#also yes I’d get a custom one absolutely

[ducksido]

Hi yes Jade's voice is just so smooth, so perfect. Can we get a reader who just loves listening to him yap, especially when it comes to his special interests? Legit Jade could just ramble on and on for hours, jumping from one topic to another and I could never get tired of his voice

The Mostro Lounge was finally closed for the night, the din of dishes and departing customers replaced with gentle clinks and the low hum of the aquarium wall. You were curled up in one of the lounge booths, a steaming cup of sea salt tea in hand, and Jade across from you, his jacket folded beside him and his sleeves rolled up just enough to show the veins on his forearms as he absentmindedly traced his fingers along the rim of his glass.

He’d started off talking about mushrooms—because of course he did—and you loved every second of it.

“And this one,” Jade continued, voice low and smooth like a stream at dusk, “Mycena chlorophos. Bioluminescent. Emits a faint green glow in the dark. Absolutely stunning when you see it in clusters, like stars growing from fallen logs.”

You nodded, chin resting in your hand. You weren’t even pretending to understand everything—some of the scientific names blurred together—but his voice? That, you could drink in forever.

Jade shifted slightly, warming to the topic like he always did when someone let him talk for more than five minutes. His fingers moved animatedly, gesturing as he moved from glowing mushrooms to deep-sea creatures, then to a peculiar eel with a mating dance he’d read about in a marine biology journal.

You watched him with a dreamy smile, eyes half-lidded with calm. Most people got unnerved when Jade rambled. Something about his precision, the eerie joy he took in the niche and odd. But not you. Not when his voice wrapped around every word like velvet, soft and measured and quietly delighted.

“Am I boring you?” he suddenly asked, pausing mid-sentence with that sly half-smile, the one he wore when he thought he’d caught you off-guard.

You blinked, then smiled wider. “Are you kidding? You could read the phonebook and I’d still be hanging onto every word.”

His expression flickered, just for a moment, into something softer—something he didn't let most people see. Amused, flattered, and genuinely touched.

“Careful,” he murmured, resting his chin on one hand, gaze locking with yours, “if you let me keep talking, I may never stop.”

“Good,” you said simply. “Don’t.”

The words settled between you like warm fog. He studied you for a moment more, then let out a quiet laugh.

“Very well,” he said, tone dropping ever so slightly as he shifted closer. “Let’s discuss the Helvella lacunosa, also known as the Elfin Saddle…”

And so he did. For hours. And you listened, content, happy, and utterly at peace.

Because Jade Leech’s voice was your favorite lullaby—and you never wanted it to end.

[reverie-starlight]

{the proposal- kuroo}

on today’s episode of “rev accidentally disregards the polls she made”, we have this fic :3 I actually adore this one, it was so fun to write!! hope you enjoy <3 also… thank you sm for 1k followers 😭🫶🏻 that’s huge, I appreciate everyone sm 🥹

gn!reader, no physical descriptions. fluff fluff fluff. alcohol mentions, drunk reader. dialogue heavy at the start.

“You need to propose to me.”

Kuroo, who is enjoying his drink, begins to choke. “I what?”

You roll your eyes with a barely concealed smile.

“Not for real, silly, just a fake one.”

He looks at you like you’ve gone insane. “I’m not following.”

“We’re broke university students, do you really think we can afford to pay for more than two drinks tonight? If you propose, I bet people would make a drunken mistake and offer to buy us a celebration round.” You wiggle your eyebrows at him as he continues to give you that same incredulous look.

“That’s-“ he cuts himself off before he can finish that thought and starts with a new one. “I doubt that would work. I mean, maybe at a restaurant with free dessert, but a bar? Really?”

“I’ve seen it done in stranger places!” You defend yourself. “Besides, you’ve been sipping on your drink for the past 25 minutes. If the ice had poison in it, you’d be dead by now,” you lean back and cross your arms.

Your boyfriend just shakes his head. “Your mind is a very interesting place. Alright, fine. We’ll do it, but if it doesn’t work that’s going to be really embarrassing. Hand me your ring, I’ll do it when more people are around.”

You only have to wait another ten minutes before a group of business men having a meeting a couple of tables over appear to be drunk enough to invest in young love.

Your boyfriend nods once to signal that he’s going to do it and soon enough he’s on one knee, fake tears forming at the corners of his eyes and a dusting of pink on his cheeks that make you want to kiss them.

(Your heart jumps that the thought that he could do this for real one day).

“You’re the love of my life,” he begins, and you make a mental note that he either has a bright future in acting or his drink really is too strong, despite his insistence that he could handle it earlier.

A lady one table over gasps and draws more attention to the performance in front of the customers.

“And I absolutely adore every single thing about you. I had a whole plan for this, but with the way you’re looking tonight, I can’t wait a second longer. We’ve managed to get many years together already, and I’d be honoured to spend the rest of our lives just like this. Will you marry me?”

You’re genuinely touched at his words and the sincerity in his tone almost makes you forget it’s fake.

Not wanting to make your audience wait much longer, you make a big show of nodding your head and jumping into his crouched form with a loud “yes!”

Drunken cheers are only background noise while you press against his chest. His heartbeat eliminates the chance of you focusing on anything but him.

Kuroo tips his head down to whisper, “think we pulled it off?”

You nod against him and start to get up. He looks over to see one of the drunk business men coming over to greet you.

“Congratulations on your engagement! Let us buy the happy couple some drinks!”

The man’s face is flushed and he gestures to his table. “Order whatever you’d like, it’ll be put on our tab.”

You fake surprise. “Oh my goodness, that’s very generous of you, but we could never take advantage of your kindness like that!”

Beside you, your ‘fiancé’ stifles a laugh but the man doesn���t notice. “No, I insist! You should celebrate.”

This time Kuroo takes over. “Ah… well, thank you, sir. Rest assured we won’t go too crazy.”

The man laughs and claps him on the back. “What a polite couple of kids you are! Reminds me of me and my wife,” he winks before heading back to his table, whistling some tune.

You spin around and look up at your boyfriend with a smug grin. “So what are we getting first?”

A couple of hours later, you’re both stumbling into your campus apartment, giggling and trying to shush each other despite not having any other roommates.

You somehow manage to get through your night routines and fall back into your bed soon after. You’re a far more wasted than Kuroo is (he always drinks less than you to be able to take care of you), so he tries to get you to sip on some water.

He watches you with a silly grin as you fiddle with your “engagement” ring. You’ve since slipped it back onto your index finger where it originally was this evening, but you move it back to your ring finger and fiddle with it.

“I think…” your words are slightly slurred and laced with sleep. “I mean, I know… that I don’t want my real engagement ring to be diamond.”

His grin widens so much his cheeks begin to hurt. “No? So what will it be, baby?”

You form your own smile. “I’m sure I’ll love whatever you come up with. You know me best after all.”

He forces you to take another sip of water when your words don’t get any less coherent. While you drink he thinks of the ruby ring tucked away somewhere at Kenma’s house. You’re far too good at sniffing out clues and he’s never been good at keeping secrets from you.

You’re still in university, it’s far too soon to get engaged for real- you’ve both always said you wanted to wait until you’re done with school- but he’s been saving up for that ring since high school. he’s always knows you would be the one for him.

So when the time comes he’ll be ready. With a speech much better than whatever he said tonight.

“Alright, let’s get some sleep. You’re going to have the worst hangover tomorrow, you haven’t had that much to drink in a while.”

You tug at his wrist before he can shut the lamp off. “Wait, don’t you want to celebrate our engagement?”

“Sleep, baby.”

You pout a bit. “Don’t you think we celebrated enough tonight?”

You stare at him and he sighs. “There’s plenty of time for celebrating our fake engagement some more tomorrow,” he shuts the lamp off and wrangles you down with him. “Now it’s time for sleep.”

“‘m not tired,” you mumble, obviously lying. “I could go all night.”

You settle onto your pillow and he strokes your cheek. “I know, sweetheart, you’re a fighter.”

You nod as you begin to doze off.

He notices the ring still on your finger and he smiles softly.

The hangover you’ll be sporting tomorrow will definitely have been worth it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ty for reading!!! i hope you enjoyed <3

tagging: @emmyrosee @luvring @dira333 @tetzoro

[jakesimfromstatefarm]

i saw your blog and i’d like to recommend you a barista Jake who has a regular customer (you) and always remembers their exact order, idk it seems sweet to me when someone remembers your order very well like aakdjskdjsjdhd

WAIT I LOVE THIS OMG🥹🥹this is sooo romcom coded im OBSESSED— since im having a huge writer’s block rn here’s a lil spontaneous drabble based off this ask as an apology ~~~

✎ᝰ.ᐟ⋆⑅˚₊ extra shot of sim-ping ⭑.ᐟ ── s.jy drabble

jake doesn't mean to memorize your order.

not on purpose, at least. it just happens.

one day, you came in—somehow looking both half-asleep but yet effortlessly good that it has jake manually breathing behind the counter—and ordered an iced matcha latte with oat milk and an extra shot of matcha. and then you came back the next day and ordered the same thing. and then the day after that.

and the day after that.

so today, when you walk in at exactly 8:07AM like you usually do, jake already has your drink halfway made.

not in a creepy way! just in a normal barista way. a convenient way. he's saving you time. he's being efficient. he's absolutely not doing it because his heart does something pathetic every time you walk in.

"morning!"

jake nearly fumbles the cup in his hand—the one he picked up purely to look busy and totally not because he was keeping an eye on the door when 8:07AM rolled around. "hey! good morning!"

he lifts a hand in what he attempts as a casual wave.

it is not a casual wave.

it hovers in the air, frozen mid-motion, as you blink at him, clutching your tote bag, from your spot across the counter.

jake blinks back at you. then, in slow motion, he glances at his own hand, cringes internally and curses every past choice he's made to end up here today—including interviewing for this job in the first place—lowers it like nothing happened, then looks back at you.

and you're staring. but not in a weirded out way—no, no, it's much worse.

you're amused.

there's a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips, a glint of something teasing in your eyes, and jake swears he hears wedding bells ringing in the back of his mind.

his thoughts are immediately cleared the second you clear your throat and nod your head towards the menu behind him. "um, can i get a—"

"an iced matcha with oat milk and an extra shot of matcha," jake thinks to himself as his fingers tap it into the register automatically.

and then he hears your voice:

"oh? you remember?"

jake's head snaps up so fast he's surprised it didn't roll off right then and there. his eyes go wide with pure, unfiltered panic.

oh. oh god. did he just say that out loud???

he chokes out a laugh that sounds less like laughter and a lot more like a cry for help. "uh—"

his brain is on fire. his soul? has left the building that is his body. he has ruined everything.

you definitely think he's super creepy now. you're never going to come back. he's never going to see you again. his life is over.

but also—wait.

how could you not know he remembers your order? you come everyday, and your drink is always ready way faster than it should be. like suspiciously so. oh god, have you just been thinking he really is an abnormally efficient barista this whole time? or—oh god—have you just never even noticed him to begin with?

but your smile grows, your eyes sparkling with mischief. "wow. i must be special, hm?"

jake short-circuits.

"what—no—i mean, yes! i mean, not like that...or anything weird. i just, uh, i remember things. not things things. just like—customer things. order things," he gestures his hands wildly like that will somehow fix the situation.

a pause.

then, you giggle.

and jake is so unprepared.

you step closer to the counter, tilting your head just slightly as you look up at him.

"sooo...," you drag out, voice all sweet and knowing, "you remember other people's orders too?"

jake malfunctions.

his mouth opens. nothing comes out.

the answer is no. he does not. not the way he remembers yours, at least. but admitting that is practically a one-way ticket to public humiliation. as if this conversation wasn't enough.

jake's fight-or-flight response kicks in. he considers lying. but then you raise an eyebrow at his silence, like you already know his answer, and jake—oh, poor, poor jake—folds like a cheap lawn chair right before your eyes.

"...no?"

you grin, clearly satisfied by his answer (or the way he's totally crumbling in front of you), "just mine, then?"

jake genuinely thinks he might pass out.

so he does the only thing he can do.

he grabs a cup, nearly knocking over the entire stack, and blurts out way too fast, and way too loudly for 8AM in the morning, "your drink will be ready in a second!"

you hum in response, watching the way he frantically fumbles to finish your drink that he was already making before you came in, something that doesn't go unnoticed by you.

by the time he pops the lid on and slides it across the counter to you, he still refuses to meet your gaze.

you take the cup with a small thank you before turning it slightly in your hands, then—pause.

your thumb brushes over the side, right where he may or may not have written a tiny smiley face next your name—because of course he remembers your name, too.

you glance up at him. jake stops breathing.

tapping the cup lightly, you tilt your head again before meeting his eyes with a knowing smile, "see you tomorrow, jake."

jake watches as you leave, frozen, staring at the empty space where you just were, heart going a little too fast.

the second you're out the doors, he collapses against the counter, letting out the longest exhale of his dear life, face in his hands.

sunghoon walks up beside him from his hiding spot in the backroom where he witnessed that entire painful interaction.

"you," he says, grinning like someone thoroughly entertained, "are so—"

"don't," jake groans, voice muffled into his hands.

sunghoon ignores him. "—so down bad, man."

jake groans louder.

lmao i absolutely love loser-in-love jake <3

[sleepyjuice]

Omg wait imagine when JJ notices you like messing with his rings, he gets a fidget ring that you can spin whenever you're bored(I have one and they're rlly fun lmao)

ahhhh yes!!! I didn’t even know this was a thing lol!!!

jj debated on whether he should let you pick out a fidget ring for him, or if he should just get one and have it be a surprise for you.

He decided to go with the latter, figuring that you would want to pick him out another one at some point.

You had arrived at the chateau after a long day of work, wanting nothing more than to curl up in bed with your boyfriend. Working two doubles in a row was not for the weak.

“Hey sweet thing, how was work?” jj sat up from his spot on the couch as you swung open the door, kicking your shoes off and setting your purse on the counter as you made your way across the room to your boyfriend who had waited up for you as you didn’t get off work until 11.

You sighed as jj pulled you into his lap, wrapping his arms around your waist to keep you close.

“Oh, just peachy.” You grumbled, exhausted from spending 12 hours using your ‘customer service voice.’

“Mm,” jj hummed as he pressed his lips to your neck, leaving little kisses up and down the skin, “I’m just glad you’re home now, baby.”

You tilted your head, a smile tugging at your lips before you placed your hands on his chest, softly nudging him back a bit.

“I feel gross right now. Wanna shower with me?” You asked, and jj wasted absolutely no time before swooping you into his arms and carrying you into the bathroom as you giggled.

“Yes, ma’am.”

After a nice shower that basically just consisted of the two of your groping each other the entire time, you ended up in bed.

You finally felt yourself fully relax for the night as you lay your head on your boyfriend’s chest after a post shower quickie, your half naked bodies pressed against each other.

You instinctively reached for jj’s hands, taking ahold of the closest one in reach to you, sighing as you gently played with his fingers, already feeling your eyelids grow more tired by the second.

You were practically seconds away from sleep, at this point just lazily messing with his rings when you moved to another one of his fingers to toy with his ring when you realized it just fucking spun.

That woke you right up.

“What is that?” Your eyes shot open, immediately looking down at his fingers in your hand, finally noticing that he had a new ring.

You thought you had somehow broken one of his rings or something, but upon spotting the new one, you gently gave it another little push and it spun again, your eyes shooting over to jj now.

He couldn’t hold in his laughter at your reaction, mentally patting himself on the back for his decision to let it be a surprise for you, your reaction was both hilarious yet also warmed his heart at the same time. He always felt like both emotional and material wise, he didn’t have much to offer. Though as your relationship progressed, he began to rewire some of his toxic thoughts about himself, learning more about the good things about himself that his brain never allowed him to acknowledge.

“You like it?” He laughed, already knowing the answer.

“It’s uh, it’s a fidget ring. Basically just a regular ring but it’s actually designed to be played with and stuff.” He explained, watching you with a satisfied grin as you continued to play with it.

“Did you get this for me?” You asked him, and you swore your heart was about to explode. This was genuinely one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for you.

“Course I did,” he kissed the top of your head, “you’re always playin’ with my rings, thought I’d get one that’s more fun, y’know?” He chuckled softly as you continued to mess with it.

“Oh my godddd..” you giggled, tilting your head to kiss his lips repeatedly, only pulling away because you both kept laughing.

“I’m glad you like it, baby.” He hummed, pulling you even closer to him.

“I love it.” You smiled contently against his chest.

“So, you must really love when I play with your hands, huh?”

[lilygoofywritingcave]

Proposing to the KC! LIs

Finally, after a few months with the serial killers, it seems you have found true love with one of them! Are you brave enough to propose and bare the "consequences", or just curious how would they react?

Misaki Katsuo, the Silly and Chaotic Reaper

Misaki is an absolute gremlin, if you ever think that proposing to them will be romantic and graceful, you're dead wrong.

Places: A rooftop overlooking the city night. We all know Misaki loves the thrill of being high up, and with the city lights below, it feels like a moment stolen from a dream. You propose while they were laughing at some dumb joke, completely catching them off guard.

Reaction: The second you reveal the ring, Misaki completely freezes. Their chaotic, silly expression fades as their hands tremble, maybe even skipped a bit of heart. Of course, her entire life has been about survival, constantly running and killing for money. No one has ever asked her to stay before.

Putting on the ring: She would try to make jokes to calm herself down: "Damn, Y/N, you're really tryna wife up an assassin? Bold." But her voice cracks as you slipped on the ring and she’s crying before even realizing it. Misaki would insist they don't need a ring that fancy and will try to sell it. But if you got them a ring from a gacha machine? They would wear it everywhere, dead serious, just like the menace she is.

Answer: "You're a dumbass. But you're my dumbass now. So yeah… let's do it." (She definitely isn't hugging the air out of you while sobbing)

Sillies: + First text to SlaughterHouse? "LOOKS WHO'S JUST GOT CUFFED!!!" + "Babe, we gotta get a weapon matching this. A wedding-themed knife set?" + Expect a hyperactive Misaki for the next few days because if they stop they will cry again, oh and let's also mention the millions of marriage memes coming up

Angel/Maria de la Rosa, the Maneating Perfectionist

Angel is elegance, charm, and perfection wrapped in a gorgeous, deadly package. If you think you can propose without making it an unforgettable moment, think again.

Places: A special day, maybe she got promoted, you two went out for a fancy restaurant. You surprise her by slipping the ring into her champagne glass. She was probably thinking about her own proposal plans: “I’ll do it in Paris, or maybe under the northern lights…” when she noticed the ring, time just stopped.

Reaction: Every step of Angel's life has been carefully planned, dedicated to perfection and control. But this? This was never part of the script. She tries to speak, but for once, words failed her. She would try to stare at your face, searching for some signs of a cruel joke. But there's no deception, just you, offering her something she never dared to dream of, something real.

Putting on the ring: Angel trembles as she admires the ring, not for its value, but because you chose it, just for her. The moment it's slid onto her finger, a soft, breathless laugh escapes, like she can’t believe it’s real. She’ll insist she isn’t crying, but her ruined makeup says otherwise. And if the ring was custom-made? She’ll never take it off—because nothing has ever felt more right.

Answer: "Heaven exists, and it’s right here, in your arms. You’re the only person I’d ever consider going fully vegetarian for. So yes, mi amour, let’s give them something unforgettable" (She’s already planning the wedding down to the last detail.)

Sillies: + First text to SlaughterHouse: "Breaking news: I SAID YES! (And no, I will not be commenting on allegations of Y/N stealing my heart.)" + "I swear, if I ever miss a shot again, I'm blaming it on this ring. Too beautiful to not look at." + Casually flexes her ring in every situation, taking a sip of coffee? Ring in full view. Kissing you? Oh, she definitely tilts her hand just right for the perfect shot.

Ronin Beaufort, the Devil’s Poet of Purgatory

Ronin is a devil dressed in charm, a poet who spills verses like blood. A proposal to him isn’t just about love, it’s about defying god and fate themselves.

Places: "The Purgatory" of course, maybe after a gory kill and he's drenched, pumping with adrenaline. The place where his past sins linger, where the devil in him reigns. And yet, here you are, turning it into something sacred.

Reaction: For once, Ronin is speechless, trying to process if this is real or some prank. He’s spent his whole life running from ghosts of his past, his sins, the shadows of who he’s become. But you? You’re standing there, unwavering, refusing to run. He would definitely get tensed, as if he’s afraid he might lose this moment, lose you: “Darlin’, I ain’t even dead yet, and you already tryna claim my last name?”

Putting on the ring: When you slide it on, Ronin would definitely smirsk: "A wedding ring, huh? Guess that means I’m officially off the market." If you got him a ring with a hidden blade or devil engraving? He’s obsessed but acts like it’s no big deal. He might wear it around his neck at first but when it's on, it's ON.

Answer: "Tsck… You really just tied yourself to the devil, darlin’. If this is a sin, baby, then let me burn for you. Hope you’re ready for a lifetime of crime and bad poetry, ‘cause I ain’t letting you go." (Then he yanks you into a kiss, rough and desperate.)

Sillies: + "Babe, hear me out, matching crowbars engraved with our anniversary date. Just think about it." + Will 100% lean against a wall, flash his ring, and smirk at strangers like: "Single? Couldn’t be me." + First text to SlaughterHouse: "It seems a certatin someone actually looked at me and said, ‘Yeah, I wanna deal with that forever.’ Wild. Also, taking bets on how long it takes before Y/N realizes they made a mistake. Place your wagers wisely."

Valentin Viljoen, the Vigilante with Ice cold Heart

Valentin is a man of structure, morality, and control. But love? Love is unpredictable. Love is terrifying. And yet, here you are, asking him to embrace it.

Places: A short walk near the forest together. Soft golden light shines through the leaves and the scent of flowers linger in the air, truly a part of the Garden of Eden brought alive, where love can bloom freely.

Reaction: Valentin freezes. His mind races, but for once, there is no logical path forward, no neatly laid-out plan. He doesn't react immediately. No sharp breath, no wide-eyed shock, just silence. His whole life has been spent carrying the weight of a protector, the unwavering force of justice. And yet, here you are, asking him to be something else. To be selfish. To be yours.

Putting on the ring: His hands have always been steady in battle and in every aspect of his life, except for now. They tremble as you take his hand, slipping the ring onto his finger. His breath goes unsteady as he turns his hand over, inspecting the way it fits: perfect, inevitable, like it was always meant to be there.

Answer: "Marriage isn’t just a promise. It’s a contract. A duty. A vow I will never break. And I would be honored to spend my life upholding it with you." (He has already acquired a legal marriage paper by now)

Sillies: + “Y/N, does this mean I have to plan the wedding? Because if so, I have prepared a highly efficient multi-tab spreadsheet.” + The first thing he sends: a picture of the marriage certificate, of course... + Has to resist the urge to immediately update his legal documents. ("Should I change my emergency contact to you? Do I list you as my primary benefactor? Actually, give me a moment...")

P/S: I hope everyone had a nice time proposing <3

[anjee0]

My brother's best friend

Chapter 4 ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

B Rabbit x Female!reader. (Feel free to put an oc insert if you wish as well)

Description - In which Y/n starts to become friends and possibly more with her brother's best friend, BRabbit.

Warnings - ANGST, misundertandings

@tiny-gay-satan

It was dark and cold out and Y/n and Jordan were having dinner together. She wasn't listening to anything Jordan was saying because she was too busy thinking about someone else. And that someone else was definitely Rabbit. The past few days had consisted of them constantly going out on dates and flirting with each other every second they had. It was clear they both had feelings for each other but neither of them had made a proper move yet. Y/n started smiling like an idiot as she remembered the last date they went on last night. They snuck into the theatres like young teenagers and then stuffed pizza in their faces afterwards at a pizzeria.

“Are you listening to what I'm saying?” Jordan asked, making Y/n immediately snap out of her daydreaming.

“Uh, you were saying something about…” She thought carefully of what to say as Jordan furrowed his eyebrows and squinted at her. “You were talking about work.”

“No I wasn't. Rabbit said he doesn't want to participate in the battle next week.” Jordan replied.

“He doesn't?”

“Not after he choked. Listen, I know there's something going on between you and Rabbit-”

Y/n groaned as she threw her head back. “There's nothing going on-”

“Yes there is. I'm not dumb. And just so you know, I have no problem with it.”

“You don't?”

“No, I guess I'm fine with it. Anyway, I know there's something going on between you and Rabbit and I was just wondering if you can talk him into doing the battle. Please?”

“Fine. But you have to cook dinner for the next week.”

“What?”

“Come on! I always cook dinner. It's the least you could do.”

“Fine. Deal.”

The next day, Y/n had work again at the diner. She sat down mindlessly at the bar as she played around with the straws in the metal container. It was pretty early in the morning so there weren’t many customers right now. She sighed mindlessly until the bell chimed at the door. 

When Y/n looked up, she saw 2 girls walking into the store. And one of them caught her eye. The girl had short blonde hair that curled up the ends and some smudged eyeliner on. She also wore some bold red lipstick that matched with the jacket that she was wearing. She looked absolutely stunning.

“Morning.” Y/n greeted them.

The blonde girl smiled at Y/n and sat down at the table with her friend.

“Let me know when you’re ready to order.” Y/n said.

“We will.” The blonde girl replied as she and her friend started browsing through the menu.

Around 30 seconds went by until the bell chimed the tune again. When Y/n looked up, she smiled as she was greeted with the sight of Rabbit. His beanie was falling down his forehead a bit which made him look so adorable.

“What are you doing here?” Y/n asked.

“I just came to see you. Anything wrong with that?”

“Nah. Thanks for stopping by.”

“Thought I’d see you before my shift started.” Rabbit said as he settled down on the barstool.

“Actually, it’s good you came. I wanted to talk to you.”

“What’s up?”

“Jordan told me you’re not participating in the battle next week.”

“Is he tryna get you to convince me?”

“Yes but-”

Rabbit immediately sighed and groaned and leaned his head forward.

“Rabbit, look at me.”

He tilted his head up and looked at Y/n.

“You’ve got talent, okay? And you shouldn’t let it go to waste. Please do the battle.”

He sighed heavily and shook his head. “Fine. I’ll do it. I’ll do it for you.”

Y/n smiled happily as she felt a joyful warmth growing in her heart at Rabbit’s words.

“Thanks Rabbit.”

She quickly adjusted his beanie and dusted the top off before pinching his cheek gently. “Sorry, it was just bothering me.”

“That’s fine. Listen, since our shifts end similar times, I was just wondering if you could stop by my workplace after you finish. I’ve got something I wanna show you.” Rabbit asked.

“Alright, I’ll come over. What do you wanna show me?”

“It’s a surprise.”

Rabbit glanced over at the clock behind Y/n and realised he was running late. “Shoot, I’ve gotta get going. I’ll see you later, okay? Just meet me at the alleyway next to the building.” He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before shooting her a playful smirk and leaving.

The heat in Y/n’s cheeks rose as a distinguished pink colour appeared on her face. She couldn’t help but smile like an idiot. Maybe Rabbit was going to ask her the question she was waiting ages for.

“Excuse me, we’re ready to order.” The blonde girl called out, snapping Y/n out of her dazy thoughts.

“Oh yeah, of course. Coming.” Y/n replied.

When Y/n approached the table, she was immediately interrupted by the blonde girl. “Hey, I’m Alex,” She said.

Y/n couldn’t help but find it a bit odd how Alex had greeted her. It was pretty uncommon for customers to introduce themselves when they took an order. “Hi. I’m Y/n. What would you like-”

“Listen, Y/n. I have something important I have to tell you.”

“What’s up?”

“Are you dating Rabbit?”

Y/n’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of his name. “You know him?”

“We dated.”

“You did?”

Y/n suddenly felt her heart sunk in a deep pool of insecurity. Rabbit dated such a pretty girl like her, why would he even take interest in me? She thought.

“And listen, I mean all well when I say this but, me and him started talking again.”

“Wait what?”

“Yeah, I mean, I had no idea he was dating another girl.”

“We’re not dating yet. Just at the talking stage.”

“Yet? No offence, but I don’t think you’re gonna get to that stage with him. I think he’d prefer me.”

Y/n’s blood started to boil and shocks of fury started to surge through her veins. “Get out.” She said sternly.

“What?”

“I said get out. I don’t have time to deal with your bullshit. Leave.”

Alex faced her friend and chuckled with an annoying, smug expression before getting up and pushing past Y/n.

“Sorry for telling the truth. He prefers me anyway.” She said before her and her friend disappeared through the doors.

Y/n scoffed and shook her head as she placed her hands on her hips. An expression of unbelief was painted on her face. She refused to believe what some random girl who she had just met was saying about Rabbit. She partly believed the fact they dated but refused to believe the fact that they were talking.

Rabbit let out a sigh of relief when his boss said he was done for the way. As he left the building, he couldn’t help but just crack a silly smile. Today, he was going to ask Y/n to be his girlfriend and he just couldn’t wait. He knew he liked her, he knew she would say yes but he still felt an aching feeling of rejection hanging in the air.

Since his shift ended a few minutes earlier, Rabbit decided to run over to the flower shop across the road. He thought that maybe flowers could help out a bit. As soon as he entered the shop, the fragrance of the soft and subtly sweet flowers travelled to his nose. It smelt absolutely delightful and he knew that he would find what he wanted there. He settled on a single rose as a bouquet was way out of his budget. He silently hoped it would be enough.

Rabbit went back to the other side of the road and waited in the alleyway next to the building. He bit his nails and tapped his foot against the floor in quick beats as streams of thoughts moved in his head. What if she forgets? What if she says no? What if she laughs in his face for even asking in the first place?

He heard footsteps from around the corner and mentally prepared himself. He stood up straight and held the rose behind him as he put on a confident smile. As the footsteps got louder, Rabbit grew more anxious.

“Hey Rabbit.”

His smile immediately dropped when he recognised the voice. A jolt of anger struck through his spine. “What the hell are you doing here, Alex?”

She strutted towards him and left little space between them. He could feel her hot breath gliding across her face. “I just wanted to see you.” She said as he played with his beanie.

“Don't touch me.” He snapped as he took a step back.

“Don't be like that, baby. I miss you.” She stepped closer.

“And don't call me that either.” He continued to step back until he felt his back against the wall.

“Come on, I know you miss me.” She pouted and stood right up in front of him. “I know I do.”

“I don't, okay? How did you even know I was here?”

“I was at the diner with my friend.”

“You were?”

“Yeah and I heard your little talk with that girl. What was her name again? Y/n?” Her eyes darted down to his leg where she saw a bit of the rose poking out. She immediately took it from his grip and laughed with a cocky expression.

“Is this for me?” She asked sarcastically.

“No, give it back.” He tried to grab for it but she pulled her hand away so he would be out of reach.

“Come on Rabbit, admit it. You want me back.”

“You were the one who cheated on me!”

“I was drunk.”

“Still doesn’t give you an excuse to hook up with some random guy in a bar. We’ve been over for nearly a year now!”

“I’m sorry, okay? I’ve changed. I promise.” 

“Get away from me.”

Without warning, Alex grabbed Rabbit’s shirt and crashed her lips against his into a bruising kiss. Nothing about it was gentle or caring, it was rough and forceful and full of deceit and neediness. Rabbit stiffened as he struggled to move out of her gasp. His hands curled into fists as he felt every inch of his body screaming for him to move away.

“Rabbit?” A voice called out.

Alex pulled away as her and Rabbit looked to see who the voice was. His eyes widened as his eyes laid on Y/n, standing at the end of the alleway in disbelief as she felt her heart drop. Her eyes were filled to the brim of betrayal and anger. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. Her chest tightened at the sight, finding every chance to breathe more and more difficult. 

“Y/n, it’s not what it looks like.” Rabbit said as he pushed past Alex in a hurry.

Alex smirked at Y/n from behind as she played with the rose in her hand. Her face was stupidly smug with a self-satisfied grin plastered across her face. She knew the effect she had on Y/n and it was thrilling for her to watch, like a game. 

“Wow, Rabbit, I really didn’t expect this from you.” Y/n murmured as tears slipped down her cheeks.. Her voice was fragile like glass, ready to shatter at any moment. 

“No, Y/n. Please, listen to me-”

“No, Rabbit. I don’t wanna listen and I don’t wanna see you again. Have fun with her.” Her voice was hollow and laced with pain. She felt that horrid lump, tightening in her throat. She tried to swallow it away, but it stayed there like a cork, trapping everything.

With her final words, she walked away as her steps echoed in the alleyway. Rabbit’s feet were attached to the ground, he couldn’t move a muscle. Beads of tears ran down his cheek as he saw Y/n turn the corner. He could feel his heart shattering into tiny pieces, like a delicate china cup. Alex pushed past him and shoved the rose into his chest, making him stumble back. She looked at him with an arrogant and self-centered grin as she walked away with egoistic confidence following behind her.

Y/n entered her house, her expression sour and her face dried with tears. Jordan was on the sofa, watching TV. As soon as he saw Y/n, his brotherly instincts turned on and he knew something was wrong.

“Hey, you alright?” He asked in a soft tone.

“I’m fine.” Y/n replied with no emotion.

“No you’re not. What’s wrong?” Jordan switched off the TV and stood up, concern growing even further within him.

“I told you, I’m fine Jordan.”

“No you’re not.” He slowly approached her and placed his hands on her shoulder gently. “Look at me. What’s wrong?”

The moment Y/n met her eyes with Jordan’s she shattered. She buried her face into his chest as she let out choked sobs full of despair and sorrow. She left bitter pools of tears on his shirt, as she cried uncontrollably. 

Jordan sat Y/n down on the sofa as he held her close. “Alright, tell me. What’s wrong?”

“Rabbit. He- he was with another girl.” Her voice hiccuped with each word, making her struggle to even form a sentence.

Jordan’s eyes hardened and his expression went stone cold. He looked dead into Y/n’s eyes and she couldn’t tell if he was mad, upset or maybe a bit of both. “He was with a girl?”

“Yeah. I don’t, I don’t know what to do.”

“Hey, I’ll talk to that idiot, okay?”

“No, no. Please don’t. I don’t wanna make anything worse.”

“Y/n, he was talking to another girl behind your back-”

“I don’t care. Please. Don’t.”

“Fine. But if he tries bothering you, I’ll bother him back, alright?”

Y/n stifled a broken chuckle as she wiped her tears away. “Okay.”

“Hey, don’t cry. You got me, okay?”

“Thank you Jordan.”

“Come on, go take a shower. We’ll talk afterwards.”

[43501]

‼️‼️ ( NSFW WARNING !! )‼️‼️

Do you have any head-canon’s for a more sexually domineering Near? While I do see Near as being inexperienced.. DEFINITELY. I for some reason could also see him being somewhat assertive in sex?

Maybe not in the beginning, but he’s a quick learner, and I’d imagine him to be the type to enjoy seeing the reactions he could elicit from his partner.

I see all the Wammy’s , (aside from Matt maybe..) as very controlling/dominant people, as portrayed by their roles in the Task Force, SPK, and Mafia

Greetings. My personal rendering of Near and his behaviors/preferences in an intimate scenario are a combination of 1) this idea of a guy who is otherwise very sharp and in control now entering an arena where he's out of his element, and 2) his depiction in meronia scenarios where he's always either yieldingly submissive or a bratty bottom too proud to "submit" but is nevertheless on the bottom.

Yours may be closer to actual canon. He's competitive, pleased when Mello challenges him directly at the SPK quarters, proclaiming "the race is on". He has absolutely no compunction about ordering around his subordinates, to the point that he accidentally tries to do it to Aizawa at the end of the anime and feels embarrassed about it, lol.

Yes, it's very easy to imagine him becoming a "dominant" partner, in his very Near-like way. I have a few thoughts about it!

The type to stare openly when he's doing something to you, feeling around for the right spot to touch, gauging the correct force or tempo of his fingers (or some toy he's using) by reading microexpressions you're not even aware you're making. He's not usually one for eye contact, so being observed like this is insanely intense and unusual.

Restrains you one day using an improvised restraint, figures out he really likes it. I think the idea of him McGuverying whatever he has at hand to make something like that is really true to canon.

Speaks minimally, services you in (mostly) silence but then sits up and tells you to pleasure him/finish him off. The bluntness of the request is arousing, he says it with this air of presumption that you wouldn't even think about denying him, that you climbing on top/going down on him is a foregone conclusion.

Kinda poor blowjob etiquette when he's on the receiving end of one. Chases his orgasm, cums in your mouth without warning.

Would get a thrill out of you wearing one of those discreet vibrators/bullets that he can control remotely. Again, he buys it off the internet on a whim one day and tells you to put it on, assuming you like the idea just as much and you'll comply.

Not sexual, but: creates a custom piece of jewelry for you, perhaps a carved pendant of some sort. Expects you to wear it all time time (or at least often) as a show of your devotion to him. I think this feeds into my very dearly-held headcanon that he's secretly a bit insecure his partner will tire of him and leave, so it hits both psycho-sexual and emotional notes...

[cutecurly-hair]

Hearts Unleashed (Part 9)

Pairing: Nick Nelson x Black!fem!reader

Warning: Fluff, Smut in later chapters, Body Shaming, Eating Disorder

Words: 5,451

Custom drumsticks or a limited edition vinyl of The Strokes his favorite band. Those were my two best options. I sat in the girls' bathroom, scrolling through my phone as first period slipped by unnoticed. By now, I’d grown accustomed to the occasional flush, the murmur of gossip, the squeak of sneakers against the tile.

Did I voluntarily choose to hide in here?

Yes.

Was I still avoiding a certain someone?

Also yes.

But was I being productive about it?

Absolutely.

It was a win-win. I needed to find the perfect birthday gift for Charlie, and I had zero interest in running into Nick right now.

I refreshed the music store’s website, weighing my choices. The drumsticks seemed like the better option. Tao had already planned to get Charlie a vinyl player, and I wasn’t about to one-up him by buying a record to go with it.

Just as I was about to add the drumsticks to my cart, an obnoxious laugh echoed through the bathroom, shattering my moment of peace.

I froze, my finger hovering over the “Add to Cart” button.

That voice. I knew that voice.

Imogen.

She and someone else, probably one of her friends, pushed into the bathroom, the door swinging shut behind them. I hunched over my phone, hoping they wouldn’t notice the occupied stall. If I stayed quiet, maybe they’d do their usual five-minute mirror check and leave.

A bag hit the counter, followed by the rustling of fabric and the faint clatter of a lip gloss tube rolling across the sink.

“I swear, I cannot wait for this week to be over,” Imogen groaned, her voice raw in a way that caught me off guard. “It’s been the worst.”

There was a pause before a softer voice spoke. “What happened?”

Imogen let out a shaky breath. “Sybil passed away yesterday.”

My stomach dropped.

“Oh, Imogen, I’m so sorry,” the other girl said, her voice full of quiet sympathy.

“Yeah,” Imogen murmured, her voice small. “I knew it was coming, but… I don’t know. It still feels unreal. The house is so quiet without her. I keep expecting to hear her little paws on the floor.”

For a moment, I let myself breathe. Let myself feel bad for Imogen, of all people.

But then—

She sniffed, clearing her throat. “At least I have something to distract me.”

The energy in her voice shifted, and suddenly, I knew what was coming before she even said it.

“I have my date with Nick this weekend.”

The air was sucked from my lungs.

A pause. Then the other girl, more hesitant now: “Your… date?”

“Well, I mean,” Imogen said quickly, her tone lighter, as if trying to mask any uncertainty. “I asked if he wanted to hang out, and he said yes, so it’s kind of a date, right?”

I squeezed my eyes shut.

Another pause. Then the other girl hesitated. “But, like… don’t you think he and—”

Imogen cut her off before she could finish. “I mean, they’re not official-official, right? And Nick could’ve said no if he didn’t want to. I think he’s just figuring things out.”

Something sharp lodged itself in my throat.

The sink turned on, the rushing water filling the silence between them.

After a moment, Imogen spoke again, her voice quieter now. “Maybe I just need something good to happen, you know? After this week, I could really use it.”

The faucet shut off.

Footsteps.

The door swinging open, then clicking shut again.

The silence was deafening.

I know I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t. But the words clung to me, sinking into my skin like ink on paper.

Nick. Hanging out with Imogen. Not official-official.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to focus on something else.

The drumsticks. Charlie. His birthday.

I glanced down at my screen, barely seeing the words in front of me.

Then, with a deep breath, I pressed ‘Buy.’

The second the bathroom door swung shut behind Imogen, I sat frozen, the words still ringing in my ears.

My grip on the phone was white-knuckled, unrelenting. A cold churn rolled through my gut, bile rising so fast it made my throat sting. I shut my eyes tight, forcing air into lungs that didn’t want to cooperate, but the pressure in my chest stayed coiled and sharp.

My gaze flicked toward the toilet. The thought came uninvited maybe if I threw up, this would ease. Maybe it’d empty out more than just my stomach.

My jaw locked hard. No. Not again.

I needed to get out of here.

I pushed myself to my feet, knees stiff, and unlatched the stall door. The mirror caught me before I could look away eyes puffy, lips drawn tight, edges of my curls frizzing out where I’d been tugging at them. I didn’t need to stare to know what I’d see: exhaustion clinging to my face like it belonged there.

I turned away fast. I wasn’t in the mood to pick myself apart. Not today. Not here.

The door creaked as I shoved it open, already planning my escape. Maybe the film room it's quiet, somewhere I didn’t have to keep bracing myself.

but instead, I walked straight into someone.

A firm shoulder bumped into mine, nearly knocking me backward. My breath caught in my throat as I stumbled, my heart already hammering.

"Whoa, easy there," a mocking voice drawled.

Harry.

Of course.

Because why wouldn’t the worst person possible be standing outside the bathroom just as I was desperately trying to hold it together?

His usual smug smirk was already in place, his sharp green eyes scanning me, sizing me up. He leaned casually against the lockers, hands in the pockets of his expensive blazer, like he was waiting for something to amuse him.

And unfortunately, that something was apparently me.

“Skipping class?” His voice was mocking, amused. He tilted his head. “Didn’t peg you for the type.”

I clenched my jaw, side-stepping him immediately. "Not now, Harry."

But he moved with me, blocking my path.

"Aw, come on," he said smoothly. "I barely said anything yet."

I let out a slow breath through my nose, forcing myself to stay calm. "I’m serious. Move."

Harry tilted his head, considering me. Then, his smirk deepened. "You look like shit."

I froze.

It wasn’t what he said it was how he said it. Smooth. Intentional. Like he’d practiced.

He wasn’t just looking at me. He was dissecting me. Picking apart every crack, every weakness, deciding which one would hurt the most to press on.

And then, with a sickening mockery of concern, he added, "Rough morning, sweetheart?"

My fists curled tight, nails biting into my palms. "Don't call me that."

His grin widened like I’d just confirmed something for him. He pushed off the lockers, slow and casual, like a predator stretching its legs. “Touchy,” he murmured. He stepped closer.

I stepped back before I could stop myself.

He noticed.

“So,” he continued, voice dropping low, “why are you sneaking out of the bathroom looking like someone just crushed your world?”

The words landed hard. Sharp. Too accurate to be a guess.

I stiffened.

Of course he knew. Of course he saw right through me.

I swallowed, throat dry. “Harry, I don’t have time for this.”

But he didn’t move. Didn’t blink.

“Let me guess,” he said, drawing out each word like he was savoring them. His eyes sparkled not with interest, but with victory.

“Nick Nelson?”

A knife straight through my chest.

The flicker of pain too raw, too real flashed across my face before I could shove it down

And Harry caught it.

His smile twisted. “Wow,” he said, voice soft with mock disbelief. "You’re seriously this bent out of shape over him?"

I locked my jaw. "Harry. Move."

Harry leaned back, watching my reaction like he was enjoying this. “Did you really think you had a chance?” he asked, his voice light, almost genuinely curious. “Like, no offense or anything, but…”

He let the silence finish the sentence. Let me fill in the blanks. Every terrible thing I already thought about myself, now confirmed in his voice.

Something inside me cracked.

My throat tightened painfully, but I refused to let it show.

I stepped forward and shoved past him, hard, my shoulder colliding with his with enough force to make me stumble.

“Go to hell,” I spat, voice rough, cracking, already halfway down the hallway before I could stop myself. I didn’t look back, I couldn’t.

Because if I did—

I might actually break.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ +

I ditched school, faked a sick day the next, and spent the whole time dodging Mom’s are-you-really-dying-or-just-avoiding-life stares. I was practically rotting in bed, burrito-wrapped in my blankets, half-watching some random show while lying to Charlie and Elle over text

~Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired.

~No, nothing’s wrong.

It got so bad that even Coach Singh emailed me, probably assuming I was on my deathbed. I blamed it on horrific period cramps, the oldest trick in the book, and she replied with a generic Feel better soon! and a thinly veiled See you on Monday.

The only thing keeping me remotely sane was texting Isaac about the ending of They Both Die at the End. Which, honestly? Not helping my mood. At all. Just another reminder that everything ends in disappointment.

And just like that, it was the weekend and instead of rotting in bed like I wanted to, I was standing in front of my mirror, trying to look like a person who hadn’t spent the past two days avoiding life.

My stomach grumbled, but I ignored it. I hadn't really eaten much since... well, since everything. Not that I had an appetite anyway.

My phone buzzed.

Charlie: You better be on your way.

I sighed, typing back a quick “omw” before grabbing the neatly wrapped box of custom drumsticks from my desk. No more sulking. It was Charlie’s birthday. If anyone deserved me pretending to be okay for a few hours, it was him.

The next thing I knew, I was stepping into the bowling alley, the familiar sound of crashing pins and scattered laughter filling the air. The neon lights overhead buzzed softly, casting a hazy glow over everything.

Charlie spotted me first, waving from one of the lanes. Elle, Isaac, and Tao were already there, huddled near the ball return, mid-conversation.

“There you are,” Charlie said, grinning as I walked up. “Thought you were gonna skip on this one too.”

I rolled my eyes, handing him the wrapped box. “Please. Like I’d miss this.”

Elle nudged me, her voice light but laced with something knowing. "You have been a little MIA lately."

"Yeah, just—" I shrugged, slipping into my usual deflections. "Stuff. School. Life. You know how it is."

Isaac, who had been scrolling through his phone, finally looked up. "Did you start the new book?"

A smile tugged at my lips despite everything. "I did. And I have thoughts."

He nodded approvingly. "Good. We’ll discuss later."

Charlie shook the gift dramatically next to his ear. “Should I be concerned?”

“Not unless you plan on using them as weapons,” I deadpanned.

Tao smirked. “Well, knowing Charlie, there’s a high chance of that happening.”

Charlie stuck out his tongue. “Rude. I have some self-control.”

Elle raised an eyebrow. “You literally almost took out a lamp with a shoe last month.”

“That was an accident,” Charlie defended, already unwrapping his gift. The second the paper fell away, his eyes widened. “No way. These are so cool.” He ran his fingers over the engraving, shaking his head. “You really didn’t have to.”

I shrugged. “I wanted to.”

Charlie beamed, and for the first time in days, something in my chest didn’t feel so heavy.

Charlie nudged me with his elbow. “Okay, but where have you been? You’ve been, like, radio silent.”

I forced a casual shrug. “Busy. Tired. The usual.”

Elle side-eyed me but let it slide. “Well, you’re here now, so let’s focus on the important things, like how I’m about to destroy all of you.”

Isaac, who had been quietly scrolling through his phone, finally spoke. “Not if Tao bowls like last time.”

Tao scoffed. “That was one bad game. One.”

Charlie tossed me bowling shoes with a smirk. “Let’s see what you got”

I caught it, raising an eyebrow. “You know that I have been bowling before, right?.”

Tao scoffed. “Yeah, yeah, prove it.”

I lined up my shot, adjusting my grip on the bowling ball. The others were watching, waiting, Tao already preparing some sarcastic remark in case I missed. But I wouldn’t. I never missed.

I took a breath, stepped forward, and released.

The ball rolled smoothly down the lane, spinning just right before it slammed into the pins with a loud crash.

Strike!

“Ohhh, would you look at that?” I spun around, arms in the air, grinning. “And Tao had the audacity to doubt me.”

Tao groaned dramatically. “Okay, okay, calm down, your ego is growing.”

I shrugged, unbothered, and launched into a small, self-satisfied victory dance. “Greatness needs to be celebrated.”

Charlie clapped from the bench, clearly amused. “Finally, someone who might actually take Elle down.”

Elle didn’t even blink. “Let her enjoy it,” she said dryly, eyes still on her phone. “We all know it’s temporary.”

I dropped into the seat next to Charlie, the smug satisfaction of the strike still warm in my chest. It was stupid, really just a game. But for a few seconds, I felt like I had control over something. And lately, that had been in short.

Then I saw him.

Nick.

Hovering near the entrance, a neatly wrapped gift tucked under one arm, eyes scanning the room like he was trying to talk himself out of walking in.

My stomach knotted on instinct.

Why now? Why here?

He looked good. Of course he did. Hair slightly messy, like he’d run his hand through it too many times. And the sleeves of his jumper were pushed up, exposing those forearms strong, defined, annoyingly distracting. Not that I noticed or anything. Except maybe every single practice when he’d roll them up just like that.

I leaned toward Charlie, keeping my voice low even though my pulse was anything but. “What is he doing here?”

Charlie didn’t even flinch. “I invited him.”

Of course he did.

I sank lower into my seat, my tongue pressing hard against the roof of my mouth to hold back the hundred things I wanted to say. Things that wouldn't help. Things that would only prove I was making this about me.

It was Charlie’s birthday. His day. Not mine.

I could suck it up for a few hours. At least, that’s what I told myself as my eyes flicked toward the entrance toward him.

Nick stood just inside the doorway, still clutching a wrapped gift like it might bite him. His shoulders were tense, posture stiff, like he wasn’t sure whether he was meant to stay or go.

The second our eyes met if only for a moment every cell in my body screamed to get up and bolt.

“Seriously?” I muttered, turning to Charlie, my voice sharp with disbelief.

He crossed his arms, giving me a look. “You do know Nick and I are actually friends, right? We’ve gotten close since I joined rugby which, if I remember correctly, you’re the one who pushed me into.”

I opened my mouth, half a protest forming, but Charlie wasn’t done.

“And honestly?” His voice dropped, lower now. Quieter. “You need to get your shit together. This constant back and forth between you two? It’s exhausting. And frankly, I’m tired of watching it.”

That shut me up.

I blinked at him, stunned into silence. Charlie never snapped. Not like this. And maybe that was the worst part he didn’t even sound mad. Just done.

I looked at him again.

And it hit me how tired he looked. Not the usual kind of tired. Not from late nights or early mornings. It was something heavier. The kind of tired that settles behind your eyes and stays there.

And I hadn’t noticed. Not once.

I’d been too busy spiraling in my own head, trying not to drown in everything I didn’t want to feel, that I hadn’t checked in. Not with Charlie. Not with anyone.

And it was his birthday.

His one day to feel like the center of the universe.

And I was ruining it.

I sucked in a breath through my nose, forcing the panic down and the guilt to sit still. Then, quietly, I said, “Okay.”

Charlie turned to me, surprise flickering in his eyes. Then he smiled, “I’m usually right.”

I huffed out something halfway between a laugh and a sigh. “Don’t push it.”

Without another word, he turned and lifted a hand, waving Nick over.

I immediately tensed, my fingers curling into the sleeves of my jacket. A hollow ache bloomed in my gut, maybe from nerves or the fact that I hadn’t eaten properly in two days. My body didn’t know the difference anymore.

Nick looked nervous, too eyes creased, jaw tight, the gift in his hand looked way too formal for a bowling alley.

Charlie met him halfway, greeting him with a grin and a clap on the shoulder like it was the most normal thing in the world. “You made it.”

Nick nodded, offering a small, crooked smile. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

“Come on,” Charlie said, steering him our way. “You know Y/N.”

I gave the smallest smile I could manage. “Hi.”

“Hey,” Nick said softly. His eyes flicked up to meet mine for a second just one and then dropped just as fast.

Charlie gestured to the rest of the group. “And Nick, this is Tao, Isaac, and Elle.”

Tao sighed dramatically, crossing his arms. “Yeah, yeah, you know who we are. Spare us the formalities.”

Nick blinked, caught slightly off guard. “Uh—right. Well, I haven’t officially met Elle yet.” He turned to her with a small smile. “I’ve heard you’re a really great artist.”

Elle raised an eyebrow, amused. “From who? Charlie?”

Nick’s face flushed instantly. "Uh-" His eyes flicked toward me just for a second then darted away like the contact burned.

This was so fucking awkward.

The kind where everyone pretended not to notice, even though we all definitely did.

Tao made a low noise in his throat. “Cool. This is going great,” he muttered, barely hiding his sarcasm.

Charlie, bless his endlessly optimistic heart, clapped his hands together. “Sooo! I think its my turn, yeah?”

I almost kissed him for the save.

But I barely noticed the game anymore.

My eyes kept drifting to Nick, standing over by the ball return with Charlie, laughing at something I couldn’t hear. Arms crossed, he always did that when he was nervous. Fixing the cuff of his sleeve. Tugging at the hem of his jumper. All those little habits I shouldn’t have noticed, but did.

I didn’t even realize it was my turn until Tao elbowed me. “You planning to bowl sometime this century?”

Startled, I grabbed my ball and lined up way too fast. The shot flew off my fingers, wild and reckless. It slammed into the bumper and dropped straight into the gutter.

Tao winced. “Yikes. Should I call an ambulance?”

“I was distracted,” I muttered, already retreating to my seat.

He nodded, deadpan. “Yeah. I could see that. Super subtle, by the way.”

I shot him a look. He grinned.

Nick stepped up next and, of course, made it look effortless. A clean throw. Nine pins. Then a strike. Then another. The kind of performance that made it clear he wasn’t just lucky, he was good.

I slumped into the seat beside Elle, arms crossed. “It’s those stupid rugby arms.”

From halfway down the lane, Nick turned, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I heard that.”

I didn’t bother denying it. “Wasn’t trying to whisper.”

Elle chuckled under her breath. “You’re so bitter right now, it’s impressive.”

“Please. I’m calm. Collected,” I said, even as I grabbed a stray chip off Tao’s plate and bit it hard enough to make a point.

Nick passed us on his way back to the bench, tossing me a look half amused, half unreadable. “Could give you a few pointers, if you want.”

I shook my head. “I’d rather lose on my own terms.”

“Suit yourself.”

He sat down next to Charlie like it was no big deal. Like none of this was weird. Maybe for him, it wasn’t.

I wished I could say the same.

The next couple of rounds blurred into something that actually resembled fun.

Tao dramatically tripped over his shoelace mid-throw and blamed it on 'the anti-artist agenda' Elle got a strike, turned around completely deadpan, and said, “Skill. Obviously.” Isaac managed to get a spare without even looking up from the book in his lap. We still weren’t sure how.

At one point, Charlie tried to throw his ball between his legs 'for style points' and accidentally launched it straight into the gutter. Tao gave him a slow clap and suggested he retire early.

The noise around me filled with laughter, the low rumble of pins getting knocked down. It wasn’t anything dramatic, just... normal. Stupid, loud, chaotic normal. And for a minute, I let myself sit in it. Didn’t check where Nick was. Didn’t count how many feet away he stood. Not until I noticed I wasn’t noticing him.

Which, honestly, was worse.

“Okay,” Charlie said, sliding back onto the bench with a satisfied sigh. “I vote we take a break before Tao accuses the bowling balls of being rigged.”

Tao threw a nacho at him.

Charlie ducked it with a grin and looked over at me. “Hey, could you grab more snacks? I think we’re running dangerously low on salt and sugar.”

I nodded, already standing. “Any requests?”

“Surprise us,” Charlie said, stretching. “But no more of Tao’s ketchup-dipped cheese pretzels. I’m still recovering.”

“They were innovative,” Tao defended, mouth full.

Just as I turned toward the snack counter, a voice behind me chimed in.

“I’ll come with,” Nick said, casually.

I froze, hand halfway into my jacket pocket. He was already pushing to his feet, slipping on his hoodie like the decision had been made long before I had a say in it.

I glanced at Charlie.

He didn’t say anything just raised his brows in that don’t be difficult way only he could pull off.

I swallowed the instinct to object and nodded once. “Sure,” I said, keeping my voice neutral. “Let’s go.”

We walked side by side in silence for a few beats, the sound of pins crashing and Tao’s theatrical groans trailing behind us. I kept my eyes forward, hands shoved deep in my jacket pockets. Nick’s footsteps were in sync with mine, which somehow made it worse.

“So,” he said finally, voice low, “you’ve been avoiding me.”

I didn’t look at him. “Been avoiding everyone.”

He hummed like he didn’t quite believe me. “Charlie said you were sick.”

I gave a small shrug. “Yeah, well. Migraine. Flu. Emotional collapse. Take your pick.”

That earned the smallest laugh from him, just a breath through his nose. “I was worried.”

I stopped walking, turning just slightly to face him. “Don’t.”

He blinked, caught off guard. “Don’t… what?”

“Don’t do that thing,” I said, voice tighter than I intended. “Where you act like everything’s normal. Like nothing ever happened”

He looked down, kicking at a scuff on the tile with the toe of his shoe. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I exhaled slowly. “I know. Doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.”

We reached the snack counter. I leaned my forearms on the glass, suddenly overwhelmed by the sight of candy and prepackaged popcorn and a slush machine that was definitely older than we were.

I didn’t really want anything.

Nick stood a little behind me, silent again.

“You want anything?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Not hungry.”

“Me neither,” I muttered, though I grabbed a couple of things anyway. Something salty. Something sweet. Something to keep my hands busy.

Neither of us said anything for a moment. Then, without meaning to, I blurted, “Didn’t you have a date today?”

Nick turned to me slowly. “What?”

“With Imogen,” I said, voice sharper than I intended. “I heard she asked you to hang out this weekend. I just assumed it was today.”

His expression shifted surprised, then uncomfortable. “That wasn’t… It wasn’t a date.”

“She thought it was.”

He exhaled, looking down at the floor like it might offer him an out. “I didn’t say yes. He hesitated. “And I didn’t go.”

I raised an eyebrow, staring at him. “But you didn’t say no either, did you?”

“I didn’t want to hurt her,” he said quickly, then added, quieter, “I didn’t want to hurt anyone.”

I picked up a bag of sour candy, mostly to keep from saying something worse. “Congrats. You nailed it.”

While the cashier rang us up, Nick finally spoke again, he cleared his throat, eyes down. “I miss talking to you.”

I stared at the jar of bubblegum on the counter.

“I mean it,” he added, softer this time. “It’s weird, not having you around.”

Something about the way he said you made my throat tighten.

As we turned back toward the group, I muttered, “We should go. Everyone’s probably starving right now.”

But before I could take a full step, Nick stopped walking.

“I like you,”

He kept going, his voice unsteady. “I mean, I really like you. And I’ve been messing everything up and confusing everyone including myself and I know that. But I didn’t want to lie to you. I just didn’t know how to do any of this without making things worse.”

I looked at him then. Really looked. His hair was still slightly messed up, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his jumper again. Nervous habits. Same as always.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said, softer now. “But I did. And I’m sorry.”

There was a tight pause between us, thick with every missed text, every weird hallway glance, every word we hadn’t said.

“I don’t know if I deserve another chance,” he added, “but I’d really like one.”

My fingers tightened around the bag of candy. My heart was somewhere in my throat, somewhere between yes and I need time.

But I didn’t say anything.

Not yet.

"You like me?"

There was a beat.

Then Nick nodded. “Yes. I do. I felt I was fairly obvious”

“I don’t just like you,” he said, voice softer now, stepping closer “I think about you. All the time. In the hallways. At practice. When something funny happens and you’re not there to roll your eyes at me about it.”

I blinked, the edges of my vision blurring just slightly.

He was so close now, I could see the faint flush rising up his neck. The way he shifted from foot to foot, trying not to fidget. He meant every word, and somehow that made it worse. Or maybe better.

“Do you like me?” he asked, not demanding, just asking. Just… waiting.

He didn’t push. Didn’t press. Just asked. He stood there, like he thought maybe he’d ruined everything. Like even now, after all this, he wasn’t sure where he stood.

At the way his eyes dropped for half a second before finding mine again. And even though it would’ve been easy to deflect, to joke, I didn’t.

I let my voice stay quiet. Honest. “I think you already know the answer to that.”

Nick’s lips parted, like he wanted to say something but didn’t trust the sound of his own voice. His shoulders relaxed, just barely. His lips curved, a small breath of a smile flickering there before he said, almost like he couldn’t help it, “I could kiss you right now,” he said, barely above a whisper.

I didn’t blink. “I am not going to stop you.”

That was all it took.

Nick moved in slowly, like he wasn’t sure this was real. Like he needed permission again, even though I’d already given it. His hand came up, brushing a curl behind my ear, fingers grazing my cheek like he was afraid to push too hard, to break whatever this was.

And then he kissed me.

Soft at first. Tentative.

But when I leaned in, when my hand found the side of his hoodie, gripping the fabric like an anchor, he exhaled through his nose and deepened the kiss.

It wasn’t perfect. Our noses bumped, and I could feel him smiling against my mouth when it happened. But it was honest. Warm. Electric.

Real.

Vanilla, smoke, and musk his scent wrapped around me like memory, sharp and familiar. The kind I’d tried too hard, for too long, to forget. God, I had missed it. Worse, I’d wanted it. Craved it like something I shouldn’t.

When we finally broke apart, the space between us felt stretched thin, like a thread pulled too tight. Fragile. Trembling with everything we hadn’t said.

Nick’s eyes fluttered open.

And mine stayed on him close enough to see the flicker of nerves just beneath all that amber warmth, close enough to forget how to breathe.

He didn’t look away. Didn’t blink.

That stupid grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, but there was something else underneath it. Something tight in his jaw, something tense in the way his hand hovered near mine but didn’t touch.

Like he wanted to reach for me again. Like he didn’t trust himself to.

I hated the way my body responded to him, how just being near him sent my pulse into overdrive, how a single look could unravel me. But more than that, I hated how much I’d already fallen for him. Quick. Fast. Without meaning to.

“Why are we like this?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. Barely a whisper. Almost a confession.

Nick’s breath caught. His smile wavered, then returned, just as crooked, just as uncertain.

“I have no idea,” he said, voice rough around the edges.

But he didn’t move.

And neither did I.

But then—

“Order thirty-two!”

The voice cut through the haze like a slap of cold air.

Both of us jerked toward the sound. The cashier stood behind the counter, one hand resting on a tray of greasy fries and half-melted slushies. Eyeing us with the mild impatience of someone who had seen everything, said nothing, and just wanted us to grab our damn food.

And just like that, it hit us.

We had just kissed.

Out in the open.

Right here. Right now. In front of… God knows who.

Nick’s head whipped around, eyes scanning the snack area like he was only now remembering they weren’t alone. Nick straightened first, awkwardly running a hand through his hair as if that could fix the unraveling of whatever just happened. His face flushed fast, bright red blooming across his cheeks and ears.

I stepped back too quickly, nearly tripping over my own feet. My face burned hot, stomach twisting with panic and something else entirely.

We both spoke at the same time

“I’ll grab the food—”

“Let me get it—”

We paused.

Then laughed. But it wasn’t light it was breathless, embarrassed, maybe even a little terrified.

“I’ll just—” Nick smiled motioned toward the counter

“Yeah. Okay.” I folded my arms tightly, trying to slow my heartbeat, trying not to replay the kiss already replaying itself on a loop in my head.

He grabbed the tray with both hands, mumbling a thank-you to the cashier, and turned back toward me.

Still close. Still holding my gaze.

And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like I had to hide what I wanted.

They didn’t say anything on the walk back.

Didn’t need to.

Nick still carried the tray, one hand steady beneath it, the other brushing against mine now and then, not accidentally. Neither of us corrected the distance. Neither of us cared.

But the second they rounded the corner of the lane, the group looked up all at once.

Charlie blinked. Tao froze with drink halfway to his lips. Elle tilted her head; Isaac slammed shut his book. All eyes locked on Nick’s flushed face and my swollen lips.

Then Tao, because of course it would be Tao, slowly raised one eyebrow and said, “...Did the snack counter fight back, or are we just not talking about it?”

Nick and I glanced at each other. Synchronized. Straight-faced.

And in perfect, unsettling unison, we both said, “We got the snacks.”

Tag List:

@spirit-of-a-b1tch

@kimi01985

@candybar99

[dgybbvrcsacgswtcbkyv]

Kinchana?

Hanni Pham x fem!reader

Warnings: reader suffers from anxiety/anxiety attacks & low self-esteem

a/n: erm.. thought I’d give writing a try. Any feedback is appreciated. This also might be pt1 depending on if anyone even reads this lol. (Title might make sense later?)

Also, I have used some Korean words I hope they're correct.

______________________________________________________________

You’re awake before your alarm goes off. The same blue haze which sets over you every time you wake greets you. Along with a weight settling on your chest. You’re used to this feeling. But it’s still uncomfortable so you place a hand over your chest and apply pressure, as expected, it doesn’t help. This has merely become a force of habit now. You ignore it as usual and get ready for work. 

Clad in your oversized blue jeans and oversized tee, you walk towards the grocery shop where you work. Plugging in your wired earphones to the tiny mp3, you play the song you’ve had on repeat for the past week. Ever since you came to Korea you’ve always preferred not to use your phone much, finding that it only increases your anxiety. So you’ve taken it upon yourself to find little alternatives that don’t require the internet.

The shop bell jingles as you enter with a greeting, “Morning Ahjumma”. 

“Ahh you’re here?” she gives you the usual response. You’ve been working for Ms. Kim for a little over 3 months and you were still learning Korean. Thankfully, she knew basic English and was always helping you out. You begin your usual day of work, going through your tasks. Taking stock of inventory, arranging deliveries and creating some displays. 

It’s about midday when you hear the sound of reversing coming from the truck that brings stocks. You come out from the back of the store. “Ahjumma, I’ve told you to call me when the boxes arrive. Please don’t lift them by yourself.” You scold Ms. Kim as you run over to take the box from her hands. She’s not that old, being in her 50s, but you knew she’s been developing back problems and you didn’t want it to get worse for her. 

“Stop treating me like a halmeoni. Do I look like a halmeoni to you?” she sniped at you. “Yes. Absolutely.” You replied with a poker face. She grabbed the nearest object, which happened to be a fly swatter and started to beat you with it. Not for real, of course-you could barely feel the swatter touch you. Yet you faked groans of pain and pretended to scream for help. Both of you were chuckling at your own antics when the doorbell jingled indicating the arrival of a customer so both of you ceased your little k-drama in order to appear sane. 

You heard multiple feet enter as your back was turned to them. “Annyeonghaseyo” Ms Kim greeted them with a bow. Without so much as a glance at the customers, you retreated to the back of the store with the box you were carrying. Being an introvert as well as not being fluent in Korean, you didn’t fancy dealing much with customers. Ms. Kim was usually the one handling the cashier unless it was the graveyard shift. Which you usually took over since it meant less customers. 

Ready to make the several trips to unload all the boxes, you go to the front of the shop again. The delivery guys had piled the boxes outside the door. You bent down to pick one up—God, how could soft drink bottles be so heavy? and started to make your way to the door. Now, the door is automatic so you weren’t worried about having to open it. However, what you didn’t expect was the girl who was walking right into you. She was looking back and chatting excitedly to her friend, and you, being your introverted, dumbass, awkward self, was trying to back out of her way instead of verbally warning her. You weren’t quick enough and she bumps into you. 

A gasp leaves her mouth as she turns around and the box almost escapes your grip. You catch it and tighten your grip before it falls. Thank God, cause otherwise it would’ve definitely landed on yours AND her toes. “Oh! I’m so sorry” she quickly replies. Awkward as ever, with box still in your hands, a hurried apology comes from you as well and you bow to her. You look up and have a proper look at her for the first time and your mouth hangs open.

She was gorgeous. Like.. she looked like a 'first love''. That’s the only way you could describe her. Your brain short circuits and words elude you. You force yourself back to Earth and quickly give her another bow and shuffle away from the door so she and her friends can exit. You notice the friend right beside her, wearing a thick pair of glasses and almost a head taller than her, stifling a laugh as she drags the beautiful girl away. 

What you failed to notice was, she also malfunctioned upon coming into such close contact with you. Hence why she had to be dragged away. 

[musings-of-a-rose]

All of You

Pairing: Javier Peña x f!reader (eventual wife reader)

Word Count: 2900+

Rating: Mature - 18+ ONLY!

Warnings: Just like ao3, “creator chooses not to use warnings.” If you click Keep Reading, that means you agree that you’re the age to handle mature themes. Also by clicking Keep Reading, you understand warnings may not be complete in order to avoid spoilers for the story. 

Notes: I’m not sure who originally said it, but the wonderful @morallyinept shared this and I had to write it for her! A Boxing Day gift? Is that a thing (said in American)?  Shoutout to @rhoorl for the nickname! This is not beta’d because I’m tired lol

Yeah... I'm not okay. I read a reblog comment which made me chuckle saying this is older, retired Peña who's being slowly overfed by his wife

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**Reader is not described

Main Masterlist

Javier Peña Masterlist

“I’ll be right with you!” I yell over my shoulder as the entry bell dings, boots casually walking across the hard floors of my little corner store bakery. 

I slide the baking pan in my old oven, an antique to most but she works better than most of these modern ones. I set my timer and place it on the counter next to the oven, wiping my hands on my apron as I spin around to address the customer and am momentarily rendered speechless. A man casually peruses my glass display case, all dark hair and dark eyes, a slim frame but the broadest shoulders I’ve seen. His nose is prominent, a mustache that sort of reminds me of Burt Reynolds is neatly trimmed, and he leans down to look closer at something in the case. 

Sexy would not begin to describe this man. 

“Are those coyotas?”

I blink, his voice runs through my brain and makes my body shiver, goosebumps erupting across my arms. 

“Y-yeah. Yes. Coyotas.”

He looks up at me, his eyes wide and round just like a damn puppy and I could get lost in those eyes. 

“Could I have a few?”

“Absolutely. Anything else?”

He finally looks at me, pulling his eyes away from whatever memory the coyotas held and blinks, his eyes scanning down my body, the tingles from before starting back up. 

“S-sir?”

“Huh? Oh. Uh yeah. I’m picking up an order for Chucho? Peña?”

I chuckle. “Chucho. My favorite customer! I have his order right here.” I move to grab a small bag with various pastries inside, making him a to-go cup of cafe con leche to accompany it. 

“Would you like a cup?”

“What? Oh I don’t want to put you out.”

“You’re not. How do you like it?”

“Plain?”

I pour him a black cup of coffee, sliding the lid over it before turning to hand it to him, his fingers brushing against mine as he takes it and I feel my cheeks heat up at the spark that passes between us. 

“Chucho normally comes to say hi.”

“Yeah he’s dealing with farm shit right now. Asked me to come.”

I nod. “And you are?”

“Oh shit! Sorry! I’m Javier. Chucho’s son.” He extends a hand as I say my name but does it too quickly, coffee spilling out of the cup that he had squeezed a little harder than he should have. “Fuck I’m so sorry. Let me help-”

I wave my hand. “I got it. Are you ok? Some of that got on you. Hold still.” I take a clean cloth from my apron pocket and run some water on it, turning back to Javier. I gently take his hand, placing it in mine, trying to ignore the heat that immediately sprung up between my thighs. I dab at his hand, hearing his breath come in short bursts. 

“Am I hurting you?”

“N-no. Not..hurting.”

He looks into my eyes, his pinched together and round and we just stare at each other for several moments, getting lost in the other. Then the bell rings and the spell is broken, Javier jerking his hand back as a woman walks in and I wave to her, letting her know I’d be right over. I grab Chucho’s order and coffee, carefully handing the latter to Javier.

“Wait. I haven’t paid.”

I wave him off. “Don’t worry about it. I got it.”

“No. You deserve payment.”

“Javier, really. It’s ok.” My body braver than I am, I place my hand on his forearm, giving it a little squeeze, offering him a smile. Javier shifts from foot to foot before looking at me and nodding. 

“If you insist.” He hesitates, opening his mouth to say something else but then the door bell jingles again and he closes his mouth, holding up the bag slightly in thanks. 

Javier comes to get his dad’s order every day for the next few months. I’m fairly certain Chucho will have gained some major weight by now, with all the cookies and pastries Javier brings him. But I am not complaining - any chance to see this man, hear him talk. He doesn’t tell me much about the last few years, but I imagine he can’t, not really. His job has so much confidentiality involved but it’s deeper than that. I can see it in his eyes, the hardness, sadness, regret for things he must have had to do to take down an evil man. 

So he asks me about me, where I’m from, how did I get so good at baking, all of it. I tell him how my “abuela” taught me the from moment I could talk, teaching me all the traditions that accompany each pastry. Even though we weren’t blood related, she had been really close with my mom, who reminded her of a daughter she’d lost. Javier listens with rapt attention, asking me questions to learn more as he sips his coffee. 

But one day he doesn’t come in at his normal time in the morning. Instead, Chucho walks in, smiling and giving me a quick hug before making his usual order. 

“No Javier today?” I ask, trying to be nonchalant. Which I guess I’m not because he smirks. 

“Actually, I had business in town today. Javi is mending some things in the barn for me.”

The image of a sweaty Javier fills my mind and I shake my head a little. Focus. 

“Oh. Sounds like hard work.”

There’s that smirk again. “It is. Hey, could you do me a favor? I owed him dinner and I won’t be home in time for that. Poker night at Robert’s house. If I call Rita’s, could you bring it to him?”

“I..me?”

“You close early enough?”

I’d close right now if it meant seeing sweaty Javier pounding nails.

“Y-yeah. I can do that for you.”

He smiles, handing me money for his coffee. “I’ll call Rita’s. Could you get it around 4?”

I pick up his food at Rita’s, ready and waiting for me at 4pm, and follow the directions Chucho had given me out to the Peña farm. I’d be lying to myself if I said I wasn’t nervous, getting to see Javier outside of the walls of my little bakery was something I’d only dreamed of. I figured if he were interested, he would’ve asked me out or something by now. Right?

Taking one last glance in the mirror to adjust my hair, I step out of my car, walking around to open the passenger door and grab the food, his drink secured in my other hand. I hesitate at the front door, mostly because I’m trying not to chicken out but also because my hands are full and my brain is not operating fully. I eventually decide to set his drink down on the arm of the porch chair and knock, waiting several moments. Only, no one comes and the house is quiet. I knock again, wait again, and still nothing. But then I hear a faint clink! Clink! Coming from around back where the barn is and I assume Javier is in there. 

Grabbing up the drink, I take a deep breath and head towards the barn, where I hear some more banging and a couple of swear words. Nervously, I raise my hand to the wood door and knock, despite the door already being open. The pounding stops immediately and then he walks into my vision, Javier, sweaty, no shirt, jeans with some wear on them, and a tool belt slung low on his hips. He’s wiping his hands on a handkerchief as he walks towards me, head cocked to the side but his eyes wide and…nervous?

“Pastelito?” 

I smile, clumsily holding up the food and drink. “Chucho said he was going to Robert’s and wouldn’t be home to get you the dinner he owed you.” Don’t look at his chest, don’t look at his chest. Don’t. Look. 

His eyebrows pinch together in confusion. “Owed me? He doesn’t owe me anything.”

“O-oh. I..he just asked me and I said I’d help. But you look busy, I can take this back if you don’t-”

“No!” He steps closer to me, reaching for the food. “I mean, no. I’ll…thank you, pastelito.” 

I hold out the food and drink, Javier only a couple of steps away. I finally manage to look at him and find him already looking at me, his eyes dark and bright, looking for something in mine. He takes the food, his fingers brushing against mine, only this time he doesn’t move away. His large hands pause over mine for several moments before his fingers start to trace little lines up my forearm, goosebumps pimpling my skin, my heart racing. No longer in control of my brain, my eyes scan down his shirtless chest and back up, heat flaring between my thighs. He grips my forearms, pulling me to him and I drop the food, my hands immediately coming up to touch his chest as he lifts my chin, his lips pressing against mine. Fuck, his lips are soft and he’s so warm, sweaty from his work and all I can think is how I want him to press me into this bale of hay and take me, let me take his worries away. 

One hand slides down my back, the other cradling the back of my head as his tongue pushes gently forward, my lips parting, tongue coming out to meet his. He presses his body against mine, the sweat from his chest getting me wet all over. He walks me backwards until I bump against a beam. He starts to kiss a path down my neck and I gasp, whining a little when he sucks on some spot below my ear. His hands are wandering, sliding across my body, hoisting one of my thighs up on his hip, his stomach pressing in between my thighs and I moan at the feel of it. As he reaches my boobs he stops, pulling his head up so fast I’m dizzy with the motion of it. 

“Javier?”

His eyes are nearly black, his chest heaving, and he shifts slightly where he stands. “I…I can’t.”

Ouch. “Oh. I..you can. If you need permission, you definitely have it.”

“No, it’s just-” He sighs, gently setting my leg back on the floor and stepping away from me and I feel cold despite the heat of the evening, and embarrassed.

“I’ll see you around then,” I have to get out of here before the tears come. But his hand gently closes around my arm, tugging on it lightly until I turn, swallowing hard.

“Paselito, it’s not you. Please, come sit? And I’ll explain?”

I nod, shaking my head to rid myself of the tears. At least for the moment. He sits on a bale of hay and pats the space next to him. I sit, wrapping my arms around myself for some sort of comfort. He looks at me, taking my hand in his and holy shit why are his hands so large?

“Pastelito…I..I normally rush right into the physical. Hell, that’s all I really had for the last 6 years.” He sighs. “But I don’t want to do that with you. I don’t want to rush it. I definitely want to, but I want to date you. Fuck, I sound stupid don’t I?”

“Not at all, Javier. I…I’ll assume this isn’t a line,” Javier chuckles at that. “But I would absolutely love to date you.”

We fuck at the end of the first date and through the remainder of that weekend.

10 years later…

Javier sets his utensils down, chewing the last bit of his dinner before taking a sip from his glass. “You need to stop cooking so well, mi esposa [my wife], or I may not be able to fit through the door.” He rubs at his stomach, softer and slightly more fluffy after a few years of early retirement. 

“Never. I love cooking for my husband. He’s definitely earned it.”

“Yes but soon you may not want me.” He pats his stomach and smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, insecurity brimming behind it.

I set down my fork, pushing my chair back to stand up and walk over to him. His eyes follow my movements and I gesture for him to push his chair back from the table, which he does. I stand between his legs, looking down at him. I place my hand over his, where it rests on his stomach.

“You think I’d find you unattractive because of this?” He shrugs, a non committal answer. 

“Maybe. I am not in the shape I was when we met.”

“Neither am I, Javi.”

“Yes, but you’re gorgeous.”

“So are you.”

He blows air from his lips, looking away from me. Much to his surprise, I decide to straddle him, his arms quickly hooking behind my knees to help hold me. I lean forward, kissing him hard and he kisses me back, his nails digging into my skin. I’m grateful I wore a dress today, especially because there’s less layers between us. I start to move my hips, slowly at first but the heat quickly builds as I grind along his belly, breaking the kiss to gasp. He watches me, eyes wide and dark as I rub myself on this area that causes so much insecurity. 

“Fuck, Javier, you’re so fucking..ngh!” My hands grip his shoulders, digging into his skin. 

“Yes, pastelito, use me. Fuck me how you want. Show me how you feel.” His chest heaves, helping to hold me in place still, but his hands are twitching, wanting to touch me. I speed up, grinding harder and then suddenly I come, his name spilling from my lips as I leave a wet mark on his shirt. Finally, I look down at him smiling, seeing his eyes like a damn puppy. 

“I fucking love your body, Javi. All of it. I could fuck myself on all of YOU!” I scream out the last word as Javier suddenly stands, pushing me up and laying me on the table, somehow pushing dishes out of the way as he did, some of them clattering to the floor, to be picked up later. 

His hands scramble up under my dress, yanking down my soaked panties and pulling them off, groaning when he felt how wet they were. His belt buckle clanks as he undoes it and drops his pants to the floor. He lines up, but I lean up on my arm. 

“Wait.” I reach forward with my other hand and undo some of his buttons, Javi finishing the rest before yanking it off himself. I run my nails down his chest and over his belly, the damp skin there heating me up.

I meet his eyes. “You’re so fucking, hot Javi. I will never stop thinking that.”

He pushes me back down and into me at the same time and I yell his name as he splits me open, his fingers digging into my hips and pulling me towards him as he thrusts, an extra hard jut of his hips when he’s already inside, knowing how that makes me writhe and moan, my entire body like a livewire. He grunts with every thrust of his hips, baring his teeth sometimes with the force of it and all I can do is hold on, my fingers digging into his arms as I moan and yell his name. 

“Yes! Fuck me, Javi!”

His hand moves between my thighs, touching me and my legs twitch. He smirks down at me as I chant his name. “Scream my name, pastelito. Make the neighbors know who I am.”

“Ye-YES! JAVI!” I come hard, yelling his name as he asks, stars in my vision and the sound of wind rushing in my ears, but not loud enough that I don’t hear him, grunting and panting out my name as he spills into me. His forehead touches mine, his nose nuzzling into me for several moments before he sits back up with a different groan, rubbing at his back for a moment before pulling out.  

“Well my back definitely tells me I’m getting older.”

I chuckle, my breathing finally leveling out as Javi extends his hand to me, helping me sit up. He holds it, pressing a kiss to the back of my hand before placing it on his cheek, looking at me.

“So, you said you could fuck yourself on all of me?” His eyebrows are raised questioningly. 

I nod. “Oh yes.”

His eyes darken. “Then show me.”

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[mscherub]

Hiii~ I absolutely love how you write especially the Octotrio. So can I request something? Obviously, no hate if nothing comes to you. Brainrot coming now.

What about a classic rivalry troupe? But like one of those café/business rivalries where you sell similar products and are located within the same street. There's this silly but intense rivalry where everyone spies on each other, trying to one up with new products (maybe even stealing menu items), jabs about their shop in front of customers and everyone actively trying to find a way to prove their business is better.

I was thinking maybe the reader got a job at the rival business through her friend who works there. Reader thought this rivalry was just some inside joke, something harmless. But no, it's not harmless. Everyone is in on this, from the boss to the part timers.

We have the Leech twins actively antagonising everyone and commenting negatively on everything in the store. Anything they say was bland or boring, they copy it and one up it the next week. Some sabotage added here and there, maybe some pranks or acts of vandalism. Azul actively tries to poach employees, suppliers and customers. He comes up with elaborate events and is so smug when the rival store has less than half of the customers they're having that day. Oh, and he often makes people post review that mention how they're the better business.

The worst thing for the reader? (I'm assuming she, no offense) She is a big fan and regular at both places. She regrets taking the job. Now when she wants to get a taste of that delicious mushroom dish from Monstro Lounge (default name), she has a 15 step disguise or bribes friends to get takeaway. She wants to quit but the job market sucks. The only other place hiring is Monstro Lounge, and well.... Everyone knows what happens to traitors (it's that dramatic).

Of course, the Octotrio knows it's her in that stupid disguise or when the same dude orders the same order she used to order. It's obvious to them, and the Leech twins smell a weakness. This might be their chance to get some intel or have someone on the inside. Since their rival has a strict hiring process, that they've been trying to sneak into. But how can they get you on their side, willing or unwilling?

In comes a seduction plan. They can either string the reader along like a lovesick puppy or maybe trick the reader to sign a contract with Azul. Maybe get some blackmail? Well, we all know how these romance troupe end, right? (it's not just me, right? Right??)

Honestly, this isn't full fleshed out but I'd love to see something similar come to life, or just some input.

From your very shy anon.

A/N: HELLOOOOOOOOO ANONNNNNN!!!

This was such a good idea that I was giggling while writing, and out of that fit of me being so enthralled by the idea, I wrote out a short fic. I will warn u, I got like out of train of thought halfway through and it all went downhill…I tried tho, my lovely :(

(Yes I snuck my own OC into this fic, why? Cause reader needed a friend…he’s a good one trust)

Also, apologies for taking like a million years, a lot has happened recently…which also in turn gave me some inspiration SO IM NOT RLLY COMPLAINING

Characters: Octotrio, Taylor (Based off of Tod from The Fox and the Hound(OC), Melissa the manager bro idek

Tags: A LOT OF DIALOGUE, rivals to lovers (if u squint)

(For me to do like rivals to lovers I’d have to write a whole book for this prompt and I ain’t got time for dat 😔)

Warnings!:

Leech twins

Leech twins

Melissa the manager (SHE’S VIOLENT Y’ALL)

Violence

Swearing

Some suggestive moments?

Not fully proof read 👎

(I think those are pretty straightforward warnings…)

Rivalries to Romance

Getting nerves on your first day is a common and mutual feeling amongst newly hires, but you already felt awkwardly at home here. You’re best friend works here, somehow, he’s not the type to put in much effort, especially at an establishment that had fairly strict requirements and a low hire rate, but that’s besides the point. He forced you to come along when you had downtime and “hang around with him” while he was on the clock, so it’s safe to say you’ve spent a pretty penny on most in store foods, drinks, items, and the merchandise as well.

Going back to the whole getting the job thing, you somehow managed to do that, of course through his expert string pulling, to get an interview and land it. It was a feat of its own, a lot of stuttering and sweating during the long chat about what assets you can bring to the table to help run the business and what three words would you describe yourself with, the blanking of those words— let’s not go back there. And, an extra added bonus is that you’re right down the street from the Mostro Lounge! In turn, you have a good job, and access to both cafes that you love. You can totally swing by after work and then catch up with the 3 people you’ve gotten to know there! Simple, easy, efficient.

Only downside is that you have to be here before 5 am, which is just crazy early, and also oddly enough the same time the Mostro lounge opens its doors for the early birds of the morning. Your hand wraps around the cool metal bar of the door and you pull it open. Time to start this new chapter of your life!

“Sorry, we’re closed until 5:00 am, so—“

“Yoooo, Y/N!” Taylor’s eyes shoot up and stick right on to your figure as you slip through the door, the bell above jingling as it smacks off the glass above. Taylor, being the sly fox he is (literally, fox beastman :3), managed to sway the manager into hiring you at this glorious establishment, or that’s at least what Taylor exalted it to be…don’t trust him to much…he was an odd ball, but he kept his friends close and always did what he could to help them out.

“Welcome to your new job!” He beams, throwing his arms up and doing a little twirl. He hops over the counter and shuffles up to you. “Ok…I’ll cut it out with the theatrics, anyways, so, boss entrusted me with showing your lame ass around—“ he clasps his hands together.

“Watch it.” You glare at him.

“Of course. Anywayssss, follow me.” He motions with his head to a door in the back labeled with the basics of any business:

Employees only

“You’re already accustomed to the place enough, so I’ll just show you the special spaces…” He opens the door for you and lets you slip by first before he follows in right after. “Y’know…I haven’t heard it yet…”

“Heard what?” You huff as you set your bag down on the table in the corner, leaning against it and looking back at him.

“Oh, I dunno, something you should say to a good friend who managed to get you such a great job because you were broke and unemployed?” He wiggles his eyebrows at you with a smirk on his face. He’s being super annoying already apparently…

“Oh? Hmmm, oh yea! Fuck you!” You copy his demeanor.

He sighs and rolls his eyes, crossing his arms. “Ouch…be thankful. Replace ‘fuck’ with ‘thank’ then I won’t be a dick to you for the rest of the day, mkay?”

“I was just joking around…thank you, Taylor. You’re a big help.” You shrug off your coat.

“There it is! Feeding my ego again. Mannnn, feels good.” He chuckles melodically and walks over to another door and points right at it.

“Locker room, kinda, just put all your shit in there, the manger will be here soon.”

“Ok…I guess give me a run down of what’s gonna go on? I kinda have a…vague understanding of whatever goes on here since you’ve made me purge my wallet on the cutesy little buns you guys make…” You open up a vacant locker and shove all of your stuff inside. Taylor continues to yap on.

“Hey, you bought into the tactics of cuteness, don’t blame me. Anyways…what goes down? Oh…ok, biggest thing we need to touch base on,” he leans against the wall and rests his head back against it, “business rivalry.”

You pause in whatever you were messing with in the locker and turn to him. “Business rivalry?”

“Yep. Like the one down the road? Mostro Lounge? I mean, cmon, fancy ass place?”

“Oh? Mostro lounge…yea I like it there, but what’s—“

“HEY! Now that you’re working here, you can’t like it there anymore. This rivalry is hugeeeee, like don’t even mention the places name when the manger around, she’ll totally flip, I mean, she’s hot when she does that, but still don’t…” he purses his lips and stands straight again.

“Ha, Ha funny, Tay…that’s something you’d read in a damn fiction novel, dumbass…” you shake your head at his antics. I mean it was stupid. No way rivalries went on.

“Uh, hello? It’s not dumb? They have literally spray painted dicks on our windows, Y/N, DICKS! And then don’t even get me started on the bot accounts they make as well as their actual consumers leaving bad reviews on this sexy cafe right here! They even leave reviews on yelp…it’s so infuriating!” Taylor grumbles.

“That’s…clearly a lie. I don’t know what you’re trying to do here…”

“Oh, I’m not doing anything. Just being straightforward. One of our employees went missing because he tried to get back and leave a bad review on them…that’s why you were able to get this job.”

“Is that not concerning to you at all—“

“And then like, the owner of that business tried to buy out our cafe and make it some stupid little souvenir shop for sevens knows why—“

“Ok we’re going to brush past a guy that went missing totally normal here, bud—“

“I think his name is Azul, well fuck him! And fuck his little goons or whatever. Literally they are a pain in all of our asses that work here. They torment and don’t double down at all, they double up, triple, quadruple—“

“Ok…chill the hell out. I’ll…believe it when I see it. This is a lot of info to take in at 4:30 IN THE FUCKING MORNING TAYLOR.” You put up your hand to shush him.

He goes quiet and rolls his eyes again, his signature move. “You’ll have to take it in, or else you’ll go missing like Jerry.” He wipes away a fake tear.

“Did you even know his name—“

“No. But he’s Jerry in my mind now.”

“Dude…”

“Heyyy, welcome to your new job, just don’t betray us by going to eat their shitty food and then you’ll have a fun time here!”

“That sounded like a threat.”

“It was.” He wraps his arm around your shoulder and hands you an apron before dragging you out to the counter.

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

The cafe is popular and widely known for its hospitality and great foods and snacks, as well as the great ambience it provided for anyone who was looking for a place to escape and study at.

“Yep, Carmel macchiato? For you. Thank you.” You fix up your apron and tie it around your waist tightly again. It’s only been three hours and in that time you swear you’ve served at least more than 100 people. You needed the job, yes, definitely, but sevens was it already killing you, as well as that nagging thought of the “rivalries”. You haven’t managed to see anything yet, and you didn’t really want to see what extents they could mange to go to— IF they were real. Taylor looks around with you all the time, he’s probably just trying to pull your leg here and get you all antsy on your first day. Just don’t overthink it and you’ll be fine.

“How’s it going? Holdin up?” Taylor places down another order next to your hand on the counter. You weren’t trusted to make drinks yet, of course, but you were learning.

“I’m all good.” You nod.

“Then you’ll be just fine in a week or so, boss will probably let you make drinks with me.” He gently nudges your shoulder with his. “You’re reliable…so far.”

Another customer walks in and Taylor’s smile fades. It’s like something out of a damn movie while you watch the main character come to a realization. You turn your head and look right at two familiar people you’ve seen before at…can you even think of the lounges name or will Taylor and the manger find out? The you-know-what-lounge…good enough.

“Heya!” Floyd strolls in up to the counter first. His eyes flash with a moment of recognition before he tugs on Jades sleeve. “Looky! Our regular is working here now! Mannn, what a shame! If you needed a job you could have come work with us. It’s a shit hole here, no?” He leans over the counter and gets his face right up to yours. Like any normal person, you lean back away from him and look at him like he’s crazy.

“A regular? No way…” Taylor purses his lips. He pushes you back a bit and leans over the counter just like Floyd, matching his bravado. “Well, they work for us now, so…” he swishes his hand in the air and points to the door. “Kindly take your leave? We don’t serve…slimy eels here.

“Is that not like discrimination—“ you’re interrupted again.

“I thought you welcomed everyone here? And now you’re pushing us out? Oh…what a bad review I can leave.” Jade puts a hand over his heart and sighs dramatically. “And it’s sad to see such a familiar face working for the enemy. What do you say? I get you a consultation with Azul back at the Mostro Lounge? We’d certainly love to have you on our team…”

“Actually!!! You know, they can’t do that, they work here, bozo, so boot scoot and boogey outa here. Go back to your cafe and leave ours alone…” Taylor steps in again. Why did he have to use such stupid phrases? Like cmon…

“Ne, ne…we wanted to take a look at what you’ve got going on!” Floyd pouts. His eyes stay locked onto you, accompanied by insistence in his gaze.

“We’ll leave…” Jade finally declares, but not without flashing a sharp tooth grin your way which was both cunning and threatening.

Jade bows and Floyd points his middle fingers towards the entirety of the room before they exit through the front door. The cafe goes silent but then picks back up with hushed murmurs of nonsense phrases regarding the situation that played out in front of them all.

“So…you weren’t lying.” Your shoulders slump. Customers up the notch and begin to snicker! What happened to this place having “hospitality?”

“Why would I? But you lied, though. You were— are a regular there?! What if you go after work and buy things there?! You can’t support their side in this war anymore. AHH, can’t believe you, Y/N,” He takes a breath in and tousles his hair, “it’s fine, though, you’re on our side, right?” His voice is a tad softer.

This whole thing shouldn’t be that big of a deal, but no, it is, for some unsevenly reason, and you’re getting a small taste for what’s to come.

You cross your arms and avoid eye contact with every fiber of your being, the clock on the will ticking away seemingly more interesting in the moment. “Yea, of course. 100%” you nod.

“I’ve known you for how many years? I can tell you’re lying. I’m being serious. Look, it’s a bad choice to support them…always. They’ve been at our necks for like multiple years at this point? Something like that anyways…You’d be going against our business and that’s not right. Since you’re hired here, you’re family, so you’d loose us, too.” His ears flatten against his head. “Don’t let the boss fire you the first day.”

“Taylor. This is crazy…you can’t be serious about this— about the whole little quips of angered words thrown at each other…” This is unbelievable.

“I’m serious…” A puff of air leaves his lips and I leans against the counter, looking out the display window.

Floyd was…spray painting, again. Taylor launches himself over the counter and lands with a loud thump. The door swings open and the yelling fit begins.

You weren’t going to survive. And it was only the first day. Great.

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

About a week passed.

You were fine.

Totally.

Ok…

Well, you really weren’t!

One, you were being restricted on your free will of choosing where you eat just to follow the rule of not betraying your workplace. You’ve managed to send in friends at times to get things…not a few times, a lot of times. Their dishes are to die for! And that’s what sucks!

You have these two equally good cafes and now you’re forced to choose from one. One! You can’t! The cafe that you worked at, Cafe Fox, had equally good things to offer as the Mostro lounge, though they did tend to up the notch and take Cafe Fox’s products and twist them into matching their aesthetics, another one of their ways of rivalry.

The trio doubled their stunts and efforts of making the cafe seem like some wild animals ran the place, and they were doing it well. Leaving bad reviews, damaging property, buying out items and then pitching them, leaving none left for anyone else, Jade and Floyd parading around and scaring away the customers with death threats and lies of bugs or hair in the food. It’s not fun watching customers gag and then rush for a trashcan. Yuck.

So, you think you’re gonna put in a two weeks notice? Yeahh..

It’s just another day to clean up after the singular battle in this war. You have to wipe off tables and quite literally mop the walls since the tweels decided to have a condiment fight with the customers. They won. Anyways—

Taylor and the manger, Melissa, who you found out hired you only because Taylor was convincing in ways that you’d rather not imagine, you’re alone in the front, busting your ass off after hours and not having an amazing time like they proclaimed this place should provide for workers and consumers alike. Why are they lying???

With dramatic flair, the door swings open and smacks against the wall, the usual culprits strolling back in.

“Shrimpy!!!” Floyd waltz’s up behind you and snakes an arm around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder and dropping his voice to a murmur.

“Haven’t seen you in our shop for a bit…sad, y’know? Still know your favorite dish! You should come by later…like you come by. Not whatever friend you had coming in. I wanna see my Shrimpy, not them…” his head bumps against yours and he giggles softly, but it’s far from anything cute, more frightening than anything. “Boss wants to talk to you. You gave us good revenue and he’s sad you’re gone, too…remember how I’d talk to you about whatever I felt like and you’d listen? Cmonnnn, come back to us? Yea?”

“Floyd…” you mumble. The condiment mess is still everywhere, but he pulls you back with a simple squeeze around your waist.

“Let’s go?”

He doesn’t give you any further room for protests or getting away from the situation, instead his hand travels up to your arm and he grips it tight, yanking you back towards the door and quite literally dragging you off. Taylor and the manager just aren’t around all of a sudden? What the fuck! Hello!?

It’s a quick walk, especially at the speed Floyd’s taking you away at towards the lounge. Ok, so two words, you’re fucked. Your job is going to be lost for tramping around on the Mostro grounds, you might be mugged and or swindled— hell, probably both by their combined strength and wit of the trio. You don’t want to think about it, you don’t need to.

“I’ve got Shrimpy!” Floyd announces pushing through the door. He adjusts his grip and you yet again and holds both of your shoulders, pushing you towards where two other men stood.

“See? Back where you belong now, huh?” Floyd wraps his arms around you and gives you a nice squeeze.

“Quite refreshing to see your face in the lounge now instead of whoever you had coming in.” Jade chimes in, nodding.

“Don’t tell me that the other business is more suitable.” Azul taps his cane against the ground before he pushes up his glasses with gloved fingers. “Losing a regular is certainly disheartening. Which is why I’ve come up with a compromise.” The last word is drawn out, laced with the hint of a darker promise. It was Azul, after all.

“Here, follow along, come to my office.”

Ok…totally not awkward, but you really have no other choice. The twins smile at you, their sharp teeth beared and their eyes narrowed with mock pity and amusement, like a hunter watching its prey fall right into the trap…why must you think like this?

You follow back obediently, not really wanting to make a run for it or try to counter attack for obvious reasons…

The room is decorated in the same type of aesthetic as the rest of the lounge, that under the sea type of look with the glowing shells and glittery paint that dances across the walls with the reflection of the lights.

You’re forced down onto the leather couch that’s stiff and reeks of the cleaner that’s often used, Floyd taking the initiative to pluck off your name tag from your shirt and inspecting it with a glimmer of disgust in his eyes. Jade stands idly behind you, lurking, and Floyd settles down beside you on your side closest to the door. Alright then…

“I don’t understand the purpose of this—“

“I’d like to offer you a position.”

Ok. Straight to the point.

“Ok—“

“You can earn a position here at the lounge, pay will be raised higher than what you have at your current job, and you get to be on our side. Well, under a guise of course. Same rules apply for,” a grimace passes over his lips and he gestures vaguely to your name tag in Floyd’s hand, “that place you’re working at. No betraying us if you take up my offer. I believe it a fair deal. All you’d have to do is be an abiding assistant under me, and I suppose I can throw in half off on meals…”

“Woaoohhhh, Shrimpy’s gettin’ the full package, eh?” Floyd giggles, leaning against you. “I think it’s a good deal. Snag it, you know? Good for you…moneys important, right? Plus…we need someone we can trust well to dig up some dirt on that place.”

“Wait, what?” You scoot away from Floyd, but he only takes that as a challenge and invades your space even more. He’s like a damn dog…

“We can clearly see your disdain for the rules that you have to follow to avoid becoming a traitor, and…well that’s just not fair to have free will, right? So I’m proposing this deal to you…so you can indulge in both cafes, with the food choices I mean. I can supply you with whatever meal choice you’d like when you’re in the mood for it, of course under cover, and all you have to do in return is provide us with some intel that we’d like to obtain. Isn’t freedom something so precious?” Azul smiles and leans back against the couch, crossing his legs and resting his hands in his lap. “I have time for something as important as this.”

The offer was…appealing— IN JUST A FEW WAYS, THOUGH! Another pay on top of the one you’re already getting? That’s hot.

"What do you say?" He hums. He looks down at his hands, not making eye contact with you, a great business tactic to let you have time to weigh the option more.

"Ok….just, first off, why me?"

"I'm glad you asked. It's an easy answer, truthfully.

You've been coming here quite some time, and therefore we know we can trust you."

"That's...whatever you say I guess. I'll..."

Everyone in the room goes quiet. Azul's eyes narrow as they keep a critical gaze on you, Floyd smirk's even wider, and Jade inches just the tiniest bit closer from behind the couch. This is just creepy...

"I can do it, I guess."

Those words make a triumphant smile spread across Azul's face and he slides you the pen without second thought. "Just sign and then we all can benefit from

You grab the fancy pen and you look at the document for a little longer. You were going to sign it. Yes. It didn't seem all that bad...and plus, these guys weren't like... horrible, and you could finally get the damn dishes you've been wanting for like ever...and eat them warm!

Your friends take too long to get them back to you...

The pen glides across the glimmering contract, your signature flowing out with each flick of your wrist. "Is that…it?"

"Of course, my dear pearl. It's going to be a pleasure doing business with you." Azul smiles and takes the pen and contact back, holding it up to the light and watching as it shimmers, especially your name. "I believe that is all I would like to discuss today. Contact me here, it's my personal number, and then I'll do a sort of mission debriefing if you will. I'll explain everything that you are to do under this agreement between us. But for your time today, I can see about giving you a complimentary item off the menu. Jade can get the situated." Azul waves his hand and walks over to his desk, settling down and instantly going back to his papers.

Ok then?

You're dragged out yet again, and brought over to the front counter. No words are exchanged between you or Jade, but he already seems to know what he's doing.

He heads back into the kitchen and then a few moments later, brings out your usual.

"I remember our favorite customers order, so do not fret." He smiles and hands you the to-go box with the upmost elegance he can sway you with. "Good day."

You've got your favorite food now...you also scored a new job ontop of the one you have, not to mention the benefits with it. Did that really all just happen in the span of— what, 30 minutes? It's crazy. You look down at the box and then up at Cafe Fox. Maybe this arrangement could work out. No. It would. Best of both worlds, and more money. You'll be living the life...

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

"Mhmmm! And then..." you put a hand over your mouth as you chew, "I mean, I love Taylor...but he can be so mean, but he said that you guys are just people who don't have anything else better to do besides cause trouble... and then some other unruly words which I'd rather not mention. Honestly, he acts so tough, but I know that when I'm left alone up front, bros in the back getting dominated by the damn manager."

Laughs and giggles are stifled with a fist from Azul and Jade, but Floyd giggles openly and drapes himself across you even more. "Aw man...why you friends with that guy?" He mumbles, nuzzling his face right into your shoulder. He certainly wasn't embarrassed to act like this..

"He did say that about us? Well...I can see why he'd think such things. The people who had owned these cafes long before were the ones to start the rivalries... we've simply just taken them up a notch in our time is all..." The tea cup clinks against the saucer softly, Jade smirking and shaking his head out of amusement.

This all felt awkwardly domestic, granted you've only been officially helping them out so far for a week.

Floyd's clearly not opposed to showing his comfort, but this just became the norm all of a sudden, right out of the blue, but also a filthy and sly lie you have to keep from the place that appears they know that you'd never betray them. Betrayal. Technically you're not...you're still giving your hours, right? You're just helping someone else out simultaneouslv...nothing can go wrong.

"Any other things to note...plans they have to get back against our business?” Azul interrupts.

“Um. Some ploys…nothing too concerning. I know Taylor wanted to egg the place since we have expired eggs…but that’s about all they have planned…” You grab the glass of water.

“Any new tactics they have, making money wise?”

“They’re implementing a cherry blossoms special…since they’re blooming and the festival is pretty soon.” You nod. “All this themed stuff, ranging from pastries to their merch they have.”

“Are they now? Then…we shall come up with something of equal value.” Azul nods and then stands up, fishing something out of his pocket before he walks off elsewhere.

“You’ve been a big help already, Shrimpy. Giving out all this info and stuff…” Floyd drawls on, sitting up and kicking his legs up on the table. “Wouldn’t want the others to find out, right?”

You pause while sipping your drink, albeit choking a little on the liquid before you wipe your moth and set it down. “No…I wouldn’t really like that…”

“Oh. Hmmm…it’d be funny if they found out, right, Jade?”

“Quite the fiasco indeed.” He agrees. This is oddly fishy between them, and no pun intended with that. What are they planning…

“Uh, ok then…”

“Ne ne, just tugging on your fin, Shrimpy.” He winks and then gets up himself, his form towering over you as you sit. He gives you a small wave and then leaves the same way Azul had just done.

“Shall I see you out?” Jade grabs your attention again. His smile is all teeth and far from the normal one he usually shows off. His teeth glint and his eyes are slightly narrowed.

“Uh huh…I’m done. Thank you.” You scramble up and dust off your clothes of any crumbs and then you walk in step, his hand drifting to the lower part of your back.

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

“Taylor, set out the cherry blossom macarons, Y/N, get the milk pudding and make sure it’s put in the refrigerated display case. I’ll have the others work on the deco around here, but we have to be ready for the people perusing…which there will be a lot. This is my eighth year partaking in the festival, it’s good for getting a nice income, though. Oh, expect a lot of tips! And better yet, the seven-forsaken lounge will see that all of their customers will be stationed here.” Melissa winks at you and then goes off to mess with the other employees. You can’t help but feel a slight sinking feeling in your gut at her words.

“Chop, chop, Y/N, let’s get it going.” Taylor rubs his hands together before making his way back into the kitchen.

In preparations for the festival, the start for sales didn’t officially begin until the festival did, which was in approximately an hour, right at 9:00 am. The streets would be sectioned off and the sidewalks and roads would be bustling with people of all types since this is a renowned festival that apparently everyone wants to attend. Lines will be long for any business and 5 minutes of customer service will end up feeling like 5 hours instead. All in good fun and income…maybe.

The pudding cups have little edible cherry blossom flowers, and the macrons are decorated the same way. You set out the cups in the display case, no doubt the little desserts will be sold out as soon as the damn doors open to the world. They’re cutesy and delectable, so who can really blame the people buying them? You may or may not have debriefed this with the trio, briefly, though! Barely talked about it…just mentioned it. They were too enamored with what they were gawking at you for to like truly be listening…yea. You make a few final touches to make sure they’re displayed perfectly, no imperfections anywhere.

“All done already? Good…then you can go work on the item displays outside. The fox plushies should be in that box over there. All they have is cherry blossom designed shit. Cost an arm and a leg from the manufacturer, but whatever, we’ll make good money if they self.” The random vomit of words from her makes you jump. Didn’t she literally just walk away? Where did she come from?

“Yea…”

“Alrighty. Always stay busy. I gotta go beat Taylor…I swear if he’s slacking off I’m gonna…” She pushes through the double doors to the kitchen, her words being muffled as they swing shut.

Right, then. Time to do your job.

The canopy overhead blocks out the rays of sun shining down onto the pavement. You set up the plushies, pins, whatever else was in that box and make it look perfect. As always!

Just a little down the road you can see that oh so familiar pair of twins with their Caribbean Sea colored hair…oh no.

Before you can act, with their long purposeful steps, they’re already there in front of you.

“Heya, Shrimpy!”

“Uh, hey…” you chuckle a little awkwardly and try to stand in front of the items you literally just set out. You can’t have them ruin it…

“We brought you something! For free!” Floyd shoves a small bag into your hand that’s squishy. That feeling you used to get on Christmas when you’d get a soft present and just know it was something you wouldn’t like is really coming back to you now…

“Much to Azul’s protests…Floyd and I payed for it from our own pockets. I do hope you like it.” Jade puts a hand over his heart and smiles.

“Open ittt, before we get told off!”

You do as Floyd whines and you slip the little thing out of the bag. Oh. It’s actually…cute? A little octopus with their signature hats that are always adorned to their head. You’re wondering if they’re glued…

The octopus is purple and has cherry blossoms scattered across its head and a little fake branch with the flowers on it in one of the tentacles.

“Since you told us what was going down, we bit back, like usual.” As quick as you got the plushie, it was already snatched from your hand and being shoved back into your face by Floyd.

“You guys are back? The fuck— go away!” It’s none other than Taylor. Of course he had to come out…

Floyd stops and smirks at him. You’re pushed out of the way of the display stand and Floyd scoops up most of the fox plushies and makes a mad dash back to their home base. What the fuck just happened…

“I’m…gonna quit—“

“No you’re not, Taylor. Best plan of action is to rob them now.” Melissa walks up beside him and pinches his cheek, earning a yelp out of him. “Since they want to act like this, we’ll do it right back.”

The octopus plushie lays on the ground by your feet. You pick it up and dust him off.

“So they’re copying us, too? What the fuck. This ends today.” She declares.

And just like that she’s marching off, reasonably at the worst time as well! Loud crowds of overjoyed soon to be patrons are starting to erupt from the surrounding area. With quick glance to the clock, the festival was now officially in full bloom.

Isn’t it like…punishable for being in the middle and not choosing a side? That’s at least what you understood from Dante’s Inferno…but let’s— just do something!

Taylor is gone. Great. You rush inside of the cafe and warn any other workers of the incoming swarm of people and, as politely as you can muster up in this current moment, excuse yourself from helping out at the moment, and then bolt it towards the Mostro lounge.

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

“And I wanna see your manager!” Melissa yells

“I am the manger! And stop destroying our property!!”Azul screams right back.

“Over my dead body you bastard!”

You push in through the doors, seemingly at the right moment, and all eyes snap to you, locking on. You take a quick look around. The plushies the Mostro lounge had procured are…mutilated, one being in the grasp of a very angry Melissa who, not so inconspicuously, slit the throat of it, the white fluff spilling out.

“Y/N, help us!” Both parties yelp out. Then they all fall silent. They turn to look at each other, a smug look on the trios face and an utterly confused look on the other two who then simultaneously look back at you with bubbling anger.

“Shit…”

“Why would they help you? You…bottom dwellers!” Taylor blurts out.

“Heard that one before, buddy…” Floyd yawns.

“They work for us, not for you…” Melissa motions over to you. And there’s that sinking feeling in your gut again.

“Well, maybe ask them the truth to that—“

Melissa’s phone buzzes and she answers it. All previous conversation is forgotten and all that’s heard is screaming and the boisterous sounds of people gasping flooding out of the phone’s speakers.

“Melissa! Get back over here— there’s Mostro lounge workers here destroying products! They’re standing on the counter and dancing…I shit you not—“ she hangs up.

She looks furious, and Azul still looks smug. She rushes out the door and you glance back at the group before following suit. Taylor, of course, tags along and flips them off.

This festival was a disaster.

Cakes, cookies, scones, croissants, strewn everywhere. Liquid from drinks dumped on the floor glisten and shimmer. People scramble to get out of the cafe as you three try to fight your way in. The attackers run away at the first sight of the enraged Melissa and leave.

“What…the actual fuck.” She grumbles. “This is…they haven’t gone this far…”

“Correction: they have done worse—“

“Shut the fuck up Taylor or I’m going to slice your dick off don’t even mess with me right now…”

“Yes ma’am…” he quickly schools his attitude and looks down, his ears flattening against his head.

And then Melissa runs out again, not before grabbing a knife. Fuck! Uhhh! Both you and Taylor have to run after her.

All this running around and the stress of the situation is really starting to get to you. You can feel the adrenaline pumping.

Azul stands outside causally welcoming customers in with a small bow. Since they messed up Cafe Fox, this will be a good business opportunity for them now. A safe haven from what was happening over at the less worthy business, of course.

“Jade. Remind me to give Y/N my appreciation after this whole ordeal. If they end up fired then it’ll work out for us. I’ll rope them back in—“

“You bitch!”

People in line waiting to get in all turn to the source of rage, whispers and murmurs erupting as to whats about to go down; yet again…Azul stiffens up, shock and fear instantly encompassing his face, twisting it.

With a swift tug from you on her shoulder, she drops the weapon and Taylor picks it up.

“NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE COMMITTING A HOMICIDE YOU BRAINLESS WOMAN!!” Taylor yells.

“So you’re telling me you wanna die next?” She says coolly…ok, maybe after everything, if you make it out alive, you should research if she was in jail for anything involving violence before becoming the owner did the cafe…

“Ok! Enough! Everyone shut up!” You spit out, but no one listens.

“Y/N, go beat him up for me? Please?” She pouts.

“You will do no such thing! Y/N, why don’t you join our side officially and I can promise you much more.” Azul huffs out. He planned this, huh? You’re great downfall of being a traitor…

Taylor and Melissa gain those confused gazes again and they stop.

“What do you mean officially? Is there something I’m not getting here—“

“Oh! Shrimpy’s been on our side for a bit. Giving us some intel on how to kick your guy’s business to the curb! Aren’t they such a great help, Jade?” Floyd smirks.

“Indeed. I would agree so.”

Fuck. Fuck. Shit. You’re dead.

“So…you’re a traitor. Then kiss your job goodbye.” Melissa crosses her arms. Taylor looks even more hurt at this revelation and he purses his lips.

“I helped you, dude…this ain’t cool. You’re gonna be blocked.”

“It’s not that big of a deal—“

“What do you mean? This is so fucked up of you, Y/N…I don’t wanna hear it.” He sighs.

“Ne ne…they were just doing what they felt was right, hmmm? Can’t blame em…” Floyd steps closer to Taylor and he freezes up.

Apparently, everyone forgot that people were watching, so…whatever at this point.

“We’re just better.” He steps on Taylor’s foot and grinds his foot into his. Taylor instinctively pushes Floyd back and that’s where everything goes wrong…

More fighting. Taylor’s not going to win, obviously. Floyd already has him pushed to the ground in a matter of seconds.

This just isn’t right. You…all the people in front of you, as fucked up as some may be, you like and appreciate them all. They helped you out even if you don’t want to admit that fact. And now they’re all being stupid. Completely and utterly stupid…

“That’s enough out of all of you!” This time they all stop and look at you. “You’re all being dumb! I get what I did was wrong…but to be honest, why are these rivalries a thing? Can’t you guys both have the same themed products without it being a huge deal? It’s not a competition 24/7. Last time I checked, most customers frequent both cafes. People will end up liking what they want, and it’s just…you guys are a lost cause.”

“Big words for a traitor—“

“Y/N, leave the other place, come work with us. We can ensure many more promising endorsements.” Jade nods, interrupting Taylor.

“Guys! I’ll quit both jobs, then! I’m done having to pick one or the other. Staying neutral won’t get me very far either. I’ll put in my two weeks notice and then I can be stress free again.” You throw your hands up and roll your eyes.

Melissa looks like she’s seen a ghost, Taylor looks guilty, Azul apparently lost his soul since he’s starting at you blankly. The tweels gain an angry look and now this whole situation— you could care less about.

“Ok, wait…let’s…screw our heads back on. What has happened today is definitely beyond what is comprehensible…” She turns to look at Azul, a forced friendly smile. “I’ll take the first step and apologize…”

“It’s accepted, but I don’t believe I can give one back…”

“Azul.” You cross your arms.

“I apologize, too, Melissa…”

Huh.

“These rivalries…I believe it’d be best to end them…” she forces out through gritted teeth.

Azul simply nods and the whole situation is awkward once again.

“Do we write up a treaty or something…” Taylor mumbles.

“I don’t know…”

“Just make up…I don’t want Shrimpy leaving…I like em too much for them to go. You’ll stay for me, yea?” Floyd pouts. He walks over to you and squeezes you tight enough to earn a pop out of your back.

“Floyd, now…I believe Y/N would appreciate to stay for my sake. After all, I provide them with their favorites and cheer them up, no?” Jade shakes his head, glaring at his brother.

“You two have got it all wrong. I’m the one who’s been supplying everything and keeping them close knit to us. You both are sorely mistaken. I believe Y/N will stay for my sake.” Azul pushes up his glasses. The twins share a quick glance, their gaze softening just slightly, betraying their hint of understanding.

“Mmm…me and Jade know how to share, ‘zul…Shrimpy likes us.” Floyd smirks at him, his teeth glinting with nothing but malice…

Taylor and Melissa go quiet and they understand the situation a little more now…

Maybe…these rivalries aren’t over just yet…not between businesses now, though.

Don’t ask me what happened while writing. I lost track of the damn thing and I just went with how my brain wanted it to end. There was barely any romance smh 😞 BUT IT DEVELOPED

I feel if I focused more on this then I would have wrote it out better, but I just like writing them to be funny :P

Mkay, I’m tired now…off to work on another thing HUZZAHHHH

Master List

Please don’t steal or copy any of my work! You may, however, reblog if you’d want to!

Pictures belong to Disney Twisted Wonderland but are edited by me :)

Also just to add this:

Discord Server: TWST HYPERFIXATION

(If I forget to update this link— I will— go to my pinned post, should be updated there…)

[lainiespicewrites]

A lesson in flirting

Hi friends! This one had been sitting in my unfinished stories for a while. I love a good Henry fic It's another OFC because I can't seem to get off the "Self-insert" thing rn! LOL but you guys seem to love these stories and writing myself as a main character just gives me this air of confidence...Idk lmao... anyway enjoy! Also maybe doing this is part of kinktober?? Idk I’m not really following a prompt list buuut this kind goes with size kink??? Idk? I just wanna post more!

Plot: In which Alayna and her friends are at a bar, she's trying to explain to her friends that flirting is easy. until she sees Henry and her friends tell her to put her money where her mouth is.

Warnings: Smut Like just so much smut. Dirty talk, Oral (male and female receiving), P in V smut, creampie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 “No, I mean it! It’s so easy! Men aren’t THAT complicated.” I exclaimed. Hayley shook her head at me. I laughed and downed the rest of my drink.

“You are so boy crazy,” She laughed, “If it’s so easy prove it!” she smirked. Shit, I’d been drinking and lord knows I’m not one to back down from a challenge. I looked over at Skyler who had the same look on her face. 

“Come on Alayna, you look so good tonight! Don’t waste it! You’ve been eyeing that guy by the bar for the last 5 minutes. Go for it!” She urged. I really stuck my foot in my mouth here. I’d been telling them about a time I went out a few months ago and decided I wanted to kiss this guy and just … made it happen. I may have been a little overconfident. I looked over again at the guy they were talking about. He was absolutely gorgeous. He was at least 6’1 with beautiful dark curls and one of the sweetest smiles I’d ever seen. 

“I-I don’t know, I’m all talk,” I said immediately going back on my previous statement. “This guy is way out of my league.”I sighed. 

“No he isn’t!,” Skyler said quickly, “You’re literally so hot! He’d be stupid not to be into you.” Hayley nodded. 

“She’s right dude! Prove yourself right! Go talk to him.” I took one look back at him. Well hopefully if this doesn’t work out I don’t make myself look like an idiot. 

“Alright,” I paused looking at the girls. “Commencing phase one.” I joked.

“Jesus,” Hayley shook her head and Skyler just laughed. 

“Yes! Go get your man!” She cheered me on. Okay, Phase one. Luckily this would be easy. The bartender Nick was already down at his end of the bar so it was the perfect excuse to “Bump into him” and squeeze my way up to the bar to order another drink. It helps that it’s a little crowded too. I pushed past a group of country boys standing around holding their Busch lights. The kind that rolls into the bar in tattered jeans they’ve been working in all day and dirty old work boots. Definitely not my first choice. I shake the thought out of my head starting to get nervous as I approach him. His back is toward me now. I walked up next to him at the counter, my shoulder brushing against him. 

“I’m so sorry!” I blushed. He turned to look at me and smiled. 

“That’s perfectly okay! It's a bit crowded here tonight huh?” he asked, chuckling softly.  Sweet baby Jesus, he’s British! I nodded. Nick was still with another customer so I took the opportunity to make light conversation. 

“Whatcha drinking?” I asked. He fully turned to face me.  Beer bottle in hand. 

“Guinness has always been my favorite.” He said, taking a sip. “Are you a beer drinker?” he asked. I shook my head. 

“Not unless I'm already drunk, or it's in an Irish car bomb.” I joked. He laughed and raised an eyebrow.

“An Irish car bomb? Wouldn’t have assumed that’d be your drink of choice.” He smirked.

“Oh, it’s not! but my brother took me out for my 21st with his friends, they’re like my brothers. Anyway, I did a full “bombs away” Not sure if you’ve heard of that?” I raised an eyebrow. He chuckled, nodding. 

“I do, That had to be a rough time!” 

“It was certainly rough the next day!” The bartender was finally ready so I made eye contact with him to signal I wanted to order. 

“What's up?” he asked. 

“Hey, can I get another Rum and Coke please?” He nodded and walked away to get it started. Nick was a man of little words. I appreciated that about him. 

“Not a bad choice,” I heard the guy say. I laughed

“It’s been my drink of choice since my friend and I started stealing “captain” out of her parent's liquor cabinet senior year.” He chuckled softly. Just then Nick came back with my drink. I smiled and thanked him again. He just nodded. I turned back to the mystery guy and smiled. “Well, it was nice talking to you!” I said. 

“You too! Sorry, I don’t think I got your name.” He said. 

“Alayna!” I said quickly. 

“Alayna,” He repeated and smiled. “I’m Henry,” 

“Nice to meet you, Henry!” I said and started to walk away. 

“Nice to meet you, Alayna!” He called after me. I walked back to the girls' new drink in hand and a spring in my step. I smirked sitting back down in between them. 

“Oh my god how’d it go?!” Skyler asked immediately. 

“So he’s fucking British!” I stated. 

“You’re kidding!” Hayley added. I shook my head. 

“Dead ass! His name is Henry, and that’s about all I know! Except he’s even more beautiful up close!” I tried so hard not to squeal. Having a crush was thrilling and fun even if it went nowhere.

“Okay not to get your hopes up but he’s definitely looking this way!” Skyler said. I brought my drink to my lips took a long sip and let my eyes fall in his direction. He was and he was smiling. Before I could catch his eye his attention was brought back to his friend as they continued their conversation. 

“I told you.” I shrugged. Hayley shook her head.

“That doesn’t prove anything buddy, maybe he just thought you were nice,” she stated. Skyler laughed

“He was absolutely staring at her ass as she walked away but okay yeah he just thought she was nice.” She said, I was blushing and trying so desperately to act cool but I knew it wasn’t coming out that way. I took a long pull of my drink and sighed.  

“This is gonna be a high school crush situation all over again if I can’t hold it together. God, he’s so beautiful up close though. I really don’t know how I managed that conversation, let alone blatant flirting.” I shook my head and changed the subject. Asking the girls about work. I had neither of them fooled but they let me change the subject.

 “It’s going okay but I certainly could use a vacation,” Hayley said. I laughed 

“Says the girl who was in Hawaii 3 months ago!” I rolled my eyes. 

“Yeah, and you left us here!” Skyler argued. Hayley retorted with something sarcastic but I didn’t hear her. Henry was walking in our direction and I immediately caught his eye. He smiled when he saw me slowing down as he was walking past. 

“Hey! Are you having a good night?” He asked. I nodded and gave him a big smile.

“I’m having a great night! Just out with the girls. And you?” He quickly glanced over at them and smiled softly. 

“That’s awesome,” He turned his attention back to me and it was a bit dark but I’m almost positive he gave me a once over. “And I’m good! Great now, just a little buzzed and headed to the toilet,” He chuckled. 

“Well don’t let me keep you!” I laughed. I watched as he smirked slightly, looking me over again. He gave me a quick wink.

 “I’ll see you later, love,” He spoke and then walked away toward the restrooms. As he walked away I heard Skyler trying to hold back a squeal. 

“He was absolutely flirting with you!” She smiled. Even Hayley agreed. 

“Dude it’s like we weren’t even here,” She said. I smiled.

“Yeah, I noticed that. But he does seem really sweet! I’m gonna let him make the next move though.” All of a sudden feeling a rush of energy I downed the rest of my drink.  “Fuck it let's go dance!” I said standing up and pulling both of them up with me. I heard Hayley start to complain that she can’t dance so I took her hand and spun her. “Just move! Everyone’s drunk anyway. No one cares! Let loose!” I said. Skyler grabbed my hand and spun me and then jokingly twerked on me. We were laughing and genuinely having a good time. 

This is what we came out for tonight. Just to have fun and be carefree. The song switched to some early 2000s girl group. The kind that makes you feel invincible. The girls and I were still dancing. I spun around and almost ran directly into Henry. 

“I’m so sorry!” I giggled. Clearly more a little more buzzed now. Henry smirked. 

“No need to apologize darling. You’re having fun!” He chuckled. 

“I am!” I exclaimed. “You should dance with me!” He smiled but raised an eyebrow. 

“I’m not much of a dancer, Love,” He said. I pouted. 

“Please? It’ll be fun!” I begged. He chuckled. 

“Of course, I will, for you!” He smiled. I let out an excited squeak causing him to laugh. I grabbed his hand and pulled him to a slightly less crowded area of the makeshift dance floor. I turned around and pressed my back to his chest. Immediately his hands found my hips. I slowly started to move my hips against him and looked back giving him a cheeky smile. 

“Told you I’d make it fun!” I said. He smirked and licked his lips slowly.

“I never doubted that,” He spoke. He slowly started moving his hands up my sides. I bit my lip. I loved the feeling of his hands on my body. I felt my shirt rise a little as his fingers moved over the hem of the crop top. Then I felt his fingertips against my neck as he brushed my hair back off my shoulder. I pressed against him, grinding on him to the music. His breath was hot against my neck. “Enjoying yourself, love?”  He spoke his voice low and gravely. I knew he wanted to make a move. I could feel him against me. But He was trying to be respectful.  Or as respectful as he could with my ass pressed to him. 

“Mmhmm, but I’d be having more fun if you’d kiss me.” I started trying so hard to play cool. My heart was racing and the anticipation felt like electricity coursing through me. He moved his hands back down squeezing my hips before he turned me around to face him. He was smiling. God, he was such a beautiful man.  He brushed a strand of hair out of my face. “You have the prettiest smile I’ve ever seen by the way.” I blushed, losing my nerve now that I was looking him in the eye. 

“You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen,” He said back. I blushed. 

“That can’t be true, you’re like, insanely hot!” I blurted out. He chuckled, tightening his grip on my hip and pulling me flush against him. My hands were on his chest. Fuck he was solid. We were so close. I was even more nervous now that I had the chance to really look at him. He was wearing a plaid button-up with the top 3 buttons undone and revealing a patch of chest hair. His shoulders were broad and strong. I felt small in his arms. The way he was looking at me I felt like I’d have fallen over if he hadn’t been holding me up.

“Yeah, and you’re absolutely gorgeous,” He stated. He caressed my cheek softly before leaning in and kissing me. I immediately kissed him back. I moved so my arms were wrapped around his shoulders and tangled my fingers in his hair. He groaned softly, walking me backward until my back was pressed against the wall. He kissed me roughly and as he pulled away he caught my bottom lip between his teeth biting down softly before pressing one last gentle kiss to my lips. He looked down at me hungrily. “I wanna take you home with me.” He growled in my ear before he started kissing my neck.

“I’m sure the girls won’t miss me,” I smirked. He stopped peppering kisses along my jaw and looked me in the eyes. 

“Is that a yes, love?” He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk forming on his face. 

“If I don’t go with you, you’re coming home with me! I don’t wanna miss out on you!” I said. And maybe it was a little eager but I meant it. There was no way I was walking away from him now. “Give me like two seconds to let my friends know so they aren’t panicking though!” I said. He gave me a soft smile and kissed my cheek. 

“Of course darling,” I walked over to where the girls were still dancing not far from me. No doubt they’d seen our spur-of-the-moment makeout session. I didn’t care. 

“Hey so um…” I started. 

“You Whore,” Hayley stated before I could say anything. I just laughed. 

“You know it!” I joked back. 

“Just make sure you use protection! I mean it!” Skyler said. “And I want details!!” She added. I laughed. 

“Okay well, I’m gonna go then … you guys get home safe!”

 After a quick goodbye, I turned around and found Henry at the bar closing his tab. He smiled when he saw me and pulled me to his side. 

“Are you ready to get out of here?” He asked. I nodded. He kept his arm around me as we walked out. He led us to his car, opening the door for me. He got in started the car and paused. “My place or yours?” He asked nonchalantly. 

“Yours, one of the girls lives right down the hall and I don’t need her keeping an eye on me.” I chuckled. 

“It’s sweet that she checks in though. Do you live alone?” He asked. 

“Well hold on, how do I know if I tell you that you aren’t gonna stalk me and murder me?” I raised an eyebrow. 

“Because you’re already in my car and if I wanted to kill you I could just do it now.” He paused for a second and chuckled. “I’m not a murderer, I promise. Besides if I killed you I couldn’t take you on a proper date after all this. That wouldn’t be very chivalrous, and to be honest I just know I wanna see you again.” I was blushing. 

“Okay, you make a good argument,” I said. “I wanna see you again too. And we haven’t fucked yet.” I immediately squeezed my eyes shut. I can’t believe I said that. And I was too nervous to see the look on his face. I felt him put his hand on my thigh. I slowly looked over at him. He was smirking. 

“Oh, but we will.” He stated. He looked over at me letting his eyes roam over my body quickly before he focused back on the road. 

Fuck. He’s so hot, this man is about to ruin all other men for me. I heard him chuckle. “Doing okay over there love?” He squeezed my thigh and let his hand wander further up. I bit my lip and nodded. 

“Y-yeah, having the best time right now!” fucking idiot. 

“It’ll be even better in a few minutes. You’re so sexy. Do you have any idea what you were doing to me back there?” It was my turn to smirk. 

“I’ve got a pretty good idea. Pretty sure I could feel it!” I teased. He playfully smacked my thigh. God this was gonna be a good night. 

“Not sure how you could miss it with your ass pressed against me like that.”  I just laughed.

“I didn’t hear you complaining!” I said and laced my fingers with his hand that was resting on my thigh. 

“I wasn’t,” he smiled, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing my knuckles. He let go of my hand as he turned into his driveway and put the car in park. He waited for me in front of the car and took my hand again leading me up to his house. He quickly unlocked the door and I followed him inside.

 He flipped on a light in the entryway so we could see where we were going. Then he turned back to me grabbed me by the waist and pulled me into him. I initiated the kiss wrapping my arms around his shoulder and tangling my fingers in his curls pulling him down to me. It was a very needy kiss. Pressing my lips to his and letting him suck my bottom lip between his. He backed me into the wall and started to kiss my neck. “Fuck your such a naughty girl, what am I gonna do with you?” He asked and then scraped his teeth across my neck. I moaned and tugged at his curls. He growled against my neck, soothing it with soft kisses. His touch was sending shockwaves through my body. I needed more of him. I ran my hands down his shoulders and over his chest. I brushed my hand over his cock, he was already getting hard. I teasingly squeezed him over his jeans. “Mmm” he moaned softly pulling away from his assault on my neck to watch me tease him.

I continued to explore his body, slipping my hands under his shirt and letting my fingers brush across his abs. I bit my lip when I felt him tense under my fingertips. He chuckled and stepped back pulling off his shirt, a proud smirk on his face. He was incredibly muscular. His chest was solid and broad. He was hairy which I had to admit was a serious turn-on. I hadn’t realized it until now. His stomach was hard and defined. It’s like he was carved out of stone. His happy trail matching his chest hair. He had to be incredibly strong. The muscles in his arms were large. He towered over me making me feel small. But his face was so soft and kind and gentle. His eyes were crystal blue and so inviting. He had such a warm smile. God I was mesmerized by this man.  His voice broke me out of my trance. 

“Come here Darling,” he said, pulling me to him again. He pulled at the bottom of my top and leaned in pressing a sweet slow kiss to my lips. “Take this off for me?” He asked. I bit my lip 

“mmhmm” I mumbled, taking a step back to take off my top. I dropped it to the floor and looked up at him. His eyes were focused on my chest. 

“Fuck” he whispered and licked his lips. His eyes flicked back up to mine. “I could tell you had big tits but, wow” he whistled jokingly and I rolled my eyes and laughed. 

“Omg shut up! Says the guy literally built like a Greek God!” Now he was laughing. I stood on my toes kissing him again. I reached my hand between us rubbing over his jeans. He growled against my lips.

“Mm slow down baby, we’ve got all night.” He led me to his couch and pulled me onto his lap so I was straddling him.  Trust me Im gonna fuck you tonight darling, I’m definitely gonna fuck you.” He started kissing my neck down to my chest and he kissed the top of my breasts. Then he pulled my bra down and took my nipple in his mouth. I moaned, arching into him and he wrapped his arm around my back holding me to him. 

“But you’re going to make me beg first,” I teased, biting my lip. He hummed around my breast smirking before biting down and dragging my nipple between his teeth. I gasped and ran my fingers through his hair. 

“I love hearing the sounds you make for me,” He moaned as he gave the other breast the same attention. He was driving me crazy. I whimpered softly grinding my hips feeling into his. Trying to get some friction against his now fully hard cock in his jeans. 

“Please Henry,” I moaned.  as he finally unhooked my bra and tossed it aside. He dug his fingers into my hips keeping me still. I couldn’t help the whine that escaped me.

He kissed back up my chest leaving a chaste little kiss on my lips. Fuck he was such a tease. 

“God you’re desperate for it, aren’t you love,” He smirked. “Why don’t you show me how bad you want it,” He nodded toward the floor and I knew exactly what he meant. I slid off his lap and onto my knees in front of him. He stood from the couch and pulled himself from his jeans. Fuck he was big, and already so hard. There was a bead of precum glistening from the tip. If he wanted to tease two could play that game. 

I leaned forward and licked the head of his cock smiling up at him sweetly. 

“Mm don’t stop now love, we're just getting started.” He moaned cock twitching in his hand as the other hand brushed the hair out of my face and rested on the back of my head. 

“You’re just so big, not sure I can handle all of you,” I teased. He chuckled softly running his thumb over my bottom lip. 

“You’ve been talking big talk all night baby, I’m sure you can make it fit,” He winked. I blushed but let him guide me forward taking him in my mouth. I hollowed my cheeks bobbing my head slowly. At first only took him halfway and slowly let him hit the back of my throat. He was already moaning for me. Tightening his fingers in my hair guiding me along his cock. “That's it, love, just like that, fuck,” He growled. He pushed my head further down forcing his cock further down my throat. I choked and my eyes started to water but I let him hold me there. I knew it had to feel incredible for him. He pulled me back and I came up gasping for air. He chuckled. “Fuck that’s so sexy. I need more of you.” He held out his hand to help me up and immediately crashed his lips to mine. He bit my bottom lip dragging his teeth across it slowly before finally releasing me. 

“Are you gonna fuck me now baby?” I asked shyly gently running my fingers down his chest. 

“You’ve more than earned it now darling.” He said kissing me again more gently this time. “But I still wanna please you first.” He smirked bending to pick me up over his shoulder. 

“Henry!” I squealed laughing softly. He chuckled and smacked my ass as he carried me to his bedroom. He dropped me gently onto his bed finally ridding himself completely of his jeans and boxers. He gave me one last look asking for permission before stripping me completely as well. He didn’t speak just smiled to himself and started to kiss and grab and feel all over. Kissing my chest and my stomach. Squeezing my breasts. He settled between my legs spreading my thighs kissing and biting at the inside. He slowly made his way up to my core. 

“Fucking dripping for me. I could feel it when you were in my lap. So needy.” He ran his fingers through my folds spreading my slick smirking to himself. I whimpered softly unable to take it anymore. 

“Fuck please don’t tease me, I need you to touch me. Please, Henry.” I begged. He just smirked.  He spread my lips swiping his tongue through my folds. He pulled me closer by my hips and started circling my clit with his tongue. He pulled it between his lips sucking softly and continued to lick. I moaned tossing my head back and my fingers found his curls again. “Oh fuck!” He slipped two fingers into me curving them into me as he continued his assault on my clit. 

It wasn’t long before I felt the coil build up in my stomach. “Henry, I’m gonna cum!” I whimpered. He didn’t let up just continued through my orgasm licking up my juices and pulled back with a growl. Kissing his way back up my body. 

“God you taste incredible,” He moaned in my ear before flipping me onto my knees on the bed and spreading my thighs. “I need to be inside you.” He groaned, lining himself up with my core running his head through my folds gathering the wetness there. He started to push in slowly. “Such a tight little pussy.” He groaned. “Relax for me, baby.” He leaned down kissing my shoulder as he pushed all the way in. “Such a good girl for me, always so ready for my cock.” he growled. I whimpered. I’d never felt so full. It felt incredible. He finally pulled out slowly and started a rhythm holding onto my hips as he took me from behind. Our moans the sounds of our bodies meeting filling my ears. 

“Mm it feels so good,” I moaned pulling at the comforter I could feel my orgasm building again. I started to squeeze around him. Henry pulled out and I whined softly. I heard him chuckle. He flipped me onto my back wrapping my legs around his waist as he shoved himself back into me. 

“I need to see your beautiful face when you cum on my cock baby.” He moaned picking up the pace. He was starting to get close too. He kissed my neck and I dug my nails into his back surely to leave scratches there tomorrow as I came undone around him. He growled in my ear as he thrusted a few more times letting go inside me. 

“You’re so fucking perfect.” He moaned. He kissed all over my face and smiled. “Are you alright darling?” He asked catching his breath

“I’m amazing,” I laughed. 

“Fuck yeah you are,” He chuckled. He laid down next to me for a moment pulling me into him. “Just give me a minute,” he breathed. 

I knew we were just getting started.

[fuck-customers]

2.28.24

Genuinely cannot please these fucking people. All they do is bitch and whine that they never get good customer service but if you provide it to them you might as well have flipped them the bird the moment they walked into the store.

It’s Presidents’ Day.

Lady comes in masked up and with gloves. Mask, I get. Gloves? Eh alright. You do you. She’s walking around shopping (i work in an Adult Toy Store) and she comes up to me with a toy and says she wants this one but doesn’t want one that people have been taking out and messing with, it’s contaminated, she’s a “huge germaphobe” etc. so can I get her a new unopened one from the stock room? Sure, no problem. I know we don’t have anymore in the back but god forbid i tell her that without looking first so I go into the stock room, bum around for a few minutes, come back and tell her no but I’m more than happy to completely sanitize the item for her.

You have a problem, I have a solution.

Absolutely the fuck not, apparently. she gets huffy and says nevermind she doesn’t want it and she’ll find someone that can actually help her.

Fuck me i guess. whatever.

she doesn’t want anything to do with me given her attitude but consistently comes to me with problem after problem after problem despite the fact i’m not the only associate on the floor. every “problem” she has, I have a solution for, and she’s progressively getting more and more pissed off!!!

I’m not giving her any attitude or anything, I’m genuinely trying to help her find something that will work for her.

And now on to check-out. Finally, after like an hour of walking around she finds a toy. She didn’t even really want it but it was a box that was shrink-wrapped shut and couldn’t be opened so that’s what she had to “settle” for, as if i had a fucking gun to her head and made her buy anything in the first place.

I ask if she wants a rewards account.

“What is everything that entails?”

i explain it all to her and i just get the lead-poisoning boomer stare from this lady. she can’t be more than like 30, btw.

“…so would you like to make an account?”

“yes???”

see maam this is when you use your Big Girl words, yeah? you know what those are? when you at least open your fucking mouth and speak? maybe even include a “please”? honestly with the way she was acting i’d be surprised if her mouth could even sound out the fucking word.

go through getting her signed up which includes a name, an email, a phone number, and a birthday

we go through all of it and then once it gets to birthday i ask for the year (an 18+ verification, you can’t have an account if you’re underage and it’s REQUIRED IN OUR SYSTEM) and she just yells “I DONT WANT TO GIVE YOU THAT INFORMATION” and calls for my manager because i’m “being ridiculous”

maam.

i have your legal government name, your email, your phone number, and the month and day of your birth. you think adding the year you were born is going to make much of a difference here?

i don’t fucking know what her issue was.

also, for “a huge germaphobe” she sure was out shopping on the second largest shopping holiday of the year.

also later that same day i had a lady get mad because she asked if we had wide-toed shoes and i told her we don’t. this woman yells back “oh so cause i’m fat you think i can’t be a dancer?”

literally nobody fucking said anything about you being fat!!!!!

Posted by admin Rodney.

[anthurak]

Concept: Remake of Super Robot Wars Alpha (Part 1)

Alright! Let’s talk about a hypothetical Super Robot Wars Alpha Remake. Specifically in the ‘anything goes, unlimited time and money, everything we wish it could be and more’ vein. Because that’s more fun and also oh-my-god I have already spent way too much time and brainpower coming up with these ideas XD

To establish a few ground rules I am setting for myself:

I am trying to keep basically ALL of the roster of mecha-series’ across the entire run. Or at least anyone who sits out a game or two is back for Alpha 3 which is going to have absolutely EVERYONE.

That said, there are a few series’ I’d like to trim from the roster in the ones that originally only popped up in one game and didn’t really do much. Namely; Galaxy Cyclone Bragier in Alpha Gaiden, Brain Powered in Alpha 2 and of course Cyber Troopers in Alpha 3.

The one exception to this might be Giant Robo in Alpha 1, because I’m honestly kind of torn on it. On the one hand, Giant Robo was a pretty cool presence in Alpha 1 (I mean we had Alberto the Shockwave fighting the Third Angel XD), but on the other hand I’m not sure how well the series and characters could be further developed/upgraded across subsequent games. If anyone wants to comment on this one way or the other in the replies, feel free :D

Also, to touch on general gameplay changes; obviously we would be implementing all of the general ‘quality of life’ and similar upgrades that have come with the franchise over the last twenty+ years. But one specific gameplay mechanic I very much would want to add is introducing the Squad-System from Alpha’s 2 and 3 to all the games in this hypothetical remake. Because yeah, personally I love the squad system and I’ve always been seriously bummed that we haven’t seen it again after the first Z game. Really, I’d want to even further expand on the system with some of the ideas Z1 was playing around with like different squad formations.

Anyway, that’s enough preamble. Let’s get to the action, starting with Alpha 1.

To begin, let’s talk about the one big new series addition for this game;

King of Braves GaoGaiGar.

Because yeah, I think we can all agree that GGG should have made its debut in the first Alpha game rather than Alpha 2. Really, GaoGaiGar’s appearance here isn’t even all that complicated; namely just essentially backport it’s appearance in Alpha 2 into Alpha 1, with the adapted story covering the Zonder arc and concluding with the battle against EI-01/Pasdar. The character roster can be unchanged, aside from Mic Sounders actually being included/playable this time. The same goes for the Secret Units/Characters like the Star Gaogaigar upgrade being a secret late/endgame unlock, and Pizza (aka; Soldato J) being a secret guest character for the final stage, though this time maybe he also comes with Pinchernone (aka; Tomoro-0117) as a sub-pilot.

Other than the inclusion of Gaogaigar, I feel like the overall story and plot of Alpha 1 can be relatively unchanged. Yes, even with the absolute timeline-bending mashup of the Universal Century that can have such iconic what-the-fuckery as Puru 2 piloting the Alpha Aizeru to attack the Gryps 2 colony laser during the Battle of A Bou Que.

That said, I do have PLENTY of ideas to tweak various series’, pilots and mechs that are available.

Let’s start with Mobile Suit Gundam, for which I have some interesting ideas.

Rather than just an oddly time-displaced seeming Slegger Law, the MSG pilot-roster here is made up of the old White Base crew, aged up to their time in Zeta Gundam. Meaning that just like with Amuro, we have Zeta-era Hayato, Kai and Sayla as pilots (Sayla in particular I have BIG plans for going forward XD). Heck, Bright even has Mirai, Oscar and Marker as sub-pilots for the White Base and later the Argama.

To go along with this, they all get ‘upgraded’ versions of their old OYW suits. Kai gets a Guncannon Heavy Custom, Hayato pilots a Guntank II and Sayla gets her Custom GM as a nod to the Gundam The Origin, though Sayla in particular later upgrades to the Re-GZ. Amuro can likewise still start with the G-3 Gundam before later upgrading to the Nu Gundam.

As for the more ‘main’ Zeta cast, things are pretty much unchanged as far as the pilot roster goes. Same for the ZZ cast.

However, when it comes to the mobile suit complement, things get a little more interesting.

First off the Zeta II secret unit is quite a bit easier to unlock, as it’s meant to be a direct upgrade for Fa.

The Full-Armor Hyaku Shiki is in fact NOT available this time, as I’d actually like to space out the evolution of that suit over the course of later games. Instead, only the Hyaku Shiki Kai is available as a standard upgrade.

To jump ahead a bit, notably the Sazabi is also NOT available this time in Alpha 1.

Instead, for a rather spicier option, Quattro’s secret upgrade unlock is the Delta Gundam. Which I think is way more fun XD With that in mind, the Hyaku Shiki ends up attached more to Beecha by the end of the game, lining more up with ZZ.

And you know, maybe have the Psycho Gundam as a secret unlock to be used by Four or Rosamia? That might be fun.

Going ahead to Char’s Counterattack, this is admittedly where I feel like I have to trim down a few things in the form of characters and mechs. Simply because I feel like it would be better to hold off on introducing them until the plot of CCA actually STARTS in Alpha 2. So Quess Paraya does not make appearance and Kayra Su only appears briefly as a Guest Pilot in Alpha 1 and the mechs are limited to the Re-GZ and Nu Gundam, plus the Nu’s HWS pack as a secret unlock.

Jumping ahead to Gundam Wing, I would make a notable omission of any early-appearances of Endless Waltz mechs (as we will have no shortage of them in later games lol), meaning no Wing Zero Custom and Milliardo’s secret unlock guest joining for the final stage is done in the Gundam Epyon rather than the Tallgeese III. Though we also have new additions in the form of Lady Une being a secret unlockable pilot, and both her and Noin getting the Vayeate and Mercurius as secret unlocks to pilot, in reference to the Endless Duel game.

Going into the various Super Robot series’, outside of the aforementioned early inclusion of GaoGaiGar, most things are pretty much unchanged, aside from Getter Robo’s roster being steamlined a bit with Texas Mack and Jack King being dropped in favor of Michiru piloting the Lady Command, and Benkei Kurama being relegated to a guest appearance in favor of Musashi getting to be the full-time Shin Getter 3 pilot in this game like he did in the first SRW Z2.

Also, I feel like the Mass-Production Daitank, Daifighter and Daitarn 3 should be proper unlocks rather than just potentially appearing for a single mission? Daitarn 3 is pretty much always a one-man/mech show in SRW and I feel like it would be fun to change that up a bit.

Which finally brings us to what is certainly going to be the BIGGEST overhaul of the first Alpha game;

The Original Generation characters.

First there is the matter of how to handle the Protagonist and their Partner/Love Interest.

And honestly, I’m just streamlining the shit out of this via backporting from the OG-Series.

Ergo; Kusuha Mizuha gets to be the Super Robot Protagonist with the Grungust Type-2 and Ryukooh, Ryoto Hikawa gets to be the Real Robot Protagonist with the Huckebeins, and everyone else is supporting characters with mildly tweaked versions of their OG-Series characterizations/backgrounds.

Like at the start of a playthrough, you get the choice to start with the Earth/Super-Robot route where you play as Kusuha (with Bullet), or the Space/Real-Robot route where you play as Ryoto (with Rio), which goes on for a few stages until the routes merge and the game proper begins in earnest. Maybe with additional ‘Super’ and ‘Real’ route splits further down the line where you chose either Kusuha or Ryoto as the character to follow for that time.

For specifics, Kusuha’s story plays out as a mix of the original Alpha Super-route, with characterization and plot beefed up via backporting developments from later games, namely the OG-series. Like maybe she isn’t already in the military in this version but also isn’t a highschool student either, say she’s just started university when she gets roped into piloting the Grungust at the start of the game. Plus we’re obviously removing a few of OG’s more egregious plot points like her getting mind-controlled by Ingram. Clearly we can just have Bullet get mind-controlled instead like he always does XD

Likewise, Ryoto’s and Rio’s stories are also a mix of the Real Robot-route of Alpha and their OG-series stories. Like Ryoto and maybe even Rio herself are pilots in the Divine Crusaders, but since the DC don’t actually turn evil in Alpha, the whole ‘sent out to die as an unknowing kamikaze’ bit doesn’t happen and they can join up with the fledgling Alpha Numbers much more easily. We probably don’t even need to have Rio get kidnapped/brainwashed like the Real-route love-interest normally does either.

As for the other four Alpha 1 Protags, again they’re basically getting tweaked versions of their OG-Series backgrounds. Tasuku Shinguji is a seemingly random mechanic who ends up jumping into combat in the Giganscudo when his ship is threatened. I’m thinking he’s on the Excellion? Feels kind of appropriate that the Giganscudo would be an offshoot/prototype of the Buster Machines, you know? Meanwhile, Leona Garstein is still a relative of the Branstein clan and is part of an offshoot squadron of the Divine Crusaders, possibly also attached to the Excellion? Basically I’m feeling like Tasuku and Leona end up being part of, or at least join during, the Real Robot route.

On the other hand, Yuuki Jaggar and Ricarla Borgnine are full-time Divine Crusaders pilots and are involved with any number of their Earth-based operations. Meaning that these two pretty easily end up becoming supporting characters in Kusuha’s Super-route.

Incidentally, three out of the four of these characters being part of or otherwise affiliated with the Divine Crusaders is actually rather convenient in this instance. What with the DC pointedly NOT becoming bad guys in the Alpha-timeline. Meaning that they can all join the heroes with much less fuss.

Though I will say, figuring out what Yuuki and Carla in particular are supposed to actually… do apart from being two of the main representatives of this version of the Divine Crusaders is rather headscratching. It certainly doesn’t help that the OG-Series clearly ran out of ideas for those two pretty early. Like at least Tasuku and Leona have the Octo Squad (more on that later XD).

I mean, with the Shadow Mirror obviously not being a thing in Alpha, I can’t even give those two their Razangriff and Randriz machines. Meaning that they’re kinda stuck with at best custom Guarlions. Which might work for just their Alpha 1 appearances, but it going to start feeling pretty conspicuous in future games.

Honestly, I’m kinda stumped on what to do with Yuuki and Carla for this little (Hah!) idea. If anyone has ideas, feel free to chime in :D

Moving on to something I have much more ideas for, let’s talk about the unofficial fifth main character(s) of Alpha 1 and really the Alpha series as a whole:

Ryusei Date and the SRX Team.

Because yeah, I feel like the SRX Team could have their own pseudo-route in Alpha 1? Like the initial choice at the start of the game is between Kusuha and Ryoto, but the second route-split ends up being a three-way choice of whether to follow Kusuha, Ryoto or Ryusei. All in all, considering how Ryusei really wound up being basically the Deuteragonist of the Alpha series, it does feel appropriate to give the SRX Team some proper focus here. Plus, I’ve got IDEAS for them :D

For example; unlike originally, the SRX Team doesn’t initially start with the R-machines. Instead, similar to in Original Generations, Ryusei starts with the Wildraubitier, Rai starts with a Shutzwald, Aya starts with a Gespenst and Ingram starts with the Wildschwein. With the team upgrading to the R-machines proper about midway through the game not long before Ingram does his whole ‘I’m a traitor suckers!’ thing and fucks off, with the ‘Powered’ parts becoming available later on. Just like in the original Alpha, the SRX itself is a pretty late/endgame unlock, so I figure we can space out the team’s upgrades across the game. Plus we have the Wildschwein so Viletta has something to pilot if/when you unlock Levi/Mai to pilot the R-GUN.

Moving on to the ‘supporting cast’ of the Original Generation pilots in Alpha 1, let’s talk about Irmgard Kazahara. He’s still kind of a rival and kind of a dick for a good chunk of the game similar to how he was originally in Alpha 1. Specifically he’s tied to Kusuha’s story as a sorta-rival, a decision I am making mostly because I think it’s funny to imagine Irm kidnapping Bullet and trying to turn him against Kusuha and creating a weirdly homoerotic/bisexual love-triangle. Also, just like in the OG-Series, Irm mainlines the Grungust Type-1 as his mech, rather than getting the Huckebein, as that makes him feel more like a rival to Kusuha, being a fellow Grungust pilot. Though I don’t really feel like giving him the Grungust Kai at this point? Like he’s got to have SOMETHING to upgrade into in later games.

Ring Mao is also actually a fair bit more prominent in this version of Alpha, essentially being a semi-antagonistic pseudo-rival for Ryoto and Rio to parallel Irm in Kusuha's route. Particularly given how one or both of them is either working for or otherwise affiliated with Mao Industries, given that they’re the ones who built the Huckebein MK-II that Ryoto and Rio will be transporting at the start of the game. Likewise, she ends up potentially joining with the Huckebein EX by the end of the game.

Finally, we have the Masou Kishin characters that appeared in Alpha 1 with Masaki Andoh, Lune Zoldark and Shu Shirakawa. Honestly there’s not too much I would want to change, outside of maybe doing some more playing around with and exploring just what an awkward and WEIRD position Masaki is put into thanks to Alpha’s whole ‘Bian Zoldark and the Divine Crusaders DON’T become bad guys’ twist.

Because remember, in Alpha 1 just like in the ‘Classic’, and ‘Original Generation’ series’, Masaki returns to the surface from La Gias chasing Shu who had just recently killed Masaki’s mentor and adopted father. Now in both the Classic and OG timelines, Shu being one of the founders and leaders of the Divine Crusaders, who by this point had started their big World-Domination plan, just created a nice convenient ‘shared enemy’ reason for Masaki to joins the other heroes. But then in Alpha, the Divine Crusaders DON’T become bad guys, along with Shu.

I mean, Masaki shows up back on Earth, chasing the man who killed his mentor and father-figure, only to find that man is one of the leading figures working and fighting to defend Earth and humanity from like four different alien invasions and counting. Like that’s GOT to be weird. I mean it’s not like Masaki is going to join the bad guys who want to conquer/destroy humanity just so he can kill Shu.

In fact, I think this could actually create a fun little dynamic between the three MK characters in Alpha: What if Lune ends up being the first person Masaki meets and join up with after returning to Earth? Similar to other versions of her character, Lune is greatly motivated by the loss of her father, Bian Zoldark. Except rather than wanting to avenge her father, here Lune is driven to SAVE her father as he’s been kidnapped by the Zanscare/Jupiter Empire. And I think it’s easy to imagine Masaki, having just recently lost his own father, feeling compelled to tag along to help his new friend, as well as learning what’s going on.

Aaaanndd that just makes things as the more awkward when Masaki and Lune end up joining up with the Alpha Numbers, and discovers that the guy who killed his father happens to not only be one of the major allies working to defend humanity, but is also a close associate of the FATHER of his new friend and partner Lune, and is even likewise working to save said father as well!

Just feels like there is some fun potential there XD

Also, this is a gameplay bit but both Masaki’s and Shu’s familiars would be treated as subpilots for them. I dunno it always just bugs me that they aren’t.

Also-also, I feel like there should be a secret Bad Ending for the final stage where you lose/screw-up the fight against Euzeth in just such a way that Shu ends up breaking out the Neo Granzon and proceeds to utterly WASTE Euzeth and the Arrogaters. Only to then of course turn right around and wipe out YOUR team as well.

I feel like that could be fun XD

Alright, now that we’ve covered the Original Generation characters who were originally in Alpha 1, we can talk about the ones that WEREN’T in Alpha 1, but whom I’m backporting from the OG-Series anyway. Either because it feels appropriate to include them or just because I think it would be fun XD

First off, Katina Tarask and Russel Bergman. Because yeah, if we’re giving Tasuku and Leona their OG-Series characterizations, it only feels appropriate that we should include the full Octo Squad. Not to mention them being present gives a good reason to include some decent Gespenst representation in this version of Alpha. In this version of events, Katina and Russel were assigned as test-pilots for the Gespenst program, or rather Katina was the test-pilot and Russel is there to be her proverbial punching bag, and when the development facility comes under attack from the Aerrogaters, Katina and Russel deploy in the production-model Type-S and Type-R Gespensts to defend it. This actually references an off-hand line in the original Alpha that the Gespenst development facility got destroyed by an Aerrogater attack, which is the in-universe reason why the Gespents aren’t really a thing in the Alpha series. So Katina and Russel being around in this version of Alpha leads to said facility being at least somewhat defended/salvaged and the Gespensts still seeing some, if limited, development/production in the following games. Though Katina and Russel are still the two main Gespenst pilots once they join the Alpha Numbers.

Next, let’s talk about what might be a controversial inclusion:

One Latooni Subota.

For one, I feel like Latooni actually makes a lot of sense to include. As while she’s not technically an Alpha character, she’s very closely tied to multiple characters and plotlines that originated in the Alpha series. She’s a former member of the ‘Boosted Children’ super-solider program and was/is close friends with Alpha 2 Protags Arado and Seolla, and she also has ties to the SRX Team via her use of the Wildraubtier and her, er… friendship with Ryusei. So again, while she may not have originated in the Alpha series, I think Latooni can still be considered ‘part’ of the Alpha cast and plotlines. I do feel like her parents Giado and Garnet can be relegated to minor guest appearances, considering how they didn’t end up doing much in the OG-series either before they both retired.

However! While this Alpha-version of Latooni is close with the SRX Team and even good friends with Ryusei, she does NOT develop a crush on him that leads to a bullshit love triangle with Mai. Instead, Latooni gets focused on what I think we can all agree is the FAR more preferable direction/character for her, in the form of our next backported OG-series character:

Princess Shine Hausen.

Honestly, did you really expect me to NOT go with the yuri option? XD

Shine’s story in Alpha is a largely broad strokes version of how it played out in OG1, with most of the Original Generation-specific players/factions swapped out for more relevant Alpha-related ones (I think it’s VERY fun to imagine her being a classmate of Relena Peacecraft XD), with her being saved by and put under the protection of the Alpha Numbers and bodyguarded by Latooni, who she pretty quickly starts crushing one XD

Notably, rather than Divine Crusader Remnants (who again, aren’t evil in Alpha), Shine ends up later being kidnapped by the Zanscare/Jovian Empire of Victory Gundam. This ends up being relevant because those guys also captured Bian Zoldark in Alpha 1, meaning that have a reason to have access to the Valsion, therefore leading to Shine being brainwashed and plugged into a custom Valsion and thrown into battle against the heroes, only to be saved by Latooni. And Shine is also of course a potential secret guest unlock to appear in the final stage, piloting the Valsion Custom.

And you know, since we’re doing this remake with the benefit of hindsight, why don’t we just throw in one stage where the Alpha Numbers answer a distress signal to defend the still-under-construction Earth Cradle facility from an Arrogater attack? A stage which just so happens to include a guest pilot appearance from a mysterious silver-haired swordsman piloting a Grungust wielding a positively… Colossal Blade who deploys to absolutely SLAUGHTER the attackers. I think that could be fun XD

(Though to clarify, Sanger would be piloting the Grungust Type Zero rather than the Type-3. As that just makes a bit more sense, wouldn’t you say?)

And while we’re at it, why not have a different stage or two where you get guest appearances by a certain mysterious sunglasses-wearing pilot in a custom Red-and-Black Guarlion with a rather… overriding theme song? XD

Alright, now that we’ve covered the requisite Alpha Gaiden foreshadowing/fanservice, let’s talk about the last of the new playable Original Generation characters in this version of Alpha. Specifically, a character I think we can all agree we frankly SHOULD have gotten to see at some point in the Alpha series:

A playable Bian Zoldark in the Valsion.

I mean seriously, WHY did we not get this in the Alpha series originally? The Alpha games set up an alternate timeline where basically the original Fallen Hero Big Bad of both the first ‘Classic Timeline’ and the later retooled Original Generation series DIDN’T become a bad guy and remained one of the heroic forces for good in the setting… but we NEVER get him as a playable pilot or even SEE him in-mission?

Yeah, that’s bullshit and I would absolutely rectify that in this remake.

In this version of Alpha 1, Bian can absolutely show up during the final battle as a guest pilot in the Valsion. He also has Boss Stats and is one of, if not the most OP unit at your disposal.

Finally, going into any specific gameplay overhauls to Alpha 1, I would definitely want to make the secret unlocks a LOT less ‘mutually exclusive’. Like sure, it can be interesting to have to choose between two important unlocks, say; since there is probably only one Valsion at this point, maybe you have to choose between getting Princess Shine in the Valsion Custom or Bian Zoldark in the original Valsion as part of your guest reinforcements in the final stage.

But like, maybe don’t lock something like half the secrets in the game behind mutually exclusive route splits, you know?

By contrast, something that I think would be really fun to keep in some form in contrast to more recent SRW entries is how Alpha and other games of that time let you play around a bit with the ‘component units’ of the various combiner super robots, while still letting you deploy those robots in their combined forms so pre-mission unit selection wouldn’t be a nightmare. I just think it’s really cool when SRW does stuff like let you sortie Getter Robo or Dancougar and select the option that has them split into their component machines and fight a bit with those. Or letting any Gundams with Core-Block systems eject their core fighter if they’re destroyed. Heck, sense we’re including GaoGaiGar in this version of Alpha, why not have Cyborg Gai fighting on foot be playable? I’d kinda want to make him fight Alberto the Shockwave… XD

And sure, using the Squad System does make that mechanic a bit more complicated, especially with the four-mech squads we saw in Alpha 2 and 3. Obviously trying to rearrange squads of four in the field is going to be a LOT more complicated than the ‘Twin Battle’ system the OG-series used, but I think there are ways around it.

Say, maybe squads can’t be modified on the field, but can be on a battleship/carrier? Like any units that are currently loaded into the same ship can be rearranged into different squads before being redeployed? Which incidentally, would also be useful for consolidating squads that have lost units.

Also, speaking of the Squad System; I would DEFINITELY want to add the Maximum Break mechanic. Just sort of a mashup of how it worked in both Z3 and OG 2nd XD

So, that covers everything I wanted to discuss for Alpha 1. And we are currently at almost nine pages…

Well, I guess I’ll see you on the next post where I’ll be discussing remake ideas for Alpha Gaiden.

Yep, this is going to be a BIG one… XD

(Feel free to make any comments or add your own ideas. Or just question what the hell am I thinking putting multiple days of work (and counting) into this weird little project :D)

[briechyne]

Weirdly Motivated to Write

Well, I did say that I have a new keyboard—to correct my posture and not look like a pretzel while I work remotely. Small victories, right?

Now, let’s talk about motivation. Because for some reason, I am absolutely buzzing with it today. Is it because of my keyboard? Most likely. Is that weird? Probably. But hey, I never claimed to be normal.

See, besides being a full-time student, I also have a job. And that job? Writing. Creating. Capturing life in words, pictures, and fleeting moments of inspiration. Filming, writing, photography—these are the things that make me absolutely happy. And honestly? Life is just too beautiful not to share.

There’s something about having the right tools that makes everything feel different. You could give me the exact same blank document yesterday, and I wouldn’t have been nearly as eager to write as I am today. But now? With my new keyboard? I feel like I could churn out a whole novel, rewrite history, or at the very least, write an unnecessarily long blog post about why I feel like writing.

Maybe it’s the clickity-clackity. (Yes, that’s a technical term.) There’s just something deeply satisfying about hearing each keystroke, like a tiny round of applause with every word I type. It’s hypnotizing. Encouraging. Addictive, even. Without it, I don’t think I’d be half as motivated to write.

And that brings me to a very important question:

Could this mean my iPad will replace my laptop?

Ha! Not a chance. Never. Not in a million years.

As much as I love this setup, there are things my iPad just cannot do. And honestly, those things make a huge difference in my daily workflow. Don’t get me wrong—iPads are fantastic. They’re lightweight, portable, and perfect for quick notes, reading, or sketching. But when it comes to serious work? My Windows laptop remains irreplaceable.

Why My Windows Laptop Wins Every Time

Multitasking Like a Pro iPads have some multitasking capabilities, but let's be real—nothing beats having multiple windows open, side by side, without limitations. On my laptop, I can have a research paper in one window, my notes in another, a video playing on the side, and Spotify running in the background. Try doing that on an iPad without constantly swiping between apps. It’s just not the same.

File Management That Actually Makes Sense The Windows file system is superior. Hands down. Drag-and-drop functionality, proper file explorer, external drive support—it’s just easier. iPads, on the other hand, have a clunky file system that often makes me want to scream into the void. Copying files? Moving them? Finding them again? It takes way longer than it should.

Software Compatibility & Heavy-Duty Programs This one’s a dealbreaker. There are so many professional-grade applications that just don’t run on iPads. Things like:

Adobe Premiere Pro for serious video editing (iPad versions are limited)

Photoshop & Illustrator (yes, they have mobile versions, but they’re nowhere near as powerful)

Microsoft Excel with Macros (because let's be honest, the iPad version is lacking)

Programming software & full IDEs (if I ever decide to code, my iPad will just sit there, useless)

Mouse & Keyboard Freedom Yes, iPads can connect to a mouse and keyboard, but do they truly function like a laptop? Nope. There are still weird limitations. Right-clicking? Custom shortcuts? The precision of a real trackpad or external mouse? Windows just does it better. Period.

Downloading Anything Without Jumping Through Hoops iPads don’t let you download everything you want, especially if it’s outside the App Store. Need a program that isn’t on Apple’s list of approved software? Too bad. Meanwhile, on Windows? I can download whatever I want, whenever I want, however I want. No restrictions.

Serious Writing & Formatting Writing on an iPad is fine for quick drafts, but when it comes to formatting long documents, citations, and exporting files in different formats? My laptop is my best friend. Whether it's proper PDF editing, running reference managers like Zotero, or managing multiple Word documents with complex layouts, iPads just don’t cut it.

Gaming & Emulation Okay, maybe not work-related, but still important! iPads have mobile games, sure. But do they run full-fledged PC games? Nope. Can I use them for game modding? Nope. Can I play older games with emulators? Again, nope. My Windows laptop, on the other hand? Unlimited possibilities.

The Verdict?

As much as I love the convenience of my iPad + keyboard combo, it will never replace my laptop. Ever. My laptop is where the real magic happens—the deep work, the serious projects, the things that actually require a proper computer.

But will I still use my iPad for writing on the go? Absolutely. Because nothing beats the clickity-clackity joy of my new keyboard. And if that keeps me weirdly motivated to write, then hey—I’ll take it.

So if you ever see me typing away somewhere, looking ridiculously focused, just know—it’s not me. It’s the keyboard.

[vanitythevantropist]

Sooo, I redesigned my MLP OCs recently :3 I love my little colourful horses! (Even tho I don’t watch the show lmao-)

Characters featured (left-right, top-bottom): Clouded Eclipse, Pictor Soot, Pitaya Effervesce, Brisk Ocicat and Imagination.

Extra details about the characters featured:

-Cloudy: He/him, aroace, blind, dragon/unicorn hybrid, shy and often on the quieter side, a very good listener (Note; not sure what his cutie mark represents yet lmao- Feel free to offer ideas!)

Pictor: Transmasc (he/him), gay, paralysed from the waist down, can still fly but doesn’t often due to lower body being heavy, bit of a mischievous streak, currently dating Pitaya, cutie mark represents the Pictor constellation because he likes to paint and also because he’s an astronomer!

Pitaya: He/him, also gay, a very healthy boi, stupidly fit though he doesn’t show it often, very good flyer, runs a smoothie van (yes, there are cars in this world cuz it’s set in the future), very gentle and friendly, most definitely extroverted, cutie mark represents his job as an excellent smoothie maker! (Quote; “They have the soft texture of clouds”) (Also, my friend made me this design :3 I did change a few things but mostly kept him the same!)

Brisk: She/her, pansexual, very, very fast, very healthy girly, very shy and soft spoken, gets along with Cloudy very well, very good sportsmen-ship (if she loses, she loses🤷🏼‍♀️ She will gladly congratulate the winner about that, tho!), cutie mark represents her quick hooves, she works as a race pony and a coach (mostly a coach)

Ima: She/her, lesbian af, very near sighted (hence the glasses), woodland unicorn (a custom species of unicorn! Their manes are long and kinda leaf-like. Feel free to make one of your own and tag me, I’d love to see them!!), on the quieter side but certainly isn’t shy, very confident, will absolutely commit murder if it means protecting those she loves, huuugge book worm, cutie mark represents her job as a glass painter

I love them all, I really do🥰 Feel free to ask about them or directly ask them questions! (Specify who you’re asking, you may do this with all my OCs! I welcome it!)