#but I think England is one of the ones for whom...

[alifeasvivid]

inspired by a conversation with @disneyprincessdxminatrix and also I'm sure other people have talked about this, but... canonverse where England does things like get out his old pirate gear (a nation's personal effects never age) and dress up and does like… story times and theatre activities with kids because of course, he tells the BEST stories or maybe he gets in on amateur or local or other small venue theatre productions and he never goes out for the lead role, he always wants to play the witty side character or the antagonist and he's damn brilliant at it. Perhaps, he was even uncharacteristically unable to conceal his Puckish glee when America started talking about a certain table top game back in the 1970's and playing with him is like getting a masterclass in DM'ing.

England probably isn't the best writer, I think, particularly not when it comes to prose. He's left the refinement of the written word to his people, but he is a raconteur... a storyteller... a bard, if you will.

I think the caveat is that only his people really see this side of him. Other nations and their people would have to be extremely lucky to catch a glimpse.

[fideidefenswhore]

If only Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon counted in Catholic eyes, does this mean Mary wouldn't theoretically consider any of his other wives 'real' stepmothers, as such? If she did, how would she rationalise defying the Pope's will, whilst upholding the papal authority to sanction the marriage of her parents?

She probably never did, based on the wording of that Act in question. Her attitude towards papal authority during her own reign was...contradictory in other ways, however.

[catoscloves]

i just remembered taylor swift has a brother alfjtkektjrk poor guy that's going to like "identify" him for the rest of his life

[see-arcane]

Dracula: Hm, that human mother is being super annoying about her dead kid at the gate. How do I fix that? Wolves? I’ll say wolves.

Dracula: What’s that? My good friend Jonathan Harker wants to leave ahead of schedule? Think I’ll do some wolves about that.

Dracula: Damn, seems that old Dutchman has blocked off one (1) single window with garlic blossoms and now this one (1) specific girl in all of England is barred from me. Maybe I should use my title and/or some invented pretense to cajole the girl’s mother into letting me in. Or maybe I could just move on to a different victim out of the nigh endless blood buffet I specifically moved here to enjoy, none of whom have a small legion of blood donors and vampire-proofing scholars on their side.

Dracula:

Dracula, about to slam dunk a wolf through the window: Or,

[call-sign-shark]

Of Bending and Breaking || Tommy Shelby x Reader

Summary: Always being the one who cares for others comes with a price: you break down, but the most unexpected person is here for you: Tommy, the man you were forced to marry.

Words: 2,3k

TW: Hurt/Comfort, very tiny mention of past sexual assault, no proofreading 'cause it comes from clearing my drafts.

Notes: Aunt Isabella's is a tribute to my own aunt Isabelle who, unfortunately, died because of cancer a few years ago.

It all started with Polly shaking Tommy like a tree, her thin hands firmly grabbing his nephew’s broad shoulders: “You can’t keep sabotaging yourself like this, Tom.” These were the words that left her quivering lips as she dragged his staggering frame to the bathroom and pushed his face into the bathtub right under the tap. When the freezing water splashed all over his neck, Tommy opened his blank eyes wide and inhaled sharply, as if he had suddenly come back to life. Since Grace’s awful death, the gangster was the shadow of his former self. When he wasn’t waging a senseless war with Father Hughes and the Italian, or when he wasn’t keeping his buzzing mind busy with work, Tommy usually numbed himself with a deadly combination of whisky and opium until his deep-seated pain became bearable. It was the night he almost overdosed that Polly decided to take charge of his nephew and found him a new wife, in the hope of soothing his nephew’s mind and finding a mother figure for poor little Charlie. The idea had obviously sent Tommy in a fit of anger but Polly Gray couldn’t care less.

Regarding your own situation, it was not the opium nor the loss of a dear lover that had led you to Birmingham’s most dangerous man but rather the bump in your belly. Aunt Isabella had understood what you were suffering from the moment you had stormed out of the vardo to throw up your breakfast in the nearest bush. The tall and lean woman, whose light brown and curly mane danced in the cold autumn wind, had looked at you right in the eyes and raised one of her thin eyebrows. If there was something pleasant with her, it was that words weren’t necessary.

Yet, later she encountered Polly, with whom she had been a great friend since childhood, and explained that a powerful American man had forced his seeds in you during his stay in England. Not willing to go through the traumatic experience of aborting, Isabella only saw one solution to your problem: you needed a husband who could protect you and your future baby from the evil man with his scarred lip. A wedding would be your salvation. At the realization of what Aunt Isabella had planned for you, you tried to run away from the camp in the middle of the night but she knew you too well and soon caught you, her sly hand firmly grabbing your wrist: “Y/N! It’s for your sake! He’s rich, he needs a wife and he is feared! You’ll be safe with him, don’t you understand?” She explained, cupping your face with her long fingers adorned with claws painted in red and far too many rings. “I don’t need a man to protect me! I don’t need anyone. He’s older and he’s a criminal! Who’s going to protect me from him eh? Have you think ‘bout that?” You cried, the soft light of the sunrise turning your tears into liquid gold.

But still, you wedded him and what was supposed to be the happiest day of your life turned out to be a dull event during which you dissociated the whole time. The only memories you had in mind were two piercing and frightening turquoise eyes staring right at your soul and soft whiskey-tasting lips stealing a quick peck from your cherry lips. A kiss devoid of any form of affection. And then, the groom left.

From what Aunt Isabella told you, your husband had spent most of the celebrations with his brothers, drinking and taking bets outside of Arrow House. Months had passed and still, you felt estranged to this place and its staff. The only moments your heart lightened were when Aunt Isabella visited you, or when Charlie spent time with you, otherwise you remained emotionally closed, trapped in your own mind. Overall you could not complain: You had a house far too big for you with plenty of workers willing to exhaust every one of your wishes. Charlie was a sweet boy, who loved you with all his heart even if you were well aware that you’ll never replace his mother. As for the Shelby clan, they were cordial with you without being really friendly either. And there was Tommy…

Cold and distant Tommy, who you only saw late at night when he discretely slipped under the bedsheet and turned his back to you without uttering a single word. Busy Tommy, whose replies remained concise and spoken with a quiet husky voice each time you asked him something — at least he talked to you a little bit. Trapped in a loveless marriage, that was what you were: Tommy was more a stranger, a mere gust of wind in your life, than the love of your life.

Still, the gangster stayed true to his words and he provided for everything, never refusing to give you money when you asked, and protecting you from the man who had taken your innocence. He even gifted you a wonderful stallion because he knew how much you missed riding. In exchange for his protection and riches, all you had to do was take care of Charlie and do your best to be there for your husband when his darkness threatened to swallow him whole.

You found out about the nightmares shortly after your wedding and quickly decided to do something about it. When he woke up screaming and drenched in sweat after tasting the tunnels’ dirt and Grace’s crimson blood in his troubled sleep, you always cradle him, your fingers losing themselves in his wet dark hair to pet his head gently. At first, you feared his reaction, expecting the infamous Tommy Shelby to push you and not-so-kindly ask you to keep your distance but, to your greatest surprise, he never did. Instead, he would bury his face in your cleavage, panting and trembling, and let you reassure him. Just like he let you bring dinner to him each time he drowned himself in paperwork and forgot to eat. He never commented on your cooking skills though, even if he always handed back empty plates.

The blood on his skin? You cleaned it.

The wounds of his flesh? You never failed to patched them up.

The hole in his heart? You tried to seal it off with caresses, soft kisses, and shoulder massages. Maybe one day he would slowly turn his iciness into affection. Little did you know that he needed it. And by it he needed you. Just like the whole family. How many times did you walk the streets of Birmingham at night, seeking for Arthur and then bringing him home to take care of a wasted and high him? Far too many to keep track. Similarly, you had spent countless evenings helping Ada when she felt overwhelmed, either nursing Karl or cleaning her house when, just like her brother, she overworked herself. And finally, Polly could never thank you enough for everything you did to soothe her mind after the gallows, still haunted by the bite of the hanging rope on her throat.

“Thanks Poppy.” Arthur muttered, the gravel in his voice coated with shame now that you were down clearing and disinfecting his split knuckles. The oldest brother had started to affectionately call you so for the sole reason that, according to him, you must probably grow better when blood was considering how much you had seen when patching the Shelby siblings. “Sorry for errr… For the mess.” He went on, his steel blue eyes fleeing yours.

“That’s okay.” You replied in Romani, “You, sweet idiot.” Endeared by how surprisingly soft Arthur’s harsh complexions could turn, you couldn’t help but gently put your hand on one of his cheeks. And during this tender display of affection, Arthur was convinced he had caught sight of a smile — a scarce event barely happening on your beautiful but resigned face. Comforted by the warmth of your palm, he leaned into your touch and looked at you through dark lashes, his lids half-closed.

“Tommy’s one lucky bastard to have ya for himself, eh."

"Let's both flee together then." You teased, the familiar tone of Romani language rendered even more melodious by your siren-like voice.

"Don't tempt me, little one." Arthur replied, softer than intended and probably only half-joking.

The oldest Shelby brother had barely closed the door when your smile disappeared and tears flooded your eyes. Admittedly, spending months of repressing your own anguish didn’t do any good to you despite thinking that focusing on others would have helped. Quite the contrary, all those negative emotions you had left on the back burner turned into a silent and deadly parasite that was eating you up. Dragging your tired frame to the cold and empty marital bedroom, you curled up in a ball in a corner of the room, your bruised knees pressed against your chest, “Positive. You gotta stay positive and push forwards y’see Y/N? Do the right things for the family…” You whispered to yourself as your breath started to quicken for the ball of sorrow in your throat was growing more and more. Yes, you had to smile and say that all was just fine because you knew you were lucky to be here and that you hadn’t any real reason to complain now according to the rest of the world. And yet, the truth was you were tired. So tired and overwhelmed by everything around you. With your wild soul trapped here in the mighty walls of Arrow House, you could not help but drown in an excruciating feeling of worthlessness.

You were lost in a world too difficult for you to understand. Lost and unprepared for a life that asked for too much. When you were living in the vardo with Aunt Isabella life seemed so much easier despite the lack of money and, sometimes, food. Prior to your wedding, she used to tell you that everything would become clear once you’d be a wife and a mother. You’d be an adult adult, you see? But she lied. They all lied. Even with a husband and kids, you still felt like a scared and confused child, who wanted to hide under the blanket of her warm bed and never face the world ever again. These concerns of yours? You never shared because you wanted the Shelby to keep seeing you as a reassuring presence— moreover, God knew how much their broken hearts needed your silent care.

Bringing your trembling fingers to your mouth, you muffled a first sob, convinced it would be enough to keep you from crying. What you didn’t expect was to burst into tears, uncontrollably weeping. After all this time forcing yourself to be strong, your mind had enough. As your heart-wrenching cries echoed in the room they muffled Tommy’s footsteps that were coming closer and closer. When the door flung open, you did not even move, lost in a spiral of pain and psychological exhaustion.

“Y/N?!” Tommy called you, his usual coldness swept away by a surge of panic. He closed the distance between you and him with hastened steps, and put one of his knees on the floor to be at your level, “What’s wrong, ay?” His husky voice asked, worries thickening his Brummie accent even more. You hiccuped and raised your flooded eyes towards him, parting your lips to answer. Yet, as soon as your gaze met his turquoise iris you started weeping again, louder this time. Words were at a loss by dint of never having the chance to express what you felt throughout your life. “Bloody Hell, Y/N! Speak!” Tommy hissed, his heart now drumming in his chest at the sight of his young and always-so-strong wife crumbling in bits in front of him. Never in his life, he had felt so powerless, not even in the tunnels… And, God, he hated it.

“N-nothing. I don’t… I don’t even know it’s just that— I’m so fucking tired, and lost, and confused, and afraid!” You spoke with a very fast pace, spitting years and years of repressed emotions flowing from you all the while feeling deeply ashamed of your mental breakdown. When you were done venting, you simply turned your head and waved off the topic, tears still rolling down your reddened cheeks “Anyway! You’ve got — more important things to do.”

“Stop it, Y/N,” He scolded, low voice rumbling in his chest. His strong and calloused hands, damaged by the war and hard work, cupped your face with a softness you didn’t know he possessed. For the first time in your life, his grip felt utterly reassuring as if you knew these scarred palms were not going to let you fall apart. Never. “You’re what’s important right now.” With that being said, Tommy leaned his forehead against yours and his enchanting eyes soon met yours to force you to focus on nothing else but the vast blue oceans which composed them. “I want you to calm down.”

“I can’t, I can’t—“ You tried to speak but you couldn’t, struggling to breathe under the crushing weight of your panic attack. Your mouth gaped, looking for the oxygen it couldn’t find.

“Oi!” Tommy said louder. So loud that his voice managed to overcome the cacophony of your beating heart and the buzzing sound of your anxiety that filled your head, “I want you to breathe with me, Y/N. Alright? You can do that for me, ay?” He asked, his eyebrows slightly frowned and charming crowfeet appearing at the corner of his eyes — how odd it was to see Tommy’s face veiled with something else than unsettling placidity. Caught off guard by the sudden realization of how close he was, you quieted down a little bit and soon followed the pattern of his breathing.

One long inhale through the nose, one longer exhale through the mouth, and a short pose.

Do it again.

Your shaky hands slowly grabbed his wrists in a desperate attempt to anchor you to reality. This, as well as the focus you had on his mesmerizing complexions.

His long dark lashes — you inhaled slowly.

His cat-like turquoise iris — you exhaled.

His salient cheekbones — You stopped breathing for a very short while.

The myriad of freckles — “Breathe with me, Y/N.”

The soft, hoarse lilt guided you through the dark and thick fog of your own brain, just like a lighthouse. Coming back to clearer waters, your body finally relaxed and fell almost limp in his arms. And once again he caught you, keeping you all safe against his chest. Tommy’s voice, low and steady, resonated one last time in the bedroom with a reassuring warmth as he uttered the simple yet powerful phrase, "I'm here." Each word carefully enunciated, carrying a quiet strength that soothed and reassured, like a comforting anchor in a stormy sea.

Keep your writers motivated: Reblog and/or comment if you liked it, you filthy animal! o/ English is not my first language btw.

Taglist: @adaydreamaway08 @theshelbyclan @jomarch-wannabe @esposadomd @zablife @woofgocows @anathemasworld @anastasia000 @kate654 @kxnnxy @babayaga67 @meowtastick @shelbyssins @sarai-ibn-la-ahad @bluevenus19 @raincoffeeandfandoms @kishie8 @zablife @alexandra-001 @dearshelby @alexizodd @helen06dreamer @kmc1989 @emotionalcadaver @peakyswritings @peakyltd @chaosinkest1996 @vanhelsingsbigtoe @red-riding-wood

[ldrfanatic]

Italian Theodore Nott Headcanons

So... by popular request (I think like literally one person commented on a post from ages ago) and also because I'm still working on my most recent part to the '13' Series (linked here) here's some Italian Theo headcanons to keep you sated.

sorry if this is inaccurate it's based off of my own knowledge of italians and what I think Theo would be like

slytherin boys masterlist works

So, unlike most, I don't think that Italian Theo would be a whore. Let me explain:

Sure Italian men like to flirt, (although Theo doesn't), but they do it because it comes so natural to them and because more than anything, they value their partner.

They're well dressed and take pride in their appearance (something Theo does do) but they don't always entertain the people of the heads that they turn

They also have a natural air of confidence that Theo has and doesn't even have to use

However, just because Theo isn't a whore doesn't mean that he doesn't have his own little clique of fangirls.

In general:

As a person, Theo is incredibly quiet. His English is not the best as he grew up in the Italian countryside and spends his breaks there. He spends most of his time observing, and the rest of his time, mentally translating sentences from English to Italian and vice versa (and yes that's exhausting).

He does however take food incredibly seriously (as most Italians do I feel). His favorite kind of pasta is Paccheri and he will die on the hill that the Italians were the first to make Pizza (who else could make bread, sauce, and cheese taste so good?). He was also incredibly shocked when he found out the drinking age in England was 18. Theo had a glass of wine with dinner every night since the age of ten.

Another thing he doesn't quite understand about England is the frequency through which they drink tea throughout the day. At most, he has a cup a day while some of his English friends have four to five cups a day and usually, one cup with every meal.

Theo also had a very strong connection to his mother. Now that she's gone, he spends a lot of time in his head with his memories of her. It's not all that shocking to anyone really that he doesn't quite have the time or the patience for girls.

Platonically:

As a friend, Theo is a little more open but not much. His two closest friends in the group are you and Lorenzo who's also Italian. He'll talk to either of you and open up a little, but only if no one else is around. He's a bit impartial to Mattheo although he does think the boy is a loose cannon and he actually secretly despises Draco and his blood purity nonsense as it reminds him too much of his father (whom he also hates). So yeah, he spends the majority of his time with Lorenzo and Blaise.

In regards to your friendship with Theo, he's a complete gentleman. He never sits too close in fear of startling or offending you. He opens all of the doors the pair of you walk through and carries your books to class when you have the same class.

In fact, despite being significantly more well mannered than any other boy in your year, the only thing that hinted to you that Theo felt anything towards you other than indifference were small smiles and shared secrets.

Romantically:

Before you even became friends you'd caught Theo's eye. The first time he'd noticed you, you were comforting a crying first year muggle-born that Draco had bullied to tears. You spoke so kindly and softly to the boy. Theo knew then that you weren't like everyone else in Hogwarts. Most people were too afraid to stand up to Draco but the next day, you punched him square in the jaw and told him to stop being such a prick.

The first person to find out about Theo's crush on you was Lorenzo of course. He didn't tease him for which Theo was grateful. Now as stated, Theo is an incredibly quiet person so it's not clear to you that Theo has crush on you.

Also, once Theo has decided that he likes you, other girls don't even approach him anymore. Not after the Ravenclaw incident. A Ravenclaw from your guys' year approached him and asked him out. He didn't even acknowledge her. Just stood up and left.

He does however, make an attempt to spend more time with you whenever her can. He sits with you at meals and during lessons, he asks you for help in charms (even though he's already receiving high marks, but you don't know that). He brings you soup when your sick.

The way that you find out Theo has a crush on you is actually really surprising for you.

Lorenzo came running up to you after Potions one day, completely out of breath. "Y/n! Come quick." He didn't give you any room to disagree as he grasped your wrist firmly and began dragging you down the corridor towards the courtyard. When you got out there, your stomach dropped.

For the first time since meeting him, you saw Theo fight. He had Addrian Pucey on the ground and was currently pummeling the poor boy. The scariest part was that he remained completely calm, cold. Mattheo and Draco were standing on the sidelines egging him on while Theo ruthlessly delivered blow after blow in dead silence. He didn't even wince as his knuckles began to split open and bleed.

Blaise was desperately trying to pull Theo away but he wouldn't budge. Finally, you snapped out of your stupor and approached the boy. As he was throwing punches with his right arm, you approached him from the left and placed a hand on his left shoulder apprehensively. "Theo."

At the sound of your voice, Theo stopped immediately. He didn't look at you immediately. Instead, he stood and kicked Adrian who was on the ground rolling in pain. "Stay away from her." The crowd dispersed as the fight ended. When Theo turned to look at you, his eyes were blazing. For the first time since you'd known him, Theo was burning with rage.

"Theo come on." He let you lead him away in complete silence. Worse than what Adrian had said to you, Theo was ashamed. He couldn't believe that he'd let his emotions take over like that. Now he may have lost you for good. When you finally stopped in a secluded corridor, Theo turned away from you.

"Theo?" He was silent and your concern grew. It wasn't Theo's usual kind of silence, it was a silence that made your heart feel heavy. "Theodore."

"Don't."

"What?"

Finally Theo turns to you and his eyes are glossy. It was startling almost, to see the normally calm and collected boy tearing up. "Don't do that tesoro. Yell, push me, hit me if you need to, but I'm not Theodore. Not to you."

"What happened?" He sighed.

"I overheard Adrian say something completely vile about... you. I couldn't let him talk about you like that. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me cuore. You are the only light in my dark life."

You reached out and grabbed Theo's hands in your own. "That's incredibly sweet of you Theo. But why would you do that for me?"

"Isn't it obvious! I am entirely and irreversibly in love with you. I cannot live without you and I will not allow anyone to say such things about you."

After that, Theo took you out on a date. Thanks to his Pureblood lineage, Theo's family was quite wealthy. And his father had always taken to making sure he was well cared for financially, perhaps out of guilt from his emotional abuse.

For your first date, Theo took you to a London shopping district with his Black Card. At first you refused to spend any of his money. That is until Theo became resigned to buy you everything that your eyes lingered on for more than five seconds despite all your protests.

To end the date, he treated you to a nice dinner and then brought the pair of you back to Hogwarts.

As your boyfriend:

As your boyfriend, Theo's go-to nickname for you is either tesoro (treasure). He spends a lot of time staring at you which Mattheo teases him endlessly for of course.

He wishes you could meet his mother, but he adamantly refuses for you to meet his father. Instead, he introduces you to his grandmother. She teaches you how to make pasta from scratch and you and Theo often sneak into the kitchens at Hogwarts to try and make it there.

He makes it pretty clear that you're the only girl for him. He even tells you one night how his mother's dying wish was for him to find someone that he loved wholeheartedly and who loved him as much. Theo knows that this person is you, and he has no shyness in telling you.

He hates to see you cry, but if for any reason you're feeling sad, he recites Italian poetry to you in a soft and devoted tone.

Questo nostro amore, vita mia

lo prospetti felice

destinato a durare per sempre.

Dei del cielo, fate voi che lei dica il vero,

che lo prometta sincera e dal cuore,

che si possa per tutta la vita

mantener questo patto inviolabile

(This love of ours my life; I predict will be happy; destined to last forever.; Gods of the sky, do what you deem to be true; that promises to be sincere and from the heart,; which can be for a lifetime,; keep this inviolable covenant.)

When Theo speaks his native tongue it makes you a little weak in the knees. The way that his lips curve around the words and his tongue effortlessly forms each syllable makes your heart swell.

Overall:

Italian Theo is a complete cutie with impeccable manners and expresses more romance in ten minutes with you than most men express in their entire lives. He sees you as a light that brightens his life that he will do anything to protect.

----

help this is so bad

[bleghxy]

More GL manga recs:

Summary: Aya is a high school student who is captivated by the mysterious "Onii-san" who works at a CD store. The real "Onii-san" is actually Mitsuki, a girl in her class with whom she had never spoken to before.

Review: This is a very cute read!!! The story doesn't drag out any drama. When I first started reading this, I was afraid it'd drag the secret of Mitsuki being the "Onii-san" but it doesn't. It's very well paced while also being a slow burn. They're both very well written.

Status: Ongoing

Summary: Bubbly, energetic first-year high school student Himari falls head over heels for her senpai Yori after hearing her band perform on the first day of school. Himari tells Yori she just loves her, and to Himari's surprise, Yori says she loves Himari back! But when Himari realizes that she and her senpai are feeling two different kinds of love, she begins to ask herself what "love" really means...

Summary: They're both so adorable!!! I love their relationship sm. There's a lot of other wlw relationships in this manga so that's a plus point. There's also some angst here and there. It also has an anime adaptation coming out next year!

Status: Ongoing

Summary: England, the early 1900s. Alice, a young noblewoman, has a Japanese maid named Hanako working in her household. The two have a fairly typical relationship…until the day Alice begs Hanako to kill her. As Hanako tries to figure out why her mistress would make such a terrible request, she and Alice grow closer until an entirely new feeling begins to blossom between them.

Review: The summary doesn't really do justice to the manga's plot but I don't want to say much because I'll mistakenly give out spoilers so I'll just say it's angsty so prepare yourself for that. Both of the characters and the relationship between them are very well written.

Status: Completed

Okay this isn't a manga, it's a manhua(chinese comic). I haven't read enough GL manhua to make a list about it so I'm putting it here. This manhua is called Tamen de Gushi. I think the English translation of the story name is called "Their Story"/ "SQ begin w/your name"

Summary: The funny romantic story of how Qiu Tong and Sun Jing met and fell in love.

Review: It was one of my first GLs so it has a very special place in my heart. I laughed a lot while reading this. It's mostly on the comedy side. Qiu Tong and Sun Jing's relationship is so so adorable. The side characters in this story are also lovable. The characters in this feel very relatable. Unfortunately due to censorship in China the author had been told to remove the confession scene of the main characters in the physical copies and the author rejected to do that. Because of this, the manhua doesn't have proper chapters anymore but the author still does post little snippets of their life together on weibo and twitter. However there's still 200+ chapters of wholesomeness so please do give it a read!

If you want more GL recs:

[woso-dreamzzz]

Ma'am

Aitana Bonmatí x Royal!Reader

Summary: You steal your father's plane

You adjusted your sunglasses so they covered your face properly as you stepped off the plane.

Taking the private plane without permission wasn't one of your worst deeds but, with one of your brother's absolutely slammed by the public, it wasn't like you could become the least favourite child for something as small as this.

"Ma'am," One of your security detail said," Might I just say-"

"If this is a complaint about anything other than the heat, I don't want to hear it."

He chuckled. "I was going to say, ma'am, that we should hurry along to get out of this heat."

You laughed. "Good idea."

You slipped into the car, instantly kicking off your shoes and rummaging through the side compartment for a snack.

"ETA is thirty-five minutes. We've already called ahead so it should be smooth sailing from here."

"Thank god." You stretched out on the seats and stared out the window. "Did you hear back from my brother?"

"Yes, ma'am, His Royal Highness wishes you a good trip and has already informed your father that you're out on business as a favour to him."

You scoffed. "A favour for William, as if."

"Best not to shoot a gift horse in the mouth, ma'am."

You rolled your eyes, shooting off a text to Kate. "He's only doing it because he knows I'm seeing Harry soon. Honestly, the rivalry between those two is horrendous."

"I don't think I can comment on that."

You ignored him. "I mean, this tug of war is so stupid. I don't need to be bribed to know which one I prefer over them. Which is, just for the record, neither. Urgh. Men suck...No offence."

"No taken, ma'am."

You waved a hand dismissively. "You know what I mean. I think they're both trying to get me to babysit for them."

"I don't really think that they need you to babysit for them."

"It's the thought that counts." You sighed and sat up straight, shooting off another lazy text to Kate to make sure that William didn't narc on you.

The streets of Barcelona sped past you and soon you were exiting the car.

The training grounds didn't look that impressive although you were neither a football expert nor an architect so your opinion on that matter probably couldn't be trusted.

A man was stood outside, waiting for you.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess y/n of England. Ma'am, this is Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona FC."

He dipped his head. "Your Highness, it is a pleasure to have you here."

"Pleasure to be here," You replied, shaking his hand.

He led you through the hallways, explaining everything to you even though you were half listening. You peeked in to see the men in their gym session but quickly left for the pitches to watch the women.

"As you can see, ma'am," Joan continued on," We pride ourselves on excellence here. We strive every day to be the best."

"Your women's team certainly live up to that," You replied, staring out across the pitch to the group of women running drills.

"Yes. We're very proud."

He seemed to realise that you had no interest in speaking to him anymore as he led you across the pitch to the group.

Your bodyguard cleared his throat again to announce you. "Her Royal Highness, Princess y/n of England."

You smiled in greeting, striding through the group (who parted quickly) to whom you had travelled to see. You cupped the back of her neck and drew her in for a soft kiss.

"Hola."

"Hola, amor."

Aitana drew back with a smile. "I thought you said that you were busy."

You shrugged. "I cleared my schedule. Stole Dad's plane."

"Can you do that?"

"What are they gonna do? Arrest me?"

She laughed, rolling her eyes as a hand came to rest on your hip. She leaned closer. "You kissed me in front of my teammates."

"I'm pretty sure they knew you had a girlfriend."

"Si, but not who my girlfriend was."

"We're hard launching." You shrugged again and gave her a blinding smile.

You turned that smile to her teammates, still beaming.

Many of them were in a state of shock, mouths hanging open comically. You didn't recognise any of them apart from the two English players.

You were there that day at Wembley to hand them their medals with William for the Euros and you were also there the day Lucy Bronze received her MBE.

You smiled politely at both, soaking in the warmth of Aitana's hand on your waist.

"Ma'am," Your bodyguard said, suppressing his own laughter," Perhaps we should go inside. We've been travelling all day."

"Right, yes."

You threaded your fingers through Aitana's and dragged her away, leaving the rest of the Barcelona team to scramble after you both.

Aitana lagged slightly, letting you take the lead and you could hear her whispering quietly to Keira Walsh.

"You're dating Princess y/n?" Walsh said in a hush," This isn't something that you can just spring on us."

You could picture Aitana turning red. "It just happened. We met at the semi-final game against Chelsea and hit it off."

"With a princess. Aitana, how did you manage to 'hit it off' with a member of the royal family?"

"She's quite charming." You winked. "And I was quite happy to be charmed."

Aitana's blush deepened. "I fell into her. It was very embarrassing."

"To you," You teased," I found it hilarious. Oh, what was it I said?"

Your bodyguard spoke up, his voice incredibly deadpan and dry," You said that you'd never had a girl as pretty as Miss Bonmatí fall for you like that, Ma'am."

"Oh, yes. That's what I said. Then I asked her on a date."

"And then I told you that your father wouldn't be happy if you snuck around instead of coming straight home, Ma'am."

"Which of course, I took offence to because I'm an adult and not a stupid child. So I took Aitana out and never quite let her go."

"I thought you were meant to be in London for some fancy dinner," Aitana cut in before her teammates could badger you with more questions.

"The guests cancelled, some kind of medical emergency. I nicked Dad's plane. Good surprise?"

She grinned at you, somehow shuffling closer. "Si, very good surprise."

"Great, then we're gonna get you home to pack. I've got Kate and Will covering for me and free reign of the jet. I'm thinking a few days in Greece? Or maybe Italy? We'll decide on the way."

[bosbas]

Chapter 6: in a world of boys he's a gentleman

series masterlist previous part || next part

pairing: colin bridgerton x enemy!fem!reader WC: 4.2k words

Warnings: period-typical gender roles, Eloise being the best, Colin finally having brain cell(s), but then very quickly losing aforementioned brain cells

Summary: It took precisely two days in England for you to utterly despise Colin Bridgerton. It took him approximately twelve hours after that to hate you right back. But he doesn't care that you're the only person in the ton who doesn't like him. You're set to marry someone else anyway, right?

May 30, 1816 – One week has passed since the unfortunate revelation of Lord Barlow’s true nature, and Lady Y/N Montclair has yet to make an appearance at a ball. Could it be that the Duke’s betrayal has left her too disillusioned? Perhaps the eligible gentlemen of London have failed to meet her exacting standards. One can't help but wonder if Lady Y/N be present at tonight’s ball, where the ton's most eligible bachelors will undoubtedly be vying for her attention now that she is decidedly searching for a new suitor. Who among them shall be lucky enough to capture her attention? This author does not know, but hopefully, this evening reveals more of Lady Montclair’s intentions.

Colin was grinding his teeth, his right eye twitching slightly as he glared at Eloise, with whom he had been arguing for the better part of the last hour. 

“It’s not like I haven’t tried to be agreeable! She’s just impossible,” he ground out.

Colin was about finished with having to face criticism from his sister when you were the one who had ignored his attempt at a truce.

“It certainly doesn’t help that you rile her up every single time you see her. She’s trying to find a husband, mind you!” Eloise shouted back. 

She had grown quite close to you in the past weeks, and she knew the kind of pressure you were under tonight. It was your first ball after finding out the Duke had sneaked away from the Bridgerton ball with Miss Barrington, and your full focus would be on finding a new suitor. Eloise generally preferred to stay out of your neverending conflict with Colin, but she knew he would never understand what you were going through. The very least she could do was ensure that he acted decently toward you, though it seemed like even that would prove a challenge. 

“Exactly! I was the one who wanted to warn her about Lord Barlow’s betrayal, and now she thinks I’m the one who gave him access to our courtyard,” snapped Colin. 

He couldn’t believe Eloise. How could she not see that you were one of the most infuriating, unpleasant, and insolent people in the ton? Why was she so intent on defending you? Colin was irritated beyond belief, and he wanted nothing more than to never speak with you again after the horse races. You had promptly ignored him after accusing him of orchestrating Lord Barlow and Miss Barrington’s escapade, and he spent the rest of the afternoon angrily stealing glances at you as you chatted pleasantly with his sister. 

And to learn that you still wanted to find a husband? You could become a spinster, for all he cared. And he didn’t. He didn’t care. About you or about Lord Barlow, or frankly, about anything that had transpired since the Bridgerton ball. All he knew was that tonight, he would be forced to watch you bat your eyelashes and giggle softly as you talked to countless men when all he got from you were angry stares and sarcastic laughs. 

“She’s the one who doesn’t want to be on good terms with me,” he added stubbornly, crossing his arms. 

Eloise let out an exasperated groan and rolled her eyes. “Colin! Can you not find it in yourself to set aside your dislike for her and understand that she is an unmarried lady who just lost a titled man she was practically guaranteed to marry? She is in a precarious situation, not to mention feeling heartbroken and betrayed.”

In truth, Colin thought, he didn’t understand. He couldn’t even begin to. He had never faced that kind of pressure before, certainly not about something as trivial as marriage, and suddenly he felt guilty for wanting to spend the entire evening tormenting you so he could avoid watching you amass suitors. 

Sensing that her words had struck a nerve, Eloise took advantage of her brother’s waning resolve. “You are Colin Bridgerton, Mayfair’s sweetheart! I don’t understand why you can’t act that way with her.”

“She doesn’t want that! She doesn’t want me!” Colin yelled, pinching the bridge of his nose as he screwed his eyes shut in frustration. 

But Eloise didn’t let up. “I’ll wager she wants that tonight. You don’t need to kiss the ground she walks on. Just be civil and refrain from any ungentlemanly conduct. It’s her first ball since the Lord Barlow scandal, and she doesn’t need to look bad in front of a crowd of eligible bachelors.”

“I don’t ever do it on purpose!” he defended. 

“You could’ve fooled me,” scoffed Eloise. Then, softening her tone, she added, “Just tonight. Please.”

“Fine,” he relented. 

If it was so important to Eloise, he would do it. He supposed he would want someone to do that to Eloise if she was ever in your same position. But he was already dreading the night. He had never particularly enjoyed balls, and he knew tonight would be especially dreadful. Usually, your arguments provided prime entertainment, and if he wasn’t allowed to fight with you tonight, he would just have to endure the monotony of the ballroom without any respite. 

---

You drew in a sharp breath as you entered the ballroom, looking around at the crowd nervously. Charlotte placed a comforting hand on your shoulder and led you toward the back of the room. Had she chosen to go to the furthest place from the entrance simply to torture you? You were nervous enough as it was; you didn’t need the added anxiety of having everyone’s eyes on you as you walked through the crowd. 

You had opted for an elegant white gown tonight. Well, your mother had suggested it and you had inevitably agreed to wear it. 

“It’s meant to look like a wedding dress!” she had exclaimed earlier. “It shows you’re still in the marriage mart despite everything that’s happened, and you’ll have gentlemen queuing up to dance with you.”

Whatever the reasoning behind the gown, you had to admit that it was beautiful. It accentuated your figure, and you could already feel plenty of keen eyes on you and more than a few furtive whispers. Though you couldn’t make out exactly what people were saying, you were sure you heard your name mentioned several times. However, you smiled gracefully at everyone anyway, wanting to avoid being seen as a complete laughingstock after losing Arthur. The Duke, you corrected yourself. He was no longer Arthur to you.

“Y/N,” you heard Eloise’s excited voice beside you.

You turned to see her smiling face and squeezed Charlotte’s hand to let her know she could go on without you. 

“Hello, El,” you greeted, smiling wide. 

“The balls have been torture without you! I’m so glad you’re finally here,” she gushed, taking your hand and leading you to a less crowded part of the ballroom. 

You relaxed slightly. At least one person here didn’t hate you. But perhaps she was the only one. As you kept speaking with Eloise, you realized that not a single bachelor had come to ask you for a dance. Usually, you had to reject quite a few gentlemen within the first few minutes of being at a ball, but your dance card remained empty tonight. 

Swallowing nervously, you looked around the room and assessed the gravity of your situation. Plenty of people were staring at you, but no one had moved toward you. Were they waiting for someone else to walk up to you? Did they not want to be the first to dance with you? Or did this mean that Lord Barlow’s actions had well and truly ruined you? Feeling the familiar beginnings of tears forming in your eyes, you quickly started to panic. What would your parents say? 

You were trying to focus on Eloise’s words, but all you could hear was your rapid heartbeat, and you were surprised people around you couldn’t hear it, too. Your stomach flipped uncomfortably as you realized that you might have truly fallen out of favor with the ton. The thought made you feel sick. This wasn’t how you wanted the season to go. How you needed it to go. 

Just as you were ready to bolt outside in search of fresh air, you felt a tap on your shoulder. Your stomach clenched, and for a fleeting moment, you hoped it was Colin Bridgerton. As much as you weren’t looking forward to the inevitable antagonism you would face from him, and as much as you knew that he wasn’t interested in anything from you other than an argument, the thought of engaging with someone of the opposite gender provided a fleeting sense of relief. Anything to momentarily divert your thoughts from the Duke's betrayal and the disheartening realization of your diminished standing in society. Although knowing Colin, he would probably bring up the subject just to spite you. 

However, as you turned around, you came face to face with your brother. A tiny rush of disappointment coursed through you, and you crinkled your face in confusion. It was a disconcerting realization, indeed, to find yourself yearning for the company of Colin Bridgerton, the very individual you despised most in the ton.

Leaning down close to you, Louis asked lowly, “Ça va?” (Are you alright?).

“Louis,” you rolled your eyes and nodded, trying to convince him­–and yourself–that you were fine. “Ça va” (I’m alright). 

“Excuse me just a moment,” spoke Eloise as she looked between you and your brother. She squeezed your hand and turned around, leaving you with Louis.

You cringed, internally hearing your parents scolding you for speaking French around her. But Louis, unphased by Eloise’s exit, spoke again. “Non, j’suis serieux. On peut y aller,” he insisted (No, I’m serious. We can leave). 

It was nice of him to check up on you. But it only left you feeling worse, a sobering reminder that your situation was dire enough that your brother was actually being sweet to you.

As much as you would have liked to, you knew you couldn’t leave the ball. It would only make it worse to flee now. Your parents had already allowed you a weeklong break from social events, and they would be most displeased to find out that you were giving up so soon after your re-entry into society.

So, you steeled yourself, forcing yourself to keep your tone light. “Leave the ball? For me or for you?” you asked Louis, poking him teasingly.

He relaxed upon hearing your light tone, letting out a breath as he smiled down at you. Your parents had asked him to be especially careful with you tonight, and he was left with sickening worry. You were his little sister, and as much as you had your differences, he still thought himself in charge, at least partially, of your wellbeing. 

The worst part was that he knew exactly the kind of man Andrew Barlow was, and he was beside himself with guilt that he had even let the man near you. But you seemed to be getting through it, he noted, relieved. 

Colin was rooted to the spot across the ballroom, staring at you as you engaged in easy conversation with your brother. How you could be so disagreeable toward him, and completely pleasant with everyone else was absolutely beyond him. 

But what really caught his attention tonight was your attire. You were wearing a white gown, and he briefly wondered if that was what your wedding dress would have looked like. He couldn’t help it; you looked positively stunning, and he was angry because he knew if he even attempted to talk to you, you would most likely bite his head off. 

Colin jumped as he felt a tap on his shoulder, slightly embarrassed at having been discovered staring at you. He turned around to face his mother and Eloise smiling far too innocently for his liking.

“Colin, go dance with Y/N, please.”

“Can’t Benedict do it?” Colin pleaded. He would do anything not to have to speak with you right this moment. It was far better to look at you from a distance, where he could pretend you didn’t completely despise him. 

“He’s dancing with Penelope Featherington at the moment, so no. Colin, it’s one dance!” Violet responded, exasperated.

“It’s not like she won’t have anyone else asking her,” grumbled Colin unhappily. Though, come to think of it, he hadn’t actually seen anyone ask you for a dance tonight. 

“Colin,” Eloise pleaded. “If they see you dancing with her, they’ll be more inclined to speak with her.”

Remembering his conversation with his sister from earlier, Colin accepted defeat, mumbling a low “just this once.”

He found himself growing increasingly nervous as he made his way over to you, and he clenched his fists to keep his hands from shaking. What had gotten into him? This was merely a dance like any other. He’d done it many times before, and he could do it with you. 

He cleared his throat as he reached your side, drawing you out of your conversation with Louis. 

“Not you, too,” you sighed upon seeing him. “I’ve had enough of a difficult time today without your input.”

Colin was momentarily unable to speak, though he quickly recovered. At this point, he didn’t know why kept being so surprised that you thought so lowly of him. 

He was not like the rest of the cruel members of the ton, he thought defiantly. And he would show you just how unlike them he was. This was the real Colin Bridgerton, not the insecure, combative version of him that seemed to slip out whenever you were near.

“A dance, Lady Montclair. I came to ask for a dance,” he said patiently, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Don’t act like you’ve got a full dance card,” he rolled his eyes. Alright, maybe he couldn’t completely shake his hostile demeanor.

"Mr. Bridgerton, that is-” 

“Please.” 

“Why?” came your indignant response. 

“We can say we’re both doing it for Eloise if that will make you feel better,” he said, eyebrows raised. 

Unsure, you turned to look at Louis beside you, who gave you an unimpressed look and gently nudged you in Colin’s direction. 

“Fine,” you huffed.

He let out a breath and reached for your dance card. “Thank you.”

Suddenly, Colin became hyperaware of his surroundings. Every sensation was heightened, and it was almost too much for him to hold your hand as he led you toward the dance floor. He had never had this much physical contact with you, bar the times you had not-so-accidentally stepped on his foot, and he was struggling to maintain his composure.

Your hand felt so delicate in his, and he was actively resisting the urge to interlock your fingers with his. Where had that come from? Why was it that he could never get a grip when he was around you?

Colin was forced back to the present moment as you reached the dance floor, and he carefully set one hand on your waist and used the other to hold your hand, getting into position before the music started playing. 

His stomach was in about a thousand knots, and he awkwardly shifted his hand placement, unsure about whether he was making too much physical contact with you. With the way you looked tonight, Colin would have been happy to keep his hands on you all night, but he was sure you did not share the sentiment, and the last thing he wanted was to inadvertently make you uncomfortable. If he was going to make you upset, he would much rather have done it on purpose and off the dance floor. But that’s not what Eloise has asked of him, so he settled for gingerly holding your waist, his fingers carefully touching the smooth fabric of your dress.

Much to his chagrin, Colin stumbled slightly as the music started in an attempt to begin dancing with you. This was not at all how the most charming member of the ton was supposed to act, he scolded himself, cringing. Perhaps it was a good thing you had never agreed to dance with him before this, and that he never got the chance to properly pursue you as a suitor. If merely a turn about the dance floor with you had him feeling so out of sorts, he couldn’t even imagine what kissing you must have felt like. 

Except now he was imagining what kissing you would feel like. His gaze suddenly fixated on your lips, and he wondered why he had never noticed how inviting they looked. It would be so easy to simply lean down, ever so slightly, and touch his lips to yours. Perhaps it would cause a scandal, given that you were in the middle of a ball, but he rather thought it would be worth it. Just a few- 

“Keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Bridgerton” your sharp voice cut through his musings. 

Colin blinked, brought back to the present moment in an instant. It appeared that, in his rather improper daydream, his hold on your waist had tightened considerably. Irritation bubbled up inside of him as he softened his grip. It seemed that nothing had changed between the two of you, after all. His attempts at playing nice had been, as per usual, futile.

“I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the concept of dancing, Lady Montclair, but it necessitates at least some level of physical contact,” he snapped, glaring but still unable to look away from your lips. 

Unfortunately, his words were punctuated by another stumble as he fought to stay upright and keep moving to the music, and he had to hold onto you to avoid toppling over. 

“What is the matter with you?” you hissed. “Did you never learn how to dance?” 

Colin looked down at you, grimacing and expecting to find the furious glare on your face he so often received. But your eyes were elsewhere. They were skittishly looking around the room, and your mouth was settling into a deeper and deeper frown. 

He noticed you anxiously chewing on your lip, your hand slightly shaky in his, though you were doing well to hide it. He felt like an idiot. Of course you were uneasy. It was your first dance trying to find a new suitor, and he was making you look like a fool in the middle of the dance floor. Colin felt his own anxiety melt away, replaced by a strange protectiveness he wasn’t sure he was familiar with.

“Just look at me,” he whispered as he twirled you.

You were too anxious to do anything but follow his instructions, and your eyes shifted to him instantly. He looked concerned, and you wondered whether it was concern for you or because he had almost fallen face-first in the middle of the dance floor. Either way, you were grateful you had something to focus on that wasn’t the constant obvious stares you were getting from everyone around you.

But, as Colin twirled you once again, you made eye contact with a man you had danced with on a few occasions. Before you could smile politely, he turned away to whisper something to the person beside him, and your face fell. As you returned to face Colin, you couldn’t help but look over his shoulder to see who would be the next person to prove that you were ruined.

You felt a squeeze at your waist, and your eyes came back to Colin’s.

“They don’t matter. Pretend it’s just me and you,” he said softly, reeling you in effortlessly. “Well, perhaps your sister as well, just in case you attempt to murder me.”

You couldn’t help it, you let out a soft giggle and bit your lip to keep from bursting into laughter. And though you were still surrounded by people surely itching to see you stumble and fall, you felt the rest of the ballroom fading away. As long as you kept looking at Colin, and he kept looking at you, there was nothing that could distract you. 

“I haven’t been in England that long, but I’m fairly certain murder is illegal here,” you quipped, smiling warmly at Colin for what was probably the first time.

“I’m fairly certain it’s illegal in every place I’ve been to, but I’m not so sure that would stop you,” he said back, a positively rakish smile on his face. But you were far too distracted by his mention of his travels to notice.

“You’ve traveled? Eloise hasn’t mentioned much,” you said curiously. 

“I’ve mostly traveled by myself,” he explained, now completely composed, previous stress forgotten, and finding himself enjoying your company. “My family doesn’t have the same penchant for adventure as me, so I usually set off on my own.”

You hummed thoughtfully. This, you hadn’t expected. Now you knew that you and Colin shared a love for travel, and it was a very unpleasant feeling, indeed. You had spent so long trying to distance yourself from him, and it was slightly disconcerting to know that the two of you had something in common. Especially something so embedded in who you were.

“Where was the last place you went to?”

“Greece,” he answered, smiling down at you. “I came back just before the season started. My mother was quite upset with me when she saw my tan.”

You laughed, perfectly picturing Violet’s hand over her chest as she saw her son after spending weeks in the sun. “You’re mad! If I had your kind of freedom, I certainly would not have stayed in England for as long as you have. Why haven’t you left since?”

“I- I’m not sure,” Colin answered. Why had he stayed so long? Usually, he liked to travel during the summer months, but he had stayed put so far and had no upcoming travel plans. “I suppose I am enjoying the season this year.” Was he really, though?

But you had already moved on to your next question. “The language is quite challenging, no? Did you learn at all? How long were you in Greece?”

Colin could have kissed you then and there. His family rarely showed interest in his travels, seldom responding to his letters, and once back in the ton, no one else bothered to inquire about his time abroad. Thus, he found himself pleasantly surprised by your curiosity, even if it was you—of all people—who displayed it.

As your conversation unfolded, Colin realized he was thoroughly enjoying himself. The effortless banter, combined with the tingling sensation that coursed through him whenever your hand grazed his neck, made him feel as though he were soaring high above the ballroom floor.

What if you had said yes that night at the Danbury ball? What if you had accepted his invitation to dance? Would it have felt as remarkable, as natural as this moment? Or was the allure of having you in his arms heightened simply because you had already rejected him?

Colin supposed he might have fallen for you that very night at the Danbury ball, had the circumstances been different. He could have seen himself, in a fit of romantic fervor, asking for your hand in marriage mere days afterward. Perhaps, then, it was lucky that you seemed to have an instant disdain for him. It likely spared him from acting the fool. Though truth be told, he often found himself behaving quite foolishly in your presence regardless.

As the dance ended, Colin found himself yearning to continue speaking with you. He grabbed your hand in his, feeling much more composed this time, and led you away from the dance floor. But he barely had time to turn back around to face you and continue your conversation before a trio of suitors came up and asked you to dance. Before he knew it, you were being swept away once more, this time on the arm of someone else. 

Colin congratulated himself on a job well done as he made his way back to where Eloise stood, deftly declining a gentleman's offer to dance. It was a triumph, he thought, that Colin had gone more than five minutes without arguing with you, and you had even laughed at something he said! It felt far better than whatever hostile rapport the two of you usually had.

“Thank you,” Eloise smiled gratefully at her brother. “Now, was that so difficult?” she added in a teasing tone. 

“I will have you know that yes, it was,” answered Colin stubbornly, but he knew he was lying even before the words came out of his mouth. Gliding across the dance floor with you in his arms had felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Even now, as you twirled gracefully in the arms of another, Colin found himself not seething with jealousy as he might have expected, but rather in a state of awe. There was something enchanting about the sight of you, and he couldn't tear his gaze away.

Then, unexpectedly, your eyes met his over the shoulder of your current dance partner, and you bestowed upon him a heart-stopping smile, silently mouthing a 'thank you'. Colin had to feign a cough to cover up the giggle he had just let out. A giggle? From Colin Bridgerton, certified rake? What on Earth were you doing to him?

—

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[handweavers]

i'm a weaver my time is spent sitting at looms and spinning wheels and sewing machines and dye pots, and my ability to make any money at all comes from the fact that my work can't be truly reproduced by machine and speaks to my own and others' desire to reconnect with acts of making and living that are slower and emphasize the physicality of our lives, that we are present in our bodies in a physical world and we are sensorial creatures who relate to each other and the world through tactile means. it serves as a reminder that there is a lot we can do away from screens, that there is joy and meaning to be found in creating something with your hands, and that through this we can find channels to address and learn to live with grief and loss without running from the fact that we are living animals with meatbodies and a finite amount of time.

i think it would be very easy for me to fall into a trap where all modern technology is bad and we need to escape it at all costs and to take a luddite approach to technology - literally a luddite approach, because the phrase "luddite" comes from workers in england during the industrial revolution who destroyed machinery in cotton and wool mills to protest the introduction of that machinery as cost saving measures by the capitalists. but the problem in that situation wasn't inherently the machinery that processed cotton and wool more efficiently, it was that the people who owned the factories used that technology as an excuse to pay fewer workers and maximize profit while creating more unsafe working conditions for the workers that remained. in a situation where the workers owned the factory and the machinery, the introduction of this machinery wouldn't have necessarily been harmful but rather potentially helpful to the workers, for whom more free time wouldn't be a death sentence and proper precautions in the use of the machinery to protect human life could be prioritized

i don't want to make the mistake of confusing technology or some other boogeyman as my enemy. the enemy is capitalism, and i choose to prioritize class consciousness over my private existential worries about new technological developments. all the tech we use is made by humans, just like this economic system we live in. we have the capacity to dismantle economic systems and build new ones, just as we have the capacity to use the tech we make in ways that benefit rather than harm us and the world we live in. my gut tendency is to be distrustful of new tech but i have to remind myself that it isn't helpful and it obfuscates what's actually going on.

[mamasturn]

send you away, major gale cleven

pairing: major gale cleven (masters of the air) x black fem oc (eden marie cleven)

content: eden is anxious about having to be separated from her husband when he reveals that he has to serve in England.

an: I was burnt out from writing elvis content, but, now we're on masters of the air content, yay!

“I’m sorry, baby, but I gotta go.” His voice was a song sung by an old church choir; soothing, warm like her mama’s hugs, then it got disruptive. Like the snares of the drums as the song reached a climax. “They need us in England.” 

The pained look on her face would be engrained in his mind forever. There would be no way for him to forget it. Her thick eyebrows eat in a deep frown, pushing the rest of her features further down. Her eyes, those beautiful brown eyes, glistened with tears. She refused to blink. The gentle rivers would transition to monstrous waterfalls with no dam to keep them at bay. And her lips, full and swollen from tender kisses, quivered as she clenched her jaw to keep her composure. 

“For how long?” Her voice was quiet. Gale sighed heavily and ran a heavy hand through his hair. If he had an answer, he’d give it to her. But, his silence spoke loud enough. She hummed and brushed his hand off her lap and began to trudge upstairs. A defeated sigh came from him. 

“E,” Gale called out. He followed her up the wooden steps. “Eden!” 

His large hand palmed their bedroom door that threatened to push him out. The lamp on her side of the bed was on, the blankets on the left side were pulled back, and she stood in front of the mounted mirror brushing her freshly pressed hair. Her sad expression had morphed into one like stone. He could see her jaw tick as each second passed. 

Gale took slow steps toward her. He could only imagine what she was thinking. Her husband, whom she’d only been married to for six months, was being shipped off to England to assist them in bringing down Germany. How coulde she not be upset? 

Gale stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. His advances didn’t keep her from wrapping her hair and tossing her satin scarf around her head. He leaned down, nose brushing against the shell of her ear. Eden’s breath hitched. His lips followed, pecking at the sensitive area below her ear. He pulled at her skin with his teeth and she whimpered softly, her hand falling on top of his. “Gale…” A warning. 

“Talk to me,” he pleaded. “Please.”

“I don’t want you to leave,” she said after some time. “I knew what I got into when I married you but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m scared, Gale!” Finally, she turned to meet his gaze. So big and blue, they were. Filled with sympathy and remorse. 

“I knew what I was getting into when I married you, but still! I gotta send my husband away and I don’t want to think about the day where someone could knock on the door telling me--”

Gale shushed her softly and pressed her body against his in a tight embrace. His warm hand gripped her chin and tapped softly. She met his eyes. “So let’s not think about that. I leave in three weeks. We’re gonna focus on making these three weeks worthwhile, and we’ll cross the other bridge when we get to it. But I’ll always be with you one way or another, you know that, darlin’. You do know that, don’t you?”

Eden nodded. Gale raised an eyebrow. “I know, baby.” 

Gale hummed and drew invisible lines along the bare skin other thigh. The lace of her slip tickled her leg. His hand inched up slowly. “How about we practice for that final send off?” 

Eden smiled knowingly and broke away from him, peeling the straps of her nightgown off her shoulders her bare body on display. “C’mon, we’ve got all night.” 

All night indeed.

[laundrybiscuits]

Eddie’s doing some dumb trick with a couple of wooden spoons, clever hands making them move through the air in improbable ways, and Steve’s about to bite his whisk in half. 

He’d thought for sure that Eddie would be going home the first week; Edward Munson, 29, bartender/musician from Brighton with mismatched tattoos and wild hair, seemed like exactly the kind of pretentious asshole who would flame out early with some ill-advised hipster experimentation. If Steve (28, social worker from Indiana, USA) had been a complete asshole, he’d have said that Eddie didn’t have the fundamentals. That he was all sizzle, no steak. 

It’s a good thing Steve’s not a complete asshole, because Eddie’s been blowing the technicals out of the water so consistently it’s actually pretty fucking embarrassing. His signatures and showstoppers are making a very respectable showing too, except for the time he tried to incorporate some fresh pandan extract and fucked up the liquid ratio, leaving him with a dripping mess that Mary’d declined to even try. 

Afterwards, Steve had seen him leaning against a tree and struggling to light a cigarette. Steve went over for no particular reason, flicking on his lighter and holding it out like a peace offering. Eddie looked at him warily, but bent over the offered flame. 

“Can’t believe I made it through this one,” Eddie said after a moment, white smoke curling out of his mouth.

“Yeah, I feel like that every week.” Steve leaned against the tree next to Eddie. It was a big tree, the kind that’s probably been growing in this field since before England was even England. 

“Nah, but—c’mon, you know what I mean.”

“You had some bad luck with your showstopper. Happens to the best of us, man. Your signature hand pies looked sick as hell.” Steve’s own hand pies had turned out pretty well, so he was feeling generous. It had only been the third week; plenty of time for Steve to snag Star Baker, though even by that point, Steve had been getting the creeping feeling that he was being a little too American about the whole thing. Everyone else seemed to think competitiveness was some kind of deadly sin. It was—actually kind of nice, to get the same kind of nerves he’d always gotten before high school basketball games, but know that he wasn’t really fighting against anyone except himself in the tent.

Anyway, the very next week, Eddie had done some kind of kickass gothic castle with a shiny chocolate dragon and gotten Star Baker for the second time. Steve had clapped him on the back, appropriately manly. Eddie had pulled Steve into a real hug, arms tight around Steve’s shoulders and his whole lean body pressed up close and warm. It had only lasted a moment, and then Eddie had bounded over to Mel and Sue, both of whom he’s been thoroughly charming since the get-go. 

Steve thinks that when this season—or, uh, series—airs, no matter where Eddie places, the entire country is going to be just as charmed. Eddie’s going to get whatever kind of cookbook deal or streaming show he wants. Sponsors will take one look at that handsome face and charismatic grin, and a whole world of possibilities is going to open up for Eddie. 

Steve’s not in it for any of that, of course. He’s here kind of by accident, because Robin pushed him to apply, and it’s a goddamn miracle he’s been holding his own. Hell, it’s a miracle he’s in this country at all. When Robin had started looking at the Cambridge MPhil program in linguistics, she’d said wouldn’t it be great if and he’d snorted, yeah right, like I could ever get whatever job I’d need to move to another freaking country, but then—well. Things had happened the way they’d happened, and now Robin’s almost finished with her degree and Steve is taking time off from the London charity he works at in order to be on Bake Off. 

He’s told all this to the cameras, plus the stuff about how baking started as a way for him to connect with the kids he used to babysit in Indiana, blah blah blah. He thinks it’s probably too boring for them to air, but he gets that they have to try to get a story anyway. 

Eddie Munson, on the other hand, is probably going to be featured in all the series promos. Steve is rabidly curious about what Eddie’s story is, but he hasn’t worked up the nerve to just ask. It should be the easiest thing in the world. They’ve got kind of a camaraderie going, the two of them; a bit of a bromance, as Mel’s put it more than once. 

It’s true they get along pretty well, and the cameras have been picking up on it: on the way Eddie’ll wander over to Steve’s bench like a stray cat whenever they get some downtime, how they wind up horsing around sometimes, working off leftover adrenaline from the frantic rush of caramelization or whatever. There’s the time Eddie had hopped up on a stool to deliver some kind of speech from Macbeth, of all things, and overbalanced right onto Steve, who had barely managed to keep them both from careening into a stand mixer. Sue had patted Eddie on the shoulder and said, “Well, boys, that’ll be going in the episode for sure.”

They both get along with the other contestants just fine, of course, but they’re two guys of about the same age with no wife and kids waiting at home. It’s only natural that they’re gravitating together, becoming something like friends, Steve figures. It’s pretty great that he’s getting at least one real friend out of this whole thing.

It would be even greater if Steve could stop thinking about Eddie’s hands in decidedly non-friendly ways. With all the paperwork he’s signed, he can’t even complain to Robin about how Eddie looks with his sleeves pushed up to show off the tattoos on his forearms, kneading dough and grunting a little under his breath with effort. Steve had almost forgotten to pre-heat his oven that day. 

Two benches away, Eddie fumbles the spoons he’s been juggling with a clatter, and he bursts out laughing, glancing over at Steve like Steve’s in on the joke. Steve grins back, heart twanging painfully in his chest, and thinks: well, fuck. Guess this is happening.

[prettymase]

I Can Do It Better

NOTES: Hi guys 🤭 it’s been a while and I can assure you I’m in a much better place now and was inspired to write after re reading my old fics. For now I’ll be posting my old fics and I hope you enjoy 🫶🏼

WORD COUNT: 12.1k words

It was the first weekend you spent in Manchester. It felt a little odd adjusting to the new lifestyle in a new city where you barely knew anyone, it was going to take a while to get used to for sure but there was no one else you’d rather do it with.

The one person you sacrifice it all for

The reason you moved up here in the first place

The love of your life. Your boyfriend.

Mason Mount

Both of you are spending the evening in a restaurant in the city centre of Manchester with Mason’s new teammates alongside some of the WAGS.

You were nervous at first because you hadn’t met his new teammates properly yet apart from the England teammates, but meeting new people always made you anxious. It brought out the introvert in you, a side to you that you rarely showed anyone. What people think of you always matters to you because you’re a people’s pleaser and their first impression of you always matters, thinking about it made you feel sick. You wanted to make people believe that you were this confident, outgoing person but who were you to fool?

Even meeting the WAGS made you feel uneasy, everyone was either influencers or had their own businesses and then there was you, who had a basic 9-5 office job. Which there was nothing wrong with but it made you feel insecure about your relationship because you always thought in the back of your mind that you weren’t Mason’s type, no matter how many times he reassured you.

In terms of friendships, you also had a bad luck. You had a lot of fake friends since college, some of whom you had to cut off from your life because you didn't need toxic people in your life like that, no matter how much it hurt you, but you had to do it for the sake of your mental health.

You had a good few friends that you’d do anything for. But there was one where you’d just drop everything for at that second.

And that was your partner in crime, Sid.

From the beginning, this girl had been by your side all the way through. You could count on her to make your day ten times better, no matter what day it was, whether it was a bad day or a good day, she just knew how to make your day better.

It didn't take you long to figure out what you were going to do without her in Manchester. Because you were used to seeing her every day, you hadn't accepted that you had moved away from her and that she won't be a few minutes away from me, instead she will be a few hours away from me, but you didn't want to deal with it yet because you were used to seeing her every day and didn't want to accept that you had moved miles away from her.

You wanted to get through tonight without any problems.

You and Mason were the first people to get there surprisingly, because usually you were used to being late. The nerves were getting to you, Mason who was beside you in the waiting area had his arm around your waist, and another hand on your bare thigh silently comforting you.

As well as seeing Mason's nervousness, it was evident that it was a big deal for him, of course. He was meeting his teammates for the first time and was hoping that they'd all get along. You grabbed the hand that was on his thigh and started kissing his knuckles lightly just to show comfort and to give him reassurance that you were always there for him.

You put your arm around him, as he buried his face into your neck as his hand went to your bare back, “You okay?” You whispered, wanting to do your best to try and calm his nerves. As soon as he was about to reply both of your phones started going crazy with Twitter notifications, just to see that The Sun had posted a moment the two of you had a minute ago.

“Gosh, they’re quick aren’t they?” Mason laughed, making you laugh too.

You both had spent a few minutes before the rest of them had come, in that time a couple of his fans came up to him asking for a photo, which he couldn’t say no too.

The sight of him with fans always managed to melt your heart. He was just so gentle and caring with them. You heard one of the fans that had come up to him say that Mason was his role model and it made you so emotional and proud at the same time. The way Mason’s smile brightened when he heard that, it’s a sight you’d never get tired of seeing.

His smile is the most beautiful ever. The way his dimples come into place and his eyes crinkle with his smile. It’s just a little too perfect.

-

Once everyone had finally come and you got seated your nerves started to settle but your hands never left Mason’s squeezing it every so often. All of you had got seated into a private room so that they couldn’t get interrupted, which Mason was secretly thankful for. You were squeezed in between Mason on one side and Jadon on the other, with Anouska opposite you, which you were thankful for.

You had spoken to Anouska a few times when Mason played for England for the Euros and The World Cup. So you were pleased to see a familiar face as it brought you right back to your comfort zone.

While the lads were talking you, Anouska and a few of the WAGS who sat close to Anouska, were talking about girly stuff that satisfied all of us girlies.

You turned to your right to see Mason settling in slowly with his new teammates which settled your heart because that’s all you ever wanted to see.

After months of drama with Chelsea it was like he was slowly losing himself, you saw it first hand. It was heartbreaking to see, so the fact he’s got a fresh start with a new club and seeing him laugh made your stomach erupt with butterflies.

You missed the sound of his laugh so much. It was good to see him coming back to his normal self. It’s all you ever wanted for him. It’s what he deserved.

A while later, Jadon had started a conversation with you. You had known him since the England squad and he was a funny lad. Every time you spoke to him you know there was going to be a good few laughs.

“How’s you and your girl?” You asked, remembering that he had a girl then last time you spoke to each other.

“Oh. We broke up, she wasn’t ready for a relationship, she felt there was too much pressure,” Jadon sighed, you hated yourself to asking that, now that you felt bad.

“I’m sorry for asking, the right one will come along when the times right,” you said smiling softly at him.

“I think I’ve made my mind up anyways. I think you are the perfect woman I need,” Jadon said with a serious tone, your heart dropped, you didn’t want trouble with this teammates. You only have eyes for Mason.

“What?” You asked confusedly. He burst out laughing seeing your reaction.

“I’m joking man, I know you and Mase are practically married. It was just funny seeing your face,” Jadon chuckled.

“Oh shut up J,” You said rolling your eyes playfully as you stood up to go to the bathroom with Anouska and the girls, leaving the boys to their boy chat or whatever they were doing.

-

Mason was talking to Luke who was on the other side of him, when he heard you talking to Jadon. He felt a little jealous that you and him were getting a long well. He knew that you both were good friends from the past England tournaments, but seeing you laugh with him every five minutes made him uneasy to see you with another man. Mason wasn’t trying to be possessive or anything, Mason thought he was getting a bit too some for his liking but he shrugged it off. He had known you had eyes for him and him only.

Once you had gotten up to go to the bathroom, Jadon scooted over to your hair for the time being so he could speak to Mason as he hadn’t done the entire evening.

“You alright bro? I hardly had a chance to speak to you this evening, you settling in alright?” Jadon asked, cutting Mason’s conversation with Luke short.

“Yeah bro! It’s all good. It’s going to take time settling in properly, but me and Y/N will eventually get there. She’s been a big help.”

"Well if ever need anything, you know where me and the Manchester lads are. Speaking of Y/N, she's a good girl. Don't let her out of your sight, someone else might have eyes on her," Jadon winks, as he moves back on to his own chair.

“Sound bro,” Mason sounded annoyed but tried flashing it with a smile which could practically fool anyone. What he was thinking was a whole different story. He had enough questions and doubts in his brain, he tried brushing it off and trying to act as if he wasn’t bothered by which could possibly fool anyone. However, he knew it couldn’t fool you.

You could read him like a book.

-

Ever since you had come back from the bathroom, Mason’s mood was off and no matter how much he tried hiding it with that precious smile of his, you thought to ask about it there and then but you hesitated knowing that this wasn’t the time and place for it.

Walking to your seat, you squeezed Mason’s shoulder in comfort, as you went to sit down you could see Mason playing with his fingers, looking down in his lap while everyone else was talking, you wondered if he felt out of place that’s why his mood was off?

You put your hand on his thigh, smiling softly “Are you okay, Mase?” You asked, as you couldn’t take seeing your boyfriend in a mood.

“I’m okay babe,” he smiled back, bringing the hand that was on your thigh up to his mouth kissing your knuckles gesturing that he was grateful you asked. You don’t know why you asked because you knew what he’d say would be a lie, he’s never not said to you ‘I’m not fine’, previously you’ve had to force it out of him but tonight you didn’t question it any further as you thought there was a time and place for that, and at a restaurant with his new teammates ain’t the place to do that.

Throughout the whole night, he kept to himself, only replying when needed to, but his hand never left yours.

The drive back home was awfully silent. Normally Mason’s hand would be finding his way up your thigh, but today it was by his side or on the gearstick whenever needed to change the gears. He hadn’t given you a second look since you both had left the restaurant, which you found odd.

You wondered if you had done anything to piss him off?

If that was the case he would’ve been moody with you the whole night too right?

And what could’ve you possibly done?

As soon as you parked up to your new shared house, Mason went straight to the front door. Another thing you found odd as he always opened the passenger door for you no matter what.

Was this a coincidence or was he actually mad at you?

You thought you overthinking this whole thing more than you should be, so you decided to leave it.

As soon as you got inside you rapidly took your heels off, relieved that now you were out of them because your feet were in pain the whole night. You don’t know why you did this to yourself every time.

You walked into the kitchen with Mason slowly following you behind. You got yourself a glass of water and while you were drinking it Mason came up behind you, his chest pressing against your back, moving your hair to the side, his arms gripping onto your waist and his head dipping into the crook of your neck, peppering light kisses on your sweet spot. You squirmed slightly because his stubble was tickling you, "you looked out of this world tonight, baby. You're mine. Mine only. Nobody else's. You're my girl." Mason started to get frustrated at how Jadon's words from earlier kept replaying in his mind at this specific moment. Mason couldn't help but get slightly overprotective and possessive over you. He knew you wouldn't do anything to hurt him but still he couldn't help his insecurities that got to the better of him.

“What’s gotten into you, Mase?” You playfully laughed at how his mood changed when you had entered your new home. Mason had ignored you and carried on kissing the crook of your neck just where your sweet spot is.

He knows what he’s doing

You had turned around to face him, causing him to stop with a little pout on his face. “Talk to me, bubs,” you softly spoke, his head down, grabbing your fingers to play with them that had settled him. He felt a little silly for what’s going to come out of his mouth next, but he needed to ask to reassure his doubts and insecurities. “Is there something going on between you and Jadon? You can be honest, I won’t be mad, I just want you to be honest with me,” you were taken back by his comments, how could he think that? You had no idea where this was coming from. “What? No!! Why would you even think that, Mase?” You asked a little surprised that out of all people Mason would think that.

“You can’t blame me for thinking that, you two looked a bit too close for my liking. You were laughing at everything he was saying, you never laugh at my jokes like that,” Mason raised his tone slightly, what Jadon had said to him earlier got into his head.

“Really, Mase? Is this what it’s all about? Not laughing at your jokes? He’s just a funny lad that’s all.” You looked down at your kitchen tiles, not wanting to look at him in the face right now.

“Does funny make you cum?” You shot your head up at that question, meeting your face with Mason’s rather serious face with his eyebrows raised.

“Mason, you’re staring to sound ridiculous now. Do I need to prove how much I love you? I thought moving here with you was enough to prove that.” The last sentence had just slipped out, you didn’t mean to sound like you were doing him a favour by moving here with him.

That felt like a slap in Mason’s face hearing that last sentence come out of your mouth, he was beyond pissed now.

When it was announced that Mason was leaving Chelsea and was starting his new life at Manchester United, Mason had sat you down and had asked you what you’d want to do, whether that was moving to Manchester with him or staying in London.

He had never put any pressure on you knowing that all your family and friends lived in London, he didn’t want you to regret moving in the future, so he let you take your time with deciding what you wanted.

What Mason wanted was a different story, he wanted you to move with him, but he didn’t want it to seem like you had to move with him, because the last thing he’d want is making it seem like you were doing him a favour by moving here.

And that’s exactly what you did.

“I NEVER FUCKING ASKED YOU TO DO THAT!!” Despite having a stern tone, Mason’s angry expression could be clearly seen through the tone of his voice.

“YEAH BECAUSE YOU NEVER NEEDED TO, I FOLLOWED YOU UP HERE BECAUSE I LOVE YOU, I DON’T EVER WANT ANYONE ELSE!” You said frustratedly, trying to prove to him that he’s the only one you want so when he made that accusation it hurt you deeply.

“YEAH, IT FUCKING LOOKED LIKE IT WHEN YOU HAD JADON HANGING OFF YOU ALL NIGHT!!” Mason couldn’t help but roll his eyes which annoyed you even further.

“OH FUCK YOU MASE, YOU’RE BEING SUCH A CHILD”

“OH FUCK ME, YEAH?”

“YEAH, FUCK YOU!!”

Mason rolled his eyes, and you couldn’t be arsed to deal with this anymore, so you went past him shoving his shoulder lightly, “I’m not dealing with this right now, I’m going up to bed,” you said to Mason as you walked out of the kitchen.

Mason grabbed your wrist and pulled you abruptly towards him, his grasp on your waist turned firm. His gaze bore into yours as his lips met yours in a fervent kiss. With no opportunity to catch your breath, the fervour of the kiss increased as Mason pressed you up against the kitchen door. The passionate kisses escalated as neither of you wanted to part.

You feel Mason passionately bringing his lips back to yours as you felt the warmth of his breath against your neck as he trails his lips to your collarbone. He mumbles jump against your skin as your heart races and your breathing quickens. His grip on your waist tightens even more than it was as he pushed your body against the cold wall.

You slightly start to grind against him clothed bulge desperately wanting to feel him, throwing your head back while Mason’s lips trail across your jaw and down your neck, nibbling in your sweet spot as he holds you tight. Now sucking on your sweet spot as he couldn’t help himself, you know a mark will be left there in the morning but right now you don’t care. You moan not being able to hold it in anymore, Mason pulls back to look at you, “those moans are only for me, do you understand that sweetheart?” The tone in his voice is deep, the look in his eye is quite dark, with a cocky expression on his face.

He was enjoying being in control way too much

He threw you over his shoulder and carried you upstairs to your shared bedroom, so he can have his way with you.

“Y/N, you’ve been a tease all night. Now this whole neighbourhood is going to hear you scream my name tonight, they’re all going to know you’re mine,” he growled with an air of dominance.

Mason wasted no time in stripping your clothes off

You shivered, nodding. He smirked, as he threw you onto the bed, now that you’re both naked you never got used to the sight of seeing Mason naked, you were speechless everytime, your eyes went straight to his boxers which he hadn’t taken off yet. Mason smirked cockily at your reaction, “Oh so now you want me, eyes up here sweetheart,” he smiled, before hovering over you and tipped your chin up so you could look at him in the eyes, looking into those lust eyes knowing how much he wants you fuck you right now, “get on your all fours for me, baby.” Mason winked, as you just got lost in his eyes before Mason spoke again “baby, I really don’t want to have to ask again,” which brought you back to reality and did what he said.

He wasn’t one to be reckoned with when he was like this

territorial & jealous

“Jadon said you were a good girl, but good girls go flirting around with other people do they?” He breathed, showing his jealous side which you quite clearly enjoyed seeing him like this.

“So that makes you a naughty girl, my naughty girl.”

He gave your ass a little slap, watching it bounce from the impact with a satisfied smirk. You flinched but you secretly loved how rough her was being, “this is what naughty girls deserve.”

Mason quickly stripped out of his boxers, rolling a condom onto his thick, throbbing erection, before lining himself up at your entrance and shoving it in abruptly. Causing you to gasp at the sudden burning. The burning quickly subsided as you adjusted to Mason’s size, still to this date you never got used to his size. He started thrusting fast and furiously, tugging on your hair and making you lift your head so he could leave hot, wet kisses on the side of your neck.

You grunted with each thrust, trying to hold yourself up as your arms weakened in pleasure, but it didn’t stop Mason. He pounded into you with all of his anger, all of his jealousy, all of his possessiveness. “You’re such a slut, flirting with my friends,” Mason adds, slapping your ass once again. You absolutely loved this side of him, already soaring towards your release. Loud moans and screams left your lips, his name falling from them like a prayer. Your whole body shook, and the headboard against the wall sounded like thunder from his forcefully it was rocking. Mason pulled you up on your knees, so your bodies were fully flesh against each other, but he didn’t slow down.

“You like that, sweetheart? You like my cock buried inside your sweet little pussy? I bet Jadon couldn’t fuck you like this?”Mason growled.

“No, just you,” you managed to choke out, dangerously close to your climax.

“Say it again, who makes you feel this good?” He demanded, his cockiness getting to him.

“You, Mase, only you!!” You cried out, orgasm crashing over you and Mason released at the same time as you, both of you sharing an intimate moment together.

You lay there breathless, and Mason parted your legs again.

“Mase?” You asked, trying to get your breath back.

“When you can’t walk tomorrow, I want you to remember how good my cock was inside you and how good my tongue is,” he grinned deviously

His tongue darted inside you, and you groaned in ecstasy, still sensitive from the rough fucking he’d just given you. He slipped two fingers inside you, pumping in and out quickly and mercilessly as his tongue worked magic on your clit, almost immediately bringing you to your second orgasm of the night.

Mason spent all night pleasuring you in multiple ways and by the time he was finished, you were completely exhausted. You couldn’t even move and your clit kept throbbing, your legs twitching from time to time.

Mason lazily left a soft kiss along the already formed hi keys on your skin. He smiled against your lips and then laid down next to you, wrapping his arms around you, so now your head was on his chest.

“You did so good, baby. You took it all like a pro,” he. complimented.

“Mhmm… Hey, Mase. i just want to say I’m sorry-” you smiled, trying to apologise but you looked confused when he stopped you when he put his finger over your lips.

“Ah no, if anything I should be apologising to you, I’m sorry my doubts got to the better of me,” you smiled as he placed a kiss on your lips.

Mason chuckled as you quickly fell asleep in his arms, listening to him whisper how beautiful you are, how glad he was that you were his, and he doesn’t know what he did in life to get you. He truly felt like the luckiest man in the world.

Mason looked over at your sleeping figure, and thinking about the day when you both first met, how he thought you were the most beautiful woman in the crowd, effortlessly beautiful and how you’d never change anything from that day. It was the most perfect moment.

He was so thankful that his best friend and your best friend who joint heads together and set you two up, otherwise he wouldn’t be here where he was now.

-

Two years ago, you had met Mason during the EURO 2020, Sid had practically dragged you out of the house to watch the match, she was supporting her boyfriend Ben Chilwell, and you were actually off work for a change.

All you wanted to do was catch up on a Netflix series you had started watching but your best friend had other plans as soon as she’d known you were free. You hadn’t seen her in a few days and for you two that’s quite a while without seeing each other because you two at least see each other once a day, it would be nice to see her but just not a at a football match.

You weren’t interested in sports, you were clueless to even think about what was happening apart from the obvious points, that they have go get the ball in the opposite goals. In all honesty you found it boring, you once tried watching a football match at home with Sid and you fell asleep. Hence why you weren’t excited about this match.

You shoved on an England t- shirt you had from ages and paired it with ripped jeans, your hair loosely curled and you went for a natural make up look which consists of, a face tint, tiny bit of concealer to cover your horrendous eye bags, cream contour and cream blush, brown mascara to make it look more natural, laniege lip mask with a tiny bit of brown lip liner and you finished it off with the Charlotte Tilbury setting spray to lock it all in so it could last the whole day.

Once you had arrived at the stadium, you walked down to your seats which were the best in the whole stadium, that was the only good thing about Sid being a WAG. Even so, apart from the occasional teasing, you were happy that she found someone who cares for her and makes her happy.

It would be nice if you could look a bit more lively, don't you think?” Sid said as she settled down into her chair and started to get comfortable. As a response, you simply glared at her, knowing you'd rather be in bed right now, but you couldn't do anything besides try to enjoy the game now that you were here despite the fact that you'd prefer to be in bed.

—

Mason was warming up when he spotted you, he got lost in thought and didn’t hear what Benwas saying to him, “helloooo earth to Mase,” he snapped his fingers in front of his face that brought him back to reality.

“What got you into dreamland, you were looking over at the box? It better not be my missus,” Ben said, getting protective over his girl. Mason raised his eyebrow, “what no?! I’m happy for you two mate I wouldn’t get in the way of you two. I was wondering who’s next to her, I never seen her before,” Mason replied, his cheeks turning pink.

“Aww, does Masey have a little crush,” Ben teased, making Mason laugh and playfully push him. “Nah mate. It’s not like that, I was just wondering who she was that’s all,” Mason cheekily smiled. “The slight blush on your cheeks says something else,” Mason glared at him as he still didn’t answer Mason’s question, “Alright alright! She’s Sid’s best friend, she rarely comes out of her house, hence why you haven’t seen her.” Mason just nodded before getting back to warming up.

Ben wasn’t wrong, you were a homebody as you liked to call it. You just enjoyed being in the comfort of your own home, there was just nothing else like it. What also didn’t help is that you were a massive introvert, you only spoke to people you knew comfortably so if anyone came up to you in public and asked you something you’d panic because quite frankly you didn’t know how to hold a conversation, you found it always being awkward and you hated the atmosphere and working from home didn’t help your communication skills. You thought you were getting social anxiety but you didn’t want to self diagnose yourself.

Mason, however, couldn’t keep his eyes off you. It’s like his eyes kept automatically directing him up to where you were sitting. He thought you were one of the most beautiful women he’s laid eyes on, the way your hair elegantly fell into place without even trying, and your smile? He thought he fell in love at first sight.

He knew you were different.

Different from other girls.

As soon as he laid eyes on you, he knew that you would be a genuine person, and he wasn't sure how to explain it, but he knew deep within his heart that he had to find out just for himself whether or not this was true.

After the match, he followed Ben was going to see his girlfriend, he was excited to see you up close. If you had looked good from far away, he bet that you’d look even more attractive up close.

And he was right

You looked even better up close if that was even possible

—

While the match was going on you couldn’t help but keep your eyes focused on the number 19, your eyes followed everywhere he went. You couldn’t help but admire the way he was playing and you had no clue about the sport.

There was one moment that would stay engraved in your brain, he got angry at a player and started swearing at him. You didn’t know if it was normal to feel like this, you started to daydream a fantasy you thought that would never happen. You hadn’t thought you were daydreaming until Sid snapped her fingers to get you back into the zone.

“Is someone starting to form a crush,” she said playfully wiggling her eyebrows, and you brushed it off like it was nothing, “pfft no, you know me and crushes never went well,” there was truth in what you said.

You’d always find yourself crushing on someone who would never look twice at you, that was the sad reality and with Mason Mount who’s a premier league footballer, there was no chance he’d even take a look at me.

“Well this could go well, if someone puts a word in?”

You eyes went wide, shaking your head, “You dare and I’ll hate you forever,” you say sternly, you didn’t want to make the first move. In your head if someone had their eyes on you, they should make the move instead of you making the first move.

That way you don’t embarrass yourself.

So if Mason did ever have feelings for you, which you doubted, he should make the first move. Besides the fact that now he’s on the pitch playing, he could make a move after if he ever did have feelings.

You spent another 45 mins practically drooling over him. That was until after the game you could see him and Chilly, Sid’s boyfriend walking to the pair of you. You felt panic wash over you.

You turned to Sid with a panicky expression, “omg he’s coming over, what do I say? How do I act? Do I look fine?” You had a load of questions.

“First of all my love, relax. I thought you didn’t have a crush on him?” You glare at her because now was not the time. “Okay, Okay! You look perfect as always, and don’t think of what to say, let the conversation flow naturally. That way is always the best,” she gives you a heartwarming smile.

You didn’t think someone could look so perfect up close but that was the case with Mason.

You were really deep into this and you hadn’t even chatted to him.

You don’t know why you were panicking because you two hit it off really well, you did as Sid said and let the conversation flow and it did you wonders because you managed you bag yourself a date.

-

One date turned into two dates, two dates turned into three etc, 3 months into the relationship you became his girlfriend, 6 months in you said your ‘I love yous’ and the rest became history.

-

He didn’t know how he got so lucky to have you but he’d forever be thankful for God for sending you into his life. You’d been there for him for the toughest moments in his life. He’s forever appreciative of you.

masonmount added to their story

You are my one in 7 Billion! 🤍

declanrice replied: still two years later you are actually whipped bro

*masonmount liked this message*

-> masonmount: there’s no way I’d rather have it and you can’t talk, you are just as bad 👊🏻🤣

-

He laughed at Declan’s message as it had come through in his notifications, he wasn’t wrong in what he said. Him and Declan used to dream of the day settling down with their person, their forever, and it feels like it’s finally happening and he couldn’t be more glad. If he was called whipped so be it, if it makes you happy that’s all he wanted.

Our relationship was nowhere near perfect as no relationship is, and tonight was a good example of it. However no matter how many times you two had disagreements and at the time didn’t see the good side of things, Mason always thought that arguing would somewhat make the connection stronger.

He lifted his head slightly to look at your sleeping figure, trying not to move too harshly as he didn’t want to wake you up, you looked too comfortable and adorable to move. He placed multiple light kisses on your temple. He took one deep look at you, smiled to himself thinking how he was so lucky to have you and how he’s so in love with you and he wouldn’t change that for the world.

You were his forever and he was yours.

He finally drifted off to sleep, feeling content and safe. His worries were forgotten, and his mind was at ease. With a peaceful expression on his face, he slept with a huge grin on his face.

The next morning you woke up to Mason staring at you lovingly, his smile reaching his eyes and his dimples fell into place, even in the mornings he looked so effortlessly handsome.

“Morning handsome,” you kissed him softly as you greeted him good morning. He smiled at you and wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a tight embrace. You both held each other for a moment, taking in the peacefulness of the morning. You felt a warmth inside your chest that could only be described as love.

Mason smiled down at you, his voice still thick with sleep, “good morning beautiful,” he murmured as you just smiled at him, giving him a soft kiss on his lips and he dips his head into your neck.

You stayed in bed for a little while he was placing kisses every so often whether that was on your forehead, neck or the side of your head. You had to get up soon though because Mason had training and you wanted to make him breakfast before he left.

The two of you had breakfast together, enjoying every second of it until he had to say his goodbyes giving you a kiss before he left.

While he was gone you decided to call your best friend, Sid, because she was coming down to Manchester to see you. You had dinner booked in the evening which you couldn’t wait for, because it felt like an eternity since you saw her.

The day had gone by so quick as you were mostly cleaning the whole day but the time had come to get ready for this evening.

You had to rush because you hadn’t been keeping on an eye on the time and you hated yourself for it because you wanted to take your time to get ready and actually feel good for once and whenever you tend to rush you always end up not liking your makeup and then your mood gets ruined but you were convinced no one can ruin your mood because you were off to see your bestfriend and that put you in a good mood.

You were originally going to get a taxi but Mason being the gentleman he is offered to drop you off which worked for you but you didn’t want to bother him because of his long day at training.

-

You think you actually screamed when you saw Sid, running up to hug her which you hadn’t done in almost two weeks, you felt emotional being reunited again. No one told you how hard it was going to be with now a long distance bestie.

You caught up on each others gossip, on what you had missed and catching up on daily life.

When the two of you were younger you both dreamed of being a footballers girlfriend, you don’t know why but the thought of it sounded so appealing,

“Toast to our younger selves who would be so proud of us right now.” Sid said, putting both of your glasses up to raise a toast. Which you cheered to, for once you felt happy about where you were in life right now. The fact that both you and Sid were happy together made the feeling even more special.

We were both where we needed to be in life and you were so glad.

-

yourusername added to their story

Dinners with my girl @sid.vii 🥰🤭

sid.vii replied to your story: I love and miss you already ☹️💘

-> a few hours wasn’t enough. I love you and miss you loads 😩💕

masonmount replied to your story: the two of you are trouble when you’re together. p.s you look beautiful 🤩

-> 😉 love you 💘

sanchooo10 replied to your story: you look beautiful! 😻

-> Thank you!

-

You and Sid had shared a taxi back to her hotel before the driver made another stop to take you back home. It was originally your intention for her to stay at yours and masons shared house, but she was being a bit stubborn and booked a hotel room in the hotel for the two nights instead of staying at your house. She had a train booked back to London early morning so you didn’t want to stay out too late either because both of you loved your sleep too much.

You didn’t know when you’d see her again and you hated the circumstances for being this way but you were also grateful that Mason was happy and that’s all that mattered to you. You can’t lie, you felt a little emotional saying goodbye to her, even you’d text every second of the day, there was nothing like seeing your friends in real life.

You smiled at her interaction at your story. Although you found it weird that Jadon had replied to your story but brushed it off thinking that he was being friendly with you and replied because you didn’t want to seem rude.

Part of you didn’t know whether to mention this to Mason or not, considering you had an argument about it the other day. You didn’t want to have any arguments today, you just wanted to go home and cuddle with the love of your life.

As soon as you got home all you wanted was Mason, you had missed him even though it was a quarter of the night you hadn’t seen him.

You found him in the living room, curled up on the sofa with a blanket on him, on his phone scrolling while the tv was on in the background not being looked at, just there for the noise. He hadn’t noticed you had come back until you stood in front of him, he peered up to look at you through his lashes, “hey you. You have a good night?” Mason asks while moving the blanket and patting his hand on his knee indicating you to sit on his lap.

You felt yourself go soft at the sight of him, it was quite cold out there so all you wanted to do was to cuddle up against him while you fall asleep in the warmth of his arms around you the whole night.

“I did. it was nice seeing Sid again after two weeks, that seems like a long time I’ve gone without her and it feels weird to say because we are normally joined by the hip,” you said a little deflated as got comfortable on his lap.

“That’s good! As you long you enjoyed yourself baby!” Mason said enthusiastically as he moves your hair to the side leaving your right shoulder bare for him to kiss. You had given him a rundown on what happened the entire evening and he every so often lifted his head up from your neck to kiss your forehead in a soft gesture.

That was until you stopped talking to see he had fallen asleep and because you didn’t want him to ruin his sleep downstairs you gently woke him up, “Mase, go to bed. I’ll be up once I’ve make sure everything’s locked,” you said before getting off his lap and going to the front door to make sure it was locked.

When you had come back to the living room, you’d seen that he had listened and went up to bed, before you went up you went to check all the windows were locked too.

You always had to double check it was locked otherwise god forbid if anything was to happen, the blame would have landed on you. You felt yourself shudder thinking about it.

As you had entered your shared bedroom, you flopped on the bed feeling exhausted after the day you had. Mason was in the bathroom brushing his teeth and getting ready for bed.

Once you looked up to see he was done, he was standing there completely shirtless and in boxers, still to this day you never got used to this image that was in front of you. You felt like you were gazing in dreamland, with a a lttle drool coming by the side of your mouth. You didn't realise you had zoned out until he spoke, "take a picture, it will last longer," he winked.

You rolled your eyes at his comment, as you got off the bed to go to the en suite to take off your makeup. You took off your lashes which felt like a relief taking them off, and grabbed your cleansing balm to melt your makeup off, to finally be make up free.

Your phone buzzed which was on the bed where you were laying a few minutes ago, so you told Mason to check it

You and Mason trusted each other with your phones, it’s not like either of you had anything to hide.

His heart had dropped with what he saw. He had a million questions running through his mind right now.

Why was he messaging you?

What were you two speaking about?

He had thought the worst by a single notification.

Mason stayed quiet while his mind was thinking overtime, he was wondering whether to mention this to you or if he should stay silent and wait to see if you say something.

You entered back in the bedroom done with your nighttime routine, getting into bed where Mason was sat, his head resting on the headboard.

“Who was the notification from?” You asked him as you got comfortable in your bed. He didn’t respond, he just handed you the phone with an unimpressed expression. You just looked down to see that Jadon had liked your message.

“Oh,” you mumble silently

“Did you forget to tell me or were you even planning on telling me? I thought we didn’t keep secrets from each other.”

“Mase, you’re overreacting! If you looked at the messages you’d realise it’s nothing!” You raise your voice a little because you were tired of arguing over the same thing.

“Oh? I’m overreacting? Me!!” Mason matches the same tone as yours.

“C’mon Mase, actually read the messages,”

“No, I’ve seen what I’ve needed to, that’s enough!”

You try to hand your photo to him while unlocking your phone to show him the full chat, but he wasn’t having it. He pushed your arm away. He had to exhale before he said the next sentence.

“Listen if you don’t want to be with me, you can just tell me outright. You don’t have to go behind my-”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence!” You interrupted him. You were tired of going round in circles and ending up in the same place. You thought after yesterday he would’ve understood that you only want him.

“Do I need to prove how much I love you? If I didn’t I wouldn’t have wanted to start a new life with you up here, moving with you.”

There it was again

Bringing up the move constantly after every argument.

He looked at you deep in the eye, eyes filled with tiredness and anger, not only he was tired about having to argue about this whole situation about million times but he also felt insecure every time this was brought up.

“Do you need to fucking bring up the move every time? I’m so grateful that you moved up here with me but I don’t need you throwing that comment in my face every time. As well as you i’ve left everything back in London too. You don’t need to make this about you 24/7!!” Mason snapped

He regretted that comment right after it was said, he got off the bed and rushed looking for his top.

“I need fresh air, I’m going for a walk to clear my mind.” Mason says rushing out of the bedroom quickly putting his top on, by the time you were about to speak, it was almost too late as you heard a loud slam from the door.

-

He always thought you were almost too perfect to be with him. Out of his league. Thinking that you could do so much better than him. He had trauma and doubts from his previous relationship, which was what left him with the doubts.

He felt the cold breeze of air hit him while he took a walk around his quiet estate. He didn’t know where he was walking but he just carried on to see where his feet take him.

Remembering what went wrong in his previous relationship to help save this one, he felt like your relationship was failing and the last thing he wanted to do was to lose you.

You meant the world to him and he couldn’t risk losing you and he was so appreciative that you wanted to move up with him, but he didn’t need you constantly nagging at him like you’ve done a massive favour.

It doesn’t count as a favour when it’s for the people you love

Even thinking about it made him feel sick

It was about three years ago when he met his ex Molly, which he met at a club, mistaking her for someone else. They had hit it off straightaway. During the night Mason thought that he had found his partner for life already, which was obviously wrong but he had the wrong first impressions of her.

They had decided to go out for a date and take it from there to see how it goes. It went great, or so he thought.

He decided to give this girl a chance as she seemed genuine and didn’t seem like the girl to fuck about.

Look can be deceiving

It was about 3 months into the relationship, it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. In fact it wasn’t at all. During the first month he noticed on his free days she’d rather spend time with her girl mates and if that wasn’t an option she’d make some sort of excuse.

She was in for one thing only

Fame

Molly obviously knew who Mason was the second they started talking, her and her friends and come up with a cunning plan. All Molly wanted to become was an influencer, so she took the chance and took it. She thought if she’d act like she’s interested in him, it would get her the followers she’d need and then once she’d have enough, she’d come up with a sob story to say this isn’t working.

In her little world things were going well for her until one afternoon Mason was home earlier than she had expected and the night before she had stayed over his after a night out because it was closer to him. Once Mason had stepped into his house, he was eager to see his girlfriend. They were in the ‘honeymoon’ stage so they are bound to be excited, well at least one of them.

As soon as he got closer to his bedroom door where Molly was, he heard her over the phone talking to one her friends what it sounded like. “Yeah babe, he won’t find anything out. Bless him he thinks I actually like him,” that was the sentence that broke him.

Molly’s true intentions were revealed and he hated how he fell into this trap.

Once Mason had found out what Molly’s plans were, he wasted no time in telling her to get the fuck out of his house and his life.

To say Mason was devastated was an understatement, he kept thinking about how he lets people in so easily, this whole situation got him feeling shit and insecure.

He promised himself that he wouldn’t trust someone so easily again.

However no matter how shit his past was, he should've never treated you like that. He made a promise to not let his insecurities get to the better of him. No matter how bad the situation is and you two should just talk like grown adults you are. He knew you were tired of this bullshit too.

This late night walk did his mind wonders, he saw a Tesco nearby and decided to pop in to get you some flowers to help lighten the mood as you both didn’t help by all the shouting. Sometimes leaving your mind alone to think works magic and gives you time to reflect on what you both could’ve said to handle the situation better, but in this heat of the moment things get said which you both regret.

As he walked into the shared house, he rushed upstairs with the flowers in his hand ready to give them to you, he was praying that you hadn’t gone to sleep because he was told not to sleep on an argument as the next day wasn’t guaranteed.

He walked into to your shared bedroom only to be met with an empty bed. There was only one other place he thought you could be.

The guest bedroom

In previous house together, whenever the two of you would get into a heated argument, Y/N would always go to the guest bedroom indicating that she needs space before the argument gets pretty ugly.

And that’s exactly what she needed tonight

He couldn’t blame you

He needed to stop letting his past get to him so easily, just because one person made him feel easy doesn’t mean that you’d be the same. In fact he knew you wouldn’t do the same.

Maybe he needed to tell you to help overcome the doubts that he had and that it would make you understand why he’s like this.

-

After Mason had left furiously, slamming the door behind, you had guilt inside of you. You should’ve told him even if it was a minor thing, you didn’t want to be the one that kept secrets from him.

You wanted him to trust you

But also him accusing you of talking to other people when you’re happier than you’ve ever been with him deeply hurt you because you had thought better of him, and you didn’t think he’d stoop that low to accuse you of something like that.

Both of you were in the wrong

You needed to find a way to communicate with each other better.

You went to sleep in the guest bedroom, you thought it would the best thing you both needed, just a night alone away from each other to clear each others minds

Sleep wasn’t coming easy to you, you were tossing and turning every few minutes, your mind at unease because you wanted to know where Mason was, ‘when’s he coming back?’

These questions didn’t stop spiralling in your head, you began to overthink as time went on, such as ‘what if he’s had enough and wants to break up with you?’ which then went to ‘you don’t know how to manage life without him’

It sounds stupid but you didn’t know how to cope without him

It wasn’t long until tears started forming in the corner of your eyes, the more you imagined life without him you convinced yourself that wouldn’t ever heal. Tears now rolling down your cheeks, soaking the pillow.

A short while after your little breakdown, the guestroom door creaked opened and you obviously it’s going to be Mason so you pretended to be asleep but Mason knew you too well, he knew well enough that you weren’t asleep.

Mason crouched down to the side you were sleeping on, he noticed the dried tear tracks on your face straight away, he hated seeing you upset anyway but knowing he possibly made you cry broke his heart.

He didn’t ever want to be the reason for your tears and he promised you from the start that he’ll always keep you happy but he had failed you.

The flowers now sitting on the bedside table unnoticed. Mason pushed your hair out of your face ever so gently, caressing your cheek.

“C’mon baby, I know you’re not sleep. I think you forget I know you too well.” He chuckled a little to ease the tension

You smiled lightly at his comment and fluttered your eyes open, meeting your eyes with his beautiful lust eyes. He smiled at the sight of you “there’s my beautiful girl.”

You couldn’t help but blush almost forgetting about what happened in the last hour.

“I think we should talk,” Mason’s tone sounded desperate, he felt sorrowful. Your heart had dropped on the tone of his voice, you thought this was it.

He’s going to break up with you.

Mason noticed your mood change when he spoke, he got himself from the crouched position and sat himself on the side of the bed gently moving your legs so he could sit properly and comfort you.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He asked, pulling you up and embracing you with his arms around you. “Nothing” your voice had cracked, as you weren’t sure if you could say more without crying. You hid yourself in his neck, your shaking shoulders gave it away, he clung onto you tighter rubbing your back to comfort you.

“You wanna tell me what’s wrong?” He spoke softly kissing the side of your head every now and then

“Don’t leave me,” you thought you were overreacting but you didn’t know what he was going to come out with.

“Where has that come from? What makes you think I’m going to leave you? Do you know how much you mean to me? I could never live a day without you, you’re my forever baby,” he felt himself choke on the last sentence, even thinking about leaving made him feel sick in the pit of his stomach.

“What do you want to talk to me about then?” You sniffed, feeling stupid that he wanted to speak to you about something else, making a fool out of yourself for no reason.

“I wanted to tell you something. The main reason why I have doubts and feel insecure when you’re talking to other men. I know I shouldn’t have any right to say anything when you don’t have any problem with me talking to women. It should work both ways, so this is fair.”

As he took a deep breath, he recounted the story of how he met Molly and how things went down from the beginning to the end. To say that you were angry would be a major understatement. How could somebody even have the audacity to be so blatant about treating someone like this? It had angered you to find out that she had treated your man in such a way. Your anger was bubbling up inside of you, but on your face was a soft expression as you were trying to comfort him, as you could tell it was still hurting him. It’s like he was traumatised by this and you couldn’t blame him.

This girl seemed like a massive bitch by her actions, if you had ever crossed paths with her you would make sure she be sorry for being a bitch. You were deeply hurt the fact that she made Mason feel like this.

“Every time I look at you, I just think god I must have done something right to gain an angel like you, I don’t deserve you.” Mason’s voice cracked, trying to blink away the tears and it tore you apart seeing him like this. He’s been through enough already.

“Woah, you gotta stop there bub. Don’t you dare say anything bad about yourself, because you’re truly the best thing that happened to me. I’m so grateful Sid managed to drag me out of the house and go to the match otherwise we wouldn’t have crossed paths. You have a heart of gold, you’re so self less. You put other people first when it should be the other way babe. Put yourself first! People who take advantage of you don’t deserve in the fucking slightest. If I ever meet this bitch she’d better run because she doesn’t know what’s coming. I’d have to get the big guns out,” you tried to lighten the situation and it worked because he gave you a smile that will always make you weak in the knees.

“I think even if you didn’t go to the match we would’ve still found our way to each other because we’re meant to be. You are my forever,” he says ever so proudly with his eyes twinkling.

“I love you!”

“I love you too, so much!”

The two of you spent a few minutes appreciating each others presence in comfortable silence, placing a few kisses on each other. It was only then you realised the flowers that were sitting on the bedside table, you looked at him in surprise, “you got these for me?” you questioned.

“Oh shit I forgot to give you them,” he slapped his forehead in playful manner which made you giggle. “But yes I did baby, it’s been a while since I got you flowers,” you heart warmed at the gesture.

“Just when I thought I couldn’t get anymore luckier,” you blushed. Mason just smiled, giving you a kiss on the lips as a response.

You two spent the whole night like that, curled up with your head on his chest while his hands rested under your shirt, his fingers stoking up and down your stomach.

Holding each other close the whole night.

-

It had been a few days since that night and you were going out tonight Mason and his teammates.

Over the last few days, you two just decided to get off whatever was on your chest so you two could start fresh with the move and everything.

You had agreed to block Jadon too, after what Mason told you what he said to him the other night. You didn’t feel comfortable talking to him anymore.

Tonight he was going to be there too which is going to be awkward but with Mason by your side you’re sure you’ll get through it.

So here you were, sat in a dim restaurant waiting for the food you ordered a few minutes ago. Mason placed his hand on your thigh and you didn’t think much of it until it had started wandering up your thighs and under your dress. “Keep quiet,” he whispered, smiling innocently giving the impression that you two were talking about something ordinary.

“Mason, behave,” you replied, glaring at him slightly as your cheeks heat up at the feeling of his fingertips on your inner thigh.

“Seeing as he can’t keep his eyes off you, he deserves to know what’s mine and what he’ll only ever dream off,” Mason said with a smirk on his face.

It was evident to a bird that Jadon had his eyes on you since you walked in with Mase, at first glance you thought it was a friendly thing but the more you saw him glancing at you the more you felt slightly uncomfortable. You were grateful to have Mason by your side even though he was good at teasing you.

He began touching you through the fabric of your underwear, gently pressing his hand against your groin, which made you flinch and if you hadn’t been in public, you would’ve gasped.

Mason turned back to his teammates, engaging in their conversation while acting like nothing happened. The moment he pushed your underwear to the side and started rubbing your clit in circular motions you reflexively clenched your legs together, but Mason was quick to spread your legs again.

You dragged your bottom lip between your teeth, trying your hardest to hold back a moan when he inserted two fingers and slowly pumped them in and out while caressing your clit with his free fingers. He kept doing this at a steady slow pace that he knew drove you crazy every time he chose to give you an even more intense feeling by not speeding it up like you wanted.

Just when it was getting even more difficult to not make a sound, Mason directed a question at you, knowing full well that you weren’t able to speak without making ungodly noises that would get you all kicked out from this restaurant before you even got your food. You glared at your boyfriend because he knew what he was doing and it was frustrating you, if only you could let him have his way with you right here.

Mason smirked and continued moving his fingers around your clit, speeding up just a little, “ Are you okay, Y/N?” Luke asked slightly worried.

You simply nodded and forced yourself to smile, pretty sure that if you spoke now, you couldn’t pull yourself together. Since Mason started, he didn’t shown any sign of excitement or shame whatsoever, joking around with his teammates like everything was normal, as if he wasn’t fingering you under the table. He curled his fingers to massage your sensitive spot, all while keeping a straight face.

You breathing got heavier as you were getting closer and closer to your climax, but all of a sudden Mason pulled his hand away, leaving you hanging before you could reach your orgasm. The moment you realised he wasn’t going to finish you off, you reached down, ready for the job yourself, but grabbed your wrist and gave you an assertive look, silently telling you to wait.

You cleared your throat before excusing yourself from the table, squeezing your thigh to signal him to follow you inconspicuously, pushing your chair back to stand up and walking in direction to the bathrooms.

A few minutes later, he came in with a cheeky grin on his face after he closed the door behind him. You crashed your lips into his, kissing him forcefully as you couldn’t wait anymore.

“Fucking finish what you started,” you muttered as you broke away. Mason kneeled on the floor, pushing your underwear down and pushing your dress up so he can get a full view of you.

He grips you by the hips and then cranes his neck forward to kiss and lick between your thighs, tongue gliding between the folds of your pussy, in a way that makes you ache for him even more desperately.

You pull him up to stand, so you can reach for his jeans, unbuckling that belt and zipper without breaking eye contact. His arms are on the wall behind you, caging you in and he’s smirking. You know how much he loves this, having you undress him.

Once your hands are free, he emerged forward, his body pressing you against the sink, “turn around for me, bub. It’s going to be hard and fast, just like you need it. Isn’t that right?”

“Please,” you say eagerly

You shiver as you feel and hear him take himself into his hand, he spits on his cock and then there’s the wet, push and pull sound of him jerking himself off. It gives you goosebumps. You widen your stance, trying to balance yourself on your heels, and he presses a soothing hand against your back to keep you still as he slides inside of you in one smooth movement.

Oh my god. You want to scream in relief. He feels so much deeper from this angle. Heavier. Bigger. Like you can feel him in your stomach.

Mason's hand clings to yours as he bends you over in front of the sink, his fingers grasping your knuckles while he bends you over, holding on to your knuckles. From this angle, you feel impossibly full.

He kisses the naked skin of your back and throat where your dress is exposed, you grin meeting his face in the mirror.

His hands don’t stop, constantly groping your breasts. His mouth hot and wet on your neck.

Your eyes flutter close, you love how low his voice gets when he’s this deep. It feels good. Feels like someone is touching you from inside out, being with him is consuming. You want him. All of him. All the time. Everywhere.

“Feels so good, Mase,” you whimper as you grind back against him, your skin singing with relief at finally feeling satisfied.

When you finally open your eyes you moan again at the sight of Mason reflected back on the glass in front of you. He’s leaving indents on your skin, hickey that you’ll worry about in the morning. The best part is watching him fuck you.

He looks beautiful, sliding his tongue over his mouth, biting into his lips as he loses himself in staring at how your pussy and his cock work together. Watching himself disappear inside of you with each stutter and thrust of his hips. When he looks up to find you staring at him through the reflection, he smiles so wide and so soft that it makes you tighten around him.

“Mase,” you whimper, wanting to say more but your words got caught in your throat. He feels unbelievably good.

He gathers you closer and sneaks his fingers into the space between your thighs and starts rubbing your swollen clit with two fingers. Your elbows almost losing their balance when touching you, the sensation makes you feel like your knees could buckle.

“Oh my god! Mase-”

“You gonna cum for me baby? Gonna coat my cock with your cum?”

“Yes, only for you Mase!”

You felt a stinging sensation on your scalp where he reaches to tug on your hair. Your spine has no choice but to arch back. The best kind of pain.

“I’m going to make you come so hard, but you need to stay with me okay, angel?” You grit your teeth on a particularly hard thrust.

“I need you to come for me,” Mason says, desperately wanting to feel you cum for him.

Your body obeys him before your mind can think, you’re so weak for him, your shoulders are shaking from the effort of not trying to scream his name.

Mason grips your face gently, as if he could recognise how torn you feel. “That’s it baby. My good girl. Did so well for me angel. Gonna make me come too.”

“Yes! Come for me Mase, I want to feel it-”

And that’s what always does it.

You begging him. He can never resist the ache in your voice. He moans into your mouth as he lets himself go. You talk him through it too, telling how much you love him, how good he looks when he comes, how you wanna feel it deep. His cock is pulsing when he’s done and how he lets go of your lips as his neck rolls back and tries catching his breath. His release settling inside you that makes you feel soothed.

“Fucking hell,” he laughs, sinking his weight onto you, loving the feeling of him against your back. “I’m so glad you’re mine. I get to fuck you for the rest of my life, how lucky am I?” Mason chuckles.

“You tease, and yet I thought you loved me for my brain,” you turned around to place your head on his chest and hugged him.

“Oh believe me I love that too! You don’t understand how sexy is when you turn into a sexy know it all,” Mason winks, placing his head in the crook of your neck, kissing it innocently.

You roll your eyes at his comment. “Come on, let’s go before they suspect anything,” you try to push him off but he wasn’t letting you go. “Masonnnn,” you groan longing out his name. “Fine, but gimme a kiss first,” you roll your eyes at his neediness. You gave into him and you should’ve known he was going to push this kiss deeper than intended. You pull away, “uh uh that’s enough mister,” he gives you a fake sad expression but you weren’t falling for that. He leaned in again but you moved your head so instead his lips met your cheek. He gave you a pout, “Listen if he start again now, we’re never going to stop. I’ll give you what you want when we’re home.”

Instantly his mood changed into a quirkier mood. He grabbed your hand and led you out of the bathroom, “We’re going home,” his pace started to get faster but you suddenly stopped him in the middle of the hall way, “what about your teammates? it’s a bit rude if we leave now,” you said not wanting to leave half way through as it seemed rude.

Mason placed a finger to lips “shh. I’ll just tell them you were being sick or something and speaking of rudeness, wasn’t it rude when you were begging me to fuck you under the table while my teammates were there?” He cockily said, smirking.

Well that certainly shut you up

“That’s what I thought.” He continued his pace until he reached the table you had sat at. “Sorry guys, but we have to go. Y/n’s not feeling well, she just threw up in the toilets,” you wanted to laugh at how much of a good liar he is but you couldn’t otherwise that would have ruined your ‘evening plans’

They all looked at you with a sympathetic look in their eyes clearly believing Mason. You found it hard enough to keep a straight face and when they all looked at you, you wanted to start laughing but you needed to hold them in

Marcus started off saying “Mate don’t be sorry, you’ve got priorities! We completely understand!!” He said enthusiastically following along with the others who were agreeing. You all said your goodbyes and Mason was eager enough to get out of this restaurant.

You reached the car park walking to his car that he had pushed you against as he pulled you close and your lips met in a passionate kiss that seemed to last forever, completely oblivious of the fact that you were in public.

Mason pulled away, “As much as I’d love to do this, we have to remember we’re in public and I really don’t want to wake up to the sun articles saying ‘Mason Mount was caught snogging his girlfriends face off’. I can just picture it” You laughed at him mocking the sun articles which would probably most likely be true.

“I promise to fuck you until you see the stars tonight,” he promises with a wink as he kisses one last time. Now you are eager to get home to see Mason obey what he promised you.

Mason had found the quicker route home, while you couldn’t keep his hands off him. Him speeding because he couldn’t wait to touch you, making love to you the whole night.

You were in for a night of fun ahead of you..

masonmount

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yourusername Forever & Always! 😚❤️

1 HOUR AGO

[twirlyleafs]

Hi lovely, I hope you’re doing good🥰 I have an F1 idea (any driver) for some inspo. What about being teammates with said driver and you don’t turn up on media day. Your phone is off and it’s like you’ve fallen on the face of the earth and they are losing their minds but eventually hunt you down and find you spiralling about quali or the race

“Thank you”

Charles Leclerc x driver!reader

A/N: first request!! love!! thank you xxx

~~~~

“Thank you.”

Charles forced a smile as he accepted a steaming cup of coffee, still entirely too tired to even function. He never got used to the early mornings on media days, especially not in gloomy, grey and cold England. Sinking down in his chair in the makeshift conferenceroom he pushed his chin down, trying to crawl deeper into his own sweater. With a first sip of the coffee he let out a soft breath before glancing across the table, scanning all the faces. He wouldn’t admit it, but he was looking for one in particular. A small pout formed on his face when he couldn’t find you. Normally you would’ve been here way before him, already on your second or third cup by the time he trudged into the room. Charles didn’t particularly like to talk to people in the morning but you were the exception, your cheerful demeanor somehow bringing him out of his shell.

“Where’s Y/N?” He asked, glancing over at Fred who in turn looked over at his assistant. She shook her head, a stressed frown on her face.

“We don’t know, she’s not here. I’ve tried her phone several times.” People around the table started murmuring as they too seemed to realize your absence. Charles frowned, somewhat offended that it hadn’t been the first thing on their mind like it was his. He listened to debates about why you were late, most betting that you just simply overslept, but for some reason he had a bad feeling. You’d never been late and he knew for a fact that you didn’t set your phone to silent while you slept, scared you’d miss something, so several calls from Fred’s assistant should’ve woken you up in that case.

“I’m sure she’ll turn up eventually. We’ll keep trying her.” Fred stated before going into today’s schedule. They talked about all the things they had planned on having you do, since this was your home race after all, and discussed what to move over to Charles plate instead. Charles barely listened, instead discreetly pulling his phone up under the table to text you. After sending you a few messages, asking where you were, he also texted Daniel whom he knew you were tight with. When his phone dinged a few minutes later he quickly turned it up, somewhat disappointed when it was Daniel who replied and not you. He hadn’t heard from you either. Charles remembered that the two of you started find my phone the last time you went out together with some of the others, a safety measure taken to ensure that no one got lost, and he quickly looked your phone up. The frown on his face deepened. The last time your phone had been online was just a few minutes ago, so obviously you were awake. Why didn’t you answer? On the bright side it seemed to be in your apartment in Oxford and the idea of driving out there silently grew on him.

“Charles?” His gaze snapped up, cheeks heating up slightly when he noticed the room almost empty. Fred’s assistant stared questioning at him from across the table.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Whats going on today? Y/Ns not here and you’re spending the entire meeting on your phone? I didn’t think I had to deal with this kind of stuff with you two.”

“M’sorry.” He shoved his phone into his pocket, sitting up a bit straighter in the chair. “I was trying to reach her.”

“And?”

Charles shook his head. For the following hours he had trouble focusing on the tasks at hand, mind occupied with the thought of you. He pushed through the interviews, finding Daniel when he had a short break to once again ask if he’d seen or heard from you. To be honest he wanted him to say no. The thought of you responding to Daniel and not him had his jaw clenching in annoyance.

“I haven’t talked to her mate.” Daniel shook his head, checking his phone just in case, before looking at his friend. Charles was pacing, which Daniel found very out of the ordinary for the usually so calm and collected man. He watched him for a few seconds, walking back and forth with his hands on his hips, until he couldn’t take it any longer. “Maybe you should go to her house? You’ve been there before, right?”

Charles stopped, gaze snapping up to look at Daniel. Dan stared back at him with an expectant look on his face, almost surprised that Charles hadn’t already left to go find you. “Yeah, sure. But I can’t just show up at her home.” The Aussie rolled his eyes, letting out a huff.

“Just go Chuck.” Charles didn’t have to be told twice and the second he could get out of media he practically sprinted to his car. He typed in the address of your Oxford home in the car, frequently checking his phone as he drove in case you answered. When he rolled to a stop next to your car you still hadn’t responded to any calls or messages and to say that he was freaking out was an understatement. What could possibly make you not answer your phone for an entire day? Without a second thought Charles knocked on your door, heart beating out of his chest. He knocked again, and again and again, the scenarios in his head getting worse and worse by the second. He was just starting to consider calling the police when he suddenly heard the lock turn, the door being slowly pulled open a second later. Charles could practically feel the anxiety run off him when was able to lay eyes on you, realizing you were at the very least alive. He scanned you quickly, dressed in just a big T-shirt and hair loosely held up by a claw clip.

“Charles?” His gaze shot up to meet yours, frowning slightly at the look of your red and puffy eyes.

“Hey.” He couldn’t think of anything to say, not quite knowing how to approach you.

“What are you doing here?” You were confused to say the least. You had woken up from the sudden banging on your door, having spent last night and the start of this day absolutely panicking. Now Charles was standing outside your house and you were trying to piece together what was happening.

“I came to check on you-“ he paused, tilting his head slightly. “Are you okay?”

Maybe it was the way he said it. Maybe it was the fact that you’d been freaking out for months about this seasons silverstone race. Maybe it was the fact that you hadn’t eaten that much and slept badly for the past few days or maybe it was just the fact that it was Charles asking you but the second the words left his lips you felt your bottom lip quiver. Charles eyes widened when he saw the tears start to form in yours, panicking due to the fact that he just made you cry. The moment the first sob left your lips he acted on pure instinct, pulling the door open wider to be able to step closer to you. You let him wrap you up in a tight hug while your arms hung limply to your sides. Charles backed you into the house while you cried against his chest, alarm bells ringing loudly in his head. He managed to close the door before lifting your feet off the ground enough so that he could trudge deeper into the house. Vaguely remembering the way to your living room he was proud to find it on the first try, sinking down in the couch with you still in his arms. His heart broke at the way you curled yourself closer to him, your whole frame shaking with sobs.

“I’m sorry.” He think he heard you get out, frown deepening at the thought of you apologizing. Charles tightened his grip on your, hand smoothing up and down your back in a calming matter as he urged you to breath with him.

“Feel my chest move? Try matching it.” He mumbled, straining his neck to be able to look down at you. Half your face was hidden against his hoodie and he moved a hand to pull some of your hair back to be able to see the other half. Not breaking away from him, not even an inch, you tried your best to follow his instructions. Your hand was splayed over his chest and you tried to match your breathing with the way it rose and fell. “That’s it.” Charles encouraged you softly. Slowly but steadily you began to calm down and for every minute that the panic diminished the realization of what you’d just put Charles through dawned on you. With a final sniff you pulled away from Charles who, without thinking, tried to pull you back. The two of you shared a look before he quickly let go, letting you shuffle far away enough in the couch so you weren’t touching.

“I’m so sorry Charles-“ you began, wiping your cheeks with your palms, but Charles interrupted.

“Don’t. I really don’t mind.” He quickly assured you. When you didn’t answer he shifted slightly towards you, tilting his head. “You wanna tell me what’s going on?” It was bold to just ask straight out, he knew that, but something about the way you’d just clung to him like a lifebouy made him feel like he had the right. You let out a soft sigh, pulling your legs up under yourself to make yourself more comfortable.

“I don’t know, I just- this race is fucking with my head.” You muttered, shrugging your shoulders.

“I thought you loved Silverstone? It’s your home race after all?”

“I know!” You groaned, throwing your head back. “I do love Silverstone and I was so excited a week ago but then a few nights ago I had this nightmare and it was so real and since then I’ve just been freaking out and now I can’t even look at my phone without crying and panicking and I cried on you now too and-“

“Y/N.” Charles stopped your blabbering, shuffling closer so he could grab your hand in his. You let your eyes land on his face, feeling yourself slightly relax when they met his green ones. Charles offered a soft smile. “What was the nightmare about?”

“Last year.” You mumbled, voice a lot more quiet than a moment ago. Charles frowned for a second before he realized what you were talking about. Last year. You crashed last year. At silverstone. How could he have forgotten about that?

“The crash?”

You answered with a nod, gaze dropping down to watch how his hand squeezed yours. “Yeah. I just, I don’t know. It spooked me I guess. I’ve crashed many times but that one was different.” Charles remembered it now, he knew it had been bad. He could still recall the smoke covering the whole wreckage and the fact that no matter how hard he looked for you as he slowly passed the crashsite he never found you. It wasn’t until after the race he found out you’d been taken to the hospital for a scan. Luckily everything had looked fine and you came out of it miraculously okay, but looking at you now he could tell it still shook you. “I remembered being brought from the car to the garage before they decided to bring me to the hospital and my mother was watching me and crying and I couldn’t even speak to her. That was probably the worst part, not being able to control anything. I couldn’t move, speak. They say it was the chock. I don’t know.” You trailed of, shrugging your shoulders again. Charles let his thumb run over your knuckles.

“Are you afraid it’s going to happen again?”

“Not really, no.” You realized when you said it that you weren’t nervous for the race. You had improved since last year, that was for sure. The weather was supposed to be better this time too and overall you felt secure. Charles hummed in acknowledgment and things went quiet for a while. You felt yourself actually start to think about it for the first time. The past few days you hadn’t been thinking, you’d been panicking. Apparently all it took was Charles presence to have you calm down enough to realize the difference.

“Do you want to skip it? You can always play sick and have Bearman drive.”

“No. I wanna do it. I’d never skip a race.” You were determined, looking up at Charles again. He raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on his lips. Now he started to recognize you.

“Are you sure?” The teasing voice was one you were familiar with, one you loved. You couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh, nodding quickly. The sound made Charles heart flutter.

“I’m positive.”

The two of you fell into your normal jargon after that and Charles told you everything you’d missed during media. You noted that he never let go of your hand and that every time you laughed he’d squeezed it slightly. You didn’t mind. After a while Charles offered to make dinner and despite you telling him you had nothing in your fridge he got started. You were impressed with what he managed to whip up using close to nothing. You were in awe of how Charles had managed to completely turn you around in less than a few hours and you were incredibly grateful that he’d taken time out of his day to actually drive out and check up on you. Honestly, the thought made your stomach flutter.

Eventually Charles had to leave, the sun was far gone and both of you had an early morning tomorrow, and you watched him shrug on his jacket in the foyer. He had you promise him to call if anything were bothering you and you gave him your word. He’d be the first to know. Charles watched you for a moment before nodding, a satisfied smile on his face.

“I’ll see you first thing in the morning then?”

“Yep, unless I get murdered for missing media day.” You mused, making Charles chuckle. You leaned against the wall, eyes following Charles check his pockets for his keys before turning towards the door. “Charles?” He paused for a second, hand on the door handle. Charles savored the way his name sounded coming from your lips. Your voice was soft, like silk, and he almost longed to hear it again.

“Hmm?” Charles just had time to turn back around to face you when you basically threw yourself at him. He stumbled at the impact, quickly regaining himself as you slung your arms over his shoulders. It took a moment of comprehension before he wrapped his own arms around you, holding you against his chest. Maybe he took it too far when he pressed his nose against the top of your head, but you didn’t say anything and he couldn’t stop himself.

“Thank you.”

[kirbyluvr69]

Some Thoughts™

About art, desire and John Lennon

If you're active on the Twitter side of The Beatles fandom you'd know that just yesterday a collage John made for Paul titled "I Only Have Eyes For You" made the rounds and scared people whom, I guess, don't think about visual arts very often. Unfortunately I don't use the word "scared" lightly. People really used the words "disturbing" and "concerning" to describe this piece, with a hint of a "What was Lennon thinking about our poor Paul to make this with him in mind" sentiment that I don't think it's quite fair.

I tried to search more about this collage´s context, but all I could find (without having to buy Julian Lennon's book in which the image was featured) was that it was made in the 50s, while John was still at art college, but to be quite frank, I don't think the exact date matters too much.

What I see in this image first and foremost is desire, plain and simple. Red is a sexual colour, we have naked women sprawled, the head with its mouth open in a orgasm-like fashion, the eyes symbolizing voyeurism. If anything, as a friend of mine also pointed out while we discussed it, this collage is proof of the way John and Paul were so close they were even free to be honest about their sexual desires to one another. Even if the collage was made for another purpose and gifted to Paul later, this sentiment still stands, because Paul was the person he thought would receive this part of himself with open arms.

Is the collage "disturbing"? I guess, in a way. The same way I think growing up in the 40s and 50s in a hyper-convervative protestant society like England and discovering yourself would be disturbing. Even more if you're not entirely straight as an arrow. But I don't think John's talking about this here. This is about his feelings for the opposite sex, and they weren't always nice. Red is also the colour of blood and guts, John was also known for having violent outbursts. Would it not disturb you that the object of your desire also brings up in you violence? I don't think we'll ever know why he felt that way, but here we see that he's aware of it. At least I think so.

I saw another analysis of this collage that somewhat agreed with me, but presented this argument as if this was a bad thing? I don't know exactly what made me think this way, maybe the verbiage, but I'll never think a person exploring the nature of their desire, be it disturbing or not, is wrong. Of course domestic violence is bad and I'm in no way excusing it, but if you're willing to engage with The Beatles, you have to bear in mind they were shitty to the women in their lives in varying degrees much like every man ever in general, and specially at that time.

As a self proclaimed John Lennon Scholar i.e. I Wanna Crack Open His Skull And Look At His Brain With A Microscope, I'm happy this exists, and I think I need a little more time with it myself.

All of this to say: I like it, I think John Lennon was a good visual artist and stop being weird about art.

To lighten up the mood, look at the gay as hell collage John made for Elton in 1975! This one deserved its own post with a lot of tin hatting on my part, but whatever! I love them so much (and yes, I WILL find a way to mention their friendship in every post I make, shut up. One day the Lennon/John masterpost will come).

[auras-moonstone]

hi! i love the way you write and was hoping if you had time for this rec :) ethan x reader

it's inspired by 'the summer i turned pretty'

y/n is the bailey's childhood friend, she was very close to ethan and quinn growing up, but when she comes back to newyork, richie is suddenly very interested in her and the shitty brother that he is, he know that ethan had a thing for her.

"You think she's pretty?" richie asked ethan one day.

"Yeah, and you do too," ethan replied already annoyed, trying to brush it off.

"I hadn't noticed, really," richie said, smirking.

"Come on, man. I've noticed you noticing"

richie is the it-boy of the town, always gets what he wants, cocky and arrogant. y/n was the only thing ethan had for himself only.

sorry if its long 😭😭 its mostly angsty id say, y/n is surprised someone like richie likes her but her heart has always been yearning for ethan whom she thinks will never see her that way.

childhood best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes so i really had a lot of fun writing this! hope you like it💓🫶🏻

you’re my best friend — ethan landry

word count: 2,465

pairing: ethan landry x fem!reader

summary: when y/n goes back to new york city she finds out two things—she’s still crushing on ethan and richie took an interest in her.

WHEN Y/N AND HIS FAMILY HAD TO LEAVE NEW YORK FOR LONDON, THE BAILEY’S WERE LEFT HEARTBROKEN, ESPECIALLY QUINN AND ETHAN. Both of their families had been close since forever, so Quinn, Ethan, Y/N and Richie grew up together and the first three developed a really close friendship.

Y/N’s dad got a promotion, so they had to move to England, where Y/N finished high school and started college. Now, though, her dad had been offered to go back to New York if he wanted. And because he missed the city and his friends, he said yes.

The first thing Y/N did when she found out was text her best friends—Quinn and Ethan, with whom she had kept contact with despite the distance. She was excited to see them, and wondered what she would feel when she finally saw Ethan again. She’d like to think she got over her crush, but that’s because they hadn’t seen each other in four years.

And there she was, about to find out. Y/N was standing in front of the Bailey’s house with her parents behind her. The door opened and Y/N’s chest grew tight in anticipation, and then she held a sigh of disappointment when Wayne’s face appeared.

The older man greeted her parents with enthusiasm, and when it was her time to say hello, the man opened his mouth in shock “Oh my! You’ve grown a lot! It’s nice to see you again, Y/N”

“You too, Wayne” she hugged him awkwardly. Y/N wasn’t his biggest fan, she still remember all too well the way he treated Ethan. Always comparing him to Richie, making him feel like garbage.

“Quinn and Richie are in the kitchen” he informed her. She nodded and made her way to said place.

As soon as she set foot on the big kitchen, she was attacked by a hug. “Oh my god! You’re here!” she recognized the voice of Quinn.

“I’m here! I missed you” she broke the hug to take a look at her friend’s new hairstyle “Red is definitely your color, Q. You look so good.”

“And London certainly benefited you, holy shit. You look hot. Give me a chance?” the red-head joked.

“Absolutely” she laughed, hugging her once more. “I can’t believe I’m back”

“Hi, Y/N” Richie finally managed to find his voice. He had been completely entranced by the girl. Quinn was right, she got hot. He had never noticed her, because well, he had always seen her as his sibling’s friend and because she had been 15 when she left. Now, she was 19 and super attractive.

“Oh, sorry. Hi, Richie. Nice to see you again” she gave him a little wave. Y/N wasn’t sure she liked the way Richie was shamelessly checking her out. “Where is Eth?” she tried not to sound so excited.

“Oh, he’s in his room, as always. Drowning himself in text books and having no social life whatsoever” Richie rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“He doesn’t know you’re coming today, so go surprise him” Quinn said, eyeing the way Y/N’s knuckles turned white. She had always hated when people talked badly about Ethan, and apparently, it didn’t change.

Y/N walked up the stairs, anguish filling her stomach and her heart beating so fast it made her cheeks turn red. She stood in front of the door, trying to gain the courage to knock. There was just one door separating her from Ethan, the guy who had been her first crush ever. Her best friend in the entire world.

“Come in” she heard, and almost fainted. Not because she was seconds away from seeing his face after four years, but because she noticed the change in his voice. It was deeper, raspier and… hot.

Y/N took a deep breath and opened the door. There he was, lying on his bed, headphones flattening his perfect curly hair and book open on his lap.

His round brown eyes found hers, and he jumped off the bed so fast he got dizzy. Y/N laughed and ran into his arms, that were instantly wrapped around her lower back to pull her up and against his chest. Her legs locked around his waist.

“Please tell me you’re real and I’m not making you up” Ethan said, face between her neck and shoulder blades.

“I’m real” she laughed. “And I’m back to stay. Holy shit, you got so fucking tall”

“And you have not grown and inch” he joked, letting her feet touch the ground again.

“Mean” Y/N punched his arm playfully. “Where is your Justin Bieber haircut?!”

“That was a phase I don’t want to remember” he shook his head. “What, you don’t like my curls?”

“No… I love them. You have amazing hair” Y/N complimented.

Ethan blushed, and took his time to let his eyes take in her face. Her factions were more defined, her lips were fuller, eyes a little darker but still very bright, and smile as warm as ever. She had grown a bit, but she was still short compared to him, her head barely reached his shoulders. She looked even prettier than before, and Ethan couldn’t believe he would be able to see her everyday.

The tall boy had also changed a lot, and Y/N needed to figure out how to stop looking at him before she weirded him out. His jawline was sharp as a diamond, his cheekbones more defined, and surprisingly, he had muscles. Enthralling, captivating muscles. He was pretty, adorable and hot at the same time and Y/N’s doubts faded away—her crush on him was still very much intact.

“You look stunning, Y/N/N. I missed you” he said in a low voice. They were so close, his arms still around her, and the moment felt intimate and cozy. It was at that moment Y/N realized how much she had missed her home.

“I missed you too” she smiled, happiness was radiating off her. Y/N was so happy she could cry. “Can I hug you again?”

“You don’t have to ask. You know I love your hugs, and I missed them. So, you’ll have to hug me a lot to make up for the lost time” Ethan answered, chest almost exploding for the amount of adoration he felt for her.

None of them knew for how long they stayed in each others arms, if it had been just minutes or hours, but they did know that either way, it hadn’t been enough. They could’ve stayed like that forever.

SAYING THAT Y/N CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF EVERY BLACKMORE STUDENTS WOULD BE GOING A LITTLE TOO FAR, but she certainly had the attention of the people she had classes with. Not only because of her looks, but also because she entered in the middle of the semester, which was extremely unusual. Y/N hated the twenty pairs of eyes on her, but she was thankful she at least had Ethan by her side.

The nerdy boy felt a little uneased by the reaction Y/N caused. She had always been someone only Ethan used to notice—thought he never understood why, because she was the most amazing girl in the world—, and the thought of that changing made him panic. Because there were so many guys who were better than him, and now that she had options, Ethan knew Y/N would never choose him.

“How is your first day going?” to her surprise, Richie asked.

“Um, good?” she said, unsure. It was weird, Richie and her had never been friends. He had never cared about her well-being, what was his deal now? She didn’t know.

But Ethan did, he could see it in his brother’s eyes. Richie was interested in Y/N and it made his blood boil. He knew Ethan had feelings for her, but of course he didn’t care.

“Great. If you need anything, feel free to tell me” he said, winking at her before leaving.

“That’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me. Is he okay? Did he fell from the stairs and hit his head or something?” Y/N asked Ethan.

The brunet laughed “He kind of became the ‘it’ boy of college, which fed his ego and makes him brave enough to flirt with every hot girl that crosses his path. You’re his next target.”

Richie had always been popular amongst girls—he was attractive, had that attitude girls found hot, and was sometimes funny—and exactly the type who would never look at Y/N’s way, or so she thought.

She couldn’t imagine herself with him, not only because ‘it’ boys weren’t her kind of boys, but also because her heart yearned for Ethan. Even when she knew he would never look at her as more than a friend.

“Well, time to damage it boy’s ego” Y/N said.

Ethan looked at her surprised “You are not into him?”

“Ethan, what the actual fuck? No!“ she laughed in shock. Wasn’t it painfully obvious that she had a crush on him and not Richie? Guess not. Or maybe Ethan was way too oblivious.

“Okay” wasn’t she imagine it or did she actually hear relief in his voice?

ETHAN AND RICHIE SAT ON THE BEACH CHAIRS NEXT TO THEIR POOL, THEIR EYES ON THE VOLEY MATCH HAPPENING IN FRONT OF THEM. It was Quinn and Y/N vs. Tara and Mindy, and Ethan’s eyes were specifically focused on Y/N’s figure. Richie couldn’t pass the opportunity to tease him.

"You think she's pretty?" Richie asked him, sarcasm present in his voice.

"Yeah, and you do too," his brother replied, already annoyed, trying to brush it off.

"I hadn't noticed, really," Richie said, smirking. He enjoyed seeing his brother angry so much, and he knew Y/N was his weak point.

"Come on, man. I've noticed you noticing. And she did too” Ethan said, frowning.

“She does? Maybe I should ask her out, then.” Richie said, hoping this would make Ethan fume.

However, the nerdy boy gave him a smile. “Do it.” he tried to suppress a smirk at his brother’s confused reaction.

“Hey, enjoyed the game?” Y/N asked. They had been so sumerged in their conversation they hadn’t noticed the match ended.

Ethan flashed her his sweet pretty smile, which she mirrored “You’re good, Y/N/N.”

“Thanks, Eth” if her cheeks hadn’t been already red from the heat and the exercise, Ethan would’ve noticed the effect his words had on her.

“Do you want water, gorgeous?” Richie asked, with a sly grin. Ethan clenched his jaw and Y/N tried not to make a disgusted face.

“Yes, but I’ll go get it” Y/N said walking to the kitchen before Richie could beat her. Ethan followed her, feeling Richie’s eyes on the back of his head. “Does he not get the hint? I have given no signs that I like him”

“I should probably warn you, he’s going to ask you out” Ethan told her, leaning against the counter and she poured water in a glass.

“Oh god, you know what? It’s fine, I’m just going to tell him he’s not the one I’m interested in” Y/N said.

Ethan stiffened “What do you mean by that? You’re interested in someone?” his chest contracted.

Y/N then realized what she had said. “Oh… well, yeah.”

The boy nodded, trying not to show how much it hurt “Are they from London?”

Y/N shook her head “No, he is from here.” she admitted.

“Oh… you met him at college?” he asked. Why was he asking? He was a fucking masochist.

“No… but he goes to our college”

“So that means you met him before you moved to London” Ethan deduced.

Y/N nodded “Waay before I moved. I have known him my whole life” she said. He’s got to figure it out now.

“I have no fricking idea” Ethan laughed. “I don’t remember you hanging out with someone who wasn’t Quinn or me.”

“Ethan are you serious?” Y/N groaned. Guess he really was oblivious. Ethan looked at her, very lost. “I’m talking about you, you idiot. Honestly, for someone that smart you can really be dumb sometimes.”

“Me? You like me?” Ethan pointed at himself in disbelief.

“I have liked you since we were fourteen, Eth. Never stopped liking you” Y/N smiled nervously. What was going to happen next? Rejection or reciprocation?

“Are you sure?” he asked in a low tone.

Y/N let out a giggle “Yes, Ethan, pretty sure I know my emotions. Do you know yours?”

“I win” Ethan said, making her frown, not understanding what he meant. “I have liked you since we were thirteen. So I won.”

The girl rolled her eyes, smile painted on her face as she walked closer to him and hugged him. “Well, guess the loser is the one who has to ask the question” Ethan raised his eyebrows in amusement, liking were this conversation was going. “Ethan, would you like to be my boyfriend?”

“I would love to be your boyfriend, Y/N” he replied. Y/N could feel his heartbeats through his shirt as his arms were wrapped around her lower back. “Can I kiss you, girlfriend?”

“Yes, you can, boyfriend” she closed her arms around his neck and brought him down to meet her lips. Mint got mixed with cherry, and their soft lips danced with each other in one perfect and very awaited kiss.

The slow and calm kiss turned into a rougher and wilder one. His hands went under her white tank top as hers messed with his soft curls. Ethan turned them around, so that she was now pressed against the counter. But soon, he lifted her up and set her on it. She opened her legs so he could step between them and deepened the kiss.

“You’re my best friend” Y/N whispered breathlessly against his lips.

Ethan smiled “You’re my best friend, too. I love you”

“I love you” she said back, before kissing him once again.

Quinn, Richie, Tara and Mindy entered the kitchen and stood still at the scene happening in front of them. The two teenagers were so engrossed in their lustful kiss that they didn’t notice them until Quinn yelled “Not in the counter, we use it to cook!”

“Kids nowadays have zero respect” Mindy shook her head.

“This is a family house!” Tara exclaimed. Richie just stood there completely dumbfounded, which made Ethan feel even more victorious.

“Oh, we have been waiting this for years, leave us alone” Y/N rolled her eyes, but got off the counter anyways. Ethan draped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“They’re cute, you have to give them that” Tara said to Quinn.

“Are you two official?” Quinn asked, now unable to hide her smile.

“Yes” they said in unison, smiling to each other.