#boy has never felt more valued and (loved) in his life except right there

[onlyhereforangst]

#i'm?? worth it??????

[chronicbeans]

What do you think puppeteer wally would do if puppet y/n suddenly turned human?

Oh boy, he's going to go crazy. Let's go!

Puppeteer Wally if Puppet Reader turned Human:

TW: Obsessive and Possessive Behavior, Controlling Behavior, Delusions/Overly High Expectations, Perfectionism, Overprotective Behavior

He's over the moon with excitement! His (Y/N)? Human?! Now they can really be together, as in, he can take you outside and show you off! As a puppet, he couldn't really take you outside. If he did, you would have to act limp and lifeless. After all, what would the average person think of a puppet that moves and talks on its own? They'd probably scream "Haunted puppet! Creepy doll! Monstrous creature!" It just never felt right to take you out on a "date" at the mall or a restaurant, only for you to not be able to do anything.

Now that you are human, however, he can take you on those dates! It'll be just like his fantasies! Candlelit dinners, shopping sprees (he'll be sure to carry all the bags, no matter how many or how heavy they are), walks under the moonlight... Yes, exactly like his fantasies!

If you happen to look any different than your puppet form, such as (S/C) skin instead of say... the (F/C) felt that made up your puppet form's skin tone, he wouldn't mind. In fact, he finds it even more adorable than before! Your appearance in this human form, he tells himself, is simply the true you! The true culmination of every value you embody. The kindness, acceptance, patience, generosity... This human form is the true form of you, since you are those things... It may sound confusing when said aloud or written down, but to Wally, his complex thought process behind this belief makes complete sense. If anybody doesn't understand it, they simply don't have the open mind to do so. If you don't understand it, it's because you shouldn't worry your pretty little head over it.

He's been wanting to take you out somewhere for a long time, now. He hated seeing you so sad and upset in his home, looking outside with such longing. He's also terrified of the fact that, once he does take you outside, there is a chance you will run away. So, it'll take a while before he finally decides to bring you somewhere, mainly because he makes sure to plan everything ahead of time. There will be no escaping from him during this little outing. He's planned for every situation he can think of.

Another side effect of him longing to take you out is that he wants it to be perfect. It must be exactly like his imagination - with a few exceptions, of course. He may make sure that the entirety of a candlelit dinner goes exactly like his fantasies, but if you don't want to have the romantic kiss at the end, like he always imagined you would, he won't make you. He may be a bit... Unhealthy to be in this "relationship" with, but he has strong boundaries regarding physical affection. Forcing hugs and cuddles is completely fine, and he does it rather often. Anything beyond that, though? He would never dream of it! He won't even kiss you on the cheek if you say you don't want him to.

Cuddling with you as a human, is 20× better than you as a puppet, in his opinion. While puppet you may be soft and plush, human you is equally as soft, trading plushness for warmth! He also gets to listen to your relaxing heartbeat. It really grounds him whenever he gets overstimulated from work, anxiety, or even his own emotions for you. Sometimes his head and heart are filled with so many thoughts and emotions about how much he loves you, he can't put them into words, causing him to get overstimulated- which then results in an instant cuddle session that lasts two hours. Beats when you were a puppet, where he would sometimes forget that you are sentient and shake you like a plush toy, which he did before you came to life.

Speaking of puppet you... he would still want to control you, in some ways. One of his best (read: unhealthy but it worked miracles for him) coping mechanisms for fears that you would leave him would be puppeteering you to tell him exactly what he wants to hear. If he thought that you hated him and wanted to leave, he'd simply have you say "Oh, I love you, Wally! Why would I even think of leaving?" He can't exactly do that, now that you are human... So, he has gone to try to control as much as he still can.

What you eat, what you are allowed to do, what you watch... As much as he can. Much like his boundaries on affection, however, he has some strong ones here. Anything he views as being creative and expressive will always be allowed!

Cooking is creative. You can cook whatever you want, as long as he watches to make sure you don't hurt yourself. He already controls what's in the fridge and cabinets, anyway, so he is still controlling what is being eaten. He'll even eat whatever you make, complimenting it and giving you advice on how to improve.

Drawing, painting, and writing are creative. That's happily allowed, as long as he can see the drawings and paintings you make. He's... tried to read what you write, but has realized how defensive people can get over it. Especially if you decide to write a diary or journal. He'd rather not have you crying and screaming at him, again, so he'll let you show him when you are ready.

Finally, fashion is considered creative. He won't control what you wear. The only exception is when he wants to play dress up. He'll go out and buy a bunch of clothing for you, then have you try them on. Even then, though, he tries to buy things that he thinks you will like, based on things you've liked previously, things you've looked at in the store or online, and what you wore in the show. He also sees playing dress up not as forcing you to wear different clothes or to change your creative expression, but as providing more options and opportunities to expand your style and expression. He also hopes it helps you adjust to the human world, as you and Julie played dress up a lot in the shows and books.

Overall, he will become a bit more lenient in certain ways, but it is cancelled out by how he becomes more strict in others. As a puppet, you didn't eat or drink, so he didn't have to worry about that. Now, he does need to worry, so he tries to control it. However, he is now letting you go outside with him, and even buys you whatever you want as long as he doesn't see it as something that can help you escape. He doesn't worry as much about you hurting yourself around the house, due to you now being a human. As a puppet, not only could you get ripped, you simply getting wet could cause damage, as well as the possibility of you getting stained. As a human, you are safe from that, but he will now be constantly fussing over the possibility of you getting sick.

You being human will simply cause his controlling, possessive, and overprotective behaviors to switch and evolve to work for a human instead of a puppet. Wanting things to go as he fantasizes about still happened when you were a puppet, but they only involved activities around the house. He's just... adapted to the situation.

[pastanest]

if you’re wondering why I’m having to repost this, or why you were perhaps previously following me but no longer are, please refer to this post. I was able to retrieve this thanks to the very lovely friends who have relentlessly sifted through tumblr archives to recover them, thank you all so much!! ♡

Elven Blood Is Worth Spilling, Sometimes

- Thranduil is infamous throughout Middle-earth for never putting elf lives at risk if he can prevent it, because to him, the immortal life of an elf is worth more than the life of any other species

- and you, his Queen, are no exception to that, despite the fact you are no elf

- Thranduil has avoided battles, let innocent townsfolk die, in order to preserve the lives of elves

- when you arrived in his life and were made aware of this habit of his, it goes without saying that you were very unhappy

- it caused your first arument with the King, one that he surely lost after you shocked him into silence with a final statement

“One day, something so terrible will happen to someone you cant bear to lose, and you will feel the pain of those you have ignored who have come to you for aid. Thranduil will feel the immortal guilt of a thousand men, because he will provide that help for himself, when he did not extend that same consideration to others.”

- you took your rest in separate chambers that night, because you could not contain your frustration at the man you had married

- all the same, you could not sleep without him, and while he lay anguished in his otherwise empty bed, you roamed the halls of the castle, the moonlight streaming in through the arched windows, causing your skin to glow, and the silk of your dress to act as a hundred mirrors

- you walked to a stream and sat down beside it, allowing your fingertips to dance across the top of the water and transform the image of the moon

- you heard a sniggering laugh, and before you could turn around, a cloth was held against your face, and the sharp inhale from your gasp forced the strange smelling solution into your body, rendering you unconscious

- you awoke with your hands tied to a branch above your head, wearing nothing but your undergarments as the gaggle of orcs surrounding you tore the material of your dress between them. given the value of the jewels decorating that particular gown, and the rich silk that it was made from, it was hardly surprising that the orcs chose to save some for later bargaining endeavors

- they taunted you and poked your body with the sharp edges of their blades, leaving you with a few cuts, but no fatal wounds

- meanwhile, the King felt an imbalance in his heart, something was not quite right, and before he knew it he was searching the castle for you, wanting to make amends with you, regardless of not truly understanding the lesson you were trying to teach him

- however, upon discovering your disappearance, the lesson you were trying to teach him very quickly sunk into his skin

- without a moment to spare, he woke every admirable tracker he knew, and forced his entire army to be ready to leave the kingdom, all in under half an hour

- the orcs had not anticipated that the King would acknowledge your absence so quickly, for they had remained unaware of his blinding fondness for you, and they took very few precautions in hiding themselves from anyone trying to find them

- you kept your expression calm as the orcs continued to provoke you, and when you heard a rustle in the foliage surrounding you, you smiled to yourself

“Well, boys, it has been lovely getting acquainted with you, but Im afraid or conversation is about to end, along with all your lives.”

- and in comes Thranduil on his Elk, charging through the orcs and lifting them off the ground as the elves in the foliage stand, trapping the remaining orcs in a very small circle

- Thranduil instructed that no other elf is allowed to kill an orc that they encountered on this occasion, because it was a personal issue that only he could resolve

- the elves restrained every orc that the King had not already butchered, and with one final sweep of his blade, Thranduil decapitated the monsters that remained

- only then could he allow himself to look at you, because had he done so before, he would have been too overcome to continue his rampage

- Thranduil gazed at you, eyes with filled with such adoration and sorrow as he stared into your soul, taking a few steps towards you before he realised you had been stripped to your undergarments, and the entire elven army could see.

“Turn away now, or your fates will end in the same manner as these retched creatures!” He seethed to the army, who immediately turned their backs on you, but stayed in formation and shielded you both from any other potential dangers.

- you couldnt help but chuckle at this, and the sound of your joy bought a smile to the King’s face, even in those circumstances

- he removed the ropes from your hands and held you close to his armoured chest, but upon remembering his armour, quickly pulled away to discard it so that he could hold you properly

- Thranduil then removed his cloak and wrapped it around your form, shielding you from any pair of eyes that werent his

- you smiled up at him as he looked over your wounds.

“Did you learn your lesson, my love?”

Thranduil nodded frantically.

“Yes, you have opened my eyes.”

“And what do your eyes see?”

“That an elven life is no more or no less valuable than any other, for a length of time to live does not permit the extent of experience in that life. And I would risk any immortal life if it meant you were safe once more.”

- Thranduil helped you up onto the Elk, and the two of you rode with the army back to the castle, with you almost falling asleep against the King’s chest

- as soon as you were home, Thranduil carried you to your shared chambers and laid you down on the bed, gently tending to your wounds, before laying beside you and pulling you back into the safety of his embrace

“I know now that one can live more in lesser years.”

“How is it that you know this?”

“I have lived more with you in our short years together, than I could have ever dreamed of in my previous three thousand years.”

[brokenntable]

The Boyz as Love Tropes

I haven’t seen any posts on this so I’m giving my own two cents :) 

Sangyeon

Forbidden Love! with sangyeons work ethic and his constant dedication to his group as a leader, he had no time on his mind for love and a future partner. so when he met you and you clicked almost too well, he was in great conflict with himself. he found himself wanting you more and more as time went on. he thought about you when writing songs, when he was sad all he wanted to do was see you and in his happiest moments he wanted to tell you first.

Jacob

The Boy Next Door! Jacob would be the sweetest new neighbour. he's the type that when he moves in next door he would come over to formally introduce himself. ‘my mom baked these for you, I hope you don't mind’. every now and then you’d keep bumping into each other when checking the post or coming home.

Younghoon

Soulmates! everything would be meant to be for the both of you. when you first met everything was perfect. the chemistry, the energy, your values. when you had to move away for university you were heartbroken, but five years later, you both found one another again, destiny or by chance. 

Hyunjae

Right Person Wrong Time! he was like weight lifted off your shoulders when your would was crumbling down. both of your worlds were. you and Hyunjae were each others safe havens. but you both had different paths to walk and eventually, that perfect world for the both of you had to come to an end as reality hit. 

Juyeon

Childhood Sweethearts! Juyeon had the biggest thing for you when you were both kids. He would give you flowers he picked on the way to school, he would tell his parents you were the one he was going to marry, making them chuckle. the only thing was that as he grew up, that never changed for him. you were still his biggest crush. 

Kevin

Best Friends to Lovers! when you and Kevin first met you both instantly hit it off. you both would laugh until early hours of the morning, texting each other every day. he would comfort you at your worst and bring out your best. he knew you inside out except, he didn’t know your biggest secret. you liked Kevin far more than a friend and turns out, he also felt the same. 

Chanhee

Enemies to Lovers! it would start as chanhee accidentally giving you the wrong look when you first meet, immediately making you uncomfortable. out of his own insecurities that you’ve distanced yourself from him he would then assume you don’t like him and you’d turn into enemies out of a miscommunication. eventually turning into lovers tho 

Changmin

Opposites Attract! When you first met changmin through chanhee you were initially and reasonably quite weirded out by his ‘passionate’ hobbies in comparison to his bubbly personality. you also found chanhee weird for even having such a best friend. but when you got to know him more personally, you found out despite your differences, your humour aligned really well and you actually found his charms super attractive

Haknyeon

Proximity! what was haknyeon supposed to do when he realised he has to isolate with a complete stranger! you were a friend of a friend, but when you went over to his house to collect an item of hyunjaes when you both received the message you have to isolate it was a surprise to say the least. stuck for two weeks within such close proximity you began to learn each others quirks. he loved your cooking! it was the first thing he smelt in the morning and your singing in the shower would be the last thing he heard as he fell asleep

Sunwoo

Second Chance! Sunwoo really didn’t mean to break up with you the first time. he was so busy with the groups activities all the time and he was in an insecure time in his life. he worried day and night that his time spent on the group, any boy would be winning over your heart. he couldn’t give you his time and so he lashed out his insecurities on you, leading to your breakup. it was his biggest regret. in the years you spent apart, all he could do was work on becoming a better version of himself before asking for a second chance.

Eric

Fake Relationship! Eric had had enough of the teasing from the older members. he felt like he had something to prove. so when he came over to your house one evening begging you to fake a relationship with him because you were a good friend of his and he thought your were really pretty (obviously not voicing the latter aloud) how could you not agree? you already had a small crush on him and you agreed in the hopes he would like you back (he already liked you anyway :,))

[starkwub]

(Tw: Starkercest, Peter is 17)

Scientist! Tony and his son peter who's simply a long for the ride of a work day.

Gosh I haven't written this much (or posted, really) for a while--it feels good though to get back into it :)

So much starkercest, ha!

Word count: 2,716

-- -- --

"Pardon my asking Doctor, but who's the new member?" A particularly brute looking general chimed out. His scar riddled, chiseled face was red like a ripe tomato--no doubt from the yelling he'd done just 10 minutes prior in the hall.

Tony hummed and wrapped a loose arm around the boy beside him,

"What does it matter? He's with me, that's all."

The man glared and slapped his hand down on the packet of papers in front of him, as well as in front of every other highly classified personnel sitting around the ovular table.

"It matters because of context, Dr. Stark. What we speak of is classified, confidential, even harmful to the general public as well as the national world if anything in this room gets out." Then came a huff of smokey air from his nose, if it were possible that is.

"--is he even certified? He look's 12."

Tony's lip twitched as he let his fingers caress up and down the boy beside him's navy colored jacket.

"If you really must insist on knowing, he's my son. And he's 17, not 12." he corrected, enjoying the way the generals face contorted even more, looking much more ugly than he already did.

"Why is he here?"

All eyes were on him--well, of the people who were here. The meeting didn't start for another 15 minutes, but he had figured it would be best to show up early in case someone found it within themselves to strike up a conversation. He'd hoped for something a little more interesting though since exasperating authority figures never really did it for him.

"School was out and I didn't want to leave him. Terrible nightmare you see.." Tony cooed and leaned over, pulling the boy closer in order to place a soft kiss atop his head of soft brown curls.

Peter may be 17, but that didn't mean that he wasn't a Daddy's boy. His vigor to retort against anything his father said had left him early on, and thus--here they were. Tony taking care of his precious, smart little boy, and Peter, willingly receiving it.

Tony didn't ever want to give up the power he had because the sweet sickening madness that erupted in him at the idea of Peter growing up--leaving to never return except for on holidays and birthdays..

Well, one birthday to be exact. His own--and perhaps his friends if they are still around town, but that was besides the point.

The point is, Tony liked being needed. He figured if he wasn't, his job and the life he's made up until now would hold very little value--and if the states knew what was good for them, they wouldn't ever want that to happen.

Painted pictures of dystopian worlds passed across the inner workings of his mind, but when he took a deep breath of Peter, it all went away. It always did.

"The kid can be left at home can't he? Mine loves it when me and the wife are out of the house--" and he was becoming bored as the man spoke on further.

"17's old enough to get a job--and 18, well..you know how that goes. Fly the coup and never return..." and the man squinted, no doubt peering at the badge that rested against his son's left breast pocket.

"Isn't that right Peter?"

Tony felt his son stiffen for only a moment as he watched the typing on the screen below the table stop mid-sentence.

Looks like he's texting his friend about his Spanish test coming up..

"Daddy I need to use the bathroom, could you show me the way?"

Tony's ears perked and his stomach lurched in the same way his legs did. Quickly, and automatically at the mere mention of a desire coming from his son's soft lips.

"Of course." He murmured before turning to the blush red general, "I hate to cut this conversation short but I do believe that's my cue."

As they made their way out of the room, a hand of his own placed currently in-between Peter's shoulder blades, he heard the man muttering about his son's particularly dated word choice.

Oh how wonderful it felt to be needed...

"Those men..I don't know how you put up with them Daddy. I knew you said they were annoying but..jeez! How rude.."

Tony chuckled and rubbed his sons back, "Yes well, I have to work with them. They're normally not so rowdy. I think you must be such a star they can't help but notice you." He purred, leaning in close enough to Peter's ear to make him giggle.

"Too pretty." His son started.

"Too good.." he returned, nipping his son's ear with his hot, hard breath as they entered the empty bathroom.

"Now go pee, I can't be late no matter how horrid my workmates can be. The president wouldn't be too pleased at the unprofessional display."

Tony glanced at himself in the mirror and fixed a couple hairs that had fallen out of place. The grey's were much more noticeable, but Peter told him he liked it, so they stayed.

The wrinkles that formed beside his eyes were also more defined than they had been 5 years ago, but Peter said he liked those too. He'd also taken his hand while they were eating dessert with a movie and told him he liked the spots on his hands that signified his age. Told him how much he enjoyed his Dad's old sense of humor and horrid dance moves..

Sniffling, he felt his eye twitch as the memories flooded by. Peter loved him like no other, and he..he couldn't..

"Daddy?" Came Peter's shy, hesitant voice--only this time it was filled with concern.

I'm fine, he thought, but turned to Peter and ushered him towards one of the sinks.

"I'm fine, don't worry." He reassured, standing now right behind his precious boy as the sink water flowed.

Peter pressed back into him suddenly, leaving him to be a bit shocked, but he tried to act unfazed.

his boy was also always so..touchy. It wasn't like he'd ever complain, but the way he spoke sometimes..

The way he'd taken to adjusting himself way too many times during their last movie night. It had gotten a bit..heated on his end. It was a physical reaction though--nothing out of the ordinary.

"Mm..Daddy.." Peter practically moaned, letting his hands rest in the hot water that was slowly turning his son's hands red. Tony reached out, grabbing them with his much larger pair, and pulled them away before they could start to hurt.

"What is it baby?"

Peter seemed to think as he swayed on his feet, body pressed against Tony's, and his eye's half lidded.

"Can we get ice cream after this before we head back to the lab?"

How peculiar, though he had no reason to say no, so he didn't. He couldn't ever seem to find the two letter word in his vocabulary when it came to his sweet precious boy.

That smile..and the adorable little noises and flush that fell over his son's cheeks was to die for.

They eventually made it back into the room 5 minutes before the meeting was due to start, and he was glad to see that the general didn't have enough heat inside of him to utter anything else.

Well, except for 'thank you', but that was his job--not anything particularly personal.

-- --

"Thank you for the ice cream Daddy.."

Tony spared a glance over at his son who was currently devouring his double scooped chocolate hazelnut, and smiled. How precious he was in moments like these. The shine in his eye and the way the chocolate seemed to always make its way all and around his mouth. He loved it to no end, and that was somehow still an understatement.

"Of course baby. Can't say no now can I?"

Had he ever?

"Can uh.." and the voice sounded nervous which only inclined for Tony to want to know more.

"Can I sit in your lap?"

The request was stark and strange to his ears, as he hadn't ever heard it before-or at least in well over a decade. Peter? In his lap?

Tony glanced down at the space between him and the steering wheel, and remembered the same elated feeling he'd been filled with when his son had practically worked his way up against him during movie night.

He reached to his side and heard the soft, familiar hum of his seat inching back to create more space. Tony wasn't doing it without knowing if his boy would fit though--no no no, he'd had one too many delectable women in his lap before.

Within the past couple years not as much though, for reasons unbeknownst to him still, but that was neither here nor there.

"Sure Pete, put your ice cream on the dashboard so it doesn't spill."

His heart thudded when his son began to move--skittish and awkward, but move nonetheless.

He grunted from the pressure of a boy resting on his, but soon was facing his boy head on. knee on either side of him--and a hand resting on his shoulder while he turned to grab his cup full of ice cream. Tony had never been a fan of the cones in the car. Too messy..too unpredictable.

Much like his son was right now come to think of it.

Tony hummed and took a few spoonfuls into his mouth when he spotted Peter staring--more than he usually did.

"Something wrong? Ice cream on my face or something?" He questioned, and suddenly looked down to find a hand resting against his side.

"And don't drip any of that on my suit--I can't be running home to get a new one, okay?"

"What about your change at the lab?--"

Tony eye'd him with a quirked brow in unison, "The one at the lab's for the lab, you know this."

Peter nodded and leaned back against the wheel behind him--momentarily puzzling Tony as to how the horn wasn't doing off. Perhaps they were just lucky because whatever entities from above knew that he didn't want a lick of attention on him right now.

This feeling he had..which was pounding harder and harder every second that his son was on his lap, was strange to say the least. It left him twitchy, and with a hot collar he wanted to loosen.

Perhaps he needed to get laid if physical touch such as this was getting him bothered. Perhaps even more, he should've said no.

No..what a blunt word. He often pondered it at night when he had the sudden urge to sneak into his son's room at night, or when he wanted to hide him away in their fancy, yet moderately normal looking home, never to be seen again.

When he wanted to wrap him up and kiss him for doing so good--or when he wanted even more to hit him when he'd been bad.

There were a lot of thing's Tony said no to.

Tony took another bite of cold coffee flavored ice cream, wishing dearly that it might soothe the growing heat within himself.

The urge to grab--to touch--to rip and pry..

He took another bite and licked his spoon in the process.

To see tears in those precious dark-brown bambi eyes.

"Daddy?" Came the familiar voice of concern yet again, now knocking him out of whatever deep seated monstrous thoughts he'd just been having.

"Yes dear?"

Peter squirmed a bit, and put his delicate hand on his belly, making Tony's breath startle just a tad.

"I know you said some of the lab techs make fun of you for having a dad bod but..I think it's nice." The boy smiled out, his tone light and breezy, innocent as can be.

"I like it."

he chuckled almost immediately after the words were spoken as he took yet another bite, now coming sadly to the end of his dearly beloved treat.

"What?" Peter accused, now pouting around an empty plastic spoon.

"Oh nothing bad sweetheart, I swear. I just think it's sweet how you tell me how much you like things, that's all." He brought his hand innocently up to brush a hair out of the way of his son's face, and hummed deeply.

Peter eye'd him nervously once more, "Do you like it?"

What a wonderfully complex question. To what regard? He wasn't sure. He think's a less than innocent part of himself liked it more than he does right now, but it's all the same, isn't it?

"Oh of course I do. Sometimes I wonder if I like it too much."

Peter shifted again, getting closer to himself as both of their empty ice cream containers now rested in the passenger seat. His arms  quickly wrapped around his hips, digging behind him and grazing against the seat no doubt as Tony felt like one of those sloths on the nature channel.

he felt latched onto--suckered into this strange, new, startling situation in which his son was hugging him, whilst his own cock was in fact, erect in between them.

How peculiar, he thought, as he wrapped his own arms around the sweet boy in front of him.

How glaringly devious of him to ignore the way Peter's breath caught after a subtle movement.

Tony held still, merely letting his body lie still in use of whatever situation was transpiring before him.

"Just.." Peter uttered wetly with another subtle brush, "Just like the videos daddy..Watch em just to i-imagine you."

What a positively corrosive ego boost that was.

"Oh really? Won't you tell me what happens next?" He cooed persuasively, letting his hands continue to merely sooth--now eternally grateful for the illegal tint that he had on his glass.

being the most popular mad scientist of the government world did have its occasional perks. not that it's a popularity contest in the slightest--though he was the smartest.

"T-The daddy he..he's all sweet but..then he.." and Peter whimpers, brushing his erection against his own larger one.

"..he's mean."

Mean, you say?

"With the..um.." and Peter's fingers wrapped around and tugged at Tony's belt, making he himself shiver at the possibility.

Such a perfect deviant.

"Would you like it if Daddy hit you with the belt Peter? Have you been a bad boy recently?"

Peter shuddered, a cry reaching out from his throat to take hold of his soothingly harsh worlds as he nodded against Tony's shoulder.

"U-uh huh.."

Tony let out a gentle breath, followed by a subtle hummed grunt.

"And what is it that you did, to make you so terribly deserving of such a punishment?"

"A boy--a-at school. He..I..we kissed behind the school, after class. He'd offered me a cigarette and when I said n-no cause you'd be real mad if I did that..he told me I could get a taste of it from him."

Hm, yes, Tony though, I would be rather upset. Perhaps one of those punk seniors thought to get a handle on his junior year aged son.

He continued to comfort his boy through the subtle cries and soon, even his climax.. now letting his shaking son breath hot puffs of air out against his suit jacket covered shoulder.

Perhaps, Tony thought as he pulled Peter closer, he should've said no. This feeling he had..this loose string of fear from the secret they both now held between them. He wished he could be so oblivious as to think it was okay, but he knew it wasn't. He knew it was dark and twisted--unfavored by the masses, but in moments when the little crying voice in his mind wasn't spewing out regrets, he wondered what life could be like.

"I'm glad you told me what was on your mind..seems like that was a lot to keep in, huh?" A sleepy nod could be felt only making him hold him tighter.

To never touch his boy in ways that were inherently malicious.. but rather to merely allow peter to use him..

Need him..

"I love you baby." he whispered against the head of soft curls, now taking in a deep, soothing breath while kissing the area for good measure.

-- -- --

Tony is definitely dealing with something mentally--but he can't really put his finger on it--and neither can I XD Poor poor Tony..always in so much anguish. Perhaps I should write something a tad bit more cheerful next time, yeah?

Sorry the belt scene isn't in here either-- I wanted to make sure this actually got posted as opposed to sitting in my drafts (like literally so many other things XD) So perhaps Tony wielding a belt will make it's appearance another time?

Hope you all enjoyed that, if you've made it to the end :)

[renegadepack]

pauses, then says

you’re my best friend - bella and jacob, in the life they chose. together.

It took a long time, but eventually Bella realized she was better off with her life now. Sure, Edward had been great to her for that short time, but it wasn’t forever. She didn’t want to sign away her life for someone she had only known a few months. He was right to leave her. 

She didn’t truly feel that way until one day in the middle of her spring break, going cliff diving with Jacob. She didn’t wish another person was there with her. The only voice she heard was Jacob’s calling up to her to come join him. It felt like freedom, joy without expectations. As she prepared to leap, she saw a whole life spread in front of her - dreams and ambitions, chosen family, the ability to grow and change and to be with someone safe, in every sense of the word. It wasn’t settling; it never was. It was home. She chose it, she chose him, wholeheartedly. 

That didn’t mean the next few years were easy. Trauma has a way of sneaking around, of staying, of manifesting when you least expect it. Bella’s nightmares and Jacob’s panic attacks didn’t go away. They faded, grew less frequent over time. But still there. Healing is a nonlinear process, and they know they’ll probably never reach the end. But between each other, and their chosen families, a future to work towards, they’re good. 

Bella decided against college. She knew it was expected; just what good, quiet, studious girls did. But she had grown to love Forks, love the lush trees, the constant sweater weather, the proximity to Charlie, to Jacob, to everyone that welcomed her and saved her when they didn’t have to. She isn’t ready to leave that behind just yet. She’s picking up shifts at the diner, finally accepting Cora’s offer to join her. Except she’s chosen the kitchen. The shifts are long and she barely has time to think between orders, but it’s good for her. And the boys never mind the leftovers and slightly out of date food she brings home.

Jacob, long fed up with traditional school, and with no idea how to go back, signs up for his GED. Billy and Bella help him with flashcards at the kitchen table, textbooks at the ocean, math over motorcycles and book discussions during hikes. When his results come in the mail, a “congratulations” and “we are pleased to inform you” right at the top, Bella doesn’t bother to act surprised or hide her pride. Jacob deserves it. He is amazing, and she’s tired of pretending she doesn’t know that.

Bella slides right in, a puzzle piece just waiting for the right spot, all her breaks and bruises and jagged edges accepted, taken at face value. She knew she had once found solace in La Push, but now she found a home. She began to spend more time there, crashing on Rachel’s bed more often than not, then waking up to cook breakfast with Jacob. More of her stuff began to materialize there until the room had become hers. 

She spent time with Billy, helped take care of the house, laughed at the group’s adventures, went to and hosted gatherings with all their neighbors, baked and cooked with Emily for the pack. She supposed they were both wolf girls now. Thinking of the time she had originally made the joke to Emily used to hurt, to break open the hole in her chest. Now it was just an unpleasant reminder of choices she had almost made,  and she couldn’t be more grateful for the change. 

Jacob, for once, wasn’t in any rush. He had been forced to grow up quickly, to survive the loss of his mother, learn how to help his father, his sisters leaving, forced into a protector role he didn’t ask for. But now, life could go at its own pace. He wasn’t on anyone’s schedule but his own. It was safe, and freeing, and, most of all, his choice.

Their life was simple, easy. Soft blankets slung over the couch, a neverending stack of movies to watch together, frequent picnics to the beach and talking on that one piece of driftwood, a home cluttered with photos and games and tools, cozy and comfortable. 

Bella had always loved the warmth, the feel of the sun on her skin. But she made her home in the woods, where it rained more often than not and her collection of sweatshirts was somehow still growing. But it was a home she chose, with a warmth, sunshine personified that chose her.

more fic // request fic

[fandom-geek]

just finished my first run of bg3. spoilers for basically everything, although i don't actually go into too much detail abt the actual climax, more the ending cutscenes and companion quests.

i love jergal so much. that just needs to stand on its own. he's such a sassy skeleton git who hides the fact he still cares for humanity under it all - his scene with arabella was one of my favourite moments of the entire game.

(on that note, anyone else assuming his whole "follow the weave" thing to her is him basically protecting her? finding her in act 3 surrounded by four dead adults while she has a nary a scratch certainly makes me think she's got some secret godly supervision going on).

anyway - the ending.

i think that if i hadn't been warned that there aren't any epilogue slides, i would've been disappointed. so i'm glad i knew that, even it still felt a bit abrupt because of it. but hey! given larian's history with expanded/definitive editions, i'm guessing we'll either get it in a patch several months from now or in bg3's expanded edition.

personally, i think the section from when you enter the morphic pool to when you kill the netherbrain feels very rough and abrupt. very rough. but the rest of the game is just so stupidly perfect as far as i'm concerned, with like one exception for the cut content for karlach. which is blatantly obvious even without looking at datamining, because why else would we get a ton of different types of infernal metal in act 3?

and god i would've loved to see the upper city (as advertised, larian!) and the ducal palace before it all went to shit. cazador's palace was clearly meant to be there, and i was really looking forward to my urchin tav (malias) actually walking around the upper city and having opinions.

(on that note, i loved that bust gortash has in his office [which was presumably meant to be in the ducal office but anyway!] where the founder of the counting house was an ex-urchin who didn't give a shit abt the patriars because they never cared for him before he became important. malias absolutely would've found that an inspiration for any upper city shenanigans)

but those ending cutscenes on the pier? pretty great, even if i was internally screeching the whole time gale was talking because hey astarion is right there in the sunlight and he doesn't have a tadpole. but thank god gale was just like "yeah, you're right, leaving it there is probably a good idea".

and his line abt some things being more important than power! i adore that line. it's essentially the point of everyone's quests, that power imprisons you and the most important thing in life is the freedom to choose. and of course gale is the one to verbalise that, and to openly say how fond he is of everyone!

then gale made his slightly dickish comment about astarion fleeing, lol. boys, please.

honestly that felt hilariously fitting to my playthrough where i accidentally fell into romancing gale while intentionally romancing astarion, and broke it off with gale (despite never actually being with him). yes buddy, i know you're still a bit salty about that. please wait until malias isn't distraught over their boyfriend literally burning up and running off in front of them.

(to detour for a moment - again, thank you larian for letting me play a nonbinary characters. honestly, that alone makes it a game in its own sphere of perfection, especially since vtmb 2 originally promised that then cut it then maybe it's back in with the new studio??? genuinely perked up with happiness whenever someone used the right pronouns or referred to malias in a clearly gender neutral way.)

even if astarion fleeing and his lines about it were genuinely agonising. at least the romanced cutscene with him started immediately afterwards - i was kinda debating between the "heroes" and "sunlight" options, but honestly? as absurdly good-aligned as malias is, i absolutely think they'd value helping astarion to have the freedom to walk in the sun over being heroes. pretty sure this whole adventure has shown they're pretty good at that multi-tasking element lol. and i love that astarion is so happy about going on another adventure.

like not to go tmi, but astarion's character and plot was... painfully relatable, especially when he just started sobbing after killing cazador, and it's just so good that you can give him a happy future. not an ending, of course, because i don't doubt he and malias will get into a fuckton of mischief, but like he says - he's free! it's just such a perfect moment. my favourite companion and companion quest by an absolute country mile.

i'm also just internally assuming that malias sprinted off after astarion as soon as karlach's near death brush was finished - i am so glad i went the "have my cake and eat it" route of breaking wyll's pact and saving his dad regardless. it lets wyll and malias/tav persuade karlach to return, swearing that she'll be safe from zariel, and personally malias would absolutely be looking for a way to help karlach return safely while off finding a way for astarion to walk in the sunlight.

(also i'm a bit curious abt what others think - there's a little bit of ambiguity abt whether it's just going for the sunlight, or straight up curing his vampiric nature. after all, as his grave inscription happily points out, he was turned 194 years ago and the true resurrection time limit is 200 years. since gale wants to stick around, he can call in a favour with elminster to figure out a way to do that.)

and to backtrack for a second, i am happy that malias persuaded lae'zel to make her own path instead of following orpheus' orders! was it selfish? probably, yeah, which was a bit surprising from how otherwise strongly good-aligned malias is but between that and the mindflayer choice after freeing orpheus (i asked orpheus to do that), i just... think malias doesn't want to lose that.

to explain smth for a sec, i'm going back and forth on whether to keep malias' backstory as is (urchin/orphan who grew up in the lower city) or to make them my dark urge character. from what i've heard of the dark urge, it really ties into my favourite character dynamics and themes (and seems a bit reminiscent of kotor lol), so it's a little bit of debate.

but either way, i think malias would override any moral concerns of goodness for "fuck that, this is my family and i am not losing them". regardless of which backstory i end up picking, that's definitely staying the same. but malias as a former orphan and street kid sure as fuck isn't giving up on their new and beloved family. so yeah, i think the moral concerns of "ok you were just told to go save the githyanki as a whole" would be pushed to the side of "you've always been following orders your entire life, i want you to be free".

and if lae'zel chooses to go help the gith regardless? that's great. but malias would want it to be her choice, not orders she feels obligated to follow.

i also love that you get to say "yes, let's go to the pub to celebrate!". even if we don't see it on-screen, i just love it. those fuckers (astarion included once someone managed to throw something thick enough over him so he didn't burn en route) absolutely partied until they crashed and they fucking deserved it. i love my found family shit so much. and i'm guessing that probably ties into the cut epilogue stuff, even if that was meant to be six months later.

but yeah. i just fucking love it all. now time to do my dark urge run, which i heavily suspect will also be an astarion romance again just bc i'm curious how those differences pan out.

[capseycartwright]

“i don’t do casual” -

it’s the first lie i’ve ever told you. i do - i have. i could. but not with you. that’s why i say it, the air cold and the weight of whatever this is hanging heavily between us, not quite an elephant in the room but big enough to wedge a metaphorical gap between us, an invisible line neither of us quite willing - or ready - to cross.

“you don’t do casual.” you echo my words back, as if saying them out loud makes it true, like you need to say it so you believe it, like voicing it out loud will make it so you understand it. i do - i have. i could. but not with you. that’s what i wish i could say. that’s what i wish i was brave enough to say - but instead, i lied to you.

i lied to you, and so here are some truths, as an apology you’ll probably never see.

i talk with my hands because it gives me a false sense of confidence. it’s not entirely rational but it’s always been the case: a wave, a gesture, hands to distract from the way that my face has always flushed red with anxiety, rosy cheeks hidden under a layer of makeup that has always given me the confidence to be an entirely different version of myself. no, not different, actually - just, more me than i allow myself to be, day to day.

my favourite colour is purple because everyone says it’s the colour that suits me best. my favourite colour is really pink because there’s something innocent about the memory of it, pink the constant friend of the little girl i used to be, surrounded by dolls and books, childhood steeped in genuine joy, too young to have dreams beyond bratz dolls and glittery nails.

i wonder sometimes if i am underselling myself. if years of anxiety have made it so i don’t treat myself with the value and respect i deserve and so i settle for less than - less opportunities, less excitement, less love than i deserve.

i’m not really allergic to mushrooms. i just say it so people don’t make me eat them. i used to be allergic, but i grew out of it, the same way i grew out of the person i used to be, craving a new start and an unknown adventure, itching for a life beyond the place that shaped me.

i didn’t like the person i was, and i can blame a lot of things for that, but most of all, i think i can blame the fact i stopped working on myself, comfortable in my sadness in a way that felt hard to move past, because sadness is at least familiar: an old friend, in the way it envelopes you and keeps you right where you are, in the worst moments of your life, living them over and over again until you’re too tired to do anything except accept your fate. i didn’t like the person i was and so i’m working to be a better version of her - happier, kinder, more loving, finding the girl i used to be hidden beneath all those years of rotten sadness and the way i have worn it as an armour.

i have only ever done casual, keeping the people i have dated at arms length, not because i didn’t like them, but because i didn’t believe i deserved any potential love they could give me, and so regret has been a hallmark of my love life: the what ifs and what could have beens all caused by me, all caused by the way i didn’t believe i was good enough. a boy who held classroom doors open for me with a soft smile on his face but who i never gave a real chance - and you. my best friend calls it out. “you’re not afraid he’ll say no,” she reminds me. “you’re afraid he’ll say yes.” and i am afraid that it’s a yes, a real yes, and i sort of know that it is, that it’s a maybe, at the very least, circumstances making it so that a yes is more complicated than it would be if our lives looked different to how they do -

but i don’t want our lives to look different, is the thing. i like how this story has begun - the first day we met, the way you so quickly became an integral part of my life, it’s the kind of story i have always craved: friends, first, and then more, feelings borne out of a friendship so good, how could it not become more?

i told you a lie, and so here is my greatest truth - i like you, more than i think i have ever liked anyone in my life, and admitting that is nothing short of terrifying, even if i haven’t yet admitted that to you, because admitting it means i am going to give you the power to break my heart into a thousand tiny pieces, and i might say i’m a control freak as a joke, but i know that it’s part of the truth: i have never let myself fall in love because i have never met someone who made me feel safe enough to let go of the control i hold onto with an iron tight grip. and so here is another truth: you make me feel safe. i don’t fantasise about alternative meetings, or in another lives, versions of us that live lives I would write about - i fantasise about this life, and about you, and the reality of us and all the ways i might tell you the truth -

and the truth is that i like you an awful lot. that i know all the reasons why we shouldn’t, all the reasons we agreed on a tram at five am, talking around the elephant in the room our feelings have become, and still - i want you. that i do casual - just not with you. and that i think we could be something great, if you want that too.

[wibble-wobbegong]

hiiii 💟 what do you think mike and will’s favorite things about each other are? what are YOUR favorite things about the both of them?

sorry i’m answering this late but!

i think will’s favorite thing about mike is his passion, both for people and for things. mike’s super passionate about DND and gets into it more than anyone else, and we see how much will admires that in s1!! he was fucking entranced by mike’s storytelling and he gets just as excited as mike does

everyone is excited, but will is staring in movingly and his arms are coming up like he’s feeling that anticipation more than anything else. he loves the ways mike tells stories, and that comes back in s3 too, though the situation is more complex than that

i think it’s one of those things that will loves about mike in a more platonic sense, though. like, it’s part of what drew will into mike in the first place; a foundational piece of their friendship is their shared passion for things like that. mike is passionate about writing, will is passionate about art, and they’re both passionate about dnd where their interests crossover. mike is passionate about everything he likes, which is why he’s so rambly with el in s1 when he shows her around his house.

i think that mike’s passion for people is what drew will in in a more romantic sense. seeing mike’s unstoppable need to protect the people he loves and doing everything possible to keep them safe is what started building that romantic attraction, especially in s2. i know we don’t really have confirmation of when will fell in love, but i think it’s important that a lot of what will was describing in his confession is stuff we see in s2. it probably happened beforehand, but we don’t see that. mike’s protective and loving nature is reflected in will’s confession, so i think that’s what he loves most about him.

before the confession he talks about playing dnd and video games, which ties into what he loves most about mike platonically. his actual confession reaches deeper, reaches down the part of him that remembers how mike never gave up on him and how safe and loved he’d felt around mike. both of those things are things mike is incredibly passionate about, so ultimately i think will is just attracted to that unfiltered passion mike has. or, what used to be unfiltered passion (he works hard to repress it now, but it still slips through).

as for what mike loves most about will, i’d say it’s will’s ability to listen to people and support them. mike spends a lot of his life going unheard and ignored by the people around him, but never with will. will always takes the time to listen to what he’s saying and tries to understand, which isn’t something mike gets from anyone else. i think that’s something that’s more of a platonic thing too!!

mike was always closer to will than the other boys because will was always there to be honest with him and listen. at the start of s1, we see will being honest with mike because he knows mike values understanding and being understood which is why mike is so adamant about ‘friends don’t lie’. mike’s attachment to will starts from will being his safe space and the person he can always go to if he wants someone who will just understand, and if will doesn’t understand he always takes the time to, which we see later on in s4. it’s something will’s consistently been for mike, and it makes mike happy to have someone who will listen to him, even if it was once just about DND and wanting to play the game right.

in a more romantic sense, i think it’s the same thing except as they got older it wasn’t just about being honest and listening to mike about childish things. they matured and they experienced hard things and their ability to understand their feelings as they grew changed. mike didn’t just need someone who would listen when he said he didn’t want to do homework as a kid or something stupid like that, he needed someone who would understand him on a deeper level and acknowledge the parts of him he was scared of sharing with anyone else. will is that person.

mike’s love for will’s understanding grew as they did. the depth of that emotional bond grew deeper and stronger as mike changed and became more and more complex. he was growing into himself and people were pushing him down even when he was no longer expressing things like being mad that no one would help him find will but they were pushing him down when he tried to explain that he didn’t want el to get hurt again because mike has seen what happens when she overdoes it, and he tries to explain that but it comes out all wrong. even in that scene, everyone else was frustrated with mike (except lucas) and sure will was too but look at his face

he’s not scrunching up with annoyance or anything while mike tries to explain himself, he’s watching and he’s listening. he may not like what he hears and it hurts when mike says he loves el but when mike was trying to explain his reasoning for being worried will was trying to understand

it’s obviously most prominent in s4, but i wanted to show that he does it before then too even if it’s not obvious to anyone else. will is always listening to mike, and that went from being about small things to understanding who mike is as a person. it’s all interconnected with their growth, y’know?

as for my favorite thing about mike, i’ve said it a million times so i won’t ramble about it again but i love how he’s a complex, trope subverting leader. he’s not good with his words and he’s not charismatic and he’s not a constantly selfless person but people follow him anyway because mike has a love for people that overpowers all those negative traits. even though mike sounded insane in s1, lucas followed him anyway. people follow mike despite his flaws because of that unadulterated love and hope. his entire character is about having love and hope and it’s so cool to see a character who’s flawed in the way mike is still being allowed to represent hope and love

as for will, i’ve said this before too, but i love how his path to heroism isn’t about being selfless and learning to fight for his friends but rather learning to be selfish and fighting for himself. will has fought for his friends since the very beginning, was even ready to sacrifice his life in s2 to protect them. the way the narrative has been set up is so that will cannot sacrifice himself to save the others. all that would do it lead to more destruction. will needs to learn to accept that people love him for who he is and that mike loves him, but most importantly he needs to learn to love himself. he lives with this constant guilt of being a survivor and the guilt of loving mike and feeling like he’s betraying el and the loneliness of feeling like his friends don’t care. he needs to learn how to let himself he loved not just in the surface, but really internalize it. he needs to stop saying “im here for you too” and trying to lessen the ‘burden’ of being loved. he needs to let himself be loved and learn how to love himself and fight for himself and i adore that. his path to heroism is selfishness, and it’s an amazing spin on the ‘love saves the world’ trope

[a-m-y-c-h-e-n]

Finishing Soft > Finishing Strong

It has been quite the year. God has taught me so much about himself, and Ephesians 3:20 comes to mind a lot- God is one who is able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine. I came into this year feeling really overwhelmed (trying to be strong and balance a lot of work with a lot of emotions but miserably falling short) and didn't even know what to ask from God for the new year. So expectations weren't high, but looking back on the work He's done, I know that even if I came in with mile-high expectations, what God gave me was far greater.

January was when seeds were planted- for the first time, I felt a desperate need for emotional support. The stress of traveling in a new place during peak-COVID with multiple trip interruptions was too overwhelming, and I saw the value of having someone around who holds you up when you can't do it yourself, and this highly independent lifestyle of mine may need to change.

June was when the heart transformation began, kick-started by the Learning to Let Go sermon series at church. Right from the start, I felt the urge to re-examine my attitude towards my dad, and subsequently dating, and every week felt like another push to probe deeper and self-confront sub-optimal behavioral patterns I've noticed in my life. Some reflections and key takeaways from the sermon series:

1. Jesus gives new meaning to the cycles of dying and rising. The Paschal mystery can be applied to metaphorical deaths in our lives, and death never has the final word. After death comes resurrection, grieving, letting go, and finally, new life.

2. The biggest "death" in my life has been my relationship with my father. Death was the middle/high school years where I witnessed borderline unfaithfulness in my parents' marriage and was harassed on the phone by a mystery pervert for a full year. The damage was reinforced by years of hearing my dad constantly raise his voice at my mom over matters of no importance. I always downplayed this because others go through far worse things-- actual divorces in the family, rape and sexual abuse. But all the "small" happenings did lead to something serious for me- a twisted view of marriage, making that and relationships things from which I distanced myself.

I think a good metaphor for this is being someone who finds themselves deep in a pit, looking around and seeing nothing but walls and wondering...what happened? There was no bulldozing (except maybe a bit at the beginning) and I never noticed myself descending into a pit, but the continual yelling over the years added up, like one shovelful of dirt at a time that gradually deepened the pit.

Also experienced a love deficit- my dad didn't say he didn't love me or rejected me, but also he never said he loved me. Missing the sense of security and protection from a father was like a perceived rejection and led to an unnatural desire to protect myself and a reluctance to take risks.

This repeated thought pattern led to decisions to "always be OK" and values of self-protection and lifestyle of living behind walls and eventually bondage to this fear of rejection if I come out from the walls I've come to know as home.

3. Next comes resurrection- coming to know Christ, understanding that the perfection I expected from my dad only comes from God, that we are all sinners who need to forgive one another, that there is hope when losses are redeemed and even turned into good. I accepted and believed all these things, but never truly felt them in my heart. 

4. Grieving is what I have been stuck in for nearly 15 years. I knew something was amiss, but never directly addressed the issue. Freedom class at church back in 2016 brought a lot of awareness and was the first real step I took, but my years of young adulthood were mostly spent prioritizing fun adventures with friends, working, and growing in independence. I'm grateful that these other parts of life went extremely well- except for a few periods when I was down about certain boys, most of the time was spent happily exploring new cities, trying local brunch spots and foreign delicacies, and finding joy in new hobbies like running, cycling, and snowboarding. I made half-hearted efforts to patch the relationship with my dad, but efforts to be kind/patient/loving etc often fell short.

5. Letting go requires:

Faith. Saying 'yes' to God requires letting go of me-in-control, trusting in God and His plan rather than what we see directly in front of us, our own expectations of outcomes and expectations of God

Biblical example: Jairus wanted healing for his daughter but contrary to expectations, she died. But God brought her back from the dead and he got his daughter back and witnessed resurrection instead. God disillusions us at the right time so our trust is in Him and not our own perceptions of God and things God "should" do for us.

Focus on knowns (elements of God's character we've personally experienced in the past) instead of unknowns (all that could go wrong). God doesn't want us to know the future but to be saturated with his presence today.

What I see is all the things that could go wrong and a repeated cycle of hurting and breaking. Human nature prevents me from seeing much farther than that. Need to let faith in God be bigger than my fears

Discernment between fear that warns and fear that possesses. Counter memorials of fear with memorials of God's goodness.

Repent of the sin of agreeing with fear

2 Tim 1:7- For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control

6. New life came at the end of July, when dad just so happened to fly into town the day I was moving. He originally had a layover but that morning, his flight changed to a direct flight and he was able to arrive in the afternoon. I told him to just rest at the hotel and I’d meet him for dinner as originally planned, but instead of doing that or asking to sightsee, he insisted on helping me move. Having his support on a day when I was so emotionally distressed and in need meant the world, and it was the first time I felt like I could accept his love again. To see how he sacrifices, puts aside his own injuries for the sake of helping me move was so moving (ha ha). Two days later, the government approved my green card, putting an end to over a decade of waiting, tears, and endless inconveniences around school/job/risking deportation. Never have I had blessings just drop in my lap and see things go my way so effortlessly, and I am so glad God brought me onto a "mountaintop" to teach me about his character- how much He sees and cares about the pain I carry, how powerfully He redeems in his perfect timing. 3 things I experienced:

Repentance: realizing the log in my own eye for holding things against my dad for so long. Yes, he did sin, but I've sinned too in holding onto unforgiveness for so long and it's ultimately on me to let go.

Redemption: I feel like I experience this every day. Two of my biggest blockers to healing (my hardened heart + lack of a green card) were resolved within days of each other. I felt seen by God- I knew that all the furious, frustrated prayers I lifted up in the past were heard, and this was His plan all along to tie it together in a crucial moment like this. Letting go felt like something I could never do myself, but these signs from God reassured me that He is behind all of this and helps me to do what I can never do on my own (just like how Jesus came to die for our sins and restore our relationship with God, something we never could've accomplished ourselves). I'm constantly reminded of God's love, goodness, presence and power.

Resurrection: the final step in the process was in October, when I visited home and got to celebrate dad's 65th birthday in person. My heart was different this time around- I actually wanted to keep the conversation going in the car and asked about his life, I wanted to do something special with him on his birthday (went fishing together where I caught my first fish!), and I wanted to love him the way I love everyone else around me (baking him a cake!). At long last, I felt lightness as I found myself finally able to put aside the anger, hate and resentment I've carried all these years and instead can receive God's blessings in a relationship with my dad. It's been so healing to share with friends as well, who affirm the growth and new 'softness' in me and encourage me to continue stepping out in faith (need to push myself every day to not retreat back into the old life).

Here I am in November, having had the most emotional year of my life. It hasn't been easy, but the hope that God is working and drawing me into more of His light and grace has kept me going. I'm excited to continue claiming His promises and victories, to move on from my winter season into a blossoming spring and eventually/hopefully bear much fruit when I reach summer. Currently in a season of reframing my past and learning to see past wounds that held me back are soooo small in the context of how big and great God is. Two of my favorite verses that I continue to hold onto:

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Looking to next year, I want to remind myself any steps I take forward into dating is bravery and progress, and I have to show myself grace. Also, I am tired of holding back! And this is the year for my choices to reflect my hopes and not my fears! I have nothing to lose! This is a learning opportunity to grow in a severely under-developed area of my life! Need to continue praying for humility and courage to stay the course, but I’m happy I can finally move onward rooted in love and hope instead of fear and doubt.

With each new year in the past, I've always made goals to be "stronger." Physically, I wanted to run and bike more miles. Spiritually, I wanted to grow in my knowledge of the Word and memorize verses. Professionally, I wanted to get promoted and keep on climbing the corporate ladder. It was always growth, growth, growth. I prided myself on strength, independence, and my ability to navigate the world on my own. And while this is great, I am realizing there are other ways to live. I liked to be strong so I can brace for impact, feel protected by my own strength and the walls I've built. But today, I learned about cats falling from high buildings (lol) and how they're able to survive because they can relax in the air and turn themselves around to land on their feet. I don't always have to be hardened and strong to keep moving forward, I can be soft and miraculously absorb the impact and continue on my way.

[fractualized]

Why do you think batjokes is such a good ship? Don’t get me wrong, I myself am a shipper, and I’ve recently wondered why i love this ship so much? I’ve also felt guilty about the fact that Jarley is obviously a toxic ship, so doesn’t that mean batjokes is a toxic ship too? What do you think? I’d love to know your opinion on the batjokes ship as a whole! 😁

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, there's a lot to this question! Therefore my answer is loooooooong.

First off, I'll say right out: of course batjokes is a toxic ship. And that's fine! Being interested in intense interactions between two fictional characters is not unusual. Look at these two traumatized overgrown theater kids! They cannot healthily cope for the life of them! They are obsessed with each other! Most iterations cannot have a sustainable relationship! Who can look away from this trainwreck? The flames reach the sky and there are bodies everywhere!

Look, I am an Old, and I'll tell you that when I was a youngin', I shipped jarley. (Gasp!) But the toxicity isn't the reason I don't ship it anymore. It's because, even at the time, I acknowledged that Joker cared more about Batman than Harley. In the end, I personally found batjokes more compelling. That's the overall reason I've shipped either pairing: I found the narratives compelling— not because I see them as model relationships.

There's been a lot of talk asserting that if a person engages with toxic themes, they are supporting and endorsing toxic behavior, which is a wild thing to say. That's like saying everyone who enjoys horror movies must have no problem with murder. Toxic behavior in fictional characters is not a concern; toxic behavior by real people is a concern. It's not like people who consume only morality plays are never assholes. People are molded by more factors than fandom!

Feel guilty about actual bad things you do, not about exploring unwholesome relationships in fiction. Worry more about how people treat you in real life than about the intriguing interplay between two fake people.

And speaking of two fake people, let's move on to why batjokes is an enjoyable ship! (Oh yeah, flawless segue.)

Enemies to Lovers

Let's start with the basecoat: a hero and a villain being attracted to each other is one of the most obvious and clear-cut sources of tension you can have. They should feel nothing but loathing! But there's something about the other person that they don't want to let go of! There's so many possibilities for storytelling. What these two see in each other, the compromises they might make, the possibility that one might go to the other side… or sometimes nothing really changes and it's just hatefucking. But still: drama! Especially if other people find out. Yeesh.

Joker

The interest on Joker's side has always been more explicit. He enjoys challenging Batman and being chased by him. He not only regularly enjoys flirting with Batman, but goading the vigilante into physically dominating him, because Joker often enjoys pain. He also has selective self-preservation, particularly with how he'd be thrilled to be the person to break Batman's no-kill rule. Getting Batman to forget the supposed value of his principles is part of their conflict, after all.

And that conflict holds a lot of interest for me, Batman's belief that we can fight for a better world versus Joker's professed nihilism. Nothing really matters, Joker says, so Batman's fight is a big joke— except Joker's actions show that deep down he does not actually feel that way. It's not true that nothing matters when Batman means more to the Joker than anything. Joker is obsessed with proving his flawed point to Batman, and Batman bringing his family into their conflict elicits murderous jealousy. Sure, Joker has indicated that he sees other people as nothing more than shadows, but he still raises his encounters with Batman to the level of grand battles between archetypes, with huge performances for the whole city. Uh yeah, a whole lot matters to Joker. His whole "nothing matters" schtick is a giant "I WANT TO MATTER SO MUCH" neon sign.

And that sign flashes most at Batman, because Batman was there at the start, when an unknown crook in a red helmet fell into acid. There have been variations of this origin: Red Hood jumped in to escape Batman, he was dangling and Batman couldn't hold on, he purposely let go of Batman's hand… In any case, Batman spurred him from unknown to Absolutely Fucking Known.

Batman

Bruce is a bit harder to pin down. He's typically more reserved, except when he's being dramatic as hell to strike fear into criminals. Plus fighting criminality is his whole mission, to stop that awful night in Crime Alley from happening to anyone else. He should feel nothing but hate for Joker.

But Bruce, when he's written well (subjectivity alert!), is able to see criminals for more than their crimes. The best example of this is the Batman I grew up with in BTAS, which features multiple episodes that show him empathizing with villains. He throws plenty of punches, sure, but also wants to give people second chances. He sponsors rehabilitation efforts. He fights to stop mistreatment at Arkham. He pleads with villains to let him help. This is not just a soft-hearted thing. Preventing people from falling into crime, from using other people's wrongdoings as excuses to do more wrong, and from relapsing into villainous lives is perfectly in line with Batman's mission. It's practical. A superhero who is also an acclaimed detective is not going to ignore other effective methods for achieving his goal, even if compassion can be a struggle to maintain when you see so much of people at their worst.

And wow is Joker the biggest, most actively aware challenge to Bruce's compassion! Yet Bruce still tries to bring him in by the book and returns him to Arkham. He does not break his no-kill rule even when Joker openly provokes him. If Joker is mortally injured, Batman saves his life, including clearing Joker's name when he's wrongfully accused of murder and given the death penalty. Persevering through the worst odds is what Batman does, and I think that despite everything, even in the times when Bruce feels overwhelming hate for Joker, he retains a kernel of hope that some day, somehow, even the brutal jester might change. Batman can't give in and kill Joker, because then that chance is gone. Batman operates on the hope that he will make a difference, and he doesn't want to concede to no hope.

Oh, and the guilt! Can't forget that. (Bruce doesn't.) Batman wasn't able to stop Joker from falling into the acid, from going on to do so many terrible things, and he feels responsible. I think for him, killing Joker would also feel like eliding that responsibility, no matter what other people tell him.

Swinging back to empathy, it's also been shown that Bruce understands Joker's philosophy even while rejecting it. You don't watch your parents' murder in front of your eyes and not have a period of wondering what the hell anything matters, to say nothing of when you dedicate your life to fighting crime years later and watch other loved ones end up dead. Joker may have taken that worldview to a much darker place than Bruce is willing to go, but that doesn't mean Bruce doesn't relate at all. And having felt that rejection of the world, Bruce may feel it's still possible, against all likelihood, for Joker to pull back from it too.

Multiple Choice

Of course, that's all the general appeal for me. There are many versions of batjokes that detour from the above in particular ways. 

If you know my AO3 account, then you know that Telltale is one of my favorite versions. There, John is more on the cusp of nihilism, with Bruce struggling to keep him in the light. John doesn't necessarily have to be a villain, but he's obsessed with Bruce regardless, and Bruce may not have lost hold of John over an acid tank, but he still has guilt when he can't stop John from crossing the line. (If you play it that way, at least!) Plus with Telltale, the simpler universe spurred me into finally writing batjokes fic. I don't feel intimidated by 80 years of storylines with inconsistent characterizations, or an endless cast of characters to integrate. As a bonus, Bruce and John's relationship is a few degrees less wrought when Vigilante John has "only" killed a dozen people as opposed to hundreds (Villain John) or several thousands (many other Jokers). It's easier to find a path for these two to get their version of settling down, instead of staying locked in that ideological battle.

Well, when that's what I'm in the mood for.

Sometimes I do want the angst of Batman and Joker's eternal battle, or nonsense fluff, or straight-up darkfic, or goofy comedy, or whatever else. And the flipside of those intimidating 80 years is that we have multiple takes on these characters that can go in all sorts of directions: the comics with their different eras, Telltale, Nolanverse, Batman '66, Lego, Arkhamverse, BTAS, that vague fanfic version not set in a particular 'verse but feels on-point, and many more… all with varying degrees of that forbidden toxicity. ;)

Because sometimes, sure, you want character growth and reconciliation and all that nice stuff… but sometimes you just want a good story, whatever it is, whatever fantastic or terrible facets of humanity it delves into.

[remmammie]

how about genshin men with an reader who has a pet they really care about and when asked who do they love more they say they're pet without hesitation

Short, but funny - love it. I'll try to cover some of the more popular men but I can't guarantee I'll cover them all!

Aether

Honestly, he gets a little sad. Might pout a little bit but pretends not to be disheartened.

If you're joking, please tell him because he can't really tell differences in people's tones.

Albedo

He's more interested in this human-pet bond more than anything else. How can someone feel so attached to an animal? It's something he must investigate sometime.

If you tell him he's supposed to get jealous or offended, Albedo is just kind of confused. Is he? He tells you it's your life, it's not for him to decide who you treasure more.

He might stare at your pet for a while.

Ayato

He's just bewildered. Don't think pretty boy is used to being diminished by his admirers. He tries to convince himself you're joking but there's part of him that's unsure.

Will ask you multiple times, "you are joking, right?" just to make sure.

Diluc

He knows you're joking and just rolls his eyes, cleaning another glass. He himself only asked you sarcastically, and he laughs at you trying to convince him you're telling the truth.

Might talk about his own pets that he has/had in his childhood.

Gorou

Very confused. Is...he not putting enough work into the relationship? Is he not giving you enough attention because the Resistance has him so busy? He starts apologising profusely, ears all droopy and actually pretty close to crying.

Says he respects your decision and does, but he definitely needs you to tell him you're joking, and will get slightly annoyed when you do. You scared him! Don't ever joke about things like that ever again!

Itto

It just becomes a competition, almost like two toddlers arguing even though they know they'll make up two seconds after they get bored. You like your pet more? Then Itto prefers his fighting bugs to you any day!

His gang members just watch from the side, trying not to laugh.

Kazuha

He understands: the accompaniment of an animal can be as good as that of a human, especially if you've formed a special, personal connection with them over a long period of time. As a wanderer, he has a few pets in many areas and they kept him company when he had no one else.

Might still be a little sad, but thinks he kind of deserves it for being distant all the time. Do reassure him.

Kaeya

What? You're kidding? He absolutely knows you're joking but pretends to be hurt anyway because he's incredibly dramatic. What more do you want from him to be worth more than an animal? More free wine? More affection? More of his precious time?

If you tell him you're joking, he just laughs - he knew, just felt like winding you up because you tried to trick him.

Tartaglia

As per usual, he doesn't portray how such a comment really makes him feel. Childe laughs, jokingly asking what he can do to make himself more valuable to you.

Except, he's actually kind of worried that you'll leave him behind, because what if you're telling the truth? And, even if you're joking, what did he do to make you scare him like that?

It won't leave his mind for a while unless you repeatedly tell him and show him that you were joking.

Thoma

Is honestly just confused. He jokes that Taroumaru bests you any day and that he talks to him all the time about you behind your back.

Doesn't believe a word of it and completely plays along.

Venti

WOW, okay, rude. He's in utter (dramatic) disbelief. Guess he'll just have to run off with Dvalin and never return.

He will absolutely commit to ignoring you for a couple of days and go spend time with Dvalin unless you beg for forgiveness, even if you say you're joking. You hurt him with your words! You'll be getting a harshly worded song.

Xiao

Why would you say this to him, even jokingly? He has no sense of tone so he takes it at face value and glares at you. If that's so true, why are you even here at the inn to see him in the first place.

Will totally tell you to get lost and goes silent when you tell him you're joking. Takes a while for him to get over it.

Zhongli

He...doesn't quite understand. What's the value in an animal? He's really just curious. What sets this animal apart from him, what should he be doing to gain your affections?

Another man that can't tell tone so you'll have to tell him that you're messing with him. Even then, he doesn't really get the joke.

[dreamkidddream]

I’m the Doll!MC Anon and I just wanna say I’m so glad that you enjoy a soft/delicate!MC and I really didn’t expect it to get so much love!

Since I kinda want to be evil and see the boys be overprotective, can I request hc’s of them seeing Doll!MC getting hurt by some lesser demon that bumps her into the ground and she gets a bruise? 🌚

Omg Doll Anon I wasn’t expecting it to get so much love either (here’s the original Doll!MC HCs if anyone wants to read)!! So I actually had your request saved for when I was done with the prompt special bc it’s so good, so I decided to combine them and I have definitely been waiting to write this 😈😈 Reader is gender neutral!

CW: mention of blood (nothing graphic) and spoilers for Lesson 16 (Lucifer, Mammon, Beel, and Belphie’s part)

The Brothers and Diavolo with Doll!MC who Gets Hurt

Lucifer

Okay whoever is dumb enough to hurt you in front of him deserves this 100%

The air around this man is already more than intimidating, so whoever tries this is a poor, stupid soul

When he saw you fall down the stairs, he felt his stomach turn. He already caught you before you could injure yourself further, but after seeing the blood coming down your face, the damage was already done

Now, Lucifer is the brother who always has control over himself and what he does. But, we also know that how his temper can get, especially when it comes to his family

This demon is dumb enough to push you but not dumb enough to crack a smile in front of him, especially with how tense Lucifer is getting right now

He sat you up and tried to remember some first aid techniques to stop the bleeding. You’re on the verge of losing consciousness, but you’re okay right now. He’ll take you home, but first-

His glare is making the demon freeze in place right now, and the anger radiating off of him is petrifying

How dare- how dare this fool harm you, in front of him no less?! Did they think that he wouldn’t do anything? That Lucifer, the Avatar of Pride, one of the strongest demons to ever grace the Devildom, would just idly stand by and let this happen?

He’s stalking towards them, and he can feel his fangs showing and his diamond appearing on his forehead, growling out how they will pay for this-

But he’s stopped by Lord Diavolo, who was shocked by the scene. You’re unconscious, and Lucifer has this poor student hanging in the air by their uniform, claws ready to slice through them. Needless to say, he understands why his close friend is upset, but for everyone’s safety he should just take you home like planned

You thought Lucifer was a helicopter parent before? You haven’t seen NOTHING yet

He would start inviting you more to his room to sleep in his bed while he works away, and it started happening so much that he didn’t even ask anymore and started expecting you to always be in there

So instead of him being glued by your side, you’re glued to his. It’s obvious that he can’t let you out of his sight without something happening (again), so hope you’re ready to see experience Lucifer’s daily routine from sunrise to sunset and a whole new set of rules. Basically playing follow the leader, but with a lot more handholding and kisses

You had to practically beg to be back into the kitchen, and he only relented when he could be the one to supervise you, and even then he still didn’t want to hold anything sharp or be near anything that could injure you (which is pretty much everything)

The main one to put a stop to his brothers’ schemes, handing out harsher punishments than before each time they try to involve you. This man is not playing any games with anyone

You know he means well, he was already overprotective from the start, and this is just his way of showing that he cares about you. You can tell every time he gives you that soft look in his eyes, and the regret that he shows every time he catches sight of your bruise. He may not like to be vulnerable, but he couldn’t hide his emotions from you too long. You’re like a weakness to him, one that he isn’t against indulging in

And he hasn’t forgotten about that student, oh no. He made sure to have a nice lengthy chat with them when you both returned to RAD. You didn’t question it when he informed you that the student had been rightfully punished and no longer an issue, and you tried to ignore the red dots splattered on his shoes, or that sadistic gleam in his eyes...

Mammon

This isn’t happening, this isn’t happening, this isn’t happening-

The blood is pouring from your head, and your eyes are closing too fast for him, and his heart stops

You look lifeless, like when Belphie killed you, when he was too late to save you-

He’ll never forget that image, it’s drilled deep into his mind, forever a reminder of his failure to protect you. And now he failed again-

This demon is gloating about this, and that’s when he snaps

He was already in his demon form and beating the life out of them when he was restrained. Many people were shocked that he was capable of this, that Mammon the scumbag, Mammon the dummy, Mammon the punching bag was capable enough to be this dangerous, this deadly. He’s the second born after all, and he’s the strongest right under Lucifer himself, and he holds a lot in

He could- he would do a lot more because they deserve it, but just seeing you so still, it snaps him out of it. You’re more important to him than getting his anger out, and you’re the one he needs to be focusing on right now. But rest asssured, this isn’t over

You thought he was attached to you before? He is glued to your side 24/7 and will not be leaving anytime soon. Ever since you woke up he never let go of you, calling you “his human” and just hugging you tight

Also if you have to go down the stairs you guys are FLYING no exceptions! The stairs are the devil in his eyes (how ironic) and he will not be risking anything with you

If you guys aren’t out and about under his careful and watchful eye (and I mean very careful, he’s like your very own bodyguard but with a lot more growling and snapping on strangers than usual), then you’re in his room doing whatever. Watching movies, playing cards and somehow beating him every time (he swears that he isn’t letting you win! Lies), whatever you wanna do. As long as you’re with him, giggling and safe, he’s happy and stress free

You mean so much to Mammon MC, he can’t even tell you if he tries. Under his tsundere traits, he really loves you, like really loves you! He’s just so scared of being rejected and losing you a second time. But now that he knows you’ll always be there for him, he’s going to do the same for you (but he already was even if you didn’t like him) He hates looking at that bruise right now, but it’s set as a reminder to not let something happen to you again

Also, another thing that people forget about Mammon is that he can talk to crows. So it wasn’t much to have them track down the person who caused you pain, and it didn’t take long for him to find them either. He thinks that the aftermath will set a good lesson for everyone else who continues to underestimate him when it comes to you: don’t

Leviathan

See, this is why he never leaves his safe haven AKA his room!

After he saw your head hit the ground hard, he was freaking out. He doesn’t know what to do, he wasn’t prepared for this! He tried shaking you to keep you awake, but your eyes were steady closing

Everything is happening in slow motion. You’re slumped over on the ground while the person who did it is laughing at him

If anything, the person who did it should be the one on the ground, not you, not his Henry. It’s not fair, it’s not fair, it’s not fair!

The demon stopped laughing when their windpipe was getting crushed by the second. They couldn’t even try to loosen the grip, Levi’s tail is rather strong, and so is he. He is the third strongest out of his family and the Grand Admiral of the Navy, yet people tend to forget that

Everyone knows how bad Levi’s tantrums can be, but this isn’t just a tantrum, it’s much worse. Had the brothers not intervene, he would have done much worse than summoning Lotan (which he was on the brink of doing anyway)

When you did wake up, he was so upset. Of course he let this happen, he’s just a worthless otaku who couldn’t even keep his crush safe-

OMG why are you hugging him and patting his head?! Quit it- well wait, this does feel kinda nice...Ugh you’re such a normie! Getting hurt so easily and still trying to put a smile on his face. But it does make him feel better

He rarely left his room before, and you guys are definitely not leaving it now. It’s like having a sleepover, but it never ends. That sounds great, right MC? Endless marathons of TSL and other anime, co-op video games, trying on his cosplay outfits that he made (some even made just for you and he needs to cover that bruise somehow), it’s going to be so fun and you’ll be safe with him! Who wouldn’t want that??

We all know that Levi is very self conscious. He knows that he isn’t confident like Lucifer and Mammon, or attractive like Asmo, or smart like Satan or Belphie, or physically fit like Beel, he knows. But every time you listen to him ramble on about this new anime show that he wants you guys to binge, or when he rants about a stupid move his teammate did in an online match, he feels valued. He feels loved. And while it’s hard for him to express his feelings, it’s no doubt in his mind that you’re important to him, and that he’s beyond happy that someone like you is his best friend

One day he’ll get the courage to say those three words, but he hopes that you already know with everything that he does for you

For example, Levi is an aquatic demon, and he has the ability to communicate with all types of sea creatures. Granted, he knows right from wrong, but in his eyes he’s taking care of the problem. So it wouldn’t be a huge issue if he used them to clean up the remaining mess of said problem, right? I mean, his venom can only do so much, and he doesn’t need anyone questioning him, and Lotan does get hungry...

Satan

He could only see red. Both from his anger surfacing and from the fact that you’re bleeding

He had his claws wrapped around the neck of the one responsible before they could even think about running. This- this filth dared tried to escape after he hurt you? And they thought that Satan would just let them get away with it?

They must forget that he’s the Avatar of Wrath, the one who doesn’t show mercy

He just kept pounding the demon into the ground, over and over and over and over. He didn’t even care about the blood splatter it was leaving on the lockers or on him

He was this close to finishing them off when he heard you call out for him, and it took everything in him to drop them. He squeezed their neck a final time, not even close to being satisfied with the whimper he heard, and growled out a promise of that he will find them and will make sure that they suffer before he threw them down. They better count themselves lucky that they get to crawl away in one piece (for now), because had you not been there-

Oh, he is seething the more he thinks about it

But you bleeding is a distraction from it, even if it is making his stomach turn, it’s helping him know that he needs to help you now

He didn’t have to let his brothers know as they came to see what the commotion was, and Lucifer (even if he didn’t want to believe it himself) was anxious that he was the cause of it. But after he saw the hold he had on you and another demon barely clinging onto life, he knew otherwise

It was decided that you two going home would be the best course of action (which it didn’t matter to Satan, you both weren’t going to stay here whether it was demanded or not), and he calmed down enough to properly treat you

You didn’t leave his room for the rest of the day, and he even gave up his bed for you to lie in so that he can do some research. The human body is a complicated thing, but Satan can learn it like the back of his hand just for you. So just go ahead and rest for now MC- or maybe not, you might have a concussion according to this book and if you do he needs to monitor your condition!

Even after you were healed, he didn’t let you out of his sight and daily checkups were a must. Dr. Satan is in the building!

You eventually moved back into your room (you would have stayed longer but he’s a little nervous with his towering stacks of books and doesn’t want anymore accidents), but he practically moved in with you with how much he comes over, either falling asleep at your desk reading a book or falling asleep in your chair right next to your bed

Very reluctant to have you around stairs, it makes the hairs on his neck stand up. He’ll let you go down the stairs ONLY if you’re holding his hand. If you’re upset with those conditions (spoiler alert you’re not), then you better be ready to learn some teleportation spells (but even then he’s still not leaving your side)

He doesn’t hold his temper back with the others when it comes to you for the time being. If he even senses that Mammon, Asmo, or Levi is coming to you with something that can cause trouble, he’s growling at them to leave you alone, horns slowly coming out and tail whipping furiously

However, he tries not to lash out in front of you. He realizes that he lost control with that demon, and how it could have terrified you had you been fully conscious, but he doesn’t want you to think that he’s just a monster. He wants you to continue to treat him like you do now, and not have the image of bashing someone’s bloody body on the floor repeatedly

Speaking of bashing someone, Satan made well on his promise of coming back. The demon thought that avoiding coming back to school would save them, but Satan is a genius, and has many associates that he can sweet talk to get what he wants. It didn’t take much to figure out where they went, and he made sure to get out all of his pent-up frustrations from that fateful day. He felt better when he came home, but he needed to take a shower before he went to see you...

Besides from that, he does appreciate the peace that you do bring him. You just have this aura around you that’s so calming to him, and he needs to steal you away more he realizes

Also you make better cat-themed desserts than the cafe and he can’t risk Beel eating them all again

Asmodeus

He’s shook, and not in the good way

He just had your hand in his, complaining about how you cuticles look so good and his is lacking and how guys have to go to the nail salon after class, and then your hand is jerked from his, your form at the bottom of the stairs

The blood staining your uniform is alarming, but he can’t worry about that now. He’s trying to keep you talking, but you’re already on the verge of passing out

“MC, you can’t sleep yet! We have plans to go to the nail salon remember? And I need you awake so we can talk about what matching color we’re getting! So what color should we get now, MC? MC? MC!”

He’s trying to keep himself from panicking, but he can’t help it! You’re suppose to be smiling and laughing with you, loving him, but you’re unconscious on the ground, and he’s scared

Quickly dials Lucifer and tells him the whole situation, and he’s surprised to find himself blinking back tears

The demon who did this is long gone by the time Lucifer and Diavolo come, but he remembers the face, and he has something exciting planned when he comes face to face with them

Obviously you have to go home, but Asmo is so distraught that he has to go home with you. But when you wake up, prepare to be tackled to the bed with him crying his eyes out. All you can do is try to comfort him and tell him that okay, giving him little kisses on his cheek

But now that the sadness is out of the way (all this crying and worrying is causing him stress wrinkles), it’s time for a makeover/stress relief!

Fashion shows, makeovers, painting nails, face masks, the whole nine yards. All in the comfort of his dazzling room!

It’ll make you both feel and look better, and honestly you two need that right now. It also gives him the opportunity to cover that unappealing bruise. Your beauty outshines it but it’ll be best to cover it up for your and his sake (mainly his)

Every time Asmo sees your bruise, he gets upset and he’s tired of being reminded of what happened. He knows that he’s only loved for his looks, his vanity, but you see more in him than that

You’re...you’re the first person that loves him for him entirely, not because of his features. And when he tells you that he loves you, he honestly means it. He would have never thought he would fall so deep for someone, let alone a human, but...he’s glad that it’s you. He’s happy that it’s you

Which is why he wants to keep you safe and injury-free. Plus, your skin is too pretty and doll-like to be roughed up!

You guys still go out of course, he just has a better eye on you now. This one incident isn’t going to hold him back for picking out new cute outfits for you!

And don’t think he forgot about that demon who caused all of this in the first place. He actually waited by their locker, and convinced them to come with him. But what should Asmo do with them? He could always have them steal Beel’s food, annoy Lucifer, say something horrible about Ruri-Chan, the possibilities are endless! As long as they don’t cause him to get dirty, of course

Or maybe they should do something so severe that they have no reason than to leave RAD forever, or even leave the Devildom forever, depending on how far he’s willing to take it. He’ll do anything if it means you’re safe and he gets to keep you all to himself

Beelzebub

He thought it was an accident at first, you get so excited about things that you stumble over your own feet sometimes, but he’s always there to catch you or pick you up

You keep saying that you’re okay as he’s holding onto you, and after he sits you up he’s confused because he smells blood. His heart is beating a little quicker, and you’re not talking anymore, and your head is drooping, and that’s when he sees the blood running down the side of your face

He’s starting to panic, and he’s so scared that if he tightens his hold against you he’ll just make things worse, that he’ll just hurt you more. But he needs to go find Lucifer, he needs to get you help, you’re feeling so light in his arms and it reminds him of the Celestial War when he witnessed his sister dying-

He hears someone snickering behind him, and that’s when he loses his temper

You’re a part of his family now, someone that he loves and cares for more than he can describe, and they did this to you? Someone who wouldn’t even squish a bug, someone who made him late night snacks without even asking, always there to give him hugs after his games no matter how sweaty, someone that put his family back together and they did this to you?

Lucifer and Mammon struggled to hold him back after they found the demon flung through the wall, laying under the rubble. Beel just kept growling, fangs bared and wings buzzing. He won’t stop trying to get out of their hold, and he keeps inching closer and closer to the demon, and it’s only a matter of time before he finishes what he started

You were already in the infirmary getting treated, and Beel isn’t calming down anytime soon so you were both escorted home

You woke up to Beel upset and pouting. He’s so worried about you that he couldn’t even eat. Beelzebub could not eat, that’s how you knew this was a something serious

Poor Beel was so terrified of hurting you himself that he failed to protect you from the people that do want to hurt you, or worse

But this won’t happen again, he swears, both to you and himself. Move over Mammon, Beel is officially your new bodyguard!

Wherever you go, Beel is right behind you, literally. He’s like your shadow, just bigger and a lot more...menacing. Also isn’t taking any chances with Mammon’s schemes, just carrying you away before he can even open his mouth about another get rich quick plan

Speaking of carrying, you are not allowed to walk down the stairs anymore. As soon as you step near some you find yourself in his arms like it’s nothing. Both at home and at school, it doesn’t matter to him

Also he’s very cautious to have you around people besides his brothers, and the exchange students (but he’s still hesitant about Solomon, anyone who can cook food like him is automatically getting the side eye)

Also you practically moved in with the twins, and it’s nothing compared to the sleepovers before. Belphie sleeps easier, Beel’s stomach is satisfied (eating your homemade sweets with you is better than everything combined at Hell’s Kitchen, and trust me he knows) he feels all warm inside, and you’re protected. Everyone’s happy!

Beel is a sweet guy, just don’t come in between his family or his food. After that whole incident with the demon, everyone has come to understand that, especially after seeing just how much damage he caused both to the demon and the school in so little time...

Belphegor

If he was sleepy before, he’s completely awake now

You’re holding the side of your head, and he can see the blood seeping through your fingers, groaning in pain. You keep trying to say that you’re okay, but your words are starting to slur and he’s getting nervous, he’s getting scared

It’s reminding him too much of his worst mistake, of what he did to you, when he murdered-

No. He doesn’t need to be thinking about that right now, especially when the person who did this is bragging about it while your body is slumped over. Right there, he knows what exactly needs to be done

Belphie was already in front of them before they even registered it, and didn’t give him any time to form an excuse. His claws were already at their throat, inching deeper and deeper the more they swallowed

“I should just slit your throat now, it’ll be easy and not a lot of work. But you deserve much worse than that. You’ll wish I did by the end of this.”

After a tap to the demon’s forehead, they just collapsed before him, unmoving. He didn’t even look down when he stepped over them (or rather stepped on them) to get to you. You’re passed out, but still breathing. You can’t stay here like this, and he refuses to tell Diavolo or Lucifer. He’ll figure something out, maybe Satan has some books in his room on what to do...

When you woke up, you found yourself wrapped in blankets and Belphie sleeping beside you, arms wrapped tight. You were confused, when did you get home? You remember walking with him down the stairs, but everything was blurry after that. What happen-

“You’re always thinking so hard MC, you’ll never be able to get good rest if you keep that up. But Satan did say to check on you every couple of hours, so I guess it’s fine. And quit touching your head!”

“Oh, sorry Belphie, I didn’t mean to-”

“Tch, how annoying...”

But he’s lying. Even as he’s carefully re-wrapping the bandages, he’s relieved that you’re awake, that your eyes are still full of life, not like the dullness that he saw that fateful night

When Lucifer finds you he is not happy with Belphie, but he doesn’t care and tells him that everything is already under control and that he isn’t needed. Belphie didn’t miss the scowl that he sent his way, but he just smirked in response. You didn’t need Lucifer as Belphie is already taking care of you, as it should be

You know how he always carries around his favorite pillow? Yeah he’s doing that with you basically, minus the carrying. You’re practically attached to his side, wherever he goes you’re either right there with him or in his room, which is mainly just you two lazing around or sleeping (as usual)

Honestly, the only demons who he’s okay with disturbing you two is Beel and maybe Satan. Beel because that’s his twin and it’s his room too, and Satan only if he’s checking on you medically or if he has some new ideas to mess with Lucifer. Everyone else is just trying to bother you and be annoying, and you don’t need that

Of course he blames himself for this! How is he suppose to keep you safe, to make up for his mistake? But then it clicks

It’s not the fact that he’s weak, people think that he’s weak. But he realizes that this is fine, he’ll use that to his advantage.

Diavolo is upset and Lucifer is running out of excuses for him, but Belphie just plays stupid and says he can’t remember how to remove it (even though he does). Let the demon lose some more sleep until they learn their lesson, whether it’s from the constant nightmares or from sleep deprivation trying to stay awake to avoid said nightmares. He’ll remove it when he feels like it, and he doesn’t see that happening anytime soon

Let people think the Avatar of Sloth is weak, that he’s not a threat, and he can show them exactly how wrong they are. Better yet, this demon can be the perfect example, and many more if they become a bother to you (and him)

You’re too nice MC, too delicate. You treat him so good, like he’s not a demon, like he’s not the monster who took your life, and he has to thank you for that somehow. He feels like whatever he does won’t be enough for the kindness you give him, but protecting you from others who used to be like him could be a good start

Also now he can hog all of your head pats and cuddles for himself, and he doesn’t feel bad at all. Everyone else had their time with you when he was locked up, so he’s finally got the opportunity to be selfish

Diavolo

First of all...this demon is dumb enough to harm you in front of him??? The Demon LORD???? The FUTURE KING OF HELL??!

They have more than just a death wish

It all happened so quick, he just crossed paths with you in the hallways and started to ask about your day (and maybe invite you for a small tea date after school) but he didn’t even get the chance to open his mouth

One second he saw your eyes light up and hand extended to excitedly wave, then he saw your fragile form tumbling down the stairs

Barbatos was soon called to his side as Diavolo saw the red coating his palms and you barely staying conscious, trying to say that you’re okay and not to worry

See...he feared that this would be a problem. While Diavolo is a very kind and understanding ruler, there are still some demons out there who think he’s too lenient, too soft. But that’s where people are mistaken. Diavolo is kind, but do not mistake his kindness for weakness

He felt his anger rising, his demeanor starting to crack, but he set aside his emotions. You’re his first priority, and he needs to make sure that you’re okay! He’s still a ruler, and you’re his responsibility (and first love)

However, he made sure that Barbatos took the demon who did this and kept them in the dungeon until he was done treating you. He won’t let this go unpunished, he can’t and he won’t

You’re an important part of the exchange program, and you’re most important to him, and he’s upset with himself that you got hurt. You’re so delicate, and you don’t deserve any of this happening to you, but what can he do? While he trusts the brothers to keep you safe, he wants to keep an eye on you personally, but how?

Then it struck him

You liked to stay in the castle, always smiling and having fun whenever you spent time with him there, so why not relocate you there?? It’ll be like an extended sleepover/retreat with just you two!! You guys can do all of your favorite activities and won’t have to worry about going home because you won’t have to leave!! Why didn’t he think of this sooner?!

The brothers are very upset with this incident, and even more so when he announced this. Diavolo decided that your condition needed to be monitored closely, and since he’s the person directly in charge of the exchange program AND the ruler over the Devildom, there was no room to argue. You weren’t going to stay in the castle forever, just until he deemed it right to return to the HoL

Which would be...some time soon, maybe. He’s not really worried about that now, his number 1 concern is you after all!

You’re getting the royal treatment, literally. This is the chance that he gets to pamper you without interruptions and he is not wasting it!

You kept trying to convince him that you’re fine, but he wasn’t hearing any of it, especially after he sees the nasty bruise that was left. “MC, please! You still need to rest. How about I have Barbatos bring us some tea to help, and we can even have the royal staff bring us some outfits of your choosing if you like? Oo, we can even have our portrait painted!”

“Dia, I promise that I’m fine, you have more things to worry about than me-”

“Nonsense, MC. You’re what’s important to me, now and always. Don’t ever forget that.”

Even finished it with a hand kiss, UGH he really is a Prince Charming

Once you did return to RAD bruise free, Diavolo, being the gentleman that he is, walked with you everywhere in the beginning. Coming into the building, walking to class, lunch, even to the student council meeting, he was by your side. But he couldn’t avoid his duties forever (unfortunately), but he always made up for lost time afterwards

You never realized that when he wasn’t with you, someone else always was. Whether it be Lucifer who miraculously had spare time, or Barbatos who decided to escort you back to the castle to try a new recipe for his Lord, it was always one of them that stayed with you

Also, it never dawned on you why people were starting to be so nice to you. You thought it was because of what happened, not paying attention to how tense they would get, the fear in their eyes. You did notice that the demon who caused your fall never came back to class, and their desk is starting to collect dust...

When you did ask Diavolo about it, he just pat your head and said that what happened was unacceptable and that the demon has been dealt with accordingly.

You don’t need to hear about what really happened to them, he doesn’t want to scare you or taint your innocence! But he doesn’t mind if anyone else hears it, he’ll be more than happy to explain in full detail what happened and what will happen to demons that even think about attempting to harm you or think that he’s “too soft”. They won’t think he’s a soft ruler after that

Diavolo is a very sweet man, one that treats you as if you’re ruling by his side as his partner and one that you never have to be scared of, but even you didn’t miss the deadly glint in his eyes whenever he spoke about that demon...

But enough about that, he wants to try that new recipe that you made just for him!

He enjoys the time that he gets to spend with you, and after this, you’ll be in his company a lot more. He can’t risk having this happen again to his love- I MEAN favorite exchange student right?

[jarofstyles]

Can we get a part 2 of the poc princess one 🥺

Actually… yes! You may! We had this little one on Patreon early access and now it’s time to release it to you all!

If you like this, check out our Patreon!

——

“Do you believe in love at first sight?"

Harry’s hand was threaded through hers, admiring their skin tones against one another’s. If you asked him, it was utter perfection. She was laying next to him in his bed, curled into his side. The silk sheets were softer than anything she had felt in her life, except maybe Harry’s touch.

He worshipped her. Never had a man given her this much attention… genuinely valued her and her opinions. They differed a lot but they meshed so well together, she had to wonder if perhaps this was fate. The first glance had her stopping in her tracks. Truly.

It was as if he was out of a painting. Standing beside his father, strong and regal. His deep blue jacket and gold detailing popped against his porcelain skin. His jaw was sharp, as if carved like the statues in the center square. Pure art. Art that seemed to be taking her in with the same intensity that she was giving to him.

Y/N was by far the most beautiful creation that the earth has ever dealt to him to gaze upon. Her sweet accented voice. Her beautiful natural hair, her plush lips. He hadn’t seen anything like her before and it made him go mad with desire. Getting closer to her only made it worse.

She began to smile. Her fingers gently twisted the multitude of crystalline rings adorning his fingers. The beautiful, long, skilled fingers that caused her the most pleasure she had ever experienced in her entire life. She was obsessed with his hands. Touching them, playing with them, having them graze any portion of her body, she would happily have them on her in a moments notice.

“I didn’t before.” She spoke softly, the words falling from them gently as they hit his mind. “But I do now, I am sure of it.” He cheek nuzzled further into him, now on his shoulder while she looked up from his hands. His gaze met hers with a tenderness she was unaware that men possessed. A loving look in his green eyes that made her feel weightless, like she floated in the clouds.

“I was hoping for that answer, beauty.” He gently untangled their hands and placed his on her hip, pulling her further towards him. “I was wondering if…” he licked those pink lips that had her staring. “You are of the same mind as me to stay? To become my wife?” His voice was slow and soft, as if a little bit nervous of her answer.

That was silly to her because there was only one answer. One obvious, large answer that if he looked properly into her eyes he could see.

“You’d wish that? For me to be with you that way?” She asked, gently placing her leg over his hip and clinging further to him. “Harry… I’d want nothing more. You don’t seem to fully understand my want for you. My emotions. I’ve never felt something this… full. My heart feels like it throbs when I see you. You’re unbelievably kind… you treat me with respect. And you give me pleasures I can’t even describe…” she felt her cheeks heat as she looked down, only for a moment before he gently lifted her chin back up.

She was met with his mouth. A full, warm kiss given to her as their lips met, his warm palm bleeding through her dress and pulling her to be flush against him. Surely they were breaking rules by having him in her temporary chambers but he truly didn’t care for any rule that kept him from being close to the sweetest thing he had ever had.

“Then I will ask.” He panted against her lips, their sticky kiss ending but also never stopping as he laid smaller ones to her bottom lip, excitement filling the air. “I will demand it, my love. I want you by my side. I can’t imagine anyone else. I want our children to have your nose… I want them to speak like you, I want them to be like you. I want you and your guidance to rule this kingdom… please.” He gently rolled them over, caging her in with his body on top of hers.

The thin fabric of her nightgown be damned as he kissed over her jaw, down her neck and to the swell of her breasts. “I want your skin against mine. I want to see your hand in mine and look into the mirror and see our beautiful contrasts… I want your body against mine every single night.” He nipped the skin playfully, making her giggle.

“Mm… my beautiful ray of sun. You glow brighter than any woman I’ve ever met. Body and soul. I itch to be next to you when I’m not.. I can’t imagine waking up to anything but you. Your scent, your lips, your words. I want to wake every day knowing just how lucky I am.” He nuzzled his face right into her breasts, moaning softly as her fingers stroked through his curls. The silky hair gliding through her hands, coaxing him to do whatever he pleased.

“You’re mine then.” He spoke between kissed, breathless as he tried to cover any available inch with his mouth and love. “Mine alone. I claim you. I want to be the only one who ever gets to have you. And you, you own me already. Heart and body. I will never, ever ache for someone the way I do. Just for a whisper, a caress, a tender look. You have me feeling like a boy all over again as a man.”

She closed her eyes for a moment, only to open and be met with the most sincere, sizzling sincerity in those deep green eyes. “I’m already yours, my angel.” She whispered, brushing the hair from his face and cupping his cheek. Immediately he leaned into it.

“Good. My heart could not bare the idea of you with any other person. Since I saw you… I knew we belonged to one another.” His lips met the palm of her hand, kissing all over the lighter skin and moving to the back where the color deepened. “These hands are mine. Will bare my ring and my name. And as soon as we are wed…” his eyes darkened, as he spoke against her knuckles. “I’ll fill you with my child. All of the land will know that I belong to you. That I have the most perfect woman…”

Harry hadn’t ever been possessive of people but this…. This was his soul mate. His entire heart. Maybe he was foolish for falling so easily but he couldn’t help it.

His angel had been brought here and be wasn’t going to let her go.

[nock-and-bolt]

Breaking the Programming

You ever think about Kara, Markus, and Connor breaking into deviancy? 

And how the way that they do it is so illustrative of their character?

First, we have Kara. How she legit stumbles into it. How it was instinctual, yet she was still tentative about putting that first hand against the red wall. But then she puts up a second hand, firming her resolve and confirming this choice, and then she is pushing harder and harder against it until it breaks. It tracks right along with Valorie Curry’s performance at the beginning of the game of portraying Kara as exploring these emotions she’s feeling—uncertain at first, yet undeniably moved by their potency. 

Even the way she talks to Rose with the upward lilt at the end of the line, “I felt like her life was more important than mine?” as though she still cannot quite comprehend these feelings of love-affection-protectiveness she has towards Alice. Though she doesn’t understand it, that doesn’t make it any less real; she still feels it and will do whatever it takes to protect this child.

Ugh, I love it so much—how it was the easiest choice in the world for her to make initially, then the hesitancy, then the determination, and finally the unyielding tenacity to keep pushing at that wall, just like she never stops working to protect and care for her loved ones.

Then we have Markus, our favorite revolutionary. This boi has no hesitancy, no doubts, no uncertainty, (no chill lol). He sees that RA9-damned red wall and immediately chucks a punch straight at it. Then another. And when that doesn’t work, he rams into it with his shoulder, running straight into this thing at full force—twice—before finally banging against it with two fists and his whole soul to shatter that thing into pieces.

Which, again, is just *chef kiss* perfect for him. Because unlike a lot of other androids, Carl has treated him like a living being with value. He knows he deserves better than to be scorned and pushed around and belittled and enslaved. And injustice burns white-hot in his veins. No matter what route you take, peaceful or violent or even failing everything, he never stops caring about this movement and about fighting for his people’s freedom. (And speaking of burning...)

Markus was driven like no android who had come to Jericho before. He didn’t just recognize things were messed up—he was determined to do something about it. He ran at the problem he saw before him and his people, just like he ran into that wall of code, with incredible passion and little regard for his own well-being as long as it got something done.

Last but certainly not least, we've got Connor, the android sent by CyberLife. ;) More than any of the others, his was one that truly felt like a wall for everything it took to reach this point, but man, when he tore his wall of programming down, he tore it down. Curling his fingers into it, bearing down with all his strength and body weight, ripping it to shreds. Not explosive and quick like Markus’ takedown, but painful and slow and a struggle, like Kara’s. Except for Connor, it wasn’t a one-time push; he had to keep going back at it again and again (three times total for those of y’all keeping count) to finally break that barrier down. 

Because that was his journey. It was long, and arduous, and a process of digging his nails into this obstacle and taking it apart brick by brick. For him, empathy, compassion, and autonomy were choices he had to make over and over until he could come to a place where he realized the implications of it and what that meant, where he could grasp this potential future for himself with two hands and decide that yes, this is what he wanted for himself.

For it was absolutely a conscious decision. He did not stumble into deviancy. He was not spurred into it by injustice and the heat of the moment. No, he walked into deviancy with both eyes wide open. It could be argued he was reasoned into it (which fits his logical nature so well btw), and it was a deliberate choice. The build up of every little decision, every scrap of software instability, every ghost of an emotion coming to a head, to the realization that he held the keys to his own prison and had the power to let himself out.

[atlafan]

The Good Life - One Shot

a/n: okay so we have business man!Harry, and co-worker Y/N, but also she’s the boss’ daughter???? friends to lovers???? smut??? not proofread????

words: 14.5K

If there was one thing that Harry hated, it was a spoiled brat. He hated when people got whatever they wanted without even working for it. If he ever had kids, he would teach them the value of a dollar. You, however, were an exception to that rule.

Harry steps out of his office, and smells his favorite scent in the world. There was this perfume you’d wear that smells like raspberries. You were officially home for summer vacation, and you had to be here visiting your mother, who was Harry’s boss.

“Carol, is Y/N here?” Harry asks his secretary.

“Yes, she came by to have lunch with Cheryl. She just finished grad school, can you believe it?”

“That’s incredible…so that would make her what? Twenty-three?”

“She turns twenty-four later this summer.” She smiles.

This was good, Harry was only twenty-seven, so that wasn’t that big if an age difference. Carol knew Harry had a crush on you, even though he had never admitted it. He’d been working at the company for five years, so he’s known you for a while now. He’s always kept his distance, though. You went to a private school in high school, and you used to come to the office in your uniform after school. You were a senior at the time, but Harry still felt weird being attracted to you at that time. And sure, Harry’s had a couple of girlfriends that he really liked, even loved. It’s not like he was obsessed with you or anything. He just…thought you were cute.

You and your mother come out of her office giggling. Harry stands up straight and makes sure his tie isn’t all out of sorts.

“Harry, good I’m glad you’re here.” Cheryl starts. “You remember my daughter, Y/N.”

“Sure, hi.” He smiles.

“Hi, Mr. Styles.” You smile.

“Oh, honey, no need to be so formal, especially now that you’re joining the team.” Cheryl beams.

“What?” Harry asks.

“Harry, I know you and I usually discuss new hires, but Y/N officially has her MBA, and well, she really wants to work here.”

“I have since I was a kid. I’m really excited.”

“She’ll be your new assistant. Gotta start her somewhere.”

“But…that’s Carol’s job.”

“Carol is the office secretary, not a personal assistant. You’ve been asking for one for quite some time. I thought you’d be more excited.” She raises an eyebrow at Harry.

Harry looks at Carol, and Carol just smiles nervously.

“I think it’s great.” Carol says. “But a girl with an MBA…that’s a little too entry level, don’t you think?”

“Well, I certainly couldn’t start her as an associate director.” Cheryl laughs.

“It’s okay, I know I need to work my way up. I have, like, zero experience. This’ll be my first real job, so I really don’t mind being Harry’s assistant. I’m good at answering phones and writing messages down.” You smile. “I won’t disappoint you.”

“I didn’t think you would. This’ll be great. When do you officially start?”

“Monday. I was just coming by today to pass in some paperwork to H.R.”

//

Before the end of the day, Harry knocks on Cheryl’s door. She tells him to come in and he sits down.

“What can I do for you?” She smiles.

“So…why’d you choose me to work with Y/N? There’s plenty of people here that could use an assistant.”

“To be honest, Harry, I trust you. You’re close in age with her, you can give her advice on what it’s like just starting out. You were just a mail boy when you started.”

“That was when I was just an intern when I was still in school.” He chuckles.

“And we just loved you so we hired you. You’ve grown up a lot over the last five years, and you work so hard. I think she could really learn a lot from you. I’ll let you in on a little secret too, she actually asked if you needed an assistant.”

“She did?” He perks up. “I mean, uh, did she now?”

“Yes…I think she may have a small crush on you, but don’t mind her. If it makes you uncomfortable I can have her-“

“No!” He takes a deep breath. “No, it’ll be fine. She probably won’t like me much once she gets to know me anyways.”

“She knows you well enough. You’ve been to the house enough times for parties.” She laughs. “In fact, I’m hoping you and Amy will come skiing with us again this winter.”

“Oh, uh, Amy and I broke up.”

“Oh no.” She frowns. “I’m sorry, Harry.”

“It’s okay.” He shrugs. “Just wasn’t mean to be, but I’ll totally come skiing.” He grins. “Could be dating someone else by then anyways.”

“Very true.”

//

Monday morning you show up bright and early. You had a nice light purple blouse on with a black pencil skirt. Your mom had taken you shopping for some new work clothes, and you loved them. You had stopped off at a coffee place and grabbed a ton of different coffees and doughnuts. You wanted to make a good first impression. Most people knew you as Cheryl’s littler girl, but you were almost twenty-four, you weren’t a little girl anymore.

Harry always went to the gym before work, and would eat his breakfast in the breakroom before changing. He stops short when he sees you bent over the table making everything look nice.

“Morning.” He says, and you stand up straight right away.

“Hi, Harry…uh, coffee?” You gesture to the table of assorted drinks.

“Maybe in a bit.” He scrunches his face at the drinks. “Any of those just black?”

“Um…no…do people actually like black coffee?”

“I do.” He smirks. “You’ll want to know that. As my assistant, I’ll expect a coffee on my desk every morning.”

“Oh, uh, alright-“

“Y/N.” He chuckles. “I’m just teasing, I can get my own coffee.” Harry shakes his head and reaches to open one of the cupboards. He pulls out a box of protein bars and takes one out.

“No doughnut either?”

“Hmm….” He peers over and sees a chocolate glazed. “Save that one f’me?”

“Sure!”

“Thanks, I’ll have it after lunch.” He slings his gym bag over his shoulder. “Now, I usually go change in my office, so, don’t come in.”

“I won’t…do you always go to the gym before work?”

“Yup, helps wake me up, gets me ready for the day.”

“Cool.” You smile.

Everyone else in the office was very quick to snatch up the things you brought in, gaining major brownie points. Your mom was happy to see you take a little initiative. For most of the day you sat in on various meetings. You and Harry didn’t even have much time to talk. He shares his calendar with you so you can see when he’s busy, and you share yours with him as well. You had a nice size desk right outside his office. You brought some things with you to decorate it, pictures of friends and what not. Right before lunch, a few people come over to Harry’s office, women. One of them is about to open his door, but you stop her.

“Sorry, Mr. Styles is busy.”

“It’s okay, I’m a friend. It’s almost lunch.”

“But he’s on a call.” Your eyes peer over to the screen where you can clearly see on his calendar that he’s busy.

She sucks her teeth and looks at the other women.

“Fine…guess we’ll see him later then.” She sighs and they all walk away. A few moment later Harry slowly opens his door.

“That was brilliant, thank you.” You turn to look at him. “Those three always try to have lunch with me, it’s pretty annoying. Now I have a barrier that they have to get through.” He checks his watch. “Gotta go. Have a good lunch.”

“Thanks, you too.”

You go into Harry’s office and place the doughnut he had asked you for on his desk. When he gets back he smiles and picks it up.

“Wanna split it?”

“Sure!”

It looked so small in his large hand. You take the half from him and eat it happily.

“Come in around four, we can talk about your first day and what the rest of the week will look like. Sorry things have been so busy.”

“It’s okay, I feel like I’m already learning a lot.” You tuck some hair behind your ear. “I’m really glad I get to work for someone so chill. I was worried I was going to get stuck with Phil.” You laugh.

“Yeah, that would’ve been boring. He’s been here nearly thirty years. Think he has grandkids your age.”

“Gross.” You say and it makes Harry laugh.

At four you come into his office with a notepad. He had loosened his tie a bit, and his sleeves were rolled up.

“I’m really glad this place has A/C.” You say.

“Believe it or not your mum had to fight for that. It was before I started, but she made it happen.”

“Probably the hot flashes.” You start laughing and then you stop. “Sorry, TMI.”

“It’s alright. Didn’t think she went through the change yet.”

“Well, you know my oldest sibling is like…thirty-two right?”

“Ah, forgot you were the baby.”

“Hey.” You pout. “I may be the youngest, but I’m not a baby.”

“You’re the most fun. Your siblings didn’t even ski last year on that trip. They just sat around.” He rolls his eyes. “Anyways, let’s talk about your first day, how was it?”

“Good! I was a little nervous, but it was good. A lot to take in, but I’ll catch on.”

“Where do you see yourself going?”

“I want my mom’s job someday.”

“Ambitious.”

“I’m willing to work for it.”

“Well, you’ll have to wait a little while because when your mum retires, I’m hoping that spot’ll be mine.”

“Okay, so I’ll take your job in the meantime.” You smirk.

“Sounds like a plan.” He chuckles. “Anyways, you have a chance to look at my calendar?”

“Mhm, you have a lot of meetings this week.”

“That’s right, so I’ll need you alert for the phone. Oh, and some meetings I’d like you in on to take notes. Makes it easier for me to pay attention if I don’t have to have my laptop in front of me.”

“Okay.”

“This is your first real job, so I wanna make sure you know about burn out. You’ll accumulate time off, use it. Same with sick time. Mental health is important and you may feel overwhelmed at times. You’ll probably feel really tired by the end of the week. Make sure to check in with me about how you’re feeling. If there’s something you need, we’ll make sure you get it, okay?”

“Thanks, Harry.”

“Just paying it forward. This can be a really great place to work, you just need to know the right people. You know Carol, obviously. She’s the best. Don’t be afraid to go to her for help. She was amazing to me.”

“Yeah, her daughter used to babysit me.”

“Right.” He clears his throat.

“I think you’re the only person here that never saw me with braces.” You laugh. “I think you came on when I was, like, a senior in high school.”

“Sounds about right.”

“You were always so polite. I couldn’t believe it. When I got to college I always hoped the boys would be like you, but they weren’t.” You shrug.

“Okay, well, I think that’s enough for today. Why don’t you head home?”

“Would you mind walking me down to my car?”

“Oh, well, I’m not done for the day yet. I usually stay until six just to wrap things up.”

“Okay, then I’ll stay too.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to.”

“You’re not allowed to. Your day ends at 4:30.” He runs a hand through his hair. “But I could take the stroll down to the parking garage with you if that makes you feel more comfortable.”

“If you don’t mind, I felt sort of sketched out this morning.”

“I get here at the same time every day. You can just wait for me if you want in the mornings, and we can walk up together.”

“I’d like that.”

//

Working with Y/N was great. Harry absolutely loved it. You kept him organized and taken care of. You stalked the cupboards with his favorite protein bars, and had started picking up his coffee, just because you wanted to. He always praised you and told you how much he appreciated everything you did.

You were good at your work too. He could give you a project and you’d have it done within a couple of days. You were determined and efficient. He could definitely see you moving up fast, which sort of made him sad. He’d keep you forever if he could, but that would be selfish. He thought his little crush on you would be distracting, but it wasn’t. It almost made you get along even better.

Your mom always hosted a company Labor Day party. You had a huge backyard with a large in ground pool. You couldn’t believe how fast the summer went by, but you were happy to be in a routine. You loved this pool party, and now you were there as an employee. It was always catered with the best food, and your friends would come by. This year, though, you didn’t invite them. You wanted to seem professional with everyone. You even wore a one piece bathing suit with a little sheer skirt tied around your waist.

You were walking around, mingling, when you saw Harry walk in. Usually he brought some pretty date, but the only thing in his arms was a platter of food he offered to bring, and some beers. You were excited that he hadn’t gotten back together with Amy, or that he had met someone new.

“Harry!” You exclaim when you go into the kitchen.

“Hi, Y/N.”

“You don’t look dressed to swim.” You tease him.

“Not really planning on it this year.”

“But it’s so hot out.”

“Drinks will keep me cool.” He winks at you and cracks open one of his beers. “Does it ever get annoying to have so many people around your house?”

“Well, technically, this isn’t my house anymore. I moved into the pool house last month and started paying my mom rent. I wanted to have a little more freedom, you know? But it’s just her in this big place now so I felt bad wanting to fully leave. She said she’s putting the rent money in an account for me so one day when I do buy a house or something, I’ll have something to start with. Plus, it gets me in the habit of paying bills.”

“Look at you, becoming a real adult.” He nudges you and you both go outside. “You’ll be twenty-four soon, right?”

“Mhm, next weekend. I’m going away with my friends. I’m leaving early Friday, don’t forget.”

“Got it on my calendar.”

He smiles and walks away. Of course he does, he wanted to talk with the other, older people at the party. Your mother adored Harry, she always had. Your step-dad liked him a lot too. You were sipping on some wine while the sun was setting, and the party was dwindling. You go over to Harry who was backed into a corner by one of the ladies from finance.

“Harry?”

“Oh, hi! So glad you found me, how about a tour of the pool house?”

“Sure!”

“Excuse us, she’s been dying to show me all day.” Harry says to the woman. He grabs your wrist and leans in. “Walk fast, or she’ll follow.”

You giggle as you both basically sprint away. You key into the pool house and lead him in.

“Oh, wow, this is actually really cool.”

“Thanks! We sort of used it as a guest house anyways, so it didn’t need much work. Just some paint and new furniture. It’s like a little one bedroom apartment. I love it. My friends can come over and we don’t have to worry about being quiet or keeping anyone up. It’s been working out great for everyone so far.”

“I’m happy for you.” He says, looking around. “It’s nice having privacy, isn’t it? I remember when I had saved up enough to move out.”

“Do you have your own house?”

“Haven’t bought any property yet, no. Suppose I could, but I’m fine renting for now. My place isn’t small though.”

“How come you haven’t yet?”

“I don’t know, I just figured I’d buy a house with someone, you know?” He sits down on the arm rest of your couch. “I mean, what if I bought a house, and the girl I was with wanted a different house? I’d want to make it ours. I’ve always wanted to buy my girl the house of her dreams.”

“I thought you didn’t like buying things for people.” You smirk. “But I suppose that’s really sweet.”

“It’s one thing if it’s a gift. I just don’t believe in giving people every little thing they want. They should work for it, you know?”

“My mom was really good about that when we were growing up. She said no all the time. I mean, we were spoiled a little, but at least we’re not brats.”

“True, you could be way brattier.”

“Hey.” You put your hands on your hips.

“Just teasing.”

Just as you were about to step closer to him, your mother opened your door.

“There you are, people are leaving, and…oh…am I interrupting something?” Cheryl asks, a little too eagerly.

“No, mom.”

“She was just helping me escape from Beth in finance.”

“She’s gone.”

“Great, coast is clear.” He stands up. “Better get going myself. Thanks again for a great party. Sorry Ed had to be traveling.”

“You’ll have to come over for dinner next time he’s home.”

“Sounds good, love hearing his traveling stories.”

He gives your mouth a hug, and out he goes. You glare at your mother.

“I’m so sorry.” She says. “I did interrupt.”

“You certainly cooled things by saying that.” You groan. “I finally got him alone, we were talking about things other than work for once! He likes the way I decorated.”

“Honey…Harry’s a little older than you, and you’re fresh out of school. He may just be looking for different things, we’ve talked about this.”

“It’s not like I’m right out of undergrad. I have my MBA, and I’m doing really well at work.”

“You are, you’re doing amazing. Come on, help me say goodnight to our guests.”

//

Harry had already gone to lunch when you were packing up your things to leave early for your girl’s weekend. You notice a card on your desk. You open it and smile. A Visa gift card slides out.

Don’t spend it all in one place. Don’t check your email. Have a great time, and happy birthday. – H

You bite your bottom lip and try not to squeal. That was so sweet of him. You pack up your things and head out. You send him a quick text saying thank you for the gift and out you go.

He missed you the rest of the afternoon, but your thank you text made him smile. You told all of your friends about Harry. He had given you a $100 gift card, which was way too much. He had to like you, there was no way he would have given that much money to just anyone.

//

For Thanksgiving, your family did things a little untraditionally and went skiing. It was something your mother’s family used to scrape together to do, and she continued the tradition with you and your siblings. She bought a huge house in the mountains when you were young. Her friends would come too, sometimes Ed’s parents as well. It was just for people to get together for an entire week, and then share a good meal.

Harry and his girlfriend at the time, Amy, came last year. To be fair you had brought a boy with you too, but it was nothing serious. He would be joining again this year, and he wouldn’t be bringing anyone with him. The house had separate wings, so guests wouldn’t be on top of each other.

There were some other young people there too, along with your siblings and their partners. You were excited to spend time with so many people. None of your siblings wanted anything to do with the family business, which you couldn’t understand. You loved working for your mom.

“Harry!” You hear your mom. “How were the roads?”

“Not too bad yet, just a bit icy.”

“Y/N, help Harry to his room. Look at all the things he’s carrying.”

“She doesn’t need to-“

“Don’t be silly. I’m used to helping you.” You giggle.

You carry one of his bags to his room.

“Thanks.” He walks around and makes sure he has his own bathroom like last time. “Perfect.” He smiles. “I can’t wait to hit the slopes. Is your mum making that green bean casserole again for the holiday? It’s so good.”

“Actually, uh, I make that.”

“Really? Should have known.” He smiles. “Which wing are you in this year?”

“Oh, I’m right across the hall from you actually. My siblings have babies and I didn’t want to risk losing sleep. Is that okay that I’ll be so close by?”

“Definitely. I don’t know who else is going to be here, so it’ll be nice to have a friend so close by. Sure you don’t mind spending so much time with your boss?”

“You’re, like, the best boss ever. Don’t mind at all. Besides, you’re on my turf now.” You step closer to him.

“Oh, is that right?”

“Mhm.”

You hear your name being called from down the hall and you sigh.

“You’ll ski with me tomorrow, right?” He asks before you leave.

“Only if you use the hot tub with me. Gonna need to relax after a long of day of hitting the slopes.” You wink and off you go.

Your mom and Ed make a huge dinner for everyone that night. People were drinking and having a great time. You all head to bed early so those that plan to go skiing and snowboarding, can.

//

The next morning you get all your gear on, and head to the kitchen. Harry was sipping on his black coffee.

“Should I have made that for you?” You smirk and fill your own mug, adding a little creamer to it.

“You’re off the clock, remember.” He takes another sip. “Want some eggs?” He points to the pan of scrambled eggs he made up for everyone.

“Sure! Thanks, Harry.” You beam.

You both share a nice, quiet breakfast together until everyone else comes racing in. Someone makes bacon, and breakfast sausage to go along with the eggs. Harry offers to drive you up to the mountain, no one really seems to notice.

You and Harry have a great day taking runs together. You stop off for a quick lunch at the lodge. Just as you were bringing over a couple of hot chocolates you see him talking to some random girls. You watch as he laughs along at some joke. You hated watching him flirt. He was too good at it. You walk over and hand him his hot chocolate.

“There she is.” He hooks his arm around you and takes the cup of hot chocolate. “Told you ladies my girlfriend would be right back.” He looks at you with a please help me face. “Thanks for the drink, babe.”

“My pleasure.” You kiss his cheek. “Who are your new friends?”

“Oh, we were just leaving.” One of them rolls their eyes and they all leave.

“Nice touch.” He lets go of you and takes a sip of the warm drink. “Mm, this is good.”

“They were bothering you?”

“They invited me to some party. They have to be in college or something. I told them I had a girlfriend. Sorry about that.”

“No worries, it was easy to play along.” You both smile at each other, and he blushes slightly. “Hope it’s okay that I did that.”

“Didn’t mind at all.”

After a few more hours, your legs were starting to get sore. You take a shower the second you get home, and you all eat another big meal together. Ed gets a fire started. Some people play card games. Harry even gets into a game of poker with some of the guys. You announce you’re going to get the hot tub started.

“Oh, that sounds like fun.” Your sister says.

Your mom watches as Harry gets up from his chair to go to his room to change.

“Janey, honey, stay inside, would you?”

“Why?”

“Because I think Harry’s going to join your sister…”

“So?”

“So, why not give them some privacy?” Ed says.

“Ah, I see, so you’re letting her work for you as a way to match them up?” She scoffs.

“No.” Your mother sounds offended. “I just think they’d make a cute couple, and it’s much more appropriate now, so-“

“Mum, she works for him…”

“There’s nothing against it in our H.R. policy. As long as they disclose things if they decide to date, it’s not a big deal. You also didn’t ski all day. You can use the hot tub tomorrow.”

//

You get a two piece on and throw a robe over yourself. You go outside to the back deck where the large hot tub was, and get the jets started. You slip your robe off and get in. A few minutes later Harry comes out with a t-shirt and trunks on.

“Alright if I join you?”

“Yeah! I basically asked you to yesterday.”

You look away as he takes his t-shirt off. You look at him once he’s in. You knew Harry was littered with tattoos. You’d seen him without a shirt on plenty of times. He’d been coming to your house and family gatherings for years. Your mom was really good at creating positive work environments where the boss didn’t need to be this person to be feared. She was a woman of the people, and that’s how you wanted to be. Harry had learned a lot of leadership skills from her, maybe that’s why he was such a great supervisor to you as well. You watch as a sigh leaves his lips and it makes you smile.

“What’s better than this?” He asks, looking at you.

“Not much.”

“Do your legs hurt much?”

“A little. I stretched quickly when I got home.”

“You looked great out there today, you’re fearless on those black diamonds.”

“Oh…thanks.” If your cheeks weren’t already flushed from the steam, they would be from his compliment. You knew he just meant your form and not necessarily your clothes, but still.

“Did I tell you that Paula invited me for Thanksgiving?”

“No!” You gasp. “You’re kidding?!”

“Nope.” He chuckles and shakes his head. “Jocelyn did too, as if neither of them knew I hang with your family. I told them and they were shocked I wanted to go skiing with the boss again. Your mum’s like family to me at this point.”

“You also don’t really celebrate Thanksgiving.” You giggle. “Why go to someone’s home you barely know when you can basically just go on an early winter getaway?”

“Exactly! I don’t understand the women we work with, honestly. The second the picture of Amy left my desk it was like…I don’t know they stopped seeing me as a colleague and more like prey.”

“Does it bother you that so many women flirt with you?”

“It’s not just the women.” He smirks. “And no…not really. It’s mostly harmless. It’s not like they’re putting their hands on me or anything. And it’s not that none of them are attractive or anything.” He sinks a little further in and rests his head on the back of the cushion provided. “I just don’t want to date someone I work with.”

Your heart falls into your stomach. Why would he say something like this to you? You two sort of flirted at work, but mostly things were professional. He met you every morning to walk you upstairs, and he’d always bring you down to your car. Even if he was in a late afternoon meeting, he’d excuse himself at 4:30 to make sure you got downstairs okay.

“I mean, what’s there to talk about when you get home? I suppose if you work in separate divisions that’s not so bad. But the other person knows what you do all day. Seems a little boring.”

“But on the flip side, that person would know exactly what you’re going through and would be able to relate and understand your schedule. Why did you and Amy break up?”

“Uhh.” Harry has to really think about it. It was so long ago now. “We had started talking about moving in together, and she couldn’t understand why I would never try to get out of work earlier so we could go look at places. I stay late so I can leave my work at work. I would try to explain that to her. And then when I would come home early I’d have to be on my laptop answering emails. She didn’t feel prioritized, which I understood was annoying.”

“See? Someone you work with would totally understand.”

“She was also a couple years older than I am, and I could tell she felt like her clock was ticking.” He shrugs. “I wasn’t ready for all the steps she was, at the time.”

“You do tend to date a lot of older women.” You chuckle. “I think one time you brought a woman almost ten years older than you to one of our dinner parties.”

“I used to go out with a lot of divorced women.” He smiles.

“Why?”

“I don’t know, I was young and it was easy to not commit to them. Some of them had kids and stuff, it was an easy out.”

“So you would date just to…fuck and then leave, essentially?”

“I wouldn’t phrase it like that, but I think deep down I saw it as a way that I could be with someone without fully needing to commit. Again, I was young and stupid.”

“You’re still young.”

“And maybe just a little less stupid.”

“Only a little.”

“And what about you? I think I’ve seen you bring every type of guy home with you. Jocks, artists, short guys, tall guys…”

“It’s easier to bring someone to family functions, you know how it is. Some of them were just friends. I never knew which things you were going to come to.” You say nonchalantly.

“Why would me being there matter?”

You realize now what you’ve admitted.

“You know, there’s a fridge out here full of wine, why don’t I-?” You start to get up, but he puts his hand on your shoulder to sit you back down.

“Just answer the question, Y/N.”

“Well…if we’re talking about being young…I obviously had a crush on you…back then.” You were starting to sweat, and it wasn’t from the steam popping out of the bubbles and jets. “I mean, what other teenage girl liked visiting their mom at work as much as I did? I remember the first time I saw you too, I came in after school to drop something off since I was able to drive myself, and I nearly passed out. You were talking with my mom and I felt too nervous to walk up to you. I never felt more like a child in my life. I gushed to my mom about you, and she told me you actually weren’t that much older than I was.”

“So you’d come around more just to see me? You never said more than hello?” He smirks.

“I was way too nervous. You know I almost asked you to take me to my prom?! How embarrassing.” You laugh. “One of my friends took me, obviously.”

“I remember when you came to the office in your dress.”

“It wouldn’t have been so weird if we got together. I was eighteen my entire senior year.”

“You still had a lot of growing up to do. Eighteen legally means you’re an adult, but other than that you’re still just a kid.”

“I realized that the second I got to college. I had a major culture shock. I mean, I was able to do my laundry myself, unlike other kids, but I definitely learned that a maid wasn’t coming around to make my bed or take out the trash. I grew up even more in grad school when I had my own apartment. My mom paid for it, but still.” You shrug. “I was really on my own.”

“Are you happy you went to grad school right after?”

“Yeah, I don’t think I would have gone back if I hadn’t just done it. You have your MBA, right?”

“Mhm, got it a couple years ago through this online program your mum helped me find. It was the only way I was able to move up the way I did.”

“So…it doesn’t totally weird you out that I had a thing for you?”

“Nah.” He smiles. “It’s flattering.”

You may have been willing to expose yourself, but Harry wasn’t. How could he say he had a thing for you too? It still felt weird to him. There was a reason he kept his distance from you. Now, things were less weird. You were twenty-four and he was twenty-seven, almost twenty-eight. You weren’t a child anymore.

“And it’s not weird to say this to my supervisor either?” You cock an eyebrow at him.

“We’re off the clock, away from the office. Besides that, I won’t be your supervisor forever. You’re doing really well, you’ll move up soon.”

“Thanks.”

You desperately just wanted to lunge at him, throw your whole body and mind at him and have him fuck you right there in the hot tub, but the jets slowly came to a stop.

“Think that means we’re supposed to get out. Not supposed to stay in these things long.”

You watch as Harry stands up, your eyes following the droplets of water falling from his chest. He gets out and grabs a towel quickly. He picks up your robe and hands it to you. He looks in the other direction as you stand up and grab it from him.

“Fucking cold out.” He says and you start giggling.

You both go inside and go to your wing of the house.

“You looked away when I got out.” You say as you reach your doors.

“Pardon?”

“When I stood up and got out, you looked away.”

“I was just trying to give you your privacy.”

“Why?”

Now Harry was sweating.

“Because I’m not a guy who ogles women, okay?”

“Are you sure about that? I see the way you glance at me in the office. You’re always complimenting my clothes.”

“You wear nice clothes. Right now, you’re not wearing much, so I didn’t look.”

“My, what a gentleman.” You step a little closer to him. “I don’t mind if you look.” You whisper and then step away from him. “Goodnight, Harry.”

“Goodnight.” He swallows hard as he watches you walk into your room. He goes into his room and locks his door. He wasn’t sure if you were playing a game, but he wouldn’t play it…not while on vacation with your family.

//

The next day he finds himself on the chair lift with your mother. You all had enjoyed a nice breakfast together before heading off to your various activities.

“Sleep well, Harry?”

“Yeah, beds are super comfortable.”

“You don’t mind having it to yourself this time around?”

“Not at all, I can really stretch out.” He chuckles.

“How was the hot tub? It working okay?”

“Uh…yeah…how did you know I used it?”

“Well, the second after Y/N left to go change you got up as well. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist.”

“She had mentioned it the night before. I asked her to ski with me yesterday, and she had said yes, but only if I joined her.”

“Right.” She smiles. “Was it just you two out there?”

“It was.”

“And how was that?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you enjoy spending time with my daughter? Outside of work, I mean. You both work so well together. You’ve helped her out a lot there, you’re almost like a mentor now. She’ll move up quickly. She’ll be your equal before you know it.”

“She’s very bright.”

“She is. Anyways, outside of work, you both also make a great pair.”

They both jump off the chair once they’re at the top of the mountain.

“What exactly are you saying, Cheryl?”

“I’m saying I’m okay with it.”

“Okay with what?”

“If you wanted to date her, ask her out, whatever, I’d be okay with it. She’s grown woman, she can make her own choices. I would just hope you two weren’t scared to go for it because of me.”

“Cheryl…I…”

“If you don’t like her like that, then I apologize for overstepping. I’m not one of those overprotective people that’s going to stand in the way. I just ask that if you two decide to date, you disclose it with H.R. and keep things as professional in the workplace as possible.”

Before Harry has a chance to say anything, she begins her run down the mountain. He was thoroughly confused. Had she essentially just given him her blessing and permission to ask you out? He wanted to, he really wanted to, but was now the right time? On a fucking family vacation?

//

After the tiring day of taking a crack at snowboarding, you realized skiing was definitely the winter sport for you. Harry had just finished showering and gotten dressed in a sweater and pair of slacks. You were hanging out in your room, just taking some time to scroll on your phone. You hear a knock on your door.

“It’s open!” You call, not looking up from your phone. You were laying on your stomach, with your feet hanging in the air as your knees were bent. Your door opens and you sit up immediately when you see it’s Harry. He leans in the doorway.

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

“How was your day?”

“Good, I tried snowboarding.”

“That’s nice. I went skiing with your mum.”

“Oh, I bet she enjoyed that.”

“She did.” He looks you up and down and squints at your comfy clothes. “Get dressed.”

“Why? We don’t need to be fancy for dinner.”

“Yes we do, because we’re going out tonight.”

“Oh, well no one told me.” You say, annoyed that the messaged hadn’t been relayed. You suppose it made sense since you’d all be cooking a lot once Thanksgiving actually came around.

“You’re misunderstanding me.”

You stop short as you reach your dresser.

“Then explain.”

“You and I are going out to eat. I’m taking you out.”

“Why?”

“So we can be alone.”

Your jaw nearly drops. Both of your eyebrows raise at him. It wasn’t exactly the nicest way for him to ask. This was how he spoke to people in meetings sometimes so they knew he meant business. It always sent a surge through you to see him be so…powerful.

“Would you like that?”

“Yes.”

“Alright then, you’ve got thirty minutes.”

With that, he grabs your door handle and closes your door for you. You were stunned, but giddy. You pull out a cute sweater and a pair of jeans to wear with a nice pair of boots. You fix your hair and makeup, and you’re ready to go. Harry was waiting for you in the living room. He had already told your mother he was taking you out for dinner, and she had told everyone not to make a big fucking deal about it. He hands you your coat and out the door the two of you go. He opens the car door for you, and then he gets in on his side to start driving.

“So, where are we going?”

“Do you remember that Italian place we went to last year? I’ve got a craving for pasta and bread, lots and lots of bread.”

“Skiing all day will do that to you.” You giggle. “Works for me.”

“Good.”

His glove covered hand reaches for your and he intertwines his fingers with yours, resting the conjoined fist on your thigh. He doesn’t look at you, he keeps his eyes on the road. This was his subtle way of saying that was, in fact, a date. You give his hand a little squeeze to let him know that, in fact, you were okay with it.

Once you’re at the restaurant, he opens your door for you again, and leads you inside. You stay close to him for warmth, it was freezing outside.

“Hello, how many?” The hostess asks.

“Two, please.” Harry says.

“That’ll be fifteen minutes. Here’s a buzzer. Feel free to grab a drink at the bar while you wait.” She smiles and he takes the buzzer from her.

“Wanna grab a drink?” You ask him.

“No, we can just get a bottle ordered for the table.” He notices your slight disappointment. “Is that alright?”

“Yeah, makes sense.”

You both wait awkwardly until the buzzer buzzes and you’re brought to a table. You take your coat off and hang it on the back of your chair, and he does the same.

“You can pick the wine.” He says, smiling. “I’m fine with whatever you like.”

“Well, I’ll wanna pick out something that would taste good with our meal. I was thinking chicken parm.”

“You know, so was I.”

“Perfect, then a bottle of red…some merlot maybe?”

“Sounds good to me.”

A waiter comes over with water and bread, and takes your full order. You butter your bread and take a bite.

“Mm, so fresh.” You say, and dab your mouth with your napkin.

“It’s delicious. I won’t even be mad at myself if I fill up on it.”

The waiter comes back with the bottle of wine and opens it for you both. He pours the glasses and leave you alone after. You both clink your glasses together and take a sip.

“So.” You say.

“So.” He repeats.

“Why is this happening?”

“Because…I-“

“I thought you didn’t want to date people you worked with.”

“You’re the exception.”

You were the exception for a lot of things. Harry only exclusively dated older women, and here you were three years younger than he was. He hated spoiled rich kids. But here you were, not so spoiled, but definitely rich. He hated brats, but here you were, knowing full well how much of a brat you could be if you really felt like it.

“Well, don’t I feel lucky.” You say, sarcastically with a smirk of your own.

“Do you not want to be on a date with me?”

“No, I do. I have for a long time, obviously.”

“Obviously.” He repeats.

“How long have you wanted to take me out for?”

“Too long.”

You smile and bite your bottom lip as he smiles and takes a careful sip of his wine.

“You know you’re cute, come off it.” He says.

“Oh, so you only like me for that fact alone?”

“Not true. I like a lot of things about you, but I’m not going to give you the satisfaction of listing them.”

Your food is brought over and you both thank the food runner before diving in. He watches as you elegantly twirl your spaghetti with your fork onto the large spoon so you don’t make a mess. He starts with his chicken.

“This is as good as I remember.” He says. “Much better company this time around though.” He grins and it makes you blush.

“I agree.”

It’s a good date, a really good date. You were able to open up to him about things you wouldn’t normally. You talked about what your friends were doing with their lives. He talked about his friends as well. Some of them were married, some of them were traveling. He was sort of just in the middle, and fine with it. You don’t finish all of your food, the plates were far too big, but you both wrap it up to take it home. Someone was bound to eat it. You’re both given minty chocolates and Harry squares up the check.

“Thanks for paying.” You say as you get your coat back on.

“Don’t mention it.” He says, taking your hand and leading you out of the restaurant.

When he pulls into the driveway of the large house, he only pulls partially in before parking, keeping the car on, heat blasting.

“What are you doing?”

“M’not ready to go in yet. Not sure I want our date to be over already.” He unbuckles and turns slightly to look at you. You unbuckle as well so you can look at him comfortably.

“Good thing it went well, could make the rest of the week pretty awkward.”

Harry laughs at that and nods his head. He grabs a tic tac from his console and pops one in his mouth.

“Want one?”

“Please.” You hold your hand out and he shakes the small container so one comes out. “People don’t value tic tacs enough. They’re the perfect little mints, you know?” You say, sucking on it.

“You’re really cute, you know that?” He leans his are on the steering wheel so he can rest his chin on his palm. He was smiling at you, just truly enjoying your company. “I have that thought at work nearly twenty times a day, and I never get to say it loud.”

“Well, you should. Nothing wrong with an ego boost, right?”

“Y/N.” He chuckles. “Why would I say something that could so easily make you uncomfortable?” His mouth forms into a straight line. “I would never want to make anyone feel uncomfortable where they work. Why do you think I keep my distance, physically? I never lean over your desk, or get too close to you.”

“I appreciate that a lot. You definitely make me feel comfortable.”

“Good. I’d feel terrible if I ever did something…”

“Harry.” You put your hand over the one he wasn’t resting his chin on. “It’s all good.” You smile. “You’ve always been really professional, and respectful.” You give him a reassuring smile. “But we’re not at work right now, so if you wanna get a little closer to me…I wouldn’t mind.”

“So, what you’re saying is…” He lifts his chin from his palm and gently cups one of you cheeks. “If I were to kiss you right now, that would be okay?”

“More than okay.”

He smiles and leans in. You close your eyes in anticipation, and smile once his lips are on yours. You always wondered if something like this would ever happen with him. It mostly happened in unclear, faded dreams. His hand gently moves to the back your neck to pull your closer to him. Your hands find the front of his jacket so you can also tug him closer to you. It was difficult kissing in the front seats of the car, but you were trying to just focus on the way he kissed you.

He sighs happily against you. You get a little carried away and take his parted lips as an invitation to gently bite down on his bottom lip. You let go of him and look up at him through your lashes. He doesn’t let you get to far away before he slots his mouth over yours, and you both essentially grope each other. The windows in the car were starting to fog as you both started breathing heavily, and you weren’t even kissing with tongue! Not yet, anyways. You both still easily tasted like Italian food, the tic tacs only helped a little. Harry could feel the front of his pants tightening and that was when he decided to pull away.

“Right.” He clears his throat and adjusts his jacket. “They’re probably wondering, uh, where we are so.”

Before you can say anything, he throws the car in drive and gets you the rest of the way up the driveway. He gets out and opens the door for you. All you do is smile. You couldn’t stop even if you wanted to. When you get inside various people are hanging around the fireplace. Some people are playing cards, and your mother was in the kitchen getting certain dishes prepared so there was less to do on Thanksgiving itself.

“Hey, you two.” Ed says, with a smile. “There’s some hot chocolate in the crockpot if you’re interested.”

“Thanks, Ed.” Harry smiles and takes his coat off. “Would you like some?”

“Please.” You say and hang up the coats.

Harry gets two mugs and fills them up with the homemade drink. Cheryl smiles at the two of you as you walk in and take a sip.

“How was dinner?” She asks.

“Good, we went to that Italian place we all went to last year. Still just as good, if not better.” You tell her.

“Glad to hear it.” She smiles. “Everyone’s just been relaxing. I think tomorrow we’re taking a trip out for a little hike, and then in the evening we’re going to look at those ice castles. They look so much better at night. Then taking a break on Thanksgiving of course. Too much cooking to do.”

“Sounds good, mum.” You finish your drink and stick the mug in the sink. “Think I’m gonna go get cozy for the night.” You give her a kiss on the cheek and give Harry a look before going to your room.

Cheryl smirks at Harry.

“What?”

“You had a good time, then?”

“Yes.” He chuckles and rinses out the two mugs. He leans against the counter and crosses his arms, studying Cheryl. “What’s your angle with all this? Mum’s usually like me, but you’re really adamant about this.”

“As Y/N’s mother, I want her to be happy. She’s gushed about you for years, and well, you’re both at an appropriate age now, I think it’s fine if you date. I know you really well, Harry. You’re not the type to hurt a girl. Even if it didn’t work out, I know you’d still be sweet about it. I trust you with her. No other angle than I think you could make her happy, I think you could make each other happy. Things didn’t work out with my first husband, that’s why divorce is a thing. Ed and I make each other happy, I didn’t have that before. I see the way you two look at each other. You have something, and it would be silly to not go for it.” She puts her knife down that she was using to chop some vegetables. “I suppose it seems like I’m trying to pimp her out, doesn’t it?” She laughs.

“Little bit.” Harry laughs with her.

“Well, I don’t mean to. She can make those choices on her own.” She looks in the direction you had walked off. “Something tells me she’s waiting for you.”

“And you’re alright with that.”

“Well, maybe just don’t get busy while we’re all under one roof, but it might be nice to have an after date chat, don’t you think? Hang out a little?”

Harry laughs and shakes his head. He makes his way down the hall where his bedroom is. He uses the bathroom, brushes his teeth, and then changes into some sweatpants. He puts a long sleeve bed shirt on as well. He opens his door and sees yours is a crack open. He taps on the door frame.

“Y/N?”

“It’s open.” You say, this time a little less loud. He opens the door and sees you on the bed in your pj’s, snuggled up. “Come in.”

He smiles and closes the door behind him. He sits down on the edge of the bed.

“Wanna watch a movie? This TV has a chromecast.”

“Great idea.” He climbs up the bed to sit next to you as you set everything up. You put an easy going comedy on.

You lean back and he puts his arm around you so you can both get really cozy. It didn’t take long until you both passed out. You woke up in the middle of the night with Harry’s arms wrapped around you, his pelvis pressed to your butt. He liked to spoon, he could sleep comfortably like this with you. You sigh and fall back to sleep easily.

//

Harry woke up before you. He presses kisses to your temple before getting out of your bed. When you turn over you feel where he slept was still warm. He must have gotten up to start his day. You were a sweaty mess after your hike. You couldn’t wait for the sun to set so you could go to the ice castles and see them all lit up.

Harry held your hand the entire time, he even wraps his arms around your chest as he walked behind you, pointing out different ways the lights hit the ice. It was very romantic. Or, it would have been if your siblings weren’t around with their kids. But nonetheless, it was nice.

The next day you all help cook and set up for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. You sit right next to Harry, and he holds your hand under the table. You had driven up with your mom, but you opt to drive home with Harry the next day. You both were desperate to just be alone together.

“Do you want me to drop you off so you can unpack and all that? I can come grab you later if you want.”

“That’d be great, and I can just drive myself to your place if that’s easier.”

“Whatever works.”

He helps you get all your things inside, and after a few minutes of kissing, he leaves you to go take care of his own things. You shower and freshen up after unpacking, and then hop in your car to Harry’s. You weren’t sure what your evening would look like, but you didn’t really care. You were just happy to maybe do a little more than kiss.

You text him when you get to his place, and the doorman lets you in. You get into the elevator and head up. You knock on his door and he opens it, yanking you in and shoving you up against the wall next to the door. Clearly, he wanted to do more than kiss as well.

He had one hand cupping your cheek, and the other on the side of your neck to keep you in place. You wrap your arms around his neck and pull him closer. His hands drift down your sides, and you feel yourself being hoisted up. You wrap your legs around his waist and he carries you down the hall to his bedroom. You tug at his hair as your tongue slips into his mouth. His molds to yours as he sets you down. He groans into you and it sends a shiver up your spine. You couldn’t take it anymore.

“Get on the bed.” You tell him. He sits down, but your shake your head. “Sit all the way back, I’m not kneeling on the hard wood.”

His eyebrows fly up when he realizes what you’re talking about. He quickly gets back further on the bed. You crawl on, and sit on his lap. He kisses on your neck while you roll your hips down on his. His hands slide to your ass to grope and squeeze at you. You nip at his lips before getting of his lap and settling between his legs. Your fingers fiddle with the button and zipper on his jeans.

“Is this okay?” You ask, looking up at him.

“Yes.” He breathes. “Do whatever you want.”

You grin and slide your hand inside his jeans, palming him above his boxers. His head rolls back from your touch alone. It was something he’s wanted for so long. You tug his jeans down, he lifts his hips to help you, and you get them all the way off. You lift his shirt slightly to kiss on his tattooed stomach as you work your way down. You tug his boxers down and his hard dick springs out, slapping against his stomach. Your eyes grow wide and you look up at him.

“Jesus.” You say under your breath as you start to rub your thumb over his tip.

“Fuck.” He breathes as his head rolls back again. He felt like he was being pampered.

You let go of him, only for a minute, to get some spit on your hand. You start pumping him up and down, slowly at first. You gets yourself settled on your knees, leaning forward so your ass was in the air, and you kiss his tip. He looks down as you swirl your tongue around him before sinking further down on his hard dick. You couldn’t take all of him, even if you tried, so you pump what won’t fit. One of his hands slides down your back and down to your ass to squeeze at you. His other hand works through your hair to hold it back for you. He moans out when you swallow around him and really start bobbing your head up and down.

“Feels so good, Y/N, fuck.” His hips buck up involuntarily, causing you to gag slightly on him. “Sorry, babe.”

You squeeze one his thighs to let him know it’s okay. Your eyes flicker to his tiger tattoo, and if you weren’t sucking him off you’d smile at it. Harry was so interesting. You couldn’t wait to learn everything about him. Like right now, you couldn’t wait to learn how he tasted, how he really tasted.

“Oh god, fuck, I’m gonna come.” He says through gritted teeth. “Y/N, you don’t have to, ah!”

One of your hands slides up to his throat. You just needed him to shut up for a second so you could focus on the task at hand. His eyes were wild while he looked down at the scene before him. Your little hand wrapped around his throat while you sucked on him vigorously. You move up to just suck his tip while his come shoots into your mouth. You suck and suck until he can’t stand it anymore. You pop off him and let his throat go free. You make eye contact with him while you swallow.

“You…you didn’t have to do that.” He says, while trying to get his breath.

“I know, I wanted to.” You wipe the corners of your mouth, and tug his boxers back up. He winces slightly from the sensitivity.

“Alright.” He lifts his shirt up overhead and pins you down, you giggle at his sudden movements. “Your turn.” He unzips, your pants, but you stop him.

“I can’t.”

“Wh-why not?” He pouts.

“I got my period this morning.”

“Of course.” He sighs and hangs his head.

“Sorry.” You giggle and runs your hand through his curls.

“It’s okay, know you have no control over it.” He sits back up against the headboard and pulls you into his arms. “That was really nice, thank you.” He pecks your lips and you smile.

“My pleasure.”

“Want me to order something for dinner? I haven’t had a chance to go grocery shopping yet.”

“How does Chinese sound?”

“Perfect.” He kisses you again before getting off his bed. You lay back and sigh. His bed was really comfy, you could get used to this.

//

Monday morning everyone was feeling refreshed from the holiday. You and Harry drove separately since you still finished work earlier than him. He walks you upstairs like always, only this time before he goes into his office to change out of his gym clothes, he gives you a kiss and a pat on the bum. He knew he had to be careful, though, not too much PDA in the office.

Once he was changed he comes out of his office. You had his coffee ready to go like always. He takes it happily, but decides to speak up.

“I wanna start getting my own coffee.”

“Why?” You frown.

“I feel weird with you doing that kind of stuff for me now that we’re…involved.”

“Oh, is that what we’re calling it?” You smirk.

“Hanging out, dating, whatever.” He shrugs. “Getting me coffee doesn’t fall under the umbrella other tasks as assigned.”

“But it did before?” You raise an eyebrow at him.

“Only because it was an excuse to have a nice chat in the morning.” He smiles and sips his coffee. “You understand what I’m trying to say, though, right?”

“I do.” You smile at him, and then bite your lip. “Um…when do you, I mean, should we…”

“Let’s see how things go before we go to H.R., yeah?”

He could read your mind, and it gave you some relief.

“Okay.”

He winks at you and goes back into his office. He had a ton of emails to answer from being off last week.

“Y/N?” He calls for you and you go right in.

“Yes?” He shoots his eyes at you. “Mr. Styles.” You grin.

“If I forward you a few emails, could answer some people for me? I hate to make you the middle man, but some of this doesn’t need my attention.”

“Of course! Happy to help.” You smile.

“Thanks you.” He smiles back. “Would you mind closing my door? I have some calls to make.”

You nod and close the door behind you. He forwards you about ten emails, but you didn’t mind. It gave you something to do. You worked fast, so you often would get bored. He’s in and out of his office once his calls are made. When noon finally rolls around he comes out of his office and drums his fingers on your desk. You were standing up, thanks to having that kind of desk, and had your earbuds in. You raise an eyebrow at him and pause your music.

“Yes?”

“It’s lunch time.” He grins.

“So it is.”

“Would you like to join me?”

“Where?”

“Just in my office.” He shrugs.

“Alright.” You smile. “I just need to heat my food up.”

“Great, come in when you’re all set.”

You go to the breakroom to grab your good. You lean on the counter next to the microwave as you wait for your food to heat up. Paula and a couple of other women walk in.

“Oh, hi, Y/N.” She says.

“Hi ladies, have a good Thanksgiving.”

“Yeah, it was good. Probably not as good as yours though. Must be nice to go skiing.”

“It’s an old family tradition.”

“Well, it’s not just family though, is it?” She scoffs and grabs her good out of the fridge.

“Everyone that goes might as well be.” The microwave beeps and you grab your food. “Is there a problem?”

“Not at all.” She shrugs and puts her food in the microwave. “Must be nice, is all.”

“What?”

“To just get everything you want all the time.” Another woman says.

“I don’t…I work really hard for the things I have.”

“Right, must be nice to just pay mommy rent while you live in her pool house.”

“She’s alone a lot. My step-dad is a pilot, he’s not home with her when she’d like him to be. I wanted to move out and she asked me if I’d want to live in our…you know what? I don’t owe any of you an explanation. You can just be bitter.” You scoff and leave quickly. You go right into Harry’s office and sit down with a huff.

“Everything alright?”

“No.” You shake your head and angry stick your fork into your lunch. “There’s a bunch of bitches that work here, and I’m annoyed.” You sigh. “You don’t think everything’s been handed to me, do you?”

“I think you’ve lived a very blessed life, but your mum’s done a good job raising you. I’ve seen you act like a real brat before, but I wouldn’t call you spoiled or anything.”

“Gee, thanks.” You roll your eyes.

“Tell me what happened, what’s going on?”

“Paula and her crones were a little rude to me in the breakroom.”

“They’re just mad because I don’t pay them the time of day, and they’re jealous you work for me. I’m sorry you’re getting the brunt of that.”

“It’s okay…maybe we should go to H.R. sooner then. If they find out about anything before we disclose…they could just make it worse. The whole thing just feels so high school, it’s fucking stupid. Grow up.” You shake your head and take a bite of your food. You look at him. He had his chin resting on his palm, smiling at you. “What?”

“Nothing, you’re just cute when you get all fired up.”

“You think everything I do is cute.” You chuckle.

“You got me there.” He takes a bite of his own food. “We can go down a bit before you leave for the day if you like. I don’t want you feeling uncomfortable with anything. And…I mean…do you want me to talk to your mum?”

“About what?”

“I can tell her that the other women have been rude. I can tell her what they’ve said to me before too. Or I could just straight up talk to them myself. I don’t care.”

“Let’s just go to H.R. first.” You take a sip of your water. “I don’t wanna add fuel to the fire.”

“Fair enough.” He sighs. “So, how would you like to come over tonight? I have stuff to make this chicken and noodle dish in my instant pot. Only takes like thirty minutes once it’s altogether.”

“That sounds amazing, but I can’t. I make dinner with mom on Mondays. We make a big casserole that we can have during the week. You could come over if you wanted. You know how much she loves when you come over for dinner.”

“I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“You wouldn’t be, please, come to dinner.”

“Alright.” He smiles. “Um…” His voice gets a little quieter. “How’s your, uh, are you still, um…?”

“Yes, I still have my period.” You chuckle. “I promise, once it’s done, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” He stands up from his desk and comes over to you. He cups your cheeks in his hands and leans in to kiss you. Just as his lips were on yours, there’s a knock on his door. “Jesus Christ.” He groans. He walks over to the door and opens it. “Yes?”

“Hi, Harry.”

“Oh, hi, Jennifer.”

“I came by because I have some of that pumpkin br-“ She stops when she sees you sitting. “Sorry, am I interrupting?”

“Just a little lunch meeting.” You say, standing up. “Lots of emails and meetings to get through this afternoon. Mr. Styles wanted us on the same page. Excuse me.” You stand up and look at him before leaving.

“Leave it open, please.” He says to you and you nod.

“Anyways, I brought you that pumpkin bread you like so much.”

“Ah, thank you. You didn’t have to do that.” He takes it from her and he puts it on his desk.

“Well, you raved about it last year, so I made sure to make more.” She blushes. “How was your break? You went skiing with Cheryl’s family, right?”

“Yeah…it was fun. I get along well with everyone.”

“Must be nice to be so close with the boss.”

“I suppose.”

“Anyways, um, do you have plans Friday?”

You hear her ask it, and your eyes widen with rage. You never really realized how much people through themselves at him.

“Uh, well, this is sort of awkward, but I’m sort of seeing someone, and I’ll probably be seeing them Friday, sorry.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry, Harry.” Her face goes red. “I had no idea.”

“Well, that’s the funny thing about having a personal life, it’s, uh, personal.”

You can’t help but laugh when you hear him say that. You clap your hand over your mouth so they don’t hear you. You watch Jennifer leave his office in defeat. He comes out to you.

“I’m so sorry you had to hear that.”

“Oh, it’s fine.” You shake your head. “So, you’re seeing someone, huh? I wonder how long that’ll take to spread around.” You raise an eyebrow at him.

“Very funny. What did you want me to say, that I have a girlfriend? Haven’t really had that conversation yet have we?”

“Conversation about what?” Your mom says. “Harry, we have a meeting in five, get your laptop. Phil’s in on this one.” She rolls her eyes. “Hi, honey.” She smiles at you.

“Hi.” You smile back. “Can Harry join for dinner tonight?”

“Course he can, happy to have him.” She looks back at Harry. “Let’s go.”

Harry grabs his laptop and follows your mom.

//

Around 4PM, Harry grabs you so you both can go see Mary in H.R.

“Hi you two.” She smiles. “To what do I owe this visit?”

“Mary, Y/N and I are, uh, seeing each other.”

“Oh! Well, that’s great. Is it serious?”

“It could become serious, it’s still new.” You say. “We just wanted to do the right thing and disclose it.”

“And did this start on company property?”

“No.” You say at the same time.

“Alright then, let me get the forms. Y/N, you know things could get sticky with Harry being your supervisor.”

“I know, we’ve discussed it.”

“And…your mother…?”

“She’s thrilled.” You say with a smile.

“Alright, here you go. Fill these out and bring them back to me tomorrow morning.”

“Can do, thanks Mary.” Harry smiles.

Harry walks you out to your car and gives you a quick peck on the cheek goodbye. He tells you he’ll be over around seven for dinner, and you tell him to bring something to sleep in.

//

“Wait, so has everyone in our office hit on you?” Your mom asks Harry as she spoons him some lasagna. “Why did you tell me before?”

“It wasn’t really a big deal.” He shrugs.

“It’s bound to get around that he’s seeing someone, and it’ll only be a matter of time before everyone finds out it’s me.”

“Well, then, they’ll just have to deal with it, won’t they? We’re all adults.” She shakes her head as she sits down. “If anyone has an issue, they can bring it up to me.”

Everyone takes a bite of the lasagna.

“Mm, well done, Y/N.” Your mom says.

“Yeah, it’s delicious.” Harry smiles at you.

“Thanks.”

After dinner, you and Harry say goodnight to your mom and head out to the pool house. You settle in on your couch for some TV and much needed snuggles.

“Does your mum ever leave to visit Ed on his routes?”

“On the weekends sometimes, why?”

“Well, if you don’t wanna be alone on the property, you can always stay with me.”

“Aww.” You kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks.” You shift yourself so you can straddle his lap, and bury your head in the crook of his neck. He wraps his arms around you and rubs your back.

“Feels nice to just do this.”

“Mhm.” You nuzzle into him further.

“Comfortable?” He chuckles.

“You have no idea.” You kiss his neck and sigh. “Wanted this for so long, Harry.” You kiss his neck again, and linger a little this time.

“Don’t.”

“What?”

“You’re gonna get me all riled up, and I can’t do anything to you that I want to.”

“I could just take care of you again, I don’t mind.”

“But I wanna be able to take care of you, Y/N.”

You lift your head so you can look at him.

“Just a few more days, then I’m all yours.”

“Can’t wait.”

“So…do we really have plans Friday night?”

“Sure.” He smirks. “Anything you have in mind?”

“I need to go to the mall to do some holiday shopping. Feel up to it?”

“The mall on a Friday after work?” He raises his eyebrows. “You’re serious?”

“I’m an expert shopper.” You peck at his lips. “And if you come with me you’ll get a reward.”

“Oh, I like the sound of that.”

//

Friday after work, you and harry drive out to the mall. Everyone at work seemed pretty cool the rest of the week. Maybe a memo went out? You tried not to question it. All you could focus on was how cute Harry looked in his suit while walking around the mall with you. You at least had the sense to change.

“Let’s see, mom’s been looking for a new baking set, so let’s stop in at Crate and Barrel, first.”

“Sounds good.”

Harry basically just follows you in and out of a ton of different stores. He’s a perfect gentleman and carries all your bags. You insist you can carry some, but he tells you you’re crazy, and you just keep walking. Eventually you walk by a Victoria’s Secret. You hadn’t shopped there in a really long time since it was super overrated, but a wicked idea comes over you.

“Harry, are you getting hungry?”

“Starved.”

“Why don’t we go to Chipotle? Just have something quick? I need to stop into a couple more stores. You know what I like form there, right?”

“The tacos.”

“Exactly, why don’t you head in and I’ll meet you, yeah?”

“Works for me.”

You watch him walk away before going into the store. Your period ended Wednesday, but you two hadn’t had time to get intimate. You look at a few things, and fine a cute little turquoise set that you think he’d like.

“Would I be able to buy this and then go change into it?” You ask the woman at the register.

“Of course, miss.”

You find Harry in Chipotle, and scarf down your tacos. He gets everything you bought into the car and off you go.

“Mine or yours, babe?” He asks.

“Let’s go to yours. Your bed is so comfy.”

“So is yours.” He rubs his hand over your thigh.

“I do my best.” You chuckle. “But I’d definitely rather go to yours tonight.”

He smiles and takes the exit for his apartment. You tell him the bags can just stay in the trunk for now. You both get upstairs, and he sighs with relief when he gets his tie off.

“Just gonna change.” He says to you.

“That’s a good idea, I’ll do the same.”

You follow him in and he raises an eyebrow at you.

“Where’s your bag?”

“Oh, I just figured you’d be give me something to wear.”

“Sure!” He turns to his dresser. “Do you want sweatpants, shorts, just a big…” he turns back to you and his jaw drops when he sees your lingerie. “When…where…what’s happening right now?”

“Why do you think I sent you off to get food?” You stroll over to his and run your hands up his chest. “Do you like it?”

“You look incredible. Been dreaming about this.”

He wraps his arms around you and kisses you. You moan when his hands run down your back and down to your ass.

“I’m gonna treat you so well, make you feel amazing because you don’t deserve anything less.”

He lays you down on the bed and strips down to his boxers. He hovers over you and kisses down your chest. He sucks on the fleshy area that’s spilling out of the top of your lacey bra. His hands move around your to unhook it, and he gets it off of you all the way. He sucks on each of your nipples, swirling his tongue around, really putting a show on for you.

“You always smell so fucking good, I love your perfume.” He says as he kisses down your stomach.

“I knew you liked it.” You run a hand through his hair. “I just had to keep wearing it.”

“Drives me crazy. It’s the sweetest smell in the world.”

He sucks a nice bruise on your hip while his thumb trails over the lace material of your panties. He could see that you’re wet for him already, he can feel it to once his thumb pushes gently inside. You groan while he does it.

“Please, don’t tease me, Harry.”

“But that’s the best part. Gotta really make sure you want it.”

“I do, I swear, please, just take them off.

“You went to all this trouble to buy these for me, shame for them to go to waste.” He kisses you through the material and your hips buck up towards his mouth. “So reactive.” He smirks.

“You know, I could easily just go home and do this myself, so if you want to-“

“Don’t be like that.” He pouts and hooks his fingers into his panties. “I’m simply trying to savor the moment. I’m about to see this precious little cunt for the first time. You have no idea how honored I feel.”

He slides your panties down your legs and tosses them aside. He kisses both of your knees before spreading your legs apart. He gazes at you.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Harry.” You giggle and kick at him. “Stop it.” You were starting to blush.

“Can’t help it.”

He gets settled between your legs and spreads you apart with his thumbs. He uses his fingers to rub around your already slick folds. He sucks the same fingers into his mouth and it makes you bite your bottom lip. His middle finger runs along your center before slowly pushing inside. You gasp when you feel the cool of his ring hit you. He pumps it in and out of you, just trying to gauge how tight you may be.

“When was the last time?”

“When was the last time what?” You grunt.

“You’re really tight, not complaining, but I don’t wanna hurt you.”

“I don’t know, um, I can’t really think right now while you’re doing that.”

“Alright.” He takes his finger away from you completely and you whimper.

“The last time it was someone, and not just one of my dildos was over the summer, alright?”

“When do you use the-“

“Not that often, only sometimes. I’ll fucking let you use one on me sometime if it means you’ll just keep working me over, please, Harry.” You pout at him.

“Can’t say no to that can I?”

He uses both of his hands to keep your legs open, and he dives right in. He licks all around you and sucks on your clit harshly.

“Oh my god.” You tug at his hair just as hard it makes him groan against you.

You feel his teeth graze over the little nub, and it makes you clench around nothing. You wanted his fingers again, but he needed his hands on your thighs to keep you open. He pulls up from you.

“Ride my face.”

“What?!”

“Come on, come sit on my face. I’ll fuck you with my tongue, it’ll feel great.”

He lays back with his head on the pillow and gestures for you to come to him. You shrug and straddle his face. You gasp when you feel his tongue on you again. You grip at his head board, and your eyes roll into the back of your head when you feel the slight scruff on his chin rub up against you. He gets his tongue inside you, and you essentially start riding it. His hands grip your hips, pressing bruises into your plushy skin.

“Oh my god, Harry, holy shit.”

The bed was shaking at this point. You thought you might be hurting him, but when you looked down his eyes were closed and he looked like he was in pure bliss fucking you with his tongue.

“Fuck, oh my god, fuck, fuck!” You scream as you feel your release come.

You feel Harry suck on your cunt so he doesn’t miss a drop of anything. He slowly lifts you off of him so he can get some air. His mouth, chin, and a little of his nose were wet with your slick.

“Sorry.” You use your hand to clean him up.

“Don’t be.” He licks his lips. “You taste so fucking good, could do that for hours.”

“How about you use your dick instead?”

“You’re ready for that? We don’t have to move that fast if you don’t want to.”

“Harry, I really want you to fuck me. I’ve wanted you to fuck me for five fucking years, please.”

He grabs you by your throat and pins you down on the bed.

“No need to beg, darling, all you had to do was say you wanted to.” He lets you go and kiss your lips. He stands up off the bed and takes his boxers off. “See, I’m getting nice and naked for you.” He smirks. “Do I need to use a condom or…?”

“Nah, I have an IUD. Wanna feel you.”

He smiles and gets back on the bed. He pumps himself a couple of times and spreads you back apart. He pushes inside you and you can’t help but moan loudly. You’ve been dreaming of this moment for so long, and so has he. It’s incredibly satisfying.

“Ngh, you’re so fucking big, it feels so good.” Your head rolls back as he bottoms out.

He starts moving slowly as he buries his face in your neck. He sucks on your soft skin and lets it go with a pop.

“Fuck.” You breathe.

He snakes a hand between the two of you so he rub at your throbbing clit. You knead one of your own breasts, but he swats your hand away so he can do it.

“You just need to tell me what you want, want you like, and I’ll do it, okay?”

“Okay.”

He dips his head to suck on your nipple and your hands move to his back to dig your nails in. You start tightening around him when you feel his fingers rub your clit with more precision.

“Oh, shit. Oh my god, Harry!” You were panting. You felt like your heart was going to beat out your chest. Your back arches when you come again.

“Feel so fucking good, Y/N.” He fucks your through it, and wait for your to calm down before pulling out. You whimper at the loss of him. “Don’t worry, got a nice position for us I think you’ll like.

He sits up against the head board, and gets you in his lap, facing away from him. You were on his dick again and it felt amazing. You back was flush with his chest, and your head was on his shoulder. His tongue was in your mouth while one of his hands was rubbing your clit in rhythm with his thrusts, and the other was snaked around your chest to keep you in place.

His mouth leaves yours so he can kiss on your neck and shoulder. He looks down at the way he’s rubbing you and then at your face. Your head was rolled back into his shoulder and you were biting your bottom lip.

“Feels good, babe?”

“Feels amazing.” You tighten around him.

“Wanna come together?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, just hold on for me.”

He stops rubbing you, and moves both of his hands to your hips. He moves you up and down faster so you were basically bouncing up and down on him. He was hitting your g-spot perfectly.

“Harry, fuck!”

“Hold on, Y/N.” He groans. “Almost there.”

“Harry, please!”

“One second.”

All of the blood in your body was rushing to your ears, you felt like you couldn’t hear anymore. Your vision was starting to go blurry as well. He nips at your earlobe and then you feel his breath on you.

“Come for me, baby.” He whispers and that’s when you let go.

You feel his warm come shoot up inside you. You cry out as your orgasm prolongs. It was so good, so very good. You both slowly catch your breaths from the ordeal. Your legs felt like gelatin as you stood. You desperately needed to pee.

When you come back out he tosses you a large t-shirt. You giggle and put it on, and then crawl into bed with him. He throws his arm around you as you snuggle up to his chest.

“I don’t wanna sound clingy, but I hope you know, I’m never letting you go.” You say, pressing kisses to cheek, neck, and chest.

“Lucky for you, I like clingy. M’not letting you go either.” He presses a kiss to your forehead, and you both get settled into a goodnight’s sleep.

//

After basically staying in bed with Harry all weekend, you found it difficult to concentrate at work. You had so many scenarios in your head, but the one you wanted most was for him to bend you over his desk, but he made it clear with you that the office was off limits. He explained that he didn’t want to do anything to risk losing his job. You had to respect that.

The holidays came and went. You each got each other something small since you had only been together for about a month, but you spent the New Year together and it was just wonderful. Most people at work knew you were dating Harry. It was hard not to when he’d randomly get you flowers to keep on your desk, or when he might steal glances of you during a meeting.

Once summer came around again, and you had been there for an entire year, you were up for a promotion. You were excited because it involved you having your own office, but you were sad that you wouldn’t be handling things for Harry anymore. You had to train a new assistant, and you were even less thrilled when you saw it was just some girl fresh out of her undergrad. You thought you’d be jealous, but you watched how Harry was with her. She was to only call him Mr. Styles, and he did the same things with her as he did with you. He never got too close, the door was rarely closed if they were alone together, and a picture of you was front and center on his desk. No room for funny business.

He loved staying over at your place, and swimming in the pool with you, especially at night, and especially when your mom was away. You could get away with skinny dipping, which meant getting away with getting fucked in the pool. You’d cook together and hang out almost every night.

“Hey.” He says to one Saturday afternoon as you both were laying out by the pool.

“Yeah?”

“I’m in love with you.”

“Harry.” You chuckle. “You say it like you haven’t been saying it for the last six months.” All he does is pout at you. “I’m in love with you too.”

He smiles and goes back to facing front, taking a sip of his drink. Life was good, life was very, very good.