaking, “I’m ovulating, but only until tomorrow, we’ve missed the main chunk.”

He took both the instructions and stick, not seeming to care you’d just peed on the thing, before tossing them towards the direction of the bin, but missing dramatically. With one swift tug, you fell on top of him as he fell back onto the dreamy mattress, a squeal escaping your lips as you crashed down onto him. “SHAWN. You’re still wet” You laughed, trying with everything you had in you to push yourself back up off him.

His hold was strong enough that you couldn’t escape and as he flipped you both, so you were now under him, his legs in between yours in an attempt to keep them open, “and you’re about to be,” he smirked, resulting in you rolling your eyes at his boyish come back.

Strong hands were now exploring every inch of your body as his head dipped down, allowing your lips to come crashing together. His hunger was evident, little time spent being detached from your lips, as he loved on you with everything he had in him. His kisses moved down to your neck, groaning into your skin as you tugged at the damp curls atop of his head. “Are you sure?” you heard him mutter against your skin as he continued to kiss your sensitive spots.

“Only if you are” you breathed, tugging his hair that little bit harder so his lips parted from your skin and he looked up at you, the same sparkle in his eye still there. He nodded, reassuring you with few words that he’d have to be bat-shit crazy to not want to start a family with you. His head dipped back down, lips working back on your neck and chest whilst his fingers toyed the hem of your now slightly damp sundress. Underneath was nothing but a tiny red bikini, which he wasn’t overly keen on you wearing in front of his friends, but you argued about wanting the best tan with minimal tan lines. He pulled the flimsy dress material up your body until it bunched up around your neck, pulling away for a few short seconds in order to lift it and remove it completely. You took your bottom lip in-between your teeth as you felt the cold air-con air blast over your body, your nipples hardening at Shawn’s soft touch.

Shawn moved so he was upright, knelt on his knees in between you. You couldn’t help yourself as your fingers reached up, brushing over the defined lines of his abs, him tensing at your contact and cock twitching beneath his stupidly tight, yet somehow still baggy, swim shorts. Because two could play the game of tight garments, apparently. They were baggy enough to portray as a normal pair of trunks, but tight enough that he knew you could see the outline of one of your favourite features of his, as he lay on the sun lounger next to you, or walked around your sun lounger to go inside even though his sun lounger was closed to the villa doors.

His fingers were toying with the ties on the side of your briefs, not necessarily tugging too hard for the knot to come undone, the long pieces of string now straggling across the bed and your bare thigh. You breathed heavily as his fingers trailed across your skin to your needy centre, fingers slipping under the dampness of your briefs. A sharp intake of breath caused you to arch your back off the bed as his fingers came into contact with your swollen lips.

A thumb traced your entrance, until it stopped at your clit where it created a light pressure. Cries of need left your lips, until Shawn stopped them by connecting his lips back with yours. “We have to be quiet, they’re right outside” He spoke in-between kisses, you only nodding in return, realising you’d zoned out of the real world as you suddenly hear the boys scream into a loud cheer from down in the pool. The torturous tease of his thumb hovering over your clit soon turned into a trace of circles on your throbbing nub, two of his fingers slowly entering you completely as you adapted around him. “Fuck… you’re… so wet” He moaned into your neck, his fingers sliding in and out of you with ease from the juices he’d created.

You wanted to come back with some sarcastic comment like that’s what you wanted isn’t it but didn’t have much time to as his lips moved down, taking what he could manage of your breast into his mouth as his fingers continued to work wonders further down. The cold, wetness of his tongue felt good against the dry skin, your back arching as you pushed up to meet his touch as much as possible.

It didn’t take long before you were whimpering in his hands, telling him how much you needed him. It was as if all he needed was the invitation for him to tug at the waistband of his restrictive trunks until his throbbing length popped free, a whimper freeing from his own lips at the relief. He lined himself up with you, one hand trying to keep you still as it grasped at your waist, keeping his eyes connected with yours at all time.

This time felt different. You knew you were probably being stupid, and it was just like any other sex you’d have, but the concept of it possibly actually leading to becoming pregnant made you feel some type of way. For years you’d looked at Shawn, unknowingly to him, and wondered if your children would inherit his talent or his crazy curls or dazzling smile. As if he sensed your mind was on overdrive, he interlocked his hand with yours, pinning it next to your head as his chest came down to meet yours, whispering “I love you.”

“I’m just saying… I think we made a baby!” He beamed, right on your heels as you both made your way through the villa to re-join the rest of the group.

“Shawn, please don’t start getting all obsessive over it. It happens straight away for some people, takes years for others, just remember that okay?” You smiled, stroking the back of his hand with your thumb. The sun hit you as you both walked out into the garden, feeling like a vampire as you squinted and groaned at the brightness.

“Oh she lives!” Connor shouted, the rest of the group turning around to look over in both of your direction.

“Did you go to the store back home, Y/N?” Niall joked, twirling the volleyball around of his pointer finger as if he was a basketball pro.

Brian couldn’t possible miss the opportunity to get involved with the jibing, “we even thought you may have run off with a sexy Spanish senor, we know Shawn can be a bit whiny sometimes.”

You rolled your eyes, a sarcastic har-har escaping your lips as you tip toed up, giving Shawn a gentle peck on the cheek. Like a group of teenagers, Shawn waltzed back over to the pool, putting his foot against Niall’s back, forcing him into the pool despite the fact he’d just completely dried off, apart from his legs which were dangling in.

Connor’s girlfriend tugged out one of her headphones as you sat on the lounger next to her, adjusting the backrest and stripping off your sundress – that you’d only just put back on – ready to take in the rest of the rays the sun had to offer. You were going about your business as normal, catching Connor’s girlfriend staring at you with a smug grin out of the corner of your eye. “Yes, Mila?” You raised your eyebrow, cocking your head as you gave her your full attention.

“You just had sex didn’t you?” She asked, spinning the wire of her headphones around her finger, only stopping when she smacked herself in the face with it for the third time.

You just laughed, “what makes you think that?”

“I dunno… you’re… glowing. Must’ve been really good though because there’s still something extra different this time” She shrugged.

The sun was still beaming as you awoke later on; you’d slept most of the day, only waking up when Shawn was applying more sun cream on your back. Fortunately so had the boys, which gave you some peace and quiet. Connor and Mila were squeezed onto one sun lounger, like big spoon/little spoon, whilst Niall and Brian were sprawled out on their own, soft snores escaping both of their lips. Your eyes began to flicker open, body stretching out of the light sleep. “So I’ve been thinking…” Shawn’s voice snapped your head round to your right, where his sun lounger was placed. He lay on his side, head resting on his hand with his elbow propped up on the bed.

“Jesus, hello to you too…” You rolled your eyes, a soft yawn escaping your lips even though you’d only just been sleeping.

“We should go upstairs, you know, while the kids are quiet” He pointed at the group the other side of you, and you watched them for a second, laughing at how Niall’s sunglasses were probably creating the world’s worst tan line right about now.

You stood up, taking him by surprise when you agreed, swaying your hips just that little bit extra as you walked inside.

Shawn was quick behind you up the stairs and you walked him backwards until he fell onto the bed as soon as you shut the door. He shuffled himself up to the head of the bed, eyeballing you as you kicked your flip flops off, not caring where in the room they ended up. You’d decided to leave your sundress down by your lounger during your swift decision, knowing it would be pointless in dressing in it again.

This time it was you straddling him, kissing down each section of his body as he writhed under you, hands firmly holding onto your hips. His hardening length was pressing into your thigh, “the sun actually does make you horny doesn’t it?” you laughed, remembering Shawn telling you once that it did, but you laughed it off as a stupid myth.

“Yup. And when that’s mixed with you… I’m a goner” He squirmed again, his hardness changing your laugh into a moan.

There was next to no foreplay; you lifted off him for a second, grabbing his member with your hand, lining your yet again aching core up with him. You both forgot about the quiet “rule”, hoping the guys would still be asleep, as you let out a loud moan simultaneously, your walls sinking down onto him and adapting to his size for the second time today. Sounds of satisfaction filled the room, hopefully not spilling over and out to the pool area, although that was the last thing on yours and Shawn’s mind. You found your rhythm, Shawn’s hands supporting your tactical ass as you hopped up and down. Flinging your head back in pleasure, Shawn helped you by thrusting, pulling your body down as his hips moved upwards, his breathing getting heavier with each plunge. “Fuck… I thought… I’m gonna…” He stringed out a set of words, all giving you the impression he was close to his climax. It spurred you on even more, your hips rocking down onto him a little more, pushing yourself closer to meet him.

His eyes were shut, lips apart, body trembling underneath you. That was all you needed to come to your own heightened senses, your body falling down, your chest meeting his own as you bit onto his shoulder to muffle your moans. You both lay there for a while, Shawn’s thumbs sketching patterns on the skin of your hips as he spoke into your hair, “okay, I think maybe that time we made one.”

You let out a large sigh, giving up all hope with your hair and dragging it back into a high pony as you observed yourself in the mirror. The heat did not agree with your hair. Neither did the chlorine. And probably neither did the fact you’d also just had sex for a third time. Something in you had clicked, wondering why it had taken you so long to want this; to need this. You weren’t sure how many times you and Shawn had been able to have sex in one day, your stamina usually quite low compared to his much higher drive.

Emerging from the bathroom, with a towel wrapped low around his hips, he sang along to some songs he’d been listening to in the shower. The energy was good throughout the villa, all six of you getting ready for a night in the local town with nothing but good drinks and good friends. “Do you think I should wear the leaf shirt…” Shawn started, looking at his two options of shirts hung on the wardrobe door, “orrrrr the stripe?”

He held both up alternatively, his lips pulled to one side and eyebrows raised as you tapped a make-up brush against your cheek, deciding on the life changing choice. “The stripe. I’m more likely to wanna get you into bed in that.” Throwing his head back, he laughed, not only at your bluntness, but the fact you actually wanted to get him into bed for the fourth time. If all holidays were like this, he’d take them more often. You noticed his smug features whilst he walked around the bed to stand behind you in the mirror, towering you due to sitting on the small stool. “You wanted a baby,” you shrugged innocently, continuing your light make up routine, knowing it would only sweat off as soon as you left the air-conned villa anyway.

“You’re cute,” he smiled, bending down and wrapping his arm around your waist, “and also incredibly horny from the heat.” You jabbed your elbow into his stomach as hard as you could, but evidently not hard enough as he just laughed off you attempt. He planted a small kiss on your cheek before returning to get ready, in the stripe shirt.

The night had gone well, the lot of you letting your hair down like you’d intended to. You couldn’t help, however, take slightly longer than normal to drink your drinks or sit quietly in the corner every so often just to see how much you’d miss this life; normal life. It made you feel content when you realised you didn’t actually mind, thus far, enjoying everyone else making fools out of themselves rather than you for once. Mila was soon bounding over, sipping the last of her drink and placing it on the table you were sat at, “you okay? You seem kinda… quiet.”

You nodded, placing your own full drink down on the table, “I just have a killer headache, I don’t think I drunk enough water today.” It wasn’t a total lie, you had a teeeeeny, tiny headache, but more so were tired from your unusually active day.

She seemed genuinely concerned, which made you feel bad for telling a little white lie, but you and Shawn were yet to discuss with anybody else your future plans, and you imagined it would stay that way. “You want me to head back to the villa with you?” You assured her you were fine, promising you’d be fine going on your own, “sooo, does that mean you’re gonna be drinking that or?” She asked when she was finally convinced you didn’t need to be walked home, pointing to your full beverage. You laughed, handing it to her before placing a small kiss on her cheek and telling her to enjoy the rest of her night and you’ll make breakfast for 10am.

You grabbed Shawn’s arm to grab his attention as he watched over Brian doing some of the weirdest ‘dancing’ you’d ever seen. He looked concerned as soon as he looked at you, instantly pulling you to the side so he could hear you a little better. “I’m gonna head back to the villa, I’m super tired and I’m just… kind of…”

He smiled warmly, “feeling maternal are we?” You couldn’t help but roll your eyes for what felt like the 20thtime today. “I’ll just tell the boys and come with, 2 seconds.” And before you had chance to object, to tell him to stay and make the most of the night, he was dragging you out the door and in the direction of your holiday home, which luckily for the sake of your poor legs and slightly sore centre, wasn’t too far.

Shawn main priority was getting you to bed, and not in the suggestive way you’d think. He wanted nothing more than to make sure you were comfortable and rested, knowing you’d taken just about as much of him as you could today, or so he had thought.

He fiddled around with the air con unit, muttering to himself as he tried to figure out the electronics, happily smiling to himself when he’d set a suitable temperature. You pulled up the iPad, setting some stupid movie rolling in which you had no interest in actually watching, rather enjoying your boyfriend company. Crawling in behind you, his arm snaked around your waist and his lips peppered kisses across you shoulder, his breathe tickling you and leaving you wriggling under him. It was cute, loving, happy.

Around 30 minutes into the movie, which you and Shawn had spent the entire time talking through, you began to feel slightly more refreshed and reenergised. Your head was still perched on Shawn’s chest, and your own bare chest rested against his side, the thin and practically useless bed sheets were pulled up, covering up to your hips. “I’m just saying, I don’t think I’ve quite ever seen someone do “the worm” like that.” You laughed, your fingers mocking the name of the dance move.

“He thinks it’s his signature move, let’s just let him have his moment.” Your continuous laugh was muffled into the skin on his chest as your fingers yet again sketched the outline of his abs continuously. You noticed how he twitched every so often, tensing as you got the parts close to the top of his waistband. Taking full advantage of your touch, crossed with his weakness of being tickled, you stopped tracing the upper parts of his defined features, concentrating solely on the parts that were making him squirm.

Your manicured nails, painted with vibrant holiday colours, alternated between lines of his muscles, and the scar situated just next to them. He hummed happily into your hair, “you’re gonna have to stop doing that,” he let out a shaky laugh, his hand wrapping around your wrist to stop your delicate movements.

Looking up at him with glazed eyes, your eyelashes fluttered in an attempt to look as innocent as you could. He instantly knew what you were up to, shaking his head, “baby, I want this I do… but you’re exhausted. When was the last time you turned down a night out?” What he was saying was right, you were the party animal of the group for so long, but you were sick of being that person. You wanted this family. And maybe the sun was getting to your head, and you knew you had all the time in the world to try for a baby, but it only felt right that you made up for lost time, considering you were only ovulating for approximately another 12 hours, possibly even less.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…” you smiled, moving your head back down to rest where it was previously, hand wriggling out of his grasp. He only specifically suggested you stopped doing the little ab-tickle, nothing else. So you continued, fingers toying with the waistband of his Calvin’s, letting them run underneath the slightest bit. You noticed how his chest was breathing deeper, his hand that was stroking your back coming to a halt on your waist where it grasped slightly. The changing matter was when you tugged the waistband up further than previous times, letting it snap against his skin when you let it go.

Before you could blink, he was on top of you, pinning your hand either side of your head and all you could do was smirk, successful in your not-so-secret mission. “I said stop.” Your smirk grew, welcoming back the Shawn you knew and loved oh so dearly. His Calvin’s weren’t hiding much, his length nudging into your centre, which was only covered by a pair of flimsy lace panties. His face was centimetres from yours, breath fanning onto your lips, “I’m not going to break my wife day one into baby making.” His sudden turn from demanding into caring only made your legs wrap around him, heels digging into the curve of his ass to pull him closer. You knew it wasn’t an appropriate time to argue with him, knowing his week spots would soon leave him coming undone and meeting your needy level.

He groaned as your material covered delicates touched, only spurring on the wetness between your legs, “Just…” you breathed, leaning up to place a delicate kiss on his pillowy lips, “one more…” he reciprocated the action, “please?” You knew innocently asking for permission was his weak spot and got him feeling a certain type of way and mixed with the other teasing touches you’d put into play, he was crumbling on top of you.

Lost in the moment, a large clunk snapped both your heads to look towards the direction of your bedroom door, which was still shut like it had been since you’d got home. Both of you furrowed your eyebrows, before confirming it must just be the outdated air con unit kicking in outside your room.

As if it never happened, his lips trailed kisses down your body, paying particular attention to the area where you’d previously been teasing him. You squirmed underneath him, the stupid stubble on his chin brushing against the top of your throbbing core. His breath tickled you, much like your fingers had been doing him, the kisses quite possibly the most delicate they’d ever been, like he would break you if he pressed any harder. You whimpered, not caring about the volume of your voice as you knew the others were out having a good time in a completely different way to you two. His hands were still intertwined with yours by your head, restricting you from reaching down and running your fingers through his soft bed of curls.

Heading further down, his pulled your panties in-between his teeth, letting them drag down, letting to cool air of the room hit you furthermore. “You really do want this, huh?” He asked cockily, no chance for you to answer as he begin to lap up your taste, running his tongue up your slit in the most torturous slow movement. “Shawn...” you breathed, squeezing onto his hands tighter at the new mixture of wet sensations between your legs. He hummed into your folds, the vibrations twitching your hips to push up towards him.

It felt like heaven and pleasure, all rolled into one, Your legs wrapped around his shoulder, your heels helplessly digging into his back even though you knew he couldn’t get any closer if her tried. He continued to hum into you, forcing whimpers and moans of your own to leave your lips, taking over the volume of the movie that was now playing to itself.

His sudden departure from your soaking focussed area left you only begging for more, him name leaving your mouth a handful of times in a plea to return. His fingers untangled from yours by the side of your head, reaching down and taking each side of your panties that were bunched up at the top of your thighs. “These... need to go” He continued rolling them down until they twanged off either of your feet, uncaring where they ended up as he tossed them behind him, “much better.”

“Shawn, I need you, please.” You begged one last time, your hands finally free and reaching up for any part of him you could touch. He seemingly agreed, crawling up on his forearms to cover your body, ensuring he didn’t crush you in the process. His fingers came up to your face in an intimate moment, brushed away a strand of hair that had fallen from your ponytail as he pressed a light kiss to the tip of your nose. Reaching in-between you both, he lined up his fully hardened length with you entrance, the reconnection of skin on skin bucking your hips upwards. He gave you no warning as he plunged into you, filling you whole with he first thrust, your fingers digging into the skin of his shoulder blades as you let out your loudest moan yet.

“Fuck” he spat, as his hips connected with yours, filling you deeply. His head rested in the crook of your neck, placing hard, passionate kisses and nipping the skin of your collar bone when he wasn’t concentrating on breathing. Your hand came up to toy with the curls at the nape of his neck, twirling the stray curls.

“Shawn, I'm not gonna last...” You whisper, your breathing deeper than you’d felt it all day. You thought you’d last longer, but seemed to be getting weaker with each touch he gave you. Continuing to squirm underneath him, he groaned at your twitchiness.

He pulled out of you, no time for you complain as he grabbed one of your hips, flipping you onto your front with one swift motion of his strong arms. A playful squeal left your lips, your head turning back to look over your shoulder with a glistening smile. His other hand came to your other hip, guiding your ass further up into the air, your chest still pushed against the mattress, “Fuck, you’re amazing,” he almost whispered, a contrast from how loud you’d both been throughout the last 30 minutes.

His hand smoothed over the curves of your peachy asset, before sliding down and tapping at each of you inner thighs in a suggestion for you to move your legs wider. Happily obliging, you did so, feeling him shift his weight behind you. Entering back into you, you reached up and clenched your fingers around the fabric of the pillow as he filled you again. The headboard smashed against the wall each time his hips came into contact with your ass, thrusting you forward with each passionate movement. His rhythm remained consistent, a light tap on your ass every now and again reminding you to keep screaming his name as you drifted off into a state of pure pleasure every so often.

“I’m gonna...” You breathed, unable to finish your sentence as you screamed in pure delight, your hair falling and covering your face. Shawn snapped your head up, pulling it back with your tempting pony, watching you as you came undone below him. His other hand reached round your front, his finger finding your clit and rubbing circles to accompany your raging climax. You couldn’t speak, only screams leaving your mouth for the moments of pleasure.

The sight of you was enough to build up his own orgasm, the snap of his hips against your ass and the headboard against the wall slowing as he thrusted through each shooting pleasure. You couldn’t concentrate as your name left his mouth amongst his moans, until he finally came to a halt, pulling out fo you and falling back onto the mattress with nothing put a post sex glow covering his body. You remained on your front, laying your head on the pillow as you turned to face him. Through heavy breathing, Shawn finally broken the minute long silence as you both basked in your euphoria “Okay we definitely made a mini us that time.”

You looked at the large clock hung on the wall above the stove, reading 9:54, as you heard footsteps and movement start to filter from upstairs. Shawn sat at the breakfast bar, sipping from his coffee cup as you wizzed around the kitchen, steam coming from the stove and oven as you prepared your best breakfast display yet. “Are you sure you don’t want me to do anything?” He asked, feeling guilty you were running around like a headless chicken.

“Absolutely not, you burnt the beans last time you helped. Who even does that?” You laughed, blowing air out your mouth in an attempt to blow hair out of your vision. He shrugged, insisting it was definitely the pan’s fault because it was, like, 149 years old, not the fact he couldn’t cook.

“You know... one day it’s gonna be our kids coming running down the stairs,” he started, standing from his bar stool and placing his empty cup by the sink, “with their little school uniforms on,” your heart tugged are the thought, “and running into the kitchen because they’re fighting over who’ll be riding shotgun, but it’ll definitely be the boy because he’s such a mommy’s boy and the fact he’s the eldest.” You heart clenched. “And the girl will of course 100% be a daddy’s girl, which will leave you jealous because you’re normally the only girl who gets all my attention.”

He walked around to you, tugging at the towel in your hands until you fell into his frame. “Really been thinking about it, huh?” You smiled, reciprocating his hold, wrapping your arms over the top of his shoulders.

“After yesterday’s performance... how can I not?” He laughed as he bent down to kiss you, the butterfly feelings he gave you the first time you ever kissed still evident now.

“Jeez, don’t you guys ever stop?” You heard Brian’s voice as he entered the room, snapping you both from your loving moment before you continued to attend to breakfast duties. He was followed closely by Niall, Connor and Mila as the empty kitchen became suddenly overcrowded. You slapped Nialls hand away a few times as he tried to steal items of food from right under your nose, frowning like a little kid. Good practice, you thought to yourself, as you looked at Shawn across the room how appeared to be thinking the exact same.

“Don’t they ever stop what?” Connor asked, mid yawn as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

“Going at it like rabbits, you should’ve heard them last night. I think shitting myself in the club would have been more enjoyable that listening to them two all night.” Brian confirmed, slumping himself onto one of the chair surrounding the dining table.

You and Shawn froze, giving each other a confused look as he continued to explain your sex life, even giving details of approximately how many times the headboard was thrown against the wall. “But... you were out with the guys?” You asked, promptly interrupting him when he got to the noise impressions, waving your spatula toward the foursome who sat around the table waiting for their fresh breakfast.

“He must’ve ate something bad, said he was gonna shit himself in the middle of the club and had to run back here” Connor butted in, resting his head in his hands as the hangover started to hit, but also laughing at his dumb friend who nearly had a very embarrassing accident during the night out.

“ENOUGH. We’re about to eat” Mila scoulded, hitting her boyfriend across the arm as the rest of you screwed your face up in disgust. Connor shrugged, pouting his bottom lip as his head collapsed against the table in exhaust.

“Bro... why the fuck didn’t you tell us you were home?” Shawn asked, holding in hands out as he waited for a reaction.

“You were... busy!” Brain snorted, “I ain’t gonna be the one to rain on your parade. You were putting in a good shift, bro.”

Any annoyance Shawn had, didn’t show as he thanked his best friend with a swift high five, also rather proud of his performance, even more so considering it was the fourth round. He didn’t need to disclose that, of course, unless he wanted to go home a single, divorced man.

“More action that I’ve had in a while,” Niall randomly shrugged, filling his mug with coffee as they began to bicker amongst themselves who had sex the most, as if you and Shawn weren’t there.

Coming back over to help with the dishes, Shawn whispered in your ear, “are you sure you wanna have a kid?” He laughed, nodding back to the roudy group sat around waiting for their fuel.

“Bit late now isn’t it?” You raised your eyebrow, shoving a platter of bacon and sausage in one of his hands, and a plate of toast in the other.

He gasped, a little louder than necessary, causing the rest of the group to come to a deathly silence as he let out his word vomit, that resulted in another loud discussion from the heard of friends, “you think we made a baby too?!”

#Shawn mendes #Shawn mendes blurb #Shawn mendes fic #Shawn mendes smut #Shawn mendes imagine #dad!shawn

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blissfulalchemist · 4 years ago

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multiples of 5 + get a room xx

Hello Stella this was a lot but! here we are!

5. What do they like the most about each other?

Both can very much appreciate their shamelessness for public flirting and PDA. We won’t also state the other obvious thing both like about the other. On a sappy level though Hayat most likes Mason’s ability to find the darkest corner of any room no matter how bright it is. Truly that is a fucking skill and just HOW!? can you make that happen sir???? What Mason likes the most about Hayat is the way he’s ready with something to lighten most deadly situations that can make you want to smile or laugh if it was any other setting other than impending doom. Seriously sir, you are literally bleeding out and you’re trying to make a joke about getting laid right here and now???

10. How do they resolve their arguments?

Both are terrible in that they will kind of just ignore it or just put it to the side and then never come back to it until they have too, which means it built up a bit more than just something that could have been a smaller argument. Typically though most resolutions happen at night and on roofs or balconies and the like. Life’s a lot calmer during that time of day and its also easier on Mason’s senses which in the heat of the moment are harder to control and that extra stimulation isn’t helpful in quelling any kind of anger or feelings of upset. This is usually when Hayat will take the initiative to leave if Mason hasn’t done it by that point. In the end one of them will come to the other and get it resolved not too long after. Both are man enough to admit when they were in the wrong.

Rarely (surprisingly) there is little make up sex. Most of the bigger arguments are in relation to things that are emotionally deep and intimate, which both have to relearn or find out and you can’t just do that with sex.

15. Who pays for the food the most, when they go out?

Hayat. Not that Mason doesn’t have the means or is opposed to it, Hayat just beats him to the punch and is paying before it can even process in Mason’s head that he should pay for food every now and then (even id he himself doesn’t eat very much).

20. Do they give each other nicknames?

Mason calls Hayat by two different nicknames. The first one being the nickname Hiya as this is something approved by Hayat himself, though he still rolls his eyes over Hiya picking that kind of nickname as its some version of a pun technically. Mason also calls him “Handsome” which made Hayat a bit uncomfortable for a while there. This was even said before they even slept together and god Hayat thought he was going to die or hit him eventually as well....Bobby also called him “Handsome”. Given a little time it started to change and Hayat warmed up to the name and by Book 3 happens that old association really leaves him when hearing Mason say it.

Hayat will shorten Mason’s name to Mase now and then, but this is also a sort of pun name as he can threaten people with the phrase “I’m gonna Mase you” which basically means “I’m gonna send my anger inclined boyfriend at you”. This threat is very rare and only is said when the timing is right. (Yes my son needs help). Hayat also refers to Mason as “Eshgham” which translates to “My Love” or “Delbar-am” that translates to “One who stole my heart” when they’re being a little sappy and also “Kharâbetam” which translates to “I’m ruined for you” typically when its more private behind closed doors as it’s a bit more intense than the other two.

25. How do they comfort each other when one of them is scared?

Hayat’s a bit better at it than Mason in comforting but there’s a check in between the two of them. Sometimes its silent and both can tell where the other stands in their fear. Other times it is asked aloud and also paired with a touch of some kind. Even when these two are asking it jokingly there is always a hint of looking out for the other and just making sure that there’s truth to what is said. Honestly just being near one another is enough to comfort when they’re scared.

30. Do they attend any clubs or formal parties together?

Neither are really suited to formal parties to be honest. They will if they must or if its something that is involved with family and such, but neither are really the formal type.

35. How do they spend time if the other is gone?

Both have a life outside of the other and so many times they will partake in that side. Hiya has a good amount of friends that he likes to spend time with and Mason also has Unit Bravo along with work so he can focus on that.

40. Thoughts on kids?

Hayat likes kids and never plans on ever having them unless it feels right or just happens. Mason’s personality doesn’t lend itself to being kid friendly but is mostly indifferent.

45. How are birthdays spent?

Hey Mason! You’ve never had a birthday party! Well guess what! You’re getting a birthday party! It won’t be very big or elaborate but it’ll be a small celebration with cake, balloons, games, music, and the party hats. All planned by Hiya and encouraged by Felix.

Hayat typically ends up having a small party as Tina likes to have fun and then his family like to celebrate so they have a mini party. However! Hayat was born on Leap Year and you can bet that there is an even bigger party that is themed with the appropriate age so at his 2020 celebration he will be 7! such a big year :’).

Once all the day party stuff is over though there’s a good amount of private celebrating happening. The gift that is consistent between them involves a weekend away.

50. Who makes the best flower crown?

Hayat. He doesn’t make them often and really ends up needing help but when he gets something he’ll give them to members of the team. Mason isn’t a fan to say the least but for Hiya he’ll reduce the scowl.

55. Are they a super sappy couple?

Sappy as in kissy faces and nicknames and just like adorable-ness? No…..well the kissy faces sure but if it goes on long enough you may want to avert your gaze. Look they are very forward with each other and they don’t show any signs of being uncomfortable with it. In private you get the more sappy moments but even then there’s this casualness with them that leads to it seeming only as a physical relationship. Really it’s more Hayat that can be the sappy one.

60. Who will punch someone out if they are rude to their partner?

Mason primarily (Sir I cannot wait for you to meet the Ex). Hayat doesn’t like to let himself turn to violence so it would take a lot of anger to do so.

65. Who loves kids more?

This would go to Hayat more. He acts somewhat like a kid himself and he can keep them fairly entertained and help them feel reassured if they’re scared. Hayat comes from a fairly big family and there were always kids around so he enjoys their company.

70. Who is the hopeless romantic?

I have to give this one to Hayat as he can be a bit more of an outward hopeless romantic. I do believe that Mason is the secretive hopeless romantic that isn’t fully aware that he is.

75. Who are their favourite musical artist(s)?

Mason doesn’t listen to much music as its hard to find things that are easy to handle with the heightened senses.

Hayat likes more of the pop punk music. Bands like Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, Reliant K, AWOLNATION, Walk the Moon, The Killers, etc. To compensate for the harshness of some of the songs Hayat has made a specific playlist of acoustic covers and softer songs to play when Mason is near and not really up for enduring his normal playlists.

80. What do they love about each other the most?

Hayat loves the genuineness of Mason. Like admittedly there’s some secrets and like holding back but that more stems from needing trust in order to talk about that kind of stuff. With Mason its really a “What you see is what you get” kind of person and more importantly with this is that Mason’s actions match with what he’s saying. That is just so important for Hiya now as it gives him the most comfort in pursuing something with him.

For Mason its this ability for Hayat to be invading but also keep his distance. Hayat will press and stick close to Mason with emotional stuff but he’s not pushy about it and will let Mason take the time needed to figure stuff out. Hayat doesn’t also just brush Mason off with his needs or attitude. Mason wants to be close to someone but wants a sort of setting where you’re alone together (like you and your partner are in the same room but doing different things with the occasional shout out) and Hayat lets that happen.

85. Who accidental sets something on fire?

I’d say both as one day that lighter’s gonna get Mason in trouble but it would be more Hayat. Sometimes he likes to just fiddle around with tech stuff and the wrong wires get crossed and soon there’s a mini fire happening. What can you do?

90. Who is the one that would bring the puppy home?

Both, but Mason would pick the kitten/cat up and bring them home to Hayat more than a puppy. Just seems a bit more like a cat person.

#I'll admit I thought this was gonna take me longer but I DID IT!#These two just make me laugh cringe and soft #x: get a room #no banner cause i hate the old one and too lazy and hungry to make a new one

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purrincess-chat · 7 years ago

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MariChat May Day 16

Today’s prompt was requested by @cheklmn so thanks boo~ It turned out kinda angsty, so I’m sorry XD Feel free to request any more days you want to see me write for this, even if they’ve already passed. This story is only going to continue if people request it, so if you’d like another installment then hit up that ask box/comments section. A continuation of day 6...

Read on AO3

Day 16: Cuddles + petting + nuzzles

Dear Diary,

Today Alya cornered me in the locker room with a picture of Chat Noir on my balcony from last night. I can’t believe she caught that! Anyway, I managed to convince her that there’s nothing going on between us because there’s no way I’d ever fall for someone like him when I have my precious Adrien. It’s so crazy that everyone in Paris thinks we’re dating; even Mama and Papa asked me about it this morning over breakfast! Then again, people also said that he and Ladybug were dating too, so I guess people just want something to gossip about. I do have to wonder how I keep getting dragged into these situations though. Hopefully people take our word for it and don’t start following me around. I don’t know what I’d do if someone found out my secret identity! I guess I’ll just have to be extra careful from now on. The fate of Paris depends on it.

That’s all for now diary,

Marinette

Marinette clasped the cover and placed her diary back in her trap box, locking her secrets away safely with a sigh. At least Alya had come to her first instead of posting those pictures up on her blog. It could have really made things messier for them, but at least Chat cleared things up a little with the press that afternoon after their akuma battle. Marinette Dupain-Cheng was just a friend, and that’s exactly how she liked it.

A knock sounded on her window, derailing her train of thought, and Tikki hid under some leftover fabric on her desk as Marinette cautiously approached the window. Green sclera blinked from the other side, and she opened the window with a curious cock to her brow.

“Chat Noir, what are you doing here?” She asked, glancing down at where he balanced precariously on his staff.

“I wanted to talk to you about the whole press situation,” He said, nodding at the windowsill. “Can I come in?”

“Uh, sure, I guess.” She moved aside and gestured him in.

She supposed he had followed instructions and not come back until he told the press the nature of their relationship, but it still seemed a bit of a stretch to deny any sort of connection between them and then to show up at her house unannounced. Not that she was going to point it out since she knew better than anyone that Chat thrived on seeming cool to his fans. It was quite possibly the biggest instance of irony in her life, pretending to be awe-inspired by her superhero partner as a civilian.

“So, what’s up?” She asked, closing the window as he fastened his staff back to his belt and flopped on her chaise.

“Can I confide in you?” He gave her a pleading look that made her chest tighten with alarm, and she sat down beside him quickly.

“What’s wrong?” Her eyebrows furrowed, and she wondered what he would choose to come to her with instead of Ladybug.

“I told the press today that we weren’t dating,” He said, and she nodded appreciatively.

“I saw. Thanks for that,” She said, and he pursed his lips a little. “Are you here to tell me that you’re actually in love with me?”

He chuckled at that, shaking his head. “No, nothing like that, it’s just…When the reporters asked about me being in love with someone else, I looked over at Ladybug, and she didn’t even flinch. She really doesn’t care if I’m in love with someone else.”

“I’m sure she was just minding her own business, right? Aren’t you two supposed to keep your private lives from each other to protect your identities or something?” She smiled sheepishly when Chat gave her a suspicious look.

“I guess, but it’s still a little disheartening.” He shrugged, shifting his gaze to his lap. “You said you’ve been heartbroken too before, right? Have you ever tried so hard to get someone to notice you, but no matter what you do to impress them, they still only see you as a friend?”

She thought back to the countless times she’d stuck her neck out for Adrien without him knowing, and all of the compliments he paid her anytime he noticed. Yet still he always insisted that they were just friends, which was technically true, but it still felt like a dagger in her chest every time. She knew all too well what he was feeling.

“Yeah…” She frowned, hugging her arms to her chest.

“You can cry on my shoulder about it if you want,” He said, stretching his arms out and pressing his lips into a firm line. She could see the hurt in his eyes and recognized the gesture for what it was. It wasn’t an offer for her own sake but rather for his own, and Marinette smiled sympathetically and crawled into his embrace, resting her head on his shoulder as he nuzzled into her neck and locked his arms around her tightly.

She trailed her fingers through his hair softly as he hid his face in her shoulder, but hiding his expression didn’t mask the way his hands shook as they gathered bunches of her shirt. Her heart sank a little for him knowing that she was the very girl he was crying over, but there was nothing else she could do for him. Their identities needed to remain a secret, so if ever he sought solace in Marinette, she’d do everything she could to be there for him.

Buy me a ko-fi

*I’m going to start including the link to my ko-fi at the end of requested prompts, but I am in no way requiring anyone to pay for my work. Think of it like a tip jar. If you liked what I made and want to and are able to then feel free to leave me something, but you are in no way obligated to. I will never make anyone pay me in exchange for writing; however, if you leave a request with your tip, I might be more inclined to do it, but I will still also do any writing for free if you send it to my ask box. It just might take me longer to get to if I don’t label it a priority. Tipping is just a way to push what you want up on my to-do list.

#miraculous ladybug #marichat #marinette dupain-cheng #chat noir #marichat may 2018 #my writing #when the chat calls

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ssho25 · 8 years ago

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Our Wedding Cake

I also took part in @fydaiyanoace‘s secret santa gift exchange. This fic is for @miyukei. It was inspired by this post I saw awhile back so, I hope you like! (also available on AO3)

“And you’re sure you can come?”

“Am I sure that I can come to a wedding I said I would attend?”

“Oi.”

“Yes, yes, yes. I’m coming, I promise,” Kazuya said into his cellphone.

“One yes is fine. Don’t mock me you bastard,” Kuramochi replied.

“Ok, mother.”

“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with making sure that the guy who’s notorious for skipping out on things like this will actually show up this time.”

“You still can’t use the ‘f’ word?”

“Miyuki.”

“We’re friends, it’s okay. You can say it.”

“Miyuki.”

“And it’s not like I’m skipping on purpose. I just have things to take care of first.”

“It won’t kill you to say hi every now and then.”

“You of all people should know how busy a baseball player can be.”

“And you should’ve learned by now how important it is to balance your work and social lives. I’m not saying you’re a workaholic, and I’m not saying you’re not allowed to put in extra practice. I’m just saying that—”

“Congratulations on your wedding,” Kazuya interrupted.

“…Thanks,” Kuramochi said, reluctantly dropping the subject. Kazuya was grateful that Kuramochi knew when to stop.

“So? Who’s all invited?”

“You actually want to know? Or are you looking for a specific person?”

“Why do you bother asking if you know the answer to your own question?”

“Why are we even friends?�� Kuramochi muttered. “Yes, Sawamura is coming.”

“How do you know that’s the person I was looking for? What if I was asking about Tetsu-san?”

“Haha, hilarious,” Kuramochi sarcastically retorted. “It’s funny you should mention him though. Because he should be there soon.”

“There? There where? What does that mean?”

Suddenly, Kazuya’s front door burst open with a loud blam! revealing Sawamura Eijun, just like Kuramochi predicted.

“Miyuki Kazuya! Please be my fiancé!” Sawamura shouted, bending into a deep bow.

Kazuya blinked a couple of times. “…Be your what now?”

For whatever reason, Sawamura took Kazuya’s confusion as an invitation to enter his apartment. “I need you to pretend to be my lover so we can test wedding cakes!” Sawamura explained.

“…What?”

“Kyahahaha!” Kazuya jumped at the sound of Kuramochi’s boisterous laughter. He had almost forgotten that he was still on the phone. “I’ll take that to mean Sawamura is there?”

“…You sent him here?”

“I could only book a cake tasting appointment for today, but Ryou-san and I can’t make it. So I asked Sawamura to go and to take you with him.”

“Why?”

“Because the bakery owner is expecting a couple, so I need two people to stand in for us. Ryou-san’s not too fond of sweet stuff and neither are you, so it’s perfect. And what better way for you to spend time with your secret crush?”

Kazuya blushed. “He’s not my secret crush,” he aggressively whispered.

“Oh, right. Everyone knows except the man himself.” Kuramochi laughed again. “Have fun and you’re welcome,” were his final words before ending the call.

Kazuya glared down at his phone, as if it was the source of all his problems. Technically speaking, it really was the source considering this only happened because he answered Kuramochi’s call.

“Come on senpai! Let’s go!” Sawamura grabbed Kazuya’s arm and started trying to pull him towards the front door.

Kazuya knew fighting back was childish, but he was in no mood for this. It also annoyed him how much effort he had to put into fight back. Why did this guy have to be so strong? “Hold on now, I didn’t even say I’d go with you.”

“Why not? It’ll be fun!”

“For you, maybe.”

“But I can’t go by myself!”

“Then just ask someone else! Why do you need me?”

“Kuramochi-senpai is one of the few friends you have! You can at least do something nice for him!”

“Stop thinking I have no friends you rude little shit!”

“I’m not little! We’re basically the same height, tanuki bastard!”

“Nosey loud mouth!”

“Antisocial loner!”

“Shoujo manga otaku!”

“Kazehaya is 10 times cooler than you’ll ever be!”

“Who the hell is Kazehaya??”

“Why are you even fighting me anyway?” Sawamura whined. “It not like you had anything to do.”

“Says who? What if I had practice today?”

“Guess you don’t pay attention to the weather,” Sawamura replied. He pointed at the balcony and sure enough, it was pouring outside.

“It’s not even typhoon season,” Kazuya angrily muttered.

“So now that we’ve proven you have no plans, can we go?”

“But I still have to do research for my next match.”

“No you don’t, your game isn’t until next week.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because you’re playing my team.”

Kazuya clicked his tongue. He had forgotten Sawamura earned a sports scholarship into university. “Then all the more reason not to go.”

“What? Why?!”

“Because you’re the enemy.”

“Oh please, you’d jump at the chance to get any information on a rival team so you can use it against them. Are you forgetting that I spent 2 years with you?”

Apparently, Sawamura was more observant that he looked and Kazuya had run out of excuses to throw at him. “Well…I’m still not going. You can’t make me,” Kazuya lamely finished. He tried again to pull himself free from Sawamura’s grasp, but it wasn’t working. What on earth was Sawamura doing that gave him such a strong grip?

“No!” Sawamura let go of Kazuya’s arm briefly, only to reattach himself to Kazuya’s chest. He wrapped his arms as far as they could go causing his cheek to mash into Kazuya’s back from the proximity. If he wasn’t trying to escape, Kazuya’s heart might’ve skipped a beat.

Kazuya was able to shuffle along the apartment floor to his bedroom through sheer will power, which was a considerable victory seeing as how he had to drag Sawamura the entire way. He clung to his bedroom door frame, hoping the open doorway could give him some leverage and used all his effort to push himself away from Sawamura.

“Senpai, it’s just a few hours!”

“I said no!”

“I promise I’ll leave you alone after this!”

“That’s not the point. I don’t want to go, so I’m not going!”

“Meanie! Cruel! Heartless bastard! Baldy!”

“I’m not bald and you’re pulling down my pants!”

“Is it that bad that I wanted to see you?”

“You…huh?” Sawamura’s question caught him off guard.

“Is it that bad I wanted to see you?” Sawamura repeated in a quieter voice.

“…What do you mean?”

“We never see each other, we don’t even talk anymore, Miyuki-senpai.” Sawamura’s head turned so his forehead was resting against Kazuya’s back. Sawamura’s grip around him slackened too, but he couldn’t bring himself to pull away. “I mean, it’s not really your fault since we go to different schools, but you still have time for Kuramochi-senpai. And I know you send Chris-senpai emails. You even saw Haruichi and Furuya a few days ago.”

“How did you…?”

“Furuya told me.”

“Ah…”

“…Do you even remember the last time we met?” Sawamura asked in an even smaller voice. Sawamura didn’t let Kazuya respond and answered himself. “A year ago. When you came to watch my game at nationals.”

“That’s not—”

“Yes it is! You didn’t even come to see me graduate.”

“…That’s just your imagination.”

“Then prove it. When was the last time we had a proper conversation?”

“…”

“Is baseball, being battery mates, really all we have?”

“…”

“If I had known that you were just going to avoid me, I wouldn’t have let you kiss me back then.”

Kazuya finally pulled away from Sawamura so he could turn around and look at the other man. Sawamura wouldn’t meet Kazuya’s gaze, his eyes downcast and his face a mixture of disappointment and frustration. Kazuya awkwardly rubbed at the back of his neck, unsure of how to proceed in this kind of situation.

No one else knew, but Kazuya had in fact been actively avoiding Sawamura for this very reason. It all started the day Seidou was in the national tournament and he had gone to support his underclassmen. He’d never forget the bittersweet memory of Seidou winning the finals and not being on the field with them. But more than that, he had Sawamura’s bright smile and glowing face forever etched into his mind and his brain telling him ‘that smile isn’t meant for you.’ He remembered going to see Sawamura privately to congratulate him, but the actual conversation was all a blur. The last thing he remembered from that day was Sawamura’s look of shock and the realization of what he’d just done.

Before he could take it back, the team had found them, giving him the chance to shake it off, as if nothing had happened. It wasn’t until he went back to his apartment that he finally understood the meaning behind his actions. It felt relieving to put a name to the feeling, but also terrifying to the point that he couldn’t, wouldn’t, admit it out loud. He knew sooner or later, Sawamura would come asking for an explanation. So, he took the easier route: he ran.

“For the record, I only saw Kominato and Furuya by coincidence the other day,” Kazuya said, breaking the silence.

“So then why do I have to barge into your life just to get you to look at me?”

“Because you want answers that I don’t have for you.”

“Why’d you do it if you were going to regret it?”

“It was a moment of impulse,” Kazuya replied. “You don’t have to take it so seriously.”

“Yes I do, you abandoned me because of it.”

“You’re exaggerating.”

“Then why aren’t I in your life anymore?” Sawamura finally raised his head, the pleading in his eyes making Kazuya’s resolve crumble. He grabbed at Kazuya’s shoulders, slightly trembling. “We don’t have to talk about the kiss. I won’t mention it again. If that’s what you want, we can pretend it never happened. Just don’t leave me!”

The seriousness started to make Kazuya uncomfortable. “Why so dramatic, Sawamura? Where’s the kouhai who insults me and flips the bird?”

“He’s still here, but so am I. I left my hometown just so I could play baseball with you. I got a scholarship into university so I could find you again, even though I’m terrible at studying…I’ve been chasing you down for 4 years trying to make you look at me. I’m not going to stop now.”

Sawamura’s firm gaze sent chills down Kazuya spine. Not out of fear, but from nostalgia and excitement. He had missed the intensity, the fire glowing inside Sawamura’s eyes. The fight and determination emanating from them. The look he always had right before they would face a skilled batter. Kazuya loved these eyes so much that he hated himself for how much he loved them.

“Alright. You win,” Kazuya sighed in defeat.

Sawamura’s face lit up. “You’ll come?”

“Sure, why not? Apparently, I don’t have a good enough excuse to not eat cake until I throw up.”

Sawamura threw himself onto Kazuya, enveloping him in a bear hug. Kazuya had to quickly brace himself for the extra weight before they toppled over. “You won’t regret it, I promise!”

“I don’t know about that,” Kazuya muttered. “It’s just you, me and the owner for a few hours, right? It can’t be that bad.”

“If there’s a god, he hates me,” Kazuya mumbled as he stared up at the ceiling.

He made a mental note to chew out Kuramochi later, because clearly there was no reason for them to pretend they were a couple. As it turned out, it wasn’t just Sawamura, Kazuya and the bakery owner. The cake tasting session wasn’t private and was shared with three other groups: a man and woman, a couple of ladies and an elderly man who had come by himself. Much to his growing dismay, the two women were giggling about how ‘adorable’ he and Sawamura were and congratulated them on their engagement. As if adding salt to the wound, Sawamura bashfully held Kazuya’s hand when thanking the girls, even going so far as to intertwine their fingers. His only small consolation was that the other young man looked just as uncomfortable with the whole ordeal as he was.

“Next, we have a more traditional western style vanilla cake infused with rose water, coated in a champagne buttercream frosting,” The bakery owner said as plates of cake were passed out. “We decorate the cake with chocolate covered strawberries so we’ve included a few of those to try as well.”

Kazuya was thankful that this one wasn’t as sweet as the last few they had tried. It gave his taste buds at least a little break.

“Miyuki-senpai! You have to try the strawberries!” Sawamura excitedly held one up to Kazuya’s face.

Kazuya tilted head back and put a hand up in front of the strawberry. “I’m good, thanks.”

Sawamura used one hand to grab Kazuya’s and hold it down on the table, bringing the strawberry right in front of Kazuya’s mouth with the other. “You’ll like it, I promise! Look, this one has dark chocolate on it so it not as sweet.”

Kazuya glanced over at the other tables to see that all eyes were on them. Even though he was so used to being in the spotlight, he had never felt so uncomfortable from people staring at him. “Okay, okay. Just put it on my plate. I’ll try it later.”

Sawamura tilted his head as if to say, ‘Come on, it’s just a strawberry,’ letting Kazuya know he wasn’t backing down any time soon. Kazuya heard the giggling, but he also knew he couldn’t win against Sawamura’s stubbornness and reluctantly took a bite of the fruit.

“So?” Sawamura asked.

Kazuya hated that smug smile that said Sawamura already knew the answer. So like any childish man in his twenties, he got even. “It was good, thanks babe. Here, you try.” He took the half-eaten strawberry from Sawamura’s fingers and turned it around so it was facing Sawamura.

Sawamura’s face went a light shade of pink and Kazuya smirked in satisfaction. “I…I already tried it.”

“But not this specific one. This could be the best strawberry in the entire world and you’ll never know.”

“I can feed myself.”

“But I need to return the favour.”

The combination of Sawamura’s blush and pout was just too adorable, Kazuya almost gave in. Luckily for him, Sawamura squeezed his eyes shut and took a bite before he did. Sawamura wouldn’t look him in the eye as he chewed and Kazuya could feel those dumb lovesick feelings of his bubbling up again. He silently cursed his past self and the day he started thinking Sawamura was cute.

“Our next cake is more suited for those who like things less sweet,” The shop owner explained. “Similar to a green tea swiss roll cake, it is a green tea sponge cake with whipped cream and red bean paste in the centre. The top we decorate with a thin layer of dark chocolate, some more whipped cream and dusted with some green tea powder.”

Sawamura dove right into the cake as soon as it was set down on the table. “Mmm, this one is good too!”

“You think they all taste good.”

“But they do! Man, this is going to be a tough decision.”

“Thanks for your input, Captain Obvious.” Kazuya shook his head and took a bite of his own slice. He thought this cake was milder in flavour when compared to the other cakes they tried, but the one with the champagne frosting tasted better. He made a mental note of it so he could tell Kuramochi later.

“I think I like the first one better,” Sawamura said.

“We’re not getting that one,” Kazuya immediately answered.

“Do you even remember which cake is the first one we tried?”

“No. But I remember it was really sweet. So we’re not getting it.”

“But it was pretty too…,” Sawamura whined.

“Would Ryousuke-san like it?”

“…He’d probably want the champagne one,” Sawamura reluctantly replied.

“That’s what I thought too.”

“Next up is an entremets dessert inspired cake. The base is our chocolate coffee cake, a devil’s food cake with espresso buttercream coated in chocolate. On top we have a croquembouche and decorating the sides of the base, we have little macarons in an assortment of flavours. We have a few for you to try, but if you select this cake, you are free to choose whichever flavours of macarons you’d like.”

“Why so many different parts to this one?” The woman with the man asked.

“We thought this one was a way to please both young and old. The little ones can enjoy the sweetness of the profiteroles and macarons while your more mature guest can savour the richness of the coffee cake.”

Sawamura turned to Kazuya. “That’s pretty clever. Maybe we should consider this one, Miyuki-senpai.”

“It’s food for thought,” Kazuya agreed.

Sawamura bit into one of the profiteroles and his eyes immediately lit up. “Miyuki! It tastes like a cream puff!”

“That’s because it is a cream puff.”

“I thought it was a…pr-profit-pro…whatever she said.”

“Yeah…that’s what a cream puff is called.”

“Ooooohh…we should get this one!”

“You haven’t even tried the actual cake.”

“But cream puffs are great! And I don’t know what these are, but they look pretty,” Sawamura said as he held up a macaron. “You know what would be fun? If the colour of these things didn’t match the flavour, so it’s like a guessing game.”

“I think that’s asking a little much from the bakers.”

“Oh, oh! And switch it up between the colours too! Like one yellow macaron is cherry flavoured and a different yellow one tastes like vanilla!” One of the girl’s chimed in.

“That way, no one can figure out which macaron is which. They just get a surprise every time!” Her friend finished.

“Yeah! See? They know how to have fun, senpai,” Sawamura chided. “You know what would be even better? If we put in some bad ones, like that ‘Bean Boozled’ game where the jelly beans taste like boogers and…” Before Kazuya could stop him, Sawamura had migrated to the next table over to discuss…grass clipping flavours cookies? He didn’t even know.

Even so, Kazuya couldn’t help but watch Sawamura as he so joyously chatted with the ladies at the table next to them. He didn’t even realize a smile was growing on his face until he turned his head and noticed the elderly man smiling warmly at him. He quickly straightened out, hoping the man wouldn’t say anything.

“That lovebug got you pretty hard, didn’t it?”

Kazuya sighed. Today was just not his day. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“When a man likes watching someone else have fun more than enjoying himself, that’s when he’s a goner.”

“To be fair, I’m not big on sweets.”

“So then you’re whipped enough that he can sucker you into things you hate.”

“I’m not whipped,” Kazuya said defensively.

“If I had one of them fancy smartphones, I’d be using that whip app right now.”

Kazuya grumbled as the elderly man just softly laughed at him. “Now, now. I’m just teasing. It’s always nice to see a young love like yours.”

“It’s not what you think it is.”

“Nonsense. Believe me, I understand it well. Loud, impulsive, unpredictable, but charming in his own way. Someone special who you can’t seem to take your eyes off of.”

“…Maybe you do get it.”

“Because it’s just like when I first fell in love with my husband. We were just so different, no one thought we were a good match. And yet here we are, 60 years later.”

“Husband?”

“Is a gay couple really that shocking? Have you not noticed who you’re here with?”

This wise-cracking old guy was starting to get on Kazuya’s nerves. Was this how people felt when they got angry with him? “I’m aware, I just didn’t think there were people so open about homosexual relationships. And for the record, we’re not together.”

“That’s called ‘denial’. And I wasn’t at first, it terrified me.”

“Of the prejudice?”

“Of falling in love.” Kazuya stayed silent, allowing the old man to continue. “I mean sure, the stares are uncomfortable and some people are just down right awful. But the real scary part was letting him in.”

“Him?”

“My partner,” said the man. “As a calculated person, he was the wild card in my life. He was full of surprises, but not unpleasantly so. That was the fun part: seeing how he would surprise me next.”

“The day I realized my feelings, I kissed him on impulse…only to run away because I panicked. But he just came right back, barrelling himself into my life. And we’ve been together ever since.”

The elderly man leaned in and put a hand on Kazuya’s back. “Listen here, son. Life is a long journey. Now, you can go down the highway and have a nice, fast trip to your destination, there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you don’t take the long way every now and then, take an unexpected detour, you’re going to miss out on the beautiful scenery. You might even find a gem, something better than you ever anticipated.”

“Sometimes, it’s okay to stray off the path a little. Don’t think too hard and just enjoy the ride.”

Kazuya found himself looking at Sawamura as he soaked in the elderly man’s words. It was a weird coincidence how this man’s life seemed a lot like his own, and yet it also felt like a sign. A nudge towards a choice he never thought he’d take, but wanted a lot more than he thought he did.

“We are now onto our final cake of the day and it’s our newest recipe,” the owner said, shaking Kazuya out of his deep thought. “It is a cherry blossom infused angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries in the centre. We drizzle the top with chili infused chocolate and decorate with more whipped cream and strawberries.”

Kazuya sat back up and thanked the employee who passed out the cake slices. Now wasn’t the time to get life lessons from strange old men. Not when there was just one cake between him and freedom. His taste buds were probably numb by now but who cared? He had at least a few cakes he could recommend to Kuramochi.

Kazuya cut a bite of cake with his fork and placed the cake in his mouth. And all he felt was disappointment that this wasn’t the first cake they tried. If it was, they wouldn’t have needed to waste their time with all the other cakes. It wasn’t overly sweet, the strawberries added a nice tartness, and the touch of heat from the chili made an excellent combination. It was the first time Kazuya could genuinely say he liked cake.

“This one,” Sawamura blurted out. Kazuya didn’t even realize Sawamura had slid back into the seat next to him. “This is the one. We have to get this one!” The little bit of chocolate smeared on Sawamura’s face only added to the charm of his childlike glee. This damn lovebug.

Kazuya smiled. “I’m glad we agree on something.” He reached out for Sawamura’s face to wipe off the chocolate by Sawamura’s mouth with his thumb. Without even thinking, he pulled his hand back to lick off the chocolate off his finger. It was only when he saw Sawamura’s blush that he clued in to what he had done. Kazuya felt a blush of his own creeping onto his face that only grew darker when he noticed everyone was looking at them.

Praise the lord this session was over.

Kazuya walked out into the streets feeling a little sick. They had tried over 10 different cakes in the span of 2 hours, plus all the extra little treats that came with some of the cakes. That was way more sugar than he could stomach in one sitting. He just hoped he could make it back to his apartment without throwing up the cakes he just ate. He leaned against the building to support himself until the nausea went away.

“Rookie mistake. You don’t need to finish the slice, just eat a couple bites to get the flavour.”

Kazuya felt a firm pat on his back and turned to see it was the elderly man from before. “Well, seeing as how I’m never going to do this again, thanks for the advice I won’t be using.”

The man laughed. “No problem. Always glad to be of help.”

Kazuya hoped Sawamura didn’t take much longer. He really didn’t want to chat with this guy anymore.

“Hey now, make sure you take a good look at what kind of eye-catching flower Eijun grows to be, you hear? And I don’t just mean as a pitcher.”

“Right, right…sure thing,” Kazuya dismissively nodded, more focused on his gut than the words of a stranger. But then it suddenly clicked in his head. When had he mentioned Sawamura was a baseball player? Kazuya quickly spun on his heel. “How’d you know—.” Kazuya stopped short because the man was nowhere to be found, his words (and body) gone with the wind. He frantically swiveled his head from side to side, scanning the streets for the man, but didn’t see anyone who bore a resemblance.

“Miyuki-senpai?” Sawamura called out. “Are you looking for someone?”

“Did you see where the old guy went?”

“What old guy?”

“The old guy at the cake tasting.”

Sawamura looked confused. “That man may have been older than us, but I don’t think it’s very nice to call him old. Middle-aged at least.”

“Not that guy. The one that was sitting next to us.”

Sawamura looked even more confused than before. “There were only 3 guys at the cake tasting. You, me and the other guy.”

“But I…”

“Did you get high off the sugar? Are you hallucinating right now?” How many fingers am I holding up?” Sawamura made a peace sign in front of Kazuya’s face.

“I’m fine,” Kazuya snapped, swatting Sawamura’s hand away. “Just…forget it. Let’s just go home.” He started walking down the sidewalk, not bothering to wait for Sawamura to catch up.

“When you say home,” Sawamura began once he caught up to Kazuya, “Do you mean your apartment, your house, or…?”

Kazuya looked at Sawamura like he was stupid. “Of course I mean my apartment. You dragged me out here so it’s only fair you take me home before you leave.”

“Are you sure you didn’t want to go to the park? Or look for a wedding gift? Or maybe we could—”

“Sawamura, I just ate more sweets in the past 2 hours than I have in my entire life. My stomach might actually explode. Please don’t prolong my pain.”

“Oh…right, sorry.” Sawamura visibly deflated. If Kazuya looked hard enough, he could almost make out the drooping dog ears on Sawamura’s head. “I just thought it’d be nice to spend some more time together…it’s kind of…been awhile.”

“I missed you a lot,” Sawamura whispered.

“I’ve been…busy.”

“Doing what?”

“Thinking.”

“About?”

“You…me…us.”

“Well could you think less?”

“Could I…what?”

Sawamura stopped in his tracks and forced Kazuya to look at him. “We’re not a battery trying to take down a batter. Right now, it’s just you and me. Just say what you want to say! Don’t think about it too hard.”

“What if I say the wrong thing?”

“Then I hit you until you get it right!”

“Wow, what great persistence you have,” Kazuya said, his words dripping in sarcasm.

“What I mean is, I’m not going anywhere.” Sawamura grabbed Kazuya’s hands and held them in his own. “Instead of running away from me, just face me head on. I’ll take in everything you have to say.”

Kazuya blinked a couple of times before he burst into laughter, smiling as he shook his head. “You never fail to amaze me, you know that?”

“What did I do?”

“You’re the wild card in my life, and I’m going to enjoy the ride.”

“What ride?”

“Nothing, just talking to myself.” Thank you, mysterious, strange old man. “Hey Sawamura, I have an extra room in my apartment.”

“…And?”

“Well, it’s just for storage right now, but I don’t have a lot of stuff. So I was thinking…maybe I could empty out that room.”

“For…what?”

“So someone can stay in that room.”

“You thinking about getting a roommate?”

“I am. And I think I found a good one.”

“Are you sure? Actually, are they sure? Do they know what kind of person you are? Are they aware of what they’re getting into?”

“For Christ’s sake, I’m asking you to move in with me.”

“Move in?”

“Yes.”

“With you?”

“You want to spend more time together don’t you?”

Sawamura looked shocked at first, but it quickly went away and was replaced with doubt. “I thought you didn’t like me.”

“I never said that.”

“Didn’t you regret what you did before?”

“You said that, not me.”

“…Then why did you avoid me all this time?”

“Because I was young and immature.”

“It was a year ago.”

“So that makes me a year older and a year wiser.”

“And more annoying.”

“Hey.”

“You started it,” Sawamura mumbled.

Kazuya grabbed Sawamura and pulled him into a hug. “Because I don’t really know how to do...this,” he whispered. Kazuya clenched his hands into fists to try and stop the shaking. “And that scares me.”

“The great Miyuki Kazuya? Afraid?”

“More than you could ever know.”

Sawamura went silent and Kazuya thought his heart might stop. But eventually, Sawamura’s hands slowly snaked their way around Kazuya. “I don’t really know how this works either.”

“What about all those shoujo manga you read?”

“Well, we don’t exactly fit the mold of what a shoujo manga couple is like.”

Kazuya couldn’t help but chuckle. “No kidding.”

“But that’s okay, we don’t need to be. We can figure it out ourselves. Together.”

“…Yeah…together.” Sawamura hug got just a little bit tighter as he nuzzled his head into Kazuya’s neck. Kazuya couldn’t fight the smile that crept onto his face as he squeezed right back.

“Also…that last cake…” Kazuya trailed off.

“What about it?”

“We should tell Kuramochi to get the champagne one instead.”

“But I thought we agreed that the last one was the best.”

“Exactly, which is why we should save it for our wedding.”

Sawamura jumped away from Kazuya, his face bright red. “Our what?”

Kazuya didn’t answer and instead pulled him in for their second, but certainly not last kiss.

#fydna #fydaiyanoace #fydnasecretsanta #fydaiyasecretsanta #miyusawa #Misawa #daiya no ace #ace of diamond #dna #minor kuraryou #fluff and angst #romcom-like #miyuki pining #b/c I like making him suffer #happy ending #my writing

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splashrollstumble · 6 years ago

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One Week in Zanzibar on a Budget

Zanzibar is an island paradise, although it is not as famous as similar budget beach destinations like Thailand or Sri Lanka. This is largely due to its position off the south coast of Africa and its lack of nightlife or party scene. Due to the island hosting a largely Muslim population, alcohol is not as readily available as in some other countries.

However, the main city of Stone Town has become very westernized and as a result hosts, several bars and most Western hotels and restaurants serve alcohol. Don’t expect crazy hostel parties until 4am though – after midnight the city goes deathly quiet (except for Tatu which stays open a bit later on weekends).

Sunset from Swahili House

The island is quite an odd place. It’s not technically its own country (it’s part of Tanzania) but you need to pass through immigration to enter it. While its official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh), the US dollar is more willingly accepted due to some or other tax laws.

The majority of places on the island use an inflated conversion rate of $1 = Tsh2400, so paying in US dollar is cheaper.

Getting There

To visit Zanzibar, visitors from most countries outside of Africa will need to apply for a Tanzanian visa for around $50. You can fly directly into Zanzibar airport which is a short 10-minute drive from Stone Town, or fly into Dar Es Salaam (if it’s cheaper) and catch a ferry to the island.

There is a fast (2 hour) ferry for $35 or a slower (3.5 hour) ferry for $20. I took the slow ferry which leaves daily at 12pm (noon) and it was very comfortable, with airline-style seating and a TV playing western movies. There is also a small canteen with snacks and drinks.

Attractions

Stone Town

Zanzibar is an ancient slave island and Stone Town was the base of operations. There are many old slave buildings and forts around the town that are now museums or attractions. It was also the birthplace of Freddie Mercury and features the famous Freddie Mercury restaurant. There is an endless supply of merchants selling clothes and curios along its maze of streets and you can easily spend a day just wandering around. At night there are several fish markets along the promenade and more locally on the main street.

Click to view slideshow.

Prison Island

Prison Island is popular for its population of giant turtles. These huge beasts have populated the island for hundreds of years and some are over a century old. The island used to be a prison but the buildings have now been converted into a hotel, bar and library.

For $10 you can visit the island from Stone Town and go snorkeling in the many reefs surrounding it. This is preferable to trying to swim or snorkel near Stone Town where the water is full of sewage.

Click to view slideshow.

The Rock

The rock is a restaurant situated on a rocky outcrop on Michamvi beach. I didn’t have a chance to visit so I can’t comment on the quality of the food but I assume it’s expensive. It makes for an excellent photo opportunity if you’re in the area though.

Accommodation

Zanzibar is not really a backpacker destination but it can still be done relatively cheap. I visited in low season which helped to keep my accommodation costs down but still offered all the benefits. In ten days there I had only two days of heavy rain – the rest of the time was beautiful beach weather.

Bottoms Up, Stone Town

This was my favourite hostel, set right in the heart of old Stone Town. It is only $12 a night and includes a fairly decent breakfast of egg, fruit, bread and coffee or tea. The hostel is a confusing maze of staircases and rooms with a fabulous rooftop sitting area that has amazing views across the city. They don’t have a bar but keep a small amount of $2 beers and $1 bottles of water in a fridge that seems to operate on an honesty system.

The rooftop at Bottoms Up

Nearby is the local restaurant Lukmaans, which does great local meals from as little as $3. Unfortunately, they get very busy and the staff seem a bit clueless, so service is terrible, but you can fetch your own food from the counter to save some time and confusion.

Around the corner is a slightly more expensive western restaurant that serves beer for $2 and has meals for $10 – $15.

There is a fancy hotel nearby called Swahili House that has a (tiny) rooftop pool and does happy hour between 4:30-7pm with cocktails for $3.20 and beer for $2. It’s a great place to have sundowners and a dip at the end of the day, which I did several times.

The tiny pool at Swahili House

Lost & Found, Stone Town

This hostel is closer to the touristy part of town and is more modern than Bottoms Up. It costs $13 a night for a bed in a huge 18-bed dorm and doesn’t include breakfast. The aircon works a little very well though and the mixed dorm has a nice balcony overlooking the main street.

Across the road is a pricey Spanish bar called Taperia that does live music every night and has a wide selection of expensive imported wines. Beers are about $2.50.

Further south towards the beach is a three-story pool bar and restaurant called Tatu which does beer for $2.50 during happy hour is another good place to watch the sunset from.

The view of the main street from the balcony at Lost and Found

Ananda Hostel, Paje

The cheapest hostel I found was Ananda Hostel in Paje, a beach town on the opposite side of the island. It was $10 a night for a bed in a 6-bed dorm room and didn’t include any extras but breakfast is available for $2. It is certainly the best option for budget travellers, as it is well maintained and situated on an exquisite beachfront with several hammocks and sun loungers.

It was very quiet in low season so I can’t comment on the party scene but its a great place to relax and drink a beer on the beach. The nearby Africana BBQ restaurant does meals with veg, curry, goat or chicken for around $5 and serves large beers for $2. For delicious local seafood, the Fisherman’s restaurant a few meters up the beach does seafood platters of various fish, calamari octopus and lobster for between $6 – $8. They don’t officially serve beer but will gladly fetch you bottles for around $2.50.

A few meters south of Ananda is the Buccaneer Diving bar which does 2-for-1 cocktails between 4:30 and 7pm. This means you can mojitos, pina coladas or whiskey sours for as little as $2 each. The sun doesn’t set over the ocean this side but if the clouds are right it makes for a pretty amazing pink sky.

New Teddy’s on the Beach, Jambiani

This place is more of a boutique hotel than a hostel but it happens to have dorm rooms too. I didn’t stay here but a friend did and they said they paid $22 a night for a bed in a dorm. It has a huge fancy pool, a decent restaurant and bar with beer and cocktails and beautifully manicured grounds facing onto the beach. If you have the extra cash, it’s worth splashing out just for a night or two.

Kiteboarding is a very popular activity in both Paje and Jambiani but is quite pricey at $30 per hour. In low-season this can be negotiated down if you book 4-6 hours at a time, but not by much. Other popular activities include snorkeling and spear-fishing for around $10 per person.

Transport

Stone Town is small so you will be able to walk almost anywhere or catch a taxi short distances for $4-$5.

To keep costs down you can catch the local ‘Dala Dala’ buses around the island for a few dollars per trip. Private taxis are also available but prices fluctuate wildly depending on your negotiating skills. It will be anywhere from $20 to $50 to cross the island depending on how many people.

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charllieeldridge · 6 years ago

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Living in Munich: A Guide For Digital Nomads

With charming cobblestone streets, lively beer gardens, and centuries of Bavarian culture, Munich is one of Europe’s hidden gems. This liberal city welcomes foreigners with open arms, which makes it an ideal place for expats, freelancers, and digital nomads. This is a great city to work and travel.

After traveling around Europe by myself for eight months, I finally settled down in Bavaria’s high-tech capital in the summer of 2017. Even as a freelance writer with absolutely no knowledge of the German language, I found that living in Munich was much easier than expected.

Between the expansive expat community and the plethora of co-working options, Munich is an excellent destination to live as a digital nomad. While it may not be one of the cheaper European destinations, it offers excellent value for money, and there are still bargains to be had.

In this article, I’ll cover everything about living in Munich — from visiting the city’s top attractions and restaurants, to the cost of living in Munich and finding accommodation.

Cost of Living in Munich

For Europe, Munich can be cheaper than destinations like London, Paris, and Amsterdam. On the other hand, it has seen significant growth over the last few decades and has transformed from a small farming town to an international city filled with major corporations and businesses. For this reason, Munich is widely considered the most expensive city in Germany.

Despite Munich’s expensive reputation, you can still find good deals on accommodation, food, and travel.

Munich Accommodation Costs

For Germany, Munich has a high cost of living, especially when it comes to flats and housing. If you’re looking for a private studio or one-bedroom unit within the city center, you can expect to pay around 1000€-1500€ ($1,100 – $1,650) each month, including utilities. Sharing a flat is cheaper, and can cost anywhere from 400€-1000€ ($440 – $1,100) per month.

In Germany, apartments and homes are rented either “warm” or “cold”. If you opt for a warm apartment, this means that utilities will be included in your rental rate. If you choose a cold apartment, your utilities will be extra. Always read the contract thoroughly to know what you are responsible to pay for.

Furnished apartments will also cost more than if you rent the flat empty or “cold”. On the other hand, furnished “warm” apartments are easier for short term visitors, expats, and digital nomads.

The cost of Munich accommodation also depends on the included amenities. Higher floors, balconies, and washing machines can increase the cost of the rent. It’s also important to note that some Munich apartments do not come with basic kitchen appliances. If you have to provide your own cabinetry, fridge, and appliances, then you should consider the additional costs for rent.

Cost of Living in Munich: Groceries and Restaurants

Compared to the UK and the USA, fresh groceries and produce are far cheaper in Munich. Here’s an example of the prices you can expect when shopping in a grocery store or market.

Loaf of bread: 1.35€ ($1.50)

Local cheese: 4.30€ ($4.75)

12 eggs: 2.30€ ($2.55)

Bottle of wine: 5.00€ ($5.50)

Bottle of beer: 1.17€ ($1.30)

1kg chicken breast: 4.00€ ($4.40)

You can save a lot of money by cooking your own food instead of eating in restaurants. However, you should definitely splurge on restaurants every once in a while. Munich has thousands of mouthwatering culinary options. There’s anything from cheap doner kebabs to Michelin restaurants — and everything in between. On average, you can expect to pay the following prices in restaurants:

3-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: 60€ ($66)

Fast food meal with drink: 6€ ($6.60)

.5 liter of local beer: 3.50€ ($3.90)

Bottle of wine: 18€ ($19.90)

Bottle of water: 3€ ($3.30)

You can also find cheap drinks throughout the city, in one of the many bars, nightclubs, or beer gardens. Of course, there are expensive lounges that serve craft cocktails for 13-15€ ($14.35 – $16.60), but you can still drink for cheap if you know where to look.

Cocktail in a mid-range bar: 7€ ($7.75)

Cocktail in an expensive bar: 14€ ($15.50)

.5 liter of beer in beer garden: 3.50€ ($3.90)

1 liter of beer during Oktoberfest: 12€ ($13.25)

Glass of wine in a mid-range bar: 6€ ($6.60)

Cost of Living in Munich: Transportation

Germany is known for having some of the most efficient methods of transportation in Europe, and Munich is no exception. For public transport, you can choose between the underground subway, overground subway, tram, or bus. If you buy a ticket for the public transportation system, you can use it on any of the trains, trams, or buses in Munich.

Single ticket (1 zone) : 2.90€ ($3.20)

Day ticket: 6.70€ ($7.40)

Monthly ticket: 55.20€ ($61)

If you prefer something more private, then taxis and Ubers are also available. Munich also has several rideshare options for driving in the city, including DriveNow and Car2Go. You can also rent bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, and Vespa scooters by the minute.

Best Neighbourhoods in Munich

If you’re planning on living in Munich, you’ll first need to decide where in the city you want to live. Here are my recommendations for the best neighborhoods in Munich.

Altstadt

Munich’s old medieval town, Altstadt, is the beating heart of the city. Located near Marienplatz, Munich Main Station, and Karlsplatz Stachus, Altstadt is filled with old-world charm and character. It’s also home to Munich’s town hall, a lively square surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers.

However, Altstadt tends to be more touristy than other neighborhoods. For that reason, the cost of living (including accommodation, food costs, and other expenses) might be more expensive.

On the other hand, being in the middle of the city means you’re never more than a short tram or subway ride to other parts of Munich. Altstadt is the ideal jumping-off point for exploring the best attractions that Munich has to offer.

Schwabing

Once considered the bohemian and artistic hub of Munich, Schwabing is a lively neighborhood for both locals and expats. It’s a great location if you want to experience authentic local life while in Germany. From Schwabing, you’re just a 10-minute ride to the city’s top attractions, like Altstadt, English Garden, and Olympia Park.

Schwabing is also home to some of the city’s best shops and restaurants. You’ll find everything from independent boutique shops, big-name department stores, and tons of gourmet dining options for every taste.

Price-wise, Schwabing tends to be one of the most expensive residential areas in Munich. But due to its proximity to the city’s universities, it’s also possible to find affordable flats or shared housing.

I live in Schwabing and I love it because it’s a good mixture of restaurants, bars and cafes. It’s also quieter than most neighborhoods, but everything is within walking distance right out your front door! And I’m only 5 minutes from the city center and main station.

Maxvorstadt

Located just above the Altstadt is Maxvorstadt, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Munich. The area is home to the city’s two most prominent universities, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität and the Technical University of Munich. For this reason, Maxvorstadt is popular with students and young locals.

You’ll also find the Pinakotheken, or museum district, in Maxvorstadt. Not to mention, the area is teeming with affordable cafes, international restaurants, and alternative boutique shops.

Due to the neighborhood’s small size, there are fewer housing opportunities available. But if you’re able to snag a room or flat, you’ll be in one of the trendiest and liveliest districts of Munich.

Haidhausen

Located across the Isar River, Haidhausen is a quaint neighborhood with some of the most affluent townhouses and flats in the city. There are multitudes of restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance. Haidhausen is also home to the Gasteig, a concert venue and event hall for Munich’s Philharmonic Orchestra.

If you’re looking for nightclubs and lounges, Haidhausen is also a good choice. Although it’s not as busy as other nightlife areas like Aldtstadt or Schwabing, Haidhausen does have some of the largest and most popular clubs in Munich.

Although you’re located on the other side of the river, you’re still within walking distance of the city center. Not to mention, you’re also just a stone’s throw away from the East Station, Munich’s second busiest train station.

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Co-working Spaces in Munich

Munich is an innovative city full of start-ups, international companies, and large-scale businesses. For this reason, it’s relatively easy to find a shared co-working space. Depending on your budget and preferred amenities, there are several co-working spots to choose from.

MATES – With two offices in Munich’s city center, MATES is a modern and intimate co-working space for all types of digital nomads. They offer hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly passes. MATES also hosts a variety of networking events, such as professional speed dating, throughout the month. And as a bonus, you can take advantage of the state-of-the-art espresso machine on site.

WeWork – Although it may cost more than other offices in Munich, WeWork is a reliable co-working space. You can choose between a private office, a dedicated desk, or hot desk for your workspace. Both of their dog-friendly locations are located in the middle of the city and provide high-speed wifi, meeting rooms, and phone booths, as well as monthly networking events

Werk1 – Located across the Isar River on the Eastern side of Munich, Werk1 is a budget-friendly option for a co-working office. They have a silent space (for workers who need some peace and quiet), as well as a communication space (for those who would like to brainstorm with others). There’s even an on-site cafe where you can indulge in delicious pastries and freshly-brewed coffee.

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Finding Munich Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for short term or long term accommodation, there are several sites to help you find the right flat.

ImmobilienScout24 – As Munich’s most popular rental sites, Immobilibilien Scout 24 has thousands of furnished and unfurnished flats to lease. Browse by neighborhood, number of rooms, and desired price to find your next apartment in Munich.

WG Gesucht – WG Gesucht is your go-to website for finding shared accommodation in Munich. You can find long term or short term rentals in a shared room, flat, or house throughout the city. As you browse through “wanted ads,” you can apply for listings looking for new flatmates and tenants.

Facebook Groups – One of the best options for finding accommodation in Munich is by browsing Facebook Groups. There are dozens of groups to choose from, and you’ll find up-to-the-minute posts on rentals and available flats. You can even post your own profile to let others know you’re in the market for a new place to live.

Of course, you can always search on Airbnb.

Top Things to Do in Munich

Munich has something for everyone and caters specifically to foodies, history buffs, creative artists, and even party-goers. When living in Munich, you’ll have plenty of time to explore some of the many attractions and events that happen around the city. However, don’t miss the opportunity to check out the following top things to do.

Viktualienmarkt

Located in the center of Munich’s Old Town (or Altstadt), Viktualienmarkt is buzzing at every hour of the day. It’s the oldest market in the city and attracts both tourists as well as locals. Here, you can shop for fresh produce, sample a variety of local delicacies, or relax with a pint of cold, crisp, German beer.

The market is open every day, but the best time to visit is in the early morning or around lunch, when most of the food stalls are open. Viktualienmarkt is also a great place to pick up souvenirs for family back home. You can find cured meats, homemade honey, aromatic spices, and of course, tons and tons of mustard!

English Garden

Did you know that Munich’s English Garden park is larger than New York City’s Central Park? Built in the 18th-century, this lush oasis stretches through the middle of the city and is an excellent location for sunbathing, picnics, and sports games.

As one of the world’s largest urban parks, the English Garden is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There’s a Japanese tea house, lakes for boating, several beer gardens and restaurants, and even a river for surfing! That’s right, you can watch amateur and professional surfers ride the waves at the Eisbachwelle, a stream on the southern tip of the park.

Nymphenburg Palace

Built in the 17th-century, Nymphenburg Palace is a beautiful example of German Baroque architecture. This ornate palace sits in the middle of the 200-hectare park, complete with waterfalls, gardens, and other royal villas.

The wings of the main pavilion also contain different museums, such as Carriage Museum, Porcelain Museum, and Museum of Man and Nature. And if you prefer to be outside, the Palace gardens are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing in the summer.

Hofbräuhaus

No trip to Munich would be complete without visiting one of the many breweries — or as the German’s say, bräuhaus. Hofbräuhaus is one of the most famous breweries located right in the middle of Old Town. Here, you can try a traditional German lager and dine on specialties like sausages, fried pork knuckles, and roasted chicken.

During the evenings, Hofbräuhaus comes alive with live Bavarian music. You can also find locals (dressed up in traditional lederhosen and dirndls) that come to dance and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Olympia Park

Take a step back in time to the 1972 Summer Olympics with a walk through Munich’s Olympia Park. Located in the Northern part of the city, Olympia Park is home to Olympic Stadium, the city’s main sports and events hall. For the best birds-eye view of Munich, take a ride up the Olympic Tower for unobstructed views of the park and city center.

The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as Tollwood Festival, Summerfest, and Open Air Concerts.

WiFi and SIM Cards in Munich

Staying connected while traveling through Germany is easier than ever. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at most mobile phone service stores, such as O2, Vodaphone, and Deutsche Telekom. SIM cards can also be found in grocery stores and drug stores. Just make sure your smartphone is “unlocked” so you can insert an international SIM card.

Best of all, most SIM card plans allow free roaming in the EU and EEA. That means your German data and voice plan will work throughout other countries in the EU.

WiFi is also readily available throughout Munich. Most shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes provide Wifi access codes and passwords to their customers. Keep in mind that Germans refer to WiFi as WLAN, so don’t be confused if you see this word written down.

Best Restaurants in Munich

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Munich is home to a variety of mouth-watering restaurants and culinary options. Not only will you find plenty of traditional German restaurants, but you’ll also have tons of delicious Asian, Turkish, Italian, and American restaurants at your fingertips. When living in Munich, there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants.

Although you’ll likely find delectable dishes no matter where you eat in Munich, here are a few of my favorite restaurants:

Augustiner Keller – Home to one of Munich’s most famous beer gardens, Augustiner Keller is an excellent option for the Bavarian atmosphere. Inside the historic beer hall, you’ll have the opportunity to dine on classic dishes like roasted pork knuckle, currywurst, and schnitzel. During the summer months, I recommend stepping outside to their beautiful garden, where you can wash down your meal with a refreshing stein of Augustiner lager.

Gaststätte FAUN – This modern take on a traditional Bavarian pub attracts a mainly local crowd interested in strong beers and hearty food. Not only will you find traditional German dishes, but FAUN also serves up delicious international cuisine like chili con carne, bacon cheeseburgers, and curry soup.

60 Secondi Pizza Napoletana – With Italy just around the corner, it’s easy to see why Munich is home to authentic Italian restaurants. At 60 Secondi Pizza Napoletana, you can indulge in traditional Naples pizza, cooked fresh in the on-site pizza oven. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with their Pizza Nutella, a sweet pizza topped with banana, strawberries, and other German candies.

TÜRKITCH Köfte & Kebap – For the best kebab in Munich (and quite possibly in all of Germany), head to Türkitch. This take-away dining establishment serves meat, vegetarian, and vegan dishes using only the freshest ingredients and herbs. Don’t be surprised if the queue is long. But trust me, it’s definitely worth the wait!

Transportation in Munich

Germans are known for their efficient transportation system, and Munich is no exception. You can reach almost any part of the city by using the U-Bahn (train), tram, or bus system. Even if you don’t read or speak German, you’ll have no problem navigating around the city.

The public transportation network is centered around the Munich central station, otherwise known as Hauptbahnhof. Located in the heart of Munich, Hauptbahnhof is connected to most stops around the city, including the airport. It’s also the main station for taking long-distance trains to other cities in Germany, as well as outside the country.

Public transportation tickets can be purchased at the station stops, on the buses and trams, and even though the MVG mobile app. Best of all, tickets can be bought and used for all methods of transportation. That means you don’t need to buy a specific ticket for the bus or tram — the same ticket works on everything.

It’s also important to validate your ticket before entering the train, bus, or tram. Munich transportation is based on an honor system; there are no turnstiles or security checks before entering the train. However, disguised security officers can check your ticket at any time, and if you didn’t validate your ticket beforehand, you’ll be slapped with a 60€ fine.

Obtaining a Visa for Germany

Depending on your citizenship, you may be required to obtain a visa before entering Germany.

US and Canadian citizens do not need to have a visa before entering Germany or any of the participating Schengen countries. Once you arrive in Germany, you’ll be allowed to stay for up to 90 days.

If you plan to stay longer than three months, you will need to obtain a long-term visa. This could be a student visa, Blue card work visa, or language school visa. You can check the exact requirements for obtaining a long-term visa with the Munich Foreign Office Authorities.

When you apply for your long-term visa, there are some requirements that you must have. Generally speaking, all long-term visa holders need sufficient health insurance coverage and funds to support themselves in Germany. You will also need to register where you’re living with the Bürgerbüro, or registration office.

British citizens can currently stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. However, Brexit might impact how British citizens can enter Germany in the future. Specific details will be released once Brexit has been finalized.

If you meet the requirements, you could also look into obtaining a working holiday visa for Germany here.

Pros and Cons of Living in Munich

Personally speaking, living in Munich has been one of the best experiences of my life. But just like any other country, there are some advantages and disadvantages to living abroad.

Pros of Living in Munich

English is spoken in most restaurants, hotels, and shops in the city

Amazing and efficient public transportation system

Clean buildings and streets

A diverse selection of food and restaurants

Fun, lively nightlife and beer culture

Modern and international co-working spaces

Close to beautiful mountains, lakes, parks

Great expat community

Close proximity to Austra, Switzerland, France, and Italy

Extremely safe for solo travelers, families, and women

Cons of Living in Munich

Expensive rent, petrol, eating and drinking out

Difficult to find an apartment

Cold, dark, and often snowy winters

Can be challenging to make German friends

Hard to understand rules and bureaucracy

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a clean, safe, and modern city to work as a digital nomad, then look no further than Munich. Not only can you immerse yourself in German culture, but you’ll also be close to some of the best cities and countries around Europe. Give it a try, you never know living in Munich might just steal your heart — like it did mine.

Note: All images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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