#and at 830 we got home

[barbatoskisser]

Whoecer cooked this pizza tonight deserves millions of dollars

Real rn

I love whoever they are this is the best pizza ive had in years (i usually dont eat pizza nor like it)

[kawaiianimeredhead]

Ughhh

[daydreamingyuta]

NCT as Husbands Series: Johnny Suh

summary: fluff, drabble, husband!johnny wc: 830 nct as husbands masterlist

Johnny is such husband material!! He's genuinely soo thoughtful and sweet! like I always think about jcc and how he picks things to do based on who's in the video with him and what they would enjoy doing. which is why I would say one of his love languages is for sure acts of service! like he would always do the little things for you, that you may not even notice.

Also really big on communication. Anytime there's conflict in your marriage he's sitting you down and talking through it until you find a good solution. which I think is also a way that he shows he loves you because usually he can just brush things off, but with you he makes sure you're both on the same page and fully understand everything from each other's perspectives.

Johnny as a husband is also just so much fun! like there's not a day that goes by where he doesn't flirt with you like crazy. You could be twenty-five years into your marriage and he's still making you blush. He also loves to travel with you. He's always loved traveling and having someone who he can experience the world with is soo precious to him!!

I also feel like he would be in a constant battle with himself on how to impress you more and more by his good husband skills. Like he became a husband and all of a sudden it’s his life mission to make you the single happiest wife on earth. Especially with making sure you're taken care of!

Johnny enters the front door, too tired to even properly lift his feet causing them to drag. The combination of not getting enough sleep and dancing for hours straight was taking a toil on him. He knows immediately that you're not back from work yet, the atmosphere in an empty home just feels different somehow. He figures that you must be working late again. If he wasn't married, he would probably just go to bed right now without properly taking care of his needs, but he is married and he knows that you'll be hungry when you get home. He quickly checks in the kitchen to see if there's something easy to cook, but he doesn't find anything. He settles on taking out his phone and ordering takeout. He has a page on his notes app of all your favorite things to order from different restaurants just for situations like this. Yes, he could just ask you what you want, but sometimes being surprised with your favorite food just made it taste that much better. He places the order and then walks into the bathroom to wash his face, in hopes that it might wake him up a bit. However, once he flips on the light switch, he notices one of your face masks laying on the counter. "She must not have had enough time to do it last night." He thinks to himself, making a mental note of this as he brings his cupped hands full of cool water to his face. ⸻ It's not long after the food arrives that you come home, just as exhausted and hungry as Johnny figured you'd be. He gives you a sympathetic pout before he brings you into his embrace, letting you stay for as long as you want. It's two whole minutes into the hug before you finally notice the smell of your favorite takeout. You pull away from him and place your hands on his shoulders. "Did you buy me food?" "Maybee." He says, giving you his sweet smile. All your energy must have come back to you at the thought of food, because you rushed into the kitchen to grab a plate for the both of you. "Actually, I was thinking we could put on face masks together, sit on the couch, and eat while you tell me about your day." "Genuinely Johnny, I would love nothing more." You say, following him to the bathroom. "Actually, this is perfect because I was wanting to do one yesterday but got too tired." "Oh really?" He says, pretending like he hadn’t seen the face mask earlier.  You two put your sheet masks on in the bathroom and then go over to get your food. You sit on the couch in a criss-cross position as you tell Johnny all about your day. Actually, one of your coworkers recently had a very dramatic breakup with her boyfriend, so Johnny was all ears. "You know, It's actually so hard to eat with a sheet mask on, baby." Johnny says, adjusting his mask that started to slide down. "But it's worth it, it feels so nice," You say, setting down your food and helping him with his mask. You get it back into the right position and then kiss him on his temple which puts a proud grin on his face because he knows getting you food and doing face masks together made you happy. 

[lives-in-midgard]

Stay With Me

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader

Summary: Steve is there for reader after a mission.

Word Count: 830

A/N: Hey everyone! I had this idea when I saw the prompt: "Please, stay with me." of the Fluffcember from @buckys-wintersoldier But because it wasn't Christmas themed and then I also didn't have time I decided to not post it for the Fluffcember. So, here it is I hope you enjoy it!

Divider made by @firefly-graphics

Masterlist

Returning to the compound after a mission was not always easy. Sometimes it was, but not today. A lot of bad things happened on this mission, and you didn’t know how to deal with it right now. The whole flight you just looked at the ground, trying not to look at the others, but you could feel them all looking at you. Especially Steve, who sat across from you.

When the Quinjet landed on the compound, you were the first one who made their way out of it, not looking at any of the other Avengers. You could hear Steve calling your name but you didn't care, you just wanted to go home. Home to the comfort of your apartment.

When you got to your car, you turned on your favorite playlist as loud as you could and drove off.

The first thing you did when you got home was to take a shower and change into comfortable clothes. You quickly looked at your phone and saw that you had received a message from Steve.

"Hey y/n, are you okay?"

You didn't answer and put your phone away. Then you sat on the couch with a blanket over your shoulder and started thinking about the mission. How you almost caught the HYDRA agent until he suddenly escaped. How many people had to die. And then you started thinking about the moment you could have died until Steve came and saved you.

You sat there for a while until you heard a knock on the door. You weren't really in the mood to see anyone at that moment, but the person didn’t stop knocking.

After the tenth knock, or at least that’s what it felt like, you got up and went to the door. When you opened it, you saw a very worried Steve standing there.

"Hey." You said quietly.

"Hey." Steve said, looking over your body to see if he could see any injuries.

"I came here to check on you. You drove to your apartment so quickly after you got back to the compound." He said softly.

"Yeah, umm sorry. I just had to get away from there." You mumbled.

"You know what happened on the mission wasn't your fault, right?" Steve said, referring to the things that happened there.

"I don't know." You mumbled and looked at the ground.

"No, hey, it definitely wasn't your fault. You did your best; we all did our best." He said, took your hand and you looked back at him.

"Deep down I know this, but right now it feels like it’s all my fault."

"I know this feeling all too well. He paused a moment and then said.

"If you’d rather be alone now, I can go."

"No, please stay with me." You confessed and Steve gave you a comforting smile.

"Of course." He said and you opened the door more so he could walk in.

You both sat on the couch very close to each other so that your knee touched his. You sat in silence for a while until Steve said something.

"Actually I also wanted to check on you because I wanted to see if you have any injuries." You looked up at Steve who had another worried look on his face.

"I'm fine, I just have a few small scratches and a few bruises, but nothing serious."

"Are you sure?" Steve asked and you nodded.

"What about you?"

"Oh, you don't have to worry about me, sweetheart." You blushed at the petname he gave but tried to smile at him.

"How about we watch a movie and order some take out?" Steve suggested, placing a strand of hair behind your ear, making you a little nervous.

"That's a good idea." You smiled at each other. Steve suggested ordering the pizza while you searched for a movie. You found one that you remembered Steve wanted to watch and decided to pick that one.

You ate the pizza and watched the movie. After the movie ended, you decided to watch another one. You had a great time together and were really grateful that Steve came over. The movie had just ended when you decided to say something.

"Thank you, Steve. Not only for coming over but also for saving me on this mission." A small tear fell from your eye and Steve's gaze softened. He wiped the tear away and wrapped his arms around you. Then Steve pulled you into a tight hug.

"Of course, I saved you and came here. You mean so much to me." You sniffed a few times while Steve rubbed your back and hugged you for as long as you needed him.

After a while you broke the hug but stayed close to him. You placed your head on his shoulder, and he held you close to him. Steve insisted that he wants to stay the night to make sure you were okay and because he didn't want you to be alone.

Taglist:

@marvelogic | @rogersbarber | @eviebuggg | @nicoline1998enilocin | @nekoannie-chan | @kandis-mom | @sergeantbarnessdoll | @noellez-best-life23 | @buckskemp | @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 | @cutedisneygrl | @mrsbuckybarnes1917

[green-with-envy-phandom-event]

The Final Scores are in!

(lines by @ovytia-art, @jamiethebeeart, @maebird-melody, @hannahmanderr, @dashing-through-ecto, @minnowmarsh, @dashing-through-ecto)

Congratulations Red Team for filling some very big shoes and taking home the gold!

We did it, Guys~! Green With Envy 2024 is now officially over! Thank you so much to everyone who participated!

@echo-does-art, @half-deadmagicperson, @goodfish-bowl, @ectoblastfromthepast, @furiarossa, @fuyuthefoxwriter, @brothebro, amazing work!

You managed to submit 219 colors in one month!

Pre-Bonus Points Scores

Red - 1832 Blue - 1409 Yellow - 1524 Brown - 703 Green - 109 Purple - 307 Pink - 304

Orange - 347 Black - 297 White - 191

Post-Bonus Points Scores

Red - 2507 Blue - 1920 Yellow - 2145 Brown - 830 Green - 154 Purple - 444 Pink - 434 Orange - 457 Black - 387 White - 256

--------

If anyone wants to color line art from the 2024 event, these lines are now open for anyone to color, just make sure to read the notes the line artists left you and credit them when you post a color! Last year's (2023's) stuff can also be found here.

MVP’s for Bonus Points Across All Teams Under the Cut!

The top 3 bonus point earners overall were:

@jamiethebeeart from yellow team with 230 points

@ecto-stone from blue team with 194 points

@half-deadmagicperson from red team with 164 points

Here's how well colorists scored with the Mods for slower, but more detailed colors! Each color of this type that we could spot earned that participant 5 additional points!

These people all did Palette Challenges, earning them 3 additional points per entry!

@lavendarlily x9, @craftybookworms x6, and @half-deadmagicperson x1

These people colored in bulk, with every 25 pieces netting them an additional 10 points!

@nanaarchy x2, @fuyuthefoxwriter x2, @half-deadmagicperson x2, @reading-wanderer x2, @jamiethebeeart x2, @balshumetsbaragouin x1, @echo-does-art x1, @furiarossa x1, @ecto-stone x1, @marzfartz x1, @moonfoxgazer x1, @audaciousanonj x1, and @sherry-a-h x1

These 11 people successfully poached points!

Yellow Team @reading-wanderer got x4, @moonfoxgazer got x2, and @marzfartz got x2 For a total of 8 Poaches and 160 points Red Team @half-deadmagicperson got x3, @goodfish-bowl got x1, @echo-does-art got x1, and @brothebro got x1 For a total of 6 Poaches and 120 points Blue Team @ecto-stone got x2, and @sherry-a-h got x1 For a total of 3 Poaches and 60 points Brown Team @audaciousanonj got x1 For 20 points Orange Team @craftybookworms got x1 For 20 points

These people had some extra creative colors, which each earned 5 additional points!

@lavendarlily for their animated lightning @craftybookworms for their creative use of the empty countertop @minnowmarsh for their 3D papercraft @raaorqtpbpdy for spending a very long time adding in sheen effects and using multiple types of coloring tools @raaorqtpbpdy for their elaborate mixed media background with the main art as a 3d floating element @echo-does-art drew and colored all the additional knives @brothebro for their creative punchline to the meme @ecto-stone for trying the hidden transparency trick for first time @ecto-stone for another transparency trick @ecto-stone for this lovely gif worm @moonfoxgazer for the outrageously cursed and elaborate OC Slackjaw born of Susi's lines @moonfoxgazer for their creative punchline to the meme @furiarossa for the above and beyond body and fur texture added to Susi's lines, paired with an amazing background @furiarossa for coloring the lines to look like a statue, and adding a ficlet inspired by the color @ventisettestars for this time intensive Hades coloring style @dreamwraith's VERY time-intensive traditional oil painting @marzfartz for their traditional watercolor with a really nice background @marzfartz for another lovely watercolor @ectoblastfromthepast for their super nice digital piece that took them 3 days of intense focus @summerssixecho for their scanned magazine digital collage @jamiethebeeart for this stunning digital piece that has such a lovely added background @jamiethebeeart for adding basically a whole story to the background of their color @jamiethebeeart for adding a background that just really fit the vibes of the line art perfectly @jamiethebeeart for their portal accident animation @pokerust for their papercraft @goodfish-bowl for their amazing paint pour background @sherry-a-h for their diamond painted furby

Thanks so much everyone for all your hard work to make this such a successful event and we hope to see you again next year~!

Looking for the 2024 Masterpost? Looking for links to last year's stuff? 2023 Free-To-Color Line Art 2023 Event Decal 2023 Masterpost

[holllandtrash]

london boy | lando norris (6 to 1) - smau

part of the lover x 6 to 1 series | lando norris x leclerc! reader

So I guess all the rumors are true You know I love a London boy 

takes place 3 months after part 12 of 6 to 1 vote for the next part here

ynleclerc added to their story

landonorris added to their story

ynleclerc 📍 London, England

liked by landonorris, charles_leclerc and 54,103 others

ynleclerc london night 1 + lando picking me up from the airport (merci to the person who captured him giving me a literal garden)

view all 508 comments

landonorris only the best for the best

ynleclerc i will expect flowers everytime now landonorris okay

givememclarens not a fan of the soft launch pics bestie everyone knows you're dating the least u could do is give us bf lando

liked by ynleclerc

charles_leclerc please return home in one piece

ynlelcerc no promises

lewishamilton my second home 🖤 let me know if you need recommendations

landonorris

liked by ynleclerc, arthur_leclerc and 314,484 others

tagged: ynleclerc

landonorris london rookie had to see all the sights today

ynleclerc you loved that double decker bus ride as much as i did landonorris i lost my bucket hat ynleclerc i told you not to wear it

charles_leclerc why aren't you sitting like a normal person

ynleclerc because i know how to have FUN charles

ynleclerc 📍London, England

liked by danielricciardo, riabish and 67,810 others

ynleclerc im sorry..the old y/n can't come to the phone right now

view all 315 comments

danielricciardo you know you're not just supposed to look at the phone booth right, you can actually go inside

ynleclerc leave me alone

charles_leclerc why are you wearing shorts in october

landonorris i asked the same thing ynleclerc its called fashion look it up

riabish cuuuute

ynleclerc can't wait to see you tomorrow ♡

ynleclerc added to their story

riabish added to their story

ynleclerc

liked by landonorris, maxfewtrell and 31,406 others

tagged: riabish

ynleclerc ria is a better tour guide than landon i said what i said

view all 830 comments

riabish love you♡

charles_leclerc landon

danielricciardo not the landon slander

mclaren landon?🤨

oscarpiastri i love my teammate, Landon Orris

landonorris my goodness

landonorris added to their story

ynleclerc added to their story

landonorris

liked by riabish, charles_leclerc and 478,309 others

tagged: ynleclerc

landonorris she cleans up nice for someone who didn't get out of bed until 4pm

view all 18,305 comments

ynleclerc i got ready faster than a red bull wins a race

liked by landonorris, danielricciardo and 5,607 others

mclaren but where's landon?

ynleclerc we are done with this joke oscarpiastri no we are not

thepaddockbulls never in my wildest dreams did i think i would ever see a leclerc make a joke about red bull winning

ynleclerc

liked by landonorris, maxfewtrell and 43,360 others

tagged: landonorris

ynleclerc day 6/6 🇬🇧 could this photo dump get any more british

landonorris there's no tea in any of those pictures

ynleclerc remind me to get some tmr before we leave

oscarpiastri where's landon?

ynleclerc OSCAR

nofornorris sad that her little london trip is ending i was living vicariously through her

sunnyseb petition for them to just move to london full time

landonorris added to their story

ynleclerc 📍home

liked by landonorris, mclaren and 89,205 others

tagged: landonorris

ynleclerc you know i love a london boy

view all 1,104 comments

landonorris im from bristol

ynleclerc not today you aren't

danielricciardo you kids grew up too fast

mclaren Well if there's ever an F1 race in London, we know who'll be the first to support it 😉😉

OscarPiastri thought you loved Landon Orris

landonorris mate shes gonna block you, i just watched her throw her phone across the airport

----- vote for the next part here

[sixlane]

Newlyweds

Jegulus microfic | 830 words | A little Mr & Mrs Smith au thingy for u | pt. 2, pt. 3

“So… what’s your favorite color?” James asks. They’re meant to be getting to know each other but the agency told them not to reveal any identifying information. This is the best he could come up with.

Regulus raises an eyebrow, unamused. James knew it was a stupid question. He’s about to take it back when Regulus looks down at his plate and says, “green, like a dark green. Almost black.”

James hums, studying the way the man in front of him cuts his food into even pieces. He thinks he could learn a lot more about Regulus by just watching him rather than asking superficial questions. Regulus likes order. Noted.

After a minute of silence, broken only by the scraping of silverware, James speaks again.

“Now it’s your turn to ask a question. See, we’re doing a back and forth thing here. Swapping secrets. If we’re going to be fake married we have to know things about each other.”

Regulus doesn’t miss a beat. “I already know everything I need to know about you, James.” 

James scoffs. This is going to be the longest mission of his life. He’s known Regulus for all of an hour and he’s barely gotten five full sentences out of him.

“Ok, tell me three things you know about me. If you get something wrong, I get to ask you anything I want.”

Regulus sets his knife and fork down neatly next to his plate. He wipes his mouth, clears his throat, and looks up at James, pinning him with an icy gray stare. For a second, James loses his breath to the chill. Regulus’ eyes slide over him, stopping at his lips for a brief moment, but James catches it all the same.

“You’re an only child, you’re rich already so you’re not in this for the money, and you’ve been married before, maybe recently. I’d probably even say that’s why you’re here.” Regulus takes a sip from his wine glass, not looking away from James as he does it.

“How did you… Did the supervisor tell you about me? Because that’s not fair I didn’t get anything on y—” 

Regulus cuts him off with a hand. “You’ve been talking incessantly since the second I got here. Attention seeking behavior. Only child. That was probably the biggest stretch but I figured I’d give it a shot. You’re wearing an Armani sweater, so that one wasn’t even hard, and you have a tan line around your left ring finger. Is the divorce even finalized yet?”

James just stares, mouth parted in an attempt to form literally any word from the wide array of languages he knows. Nothing comes, though.

“Aren’t you supposed to be a spy, James? This is day one stuff.” Regulus goes back to his meal. A curl of his hair falls briefly in front of his eyes and he brushes it back with elegant fingers. 

James doesn’t think he’s ever been speechless in this life. All he can think to say is, “the divorce is finalized.” 

“Did you love them?”

Well, that was unexpected. He answers anyway. “Yes”

“Do you still love them?”

“No, not anymore,” James mutters, looking down. It’s true but that doesn’t mean it’s not still tender.

“Good.”

James shoots a look at Regulus then, incredulous. “Good?” he asks. “Why is that good?”

“No attachments, James. It’s bad business.” He says it so casually, so plainly, but James can see a twitch between his brows. This hits home for him too.

“You forget, honey, we’re married now. It’s me and you ‘till the end. We’re ‘attached’ for life.” He smirks, wanting to move the conversation away from lost loves. Hoping the humor will smooth the tension in Regulus’ face.

“We’re fake married, James. Partners. That’s it.” He’s looking up at James through jet black lashes and James finds himself thinking about running his fingers lightly across them. Counting every one until he runs out of numbers. 

“It doesn’t have to be.” Okay, maybe he’s flirting now. So what? If they’re going to be stuck together he might as well make it interesting.

“Yes it does.” Regulus says, but James doesn’t miss how a slight flush creeps onto his cheeks. “We’re doing this by the book. It’s easier that way, trust me.”

“Oh I'm not worried about me, Regulus. I can keep my hands to myself. Don’t think I haven’t missed the way you’ve been looking at my mouth, though. I can be observant, too.”

Regulus looks away, obviously flustered, and James preens internally for getting a reaction out of him.

“I’m going to bed,” Regulus says, getting up. 

Before he’s out of the room, James responds. “Alright, love. Let me know if you want some company. You know where to find me.”

Regulus stops. It’s too long of a pause, almost like he’s considering the offer, but he doesn’t look back. “Goodnight, James,” he whispers before heading up the stairs, and James swears he hears a smile in it.

[huggybearhughes43]

https://www.tumblr.com/huggybearhughes43/745248823383867392/idk-if-youve-ever-watched-the-netflix-movie

Any chance of a part 2 for this fic?

Drunk

Ethan Edwards x Fem! Reader

Warnings- Drunk Ethan, dry humping, fluff

Summary- Ethan gets shitfaced at a party and as the designated driver you take him home.

Word count- 830

The loud music of the party blares in my ear as I walk through the crowd with a cup in one hand and my phone in the other. Somehow Mark had convinced me to be the designated sober friend once again. The liquid in the said cup in my hand wasn’t for me, it was for the most annoying drunk boy that begged me to get him another drink so he didn’t have to move. Lazy for such an amazing athlete if you ask me.

Ethan comes back into my view and I hand the cup to him. He drunkenly smiles and thanks me before chugging down the alcoholic beverage. My face contorts to a look of disgust at his boyishness. Usually the hockey boys knew to behave themselves at parties but this was Ethan’s last chance to get shitfaced. His last season at Michigan had just ended and the next time he’d be playing hockey would be national for the devils.

Ethan and I slept together once, and it stayed that way for months. We rarely talked about that night except for occasional jokes amongst ourselves. Ethan held his head in his hand and groaned, signs of a drunken headache. He moves closer to me and flops his head down on my shoulder. I laugh and bit and pat his back, knowing I’d be joking him for this later.

Kayleigh, Rutgers girlfriend walks over to me with Rutgers hand intertwined with her own. She tells me she was going to give a ride to her own boyfriend as well as Farah and Mark, plus another one of her friends. She tells me she wishes she had more room to take the drunken boy off my shoulders but I shake my head. “I’ve got him, don’t worry.” I politely smile at her, silently thanking her for not making me take all three drunken boys home again.

She leaves and I sigh, moving my hand up to pat Ethan’s head, “come on I’m taking you home.”. He whines softly but complies, following me out of the house with his head down as if he were a little boy getting in trouble by his mother. I help him into the passenger seat of my car before I put myself into the drivers seat. Ethan doesn’t bother putting his seatbelt on and instead leans over the center console and placed his head on my lap.

I softly chuckle and just start the car, planning to drop him off at his own apartment. I place my free hand on his head, rubbing his hair softly in a soothing matter. I turn a familiar corner and Ethan raises his head to look out the window then back at me. “Do you have room for me at your apartment?” He frowns softly and I smile with a nod. He lays his head back onto my lap.

I turn around and drive to my own apartment, helping him inside once we arrive. I depart from him once we got into the living room. I sit down on the couch, surprised when Ethan softly pushes me to lay down before crawling on top of me to lay down. Whether or not caught by surprise, I wrap my arms around him and wait for him to fall asleep. But he never does, five minutes of just laying there he looks up at me. He moves up and nestles his head in my neck, grinding himself into me doing so.

I let out a soft shaky moan at the feeling. I can feel Ethan smirk against my skin, leading him to nip at my neck. “Ethan you’re drunk…” I whisper but don’t make an effort to push him away. He softly moves his hips back and forth against me. I gasp and move my hands the scrape his back. Ethan groans against my neck, moving his hands down to grasp my hips harshly. He moves to hover above me, staring down as he ruts himself onto me.

I could feel the orgasm approaching hastily and he grinds faster. I moan out and arch my back into him and I feel his hard dick through his pants putting pressure on my clothes core. I pinch my eyes shut as my cunt clenches around nothing, juices from my pussy soiling my panties. Ethan only takes a few more moments to reach his own high, his grinding becoming sloppier as a wet patch forms in his pants from his cum. He flops back down onto me, presumably exhausted.

We slept in that exact position that night. The next morning I wiggle from beneath him, careful to not wake him as I shower and start breakfast. As I cook the greasiest bacon I could to help him with the hangover I knew he’d have as I heard footsteps walking towards me. I smile as I feel his arms wrap around me from behind and a head resting on my shoulder.

“Thank you, pretty girl”

[msmk11]

A Moment For Yourself

Johanna Mason x fem!reader

WC: 830

CW: mention of killing people; fluff

Summary: You, the daughter of the mayor of district two, surprise Johanna

Day 1 of MK's mad dash

Upon becoming a victor, Johanna quickly realized that even if you won the Hunger Games, you never really left the arena. Instead, you were thrust into another more complicated, confusing one dominated by social etiquette and politics. The worst part about it- you couldn't kill anyone in this new arena. And right about now, Johanna really wanted to kill someone. Preferably her stylist, who'd dressed her in one after another idiotic outfit that was itchy, restricting, and thoroughly unflattering.

If the outfit wasn't enough, today was the day Johanna was most dreading on her victory tour- second only to visiting the Capitol- her visit to District 2. If the tributes from Two during her games were any indication, everyone from the district were smug, cocky pain in the asses with a superiority complex.

She got off the train in Two with a less than warm reception- dim smiles worn on plastic faces, altered by Capitol surgeries. This district visit was no different than the rest- insincere speeches to the neighbors, friends, and families of the fallen, a tour of the district where Johanna could barely hide her disinterest, and a fancy dinner with the mayor, table laden with local favorites. The feast was Johanna's favorite part, always using the excuse of too much food shoved in her mouth to be able to answer questions.

Just as she thought she'd survived the day, a quieter voice said, "we have one more stop here in Two before we send you off to the train."

Johanna looked up from her plate, dread already filling her stomach. It was you. She couldn't remember your name, having zoned out during introductions, but she did know that you were the mayor's daughter. You looked it too- your soft, full features a demonstration of your wealth, the pretty, baby blue dress you wore clearly made from the finest material, and the innocent smile that still graced your lips, free from any real idea of struggle. Had you not been who you were, Johanna would've maybe called you attractive.

The brunette nodded silently and stood, moving towards you. When no one else followed, she looked at you confused.

You smiled shyly at her, "This isn't an official part of your itinerary, I just like to steal the victors away for a minute to show them a secret spot."

Johanna looked at you warily, not really believing your seemingly innocent intentions, but followed anyhow. For someone who was likely trained on hostess etiquette, you were strangely quiet as you led Johanna away from your house. You padded through the lush grass that she assumed was your backyard and motioned for her to follow as you slipped between a small opening in a long wall of bushes. You stood patiently waiting for her on the other side, hands clasped behind your back and a soft look on your face. You walked for what could've only been a few more minutes before stopping in front of a small, peaceful pond. It was wonderfully quiet, the only sounds wildlife and the faint hush of your breathing.

You looked at her expectantly.

"So, what? You here to drown me or something?" She asked, confused.

"No, course not," you answered with a small giggle. A giggle that, though she'd never admit it, made Johanna's heart jump a little.

Johanna tried to think of something to say, so as to not appear rude, but she was at a loss for words. She couldn't understand why you'd brought her here.

It's like you read her mind, "I'm sure you're wondering why I brought you here, to a secluded pond in the middle of the woods."

"You could say that."

"It's probably silly," you say, a faint blush spreading over your cheeks, "But I've always thought about the victors and how, if I were you, I'd be feeling awfully lonely and exhausted right about now, so far away from home traveling with a bunch of strangers. And though it's not much, I thought that you all might just want a moment to yourselves with no prying eyes or incessant questions. I've gone to this place since I was little, whenever I just needed to be for a moment, and I've always hoped it would help the victors the same way it's helped me."

Johanna was silent.

"We can go back if you want. I know it's stupid I-"

Johanna reached out and grabbed your hand gently, "No, it's not stupid. I- thank you, really. This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me in a long time."

You smiled prettily at her and your shoulders visibly relaxed, "well, I'll leave you alone now. I'll just be on the other side of the hedge if you need me."

She gripped your hand tighter, "Wait! You can stay- if you want."

You looked her in the eyes intensely, "do you want me to?"

Even Johanna is a little shocked by what comes out of her mouth next- "yes."

[brattylikestoeat]

Y’all no one showed up to work last night. So imagine I get here at 2am and I’m tore the fuck up y’all, but I got here at 2am and she still here my big boss. She give me her keys, and door code (which I have my own) and left by 3am.

She talking about Mr predator will be here at 3am. I look at the schedule and he off today.

This man lied to her and said he was going to be here knowing he wasn’t.

So now I’m here with just the cleaning staff and we got people knocking at the door but I’m not letting them in cuz I’m not dealing with all these people at 4am.

They done threaten to call the Atlanta district person. I told them do what they gotta do, cuz I know it’s not gone fall on me.

This gone fall on predator and new boss. Both I want gone.

Predator made this schedule. He scheduled himself off and his lil boo that he fucking so they could both be laid up, don’t ask me how I know just know I know 👀👀👀.

So my boss text me, mind you she only been gone 75 mins. She has to be back at 830 for a conference call.

Am I going to make it worst? Absolutely gotta fan these flames cuz I want mr predator out of here. I never got over him cussing me out and I def never got over him having sex with that teen girl who ran away from home.

This happen like 4 years ago. It use to be this girl 15-17, don’t know her exact age but she was a minor and had ran away from home. She use to hang around our job for some reason, cuz the men gave her attention and a few dollars.

One day she stopped showing up and I didn’t see her for like 2 months. I saw her one day at a bus stop and asked if she was cool and how come I didn’t see her no more.

Apparently Mr predator gave her $20 and a happy meal, fucked her and told her not to come over there no more or he’ll call the police.

Now I do think part of the story is missing but he had no business treating that girl like that. Even now he’ll hit on young girls. He don’t care they age.

I say all that to say this. I’ve been praying on his downfall. But he one of those men who has charm. He literally can put a spell on women of age and older. They let him act and do what he want.

Can’t wait to see him gone.

[ambroseandmox]

Last pictures of my baby bean. Taken over the last three or so weeks. She was fine until late last night, she even met us at the door yesterday when we came home. Today she was hypothermic when we got home, and wouldn't eat or drink, so around 830 we took her to the university vet clinic. Her heart stopped and they couldn't bring her back.

I'll love you forever, my baby.

[ang3l0fde4th4ndd0gs]

"Safe" Billy Russo X Male Reader Microfic

Words: 830

Safe measures. It was always “just for safe measures.” Lock the doors, close the blinds, pull the curtains shut, never see each other outside of the house, no cameras, no messages, no posts, nothing like that, only secret meetings.

Everything was always a secret.

Cause that was safer than what I would have preferred. Russo was like that. He was cautious for the dumbest reasons. For the most insignificant things though?

If they were even slightly insignificant, he didn't care. He threw caution to the wind and didn't care if he got caught. Drinking with me the first time? Sure. That was insignificant enough.

But I wasn't insignificant enough to not be careful with. Never fully seemed like I was important though. Not important enough to hold close or even show off.

Knock knock knock.

He was always the loudest knocker in the world. Only on my door. Seemed like it was a way to get my attention, letting me know it was him or something. It must have been 2am. Not that I bothered to check. I only walked to my front door and opened it.

My suit-clad so-called boyfriend is standing outside on my front porch, smirking like he did something.

“You should just come over at normal times, Bill.”I say as I step back and open the door further.

He steps inside the house, taking his hands out of his pockets where they usually rested and grabbing my hips from behind, pulling me against his hips. “You know why I won't do that.”he whispers as he leans down and rests his head in the crook of my neck, his beard tickling my skin.

I push my door shut as I lean against him. He reaches over, tightening his grip around my hip and turning the lock before turning me around and pressing me against the wall, using his body to pin me to it.

“May I ask why?”I ask as he looks down at me.

“You know why, handsome. Can't we just have fun like this?”

“You wouldn't be endangered over it.”

“But I could be fired.”

“For being gay? I mean, that sounds…”

“True? Cause it is. A gay person in charge of a military task force would be great for some, but it's not to a point yet where I wouldn't be posed as a predator, honestly.”

“Cause Orange is a bitch or because everyone else has an issue with it?”

“Always the former, darling. Always the former.”

He leans down and presses his lips to mine in a soft kiss.

It was his usual, he always kissed me like I was the most precious thing in the world, it was like we were the only two people in the planet for the few minutes each one would last. The kind that made me grin, it gave me goosebumps, it made heat pool in my stomach.

I grip his waist in my hands before gripping his dress shirt in my hands, my hands sliding up his stomach and chest. He smiles against my lips.

“You're perfect.”he whispers. “I'm sorry it gets frustrating to hide like this.”

“You should tell him to fuck off, Bill.”

“He’d kill me for it.”

“I would never let that happen.”

“So what? I shout into the void, tell them he’s a corrupt piece of shit, tell him he got people killed, tell them about all the drugs and pay offs? Then what? I go up a rank and become the main focus of the public eye for a while? Or I die from severe failure.”

“You be a hero, Billy and you get on those cameras, you pull me close like you always do when we're home alone and kiss me for everyone to see.”

“You’re insane.”

“I'm in love and would fucking love to show that off. That's all. If I'm the one person you feel like you can trust, why not show off?”

“Y/N, I'm telling you. This is safe. They can't use you against me if they don't know I've got it bad for you.”

“And they can't use me against you if you're in power either.”

“I wish that were true. Fuck, I would kill for that to be true.”

“You've put me up in a nice house, you've saved my life, given me a place in this world. But you can't show everyone that you are a good enough person to do those things.”

“I'm not a philanthropist. I just don't want you to suffer in any way that I can keep you safe from.”

“Billy Russo, you're gonna be the death of me.”

He grins that movie star grin of his and kisses me before he responds. “Don’t say that, Y/N.”

“I'm only joking.”

Billy leaned down and kissed me once more as he picked me up, bridal style and carried me into the living room. As always, the curtains were already shut, blinds pulled down behind them.

If I did write a book, it'd obviously be short. But I just have tiny ideas like that about what if he was in danger of being fired or even unalived. Obviously the show is set in 2018 so that wouldn't be as plausible. But, still.

There's just not enough X Male Readers for a lot of characters so I wanna write those quite honestly. I enjoy writing those, especially smut for those more than I do for straight sex. And as a trans male myself it's better for me to write something I'd read too.

Also I know this isn't really my usual content, honestly. Usually I'm very Marauders based or even Ben Barnes based. Like, I have a five chapter book on Ben Barnes that I'll be publishing another chapter for soon and I'm on book two of a Marauders series. So I'm branching just a step out to try and see if I can still write other characters outside of my one hyperfixation.

It's very hard to find tons of fics for a lot of less explored characters so I wanna do that eventually. I wanna write at least Oneshots for male x readers to kind of give a slight variation on what you can find. Cause I know myself, I prefer reading male reader things because it's more fun for me than changing the pronouns in my head or creating a character to feel more comfortable reading. Very odd thing, I know.

I do actually like this little one shot though. I just wish I had my computer so I could write more than a hundred words every ten minutes honestly. It's a struggle to write tons when I'm on mobile but I've gotten better more recently since for a while I didn't have access to a full set up like I used to. I used to write on this old Chromebook my mom got me when I was like nine. I wrote most of a series on that but it doesn't work anymore so I can't do that unfortunately.

I'll try to extend this chapter a bit and see if I want to continue this one or if I want to start a new one.

[pbandjesse]

Today is labor day! And it feels thematically appropriate to finally. Finally. Tell Tumblr the secret I have been holding from the Internet for a month. I am 11 weeks pregnant! And today we finally got to tell my family. So I can also finally tell all of you. It has been incredibly hard to write my posts since July 31st when I first found out. And there are other versions of my posts I had written. So I will have to go back and edit those back. It wasn't all of the days but there is a good handful from the beginning of August!! It has been so hard to not say anything! It's why I've been so sick!

I was so nervous to tell my parents. How would they react?? Would i get the emotional excitement I hoped for?? It's basically all I wanted to talk about yesterday. And thankfully when I got home last night I was able to shower and settle and I was able to sleep pretty well, despite the nerves.

I had brought two flower arrangements home from the wedding. One for me and one for my parents. I was smart and dumped the water from the vases but would fill them up for the overnight. And in the morning they still looked great.

I woke up at 8. With the plan for us to leave at 830. James was making crepes and they looked so cute in their Uganda soccer kit. And I really love my denim dress. I felt good. I was nervous but I didn't feel sick. And I really hoped I could keep that going. Ride that wave as long as I could.

Right before we left I noticed one of my frogs was dead. Covered in snails. And I was so sad. So I think I have no frogs anymore. And it just bums me out so bad. I am just going to have to completely start my tank over. I can't get the snails to stop. It's ruined my tanks environment and it just sucks so bad. James would handle getting my baby frog out and buried. I was just really sad. But I tried to not let it ruin my day. We had a big thing to do.

I went out to the car to move stuff around so there would be room for us to bring our laundry with us to my parents. And soon we were on the road.

I brought a pillow and that made me more comfortable. I never fell asleep but I enjoyed resting and we listened to a podcast and it was not a bad drive at all. We wouldn't have to deal with any traffic and we got to my parents at 1030.

We didn't discuss between, me and James, how we were going to tell them. We had packed a little gift bag, with the ultra sound from my last appointment (remember when I went to see that 'specialist'?) and James picked a fig from the tree to bring with us. I packed it like a gift. And when we got to the house we put the flowers and the gift bag in the kitchen table and just didn't mention it. I would have to decide on the right time.

The dogs didn't bark when we came in. It was like they were so excited they were basically honking??? Mom would come out and was very surprised. But I was so happy to see her.

Dad was still getting ready for the day. So I would have to wait.

We would chill in the living room. And talked about life and just catching up. It was hard to redirect the conversation when Mom would talk about me feeling sick, but also when she brought up our planned Scotland trip. The problem being my expected due date is two weeks before the trip. So I was pretty sure we were going to have to reschedule that. Which makes me a little sad but I knew she would understand.

I went to bother Dad and tell him to hurry up and join us. And soon he would. But I wouldn't tell them yet still.

Around 1130 mom asked if we wanted to order pizza. I had had my two crepes in the car but I absolutely wanted pizza now. I love the pizza place near them. So we would order pizza and James got a cheese steak and mom got a quesadilla.

While we waited for the food to be delivered, mom brought up Scotland again. And I decided it was the right time. I honestly wish I got it on video because she had such an amazing reaction. I told James to get the gift bag and mom was like. Why do I get a gift?? And I'm like well it's kind of a thing for both of you.

She brought out the framed ultrasound first. And she literally stopped mid sentence and goes. No??? You're fucking joking?? Jesse??!! You're joking?? And I go right into explaining, this is why I've been sick. And she ran over to me to give me a hug. And dad is like ??? What is happening, Sharon stop cursing!!! And mom hasn't shown him the frame yet and he wasn't getting it. But we finally hand it to him and he gets it and he go no!! Omg!! And they were both so excited. She claims she didn't cry but I saw the teary eyes. She was so excited. Dad was so excited.

Then I explained the fig. And dad goes. Wow. My grandchild, as he holds it up. And then I explain the whole story. When we were on the cruise I was nauseous. Jess's parents kept saying I was pregnant. I didn't want to take a test until August 1st, despite missing two persons. But when I got off the cruise and was still nauseous I spoke to the camp nurse and she convinced me to take a pregnancy test on July 31. And that evening I did and it was immediate. "PREGNANT". And then I told James. And we high fived. And then the next day we told Charlotte because she was leaving for Spain. On August 2nd I made an appointment for an obgyn but I let them know I had been sick but also I was spotting and they said I needed to go to the ER. So I had to tell Alexi and Heather and Elizabeth because I had to leave camp.

And when I got the the er I got fluids and they confirmed the pregnancy but I also got an ultrasound. Based on my last missed period they thought I might be 10 weeks but I was actually more like 6/7. And I got to see it early. It didn't look like much but I got to see it! And I drew a pictuee of it to show James later.

And then in the ten days between the ER and the OB-GYN appointment I lost 10lbs from being sick. And the midwife was so nice and James got to see them and they still didn't look like much but we got to see their heartbeat. And now I have my next appointment tomorrow. And I'm so nervous because anything and everything can go wrong. And I can't see them because my belly isn't see through so I just have to believe they are growing safely. And I really hope we get to see them tomorrow but I don't actually know if we will because I don't know how often you get ultrasounds. I want to see them every time though, only seems fair.

But they were just so excited. And when the door bell rang with our friends it took everything in mon not to just tell the pizza man that her daughter was pregnant. But it was the main point of conversation for the rest of the day.

Lunch was great. I actually ate 4 pieces of pizza! And I would actually feel pretty well through around 230. We would talk about the research and reading we have done to get ready. The book I'm reading. Things we have learned. Mom told us about her experiences and James finished the laundry between topics. It was just so nice. It was so nice to be able to talk about everything. About the scary things. About me accidently ripping my boobie skin off with kinesiology tape. About how I have had all my eggs since I was a baby inside of Mom. So this baby has always been with us, our whole lives. And it makes me just a little emotional to think about.

And like I am still scared. It could not be growing. It could not be growing correctly

It could be missing organs, or a skull. It could be perfect and then die at the end. Or it can be totally fine and I can come home with a new little person. That looks like me and James. The person I love so much.

And I just have to believe that no matter what happens I will be okay, and it will all work out how it's supposed to. Just how I have always believed.

And James got to talk about their excitement too. They are a little more focused on my health. They are just so worried about me being so sick. But they are also such an amazing support. And I love them so much.

I started feeling not amazing. And we had one more stop at Xavier and Kaitlyn's house. So at 3 we would give hugs all around. Mom and me had gone down to the basement and she gave me a nice new basket and a bunch of pencils for camp. And we got all of that in the car. And said goodbye. It was exciting that we got to give them something to be excited about. I love them so very much.

We left there and headed to our friends. They are about 40 minutes from my parents. And it was really nice to see them. They are expecting as well, and she's only a few weeks behind me! How crazy!! We talked about our different experiences. She said her mom was barely sick and that's been her experience so far, while my mom was sick the whole time and that's my experience too. Rough. But I enjoyed hanging out. They brought us a few little Pokemon things from Japan. And we just talked and caught up and spent an hour and a half there. It was fun.

But I was losing steam. So it was time to go. We said goodbye and headed not. See them soon!!

We would stop at Wawa on the way home. We got drinks and snacks. I got a small hoagie. And it did help me feel a little better. But the drive home would be a bit tough on us

Not much traffic, but our cord wasn't charging right. My phone would get down to 2%. And people were driving terrible. James couldn't stop sneezing. And the sun was so strong and directly in our faces. We couldn't block it no matter what we tried. So it was not a super fun trip back. But we were fine. And we would finally get home at 7.

We got everything inside. And I was just like. I gotta go lay down. James would put our clothes away. And we would just enjoy hanging out and doing our own thing in our bedroom. James worked on writing. I watched videos and scrolled. It was calm.

Eventually I took a bath. I have so many blasters on my feet from last night so the I put in the water hurt but I am sure it helped. And now we are in bed. And I am so ready to sleep. There was so much emotionally charged moments today. Like in the best way but man. I am exhausted.

And tomorrow we get to go to the OB-GYN again. This time we get to meet Dr Hoffman. Of Hoffman and associates! Which is the name of the practice. I get to have appointments with all the drs and midwives so we get to know everyone. I think it's smart. But also a little nerve wracking. You never in now what they are going to tell you. I just hope it's all good news you know?

But now it's time to sleep. I hope you all sleep great. I love you all so much. I will start editing the redacted posts and when I finish that (probably Thursday) I will make a post with the dates of the changes posts! If you want to go back and read them.

Goodnight everyone. Have fun tomorrow!!

[tonberry-yoda]

Hard Work - Asra

notes: this fic is based on this matchup for @lovolee3! i liked it way too much and HAD to write a full version! this is nothing but toothrotting fluff! I really hope you all enjoy!!! <333

word count: 830

Asra woke up after a long day to find you making breakfast. The window was wide open, the sheer white curtains pushed to the side and he could hear the chirping of the morning birds as the sun spilled in the room.

“Good morning, Asra,” you smiled.

“Good morning, love,” Asra yawned, pulling his cardigan over his shoulder. “That looks delightful.”

“Well, I know you had a long day yesterday. You deserved not only to sleep in, but to have a lovely breakfast as well.”

Asra smiled at you and pressed kisses all over your face as you plated his food. When you finished, you threw your arms around him and he buried his face in the crook of your neck, taking a deep breath of you in. He smiled and sighed wistfully as you played with his shining, white curls.

He pulled back from you only to press a couple of kisses onto your soft lips and scoop up his plate, leading it to the small dining room table.

You followed shortly behind and the two of you ate breakfast in near silence, hearing the fresh green leaves on the trees rustling from the morning breeze.

The tea kettle you had set was squealing and you ran over quickly to prepare both of your tea.

When you had come back to the dining room, you found Asra reading a book, putting your current work in progress where you were sitting. You slid him his tea and he thanked you, his bright eyes meeting yours with a smile.

The morning was calm, just spent with the two of you reading in peace and the sound of the busy street beginning to flood pulled you two out of your peace, letting the rest of the morning flow.

"Ready to open up shop?" Asra asked you, taking your book from you and putting both yours and his on the shelf.

"Once you get out of those sloppy pajamas," you giggled, pressing a kiss onto his nose. "And then we can get started."

Asra rolled his eyes at you and went upstairs to his room. You decided in that time to clean up a bit, dusting off bottles and organizing the tarot cards you sold.

"How many readings do you think we'll have today?" You asked Faust as she crawled up your leg and up your torso to your shoulder.

"Lots!" You chuckled at Faust and petted her on the head before you heard the small stomps of Asra's feet run down the old wooden stairs.

"Ready now?" He asked, fixing the disheveled curls atop his head.

"Yes, go ahead." You said, walking back behind the counter.

Once the shop, people flooded in asking for tarot readings or something to help their sick mother back at home. You were used to the shop being busy, but never this busy.

"Are you doing alright over there?" Asra asked from the reading room as you ran the counter, struggling, but still smiling.

"Just fine, Asra!" You nodded at a customer who left the shop and took a breath before a couple of girls flooded in.

"Want to swap places? It's nice and cool back here?" He stuck his head out of the purple curtains.

"Oh, I don't know. I'm still a little rusty, don't you think?"

"Not at all!" Asra got out of the room and handed you the deck, letting you feel the energy. "Now get in there! Can't decide if you're rusty if you're not doing anything!" He gave you a pat on the back and took over the counter.

You went to the back where the reading room was and Asra was right, it was cool in there. You took a deep breath and even though you knew you would still be doing a bit of work, you got to take a break for at least a moment.

You sat back there for a couple of hours, telling an old man that he could move on, a young girl that she still had hope, and several people that they were going to be working hard in their future. It seemed like easy work, but you were exhausted.

"Alright," Asra stuck his head in the room and you couldn't help but get a little flustered looking at him all worked out, his hair messy and sweat beading on his forehead. "The shop's all closed up. We're good for the weekend."

You sighed in relief and set down the deck onto the table before putting it back into its secure case. "Thank goodness."

"Let's take a bath, we have a long weekend ahead of us."

"Long but fun," you took Asra's hand and let him lead you upstairs.

"Yes! Fun! I love going on adventures with you, y/n."

"Makes the long weeks worth it."

"Tell me about it." Asra pecked kisses up and down your arms and led you to the bathroom. Before the long weekend ahead, you needed a long night of relaxation.

~~~~~

the arcana masterlist | pinned post @tonberry-yoda

[daggersandarrows]

currently delighting myself with the sheer beautiful stupidity of poly sleeping arrangements. currently:

i have ended up at the house of my gf, w, for the past two days

the house belongs to w and r, her wife. there are three bedrooms: r's/the master, w's, and the guest room. m, w's partner, is currently staying in the guest room.

last night me, w, r, and m, got super drunk and unanimously decided it would be simpler and snugglier to sleep in the same bed

naturally we all go to r's room, bc the master has a queen. literally the second we do though, r's cat pees on the bed

we all migrate to the guest room. there is concern that the full will not have enough room for all four of us, but r can't sleep anyway, so me, m, and w fall asleep while she goes downstairs to do her own thing

around 7 am, r is finally sleepy and w gets up for work. they trade places in bed. i am now being spooned by r instead of w, who is being spooned by m

at about 830 w goes to leave for work and say goodbye to all of us and *can't find me* as i am being hidden by a combination of comforter and r's boobs. she legitimately searches the house for me before finally coming back to the bedroom and spotting me and then taking pictures, presumably to tease us both about being cute later

fast forward to tonight; w's girlfriend s is over along with s's roommate, g, who has also been offered a bed for the night as m is over sleeping with their gf, v, which leaves the guest room free, but they decline in favor of cuddling their dog

w prefers her room when not with r so she and s go to sleep in there

i ask r if she will be home but she's going down the street to the neighbor's to sleep with a, her complicated maybe-boyfriend

this means i'm sleeping in my girlfriend's wife's queen without her but with both the cat and the dog. lmao

[koolkat9]

The Boss' Brother

Rating: T

Pairing: Canmano

Word Count: 830

Read on AO3

Stupid Alfred. Stupid cleaning. Stupid work. What was so special about Alfred’s brother that had him working double time and missing his afternoon siesta.

At least this was the last room, and Lovino could finally rest. He cringed as he approached the shelf. He knocked over things all the time with a sudden jerk of a limb, but those were easy to deal with, however annoying they were. But shelving was a different story. Maybe he could get away with not doing it. Not like Alfred had an eye for detail. Too much in a rush all the time.

A voice spooked him, knocking him into the shelf. It teetered, he tried to catch it, but it was heavier than he remembered.

Just when he thought he was going to lose his grip, someone rushed behind him and caught the shelf. Together, he and Lovino pushed the shelf upright again.

“Are you alright?” the same voice that first spooked him asked.

“Be careful when you…”

When Lovino turned around he found a face similar to Alfred’s. For a second, he thought it was his boss, but the hair was all different. Curlier, softer looking, and a lot longer. So this was Canada, Matthew, Alfred's brother.

“Sorry about that…” Matthew chuckled bashfully.

Lovino could feel his cheeks heating up. “Well…J-Just be careful. For a giant, you sure have light steps.”

“I get that a lot. Oh, I’m Matthew by the way. Canada. Alfred’s brother.”

“Figured.”

“And…You must be South Italy?” Matthew extended his hand.

Lovino hesitantly took it. “Most call me Romano.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Alfred burst into the room. “Hey dude! Tolys told me…Oh, I see you met Romano. And here I had a proper meeting all planned. Well, more time for you to settle in bro. And Romano. You can be off for the rest of the afternoon. You and Tolys have gone above and beyond these past few days.”

Alfred led Matthew out of the room, and Lovino finally had his peace.

— — —

Thunder rumbled in the distance. Hopefully, Tolys and Alfred would be getting home soon. Not that Lovino was worried or anything. He just didn’t want Alfred rushing around and dropping groceries, trying to avoid the rain.

It was just him and Matthew now.

The thunder got louder as the storm moved in. So much for his nap. At least he got a little one.

Then the power cut out.

Lovino let out a shriek, surprised by the sudden darkness. Then he prayed that it wasn’t loud enough for Matthew to hear.

Matthew rushed into the room, a lantern in hand. “Everything alright? I heard a–”

Lovino jumped

“You heard nothing,” he threatened, whirling around and pointing at Matthew

The younger nation stumbled back. “O-Okay. Um…Do you know where we could find some candles?”

“Ugh. I’ll get them.”

“Cool, cool. I’ll start a fire in the living room.”

He handed Lovino the lantern and was off again. Lovino groaned and trudged to the nearest storage closet to get those candles. When he got to the living room, candles and matches in hand, Matthew already had the fire going. Lovino put the candles around the room and lit each one, giving them a bit more light.

He collapsed on the couch dramatically, throwing an arm over his eyes.

Matthew laughed.

“And what’s so funny, bastard?” Romano hissed, glaring.

Matthew straightened up, smile getting wiped off his face. “N-Nothing.”

“I had a long few days, no thanks to you.”

“S-Sorry.”

They sat in silence at opposite ends of the couch, watching the dancing flames. Despite the fire, Romano started to shiver.

Matthew jumped up when he noticed, wiggling out of his jacket. He draped it over Lovino’s shoulders.

“What the hell?” Lovino shrieked.

“You look cold. With winter around the corner, I’m sure it’s a lot colder than you’re used to. Stay put. I’ll get us blankets.”

“B-But you’ll be cold,” Lovino stuttered out, cheeks set ablaze, heart pounding all the way to his throat.

Matthew waved a dismissive hand. “I’m used to it. I’ll be fine. Try living in northern Canada in the middle of winter.”

“With all due respect. Fuck no.”

Matthew chuckled. For a nation so cold, his voice, his laugh were so warm. Wait. Why was he thinking that? He pressed his hands against his cheeks.

“I was just teasing,” Matthew noted. His freckled cheeks flushed with a light pink. “It’s pretty nice in the summer. N-Not that I’m expecting you to come over or anything. B-B-But I’m not saying you can’t I…”

“Maybe a change of scene would do some good,” Lovino pondered, wrapping Matthew’s jacket just a little tighter around him.

Matthew looked at him wide-eyed. “What…Really?”

“I’ll think about it. Also depends if your brother gives me the time off.”

“O-Okay…”

When Tolys and Alfred finally returned, drenched from the storm, they found Lovino and Matthew curled up on the couch, Lovino’s head in Matthew’s lap.