#and Forever smiled in a very fond ''that's good; this is a good kid; I'm glad he's standing up for his family'' way

[royalarchivist]

It's been six months since Forever called Phil "Philza senpai" and got a (virtual) kiss.

[alastor-simp]

Special Guest🎙🎵 - Alastor x Singer Reader

Whoosh!~ A cool breeze was blowing, giving you goosebumps. Your body was sitting on the railing of your bedroom porch. Just one more inch and you would tumble down. You were gazing at the sky, admiring the crimson red and the black stared orb. Peaceful moments like this were relaxing to you, despite the mast amount of pollution in the air. Heaving a sigh, you continued to gaze at the stars, humming out a song. That humming eventually turned into lyric, and you sang them outloud to yourself:

🎵If you weren't born with it You can buy a couple ornaments Just be sure to read the warning, kids 'Cause pretty soon you'll be bored of it Sexual, hey girl if you wanna feel sexual You can always call up a professional They stick pins in you like a vegetable

Kids forever, kids forever Baby soft skin turns into leather Don't be dramatic it's only some plastic No one will love you if you're unattractive

Oh Mrs. Potato Head tell me Is it true that pain is beauty? Does a new face come with a warranty? Will a pretty face make it better? Oh Mr. Potato Head tell me How did you afford her surgery? Do you swear you'll stay forever Even if her face don't stay together Even if her face don't stay together...🎵

(Song/Lyrics Credit - "Mrs Potato Head" - Melanie Martinez)

As you continued to belt out the lyrics, an ominous shadow appeared behind you, watching you. Soon your song drew to an end. A sound of clapping hands appeared from behind you, making you yelp it fright. Turning your head back, you realized it was Alastor. He was smiling widely like a kid in a candy store. "Bravo, my dear!! What an amazing voice you have!" His feet carried him over to you, standing very close to the railing where you sat. Blushing, you casted your head down: "I'm not that good Al." Hands were placed on your face, pulling it back towards Al. "Don't be harsh on yourself, my dear! That was the best performance I have ever listened to! Why have you been hiding this secret from me?" Alastors hands continued to pinch your cheeks, his crimson eyes gazing at you with excitement. Pushing him back a bit, to leave your cheeks alone, you turned back towards the view. "I always had a fondness for music growing up. It was quite a shock to me when I realized that I could sing. I honestly suspected to sound like nails on a chalkboard when I first tried it out." Chuckling to yourself, you looked back at Al, who was laughing along with you at your explanation. "I imagined later on in my life I would make a career out of it, but I just never got around to doing it."

Alastor continued to gaze at your melancholic expression. He admired how passionate you were about singing. He himself adore music and he could sing as well. It pained him a bit that you never got to pursue your dreams. Leaning his body down, crossing his arms on the railing, he gazed at you, eyes flashing crimson. "Well I must say my dear, I'm already an instant fan! I wouldn't mind you showing off your talent during one of my broadcasts!" Almost falling off the railing in shock, you caught yourself. HE WANTED YOU TO SING DURING HIS RADIO BROADCASTS!!! "Y-you joking right?" Waiting for him to admit that he was joking. He laughed outloud. "Yes Indeedy! The wayward souls in hell would enjoy it very much, including myself!" His words were sincere, no distrust was spewing from his mouth. Twirling your hair with your finger, you looked down. "O-okay, if its alright with you." Alastor jumped back into his normal height, and wrapped his arm around your back, giving you a brief hug. "Excellent my dear! My broadcast starts at 11:00 AM, on the dot! Try to give some thought on what song you wish to perform. See you tomorrow, darling!" He was practically beaming, when he was talking to you. He soon disappeared, melding into a shadow.

It took you a bit to figure out what just happened. Alastor really wanted you to sing at his radio tower. You knew how much he valued his radio broadcasts, so you knew you needed to prepare yourself. Last thing you wanted was ruining the broadcast and upsetting Al. After that interaction with Al, you searched for what song you wanted to sing. Memorizing the lyrics and singing some parts out, making sure your vocal cords could handle it. You went to bed that night, nervous and excited for tomorrow.

**Tomorrow Morning, at 10:50 AM**

Sitting on a chair, you gazed around, taking in every little detail. Both you and Al were inside his radio tower, attached to the hotel. It was a cozy little studio. There was a giant window, looking down at the city. There was a desk and chair adorned with dear horns. A large stag head was mounted on the wall. On top of the large desk, was a set of microphones and buttons. Alastor was pressing a bunch of buttons, making sure everything was set for today's show. It still felt like a dream that you were in this situation right now. Maybe Alastor is a bit of a softie behind that evil radio demon status he holds. Settling down in his chair, he set his microphone cane in front of him, and adjusting yours at the same time. "Its showtime!" he says, smiling like the joker.

"Salutations! Ladies and Gentleman. What a good day to be on the air!" he started his introduction, causing you to smile. "Today's broadcast is a very special one indeed! Today I have a very talented sinner performing for all you people listening in! Allow me to introduce, Y/N!" His hand extended to you, like he was in a play. An applause soundtrack played as well. "U-um Hello everyone!" you stuttered in your speech, mentally cursing yourself for doing so. "HAHAHA! They are a little shy, but don't be fooled. They have a voice so incredible it will knock your socks off! Ready, my dear?" His eyes glanced over to you, making sure you were ok to start. Nodding yes, you took a deep breath, attempting to calm your nerves. Then you started to sing.

(Credit to Annapantsu. Check out her covers. Shes amazing!!!)

🎵Birds flying high You know how I feel Sun in the sky You know how I feel Breeze driftin' on by You know how I feel

It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life For me And I'm feeling good I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea You know how I feel River running free You know how I feel Blossom on a tree You know how I feel

It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life For me And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don't you know Butterflies all havin' fun, you know what I mean Sleep in peace when day is done, that's what I mean And this old world is a new world And a bold world For me For me

Stars when you shine You know how I feel Scent of the pine You know how I feel Oh, freedom is mine And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life

It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life It's a new life For me

And I'm feeling good I'm feeling good I feel so good I feel so good🎵

During your whole performance, Alastor was staring at you in shock. Your voice was heavenly!!! Not only did you sound spectacular, but you were singing his favorite genre of music, JAZZ!! Oh how delightful!!! Catching him staring at you, you gave a small wink. Radio screech! His heart starting beating out of his chest at your little action. Getting back into singing, you failed to notice the slight pink in his cheeks after you did that. Soon your performance came to end. "I hope you all enjoyed it." You said into the mic. Looking back at Alastor, you noticed he look slightly off. He was staring at you like a deer in headlights literally. Waving your hand in his face managed to alert him. "Heavens! What an amazing performance that was! Encore! Encore!" His radio staff began to play another applause, causing you to blush. "We will be right back! In the meantime, please enjoy this incredible song, Lets Misbehave by Irving Aaronson!" Alastor pressed a button, letting the song play, and also pressed another to mute his and your mic.

He didn't say a word after he did that. Oh no, did you mess up? He didn't appear upset when you were singing. Your thoughts were interrupted when a set of strong hands grabbed you. It took you a moment to realize that Alastor had brought you into a hug, a tight one at that. "Astonishing performance my dear! You did such an amazing job!!" His arms continued to squeeze you, rocking you back in forth in excitement. Giggling at his actions you returned his hug. The hug lasted longer then you suspected, especially knowing Alastors physical contact condition. "Um Al? You can let go now." Jumping at that, Alastor released you. "Y-yes my dear! Apologies! I had gotten overexcited!" You told him it was fine. Straightening his suit and fixing his hair, he looked back at you again. "Given that adorable smile on your face, I take it you are very satisfied as well!"

Smiling you nodded: "I admit I was very nervous in the beginning, but those feelings went away the minute I started singing. Thank you Alastor!" His eyes were tender, looking back at you. One of his hands grabbed yours, giving it a squeeze. "I'm glad my dear! Would you be opposed to becoming a part of my business? I would very much like to have you as partner during my shows! I can also put in a good word for Mimzy to have you perform at her club! What do you think?" His enthusiasm was exploding like fireworks, it was honestly adorable how giddy he was. Not even wasting a second to think, you squeezed his hand back. "Seems like we got a deal, Alastor!"

~END~

Tagging:

@pepperycookie , @yourdoorisunlocked, @ghostdoodlen , @aceofcards0-0 , @jyoongim , @saturnhas82moons , @unholycheesesnack, @luujjvi, @forbidden-sunlight , @pinkcrystal44 , @veethewriter , @rains-sleeping , @danveration , @demoarah , @cookiekyo , @iiotic , @delectableworm , @91062854-ka , @alastorsgoldie

[fourmoony]

hi, I just wanted to let you know that reading your writing brings me so much comfort and joy. Today, I found out that the person I’ve liked for the longest time has a girlfriend, and it’s been hard to say the least. It also didn’t help that I read an unrequited love blurb featuring remus as soon as I got home 😭 I was just wondering if you’d be willing to write something where the reader assumes that remus doesn’t like her because he seems aloof, but is actually just nervous because he likes her so much. I am so appreciative of you and your beautiful work, as always 🤍

this made me tear up. your words are so kind, and are the push i needed this week to keep writing <3 never in a million years did i think anyone would think this about my writing. thank you.

i'm sorry to hear about your crush; unrequited love is a tricky and heavy feeling. i have no doubt you'll find your person, though. as someone who's had my fair share of heartache, i promise, it won't hurt forever. my friends think i'm crazy because my advice is always to just let it hurt. but one day you'll wake up and you'll have run out of hurt. and you won't even remember what you saw in them, anymore. sending love.

P.S. i suck at writing shy remus so this is more like silent, unreadable remus. idk i'm tired. hope this is okay!

---

remus lupin x f!reader - masterlist 1.2k words

cw - implied self esteem issues, smoking, drinking

Remus' thumping steps carry up the staircase only seconds after you call on him. You're facing the mirror when he arrives in the doorway, hair clasped to the side in one hand, and the other reaching aimlessly for the zip half way down the back of your dress. His eyes find yours over your shoulder in the reflection, a fond smile passing over his features when he steps through the threshold into your room.

"You look lovely." He comments, voice warm and smooth in the way that it always is.

Warm Remus, smooth Remus, so fond and kind, feels like home and everything familiar. His fingers are warm as he tugs gently at the zip, one hand placed on your shoulder for leverage. His touch is gentle, like he's afraid he might break you, and it lingers for only a moment when he's done. You swallow around the lump of want in your throat, the want for it to have lasted longer, the want for him to touch you and have it mean something. It doesn't do any good to want. Because you can't have, and you've had to deal with becoming okay with that fact.

"Thanks, Rem."

He nods, lips curled in on themselves like he wants to say something, a look in his eyes you've never been able to read. He says nothing, and he retreats with the promise to wait on you with the others in the living room. Remus does that a lot - refrains from the things he wants to say, stops himself short. You wish he wouldn't.

You're always wishing, wishing, wishing.

He keeps true to his word. Remus is waiting in the living room with Sirius, James, and a rather flustered looking Frank when you descend the staircase. It's only now you realise how lovely Remus looks in his suit. Partly because of how Sirius is wearing his - like he had a fight with it and lost. Remus stands when you appear, as if on instinct, and takes a step forwards. You smile, eyes catching on Frank who's looking at the clock like it's stealing time from before his very eyes. You suppose, in a way, it is.

"You okay?" You feel the need to ask, hint of a smile playing on your lips.

Frank looks alarmed by your question, a grimace on his face, "She's going to be there, isn't she? She's not going to, like, do a runner? Have you spoke to her today?"

James huffs a laugh, pats Frank on the shoulder rather heavily. The whiskey in his crystal tumbler splashes over the side and onto the rug. "Last I heard, Mary and Marlene had her pinned down in the make up chair, she tried, but they wouldn't let her."

Sirius barks a laugh. Frank scowls. He knows you're kidding. Alice Fortescue has been absolutely smitten for Frank Longbottom since she was thirteen. There's absolutely nothing that could stop her from walking down that aisle, today. Frank knows that as well as you do.

"Not helping." James decides, passes Frank a cigarette.

He mumbles something about not wanting to smoke inside and makes for the door. Remus gives James and Remus a pointed look, "Better make sure he doesn't do a runner, yeah?"

They're quick out the door like they actually believe Frank would ever do something like that. The only place he'd ever run to is Alice. And she'd have his balls for seeing her in her wedding dress before the ceremony. Remus gives you a familiar smile, a knowing smile, a smile he saves for you and you only. It feels like he's in on something you aren't when he smiles like that. Heat crawls up your neck, flowers wrap their way around you rib cage.

"You scrub up well, you know." Is all you manage to say, rather breathless.

Remus rolls his eyes, "I try."

A minute of amused silence, Remus passes you the glass of wine in his hand. The glass is warm from being in his clutch, but you drink from it anyway.

"I thought after the catering disaster this wedding wasn't going to happen." Remus admits, looking out of the living room window at where Frank paces the length of the front path, working his way through his second cigarette. Alice will have your head for allowing such a thing.

You hum a disagreement, eyes roaming Remus' face, it's so soft, so beautifully shaped. You've no idea why he hates his scars so much. They only outline his best qualities. The one over the bridge of his perfectly sloped nose, the one under his beautiful amber eyes, the one along his sharp cheekbones, and your favourite one: the one across his cupids bow, defining his soft, pink lips. It's a shame, really, that Remus Lupin thinks so little of himself. You'd give him the world should he only ask.

"I think nothing can stop a love like that," You murmur, soft and quiet, voice thick with something, "Not even a shoddy caterer."

Remus' eyes leave the front garden, meet with yours in a way that always makes heat explode in your chest. He's too much to look at, sometimes. It physically hurts.

"You always have such a positive outlook on life."

You laugh, shoulders shrugging, "Suppose it's habit."

"From?"

"Keeping you miserable lot from giving up all together?" You offer, smiling over the rim of your wine glass.

Remus laughs, genuine and unashamed. "Tell you what, at our wedding, I promise to be the one keeping everything together, how about that?"

He seems to flinch after that, like he's physically pained by the words coming out of his mouth. You flinch, too. The flowers around your rib cage wilt and pull tighter all in one go, a frown pulling at your lips.

"I wasn't aware we were getting married."

Remus smiles like he's in pain, "Yeah, well, step one would actually be asking you on a date, but I'm a right twat who's mucked all that up."

There's something self deprecating about him. You don't like it. Remus Lupin deserves the world. You'll give him the world. You didn't think he wanted that from you, though. But you smile, gentle and sweet in a way you hope he'll like. It feels like something shifts. Maybe the stars begin to write a story about you both. Maybe the sun stops it's rotation just for a second to watch you both.

The wedding car pulls up outside and Remus, seemingly eager to back away from the situation he's created, slams his own drink down on the table and makes for the door.

"Remus," You call after him, he turns, "I'd marry you."

You offer him a lopsided smile. His eyes search your face for any sign of a joke. He finds none. You hope he understands what you mean.

"How about a date first?" He asks.

You release a breath, a laugh, a smile. It feels like you're floating.

"Sure, yeah. That first."

The front door swings open and Sirius barges his way past Remus, panicked and disheveled, "I've lost the fucking rings!"

Remus sighs, hand in his pocket, hands Sirius the red velvet box, "Here."

You're laughing all the way down the path, shoulder brushing Remus', the start of something new.

[manicpixiefelix]

head, heart, hand. {Felix Catton/Reader/Oliver Quick}

Part 18.

Summary: Love as seen in the stars, in the flowers that bloom, in your best friend's eyes, and in the taste of him on Oliver's tongue as you catch him in the bathtub. Summer continues at Saltburn.

{ masterpost }

Need to Know: They/Them. Explicitly NB Reader. FWB!Reader/Felix. Reader is from a well off family but has pretty much been adopted by the Cattons.

Warnings: SMUT; vouyerism, dom!reader, handjob, bathwater as lube, cumming almost untouched, pervert/enabler dynamics. I cannot stress to you enough that both the reader and Oliver are COMPLETE AND UTTER FREAKS ABOUT FELIX in the bathtub scene.

A/N: 6670 words. this chapter is very special to me for a lot of reasons, but mainly because there have been several scenes that i've been writing for a while now that have all found their forever home in this chapter. if you have any feedback or thoughts about this chapter or the story so far, i'd always love to hear them! also something something bath water something ;o)

TAGLIST IN COMMENTS!! // TAGLIST ALWAYS OPEN ! (just message or comment to be added)

----

Things were easier to navigate now that you understood Oliver. Or at least you thought you understood. Less fucking around with Farleigh and Venetia in Oliver's peripheries; when you put yourself on display, it was as an extension of Felix. If Felix had noticed the change, he hadn't commented on it. Considering how much effort you put in making him feel good and moan like a whore for Oliver's benefit, he probably appreciated it.

Things with Oliver himself were getting better by the day too, it seemed. More and more he was reaching out for you again. Sitting too close, sharing your space, seeking you out when his time wasn't filled with Felix. There's less tension too, on the nights you share in the lilac study. Oliver's been through the book you'd given him on the Estate, and has moved on to picking out books he'd found on your bookshelf, it seemed. You, having quickly identified the flower he'd mentioned as the honeysuckle, native to Australia, had also moved on to books from your Summer reading list for your upcoming year at Oxford. As the first week of Summer is coming to an end, it seems as though Oliver had finally settled in at Saltburn.

"Do you miss your room?" Oliver asks one evening. Without even looking up from your own book, you give a fond laugh, shaking your head.

"It was more just a formality half the time," you tell him with an easy smile, "a place to keep my stuff." Looking at him beside you on the sofa, you see he understands the implications, the holidays you and the others have reminisced about, the trysts masquerading as something much more innocent that you would share with them all when you were at the Estate. There's nothing judgemental in his eyes, there never was when it came to Oliver, "why?"

"It all just feels very much like you in there," he offers, gaze wandering as he speaks, "Felix's room feels very You-And-Felix, and I get bits of him in your room too, but it feels much more you." You're actually rather surprised by how well you understand what he means, "like up on your roof you've got these little stars. They glow. I didn't notice them the first few nights."

Your smile widens, all bright and warm, and you close your book.

"Do you want to have a sleepover, Ollie?" You ask with a childish kind of glee. The offer seems to take Oliver by surprise, but you lean forwards, "like an actual sleepover, like we're kids again."

"You still do just sleepovers?" Seems to escape Oliver without him quite meaning it to, and for a moment your expression does falter a little.

"Yeah," you can't help but feel a little self conscious, "promise I'm not trying to seduce your or anything," then, shifting your legs from him you shuffle back to sit cross-legged on the sofa, "we actually do them kind of a lot, or, well, I do. I think Farleigh and Ven have a few and I know when they get tipsy Ven and Fi have had a few. Sometimes after events when we were teenagers we'd all head back to one of our rooms and end up all passed in the same bed trying to fit in like sardines, all four of us."

"That's very cute," Oliver says softly after a long moment of silence, and when you finally meet his gaze again, he's smiling.

"Yeah," you grin once more, "we were."

Which is how you ended up back in Oliver's room, back in your old bed, looking up at the canvas that made up your ceiling, stretched across the full length of the room, rigged and taught, littered with a constellation of glowing stars. Oliver, laying still beside you, asks about it, and you have to explain that there was no way in hell you would ever be allowed to mark the actual roof of any room in the Saltburn Estate. Which he realises makes a lot of sense once you say it out loud.

"But you should see Felix's ceiling, it's much more impressive," you tell him softly, not even aware how your smile was coming through even in your words. Oliver, bedside you, was simply quiet as he gazed at the glowing dots, "haven't you ever looked up at the ceiling in Fi's room?"

"Not properly," Oliver admitted quietly, and the silence lapses out between you both for several contented seconds, "did you two do this?"

"I did," you said proudly, "and this is just from what I had left over."

"What do you mean?"

"About this time, uh," you considered for a long while, trying to remember the full context of the stars that littered both yours and Felix's ceilings, "seven years ago I think, Felix pretended to have gotten really into astronomy as an excuse to always be out of bed, out on his balcony at night."

"But... he wasn't really?" Oliver's head shifted on his pillow to look at you and your amused smile. You shook your head.

"He picked up smoking from Venetia, she was bribing him with cigarettes to hide both her own habit and the fact that she gave it to him."

Oliver shifts beside you on the bed, no longer content with looking at the stars you'd placed there, interested, it seemed, only in watching you.

"How old was Felix?" He's looking at you, clearly listening and invested, but he seems distracted by something.

"Fourteen," you sighed, "Ven was fifteen, which really isn't much better -"

"And how old were you when you picked the habit up from Felix?" Oliver asks with the faintest, knowing quirk of his lips. Embarrassed about how well he seemed to know you, your whole face scrunched up momentarily, "fourteen?" Oliver teased when you refused to answer, grin widening as you squeezed your eyes shut. Still, he went on, "so when you say Felix pretended to get into astrology seven years ago to hide his smoking habit, you mean you and Felix pretended to get into astrology seven years ago?" And this is when you feel Oliver's gentle fingertips touch your flustered face. His fingertips beginning to glide so gracefully along your features, as you relaxed into a simple, embarrassed smile.

You really weren't trying to do anything untoward with him tonight, you weren't lying about that. Still, you wouldn't rebuff any kind of gentle affection he had to offer.

"Well, yeah," you admitted, and Oliver makes a noise for you to continue as he seemed to be wanting to map each delicate feature on your face through touch alone, "but Fi ended up really getting into it. Went through this whole big astronomy phase that year - I say that year; he still really into it - but back then, it was..." you closed your eyes, letting yourself be immersed in the memory of how excited Felix had been. Felix was always a beautiful sight to behold when he was passionate.

"Little Felix," Oliver mused fondly, "bet he was desperate to be an astronaut." Oliver touches you like you're porcelain, so delicate and precious, his fingertips skimming your cheeks and brushing your eyelashes.

"Actually," you laughed a little, though not unkindly, at the memory. Opening your eyes, you turn just enough to be looking at Oliver, to catch the adoring look in his eyes as his hand stilled, now simply holding your cheek, "he wanted to be the guy who got to give speeches about the stars and planets and the universe every day at the planetarium," you recounted, "and become a Doctor of Astronomy so he could make the videos they play in the room with the domed roof that you get to lay back and watch in the dark," you grinned, "but also then he could still be the guy who gave the speeches, but he'd get to answer questions about his own movie about the universe as well." After a moment of silence, Oliver smiles so widely and genuinely; you know he can see it so clearly, "he'd be so good at it, wouldn't he?"

"He'd be cute," Oliver agreed softly, fondly.

"So for his fifteenth birthday, I spent weeks designing and figuring out how to rig this piece of canvas across his whole roof, since I couldn't paint or mark his ceiling, what with this being a heritage building," you explained, proud little smile on your face, "and I asked my nan about all these paints and fancy pigments and stuff that would last and would glow in the dark, because nan's a painter and she's always had this gift with like, making her paintings look like they glow," you turned to Oliver, expression so adoring, "but Fi turned fifteen while we were at boarding school, so the very next break we had, I convinced him to spend the first week visiting Farleigh and his aunt in America, while I was back here, spending night and day on this. I had the whole canvas stained navy, and nan even stayed here for a few days to help me with painting it all perfectly and making sure all my paints would do exactly what I wanted them to, and we painted this canvas-ceiling I'd set up for him to look like his favourite starscape at the London Planetarium." Giving a loud, contented sigh, you added almost as an afterthought, "there's probably a bunch of the print outs of references I used somewhere in the study; the Planetarium people were so lovely."

"Is that why Felix is doing a physics degree?" Oliver practically gasped like it was a revelation; right, you forgot Felix rarely bothered to explain anything about his academics to anyone. When you confirmed as much, Oliver seems somehow more shocked, "I never got the impression that he thought much of uni." It's... not an incorrect observation to have made about at least half of Felix's academic career.

"He gets weird about it, about talking about it and stuff, thinks he sounds like a nerd," you agree after a moment, with a fond laugh, "he's got this weird mind for physics and anything really related to space and stars and astronomy, but he'd rather complain about the electives that he takes despite knowing he'll hate them."

"Then why does he take them?"

"A lot of them are actually my core subjects," finally you admit, a little abashed, "he knows I'm not as fond of my course as he is of his, so he takes them out of solidarity and complains the whole time." You're pretty sure Oliver can hear the sickeningly sweet undercurrent of I love him, I love him, I love him in your tone, but you can't help it. Neither of you have much more to say on the matter, but you think you know what Oliver's thinking. Something about favouritism, about best friends, about how he's pretty sure that Felix Catton wouldn't do that for anyone else.

And he'd be right.

"Hey Ollie?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I move closer?"

"'course," his voice is warm and soft and before you even move he's coaxing you closer to him, arm around you, letting you rest your head on his chest.

"Thanks for letting me sleep over," you yawned, but the affection in your voice was sincere. A chuckle rumbles through Oliver's chest, and he presses a kiss to the top of your head.

"Thank you for suggesting it."

Oliver's warmth is familiar and foreign all at once. How is it that you could have missed someone so much despite only having spent one night beside him.

However the following morning, over breakfast, Elspeth gives you a reminder about an upcoming event that you'd been trying desperately not to think about.

"Y/N, darling, I just thought I'd remind you about the Arts Collective dinner we'll be hosting in a few days," her voice is carefully neutral as she brings it up. You freeze, "Duncan needs to finalise the numbers today so the kitchen can start figuring out what we need to order. We'll be gathering in the fairy garden for drinks and canapes beforehand." What she's really trying to ask is if you'll be in attendance considering your mother's name is on the guest list. Before you can properly answer, however, she turns to Farleigh and asks if he's still intending on joining the garden portion of the gathering.

"As usual, I will I'll indeed be showing my face for wine and cheese," he says, though his smile is tight, "at my mother's behest."

"I'll be taking dinner in my study that night," you force a smile at Elspeth, and she gives you the same kind of look that was so often directed towards Pamela. Pity. Sympathy. You poor, dear, thing, I understand. In a moment, however, she brightens once more and asks if Oliver would like to join the pre-dinner gathering, or if he'd simply like to attend dinner, dismissively assuming that both of her own children would be forgoing the garden themselves - she'd be right.

You can feel Felix looking at you as you return your focus to your breakfast, but you remain uncharacteristically stoic for the rest of the meal. As your plate is taken away, you try to shake your negativity, looking up and around as you ask if any of the others have plans for the day. Swimming, reading, lounging around; leisure, as always. But you feel as though you'll get lost in your own head if you don't do something with yourself today.

So instead, you find something suitable to garden in, and spend a good deal of the day in your garden, uprooting all of the purple pincushions in preparation. It's satisfying to be working with your hands, satisfying to be ripping the flowerless stalks up by the roots and disposing of them in a bucket to later be composted. You'd brought your iPod and little speaker and make a day of it in the garden, waiving the staff off who offer to help, only asking them what the garden needed that day.

You till the soil you'd just disturbed, mixing fertiliser in in preparation for the plants due to be arriving in a day or two, and water the rest of the plants in both rings. You take great care, admiring each flower in bloom, and even the more utilitarian ivy that curled across the latticed archway of an entrance.

Some of the staff members bring you food and water throughout the day, and for each one that does, you invite them to stop and sit and talk for any time they had spare. All seem surprised by the invite, and even moreso when you seem to know them by name, and how eager you are to ask them about themselves. They also all seem grateful to get off their feet for a few minutes.

Duncan sits very awkwardly opposite you at the picnic table. He does not touch the food he has brought you, even as you push it to the middle of the table, as an offering. Duncan does not ask questions. Duncan has never much liked speaking unless spoken to. But still, you know he's more than willing to refuse a request for company such as the one you'd made, so you take the kindness for what it is. He watches you down the bottle of water he'd also brought like your life depended on it.

"How long has it been since you last applied any sunscreen?" He does finally broach the surprisingly comfortable silence. He'd provided you with a tube of the stuff as you'd announced your intentions to spend the day gardening, and now it sat at the other end of the picnic table with the gardening tools. You promise to reapply after you'd finished your lunch, but smile at him warmly. He gives one of his awkward smiles back, and asks if you need a hat, which you decline.

"Your mother has confirmed that she will be in attendance with the Arts' Collective," he says, and you go still, "what would you like to be brought for dinner that evening?" The confirmation stings, but you know this is Duncan's way of showing he cares about you. You get to pick your own dinner, unlike most other nights, and he won't subject you to the cruel anticipation of wondering just whether your mother really would or would not be in the same house as you.

Trying your best to smile, you let him know that you'll think about it, and get back to him tonight. With a faint nod, Duncan stands smoothly, and leaves the garden once more. He'd always been good to you, in his own way.

By mid-afternoon, you've done all you can, and head back to the house to soak, and perhaps even have a sulk about the upcoming event, in the tub until you had to get ready for dinner.

Except Felix doesn't even knock before he bursts into the bathroom, already in his suit with a bottle of champagne in his hand. He's practically radiating joy as he informs you that he and the others had managed to get their hands on several bottles of champagne and are going to hit the tennis courts before dinner.

Black tie tennis and getting absolutely shitfaced sounded great right about now. You were already feeling pretty recovered from the day seeing as you'd spent over an hour in the bath already, so much to Felix's delight, you agree to join them with a delighted grin. From somewhere behind him, Venetia also orders you to wear something flashy.

"If you're in a black suit too I swear I'm going to scream!"

Which is how you end up in your bright red suit pants with the red, silk paisley embroidery, and matching suit vest, buttoned up, with nothing beneath it. It's also the kind of thing you can move in, throw yourself around in, which is perfect for how the five of you play tennis.

Champagne bottle in one hand, tennis racket in the other, the sunset paints you all a joyful gold. Swapping in and out on all sides to play even games, you find yourself forgetting everything that had been weighting you down, instead drowning in your friends laughter. So often your gaze is caught by Oliver and Felix, cheering, drinking, playing. Love swells in your chest at the sight.

You all share giggles over dinner, and while Elspeth and James and Pamela can all clearly tell that you're all already drunk, the way the five of you are all grinning softens their exasperation.

After, not wanting this rather fantastic evening to end, you end up on one of the many balconies or patios, you're not sure which, sharing a sofa and several cigarettes, and the last of a bottle of champagne with Felix. He's got his head in your lap, pointing out constellations, but all you can see is him, the stars shining in his eyes and wide, excited smile he always got when he was rambling about something he was passionate about. Good how you loved his passion; you wished Oliver were here to see him like this. Of course Oliver loves him, and of course he's desperate for Felix to love him back; to be loved by Felix was -

"You're thinking about Ollie, aren't you?" Felix's voice breaks through your thoughts, and you can see he's grinning up at you, nothing but affection in his eyes.

"I'm thinking about you," you corrected, carding your fingers through his hair.

"You're always thinking about me," he says it so easily, so dismissively, throwing the idea away despite how vain it would sound if it weren't rather true, still he takes on a teasing tone, "you get this look about you when you think about Ollie," he reaches up and pokes your cheek.

"He loves you," you give a contented sigh after a moment, expression turning soft, of course he does, how could he not? But that's also kind of a given.

"And you," Felix's jabbing finger turns to a gentle hand holding your face, "that's why we're being absolute sluts, isn't it? Trying to get him to make a move?" And you laugh, loud and bright, in agreement. But then, after a moment, there's a change in Felix, something in his eyes. It's not jealousy, but it's more serious than before.

"Fi?" Your voice is soft, and he smiles at you, overwhelmingly adoring.

"I've been getting to watch you fall in love," he said gently, incredulously, "how weird is that?" Something tightens in your chest.

"Again," you correct. Felix gives you a vaguely confused look, but you can't help but shake your head at your beautiful fool of a best friend, "you get to see me fall in love again, Felix." You roll your eyes, but as he's hit with the implications of your words hit him, a beautiful flush works its way up his cheeks. He actually has to cover his face with his hands, embarrassment and joy lighting up his expression.

"You're so sappy," he crows, "you are so fucking sappy!" You practically cackle with glee draping yourself over him, onto his chest, the two of you awkwardly wrapped up in each other on this little sofa. As your laughter dies down, you give a faint hum.

"But he's not your competition, for the record, he never really was -"

"I'm not jealous! I've told you that!" Felix insists, "I thought I made that clear!"

"You have, Fi," you laughed, "but what I'm saying is... well, he knows I love you both, and he loves me, but he's not -" ever going to love me the way he loves you, God, you can't say that. It takes the last bit of self restraint you have to bite that back, shifting to get a little more comfortable, you reach out and stroke Felix's hair.

"Fi, I have spent months watching him fall so in love with you, the way I often hope, or," you laughed a little self conciously, "feared, the rest of the world would," and slowly Felix uncovers his face, those big, brown eyes of his full of all kinds of hope and affection, "he was never your competition, Fi, he's mine," you joked.

"Oh," the flush on his cheeks only grows steadily darker, and the faint exclamation comes out as more of a breathless gasp, "Ollie's your competition for..." He grins sheepishly, like he just wants to hear you say it.

"You, Fi," you tell him with an affectionate grin, but for it up with a nonchalant shrug and teasing smirk, "though competition implies that either of us would make you choose."

You would never let him know the full truth. You'd let him believe wholeheartedly that while you both loved Oliver, he reciprocated that wholeheartedly. Which was... mostly true. True enough that it kept Felix happy and you happy enough.

Yes, Oliver loves Felix, and therefore loves you by extension. Only you knew how sharp that distinction really was.

But you realised Felix was right; he was watching you fall in love with Oliver, and you too had been watching him fall for the boy as well, even if it did seem to be a slower process than it had been with you. You reasoned that Felix had far more reason to be cautious with his heart, especially with men. The first and last boy you'd seen him fall in love with broke his fucking heart at Saltburn, you knew part of him was terrified for history to repeat itself. But clearly he couldn't stop himself from falling in the end.

It was a waiting game now, either Oliver makes a real move and proves his love and loyalty to Felix, or Felix makes a real move and proves to Oliver that his affections are entirely, overwhelmingly genuine. So you'd be the proxy when you had to be, something a little safer for them both while they built up the courage.

Though you're not above stressing this tension that's building between them. The bend before the break, how far it would go before it snaps and you can all stop dancing around this thing that you all clearly want.

And an opportunity arises in the days that follow.

Saltburn creaks it's own kind of melody, it always has. You've become used it, learned the ebb and flow of the house and it's noises, the way it settles itself as it cools from the Summer afternoon heat. You know which door is shutting in the rooms adjacent to yours and Felix's just by the sound of the latches alone, and you know all too well which floorboards squeak along the halls you frequent.

On Felix's balcony, winding down for the day with a book as he takes a bath before bed, you don't hear the creak of the little hall between Oliver's room and the bathroom. The blinds are drawn over the bathroom window, but you catch a faint bit of movement in the mostly dark hall and give pause in your reading.

You could barely make out the arch of a shoulder through the break in the blinds, but you could tell that beautiful, bathing Felix had himself a captive audience. Part of you wondered if it was by chance or by choice, if Oliver was watching or simply listening, and if Felix knew either way. He'd have to; there's no way Oliver was adept enough at moving through Saltburn silently that Felix hadn't heard that awful floorboard that creaked right before the bathroom door.

Oh there was purpose to this, you were sure. Felix knew the feeling of Oliver's gaze upon him, the want he so callously toyed with, seeing it in Oliver's eyes all too often. All the world's a stage for Felix Catton, you just wonder what kind of reaction he's trying to pull from tonight's audience. Settling back in with your book, all you can do is wait.

When you hear the water start to drain from the tub, you still take your time, give them both time for anything to occur, before you feel a sense of disappointment or defeat in your heart.

"Can I come in and brush my teeth yet?" You knock loudly at his door and hear Felix laugh on the other side.

"Since when do you knock?" Wrapped in his robe and sitting on the edge of the bathtub, Felix is drying his hair with his towel as you come in. Before you can answer, he follows it up with, "since when did you care if I was in the bath for that sort of thing?"

"It's called respecting your privacy, Fi," you tell him, swanning past him to get to your toothbrush. You do give pause, however, stopping in front of him, and he lowers the towel, as if in anticipation. For a moment you lift his chin, loving the way he grins in almost sappy anticipation, and you give him a quick peck on the lips before you're moving on again and he's back to getting the water from around the edges of his face and ears.

Oliver, who'd watched the whole exchange after slinking into the bathroom from the opposite door, looks quickly at himself in the mirror as you join him in collecting your toothbrush.

"Do you want me to start respecting your privacy?" There's half a joke in Felix's voice, since it's a strange sentiment for you both, especially at Saltburn. Oliver's gaze flicks to you, then to Felix in the mirror.

"If I needed privacy I know you'd respect it," toothpaste on your brush, you leave Oliver's side of the bathroom to join Felix, the two of you having devolved from a real conversation, into some kind of silly, mock-conversations entirely consisting of eyebrow movements, and trying not to choke on your laughter as you brushed your teeth.

Oliver was watching, of course, Oliver was always watching, but you kept noticing the way he'd glance at the bathtub as it continued to drain between the three of you, stealing focus. There was tension in his shoulders, in his gaze, in the way he held himself. Never turning away from the sink - you'd bet he was hard. Oblivious Felix - at least that's how he appeared - was doing nothing but the most mundane bathroom task, which still wasn't able to help Oliver's current state with the way he was glowing, content and beautiful in the steamy bathroom, hair still slick and curling and clinging to his beautiful face.

You watch Oliver swallow hard in the mirror, but then his gaze meets yours. In this moment you don't do anything, you barely acknowledge what you saw, but you see the rapid way he starts to blink as he looks away, as if hoping he'd imagined the look in your eyes.

You finish brushing your teeth in silence after that, only stopping to wish Oliver good night after Felix does, the two of you closing your door to the bathroom.

"I'm going to finish my chapter then I'll be right with you," you tell Felix with a warm smile, picking up your book on the balcony as he yawned loud and wide. He tells you there's no rush, that he'll be out in only a few minutes. True to his word, after a long day, his deep breathing starts to take over not too long after the lights go out.

Except for the one in the bathroom. Just as you'd expected.

You turn out the lamp on the balcony, and move quietly through the darkness. Yes, you know the way Saltburn creaks and moans, know how to make yourself known, or how to slip through the shadows like you're made of them. The old house is well maintained, the hinges on doors don't creak if you move them right, you can slip into the role of observer with ease if you know how.

Behind you, you close the door almost all the way, making sure the latch sits flush with the door for privacy without it's click of proper closing giving you away.

The water is still draining from the tub, Felix's water, and Oliver there along with it. The running water echoes through the old pipes, but not loud enough to cover the lewd noises you hear from the bathtub. The slurping, the moaning, the grateful sighs of contentment to be afforded this moment of perversion.

You let him have his moment. Then you let the door click shut.

Immediately Oliver sits up, panic on his face; he looks like he wants to say something, to explain himself, say anything, but he can't seem to find the words. It's like he was expecting Felix. Or even if he was expecting you, he was expecting judgement. When you remain quiet, remain observant, you watch his panic fade to something wary.

Why? You knew exactly what he was doing, why are you just standing there, watching him? You can see the questions in his eyes, and feel your heart rate pick up. Slowly, you move towards him. Slowly, you let yourself smile.

Oliver sits back in the tub, never taking his eyes off of you, the way you stalk around the space, predator and captured prey, caught red handed. Your fingers trail the lip of the tub, graceful, threatening, until you get to him, his shoulders pressed against the porcelain. His expression is taut, defiant, ready to push back against any kind of mockery or blackmail attempts, you assume.

No, you want him to relish this moment.

You curl your fingers in his hair, leaning down by the edge of the bathtub to make sure he finally sees how pleased you are by this development. The moment he realises, you can see his thinly veiled panic turn to a conflicted kind of desire. But you don't give him another moment before you crash your lips to his, wasting no time, licking at his lips to deepen the kiss, to taste Felix on his tongue.

And you climb into the bath with him, sitting on your knees between his spread legs, mouth on his like you're desperate to devour each other. Oliver is pressed against the edge of the bath, one arm along the edge, the other braced beside him, his mind still catching up to the moment even as he gasps into your mouth.

You break the kiss, the faintest hiss from your kiss-bruised lips being all he needs as a reminder to be quiet. Everything about him has changed, has become needy, pupils so shiny and dark with lust you could lose yourself in him. Instead, you let go of his hair, taking his jaw in a forceful grip, tilting his head to the side roughly, fingernails digging into his cheek. But his eyes flutter closed, choked kind of whimper escaping him, half muffled behind your hand over him mouth as you carefully angle his head back a little further.

He'd indulged himself in Felix's bath water, pressed himself into it, tried to lose himself in it, and the remnants of those moments of extasy clung so delicately to his skin. You take your time, kissing delicate drops of Felix's water from Oliver's beautiful features like a lover, temple to cheekbones down to his jaw. When you finally relax your grip on him, his head tilts enough for him to meet your gaze. Oliver is yours, totally and completely at your mercy. Good. Once his gaze moves to your mouth, to the pleased, hungry smile you wore, he couldn't look away.

With your hand trailing down his body, teasing against his ribs and belly until your nimble fingers find their way beneath the elastic of his pyjama pants, he tries to meet you in the middle, tries to kiss you, but that's not how this game goes.

The hand you'd been using to brace yourself over him pressed against his chest, pressing him back against the porcelain, and you go with him, your cheek pressed to his, lips by his ear, his heavy breathing, desperate panting in your own. The hand on his chest finds his necklace, entangling two fingers in it until it became tight enough that you could feel the hard way he swallowed when you finally wrapped your hand around his achingly hard cock.

"Good boy," you purred into his ear as you worked your hand up and down his cock, already leaking precum into his boxers. Oliver bites down on your shoulder to muffle his moan, and you have to fight to keep your own whimper quiet. The two of you find a rhythm, panting echoing in each other's ears and Oliver's hips rocking to meet your hand each time.

When you move away, Oliver looks momentarily despairing - no, please, don't stop! - in his eyes, but you reassure him with a languid kiss as you ease his pyjama pants down enough to properly free his cock. Now, when you sit back on your heels, he watches you with a dark kind of want in his eyes. Like a cornered animal, unsure of what to expect, but full of anticipation nonetheless; he watches you reach behind yourself to the drain, to the last remnants of Felix's bathwater still clinging to the metal and porcelain. You gather as much of the liquid as you can across your fingers, palms pressing into the mostly diminished puddles.

You can see it when Oliver realises what you're doing, the way his eyes transfixed on your hand as you wrap it around him. Already slick with his own precum, your hand glides with the remnants of Felix's water. Oliver's head drops back against the edge of the tub, mouth open and desperate and gasping, his eyes closed. God he's gorgeous like this.

He coaxes you up to him this time, and you let him, press yourself to him, rocking gently along with the movements of your hand and his hips, close enough to fucking to tease you both. For all this was about Oliver, every part of you felt alive and on fire with need, and seeing him like this, getting him into this state and knowing how he looked at you, how much he wanted you in this moment, it was doing things for you. Fantastic things.

When he gets close, he wraps an arm around you, hand holding the back of your head in a far firmer grip than you'd been anticipating. But there's a thrill about it, about how he holds you so tightly, his lips by your ear as you obligingly speed up to meet the frantic pace of his hips.

"Felix~" he keens, a desperate whimper in your ear amid dizzying, gasping breathes, hot against your neck. And again, Felix's name pulled from Oliver's lips like a desperate prayer for only you to hear. Something about hearing it tips you over the edge, and you realise how close you are in this moment. All it takes is you making the faintest whine, a noise of encouragement -

"Felix, please," Oliver gasps, and your breath catches as you see stars behind your eyes. You barely feel it when Oliver sinks his teeth into your shoulder once more, his orgasm hitting mere moments after yours, cumming all over your hand and his stomach. Finally, Oliver lets you go, eyes wide as you lean back with the widest, satisfied smile. There's blood on his lips, watching you with this unreadable expression as you sit back on your heels again.

Your head's still spinning, endorphins pulsing through your blood alongside the adrenaline.

Neither of you move for a long moment, still sizing each other up it seemed, at least until you raised your hand. Oliver all over you. You won't be the one to back down; his eyes meet yours and you smile, all satisfied and wolfish as you slowly lick your fingers clean. He's transfixed again, watching the way you lap him up.

No-one's ever looked at you like that, like they're desperate for you to devour every inch of them. But the moment can't last, not outside of your memories at least.

You leave in silence, just as you'd arrived, leaving Oliver alone in the bathtub, watching you like he can't quite be sure it wasn't all a dream. You hope he dreams about this, about your blood on his tongue and Felix's name on his lips.

Except you reach for the door handle only to realise it's cracked ajar. Its closed over, door almost flush and closed, but not quite. Huh. You could have sworn... But you shrug off the thought, slipping back into your room and making sure to shut the door properly behind you.

Pyjama pants and underwear both damp for several reasons, you pull them off and quickly toss them into the laundry hamper. At this moment, you can't bring yourself to bother with anything more than a new pair of underwear before you're crawling into bed beside Felix. Who's on his side.

Huh.

Felix never sleeps on his side because it messes with his shoulders. He's also still, like he's holding his breath. When you curl an arm over him, cool hand resting on his chest, you can feel his racing heartbeat. Finally, his breath comes stuttering out. Pressing yourself up against him, you hum faintly, hand drifting lower, teasingly. You rest your hand low on his belly, between the gorgeous, defined lines of his hips, but refusing beneath his waistband. There comes a faint huff from Felix, but it's indecipherable; he's still on edge, clearly having realised that you'd connected all the dots.

When you speak it's practically a moan, voice low but sharp in his ear as you let your fingers dip lower. What a night it will be to remember, spent keeping your boys happy.

"Fi, you fucking pervert."

[glow-worms-are-believers]

Meltdown meet-cute (dp x dc)

Steph was cold and hungry. Which honestly, was pretty par for the course for a stakeout. At her side Cass was standing as still as the gargoyle up in Bristol, and had been unmoving for what felt like forever. Cass really was just inhumanely good. Letting out a fond huff, Steph turned back towards their current target for the night.

They had chased a tip that the warehouse was a base of operation for some human trafficking ring that was coming through Gotham. Now it was only a matter of timing the guards and casing the place to make the take-down quick and efficient. Though with Cass here, that was almost a given.

"How was ballet?" Steph asked as they waited for the new people to come in.

"Good," Cass answered and it sounded like she was smiling behind her mask.

"I'm so hyped for your next recital," the blond said. "Maybe they'll let you do Laurencia variation you showed me last time."

"Not yet," the other girl answered fondly. "More practice."

Then, before Steph could answer, Cass spoke up again. "Look."

One of the man had looked at his watch and was turning to the other guard. Time was almost up, then.

"Showtime," Steph said as she let a smile stretch on her face.

Simultaneously, both girls jumped off their perch and fell towards the warehouse. Grapple-guns made noises and the drop wasn't high enough that they couldn't just roll off the impact, so that was what they did. Getting back to their feet, they silently crept towards the eastern front of the building where the blueprints had shown there would be a high-placed window for aeration (thank you, Oracle).

Steph dangled down as she broke the latch open, as Cass kept a lookout. Silently both vigilantes slipped in and landed softly on the ceiling metal beams. There were big crates piled up beneath them, but none big enough to contain human beings. Then, Cass nudged her and Steph turned to see those long metal shipping container.

Bingo.

Still up in the rafters, the two quietly moved towards the two big metal boxes. Making sure no guard was around, the two vigilantes dropped down and broke the lock swiftly. They started opening the doors with the things being rusted enough to make a noise Steph winced at. Finally, they got it open, only to be met by an empty container, with zip-ties littering the bottom of the box.

Had someone beaten them to the rescue or had the people been moved?

The two bats exchanged a glance before Steph nodded towards the other container as Cass nodded. They both moved to the other box and made quick work of the lock and the door, and this time they could make out one form in the very back of the container, seemingly glowing slightly green. Maybe some guard with a conscience had slipped in a glow stick in to ward off the complete darkness.

"Hello," Steph started. "My name's Spoiler and this is my friend Black Bat. We're here to help."

As she talked she and Cass walked closer and pulled out their low-level flashlight, casting a little light around. They could now make out what seemed like the frame of a small person, possibly a kid.

"Can you hear me?" Steph said as she inched forward.

With still no response, she took the chance to put a hand on the person's shoulder and gently guiding them into turning around. As the person came into view, Steph couldn't hold in a gasp.

It was a young girl, looking around 13-14 years old, but the truly horrifying thing was that where her legs should be, there was only a puddle of fluorescent green goop.

"Please," the girl begged as she turned imploring blue eyes on Steph. "Help me."

[fili-urzudel]

Hii! Congrats on 50 followers!!! 💜 for the prompts list thing, could you do like. Any of them with Pippin? also the forehead touch prompt is so cute please I can’t 😭

I don't often have ideas for Pippin, so this was a treat to write! Just for everyone to know, I'm not answering requests in order. This just happened to be the quickest one to write. Since I had my pick of prompts, I decided to do one I didn't think would get much attention. I hope you like it!

10. Piggyback Rides

Warnings: Very brief insecurity

Word Count: 0.7k

Burden - Peregrin Took

Boromir had been your friend ever since he had helped you become a member of the King's—or the Steward's, you supposed—Guard. His perseverance paid off, as you were now one of the most capable guards and most loyal to him. You were honored to be asked to accompany him to the meeting in Rivendell.

That was where you first met the Hobbits. Your first impression was that, well, they were awfully small. You could tell that Boromir shared your concern for their safety. It was difficult to not view them as children, and you wondered how on earth you were going to keep the poor little lads safe when so many things threatened you all. So you resolved to do anything you could to keep them up on their strength and their fighting prowess.

You had an especially soft spot for Peregrin, or Pippin, as he called himself. He was the youngest of the group, and you couldn't help but be especially fond of him and his antics. Gandalf always rolled his eyes when you shot him looks for his poor treatment of the kid, but he always eased up afterward. You supposed that was part of the reason he kept quiet on this particular occasion.

The others, however, did not.

"It's unwise to expend your energy in such a way, mellon nin," Legolas pointed out as you once again readjusted Pippin as he rode on your back.

"Aye, he's right," Gimli agreed. "He's got his own legs, y'know."

"He's tired," you argued. "We've been sword training. Not to mention, his legs are much shorter than ours, you can't expect him to keep up without a little extra help."

"The others seem to be getting on just fine," Aragorn pointed out, but his smile betrayed his thoughts on the matter.

"Well, I'll carry the others as well, if they want," you said stubbornly.

"I'll carry two and you carry two," Boromir said, chuckling but clearly serious.

"That's alright," Frodo interjected.

"I wouldn't be opposed," Merry commented, and Sam bumped him with his elbow. "It's not necessary, though."

You thought it was strange how quiet Pip was on the matter. He was quite the chatterbox, most of the time. Perhaps he was just embarrassed.

"He's fallen asleep," Boromir leaned over to whisper to you, a smile clear in his voice.

"Aw," you cooed, now extra careful to avoid jostling him more than necessary.

"You cannae do that forever, lass," Gimli warned you.

"Ah, but each time I do, I get a little stronger, so perhaps one day I can," you suggested brightly.

"It's a good thing I've practiced for this," you said with glee, teeth chattering as the fellowship traversed the treacherous mountain pass. You and Boromir had stayed true to your word, and Aragorn had joined your little pact. You carried Pippin still, Aragorn carrying Sam and Frodo, one on each arm, and Boromir holding onto Merry.

"You can put me down as soon as you're able," Pippin said suddenly. "You must be getting tired, and I—I can make it on my own."

"Nonsense, little one," you said, the cold making it hard to hold a smile, however much you wanted to. "I could carry you to the ends of the earth under one arm."

"I just don't want to burden you."

You tilted your head down, finding a temporary respite from the wind by setting your forehead against his. "You could never burden me, Pippin.

"I'm just trying to help you do the great things I know you can do." You weren't quite sure what those things were yet, but if there was one thing you learned growing up, it was that a little encouragement never hurt anyone. "But if you want to walk by yourself, I'll set you down as soon as the snow is shallow enough. Unless you have the elven secret to floating atop it?"

Pippin laughed, his wind-bitten cheeks a frosty red. "Not yet, but I'll try to figure it out."

[haystarlight]

I stared at this picture for a little too long and wrote this:

"Mom says I have to go back to school soon," Luz lamented, like she was giving them some terrible news. She laid down on the grass, next to her girlfriend, feeling the warm sunlight on her tan skin.

"Yeah, that makes sense; I couldn't go in your place forever," reasoned Vee, who was on her basilisk form, laying on her stomach and playing with a leaf she'd found on the ground. "I'm gonna have to lend you my notes, you have a lot of homework to catch up on."

All 6 kids were hanging out on the front yard of the abandoned house taking a little break from all the research they had been doing trying to build a portal. Being on an isolated location rarely visited by unknown humans allowed them the freedom to uncover their ears, let out their Palismen and use magic as they pleased. It was a very comfortable place.

Amity noticed her girlfriend's bad mood and closed the book she was reading to look at her.

"Maybe we can come with you?" she suggested, on an attempt to cheer Luz up.

"Oh, oh!" Gus exclaimed, jumping up and down on the tree branch he had climbed. The others worried that he would fall, but they knew they could catch him if he did. "We can attend human classes and learn like you did at Hexside! I can take notes and show the kids from the H.A.S. when we get back!"

"Aww, that's really sweet, you guys," smiled Luz, endeared by the image. "but I don't think that's a good idea."

"Aaww, why not?" Gus pouted.

"Well, for starters, none of you have birth certificates or any legal documents to get enrolled."

"And?"

"And you guys still don't know a lot about humans, you're probably going to blow your cover."

"And?"

"And human school is actually really horrible and boring," Luz frowned, fighting back old memories of bullying and bad grades and rude teachers.

"I honestly really like human school," said Vee "it's fun!"

"You're insane," whispered Luz, though it was clear that she was joking.

"Guys, I'm actually with Luz on this one," Hunter said. He was sitting cross-legged under Gus's tree, idly petting Flapjack.

"Who are you and what have you done with our Hunter?" Gus leaned down to glare daggers at his older friend.

Hunter laughed. "But seriously, going to human school is quite risky and we need to stay focused on building the portal!"

"Come on, Hunter!" argued Amity "I thought you of all witches would've jumped at the chance to study and learn new things."

"Not saying I don't want to, I'm saying it's a bad idea," Hunter got defensive "you're with me; right, Willow?"

Willow, who had been laying at Amity's side and looking away from them this whole time, didn't respond.

"Willow?" Hunter asked again.

This time, Willow turned around and let out the biggest, loudest, ugliest snore ever. The girls, especially Amity, looked disgusted while Gus laughed. Hunter, meanwhile, stared at her open-mouthed like this was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

"That explains why she hasn't talked for like, 20 minutes," said Gus, still laughing.

"Shhhh!! Don't wake her!" Hunter shushed him "let her sleep, she needs it."

"You're kidding, right? She's the one always keeping us awake with her ungodly noises," Amity rolled her eyes as she said this.

" 'Sides, Willow can sleep through pretty much anything," added Luz.

Vee suddenly smiled maniacally. "Let's test that theory."

She took her leaf and started tickling Willow's face with it.

While Vee kept at it, the other 3 observed with quiet giggles. Hunter rolled his eyes, a little annoyance, a little fondness. Honestly, if it had been anyone else, he probably would've been onboard with the joke but his soft spot for Willow made it difficult to make fun of her.

He sighed, hopeless. She was just so adorable and delicate and beautiful. He watched her, still snoring and drooling and kicking Amity in her sleep a little bit. The sunlight reflected on her glasses in the most perfect way and he suddenly wanted to keep this moment with him and commit it to memory.

That's when he remembered that Willow's (originally Camila's) camera was still in her bag and, without really thinking, he took it and snapped a picture of this absolutely wonderful image.

Unfortunately, the flash from the camera attracted attention from the rest of the group. They all stared at him strangely, making his face and ears go a deep shade of red.

"What was that?" asked Luz, though her smile implied she already knew.

"I-I j-just..." he stuttered, scrambling for a good answer "I w-wanted to capture the moment cause... it seemed like it'd make a good picture because... uh..." he sighed, defeated "she just looked so cute."

"Cute?" Amity laughed "are you sure? that starfish creature next to me?"

That made Hunter's face even redder. "I think it's actually weirdly endearing!"

The other 4 laughed and Gus especially shaked his head in disbelief. Love really did make you blind and deaf. If what he'd seen from Luz, Amity, Hunter and Willow was any indication, he feared the day he would find the love of his life, for that would be the day he'd forever lose all his braincells.

Not long after that, Willow stirred awake. She stretched her arms, took off her glasses to rub her eyes and groaned.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty!" said Luz, cheerfully.

"Did you have a nice nap?" asked Vee, dropping the leaf.

"Yeah," Willow smiled, still a little sleepy.

"Oh! Willow, look!" Luz called her attention, quickly grabbing the photograph from Hunter's grasp and handing it to his crush.

Willow looked at the picture, pleasantly surprised.

"Aww, what a nice photo! It's a really cute and fun moment and the light is hitting my face just right!"

Hunter felt an odd mix of embarrassment from her seeing the picture and pride from her liking it. Willow was really passionate about photography, not to mention the most amazing witch he knew, so the compliment meant a lot.

"This is really good, who took it?" she looked at the 2 boys, because it was obvious none of the girls had done it.

Hunter avoided eye contact and fidgeted with Flapjack's feathers shyly while Gus got a shit-eating grin on his little face.

"Hunter took it!"

Hunter looked up at his younger friend, feeling betrayed.

"Wow, Hunter!" Willow smiled at him "I didn't know you were such a good photographer."

Hunter was blushing much more happily now. He allowed himself to return her smile, showing off his tooth gap.

"I learned from the best," he miraculously managed to say without fainting.

[matchajoon]

Someeeething comforting Jinnie like he is tired but can't sleep because he keeps overthinking a situation or fight with someone else and reader comforts him and sings him to sleep

Maybe even the morning after where he realises how he might be in love or something ❤️‍🩹

i’d hold you as the water rushes in (현진 x gn!reader)

pairing: hwang hyunjin x gn!reader. genre: angst, hurt/comfort, fluff. warnings/commentary: 1.7k. angst is apparently my new thing slay we love being traumatised. hyunjin being cyberbullied (i don't know the entire extent irl but I'm hoping that he can't see any of the stuff i've seen on tl). jinnie is a cry baby. we love a vulnerable baby in this house. reader is obviously pining but jinnie doesn't know that. mention of the other members but no direct interaction. never proof read - i got possessed writing so i can't explain shit. my writing is never a real portrayal of any of the members of skz. directory

It was two in the morning and Hyunjin could still see the cruel Bubble messages he was constantly spammed with behind his eyelids when he closed his eyes. It had been over two years of the consistent barrage of messages and although he was also flooded with support and love from Stays, sometimes it weighed too heavily on his mind.

The specific targeted hatred made nausea sour his stomach and although he could ignore the way these messages made him feel for the most part, it had been building and building in his mind for a while now.

Hyunjin wasn’t always good at compartmentalising and given the expectations surrounding Bubble and those interactions with Stays, it was difficult to separate the feeling surrounding the cruel messages from the kind. He knew obviously they were worlds apart, but the bad experience had soured the interaction as a whole for him.

Hyunjin had given up on sleeping so far, his mind far too busy despite the tiredness that kept him in his bed. Well, that wasn’t the only thing keeping him snuggled beneath the covers, despite his inability to succumb to sleep - you were currently burrowed into his side, your breath soft and slow against his neck.

You were Hyunjin’s best friend (obviously not inclusive of his members) but your relationship was very different from the one he had with the rest of the Kids. He wasn’t entirely sure if your relationship was the most platonic one but he wouldn’t change it for anything, the comfort and love the two of you shared was like no other and the way he missed you when he or you were away was something desperate. He found such comfort in your very presence, from the way you smiled at him, the way you smelled when you wrapped your arms around him and the way you laughed, you were imprinted on his memory forever more. The love Hyunjin had for you was deep and sometimes he wasn’t sure how platonic but all that mattered was that at the end of the day, you were in his arms and he was in yours.

He had attempted multiple times to express how you made him feel within his paintings, the colours, the strokes and the time he put into them varying but each time he just felt that he couldn’t quite get the feeling and the depth of it on the paper. You showered Hyunjin with compliments no matter what he did, he knew you would always support him in his endeavours but the fondness and pride in your eyes when you looked upon his paintings for you was unparalleled, whether you could see the emotions he was trying to convey or not.

“-Mmmm, Jinnie? Are you still awake?” Hyunjin jumped, pulled from his thoughts by your voice, thick with sleep but curious. He glanced down to look at you, guilt staining his features at the idea that he’d woken you. You must have been able to make out his expression, as he saw your brows pull together in the darkness and you reached for the nightlight, pulling slightly away from him as you did. The sheer panic that filled him at you pulling from his side made Hyunjin bite down on his tongue, his hands curling into fists and then the room was flooded with warm light.

You peered over at him, eyes wide and confused as you took in Hyunjin’s state. You were still soft with sleep, your eyes a little unfocused still and you seemed to be still taking everything in. You must have been able to make out the tears beginning to fill his eyes as your face pinched with worry, your mouth forming his name and that sad, upside down smile you did made the tears begin to drip down his cheeks.

“Oh Jinnie- honey- c’mere, come, come come.” You made grabby hands motions, your fingers tugging when they came in contact with his t-shirt and you drew him to you, warm and solid as he buried his face into your shoulder. The sob that shuddered through him was more violent than he’d anticipated, your fingers coming up to press against his spine as you shushed quietly in his ear.

“Shh, shh, shh- it's okay Jinnie baby- oh honey. I’m here. I’m here- I’m not going anywhere.” Your other hand came up, snaking through the hair at the back of his neck to run over his scalp, nails scratching gently as Hyunjin wept hot tears into your top.

“Oh, my Jinnie. We’re okay. You’re okay. Do I need to call someone?” You whispered, your fingers not stopping in their soothing but Hyunjin could feel you were a little tense against him, the worry in your voice beginning to take on a panicked note.

“No- no. Just need you. -’M sorry. I’m so sorry.” You shushed him again, very gently and he felt some of the tension leave you as you relaxed back, taking him with you as you settled back into the pillows. He moved his head, shifting his face to hide in your neck and you cupped his jaw briefly, fingers soft before you buried your face in his hair, arms tightening around him with a strength that almost surprised him.

“Mmm, my Jinnie is so strong. You are such a strong baby boy, so so strong and I’m so proud of you. Always, always. Everything you do is wonderful and you are so talented and you work so hard and I miss you more than anything or anyone when you’re not around. I want to protect you from everything but I know you need to do things yourself, but you shouldn’t have to. I wish I could take all the pain and the sadness and the cruelty away, more than anything my Jinnie.” The surge of warmth and love that filled Hyunjin was stifling and he shook with another sob as he processed your words, turning his face up to look at you, his eyes wet with tears and his mouth a swollen pout.

“I love you so much Jinnie. More than I can bear sometimes. Seeing you like this, I will never stop loving and protecting you, as much as I can and as best I can.” Hyunjin clutched at you, his knuckles white as he tried his best to crush the two of you together so you were just a single, perfect being.

“You’re so much more honey. So much more than anyone knows or thinks. I promise. You can sleep- I’m here and I’ll protect you from everything. I promise Jinnie, I promise.” He nodded into your skin, the tears in his eyes beginning to grow lighter and the exhaustion coupled with the heaving sobs was becoming too much. Your fingers had begun tracing against his spine and as he allowed sleep to begin to tug him under, he could hear you beginning to hum a familiar song. His song for Kkomi. His heart, or where he thought his heart was twisted in his chest and suddenly the exhaustion of it all was more than he could fight back.

“Love you more than anyone.” Hyunjin mumbled, turning his face back to hide in your neck and he felt you smile, your chin coming to rest on the top of his head.

“Night night Jinnie. I’ll be here when you wake up.” You whispered, fingers smoothing over the pinch of his brows with a quiet tut.

“Promise?” The pleading tone didn’t go unheard and you wanted desperately to pull him closer still, hold him so tightly the two of you shattered.

“Promise. Now sleep.” And finally, Hyunjin could shut his eyes. None of the messages blinked back at him when he did and lulled by you resuming humming ‘miss you,’ he curled into both your embrace and that of sleep.

The midday sun had won the war with the curtains, light splashing across Hyunjin’s face and he whined, scrunching his nose as he shifted to escape the sunlight. He didn’t get very far as he found himself practically laying on top of you as he wriggled and you let out a quiet grumble at being disturbed, although you shifted to allow him to wriggle into your arms.

Your features were highlighted in the sun and as he looked down at you, the urge to paint you immediately possessed him. You were beautiful always but especially now, bathed in morning sunlight and unaware of the world around you and he loved you, so much. The depth of that love scorched through him, making him sit up very straight as he came to the realisation quite suddenly that he loved you. Like, love love. Not just how he loved his members or his parents.

“I love you.” He said out loud, tasting the words and the intensity of the feelings bursting with his chest, a feeling like when he was dancing or painting but different, more pinpointed and at the end of it all, you. Always you.

“I love you too Jinnie.” Your voice pulled him from his thoughts, snapping his attention to your face. Your eyes were opened, blinking in the sunlight and there was a confused little pinch between your brows, one that Hyunjin wanted desperately to kiss away.

“No, I love you. Like I wanna get married and run away together and live in a cottage by the sea with honeysuckle on the outside and fields of flowers all around. And we can make bread and the members can visit sometimes and maybe we-” You cut him off with a kiss to his cheek, one that brings him back out of his own head again. “I’m not kissing you properly till we’ve both brushed our teeth but- for what it's worth- I love you the same. I have for longer than I’d like to admit.” You smiled up at him, your eyes bright and it was all Hyunjin can do to stop himself from leaning in to kiss you for real. He bolted towards the bathroom instead, startling you but once you hear his teeth brushing, you let out a laugh, hurrying after him to do the same, both of you shaking with laughter.

When Hyunjin finally kisses you, or do you kiss him, it's sunlight and mint toothpaste and dreams of honeysuckle and the unknown of the future that you’d move together towards.

[deebris]

Melancholy

Kakashi Hatake x wife reader

Synopsis: You and Kakashi were never passionate, but you got married and developed an affection for each other. You had two children together and your life was peaceful. But a single winter night destroyed you two forever.

Warnings: trauma, misscariage, blood.

Words: 3.5k

Observation: part II here.

Kakashi Hatake is a good man. A skilled ninja, with an exemplary character and an admirable reputation. That was enough for you. You never demanded he be a loving husband, his calm and patient nature was already a huge comfort in your 9 years of marriage.

Many women weren't as lucky as you were. Some poor women suffered at the mercy of violent and cruel men. But few others were much luckier than you and were blessed with a marriage filled with passion and warmth.

You were fine with the way things were. You lived in squalor and Kakashi gave you a home, you had no dreams and he gave you purpose. He graced you with two wonderful children, and you repaid him by taking care of him and being a good wife. You never wanted to be a ninja, but in the midst of poverty this was the only thing that got you a little bit of money. He was a stoic man most of the time, and he wasn't a father who showed much affection with words either, but he had action. He was always there for you and the kids.

You two loved each other, that's for sure. It was impossible not to grow fond of someone like him after years of marriage. Coexistence created a bond between you. But it was never passion. Your relationship with him didn't take off because of passion, which never existed. To be clear, it just wasn't reciprocated. You were head over heels for the man, but he wasn't.

"I made dinner earlier today, I hope the food is to your liking." You said receiving him after hearing his voice announcing that he was home. You noticed the deep circles under his eyes, the day had obviously been exhausting. Being Hokage was difficult, there was a lot of responsibility in his hands. He had already mentioned to you his desire to pass the position on to someone else. Everything indicated that the next Hokage would be Naruto, the boy deserved it after everything he went through to get the title.

"Thank you. Your food is always good, don't worry." Little affirmations like that cheered you up, although you never let on too much contentment so as not to make him uncomfortable. Kakashi didn't handle affection well.

You immediately returned to the kitchen and placed a plate for him on the table. As soon as he finished taking off his shoes at the entrance, he went into the kitchen to wash his hands and sat down, waiting for you to sit down with him so he could start helping himself.

"Where are the boys?" He asked you, finally finding the silence in the house strange. The kids always jumped on him as soon as he walked through the door.

"Katsuo is feeling bad today. He had a bit of a fever, so I put him to bed to rest."

"Is that why you made dinner early?"

"Yes" You gave him a slight smile as you also sat down at the table and helped yourself along with Kakashi.

"But what about Kenji? Where is he?"

"Hinata took him, he and Boruto wanted to watch a TV show together tonight." You were a little nervous about revealing this to him, as you had forgotten to let him know that his son was going to his friend's house. When Hinata showed up at your door this afternoon to take Kenji away, you felt silly, but you let the boy go. You gave your word that he would go to their house. Kakashi was very worried about his children, always wanting to know what they were doing, where they were and who they were with. But it was Naruto and Hinata's house, everything was fine and you would deal with your husband later.

"I'm sorry for not letting you know, I just forgot to-"

"All good." He said it simply. Kakashi trusted Hinata, unfortunately he couldn't say the same about Naruto taking care of a child. It wasn't as if the son was in a stranger's house.

You and Kakashi were married shortly after the Ninja War in a simple ceremony. You met him in the preparations for battle. He found you a beautiful, intelligent and good-natured woman. You went out a few times and got closer. Coming from a very poor village with no family to go back to, you wanted to settle down in Konoha. And thanks to your contribution as a ninja, you were more than welcome. At first neither of you thought your dates could result in marriage, but you both saw that it would be a good thing. It was convenient.

You expressed your feelings to Kakashi after a while. He was sincere and said that he wasn't in love, but that he saw you as a good person, that he admired you, and that he wouldn't mind getting into a relationship with you. You should have been sad, but you felt hope. Maybe you could make him fall in love with you over time. But these days, you're pretty sure you never made it happen.

"Thanks for the meal." He told you as soon as he finished eating and put his plate in the sink. "I'm going to sleep now, I'll wait for you in the room."

"No need to wait up for me, you look tired." He looked you briefly in the eye and nodded as he walked up the stairs. Really a man of few words, you thought.

Kakashi checked on Katsuo when he got upstairs before going to bed. He placed his hand on the boy's forehead and saw that he had a very high temperature. His breathing was also hampered, making it take a lot of effort to pull air in and out of his lungs. He adjusted the blanket a little and smoothed the boy's hair, white like his and his younger brother's. Kakashi's genes were definitely dominant, but the eyes were still yours.

He turned his thoughts from his son to you. It was common for Kakashi to think about his wife during the day. He wondered how you were doing, maybe the boys were too much trouble. He was strict with his children when they threw a tantrum or disrespected you, he would not accept any kind of bad behavior from them towards you. Although you sometimes covered up their bad creations out of pity for their cute faces.

You are a good mother and a good wife.

When you finished cleaning the kitchen, you went to your shared room to sleep and finish the day. You opened the door carefully so as not to make any noise, figuring that Kakashi must be sleeping. You took a shower to remove the unpleasant onion smell from your body. You put on a satin nightgown and lay down on your side of the bed slowly so as not to wake your husband. But Kakashi moved as soon as you laid your head on the pillow. He hugged you from behind and buried his head in the crook of your neck.

"You smell good." He said after a few minutes in silence enjoying the new scent the floral soap gave you.

"Thanks." You said placing your hand on top of his which rested lazily on your belly. You didn't dare say or do anything more and just appreciated his rare gesture. It wasn't common for Kakashi to hug you, let alone hug you in your sleep, although he always said when he thought you were pretty on occasion. But on strenuous days, it was notorious that he got a little clingy on you at bedtime. Like a child clutching his teddy bear to ward off the fears of the night. He said nothing more than the brief comment about how good you smelled and drifted off to sleep.

You had been debating with yourself for a few days now about how you were going to tell Kakashi that you were pregnant for the third time. You have noticed your intense mood swings, becoming more emotionally sensitive. Nausea would come and go, and since your husband was working all day, it would be hard for him to notice any change in your behavior. You weren't gaining weight yet, but cravings for certain foods had already kicked in, plus your breasts were starting to feel sore and slightly larger.

You planned two children when you got married, a boy and a girl. Well, two boys came, but you two didn't care, because you were happy with the children you had. A third wouldn't be a problem for you, but maybe it would be for him. It was stupid to be afraid to say something like that, you two were an adult couple not teenage sweethearts. Now would have been a perfect time to tell if he wasn't so fatigued. A week from now it would be Katsuo's 8th birthday and you didn't want to take away your firstborn's special moment with the news of another child. So maybe it would be better to wait a little longer, then you would tell.

Katsuo was angry when he found out that you were pregnant with Kenji. He was only 3 years old at the time, how could a boy be so aware of his age as to be jealous of his parents? Pregnancy hormones made Katsuo's attitude hit you harder than it normally would. You were worried, imagining that he wouldn't accept his brother, but Kakashi assured you that afterwards he would be excited about the idea of ​​being a big brother. And he was absolutely right.

You couldn't sleep, it was already 2am and you just couldn't fall asleep. Then you can get up to check on your son who was sick in the next room. You thought your insomnia was related to worries about your newfound pregnancy, but as soon as you sat up in bed ready to get up, you felt warm liquid leak between your legs.

You lifted the hem of your nightgown to see a dark stain spread across your thighs and sheets. But how? You couldn't be menstruating, you were sure you were pregnant. Was it all psychological? You had all the symptoms. You weren't feeling any pain, it couldn't be a miscarriage, could it? You didn't really know how these things worked, or why they happened, but you were aware that before 3 months there was a risk. But there was no pain, it should hurt if it did, right?

You immediately burst into tears not understanding what was happening to your body and you shook your sleeping husband for help.

"What happened?" He carried himself drunk with sleep and worried at the desperate tone in your voice. His fears soon led him to think of Katsuo, who perhaps had deteriorated due to the bad situation he was in when Kakashi visited him in his room.

"Kakashi-" you stumbled over the words, not knowing what you were going to say. What needed to be said? What if it was just your time of the month coming up? But there was so much blood, and this had never happened to you. He didn't even know you were pregnant, how to throw all that at him at once?

Not knowing how to express yourself properly, you just turned on the bedside table lamp and showed him the stain. Kakashi saw it and froze in shock. The scene was unpleasant. You crying frantically and the red stain underneath you only made everything darker.

"What is wrong?"

"I-I…" You started moving your hands nervously gripping the dirty sheets, further staining your fingers with the sticky liquid.

He decided not to waste any more time. He gave up waiting for an explanation from you and took you to the bathroom. You wouldn't be able to say anything with the panic taking over your nervous system.

"Do you need medicine?" Kakashi asked you for guidance. He didn't know what to do, damn it, he didn't even understand the situation right. You didn't answer but he insisted "Do I have to take you to the hospital?"

You just nodded your head quickly after his last question.

"Take me to the hospital." you said clinging to his arms. He gently let go of you as he walked back into the room,

He went to put something on and as he hurriedly put on his shirt he called Naruto asking if he could come watch over Katsuo. He got you a set of clean clothes, but you refused and just accepted that he dressed you in a long coat. In Kakashi's head everything was in slow motion, but it only took him 7 minutes to do everything and get you to the hospital

Arriving there you demanded that Sakura assist you, Kakashi knew that she was on duty today keeping an eye on some jounins who were injured on a mission two days ago, so the nurses quickly went to call the woman seeing that it was the Hokage himself who was asking, or rather, ordering.

How could this be happening? you wondered. You were a healthy woman, you always took care of your food and kept in good shape. You were concerned about your well-being.

After half an hour, Sakura confirmed that you were indeed pregnant. It was, in the past.

Even though she explained to you that this could happen, that it was normal, you couldn't accept it. You couldn't care less about how Kakashi was reacting to the news. All you could think about was your little baby, who would never see the world. You think you've never felt such a pain in your heart, loneliness and sadness dominated your mind. So that was what grief was like. You had never become attached to someone to the point of mourning their death. But you already loved your child, you still love. Why did life take your baby away from you?

Kakashi wanted to be selfish and suffer alone after the crushing news. But you didn't look well, either physically or emotionally. You were blaming yourself for what happened, he knew that.

"But I take care of myself and I've had two healthy pregnancies. I barely have cramps when I'm-"

"Y/n-senpai, these things happen regardless of us. It's our body working, and we can't consciously stop it." Sakura tried to get it through your head, to see if it comforted you, but the sadness of a mother who lost her child wasn't easy to deal with. You shut up, which made Kakashi take matters into his own hands. Sakura explained what was needed for you to recover physically, and she emphasized that you might need some psychological support.

"Kakashi-sama, are you okay?" Sakura asked quietly just for him to hear, the woman noticed his melancholy state.

The truth was, Kakashi was broken inside. More broken than ever. Finding out he was going to have a child and losing the baby within such a short time shook him. But he just maintained a calm pose and thanked his former student. Sakura gave you some painkillers, cleaned up what your body had put out, and promised to visit you at home during your recovery, but for now you would spend the night under observation and being cleaned up.

Kakashi worried about his two young children. They were with Naruto and Hinata now, but he couldn't get the bad feeling out of him. He imagined losing the two boys, and tried to push the dark images out of his head. While he didn't know how to act to make you feel better, you cried and cried. It hit you both hard. Neither of you two have spoken directly to each other yet.

When you returned home the other morning, Kakashi felt guilty. He needed to work, but how could he after tonight? He tormented himself for a while and decided to leave things in his counselor's hands for the day. You saw Hinata giving Katsuo soup and Kenji on the sofa playing. The youngest was excited by the arrival of his parents and ran to jump on your lap. But Kakashi was quick to catch him in his arms before he jumped on you.

"Daddy!" The boy yelled in surprise at Kakashi's sudden attitude. He rested one small arm on his father's shoulder and looked at you. "Mommy!"

"Hi, little angel." You tried to make a happy face for him and planted a kiss on his cheek. You were feeling weak and dizzy. You wanted to feel pain just to distract yourself from sad emotions, but painkillers still did not allow you to suffer physically. Perhaps being in pain eased the mental suffering, perhaps made it worse. You didn't know right.

You thanked Hinata for looking out for the boys, and asked her to tell Naruto that you were also grateful for his help. Kakashi walked with her to the door while still holding Kenji. Both waving her goodbye.

"If you need help, or anything else, don't hesitate to ask. Sakura informed me, I'm sorry for you." She said before walking away.

You looked away from the door to a still sick Katsuo sitting at the table, the soup was almost finished and you started to feel worse than you already did. You had lost a child, you were a horrible mother, and meanwhile your other little boy was sick and you weren't there to take care of him. You couldn't take care of any of your children properly. If you had been more careful, Katsuo never would have gotten sick. He would be fine.

You began to feel a terrible fear of losing yet another child. You feared that his illness would get worse and take him away from you too. Was Kakashi feeling how you felt?

You went to him and hugged him tightly, shedding tears for the thousandth time.

"Sorry mom, my love." The boy didn't understand your apology, but he hugged you back anyway. "I won't leave you again." You tightened the hug leaving the boy scared.

"Mom, why are you sad?"

"I'm sad because I was away from you, that's all." you kissed his hair brushed a few strands off his forehead "I missed you."

"But you saw me yesterday, Mommy." he let out a cute little laugh, typical of a child.

"What about me, Mom? Did you miss me too?" Kenji slipped off his father's lap and placed him in the middle of the hug. Kakashi watched his interaction with the boys silently at the entrance to the kitchen.

"I missed you very, very much." You said finally showing some fun grabbing your youngest. Kakashi saw that his children did you good, it improved your mood a little. Though he had thought the boys might overwhelm you, they eased your pain. So he thought he could finally suffer his way while the children comforted you.

Kakashi went upstairs and locked himself in the bathroom in the room you shared. He finally showed the sadness he was feeling to the walls of the cold room and started to cry. He tried to cry silently, stifling some of the sobs that came out of his mouth with his hand. His legs gave out and he slid down the wall until he was in a crouch. Kakashi started to feel his chest get tight and he forgot how to breathe. He tried to scream and no sound came out.

No, not now.

He couldn't have a anxiety attack right now, locked in the bathroom. And he didn't want you to have to come to his rescue, you didn't need another problem to deal with. He forced himself to be calm and managed to breathe again, fast, but breathing. Her body begged for the air it was deprived of for a few seconds. He quickly unlocked the door and sloppily wiped away a few tears. He was going to come down to find you, he wasn't going to be able to be alone this time. He has dealt with many losses in his life, and in all of them he has suffered alone. But now he wanted his family.

He was going to go downstairs again, but he stopped abruptly in front of Kenji's open bedroom door. He saw you sitting on the floor watching the boy play. You should have put Katsuo to rest. You noticed his presence at the entrance to the bedroom and when you saw your husband's red eyes you somehow knew what had happened. You've caught Kakashi crying a few times, but he's never let you see much beyond a few tears. He always isolated himself when he was sad.

You got up and let your child play. When you entered the hallway, you carefully closed the door and immediately hugged Kakashi. He dropped his head onto your shoulders as you both cried. Your tears and his fell together in sync. Both grieving the loss of their son.

"I'm sorry" you said to him softly.

"No. It's not your fault." He lifted his head to look you in the eyes. Kakashi cupped his cheeks, wiping away the tears with his thumbs.

"We'll get over this, won't we?" You asked with hope contained in the words.

"We will." He leaned his forehead against yours as he closed his eyes. "You need to sleep."

You nodded, knowing he was right. "I love you so much" you declared giving him another hug, this time more intense, tighter. Kakashi kissed you on the side of your cheek, and you understood that this was his way of saying he loved you back.

[gomzdrawfr]

[oc x cannon rambles]

OKAY. Continuining from this.

New Au that originates from Royal AU -> Isekai Royal AU

more rambles/lore/fic/explanation/art below (compiled it into one post so i dont spam yall's tl with my bs LMAO:

[wARNING: big sad, MCD(Raven), angst, death, violence, injuries]

In the ending of Royal AU, King!Price married another Queen and had a kid, Royal Guard!Raven got promoted to Commander, they go their separate ways for the sake of the nation

The kid, aka the Princess, has everything Price had, the exact blue eyes and all except she was blonde like her mother.

She was rather fond of Raven, and always sneaked out to find Commander Raven despite Raven warning her not to.

Raven's still a softie though, so in the end, she ended up growing soft for her.

Until it all falls apart.

First it was a scream, and before she could register it she was bolting towards the voice.

It was the lil girl's scream.

She regretted not wearing armour that day, but somehow she managed to escape with the Princess in hand, stumbling down to the deeper part of the woods that was safe for now.

"Shhh...don't cry Princess....you're safe now"

Raven coos the trembling young Princess, her poor face pale from the shock and bruises on her delicate skin.

Lost count of how many arrows were on her back, she knew it was only a matter of time before it will take its full effect.

Poison arrows, the fletching bearing a black greenish gradient.

It was an assassination attempt on the young Princess.

"R-Raven...Raven I'm scared...."

"It's okay, it's okay...don't be scared....help's on their way..."

"Papa...I want Papa!!"

"......"

She sighs quietly, it stings, not from the arrows itself, but...from the weight of it all.

"I want your papa too....Princess"

She mumbled in a dazed, blood loss and her dizziness making it hard for her to decipher if she was thinking, or talking out loud, one thing she is certain was she can no longer hunched forward as she slumps to the ground.

"R-Raven? Raven!"

"....listen to me well...lil one..."

"...your papa....the Emperor...your majesty...is a great man..."

"he was a man who loved with all his heart...."

"your papa loves unconditionally....and the one thing he loves most in the world...is you"

More sniffles were heard from the lil girl, who were shaking worse than before, Raven reaches her hand out in an attempt to calm the young lady, only to smear some of her blood onto her pretty pink dress, she frowns at that...but...she was tired...

So so tired...but she kept going.

"....papa may be scary sometimes...and he scolds you...or punish you...but it's for your own good"

"....papa is also very kind...when he needs to...he bought you the tiara you really wanted...remember, Princess?"

"y-yes...I love it..."

"that's right...and you are a pretty girl...pretty eyes like your papa...yeah?"

Raven smiles, the pain subsiding into a blur

"and you have the brightest smile...don't cry...Princess...because a smile suits you better...please?"

She knows this is all wrong, that the poor princess will be traumatized forever because of this.

But the Princess was obedient, and smiles through the snort and tears.

Raven chuckles quietly, nodding weakly.

She'll be alright.

"...treasure your papa...Princess..."

Her eyes closed once, twice...and it was getting harder and harder to open them, or to hear anything else, not even the sound of horses gallop that was getting closer and closer

"...do it for me..."

And then she was swallowed by darkness

In her last moment, she watched a couple sitting side by side, she knew this scene.

The last time they were allowed to be with each other.

"Maybe in another life..." "I'll look for you in every single one of those lifetime" "yeah...you'd that for me, birdie?" "mhm..." "just remember...I love owls" "pretty vague if you ask me..." "you'll know it when you see me" "....that I can guarantee..."

The scene before her morphs into nothingness when she tried to reach out for it, a blinding light forces her vision to go white as she struggles to move.

When she does open her eyes again, she was heaving, sweating and....grabbing the air?

She blinks a few time, this doesn't feel like dying, wait-

She quickly sat up, and realise she was in a room, dimly lit but there were light at the balcony, she dash towards it, opening the windows only to be greeted with something she wouldn't expect.

She recognise this place...the ocean, the city, the flags, the castle- this castle-

How the hell did she end up in the Umbralis Citadel? [bear with me here i literally cannot come up with names of places LOL]

She quickly strolls back to her room, stopping before a mirror as she glanced at her reflection.

A Princess.

She has reincarnated as the Veil Princess.

=================

anywyas yeah thats sort of the fic SO the premise for the first art itself is moreso Princess Raven who managed to finally see King!Price after some careful planning and such, took the opportunity and meet him.

At first she gaze from afar, because she got emotional seeing him after...after everything they went through (she didn't even get to say good bye to him before she died).

Her attire choices was deliberate, although she was already rocking the modest, simple look since as the Veil Princess, no one really pay attention to her (she's the youngest in the royal family).

So she finally approaches him...AND THE STORY BEGINS-

[cinnamon-girl-writes]

new year's day. . . higuruma x reader

drinking with hiromi at a bar. you wish it could be like this forever

fluff, higuruma x reader, set during/before shibuya arc, canon compliant

by @cinnamon-girl-writes

Clink. You shared a glass of whiskey with the man beside you for what seemed like the hundredth time tonight.

You had been assigned by the jujutsu higher ups to recruit Higuruma several months ago when his cursed technique appeared. He was reluctant at first, but after some time, he agreed to be trained by you and the two of you grew very fond of eachother, although you were both unassuming of just how devoted the other was.

"The man with the blindfold. What was his name again?" he asked.

You sighed, twirling your glass around on the counter, "Satoru Gojo, the greatest sorcerer of our time. He's the one leading most of the fight-"

"Against..." Higuruma filled in, trying to get caught up with the jujutsu world.

"Sukuna. A curse from thousands of years ago who's trying to take over the world again."

"Along with Kenjaku, who's inhabiting Suguru Getou's body. And the curse with the patchwork face." As you confirmed he was correct, Hiromi ran a hand over his face and heaved a long sigh. "This is all so much to digest." You nodded in agreement.

The two of you were quiet for a while. The bartender came around and gave you each a glass of water which you accepted graciously.

Attempting to break the sullen mood, you blurted out, "When I was a kid, I wanted to be a fairy when I grew up." Your comment made Hiromi crack a smile. He turned his face away slightly, laughing a bit to himself when you couldn't see.

"I'm serious! And I really believed it for a while," You leaned back on your barstool, taking a drink from your glass. Hiromi looked at you with endearing eyes which you avoided obliviously.

"It's okay. I always had this dream that I would be a famous actor."

You smiled at him. It really was funny: a man so quiet and patient dreamt of being a celebrity? "I know, I know, it's silly," he says.

"No! It's not silly, I think it's..." you searched for words, "really endearing." You swear you saw him blush. It was quiet for a while again, but it wasn't awkward; it was more like you were soaking in each other's presence. You had known Higuruma for months, but you had never been this alone with him and never in a moment so intimate.

"Have you ever thought about marriage?"

His question surprised you a bit, but you answered honestly. "Yeah. I mean, I wish I could, but in this life there's no room for love, y'know? It's all about saving people." At your signal, the bartender came around and refilled your glasses. "What about you?"

Higuruma paused, considering before answering, "I never really thought I'd meet someone special. Not in my line of work at least," he took a long drink from his glass. "And then my life went off the rails."

You sighed, "Sorry about that."

"But I . . . I have met someone special."

His words drew your attention. "Really? I mean, congratulations," you tried to keep your voice from sounding too disappointed. "Lucky girl. What's she like?"

He ran a hand through his hair, leaning forward. "Well, she's insanely brave. She's talented, one of the best in her field."

You nodded as you listened, interested in who could be so important to him that he'd tell you about them right before a fight where both of you would likely die.

"And she's got a great personality. She makes me think that maybe my life is worth fighting for."

You gave him a sincere smile. "That's really good, Hiromi. I'm happy for you."

He chuckled a little bit, which caught you off guard. What's so funny?

Your eyes met with his. Behind them you saw genuinity and adoration.

"Y/n, the girl is right in front of me."

Oh. Oh. He was talking about you.

In that moment, you weren't really sure what went through your head. There was shock and love and happiness and everything else. So you leaned in, grabbed Hiromi by the tie, and kissed him.

The feeling of his lips flush against yours was something you'll never forget until the day you die. They were pillowy and plush and he tasted like whiskey and cinnamon.

He kissed you back, harder than you'd anticipated. He kissed with passion and grief and longing. Every emotion you've felt in the past six months came rushing in then, all at once, in a beautiful rush of adrenaline.

All too soon, the kiss ended and you pulled away enough to look in his eyes. "Hiromi, I . . ."

"I know. I know."

He pulled you in by the back of your neck for another kiss, this one shorter but slower and more meaningful.

He took a shaky breath. "We probably don't have much time left but . . . what we have left I'd like to share with you."

And then you smiled, and in that moment, it felt like everything would be alright in the world if you could only have this moment.

[accidentally-in-fictional-love]

Susceptible - Jack Delroy/Reader

Warnings: Fully clothed grinding, very slight dirty talk, very light exhibitionism in a sense, no use of Y/N, female-hinted reader because of skirt/makeup mentions but other than that there's no real gender mention.

Wordcount: 4950

Summary: You spent a small fortune getting a ticket to Carmichael Haig's show on the promise of his new act showing his audience something the world has never seen before, as well as the possible attendance of one Jack Delroy, but will two hours of bullshit be worth the risk?

Notes: There is SO MUCH BUILDUP I'm so sorry I'm so weak for worldbuilding and plot I swear the other one I have planned will be shorter OTL I have never written a reader before but I am a huge fan of them, especially the DDverse ones I've been binging oop, so I hope this is a good first attempt! It's been a few years since I've written anything like this and probably a good decade or so since I last posted anything, so here's hoping I post more in the upcoming future~ This is also completely unbetaed so if you see any mistakes please let me know <3 The Manhattan Center is also real but didn't fit my needs entirely so I mashed it together with the theatre I went to as a kid lol

~~~~~~~~~~

Carmichael Haig was back in town and you had no idea why you were here. 

He had left for what felt like both forever and not nearly long enough for a few months to do his tour, seeing his smug face everywhere you looked between both digital and paper news and making your distaste grow a little more each time. You had been fond of his trickery for a time, but his move from magic man to skeptic had sucked all the fun out of the act, his determination to not only find the real but humiliate the fakes way past annoying to straight up sickening to you by this point. Tonight’s show proved to be another big presentation of the latter you’d decided when it’d been announced officially, promoted by your favourite talk show host - and current celebrity crush - Jack Delroy; his smile was wide for the cameras but it didn’t reach his eyes, you could always tell between them by now and he did not seem to be as pleased as the two talked about it that night.

‘I’m going to show the world something they’ve never seen before,’ Carmichael had said, his usual smug look in place as he hammed it up for the cameras like he could really pull that off, Jack running with it like the patron saint of patience he had to be.

‘Big talk, you sure I can’t convince you to give our wonderful audience a taste tonight?’ he asked, the crowd cheering at the mere thought of getting to experience his new act an entire month early, but if there was even an iota of temptation within him to share he hid it perfectly. He waved the offer away to everyone’s disappointment, Jack pouting on everyone’s behalf and putting those big eyes on display as his own plea; the ratings, you imagined, would be wonderful for a segment like this when his show was already starting to slip down the line, but even that was no use.

‘You’ll all get a chance to see it on the 13th,’ he promised them as he turned to face the audience, the place and date scrolling across the bottom of the screen yet again, they’d been flashing it every single time it was mentioned to the point where you were sure you’d see it in your sleep tonight, rolling across the bottom half of your dream. ‘Or, those of you who’ve been able to get your tickets will, we’re selling out fast,’ he smirked with a tip of his glass, yet another thing that’d been brought up and hammered home; you’d gone to the Manhattan Center to check a couple days ago, just out of curiosity, the ticket price absolutely ridiculous to the point that you were convinced they’d never sell out, but now you guessed your distaste of him wasn’t as widespread as you’d secretly hoped.

Jack slapped his leg in mock disappointment, Carmichael looking back to him at the sound. ‘Guess you’ll have to tell me all about it the next time you’re back in town, I had asked Gus to pick one up for me but it seems he missed that call,’ he joked, Gus’ surprise at the blame of his absence being placed on him getting a big laugh as his face fell and he tried to explain himself. 

Carmichael placed an understanding hand on Jack’s shoulder and leaned in closer, the other man leaning in in return as if to receive some kind of secret. ‘Well then, it’s a good thing my date canceled on me,’ he retorted, and when he pulled his hand back he revealed a ticket, Jack’s eyes going wide as he accepted the gift with a big smile, pointing to it before shaking Carmichael’s hand with a thanks.

Ah, so that was why you were here again.

You knew you’d never be able to get a seat on Night Owls because the thought of Jack seeing you in the crowd made you blush all the way to your shoulders, even on your bravest of nights you hadn’t been able to even call and see if there were any tickets left, but to maybe share an audience with him? To sit in the same room as him where you could steal glances if you were able to find him, with no risk whatsoever of him catching the way your eyes lit up when you looked at that handsome face, that dangerously attractive body? That was doable. 

It had cost an arm and a leg to convince that scalper to hand over one of the tickets he was parading around outside the Center, but it was worth it as you stepped inside, your heart racing because, unless he wanted to risk the aftermath of Carmichael calling him out for not going, he was here; somewhere in this building was the man you’d been dreaming about since his debut a few years ago, the one you watched nearly every night without fail just for that hour where he looked at you, talked to you, noticed you even if it was through a camera, and that was all you’d needed until tonight.

You’d gotten a pretty shitty seat despite the price but you didn’t mind, it actually worked out for you considering you weren’t actually there to see the show but to look for someone in the seats in front of you, and you hoped that you’d be able to spot him from where you were in the far back corner. As long as he wasn’t, say, the exact opposite of you then you probably stood a chance of at least a glance, since his ticket came from Carmichael himself you guessed that it was probably close to the front if not front row center just to mess with him and prove that he’d come, and you felt all the hair rise on your arms and neck when Carmichael walked on stage early to very loudly greet someone who’d just walked in.

There he was, leaving his seat to meet the other man in the middle, and he was so much further than you expected but it was still him, big smile in place, hair perfectly combed, his crisp suit being wrinkled by Carmichael’s hands as he gave him a showy hug, and he was beautiful. You froze in the middle of the row, unable to finish the walk as your eyes stayed on him, the people trying to get by you not as starstruck as they attempted to squeeze past when you ignored their presence.

‘Sorry,’ you murmured as you sat as fast as you could, eyes still trained on him as he waved to the crowd to prove that yes, he did honour the gift and was there to see this big new act he’d been promised. You let out an embarrassingly needy whine when he sat back down and you became unable to see him again, the mass of bodies behind him obscuring all but a sliver of the back of his head from this angle, and you’d be damned if you had to spend the next 2 hours stuck like this at a Carmichael Haig show of all things. The person at the end of the row finally arrived and you made your move, hurrying down and taking one last glance before getting ready to make this whole thing a little more bearable. ‘Excuse me,’ you nearly stuttered as the person, a man older than yourself who definitely gave off the air of being a Carmichael fan, looked up at you, ‘would you want to trade seats with me? I was really looking forward to the show but I was too late to grab an aisle seat.’

It’s a blatant lie but the quick glance from before proved that you could see him better from there, and the chance of getting to look at him for the next two hours was worth the look the man gave you at the request.

‘Which one are you?’ he asked, looking down to the few empty spaces still waiting for their owners, and you pulled out your ticket to double check, seeing that it was R51; wow, you didn’t realize how far away R was from A until you saw it firsthand. He looked back down to your seat and considered it, looking you over midthought when he thought you weren’t looking, and he almost got away with it if not for the fact that you felt his eyes on you. ‘$100,’ he decided, the offer knocking the wind right out of you.

‘What? The seat was already $350,’ you choke, giving away the fact that you were really, really late to the party.

‘Take it or leave it, I had the sense to order on time,’ is all he says to that, and you looked back at your possible view before sighing heavily and reaching for your wallet; goddamnit, Jack, if only he knew how worth it he was. You hand over the money and step aside, the man pocketing his fee and leaving the seat for you as promised, and the view is just barely better but there he is again, perfectly in view due to what can only be a miracle, the hole in your wallet feeling a little less big as you watched him turn his head to talk to someone, giving you a perfect side view.

He really was handsome, captivating even from this distance, and you swoon a little as the audience finished filling out, the lights dimming and obscuring your view a little more save the grace of the stage lights that illuminate him from the front as Carmichael walked back out on stage and started the show. You’d never been one for spacing out but you couldn’t take your eyes off him, the $450 price tag of this shitty aisle seat all for him and not feeling so bad even as Carmichael charms everyone around you. He didn’t look to the side that often, you guessed he didn’t actually know his neighbour since the seat was a gift, but the times that he did, where he laughed or sighed at the theatrics or even put his face in his hand because he wasn’t having too much fun, were all cataloged away in your head forever, the perfect souvenirs to last you a lifetime of home viewing after this. 

At about an hour in according to your old watch, Jack looked about ready to get up and find any reason to leave, which you couldn’t blame him for, the acts themselves were pretty damn good you realized in the times you actually paid attention, but it was getting so tiring to see Carmichael explain away all of their tricks, to see the joy leave their faces at being called a fraud or having all their mysteries revealed, and it was clear Jack felt the same down in row A. After a particularly rough walk-off from a woman who was trying very desperately to convince Carmichael that she could really read his mind and ending up with the humiliating reality that everything he answered to was false to get her to out herself, you noticed that when you looked back to his seat that Jack isn’t there, and you were in the middle of wondering where he went when the person coming up the aisle came into view so suddenly that it took your breath away.

It was Jack, his brow twitching slightly to keep a neutral face, his footsteps heavy as he tried not to stomp and draw attention to the fact that that last one really pissed him off, his hands already reaching into his suit pocket for something. You tried not to stare the closer he got but it was hard, years of being able to look all you want training your brain to look look look as he approached, and you forced yourself to stare straight ahead at the stage as he reached you. Your hands were clenched tight in your lap as he went to pass row R, and you were in the middle of thinking you were going to make it when he fumbled the small box in his pocket and dropped it with a low curse, the cigarettes he apparently smoked bouncing to the side and coming to a stop between your recently shined shoes.

Your head snapped down so fast you felt it in your neck as he came to a stop beside you, the two of you locating the box at the same time, and you stiffened as he reached for it before realizing how rude that would be despite his own sour mood. ‘I’m sorry, could I bother you for a second,’ he asked, his smile back in place despite being a bit tense, and you stuttered out a confirmation as you leaned down to pick them up.

‘I didn’t know you smoked,’ you blurted out before you could stop yourself, Jack’s hand frozen in midair as he reached for the box, his smile relaxing a little as he looked from your hand to your face.

‘Did I find myself a Night Owl in this sea of skeptics?’ he wondered aloud, your cheeks brightening in a way that really made you pray it was dark enough not to notice. 

‘I wanted to see what all the fuss was about,’ you lie, and he crouched down so he could hear your whispers as the crowd reacted to the next act.

‘I take it you’re also not very impressed,’ he figured, hitting the nail on the head based on your expression alone. He chuckled at your silent confirmation and looked back down to the cigarettes, his fingertips just barely touching yours as you both held it, you didn’t even know when he’d grabbed it and you let go before it got awkward, but he didn’t seem to notice. ‘Well, if you don’t tell my producer that I’m smoking again, then I won’t tell Haig that you didn’t like his show, deal?’

You sucked in a breath as he moved the box to his left hand, offering up his right for a handshake this time to seal the deal, your heart pounding as you shook on it, his smile more genuine than you’d seen all night, you could always tell. He stood back up as the act finished and Carmichael went back to his disproving, his mood dropping again as his need to escape rearose. You both offered a look of disdain at the stage before he stood back up to move again, something stopping him midstep before he turned on his heel and leaned back down to you, a shiver running down your spine at how close he was so he could be heard.

‘Have you ever been to one of my shows?’ he asked, genuine curiosity in his voice, his warm breath accidentally hitting your neck and rendering you unable to do anything but glance at him and shake your head no. ‘You’d have a much better time, I’ve got some great stuff coming up,’ he pitched, either completely unaware of your predicament or just used to people acting like this around him, either way he didn’t react when your eyes couldn’t help but flicker down to watch him lick his lips so fast you almost missed it. ‘The next one’s already booked up but if you go down to the studio and give them this card, you should be able to get a spot for a night you’re free, I'd like to see you there.’

He pulled out his wallet and grabbed a business card, flipping it around to the blank side on the back before resting it on the arm of the chair. A pen was found next, and he scribbled a quick note to the ticket seller on it on your behalf, signing it and handing it over with that big showman smile of his. You took it and placed it in your own wallet, the previous hole instantly filled with its presence, his mood clearly raised by the interaction as he wished you a quick goodbye and resumed his journey outside, oblivious to the fact that you were about to disrupt the entire theater if you didn’t find a place to scream and fast. 

You gave him a few minutes to reach the doors before jumping to your feet and making for the bathroom, your heels clickclacking on the tile the entire way until you found the correct door. The place was empty, which was great because once you caught sight of yourself you knew that it was bad enough he saw you this way, no one else should get the pleasure; your face was redder than you’d ever seen it, your pupils blown from the exchange and you could’ve sworn you could actually see yourself shaking you were buzzing so hard, your grin so wide anyone else would’ve assumed that Santa had just given you the toy you’d always wanted for Christmas early. 

You tried to calm yourself as you ripped off some paper towels and dampened them, patting them against your cheeks and neck to bring your body temperature back down to a normal person’s, carefully avoiding your makeup that you were thankful you spent the time putting on just on the ultra rare off chance you’d run into him. When you were ready to go back - and after a quick internal debate on whether you should try and meet him outside for another, less hushed conversation already - you made sure to calm your breathing before heading back out there, taking a quick moment to look for him before making the trek back to your seat. 

When you got back you noticed that no new act was on, Carmichael already talking to the audience and projecting himself up on the screens for all to see, you rolling your eyes as you collapsed into the rich red velvet and preparing for more of his bullshit until Jack returned, if he felt like it that was. Everyone around you was concentrating on his words, staring right ahead as the theater fell silent save for his voice and the sound of a ticking clock; ah, he was trying to hypnotize everyone, that must’ve been his big final act that he’d promised his audience. You weren’t impressed, you’d tried to be hypnotized before at a party in your youth, it hadn’t worked then so it wasn’t going to work now you knew, so you sat back and prepared to at least enjoy whatever he was going to make the audience do.

Your thoughts went back to Jack as Carmichael’s voice slowly got drowned out, the ticking a bit louder in your ears despite the distance, but you didn’t mind because it was nonsense anyway, ‘Now who’s the skeptic,’ you think to yourself as you sink deeper into your chair. You vaguely heard the words, ‘Your greatest desire,’ in your ear before you felt a hand on your shoulder, your eyes leaving the stage to travel up until you saw Jack standing just behind you in the aisle, his smile from before now more like a smirk as he motioned towards the doors like he wanted you to follow him. 

You looked back at the stage as Carmichael invited someone from the audience up to stand with him, some poor hypnotized fool who was bound to be humiliated along with everyone else who stood with him tonight, and you decided that you’d rather not see that again before standing and following Jack. There was a small hallway between the theater and the doors on that side of the back wall, the two of you out of view from everyone else but Carmichael’s voice still reaching, and you were about to wonder if he was leading you outside to just leave or talk when he turned and pushed you against the wall with a muffled thud. Your back met cold paint as your chest met with his, your eyes locking as he cornered you where no one could see, a confidence he saved for the cameras now focused solely on you as he looked you over the same way you’d done to him a thousand times over. 

‘I couldn’t wait for you to come to my show,’ he whispered, his voice impossibly low as he held you in place, a knee parting yours and making you gasp, ‘you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.’

‘You’re just telling me what I wanna hear,’ you managed to get out, his eyes closing as he leaned in to grin against your cheek.

‘Is it working?’

You didn’t dare answer but you might as well have because your silence was enough to spur him into action, your head falling back against the wall as he started to kiss your neck, your hands grasping at anything because this was crazy. The man you’d wanted for years was kissing you not even 30ft away from a room full of people, anyone could come around the corner at any second and catch you, and you bit your lip at the thrill of it all. You’d had dreams like this before, ones that left you panting into your pillow when you awoke, but the real thing was so much better as he sucked a mark into your soft skin, your hand leaving his arm to cover your mouth lest you alert anyone within hearing distance to your current predicament.

You let him do as he pleased, let him ran his hands over your sides and down to the edge of where your lifted skirt was resting against his thigh, your legs shaking as your body tried not to grind against him; it was only due to him holding you that kept you standing as a matter of fact and he seemed fully aware of it as his nails scratched softly against your bare leg. He seemed to love all your reactions to what he did, he was in the entertainment business after all, every noise of approval that slipped through your fingers must’ve been like music to his ears but you had to hold back no matter how much you wanted to indulge him. Being denied what he wanted only made him work harder for it, the assault on your neck moving to your shoulder and collarbone instead of your covered lips, your mouth watering for just a taste as he started to move against you, one hand pulling your waist away from the wall by your lower back as the other moved up and under your skirt.

The first grind of his body against yours was decadent, you swore you could feel it in your soul the way he wanted you just as much as you’d wanted him, like he’d been watching you back through the screen for years and also craved this very moment, and now that he was getting it he wasn’t going to stop, you didn’t want him to stop. You’d never seen him act anything like this before in all his years on TV, a greedy flash of excitement running through you at getting to see such a new side of him quickly overcome by pleasure as he cupped your ass and pulled you even closer. You knew you couldn’t get undressed here, if you’d made it to the bathroom then maybe he’d be doing more but he hadn’t lasted even that long, but even with that desire being restrained you still wanted him here and now. Never in your life had you been this desperate for release but he was bringing out a demon inside of you that desired and needed and wanted so much that you were willing to throw your modesty out the fucking window for just a second of his hot skin pressed against your own, but this would have to do while the show still went on.

‘Jack…’ you moaned as your hand, moist from your panting, gripped his arm once again, Carmichael’s voice getting louder in the distance as you grew closer to your release.

‘Come home with me,’ he begged into your ear, his movements getting rougher as he also grew close, you knew you’d both have to leave before everyone saw you but it was worth it, god it was so worth it. ‘I want to have you all to myself, I need to taste you-’

You bit your lip and led his face away from your neck so you could look into his eyes, his mouth parted as he tried to control his own panting, he was coming apart at the seams for you right here in the hallway, the ticking in your ears either your heartbeat or a clock far away. You moaned his name again as you felt the heat build in your stomach, your back arching and pushing your body into him even more as the door to your right opened.

‘Dreamer, here, awake!’

All at once your knees gave out and you collapsed to the floor before that final wave could push you over the edge, your head heavy and your vision swimming as the body against yours vanished into nothing. ‘Are you okay? What happened?’ Jack’s voice from above asked as his worried expression came into view, the smell of rain and cigarette smoke invading your senses; the sound of the audience in a similar state of confusion drifted around the corner as Jack crouched down next to you, just back inside from his break from the show, the realization that you weren’t as immune to hypnosis as you’d thought hitting you like a bucket of cold water. You just panted in shock, surprise, and waning lust as Jack looked you over in concern, your hands moving to pull the bottom of your skirt down to cover your exposed legs in embarrassment, the scratches you were so certain he’d left behind not there, because he hadn’t been there.

‘I’m fine,’ you force yourself to say after you’d caught your breath, Jack believing you but still helping you to your feet like a gentleman, of course he would never act that way, that was only how you’d wanted him to act, you’d had dreams like that for god’s sake, the real Jack would never-

‘Is the show over?’ he asked as the roar of people applauding overtook the chatter, Carmichael now silent, and you avoided his eye as you started to edge towards the way out.

‘I think so.’

‘What was the big mind-blowing act?’

You put a little distance between yourself and him but he didn’t notice, Jack heading for the corner so he could look at the stage as he waited for your reply. ‘He hypnotized everyone,’ you answered curtly, his reaction big and full of surprise as he looked over the size of the crowd in an awe that wasn’t present for the first hour and a half.

‘Everyone? You should’ve come found me, I would’ve loved to see that.’ He was still looking at the room beyond, your eyes on him as he watched everyone else.

‘I got a little overwhelmed,’ you mumble, and he finally looked at you with that same concerned expression again, and it’s too much after what you’d just thought you’d seen, your eyes finding the floor.

‘What did he make you see?’ he asked, his curiosity quiet but still there under the concern, but you couldn’t answer him. ‘Do you need a ride home, or are you okay to drive?’

He’s too kind, he would never act that way, he would never say that to you.

‘I took a cab, I’ll be fine,’ you tried to say, but still you quickly found yourself being led to the front door as the audience swarmed around you, his hand on your back to make sure you stayed standing, a true gentleman. It had started raining while you were inside which explained the scent pairing with the smoke that covered up his cologne, and you just stood under the marquee as he hailed a cab for you as the sea of skeptics washed around you like rushing water. You hopped inside but he didn’t shut the door right away, leaning down in the rain once you were seated, and for a moment you wondered if he was going to get in when he spoke.

‘I do hope you come to my show, preferably Friday’s, it’s gunna be a good one, I promise,’ he said with that big genuine smile again, your heart pounding as your cheeks glowed red for a reason other than embarrassment as you gave him a small nod.

‘I’ll be there,’ you promised back, and he tapped the roof of the cab before shutting the door and letting you go. You looked out the back window as you drove away, the both of you waving as he ducked back inside and out of the rain, and as soon as you turned back around to face forward you found yourself reaching for your wallet. His card was in your hands as you looked it over, all in all it was an uninspiring, plain business card, and you flipped it over to read what he wrote for the ticketmaster on the back.

Wait for me by the back entrance at 11:00 Phil will let you in JD

Your cheeks turned red again as you put the card away, the cab driver giving you a look in the rearview mirror as you held your nearly empty wallet, now with one business card, to your thumping chest. Oh yeah, it definitely was all worth it after all.

[nicoline1998enilocin]

Flufftober Day 22 | Apple picking

Pairing | Boyfriend!Dad!Young!Tony Stark x Girlfriend!Mom!Female!Reader

Word count | 2.1K

Summary | You've grown up with the tradition of going apple picking each fall, and now that you and Tony have your own little family, you want to keep this tradition going. As you, Tony, Orion, and Hudson go to a local apple farm during an apple-picking event, you can't help but soak up every last second and special memory.

Prompt(s) | 22. Picking | @flufftober

Warning(s) | This is your official trigger warning. Do not proceed if any of these topics upset you. Reference to ruined childhood memories, use of pet names (Sunshine, Love/My Love, Baby Boy, Baby Girl), no mention of Y/N.

A/n | This one shot is written for day 22 of my Flufftober 2023 Challenge. I absolutely love Tony, Sunshine, and their little family, so they shouldn't miss out on one of my favorite activities during the summer and fall! I hope you will enjoy this as much as I did when writing it 🖤

Likes, comments and reblogs will be very much appreciated 🧡

Divider is made by @cafekitsune | GIF credit to the owner

Main Masterlist | Tony Stark Masterlist | AU Masterlist | Flufftober Masterlist

You were driving home after a long and tiring workday when you suddenly saw a giant advertisement for apple picking at a local apple farm. It brought up many fond memories, and you can't wait to tell Tony about your idea; it would be amazing to take the twins there.

When you think back to your childhood, you have a lot of good, fun memories, but ever since you've been pregnant with your Munchkins, those memories have a bit of a dark edge.

You can't think about that too long because an incoming phone call immediately brings you back to reality, and you see it's your loving boyfriend, Tony, to see what time you will be home.

''Hi Love,'' you sigh softly before continuing to drive home, still about a half-hour drive away from home.

''Hey Sunshine, how long will it be until you're home? We miss- hold on,'' he interrupts himself. ''Hudson and Orion Stark, get off of there right this second!'' he says before putting his phone on the table with a loud thud.

You can't help but chuckle as you listen to what's happening at home, though you're looking forward to seeing all three of them again. They always bring a smile to your face, even on your most challenging days.

''Right, I'm back! Sorry for that, Sunshine. I was asking-'' and that's when he sighs. ''For the love of... I'll call you in a bit, Sunshine.''

He hangs up the phone and takes care of the kids, putting them in front of the TV with a cartoon to ensure they'll stay quiet long enough before he calls you back.

When their favorite cartoon is playing, and they're sitting hand in hand, their pacifiers in their little mouths, he finally dares to call you again, but not without taking a picture of them first.

It doesn't take long before he's back on the phone, finally able to talk to you for a few minutes while still keeping a watchful eye on his troublemakers on the couch.

''Welcome back, My Love, long time no talk,'' you joke, and you can't help but let out a boisterous laugh at your joke, making Tony smile in response.

''Right?! I was starting to think you'd leave me forever...'' he says with a fake sniffle.

''I could never leave your ass, it'd cost me too much to move out!''

''Please always remember that, Sunshine! But that's not what I'm calling for. I wanted to know when you'd be home because I want to go for dinner with the twins tonight. No specific reason but I just felt like taking my beautiful girlfriend and amazing twins out to dinner,'' he tells you, and your heart melts at his words.

''I'd love nothing more; how about that Italian place we love so much?'' you say, and Tony agrees.

''I'll be home in around 20 minutes, but I'd like to change quickly before we go, so how about 18:30? They might want to take a short nap before, and they can go to bed right after we're home.''

''Consider it done, Sunshine, we can't wait to see you,'' after a few goodbyes and I love you's, you hung up, and Tony managed to get the twins down for a quick nap.

Tony can hear your keys in the lock, and he rushes over to the front door, meeting you there with a big hug. Usually, he would be accompanied by one or both twins, but it's nice to have him all to yourself for a little while.

''Hi Sunshine,'' he says as he wraps his arms around your waist, and you find their home on his neck, and you pull him in for a tender kiss that deepens gradually.

When you pull apart, you're both breathless, and you chuckle softly before giving him one more peck on the lips and heading to your bedroom so you can get changed.

When you're going through your dresses, your eye suddenly falls on a new dark green dress, and you decide to wear it combined with a pair of white Converse and your glasses, too, so you can let your eyes rest a little instead of wearing contacts the entire time.

''I'm going to get the twins ready, okay? You can also get changed because I'm not taking you to the restaurant in those clothes,'' you say as you reference his old shirt and slightly tighter grey sweatpants.

''Might not even make it there if you don't change now,'' you whisper in his ear, simultaneously cupping his bulge in his sweatpants. Tony groans at the sudden feeling of your hand, and his hips buck forward at your touch.

''Fuck, Sunshine, don't tease me like that unless you want to be bent over this fucking counter right now,'' he growls in response, and you can feel your panties dampen at the words.

You decide to let him go for now, a wicked grin spreading across your face as you see him adjust before walking to the bedroom and changing.

Tony opts for a dark outfit today combined with his glasses and gets changed while you get the twins woken up and dressed in cute outfits.

It only takes a little while for all of you to be ready and off to the restaurant, and Tony is driving. When you drive past a bakery, you suddenly remember the ad for the apple picking again.

''Love?'' you say, and Tony squeezes your hand softly before responding.

''Yeah, Sunshine?'' ''Can we go apple picking with the twins soon? There's an event at a nearby apple farm, and I thought it might be cute to take them for the apple picking and some treats as well,''

Tony thinks about it for a short moment and then agrees happily. ''We do need to bring your camera in that case because Mom, Dad, and Virginia are going to want lots of photos!'' he says with a big smile.

The twins are happily babbling away in the backseat as you let yourself sink into your seat, thinking about the new tradition you'll start with your family now.

''Are you excited to pick some apples today, Baby Boy?'' you say as you pick up your sleepy son, and he immediately holds onto your neck as soon as you hold him.

''Someone's still sleepy, huh?'' you coo at him, and you rub your hand over his back, the other one supporting him under his butt as you walk over to Tony, who's changing Orion into her fall outfit.

''Look at you, Baby Girl! You look adorable in your little outfit! But it's time to get your brother into his before we can give you your breakfast together,'' you tell her with a few tickles, and her limbs go wild, earning you a glare from Tony.

''Love you,'' you say with a peck on his cheek.

''Right, let's get you off of here to make room for your brother; I need some more cuddles with my Baby Girl after all,'' Tony says as he picks her up, and she immediately grabs onto his neck, just like Hudson did with you.

When Hudson is changed into his fall outfit, you take him to the kitchen, where Tony is already preparing warm milk for them. It has been quite a change only to breastfeed once daily, but they are used to having their bottle in the morning now.

''Let's get settled on the couch, and Daddy will bring you your milk soon, okay?'' you tell Hudson, and he looks up at you excitedly, warming your heart.

''Here you go!'' Tony says, and Hudson takes it with both hands and brings it to his mouth without a problem, happily drinking the milk while Tony settles next to you and gives the bottle to Orion.

''I can't wait to go apple picking with all of you today, make some amazing memories together, and just spend quality time with you,'' you sigh softly, and you let your head fall onto Tony's shoulder, after which he kisses it.

''I can't wait either, Sunshine,'' he tells you softly, and you close your eyes to take in the moment. Your son on your lap, your daughter on your boyfriend's lap, drinking their milk before going out the door and going apple picking together.

''I love you so much, and I'm eternally grateful for giving me a chance to live the life I've always dreamt of,'' you tell Tony, a single tear escaping that you quickly wipe away.

''I love you too, Sunshine. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than with you and our Munchkins. I should be thanking you, though, for being the perfect woman, girlfriend, and Mom in this world,'' he whispers against your hair, and you two stay like this for a little bit.

When Hudson and Orion are done with their milk, you put the bottles on the table, and your daughter crawls into your lap, wanting to be close to you and her brother.

''Hi Baby Girl, are you coming to cuddle with us for a little bit so Daddy can change?'' you ask her, and she gets settled in your lap after Hudson gracefully makes some room for her.

''Be right back, Sunshine,'' Tony says, and you melt into the back of the couch as your kids cuddle with you, surrounding you with warmth and love.

Tony is wearing a black, white, and red outfit today, his glasses on his nose and hair styled perfectly, and he looks as handsome as ever in his fall outfit. It also helps that you laid it out for him beforehand so he would wear something you'd love.

Now, all that's left is you changing into your outfit for the day, and you're ready to go. Your camera, snacks, drinks, and toys for the kids are packed and ready, too.

''Right, time to pick some apples!'' Tony says before he takes both twins by the hand and lets them walk to the car instead of carrying them this time.

There's a stroller in the car for emergencies, but you don't need it as much anymore, which you're happy about.

The drive is uneventful; the twins are happily babbling away in the backseat, and you and Tony are enjoying the sights and seeing how everything is slowly turning from greens to reds, oranges, and yellows.

His hand is lying on your thigh, and your hand covers it as you talk about everything and nothing, never seeming to run out of things to talk about.

''We're here!'' Tony exclaims with happiness laced in his voice, and before you know it, you're standing at the apple trees; Orion and Hudson are both trying to pluck an apple while you're filming them.

Tony is constantly crouched behind them and encouraging until Orion has her apple picked off the tree, stamping her feet excitedly while letting out some content sounds. These happy noises almost sound like words.

''Good job, Baby Girl! Look at you go!'' Tony says that Hudson also picks his apple off the tree shortly after.

''Wow, great job, Baby Boy! You're doing amazing!'' you say as you keep filming his reactions to pulling off the apple. And you're glad you kept the camera on him because you suddenly hear something unmistakable.

''Apple!'' he exclaims while holding it high in the air, and you and Tony immediately look at one another, checking if the other also heard it. You did. He just said his very first word.

''Did you-'' ''Yeah!'' you say as you try and fight back the tears. You're thrilled you kept filming and caught his first word on camera. This is a great moment; you're nothing short of happy that he's grown up so fast.

The video was quickly shared with his parents and your Mom, and the reactions were nothing short of amazing, as they were all just as happy as the two of you.

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing some games, and sharing a big slice of apple pie with Tony while the kids ate a cup of apple sauce until they fell asleep in your arms, and it was time to go home.

You're glad you took lots of photos with your camera, including a few family photos for your collection, and now you're on your way home again. The twins are in a deep sleep in their seats, and you're smiling like a lovesick idiot.

''I can't believe he said his first word today; he's growing up so fast,'' Tony says, and all you can do is nod in response because if you say anything, you will release a dam of tears you don't know you can stop.

They're growing up so quickly, but you're glad they're a part of your lives like this because it wouldn't be the same without them by your sides.

[ichig00]

When you know, you know

A/N: Inspired by the song Margarete of Lana del rey with my thoughts of it when I'm listening to it. Enjoy:)

:fluff, romance, etc.

The sky is painted in deep blue sky decorated by stars twinkling above with the pale moon light. The city lights beneath are wonderful to your eyes. It's breathtaking to feel on the top of the world. It feels so free as the cold wind passes your face and dances with your hair.

"Beautiful." You mumbled but enough to hear by the man who stands beside you, who admires the view and the women worked of art beside him. "It is." He said back, you looked at him but he immediately looked away, avoiding your gaze. Pretending his not looking at the most beautiful woman he'll ever see in the world in his life.

A 'poem'. That's what he thought of you in his mind and heart. You're a poem he will never get tired of reading again and again. A poem that made him feel every emotion a man can feel. You're as beautiful as one, as painful too at the same time. Because there are poems that are said a loud, but there are also poems that are hidden underneath the darkness. Just like his feelings towards you.

"Let's go." You said and started walking over the elevator to get down from the Eiffel Tower. Your mission in paris is done. It was a tiring week of mission here, you thought the first time you'll set a foot in this city would be your honeymoon but you're wrong because you came here for work, but hey- atleast the man you love is with you as you set your foot here for the first time.

He followed you from behind and stood next to you when you were in the elevator. No one said a word, but two hearts beating is heard quietly. You're both exhausted from the mission, hungry too.

"Wanna grab something before we went to the hotel?" Leon asked, breaking the silence between you as the elevator goes down queitly. Good thing the D.S.O. found a way to occupy the tower to avoid people getting involved as you both defused the bomb pla ted by terrorists that surrounded the tower, and that could possibly destroy this beautiful city.

You saved lives once again.

"Sounds great." You replied, agreeing on what he said.

You both hopped on the car that is waiting for you outside of the tower to escort you back to the hotel you've been staying. "Wait, why won't we just get food from the hotel?" You asked Leon while sitting down at the backseat with him, frowning at your own realization.

"Hmm.. I miss fast food." He just replied, which made you laugh a little. Typical Leon. But you admit you missed fast food too, getting tired of eating fancy food or nothing after a while.

The ride waited outside with your weapons on  it as you entered a fast food chain. You both ordered, and Leon insisted on paying for it, but you tried to argue but then give up because of tiredness and also because you know Leon will never back down on this. He likes treating you on every chance he could take, so you just let him be.

While waiting for your take outs, a couple entered the establishment with their newborn baby carried by the mother. The giggle of the baby is loud enough for you to hear. You couldn't help but smile sweetly as you watch them take their orders in the cashier.

Only if you could've had that normal life, have a loving husband. Be normal for once, holding a child instead of guns. Having mini you running around your place, your house fills with giggles and laughters instead of hearing gun shots and explosions everyday.Everything of that is what you asked for, but would probably never have it.

Because the line of work you have is not normal in the first place. Having a family is nearly impossible.

Your work worns you out, and you're very tired of it. You hate it, hate how after the happenings in Racoon city could turn your life upside down forever. Only Leon, Sherry, and Claire were the good ones that happened to you since the incident.

"You really fond of kids, huh?" You heard Leon ask, you glance at him. He's standing beside you as his arms cross above his chest while his gaze holds you. You smiled and hummed in response, having no energy to let out a simple reply.

"Would you like a boy or a girl?" He asked more, your eyebrow raised at his question. "It doesn't matter, does it? And when did you get so curious about these topics?" You asked, smiling while looking at him in a weird way. Hs shrugged his shoulders, playing it cool as his eyes shifted on the family who is now sitted in a table with a huge smile on their faces.

"Is it that bad to ask?" He answered with another question. You just let out a laugh, and finally, your take outs are now ready to go.

You arrived at the hotel at 12 past midnight. Tired but still had the energy to eat. You and Leon sat at your own bed and ate your food there. You share a room since it's too difficult for the both of you to reach out to each other during emergency times. It happened before, and that causes a little argument between the two of you.  

Both of you were quiet as the televesion goes on whatever movie that flashes the channel once you had opened that up.

The movie flashes a scenario of a happy family, just like what you've imagined earlier. You sighed at what you see before chugging down the whiskey that Leon had ordered from the hotel.

"If you didn't went to Racoon City that time. What do you think you're doing now?" You heard Leon ask from the bed beside yours. You looked at him again. Weirded by what you've just heard but a smile growing in your face. He never asked questions like this, so it is pretty weird for you. He raised an eyebrow at your look, but you shook your head to avoid laughing at him and let out a scoff.

"I'll probably have a normal life, obviously. Probably dating some dude or even planning futures with him." You simply answered and started cleaning up your bed. "Sounds nice." He said, making you smile.

"It is.. What about you, though?" You asked back after cleaning your hands with wipes. You went over to Leon's bed and sat at the edge of it, looking over to him while waiting for an answer. He smiled, shaking his head. "Probably married." With you. Of course, he didn't say the last part out loud, even though he really wanted to.

"Damn, you're old." You insulted him, followed by your laugh. He glared at you. "Hey! We just have 3 years age gap, you know?" He protested, but that didn't stop you from making fun of him.

Without a minute passed, both of your comms lit up. You didn't answer and let Leon answer his since you two are in the same room together. "I know you guys are tired, so I asked the higher-ups if they could grant you a  3 days break." Hunnigan started once Leon answered  the call. You snatched the phone from Leon, earning an 'Hey!' from Leon. Suddenly, you had an energy from the upcoming news that Hunnigan might present to you. You feel like this is going to be a good one. 

"And??" You ask Hunnigan, waiting for her to continue her news. "They said yes! Enjoy your vacation now! Take care!" She said from the other line, making you squeal from excitement. "YES! thank you so much, Hunnigan! I love youu!!" You showered her with kisses, making her laugh from the other line.

"You guys deserved it so much, enjoy Paris!" And then she ended the comms. You smile widely as you give back to Leon his phone. He just chuckled and shook his head at how excited you are. Questioning on how much energy you still got inside you.

"We deserve drinks, Leon." You said, looking back at him after the moments of you jumping from happiness.

"Damn right, we do." 

-

"Leon! There! Let's take a picture!" You said, smiling widely as you pull him to the front of Arc de Triomphe. "Geez, slow down." He said as he stood beside you while you raised your hand with the camera and took photos.

"Come on, Leon! Just smile!" Leon rolled his eyes but still smiled while his hands were on his pockets. "Your turn." He said and snatched the camera from your hands. You happily stood in your place and readied yourself for the picture. Your newly bought dress that you bought earlier because you didn't brought much appealing clothes for a vacation is flowy as you tried different posses on.

"Good thing I brought this camera." You said while looking at the photos taken in the camera. "Yeah, I never knew you would get a chance to use that." Leon agreed who's standing beside you.

You pretty much enjoyed your day with Leon going to many pastry shops, museums, and other tourist spots until both of you get tired.  You went back to the hotel after that and went straight to the restaurant of it to eat before going back to your room.

"Im starved." You complained as you sat down waiting for the food you two ordered. "After all you ate whole day?" Leon asked, his lips curving upwards. "Are you calling me greedy?" You asked as your eyebrow raised upwards. "Kinda." He said with a shoulder that shrugged off. You rolled your eyes in response but smiled.

Food arrived, and you both ate peacefully as you both share dishes that you both ordered differently, trying new dishes and commenting on how good or shitty it taste. Finally, one normal day after the Racoon City. You felt normal all of a sudden, with no worries if you would be dead later or tomorrow. No earned scars or bruises, no enemies trying to kill you. Just normal things like normal people have, not some kind of super heroe bullshit.

"I'll use the comfort room." You excused yourself and went to the comfort room not far from the table you and Leon seated at. It felt like a date, and you would be lying if you didn't think of it the whole day. A date with the person you love the most for years, a date with Leon Scott Kennedy.

After your business in the bathroom, you went out and were about to walk back to Leon, but you were stopped by a clueless child who was waiting outside the door of the ladies' room. "Mommy?" He asked when you stepped out.

"Oh, sorry, little one. I'm not your mommy." You said smiling at how cute the child is. HE might be about 4 years old and wearing a blue polo shirt with white pants on. 'So adorable', you thought tonyourself as you try not to pinch his cute pinkish cheeks.

"Did you see her? She went that way." He asked, stuttering in his words as he pointed at the laidies comfort room. You couldn't help but smile at his cuteness. You kneeled down to level his height as you slowly shook yourself. "No baby, I don't think someone is there. Should I check again?" I asked, he nods as an answer. Looking down at his fingers as he plays with it, making you giggle as you stood up again and opened the door to the women's comfort room.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" You asked as you tried to see under the cubicles for a presence of someone. "What's your name, little one?" You asked, looking down at the child. He looks up at you. "Louis." He answered with a shy tone. You smiled in return and thanked him.

"Louis is here, waiting outside!" You said again, trying to look from the door if anyone else is in the room since when you entered it, you noticed that you were alone in there.

After seconds of waiting for answers, you were only greeted by the queitness of the room. You sighed. Did he really saw his mom this way? Or maybe his mother had already left.

You went down to in the child's height again. "Louis, I don't think your mommy is here. Would you like me to help you find her?" You said, asking worriedly. The child nodded with a teary but hopeful eyes. "Don't worry Louis, I'll help you find your mommy." You said with an assuring smile, the child mumbled a 'thank you'.

"Come, let's go look for mommy?" You asked, lending out a hand, which he gladly accepted as he wiped off his tears in his eyes. You smiled and went to your pocket for handkerchief and help him wipe off his tears and snot.

"We'll be okay, Louis. I promise."

Next

[wildflowermybeloved]

Midnight karaoke guy

Pairing: jungkook x reader

Genre: fluff, crack? Even I'm not sure.

Word count: 1.4k (i don't think I can do short fics 🤦🏻‍♀️)

Warning: there might be some cursing, mention of serial killers

Summary: you moved into your dream apartment, life was good, except for your neighbour who loved to do karaoke in the middle of the night.

A/N: Inspired by this post from @here2bbtstrash . I mean, i was just about to go to sleep early and maybe wake up on Monday, but i saw the prompt and this happened. Also it's entirely written and edited on phone, so if there are any mistakes I'm sorry 🥺. Hope you like this ♥️ (also feedback is very very very appreciated I'll love you forever if you even give me a keysmash on the tags 🥺)

~~~~~~~~

Did you go almost bankrupt after buying this apartment?

Yes. 

But was buying the apartment worth it?

Also yes!

Since you were little (okay maybe not so little, a teenager perhaps) you've dreamed of your own place, which you could decorate, fill the rooms with your favourite things, have friends over for dinners and game nights, and just be yourself. And though a lot of people said that buying such an expensive apartment is foolish, you should go for a cheaper option, perhaps rent an apartment first, you didn't care. You worked hard, had saved up enough money, and deserved a nice apartment. Additionally, real estate is a serious investment, and you don't want to invest in something that's not worth the money (and experience). Hence, you were here, in your own (expensive-ass) apartment. But there was only one catch!

Your next door neighbour. 

It has been only a few weeks since you moved in, so you haven't got a chance to meet all your neighbours. You made friends with the super stylish elderly lady who's your front door neighbour. She seemed very nice. You had met some of your downstairs neighbour, one family with 2 kids, and another girl just like you. But your next door neighbour remained a mystery. The only thing you knew about him was that he liked to do a lot of karaoke by himself,

In the middle of the night. 

It was another Friday, a very tiring one, and you were looking forward to uninterrupted sleep throughout the weekend, only if the neighborhood nightingale keeps it quiet. As you entered the apartment lobby, you started to pray in your head, hoping that the karaoke neighbour keeps quiet over the weekend, hoping that maybe he will have some important work come up that'll take him away for the weekend. You were so engrossed in your prayers that you didn't even notice the guys standing right beside you in front of the elevators, until he clears his throat to get your attention.

While he does have a nice voice (a dreamy one as the elderly lady said with a fond look on her face), it's not really ideal to wake up to that nice voice singing the latest pop hits at the witching hour. Your job paid well, but it was also demanding, tiring and simply draining. After a long and hard day you only wanted to go to sleep and get a reasonable amount of rest. But you couldn't. Cause the. guy. just. won't. stop. singing.

~~~~~~~~

"Hi!" He gives you a nice smile, nose scrunches and all, "I'm jungkook, i don't think we've met."

"Ah, yes i only moved in a few weeks ago," you smile back, giving him your name, all the while thinking how adorable his smile is. 

"Ah, i was away for a few weeks, so maybe that's when you moved in, and we never got to meet." He nods his head like the world's mysteries were unraveling themselves. "So which floor do you live on?" 

"8th," you answer entering the elevator, looking back to see if he's following "though i wish I was a few floors above or below!"

"Why?"

"Because, i have this neighbour, and he won't stop singing!" You tap on the 8th floor button, "i mean, it's okay i guess, cause he has a nice voice, but really i don't want to wake up to 2000's greatest pop hits karaoke at 3:30 in the morning you know." You finish your confession, looking at the changing numbers above the door before looking back at jungkook "you're not going to enter your floor?"

"Huh? Yeah, yes," jungkook taps on the number for 10th floor, not really knowing why. He lives on the 8th floor, and after hearing your confession he knows that you're his neighbour, and that his untimely karaoke sessions have disturbed you. Why he chose a wrong floor just to make sure you don't find out it's him baffled him. 

"I mean, the only way the karaoke would be worth it if he was singing my favourites," you shrug, imagining the heavenly voice neighbour singing all your favourites, not just the latest pop songs. 

"And what are your favourites?" He asks jokingly, still not telling you that he is the midnight karaoke radio.

"Hmm, well…" you list some of your favourites, songs that are very close to your heart, "honestly i hope he either shuts up for the weekend or sings only my favourites. That's the only way he can earn my forgiveness."

Jungkook smiles to himself, watching the elevator doors open on your (and his) floor, "maybe he will."

You give him a last smile, "yeah, pray for me though. Bye, have a great weekend." You wave your hands at him as the doors closed. Now why can't this nice (and cute) guy be your neighbour? 

Maybe god is real, or maybe you're just very good at manifesting, cause that night, no songs from the next door infiltrate your apartment. You get a full night's rest, a deep sleep that's unlike anything you've ever experienced. And in the morning you're woken by the soft crooning voice of your neighbour. He sings a few songs, his voice so smooth as if he's trying to coax you out of sleep with music. You float gently in the state between sleep and awakening, surrounded by his smooth voice until a sudden realisation slams you back into reality- he's singing the songs you listed to the 10th floor neighbour last night. 

Jungkook on the other hands doesn't take any chances, riding up till 12th floor before going back down to 8th, making sure that your were not in the hallway before dashing to his door, opening and closing it in a rush, carefull that you don't see him. He wanted to repair his image to you before officially introducing himself, cause he felt that maybe, you're not going to be just neighbours. 

~~~~~~~~

Getting out of your bed so fast that you almost fall on your face, you pull on a robe over your pajamas and run your front door, ripping it open before descending onto your next door neighbour. You vigorous knocking stops the music. A few minutes after the door opens, and surprise surprise, on the other side of the door stands the very man who claimed to live 2 floors above you. 

"YOU!" You lower your voice a bit, not wanting to draw the attention of the other people on the floor "you liar! You're the karoke guy! You are the one who wakes me up in the middle of the night, how dare you?" 

Even though you were angry, and trying to appear scary, jungkook could only think how adorable you were looking. But he also knew laughing right now wouldn't be the right move, so he controls himself. 

"Yes, and i am truly sorry for that. Honestly i didn't even know someone was living in your apartment." His sincerity was apparent in his voice, "and if you'll let me, than I'd like to make up for the troubles i caused." He once again gives you his bunny smile, nose scrunches and all.

"How?" You were trying not to give in, but damn he has a nice smile. 

"How about we start with breakfast?" He moves sideways, gesturing for you to enter his apartment.

"How do I know you're not a serial killer?" Even though he had a nice smile, and a good body (his was wearing see-through pajamas, SEE-THROUGH pajamas!!!) You didn't want to walk into the house of an unknown guy. 

"Well, if you want we can have the breakfast outside then?" He tilts his head, "i know a nice place, and it's very close. I don't know much about serial killing but if i was a serial killer i wouldn't try to kill you in public."

You give the idea some thought before nodding, "okay, let's meet in front of the elevator in 15 minutes." 

He nods, "see you in 15 then!". And just as you're about to turn around, he calls you back, "you know you can just request your favourites, maybe then you'll like my midnight karaoke."

"How about we negotiate that over breakfast? Meet me at 15 Mr. Singer!" You wink at him before going back to your own apartment, suddenly very glad that the universe didn't send your musical neighbour away for the weekend on an important trip.

[theselightsareblinding]

GMMTV 2024 part 2

As I expected, for me part 2 wasn't as satisfactory as part 1, almost everything I wanted I got in part 1 so there wasn't much left to impress me with. The only two series I'm actually very excited to watch are The heart killers and Us. I'm happy all the same, this event is always so fun to watch and there's plenty of series to look forward to.

These are all the series in order, the first one being the one I'm most excited about:

The Heart Killers: talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, etc. Once again GMMTV looked at my brain and decided to make exactly my ideal series. I was so excited watching the trailer the first time I couldn’t even understand what was happening but I saw Dunk finally being allowed to show us his gigantic biceps and I knew this show was made for me.

Us: this looks great, and this was only a mock trailer. I had hoped we get some more veteran actresses but the plot actually looks very cute and they seem to have great chemistry

Thame – Po: Heart That Skips a Beat: an interesting new couple, a compelling plot, it’s a solid win for me

Revamp: The undead story: they had me at vampires, plus Santa, also a must watch

Friendshit Forever: worst title of this lineup award. Mook and New as leads, they have me hooked already. The plot is kinda meh but it deserves a chance

The Ex-Morning: they gave KristSingto the exes to lovers and they kept talking about relinking flames through the entire trailer, and they were siping pink milk! I love GMMTV for this. Not a fan of the trope or the couple to be honest, but despite that the trailer felt compeling, and it will be very interesting to watch how they have grown as actors and how that affects their dynamic. Let’s see how the kissing goes tho

Sweet Tooth, Good Dentist: I love Mark and even though I prefer him with Neo he also has great chemistry with Ohm and I’m excited to see them work as a couple. But why dentists? I don’t think I can think of a more unappealing job for a romance lead. There are at least three series about dentists, WHY?? And the whole plot revolves around him and his job ???

Perfect 10 Liners: this was actually last in my head while I was watching the live but then I read that it’s 30 episodes long, 10 for each couple, not intertwined. So I’ll watch the PerthChimon one only, the plot seems cute at least. I’m not interested in ForceBook or JuniorMark enough to get through another two engineering students series.

Hide and Sis: best title of the lineup award. The trailer felt a bit off but I love a cast full of women so I’ll probably watch it. The plot could be interesting if done right.

Leap Day: I’ll probably watch too, if only for Gun in what looks to be a great role. I feel like both Pond and Dew have grown as actors so let's pray for that.

Scarlet Heart Thailand: I know what the original series is about and it’s not my cup of tea (period series, lots of drama) but the cast is a 9/10 (sorry but what is Win doing there) so if the trailer isn’t too offputting for me I’ll probably watch it.

Dark Dice: Gem and Prim and a bunch of kids I don’t know. Could be something, I’ll decide when the final trailer is out.

Ossan's Love Thailand: I usually love Thailand’s silly humour but not this time. I’m fond of Earth but kinda tired of him and his acting, I can’t help it. I didn’t even smile watching the whole trailer so probably not for me

Break Up Service: happy for Off but I don’t care about this.