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#earl charles grey
grey-and-stuff · 4 months
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A little throwback haha
I did this two years ago. Enjoy
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janus-cadet · 1 year
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Guys, guys, I've got the opportunity to do another collab' with my fav artist ever, @mimmixerenard !! And this one, well, it's about the Double Charles, from Black Butler.
See, whenever we write something together, those guys always seems to pop at one point or another, a special cameo. Modern Setting, Star Trek, Leijiverse... everywhere. And so, we kinda picture what would happen if we put them in a sort of Sandman setting, as dreams or nightmares. Therefore, that concept was born.
But first, the drawing.
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(I'm absolutely in love with @mimmixerenard's part of the drawing. Look at that, how fluid Grey's movement is. Please, please, if you see this post, please consider going to check their profile, you'll be amazed. It's a garantee.)
So, in this, Grey is a Dream, always appearing quite feral and menacing to the dreamer ; meanwhile, Phipps is a Nightmare, always appearing calm and kind. Both of them work in tandem, enjoying to confuse the dreamer about their true nature. Before each dream, they have an over-the-top fight to decide if the dreamer will have a Pleasant Dream or a Nightmare ; of course, they can't hurt each other for real, but sure as hell enjoy pretend otherwise.
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(Look at that, the proportion are so neat on Grey, and the clothes design-)
And sooo... yep, this drawing is born. It was fantastic to work with them. Thank you again, my friend, and keep on being absolutely amazing. You deserve the praises.
Hope you'll all like it, for how weird and seemingly random it can be!
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kanarrrii · 1 year
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Vogue exclusive 🎩🖤🎩
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tinykuroshitsujipics · 5 months
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@funtomfactory here! Congrats on hitting such a big number! Can I request a tiny Earl Grey drawing? :3
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thank you so much!
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funtomfactory · 5 months
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Cherik Tea Latte
Earl Grey with steamed milk & Marigold 🌸
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landonfour · 2 months
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╰┈➤ ❝ desire • l.n c.l ❞ x
part nine - part eleven
➪ Charles hasn't paid much attention to you after your daughter was born but a certain Brit does.
➪ and while there's a lot of things you still need to work on, this is a great start to the new, beter chapters of your life
➪ established relationship mom!reader x dad!Charles x lando
➪ I think we needed a lil' cute to calm our tits 🥰 also, absolutely gobsmacked by the love this fic is getting and how involved you all are with it, you guys are seriously the best and I love y'all so much 😘
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y/nusername posted to their story
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milliexoxo replied to your story
milliexoxo
someone's getting laid tonight
guessing you're not coming home tonight 🤪
y/nusername
go back to your coloring book
milliexoxo
wow, okay..I see how it is
no but seriously, are you coming back tonight or are you staying with lando so I can double lock the house lmao
y/nusername
staying in monaco, will be back tomorrow
milliexoxo
nice, I'll see you tomorrow then
have fun and don't do things I wouldn't do 😘
y/nusername
okay mom 😘
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y/nusername
📍 London, United Kingdom
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liked by landonorris, maxfewtrell and 539,678 others
y/nusername fifty shades of earl grey. 🇬🇧
tagged: landonorris, milliexoxo
view all 2,001 comments
norry4 cute, lando took them to England 😭
milliexoxo talk british to me
milliexoxo not pictured, y/n losing her mind over a bookshop
↳ y/nusername that wasn't a shop, that was heaven.
milliexoxo okay..nerd
landoscar i agree with y/n, every book shop is heaven
yukisan girl stop bullying your mom, we've warned you before 😭
milliexoxo I'm a rebel, I don't listen to no one
y/nusername big imagination for such a little girl
norrizz god I just know zoë is getting spoiled by stepdad lando 😭
carlandooo Charles crying in a corner rn
↳ charliecharlie I mean that's his own fault lmfao
carlandooo true 💀
bradleyfewtrell please tell me you met max 😂
↳ landomax I just know millie will bully max relentlessly 😂
bradleyfewtrell and I just know y/n would get along with max and pietra so well!
norrizzlandoo lando and zoë 😭😭
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milliexoxo
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like by y/nusername, logansargeant and 2,671 others
milliexoxo your typical tourist on tour.
tagged: landonorris, y/nusername, maxfewtrell
maxwellmax lmfao yes max 💀
landonorris ❤️ I nodnol?
↳ milliexoxo oh my god you're so funny lando!!!!!!!
norry4 took me a second 😂
landonorizzzz he's taking his annoying stepdad duties seriously 😭
landoscar I feel sorry for the people who don't follow millie and miss out on all this
charlieslec did she just casually expose lando and y/n??
↳ norry4 are you new here? 😂
maxfewtrell but why?
↳ milliexoxo because I can 🥰
yukisan are we all just going to ignore the fact that Logan Sargeant is hiding in the likes? Yes? Cool 😭
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y/nusername
📍 Miami, FL
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liked by riabish, landonorris and 609,578 others
y/nusername week 6. 🇺🇸
tagged: landonorris
view all 1,922 comments
landonorizzzz aw lando finally made it to the feed normally instead of the soft launch bullshit 😇
charlesgirlies zoë 🥺😭
milliexoxo look at my girlfriend living her best life, floating around ❤️
norry4 are we official? Hellooo can I finally fully unleash thr landoy/n shipper in me?! 🥺
yourmumsuser my little zoë 🤩🤩
chilisainz zoe being the unbothered queen that she is
landonorris my girls ❤️
↳ landoscar SHUT UP SHUT THE FUCK UP SHUT UUUUUUUP 😭
yesrislando brb going to take a bath with my toaster
maxmaxmax man's really pulled a max and stole another driver's girl and child 💀
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Desire taglist; @fangirl-dot-com @sainzluvrr @writingworlds @chezmardybum @lewisvinga @xjval @fanficweasley @rockyhayzkid @aundercover @thecubanator2 @minchedchilli @crimeshowjunkie @alisoncasey21 @eeviepepi08 @shamelesspotatos @sleepybrokenmelle @leireggsworld @janeholt3 @iamahalicinationn @dessxoxsworld @kapsylia @22yuki @dark-night-sky-99 @sheslikeacurse @nerdreader
Everything taglist; @thomaslefteyebrow @hopefulinlove @smoothopz @softboystarkey @honethatty12 @cixrosie @parkersmjs @ireadthensuetheauthors @celestialams @be-your-coffee-pot @heli991113 @kodzuvk @reality-is-a-con @80sloverry @bibissparkles @myescapefromthislife @lanando4 @elliegrey2803 @ravisinghs-wife @harrysdimple05 @minkyungseokie @pretty-little-bunny382728 @thatgirlthatreadswattpad @severewobblerlightdragon @cherry-piee @namgification @mycenterfold @devineendevers
Lando taglist: @beatricemiruna @simp-for-fictional-people @landossainz @christianpulisic10 @bored-brunette2 @i83andrew
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pucksandpower · 2 months
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Rosso Corsa
Lewis Hamilton x Leclerc!Reader
Summary: Lewis Hamilton has been called the GOAT by many … after he becomes your brother’s new teammate, you learn firsthand that being the greatest of all time extends to quite a few other aspects of his life as well
Warnings: 18+ content
Special thanks to @struggling-with-drivers for being an amazing friend and source of feedback who experienced today’s crazy whirlwind of news with me
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You stand on the balcony of Lewis’ penthouse overlooking the harbor in Monaco, watching the rain pour down. The raindrops beat a steady rhythm on the metal railing as you take a sip of your coffee.
“Good morning, beautiful,” Lewis says as he comes up behind you and wraps his arms around your waist. You relax into his embrace, still not used to how affectionate he is with you.
“Morning,” you reply with a small smile. “The rain woke me up early.”
“Hmm, I hope it didn’t disturb you too much,” Lewis murmurs as he nuzzles your neck. You bite your lip to hold back a pleasured sigh.
“I don’t mind it. I’ve always found the sound of rain soothing,” you say.
Lewis hums in response as you both stare out at the stormy sea. The rain is coming down hard now, large droplets splattering on the balcony floor.
“Shall we go inside where it’s warm and dry?” Lewis asks after a few moments.
You nod and let him guide you back into the open living room. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a stunning view of Monaco even in the gloomy weather.
Lewis busies himself making a fresh cup of tea while you settle on the large sectional sofa, tucking your feet under you. Your mind wanders as you watch the rain streak down the windows.
You’ve been staying with Lewis for almost two weeks now, only a few months after he signed with Ferrari as your brother’s new teammate. You grew up in these very streets with Charles, the two of you extremely close in age and personality. He was your fiercest protector, shielding you from the realities of life in the spotlight.
But now you’re an adult, and Charles can no longer shelter you entirely. Especially not from someone as charming and persuasive as Lewis Hamilton.
You suppress a shiver as you remember the first time you met Lewis while joining your brother in Maranello. His warm brown eyes lingered on you as Charles introduced you. He took your hand and held it a beat too long, his thumb gently caressing your knuckles. A secretive smile played on his lips, sending your heart racing.
Over the next few days, Lewis went out of his way to talk to you, compliment you, make you laugh. Whenever Charles was preoccupied, Lewis found an excuse to steal you away, guiding you by the small of your back or brushing his fingers against yours.
You knew you should keep your distance. Lewis had a reputation, and Charles would be furious if he knew how Lewis was pursuing you. But you couldn’t resist his allure.
So when Lewis invited you to stay with him instead of in your empty apartment while Charles was away, you said yes despite your better judgment. And now here you are, growing more attached to Lewis each day.
You’re drawn out of your reminiscing when Lewis sits down next to you, switching out your rapidly cooling coffee for some earl grey with a splash of oat milk.
“What are you thinking about so seriously over here?” He asks, his tone playful yet gentle. He runs his fingers lightly up and down your arm, raising goosebumps on your skin.
You take a sip of coffee to buy yourself a moment. “Oh, just remembering when we first met,” you say, aiming for nonchalance.
Lewis smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Ah yes, I remember it well. I took one look at you and was completely enthralled.”
You blush and avoid his gaze. “Lewis ...”
“What? It’s true,” he says earnestly. When you shyly meet his eyes, they shine with warmth and affection. “From that very first moment, I wanted to get to know you, protect you ...”
He trails off as he tucks a lock of hair behind your ear, his fingers grazing your cheek. Your breath hitches at his touch.
“Why me?” You whisper.
Lewis shakes his head in amusement. “How could I not be drawn to you? You’re beautiful, charming, intelligent … anyone would be lucky to capture your attention.”
You stare down into your coffee, overwhelmed. No one has ever spoken to you this way before. Looked at you the way Lewis does, like you’re the most captivating person in the world.
“Hey, look at me,” Lewis murmurs. He tips your chin up until your eyes lock with his. “I mean every word. From the moment we met, all I’ve wanted is to get closer to you.”
His thumb strokes your bottom lip as he speaks. You’re helpless to pull away from his intense gaze.
“I know your brother wants to keep you locked away from reality,” Lewis continues seriously. “But you’re an adult now. You can make your own choices.”
His eyes flick down to your lips. Your breath catches in anticipation. Slowly, giving you time to pull back, Lewis leans in.
When his lips meet yours, you let your eyes drift shut. The kiss is soft and undemanding at first, Lewis letting you set the pace. As you respond tentatively, he pulls you closer, one hand coming up to cradle the back of your head.
It’s like nothing you’ve ever felt before. Kissing Lewis surrounds you in warmth, makes you feel desired and cherished. You let him deepen the kiss, chasing the delicious sensation.
After long, blissful moments, Lewis gradually slows the kiss. He presses light, sweet pecks to your lips as he pulls back just enough to meet your dazed eyes.
“Wow,” you breathe, eliciting a delighted chuckle from him.
“I’d say so too,” Lewis says, smile crinkling his eyes. He brushes his thumb over your lower lip again. “I’ve wanted to do that for so long now.”
You bite your lip as you study his handsome face. Your heart is racing but you’ve never felt more secure than wrapped in his strong arms. Still, a niggling thought won’t leave you alone.
“Lewis … what about Charles?” You ask uncertainly. “If he finds out ...”
Lewis presses another soft kiss to your forehead. “I know, I know. We’ll have to be careful.” He strokes your hair soothingly. “This can be our secret for now. I don’t want you to worry, love. I’ll take care of you.”
His sincerity and confidence settles your nerves. You nod and cuddle into his broad chest. Lewis’ arms come around you as he drops a kiss to the top of your head.
“Why don’t I make us some breakfast?” He suggests. “We can spend the day inside, just the two of us.”
You smile up at him. “That sounds perfect.”
Lewis smiles and steals one more lingering kiss before heading to the kitchen. You settle back against the plush cushions, heart full.
The rain continues to fall steadily outside. But here, wrapped in Lewis’ affection, you’ve never felt warmer.
***
You pace back and forth in Lewis’ driver’s room, nerves making your heart flutter. The deafening roar of the crowds just outside echoes in your ears.
Lewis did it. He won his first race with Ferrari today. You watched with pride and excitement as he stood on the top step of the podium, rosso corsa vivid against the grey skies as the champagne poured down.
Now you wait for him to finish with the press and the team, bouncing anxiously on the balls of your feet. You smooth your hands down your dress for the tenth time, wondering if you’re making a mistake.
Finally the door opens and Lewis steps inside. His race suit is unzipped to the waist, his sculpted chest straining against his fireproofs underneath. He breaks into a huge grin when he sees you.
“Hello, gorgeous,” he says warmly, striding over to fold you into his arms. “What a lovely surprise.”
You hug him back tightly, relieved laughter bubbling out of you. “I’m so proud of you! Your first win for Ferrari.”
Lewis kisses your temple before holding you at arm’s length, hands gentle on your waist. “Today has been incredible. But coming back to find you here waiting … that’s the best victory of all.”
You blush under the sincerity of his gaze. Reaching up, you run your fingers over the stubble on his jaw. “I wanted to celebrate with you privately first, before the team party.”
Lewis’ eyes darken with desire and he pulls you flush against him. “I can think of a few private celebrations I’d like to have with you,” he murmurs suggestively.
Your breath catches but you place a hand on his chest. “Wait. I have something to tell you first.”
Taking his hand, you lead him over to the small sofa along the wall. Lewis sits and pulls you down next to him, studying you intently.
You take a deep, steadying breath. Your heart is racing for an entirely different reason now.
“Lewis, I … I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you.” You keep your eyes locked on his, willing him to understand the depth of your emotions.
“I know we have to hide this from Charles and the team. But I’m tired of hiding how I feel.” You reach out to cradle his face in your hands. “I’m yours, Lew. In every way. If you want me.”
Lewis’ eyes flare with a mixture of desire and affection. He turns his head to press a fervent kiss to your palm.
“Are you certain, my love? We can wait until you’re ready,” he says seriously, though his body vibrates with pent up longing.
You smile tremulously and nod. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
Needing no further encouragement, Lewis crushes his mouth to yours. He kisses you deeply, holding nothing back. You moan into his mouth, your hands twisting in his race suit.
When you finally break apart both gasping for air, Lewis rests his forehead against yours. His eyes blaze with arousal but his touch is gentle as he caresses your face.
Lewis lays you down gently on the bed, his body blanketing yours. His hand slips into your hair as he kisses you deeply, with restrained passion.
When he finally breaks the kiss, you’re both breathing hard. Lewis trails hot, open-mouthed kisses down your neck, nipping lightly at your pulse point in a way that makes you gasp.
“Tell me if you want me to stop,” he rasps, his voice rough with need.
You shake your head, arching into his touch. Your hands grasp at his shoulders, feeling the strength coiled under his shirt.
With deft fingers, Lewis begins unbuttoning your dress, exposing more and more of your flushed skin. He pauses when he reaches your bra, meeting your eyes questioningly. At your tiny nod, he reaches around and unhooks it, sliding the straps down your arms.
You flush as he reveals your bare breasts for the first time. Lewis groans low in his throat, eyes raking over you hungrily. Slowly he lowers his head, watching your face for any hesitation. When you bite your lip and nod for him to continue, he closes his lips around one taut nipple.
You cry out at the sensation, back arching off the bed. Lewis lavishes attention on your breasts, licking, sucking, kissing every inch of the sensitive skin. You’re mindless with pleasure, grasping at him desperately.
After an eternity, Lewis begins trailing hot kisses back down your stomach, hands unzipping your dress the rest of the way. He slides it down your legs tantalizingly slowly, caressing each new bit of exposed skin.
When you’re left in just your panties, Lewis pauses to admire you. “So beautiful,” he murmurs reverently before capturing your lips again.
His hands explore your body with new urgency, stroking along your sides, grasping your hips. You tentatively slide your hands under his shirt, feeling his muscles flex. Lewis groans and sits back just long enough to rip the Nomex over his head.
The feel of his bare chest against yours makes you dizzy with need. You start fumbling with his briefs until Lewis gently stills your hands.
“Slow down, love. We have all night,” he rasps, though his eyes are dark with desire. He kisses you languidly until you relax again, melting into his touch.
Only then does Lewis trail his hand down between your legs. You gasp against his mouth at the intimate caress, even through the fabric of your panties. He rubs you in slow circles until you’re mindless, pleading for more.
With utmost care Lewis slides your panties down your legs. His fingers return to stroke you directly and you cry out, arching into his hand.
“That’s it darling, let go for me,” Lewis coaxes. He watches your face raptly as he brings you higher and higher until you shatter around his fingers with a sharp cry.
As you float back down, Lewis kisses you tenderly. “You are so perfect, my love,” he whispers.
When you’ve caught your breath, Lewis stands just long enough to shed the rest of his clothes. The sight of him bare above you makes you flush anew, but you boldly meet his heated gaze.
Lewis settles between your thighs once more, the evidence of his desire pressing insistently against your core. He braces himself above you on one arm while the other hand caresses your face.
“I’ll go slow, I promise,” he says thickly. You nod, heart pounding in anticipation.
Lewis reaches down to position himself at your entrance. He watches your face intently as he begins to press inside you. Despite his care, you gasp at the burning stretch. Immediately Lewis stills, face taut.
“Keep going,” you plead breathlessly.
Jaw clenched, Lewis pushes forward inexorably slowly until he’s fully seated inside you. He drops his head to your shoulder with a guttural groan.
“Oh god, you feel incredible,” he grits out.
You cling to him, overwhelmed at the new sensations. The fullness, the intimacy of being joined so completely.
Lewis is trembling with the effort to keep still above you. You trail kisses across his shoulder, silently telling him you’re ready.
Tenderly Lewis begins to move, rocking into you with gentle thrusts. The slight ache soon disappears, replaced by waves of pleasure. You wrap your legs around his hips, urging him deeper.
Lewis gradually increases his pace, unable to hold back any longer. His eyes burn into yours as he moves within you.
“I love you,” he gasps out. “Love you so much, Y/N.”
You cry out his name as the pleasure crests and breaks over you. Lewis follows seconds later with a low groan, burying his face in your neck.
You cling together as you float back to earth, hearts thundering in tandem. Lewis trails feather-light kisses over your face as you bask in the afterglow.
“Thank you for trusting me with this gift, my darling,” Lewis eventually murmurs.
You smile up at him radiantly. “I’ll love you forever for this night.”
Lewis’ eyes shine as he draws you impossibly closer. The crowds and thoughts of your brother seem lifetimes away. There is only you and Lewis and the sweet passion between you.
And as your bodies join in intimate unity, you know you made the right choice entrusting yourself completely to this man. For Lewis holds not just your body, but your heart.
***
The morning light filters into the bedroom, rousing you from sleep. You shift under the sheets, pleasantly sore, as memories from the night before come rushing back.
A smile steals over your face as you recall Lewis’ tender passion, the way he whispered his love to you again and again. You’ve never felt closer to another person.
Strong arms tighten around your waist from behind as Lewis nuzzles into your neck. “Good morning, my love,” he rumbles, voice still thick with sleep.
You roll over to face him, heart skipping at his rumpled hair and warm brown eyes. “Morning,” you whisper back, suddenly shy.
Lewis’ hand comes up to cup your face, his thumb stroking over your cheekbone. “How are you feeling?”
You lean into his touch. “Wonderful,” you say honestly. At his delighted grin, you add, “Last night was … incredible. I’ve never felt anything like that before.”
“Mmm, neither have I,” Lewis says seriously. “Making love to you was the greatest gift you could have given me.”
He kisses you sweetly, then trails his lips along your jaw. “I can’t wait to explore more with you,” he murmurs, making you shiver.
Over the next weeks and months, Lewis takes great joy in broadening your horizons in the bedroom. With endless patience he teaches you the intricacies of pleasure, guiding you through new experiences you once only dreamed of. Under his patient guidance, you blossom from an innocent novice to a confident lover.
He delights in watching you come undone under his skillful hands and mouth, praising you for being such an eager student. Your nights together are filled with ecstasy, whispered endearments, and an ever deepening bond.
“That’s it, darling. Just like that,” Lewis groans as you learn to use your mouth on him. He gently guides your rhythm, fingers tangled in your hair. His throaty praise urges you on until he finally spills over with a ragged moan.
Other nights, he focuses solely on you. Lewis maps every inch of your body with lips, tongue and fingers until you’re trembling and oversensitized. Only then does he finally sink into your eager body and take you apart completely.
“So perfect, so responsive,” he rasps in your ear as you claw at his back, his deep thrusts pushing you higher. “You were made for me, love.”
Your muffled cries ring out as ecstasy crashes through you. Lewis follows moments later with a guttural groan, his fingers leaving bruises on your hips.
The end of the British Grand Prix finds you waiting nervously in Lewis’ driver’s room, heart swelling with pride at his victory. When he strides in, sweaty and exhilarated, his entire face lights up to see you there.
He sweeps you into his arms, kissing you passionately. “Another win, my darling. Will you give me my prize now?”
You smile coyly up at him through your lashes. “Happily. I’ve missed you.”
Lewis groans and reclaims your lips. As your kisses grow heated, he murmurs, “You’re the best motivation any driver could ask for. My favorite part of winning has become knowing you’ll be here waiting for me.”
You make quick work of removing each other’s clothes, too impatient for slow seduction. Lewis lays you back on the couch, eyes blazing with desire.
“I love watching you experience new pleasures,” he says thickly. “Let me show you something exquisite today.”
You nod eagerly, ready for whatever he wants to teach you. Lewis trails hot kisses down your body until he’s kneeling before you. He looks up at you with dark eyes.
“Just relax and feel, my love.”
When his mouth descends on you, you cry out in shocked rapture. He wasn’t exaggerating about showing you something exquisite.
After, he gathers you close, pressing kisses to your temple. “Winning used to be my greatest joy,” he confesses softly. “Now, knowing you’ll be waiting to reward me is the only thing that matters.”
You smile and kiss him tenderly. In Lewis’ arms, you’ve discovered passion and intimacy beyond your wildest imaginings.
When asked about his dominance this season during interviews, Lewis just smiles secretively. “I’ve found powerful motivation,” is all he offers.
You watch from the shadows, heart swelling with love and pride for the man who’s brought you such fulfillment. You know that no matter what happens next, you'll never regret giving yourself so completely to Lewis.
***
You stand against a wall, watching Lewis take pictures with his side of the garage after a hard fought victory, unable to keep from smiling.
When he catches your eye, his lips quirk up. The heat in his gaze makes your cheeks flush.
You’re so distracted you don’t notice Charles until he’s right beside you. “Enjoying the celebrations?” He asks with a nudge to your shoulder.
You jump. “Oh! Yes, it’s quite exciting.”
Charles’ sharp eyes sweep between you and Lewis. “Hmm. Well I’m heading out for drinks with the team if you’d like to join.”
You grasp for an excuse. “Oh, um, I’m pretty tired actually …”
“She already has plans with me tonight.”
You freeze at Lewis’ voice over your shoulder. Dread pools in your stomach as you turn to see him watching Charles calmly.
Your brother goes rigid, eyes darting between you and Lewis. “Plans? What plans?” He asks, voice dangerously level.
You open your mouth but nothing comes out. Lewis steps closer, hand coming to rest on your lower back.
“I’m taking your sister out to dinner to celebrate properly,” he says smoothly. His thumb strokes your spine comfortingly.
Charles’ eyes zero in on the intimate touch, nostrils flaring. “Is that so,” he states flatly. His piercing gaze bores into you. “And does this happen often?”
Your mouth is dry as dust. You look helplessly up at Lewis.
He meets Charles’ glare steadily. “Your sister is an adult. Our relationship is no one’s business but our own.”
“Relationship?” Charles’ voice rises sharply. “How long has this-this thing been going on?”
You wince at his accusing tone. “For most of the season,” you whisper. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, I just-”
Charles holds up a hand, looking ill. “I don’t want to hear it. My own teammate, Y/N? Are you trying to ruin me?”
Indignation flares through you. “For once, this isn’t about you! I lov-” you break off, tears stinging your eyes.
Lewis wraps an arm around your shoulders, tucking you into his side. “That’s enough, Charles,” he says quietly but firmly. “I understand you’re upset, but don’t take it out on your sister.”
Charles’ mouth twists bitterly. “Oh so now you’re going to lecture me about my own family?” He takes a step closer, eyes blazing. “Stay away from my sister, Hamilton, or I swear-”
“Enough!” Your shout echoes through the suddenly silent motorhome. You pull away from Lewis to stand tall, glaring at your brother.
“You don’t get to make demands, Charles. Not about this.” Your voice doesn’t waver even as tears spill down your cheeks.
“I’m in love with Lewis. And he loves me. This is real.” Your tone softens. “I wanted to tell you. But I need you to understand that this is my choice.”
Charles looks stunned, anger fading into hurt. “Y/N …” he reaches for you but you step back, shaking your head.
“I just need some time. Please try to understand.” With that you turn and hurry away, ignoring the tears clouding your vision.
You don’t stop until firm, familiar arms come around you. Lewis tucks you into his chest, stroking your hair as you finally let the tears fall.
“Shh it’s alright, I’ve got you,” he murmurs. He continues holding you until the storm of emotion passes.
Finally you look up at him with red-rimmed eyes. “What do we do now?”
Lewis caresses your cheek gently. "We’ll figure it out together. I meant what I said, I’m not giving you up.”
You manage a watery smile. Whatever comes next, you know you and Lewis can weather it as long as you have each other. Leaning up on your toes, you silence anymore words with a soft, sweet kiss.
It takes a few weeks, but finally Charles seeks you out.
“I’m sorry for how I reacted, petite soeur. It was a shock, but that’s no excuse.” He takes your hands in his. “I just want you to be happy. And if Hamilton — if Lewis — is who you want, then … I can accept that.”
Relief crashes over you. You fling your arms around Charles, tears pricking your eyes again.
“Thank you,” you whisper into his shoulder. “That means everything to me.”
Charles holds you close for a long moment before pulling back to give you a rueful smile. “Just promise me I won’t have to see anything too lovey-dovey between you two.”
You laugh through your tears. “I promise.”
Charles has never been able to resist when you turn your puppy dog eyes on him. And deep down, he wants nothing more than your happiness — even if that’s with his teammate.
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lazyalani · 9 months
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| Sebastian Michaelis × [F!Reader]
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| His butler, enamored
| fluff, reader likes teasing sebby, reader is lizzy and edward's older sister, reader and seb implied to have done 'it' before, seb is so done, suggestive, this gets a little bit spicy at the end, no smut tho, and here goes my first kuroshitsuji fic
| Summary: In which reader is Sebby's Lizzy, in a way, but he knows what's truly under that overly bright facade.
| Kuroshitsuji Masterlist
| Main Masterlist
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"Sebby! There you are, I've been looking all over for you."
His eye twitches as he internally sighs before slowly putting on a smile and turning to you, setting down the lamp on a nearby table. It was nighttime, but considering you, there was no such thing as night and day when it comes to your antics.
"Milady, how may I help you?" He still asks, knowing it would just be one of your 'moments'.
You return a lively smile at him. "You always act so formal even when I told you to just call me by my name." You set down your own lamp on a table.
"Apologies, [Name], how may I help you?"
"You're still talking like a salesman, but oh, whatever, perhaps your polite charm is one of the things I like about you. Oh, so there's this ball coming up...." You trailed.
"Earl Denia's Masquarade ball?" He asks, ignoring your first sentence. He desperately wants to continue dusting the shelves to distract himself from your piercing stare but his pride as a butler would most definitely not let him.
"Yes, that one! So, I was invited and Lizzy already invited Ciel and Edward says he already has a date..." You look at him expectantly.
Sebastian's stress keeps growing word for word, he already has suspected this when you brought up a ball. But hey, they say it's different when you really hear it directly, right?
"Will you please come with me to the ball?" You asked, a bright smile on your face.
He could almost feel his master staring at him with that laughing smirk on his face.
Yeah, it does feel different when said directly. His stress levels are at their highest compared to before.
"Earl Grey--"
"Charles said he won't be able to come!" You immediately shut his only possible excuse down. "And you'll be able to keep an eye out and take care of Ciel during our stay there still, so, please?"
"Milady, I have priorities and duties--"
"Oh, come on, it's not like I'm taking you home with me. The most we'll do is dance, or are you expecting more, Sebby?" You flash a sly grin at him.
Ah, there it is. Here drops that bright, bubbly facade, and here comes those true colors.
He doesn't bother hiding his sigh now. "A noble lady musn't be reckless with her words, milady. And much less say that a mere butler would dare think about such intentions of his lord's relative."
The ray of light coming from the moon that shone through the window emphasized the sly grin that stretched wider on your face.
The strides you took towards him were fast and almost stealthy, your hand reaching up to cup his face and bring it down, close to yours, and dangerously closer to your lips.
Sebastian used the indifference on his face to hide the intentions of staring at your lips. Red, no excess stains, no unecessary blemishes, perfect.
"Then it must be great that I'm no true noble, am I?" You whispered, your breath brushing on his lips.
It's true, you were only adopted by the Midfords. A commoner at birth.
"Come on, Sebastian, don't act like you've already forgotten how we shared our feelings two days ago." You licked your bottom lip and stretched out a smirk at his reaction.
His eyes narrowed dangerously at your words. "There were no feelings shared, milady, please step back. Even in this middle of the night, someone could roam around." There was an underlying threat on his words.
You laughed victoriously and stepped back, plackng your hands behind your back. Your eyes were nothing like the bright, bubbly, friendly, lively, obviously Lizzy's sister you were before. That facade of yours was replaced with a sly grin, cunning and teasing eyes.
"How many times must I ask you not to act recklessly, milady? Please mind your words and actions, you are still in the Phantomhive Manor, Lady Midford." He closes his eyes and sighs.
"Oh, but you love it, Sebby." You tease. "You always do." You flash him that irritating smirk again.
His eyes narrow again as he chuckles darkly. "No matter how hard you try, you won't win at this game you're playing at, milady."
You raised a brow, clearly amused at his statement, challenged, even. "Oh? But I already am, Butler."
He gives a sly smirk back. "You won't break through me, Mistress."
You take a short and fast leap, taking his neck and wiping that smirk off his lips with a kiss.
However, his smirk only stretches, expecting the same act you two always end up with, placing his hands on your waist and leaning down to respond as reflex.
Your fingers tangled in his hair brushes his scalp, his scent, despite doing heavy chores, encasing you darkly and seductively. You let a sly smile match his own smirk in the kiss, letting only the night and the moon witness a forbidden affair between a butler and a lady.
You slowly let go of the kiss and bring your lips to his ear. "Liar."
He lets his smirk fall down as you take your lamp and walk away from him, taking off his gloves and brushing his messed up hair with his fingers.
He sighs, walking towards his master's study to organize, thinking.
A demon and a human, huh? Unheard of, disliked, even by him, but if it's you, he could maybe (certainly) make an exception.
But for now, he could let you continue this little game of yours.
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redgoldsparks · 2 months
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January 2024 reading and Reviews by Maia Kobabe
I post my reviews throughout the month on Storygraph and Goodreads, and do roundups here and on patreon. Reviews below the cut.
Electric Bones volume 1 by Hazel and Bell 
Lucian is the son of a minor nobleman and the CEO of the galaxy's biggest AI company, but he's not so rich that he can't get in trouble. After being fired as a programmer from Echo Station he joined a startup with a couple friends and is now fishing for funding at an elite tech expo on board an expensive and exclusive space vessel. There he sees someone he thinks he recognizes- Ezra, a grey robot, an fully sentient AI who worked on Echo Station as a researcher and partially cost Lucian his job. So why is Ezra now working on the space vessel as an escort? Unless it's not Ezra, but just a look-alike robot model? These questions drag Lucian into the beginnings of tangled web of intrigue which include kidnapping, AI-hacking, and murder. I've been reading this story online as a webcomic for years; you can still read all of volume one here: https://electricbonescomic.com/index.... But last year I also backed the kickstarter, and just sat down to re-read the whole story in print form, including a sexy little bonus comic. I love these characters, I love the rich colors, the lovely sense of flow and design of the pages. I can't wait for volume two!
The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha
Action packed and exciting, this family drama is full of unexpected twists and turns. I loved the focus on female characters: passionate Kai, whose love of martial arts and sense of justice cannot be contained by the normal rules of Joseon society; her mother, Meorhu, a fragile woman with a surprising past; Sura, a thief turned mercenary; and the Gumiho herself, the deadly but alluring fox spirit who impacts the lives of all the others with her magic and charisma. The art is rich with historical details, beautiful nature scenes, and fast paced fight scenes. Lovers of ghost stories, kdramas, and queer re-tellings of fairy tales will find much to enjoy here. I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this book! Pre-order it now, or look for it in bookstores in mid-February 2024.
A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel by KJ Charles read by Martyn Swain
What a delightful return to Romney marsh! This book picks up 13 years after the dramatic conclusion of the previous installment. Luke Doomsday is now a secretary, looking for a new position in a large house were he can keep books and solve his master's problems. Rufus, the recently minted Earl of Oxney, formerly a major in the army and son of a draper, has problems. For one, he never expected to inherit and his uncle is doing everything he can to prove Rufus illegitimate in court. For another, the previous Earl of Oxney was a selfish old bastard who let the estates fall into terrible disrepair, while Rufus' timid cousin kept poor account of the estate's money in a chicken scratch handwriting. Rufus struggles to read at the best of times, and he can barely make sense of his newly inherited account books. When Luke shows up on his door, it feels like a godsend. The men are immediately attracted to each other, though both have reason to be wary. And Luke, in seems, may have come to Stone Manor looking for more than a job. This series is such a fun mix of spicy romance, action, mystery, and danger. I'm really enjoying the setting and time period, which is just after the end of the Napoleonic wars. I really hope there will be more books to come!
Translation State by Ann Leckie
No one is doing it like Ann Leckie! This sci-fi novel uses six different pronoun sets (actually kind of seven, except one is the same set just used culturally very differently by different groups of people). It’s fantastic. We’ve got they/them, e/em/eir, sie/hir, it/its, he/him, she/her, and she/her again except used as a universal pronoun regardless of gender (which works great inside the Radch Empire and badly outside of it). I'm on the fence about whether this book can be read as a stand alone, or if it would only really make sense after having read at the Imperial Radch trilogy and Providence. I suppose it depends on what level of baffling alien customs and politics you are willing to tolerate. This book opens with Enae attending hir grandmaman's funeral, only to learn that the seemingly wealthy old woman had sold her entire estate to a stranger before her death. For the first time in her life, Enae leaves home with a Foreign Affairs job: to see out a fugitive who left Presger space some 200 years prior. Enae isn't expecting to succeed, but sie gives it hir best shot- and in doing so completely upends the lives of a widening circle of bystanders including Reet, a man of unknown parentage, and Qven, a juvenile Presger. This book finally begins to explain this inhuman and terrifying species, and the reason why the Presger-Radachii Treaty defines the rules of so much of this universe. I deeply enjoyed this installment; it makes me want to go back and re-read the original trilogy.
Brooms by Jasmine Walls and Teo Duvall 
Set in an alternate 1930s, Mississippi, this story follows a group of friends and found family who have to hide their magic from the restrictive and racist government. They survive at the margins, but they don't let the fear of prosecution stop them from doing what they love: racing together as a team. Deep in the woods seers and witches host carnival like events where racers on brooms compete for prize money and glory. Each of them has reasons why they need to win; lives and futures depend on it. This book is deeply queer with a diverse and magical cast. If you're looking for historical fiction where the trans and lesbian brown witches win, this one's for you.
Boys Weekend by Mattie Lubchansky
Sammie is a recently out nonbinary transfemm but their college friend group has not picked up on that fact yet. When Sammie is invited to be the "best man" at their friend Adam's wedding and attend a bachelor weekend at a high-tech, no-laws resort built on top of the Pacific Garbage Patch they decide to go in stealth mode. The resort is a pyramid scheme mutated with a strip club, business conference, all you can drink brunch bar, pro-gamer, most-dangerous-game corporate nightmare. Also, the waters around it are infested with terrifying flesh-eating monsters and someone is trying to raise an eldritch god. It takes every bit of queer resistance Sammie possesses to survive this bleak, hilarious, and surprisingly moving tale. In both their fiction and nonfiction comics, Lubchansky continues to hold up the black mirror to our own dystopian times.
Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa 
A very queer high school rom-com comic with a satisfying message about growing into yourself and seeing others truly for who they are. It opens with a love triangle, but subverts that form into a more complicated shape by the end of the tale. Strong character designs and very effective limited color palette.
The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill 
In a desert village, a group of folks choose to live a nocturnal life to keep the moon company, and to care for a small group of magical moths, the only creatures who can pollinate a magical tree which helps sustain the whole ecosystem. One youngster, Anya, volunteers for the important but lonely job of Moth Keeper. She yearns to be of service to others, and feels she must earn her place in the village. In reality, help and friendship are only an ask away, and in this space everyone is cared for. This is a very beautifully illustrated and brief tale of responsibility, community, and resilience.
Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls
What an accomplishment! I savored every page of Feeding Ghosts, absolutely floored by the labor and courage that went into the writing of this book. The inking is gorgeous, the history is clear, digestible, and devastating. This book threads the line between honesty and compassion in a way that I appreciate so much in any memoir, but especially one dealing with family. Hulls lays out the story of three generations of women starting with her grandmother, Sun Yi, a Shanghai journalist who faced intense persecution during the rise of Communism in China, who penned a popular and scandalous memoir and then suffered a mental breakdown. This left her only daughter, Rose, a student at an elite boarding school with no parental figures and no other family to lean on. Eventually Rose earned a scholarship to an American university and in the end moved her mother into her California home. Sun Yi haunted that home during the author's own childhood. The unexamined trauma and codependency of Sun Yi and Rose drove the author to the extreme edges of the Earth, seeking freedom from their ghosts. But in the end, she stopped running from her family history and turned, instead, to face it. Shelve this book with Maus, Fun Home, Persepolis and The Best We Could Do.
I Keep My Exoskeletons To Myself by Marisa Crane read by Bailey Carr 
I really struggled with this book. I almost DNFed at 25%. Ultimately, I did finish it, and I am glad I did because I think the final act was my favorite part of the story. However, I think the title and cover set me up with expectations of what this book would be which were very different than what the book actually delivered. This is not science fiction- despite the fact it was nominated in the science fiction category in the Goodreads Choice Awards. It is only barely speculative. This is a book about grief, depression, and parenting a baby and then a young child as a single mom struggling with loss and borderline alcoholism. There were passages of the book which struck hard, individual observations and lines which rang like bells. There is also nearly no plot and I was frustrated by the lack of world building. I wanted to know more about the laws governing extra shadows- were Shadesters allowed to vote, hold passports, travel across state lines? Had anyone experimented with the removal of Shadows? When and how did cameras get installed in apparently every home in American, and how did the government hire and pay for a workforce of seemingly 1:1 surveillance agents to citizens? Also, how on earth did Kris manage to pay for a whole apartment on a single salary working a call center job, especially when as a Shadester she had to pay extra taxes? I understand that this is literary fiction, and these questions are obviously not the ones the book was interested in answering. But it felt strange to me that a book so focused on parenting would not include a single passage about struggling to pay for or arrange childcare. The "pop quizzes" that break up the text did not work well in audio, and did not add anything to my experience of this book. Ultimately, I would only recommend this novel to a vary narrow audience of readers who enjoy lit fic, and are willing to spend a lot of time in the POV of a character teetering on the edge of a mental breakdown through much of the story.
Atana and The Firebird by Vivian Zhou
Atana is a mermaid, but she was banished from her home to live alone on island for a reason she doesn't understand. One night a curious young firebird leaves her flock in space to come down and visit Earth, and she convinces Atana to go an adventure. They are soon pursed by magic hunters, but they also make friends, and end up as invited guests in the Witch Queen's palace. She makes them welcome in her massive library and gardens, but she also has ulterior motives. This is a fast paced story of magic, friendship, and young people slowly learning about the forces larger than themselves that shape their world and their lives. I really enjoyed the art, it has a very active, energetic line which serves the action scenes particularly well. I can tell the author came from an animation background! I am glad that the ending set up potential future installments in this world.
Portrait of a Body by Julie Delporte  
I really loved the colored pencil illustrations of this book, especially the botanical drawings, and the kind of abstract relation of the text and images. I thought the drawings paired extremely well with the hand lettering even if at times I struggled with some of the cursive capitals. This is a candid memoir of recovering from sexual assault and a dysfunctional relationship to ones body and sexuality, of stepping into queerness and self-acceptance. I couldn't really relate to the author's journey, but I appreciated the honestly and thoughtfulness with which the more challenging themes were handled.
Fool’s Fate by Robin Hobb read by Nick Taylor 
This book, and this series, has earned Robin Hobb a permanent place in my list of favorite authors. This story goes so hard, weaving together threads that are 9 volumes and 30 plus years of in-story history in the making. The final confrontations, reunions, and farewells at the end of this story were hard earned and so well written. This very much felt like it could have been a final volume of the Realm of Elderlings series, but I know that there are 7 more books to come and I can't wait to see what else this series has in store for me!
System Collapse by Martha Wells read by Kevin R Free 
This book picks up right after the end of the previous volume and I had, unfortunately, completely forgotten most of the previous plot. Once I got myself oriented I still had a great time with it. Wow, I just love watching Murderbot learn and grow and solve problems in unique and interesting ways! I kind of want to go back and re-listen to the whole series.
The Chromatic Fantasy by H.A. 
This comic blew me away. One of the most beautiful, strange, artistically ambitious and deeply trans books I've read in a while. Aesthetically, its as rich as a stained glass window or illuminated manuscript. Its narrative is psychedelic but emotionally it rings so tender and true. The story opens with Jules, a transman trapped in a nunnery who accepts a deal with a devil who promises to help him live as a man. Possessed and impervious to physical harm, Jules turns to a life of debauchery and crime. Then he meets another trans criminal, the poetic thief and thespian Casper, and they begin to fall for each other. They see each other as no one else ever has, they validate and treasure one another, but Jules' devil is a jealous master. The devil would rather see Jules burn than thrive. This is one of those books that made me want to draw, made me want to write, made me want to be bolder, weirder, freer, wilder in my story telling. An instant favorite, I expect I'll return to this over and over.
Mall Goth by Kate Leth
Liv's parents are on the verge of divorce; they've just moved to a new town and Liv will be starting at a new high school. At her last school, Liv was bullied for being openly queer and an unapologetic mall goth, and she is understandably hesitant to accept friendship overtures at the new school. However, a supportive male English teacher and a fellow goth gamer boy start to make Liv feel welcome. The goth introduces her to an MMORPG and the English teacher praises her essays and gives her Lolita. Both of them start regularly DMing Liv late into the night, more than is appropriate for the relationships they have. This book is in large part about a teen navigating confusing advances and how and when to disclose things that make her uncomfortable but feel hard to speak about or define. I thought that aspect of the story was handled very well. Some of the pacing in the friendship plot lines surrounding it felt a bit rushed, a few sections underdeveloped, but ultimately I think this book tackled an important issue not often seen in YA comics. It is also steeped in early 2000s Hot Topic/emo music/pop culture references- if you were there, you'll know.
What’s Wrong? Personal Histories of Chronic Pain and Bad Medicine by Erin Williams 
Williams illuminates, through memoir, interviews, and mixed media illustrations the extreme failures of the US healthcare system to address chronic pain. These failures are especially common for patients of color, patients who struggle with addictions, patients who are queer or survivors of assault and trauma. If you had any illusions that the systems of medical care are working in this country, shed them now. This book is half cathartic, half infuriating to read. I really appreciated the honesty and vulnerability of the interviewees and the trans and nonbinary inclusiveness of the language surrounding pain tied to the reproductive system.
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grey-and-stuff · 4 months
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What's this?! 👁️👄👁️   
   
A Grey x Trisha drawing? 😂   
Managed to finish this on time for my birthday! And as well as for my birthday twin 🤍🤍🤍 (She requested it a while back, and I finally finished it 🤭) so happy birthday to us! 💖💖💖   
   
I still love my Earl Grey and I hope to see him in the new Black Butler season next year!    
   
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janus-cadet · 2 years
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Yo yo yooo ✌
It's me again — I haven't requested anything for a hot (literally, it's burning hot out there, golly) minute, and you know I love taking opportunities, especially when it comes to your art ;)
Sooo, can I request Charles Grey (Black Butler) for your tarot cards set? Obviously, the choice of the card itself is up to you ;)
Thanks in advance for taking my request 😘
Hello back xD Yes, you're absolutely right : it's burning hot out there, I feel like a chamallow above a camp fire. Or a bunch of bean boiling in water.
Of course you can request our favorite Earl, even tho I was quite surprise, honestly xDD First ever request on Black Butler. You're the best. Also your new pp is amazing.
So ! Here is the Earl Charles Grey, as the Knight of Swords!
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I'm not going to go to far on the explanation of that one. Mostly, I thought it was a really fitting card, both upright and reverse, as far as my limited tarot knowledges go :P
And yes ! I dressed him a bit more like a proper dandy, which is... less complicated than the original clothing. Can't wrap my mind around those. And yes, I did not draw a real horse like in the original card, but I feel like chess is really vibing with Black Butler in general. Especially with the very dichotomy of Sebastian = Black Butler, Charles = White Butler.
I hope you like it !
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Cards of Devil, Death, Three of Swords, Knight of Swords, Hierophant, Hermit and Wheel of Fortune are done. Don't hesitate to ask for more !
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cryptidcr3ature · 1 month
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Rdr2 as my coffee shop orders but I’m a bougie bitch with a complex palate. (Note: combo of non specific local coffee and other chain coffee.)
Arthur Morgan: regular chai
John Marston: white mocha with raspberry syrup
Dutch: Half tea/half lemonade with blackberry syrup.
Hosea: lavender vanilla latte
Javier: dark mocha with rose syrup
Charles: chai latte with pistachio cold foam
Lenny: apple cider with chai spice
Mary-Beth: pink drink
Sean: caramel macchiato
Abigail: Earl Grey latte with vanilla
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pepperonidk · 1 year
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x. you are in every line || all my love finale
"You have been in every line I have ever read..." - Great Expectations; Charles Dickens
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Pairing: Jeon Wonwoox f!Reader Summary: Wonwoo has finally come to the answer to a problem he's been working on for months. It's love. Warnings: none, some angst tho Word Count: 4.8k A/N: GUYS THIS IS THE END AHHH I'M CRYING. I'll save the rest of my sappy comment for the bottom of this post... but for now, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has read this story and commented it. You guys have made me so happy to be able to share this with you.
previous chapter || back to library 
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Snow was falling gently on the streets, and people were hurrying home, their arms filled with wrapped boxes and paper parcels from toy stores, candy shops, and bakeries. It was Christmas Eve, and there was something whimsical in the air.
“Did we get everything?” You looked up at the boy next to you, his rosy cheeks hidden underneath a checkered scarf and his glasses were beginning to fog up. He let out a breath that was visible in the chilly weather. 
“Yeah, I think so,” he confirmed, looking down at the many bags the two of you were holding. “We got cake, last minute gifts, gift wrap… that’s everything.” He smiled down at you as the two of you headed to the car, Wonwoo trying his best not to lose you in the swathes of people on the sidewalks. 
“Wonwoo, wait,” he heard his name from behind him and nearly panicked when he didn’t see you immediately behind him. He felt his heart settle back in place momentarily when he found you standing by the cafe window and sped back up when he realized he had been just looking at you with a dopey smile on his face. He shook it off and walked up to you, intrigued by the tired smile on your face. “Let’s grab something warm to drink,” you suggested, and who was Wonwoo to deny you?
He looked down at his watch, noting that there was still time to spare before the two of you were needed back at home. So he opened the door for you and followed behind you, welcoming the warmth and comforting smell of pastries and peppermint. When Wonwoo caught up to you, you were already waiting for him at the cash register, where the cashier was smiling at you. 
“Good evening!” The cashier greeted warmly. “Did you guys want your regular earl grey tea and coffee?” Wonwoo looked at you with a raised eyebrow as you shook your head no.
“I’ll have a hot chocolate tonight,” you replied with a sheepish smile. The cashier nodded in agreement before putting the order in, then turned to Wonwoo for his order.
“I’ll have the same,” he replied before handing over his card as the cashier waved it away. 
“Don’t worry about it today,” she replied with a smile as she handed him the receipt. “Consider it a Christmas gift for two of my regulars.” You and Wonwoo thanked her as you made your way to one of the few empty tables by the window, taking note of the streets that were beginning to finally clear out.
Wonwoo looked up as you let out a heavy sigh as you sat down at the table and set your bags on the floor.
“Tired?” Wonwoo asked, although he had an inkling it was more than just that. 
His first clue came about a week ago – that night you came back from spending the day with Mingyu. He had planned to tease you about it, calling it a date, but when you answered passively and headed straight to your room without dinner, Wonwoo felt something shift .
Later that night, he found that he was unable to fall asleep. He couldn’t get you out of his mind. He had never seen you look so… lost, and he could feel his heart sink every time he pictured your face. So with a sigh, he stood up to go to the kitchen, to grab himself a warm mug of chamomile tea, his go-to cure for sleepless nights. He was shocked to find you, already sitting at the counter with your own mug and the same weary expression from earlier. 
“Can’t sleep either?” you asked him with a small ghost of a smile. Wonwoo chuckled as he shook his head. He walked over to the tea kettle, pouring himself his own mug of tea before taking the seat beside you. Without a word, you offered your mug out to clink against his as you took a sip. 
Wonwoo wanted to ask about earlier that day, the lost look on your face, but when you turned to face him and he saw the puffy redness that surrounded your glassy eyes, he decided against it. A question would turn into a conversation, which would turn into a sleepless night, and Wonwoo prioritized your wellbeing over his own curiosity. There would be more times to talk, but for now, all Wonwoo wanted was for you to rest. 
The sound of the waiter bringing over your drinks to the table snapped him back to the present. “Hot chocolate, with a little extra whipped cream,” he said before setting your mug down. “And a coffee with two pumps of brown sugar syrup. Have a happy holiday,” the waiter greeted before he left.
As soon as the waiter’s back was turned, Wonwoo watched as the smile slipped from your face. “How did you know?” you asked with a sigh, taking a small sip of your cocoa. “I don’t think I even realized how tired I’ve been.”
“Call it a hunch,” he replied, not wanting to explain all of the signs he had seen. “Also, you ordered a hot chocolate, which you only do when you’re upset.”
“I do?” you echoed. Wonwoo felt his cheeks and ears turn scarlet and brought his mug to his face as an attempt to hide it. When did he become so fluent in you? 
“Yeah,” Wonwoo agreed. “After you finished reading Grapes of Wrath, I found you in the kitchen at 3 in the morning drinking cocoa and scribbling in your journal about how you hated the ending.”
You chuckled at the memory, and it made Wonwoo smile to see you laugh, even if only for a second. “So what’s up?”
“Mingyu’s going to France,” you answered, looking down into your mug and biting down onto your bottom lip. You paused before continuing, and Wonwoo watched your nostrils flare as you tried to blink back the tears that were starting to form. “He told me he loved me, that he always has.”
Wonwoo couldn’t hide his surprise at your confession or the way that he felt his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach. He had no idea what to say to you, honestly, but his mind was running a million thoughts a minute. What am I going to do if I ask her what she said to him and she says she’ll run away to France with him? What if she realized she actually hates my guts because I’m a meanie. A meanie? Only she would call me that. Wait why should I care if she likes Mingyu, it’s not like she probably still likes me anyway.   
But when he looked down to see you fidgeting with your hands and your sleeves, he realized that what he wanted most was to reach out and keep your hands safe in his. So he did. He reached out, pulling each of your hands into his and hoping you couldn’t feel the way his heartbeat was pulsing through his fingertips.
You finally looked up at him with a trembling smile. “Sorry,” you apologized. “I don’t know why I’m crying.” Before Wonwoo could tell you that you never had to apologize to him, or that he would yell at Mingyu for making you cry, or anything at all, you took a deep breath and slipped your hands out of his. He missed the contact immediately.
You wiped at your eyes, clearly done talking about the conversation, and although Wonwoo still felt uneasy, he waited quietly with one hand still on top of the table for you to continue. “Anyway,” you began with a cheerier smile that still didn’t meet your eyes. “I have your Christmas gift. I was gonna give it to you tonight, but honestly, I’m too excited to wait any longer.” 
Although he was still sure there was more to be said, he couldn’t deny that he was excited, especially after seeing your excitement. He watched as you reached into one of the bags beside you to pull out a package wrapped in brown paper with a red and white ribbon tied around it. He looked at the package with a smile as you handed it to him and pulled out your phone to record his reaction.
To: the world’s second best roomie.
From: the world’s first best roomie. 
“Glad you don’t think I’m a terrible roommate,” Wonwoo said with a chuckle, smiling up at you. “Should I just…?”
“Oh my god,” you rolled your eyes as you egged him on. “Just open it already.”
Wonwoo obliged and gently opened the present, unable to contain his excitement at the first peek of gold under the wrapping paper. “Is this–” he was shocked as he pulled out the book inside. “This is the peacock edition… of Pride and Prejudice,” his eyes went wide as he held the book in his hands. He looked back up at the camera and stuttered out, “How did you even find this? It’s so rare!”
Wonwoo’s heart was doing somersaults in his chest as he ran his fingers over the gold embellishments on the cover and spine.
“Open it,” you urged as Wonwoo flipped the cover open gently, treating the book with care.
Merry Christmas!
I know you already have a copy of this book… but this one was so pretty I just knew I had to get it for you anyway. I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of getting a head start on scribbling in this book. I’ve underlined just a few of my favorite quotes, and I look forward to hearing about yours. I’ll give you a sneak peek though, because I’m so nice:
“I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice.” 
These last few months, I feel like I can truly say that I have been happy. And you’ve played a big part in that… so… thanks, for everything.
Happy reading,
The girl next door
Wonwoo looked back up to see you looking at him expectantly for his reaction. He remembered what you had told him before, about getting someone the right gift – the kind of gift that every time you saw it you can’t help but think of the person who gave it to you. He got it now, why you cared so much, because he would never be able to read this book again without seeing the smile you had on your face right now and he wanted to do the same for you.
“I…” He began. “I don’t know what to say.” He watched as your face quickly slipped into a panic and he rushed to clarify himself. “This is… this is the best gift I could have gotten. Thank you.” The comfort that rushed into your features was enough to satisfy Wonwoo as he took another sip of his coffee. He would definitely be up reading tonight, looking forward to see what you wrote on each page.
After downing the rest of your drinks, the two of you made your way back home through the dimly lit and snow-covered streets. Christmas music filled the car, and all Wonwoo could think about was the gift he had for you waiting on his bedside table.
The Jeon household was more lively than usual tonight. Your dad was here for the holiday and he had been cooking up a feast all day in preparation for Christmas Eve dinner. Typically, Christmas was usually just Wonwoo and his dad, a pizza, and Home Alone. However, when you explained to him your family’s tradition of waiting until midnight to finally eat dinner and opening up presents right after, he was surprised to say he was excited to adopt your tradition in place of his this year. 
As the two of you walked in, you were immediately greeted by the smell of roasted turkey and desserts baking in the oven and your stomachs both immediately grumbled in response. 
“You guys are home?” Wonwoo’s dad called from the kitchen, where he was helping your father out. Wonwoo confirmed as he removed his shoes and walked over to grab a cracker from the plate of cheese and crackers they were arranging. His dad slapped his hand away playfully. 
“Go get washed up and dressed first,” your dad told the both of you. “There should be a set of pajamas on each of your beds.”
You looked up at Wonwoo with amusement as the two of you walked up the stairs. “They got us all matching pajamas?”
“Yeah,” Wonwoo replied. “That’s one of me and my dad’s things.” He shrugged his shoulders as the two of you parted ways into your bedrooms.
Before Wonwoo changed into his pajamas, he sat down at his bed and once again looked at your gift to him, a smile immediately coming to his face. He picked up his old copy of the book as well, and pulled out the pink envelope that had been sitting unopened in between the pages of his book. He took a deep breath and opened it.
Wonwoo,
I’m… I’m honestly not sure if you even know who I am. We met once, and I don’t know if you remember… but I do. Freshman year, you stole a book from me at the library… and you also… stole my heart.
Wonwoo paused to laugh. The you that he knows now would probably bite her own tongue in half before saying these words out loud. 
I’ve been waiting for years to say this, so I’ll just say it. I like you. I like you a lot. You’re the smartest guy in our year, and you’re cute, and you have good taste in books. People say you’re cold… and that this would probably be the worst idea… but I feel like it’s not. 
To be honest, a few months ago… he would have agreed. That he was cold, and that getting a love letter was one his top 5 list of things he did not want. He remembers that day, that his friends all scolded him for not even taking the letter… It wasn't until he saw it in your room the night you sprained your ankle that he finally felt the urge to even take it, and not until today that he felt the need to read it. He wondered if you even noticed it was gone.
Speaking of books… has anyone told you you remind them of Mr. Darcy? Well if not, let me be the first. Well… that’s really all I wanted to say. I’m not expecting an answer or anything… I just wanted you to know. I don’t think I could live with myself if I didn’t tell you how I was feeling. Words unspoken now will be silence that I’ll regret later on.
Love, Sincerely,
yn.
Wonwoo folded the letter back up and put it back into its envelope. It had only been a few months since you wrote this letter to him and he wondered if you still felt the same way. Part of him wished you did, but the other part remembered that he’s not the only one who wished the same.
If anyone had told him that day that he would be harboring feelings for you, he would have scoffed in their face. Wonwoo wouldn’t say he fell in love with you, but rather, he walked into it. Like a morning stroll under falling leaves, he doesn’t know how long he’s been walking because all he could care to do was admire the colors of each leaf. But now, it’s as if he’s finally looking up to see you at the end of the road… with someone else calling your name beside him.
With a sigh, he set the envelope back on top of his nightstand, beside his gift to you. One day, he thought to himself as he got dressed..
As he stepped out of his room, he could hear the unmistakable sound of tears from your room. Feeling his heart rate pick up, he was ready to open the door to check on you until he heard your father’s voice. 
“Well,” he asked with a gentle voice. “Are you ready to let him go to hold onto someone else?” 
Wonwoo knew he should have walked away right then, that was the smart thing to do… the logical thing to do. But something about you made him abandon logic every time. So instead he remained in front of the door, firmly planted until he finally heard your reply after what felt like the longest few seconds of his life.
“Yes.” 
Despite his determination to remain firmly planted, he suddenly found himself stumbling down the stairs. Let who go? He thought to himself. Is she… going with him? Why is this affecting me so much? It’s her life. She can do whatever she wants. Wonwoo knew that he didn’t have the right to be upset if her heart had moved on since he was the one who broke it months ago. It didn’t stop him, however, from breaking his own heart.
For the rest of that night and the week after, he tried his best to act as if he hadn’t heard her talk to her father that night. And it was working, mostly. He found it generally easy, to laugh the same way at all your jokes, to tease you about this or that, but the hard part came at night, when he was alone with his thoughts. 
On New Year’s day, he found himself in his bed, staring at his ceiling and chastising himself for feeling the way he did. He let out a sigh and reached over to pull out the gift he didn’t give to you – his own personal copy of Great Expectations. 
He remembers the time you argued with him about the book, saying that you had read it for school and hated it. He argued that you just needed to give it a chance, that it wouldn’t be one of his favorite books if it was bad. You had rolled your eyes at him, relenting ever so slightly, and he had never felt so victorious as he did right then as he promised to get you a copy.
Wonwoo didn’t waste any time after that day. He bought a fresh copy of the book and was ready to give it to you until he thought to himself, maybe if I wrote down what I liked about the book, it’ll convince her to like it as she reads it. He held off on giving the book to you, opting instead to take notes throughout the book, highlight what was relevant and write down why it was. Before he knew it, his notes had went from mere observations to:
“She had curiously thoughtful and attentive eyes; eyes that were very pretty and very good.” - Just like yours. 
As his own feelings for you evolved, so did the way he understood the stories he was reading. The story of Pip and Estella were no longer distant characters of a long ago time, but instead he saw pieces of you and him in the story. His notes became letters to you and everything he wished he could say was found in the margins of this book.
Tonight, he opened the book to the very back cover and pulled out his pen. He wrote out the quote that has been weighing heavily on his heart in the last week.
“You are in every line I have ever read.” – And in every line I will ever read. You are the hidden meanings in poetry, the secret love letters between the lines, and if ever you aren’t with me… I take comfort in knowing I’ll always find you here. 
He set the book back down and let out a heavy sigh. Why would I be writing this if I’m not even going to give it to her? Is it just going to stay here forever? He looked back over to where his book had sat for the last week and noticed the pink envelope that was on top of it had fallen to the floor. He picked it up and it was as if a light switch had flipped in his brain. 
If you can do it… so can I. He thought to himself as he stared at the words you wrote him. “Words unsaid now will be silence I’ll regret later on,” he read aloud. He jumped off of his bed and ran out of his room, ready to tell you everything but absolutely no idea how, deciding he would just say whatever came to mind in the moment. He had become a sudden master of not thinking.
He ran to your bedroom, knocking frantically at your door with the book secured in his other hand. He didn’t care if he sounded crazy, pounding at your door at 11 at night, he just needed to see you. He didn’t realize how long he had been knocking until his father stepped out of his room, rubbing his eyes as if he was woken up.
“Wonwoo?” he asked groggily. “Why are you knocking so hard?” Wonwoo looked flustered as he could feel his own heart race in the palms of his hands. 
“I…” he trailed off, not knowing how to answer. “I need to see her.” Wonwoo’s dad raised an eyebrow at the seriousness in the tone of his voice.
“Oh?” he asked. He was amused, but didn’t show it. “What for?” 
“I have something to tell her,” he breathed out. His dad nodded in silence, contemplating his words.
“Well unfortunately you won’t find her here,” he said and Wonwoo felt himself slip into a panic. “She said she was going to be out late tonight, I’m surprised she didn’t tell you.”
“Did she say where she was going?” Wonwoo asked, trying to sound as calm and collected as possible. His dad shook his head no.
“She didn’t say,” he admitted. “But if you plan on going after her, bring an umbrella.”
Wonwoo nodded and ran downstairs, stopping only to put on his shoes and to grab a coat and an umbrella as his father suggested. He was still in his pajamas and the only umbrella left was an obscenely bright yellow one, but he didn’t have time to care about that. Upon entering his car, he pulled out his phone to make a call. He tapped against the wheel impatiently, waiting for you to answer. After a few more calls were sent to your voicemail, he decided to call Seokmin, who thankfully answered after the first ring.
“Wonwoo?” he asked in concern.
“Do you know where she went?” He didn’t even bother with pleasantries, he was desperate.
“I think she’s at the airport… why?” Seokmin asked.
“I have to tell her,” Wonwoo confessed. “Thank you.” was all he said before he hung up and began driving.
For the entire drive to the airport, Wonwoo found himself completely consumed with what he would say to you. Whether you rejected him and went to France with Mingyu, or laughed in his face, he didn’t really care. All he cared about was that you knew that he would let you go like that, let you leave him forever, as long as you knew he’d love you all the same.
He parked at a random spot in the parking garage and got out of the car, checking to make sure he had the book safely tucked into his coat, away from the rain that had suddenly begun to pour down. He did realize however, that he had absolutely no idea what area you were in. When he pulled out his phone to call Seokmin again, however, Wonwoo saw that Seokmin had already sent the number of the terminal area, with a “good luck! :)” message attached. As luck would have it, he was exactly where he needed to be. 
Wonwoo, ready to head inside and run to the boarding gate somehow to find you, shut his umbrella closed. However, before he could even make it under the awning, he spotted a familiar face. After a week of feeling so distant from you, he finally felt like he could see you once again. He let out a heavy sigh, feeling relieved and feeling his heart tug him towards you. By now the rain was coming down heavily and the sound of the raindrops pounded in his ears. Or was that his heart beating? He walked to you slowly, leaving a little bit of distance as you finally noticed him. He was wearing silly Christmas pajamas with a heavy coat and a bright yellow umbrella, and he knew everyone was staring as they walked by, but all he could see was you.
“Wonwoo?” you were surprised to see him. “What are you doing here?”
Every bone in his body wanted him to just shout it out, “I’m in love with you.” But when he finally got a good look at your face, he decided to keep it in for just a little bit longer. You didn’t look nearly as tired as you did that night at the coffee shop, but he could still see the faint traces of sadness that had yet to disappear.
He smiled softly at you. “Let’s go home.” He waited for you to be securely under the umbrella before he began walking. His mind was racing until this point, but now with you beside him, he felt his thoughts begin to quiet down. The walk back to the car was still quiet, both of you wrestling with your own thoughts to the sound of raindrops hitting the pavement.
It wasn’t until you were both securely in the car that Wonwoo finally spoke. “Do you want to go somewhere with me?” You looked up at him as he felt his heart flutter at the sight. You nodded quietly, and the two of you fell back into a peaceful silence.
In just a few minutes, the rain had begun to slow down and Wonwoo parked his car at a local park right by a lake, still lit up with small warm yellow lights lighting a path. “Let’s take a walk,” he suggested before exiting the car and coming to open your side of the door with the umbrella open, inviting you to stand underneath it with him.
After a few minutes, Wonwoo once again broke the silence. “Were you with Mingyu?” he asked directly. Although he knew the answer, he was curious. 
“Yeah,” you nodded, both of you still looking straight ahead. “He left for France today.”  Wonwoo hummed in thought. He thought of what to say next, choosing his words carefully before continuing. 
“How are you feeling?” Wonwoo was unsure of what you would say, all the possible ways you could reject him all piling on top of each other until you finally spoke.
“Relieved,” you admitted with a small smile. “I thought it would be harder to let him go, but when I saw how happy he was to talk about France, I just felt relief.” 
Wonwoo took time to process your words. Let him go? So that means… as the pieces began to fall together in his mind, he felt his feet stop moving as things finally clicked.
It wasn’t until you felt raindrops on your head that you noticed he was no longer beside you. You turned back around to check on Wonwoo who was staring ahead with an unreadable expression on his face, as if he just had an epiphany.
“Wonwoo?” you called out to him.
When he finally looked at you, he felt a rush of everything he’s been feeling for so long. He walked up to you, umbrella now forgotten on the ground, and breathed out three words. “I love you.”
“You–” you began, in shock.
“I love you,” he repeated in a firmer voice, unable to hide the smile that came to his face. “I love you, and I’m so sorry it took me so long to finally get to the right answer, but I think I knew for a while and I just… I love you.” Wonwoo knew he had said it four times to you in the last thirty seconds, but he just couldn’t help himself. Now that it was out in the open, the words came to him like oxygen.
“You do?” you asked quietly, still staring at him. “Like for real?” Wonwoo let out a chuckle as he listened.
“Yes,” he confirmed. “Like for real.” He stepped closer to you, tentatively reaching for your hand and smiling when you wound your fingers through his.
“Finally,” you smiled at him playfully, pulling him to you ever so slightly.
“Finally.” He agreed, coming to rest his head on yours. “Can I kiss you?”
Instead of answering, you just pulled him in. He could feel you smiling against him, and he was sure you could feel the same.
As books go, Wonwoo had always believed there were only two constants: tragedy and endings. He believed every story had both of these, some books had more of one than the other. However, here, in this moment with you, he realized that in reality, there was much more to be found in a story. Here with you, there was only happiness and this was just the beginning.
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A/N pt 2: consider this my p.s. i love you, and thank you so much for reading! This story has been sitting in my head for the last 3 years and I am just so glad to be able to share it here with you all. It was originally going to be a marvel fic... but I'm so glad it ended up here. In fact, this is nothing like I originally planned, but I am happy about every chapter of this story. Thank you again for taking this journey with me! Until the next one -- Jem.
taglist: @mariechan123 @jwwonu @spidersohn @nvmbheart @yksthings @sdoulc @starryjww @sherizaraiyah @comerollwithme @pastel-andme @mingyublues @leahel @nichoswag @freakyfriedrice @pusangmamon @dekusgirl @hokuuuuuuuto @xxluckydreamsxx @noraehey @dreams-in-different-colours @bunniparadise @dazedhxze @thedeeppoet @wonuziex @inlovewith-yeosang @tfmingyu @hanniesrock @ilymarkchan @royal9 @may1996s @hqstimpy @dnylwoo @dobbyflwr @awyunh @calvinkleinhoon @kei-is-simping @travelleratheart101 @yksthings @2baddies1girl @iamxelia @alonelystarfish @celestialchans @coveyland @xuimhao @aikisbbq @jinnyoungcheeks @2degreesoflove @seungcheolswife
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Charles tea set appreciation. I love that he drinks his booze out of his dainty little teacup.
His tea is identified as Earl Grey (I think in Mash Olympics?) which is exactly what I would assume he was drinking. I am sure he prefers it in the “proper” way, with no milk or sugar and a slice of lemon. I can’t remember if we see if he uses bagged or loose leaf tea, but I suspect he would go for loose leaf by choice, perhaps tolerating bagged at the 4077.
I also don’t remember if any other varieties of his tea are named. I see him as mostly a black tea drinker, but maybe he acquires a taste for green tea in Tokyo. If he does he definitely gets really into the elaborate preparation and brewing it “properly.” I bet he went to a tea ceremony on R&R at least once, and then bored everybody silly relying it at length. He’d probably like those blooming teas. I think he’d be snobby about herbal tea initially, but I could see him maybe getting to like some after he mellows a bit. I can imagine him enjoying like a relaxing chamomile or something after the war. He’d hate those fun tea blends you can get today, like cupcake flavour or whatever. At least publicly. He might enjoy them secretly.
100% he only drinks out of bone china and swears he can taste the difference
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mariashades · 2 months
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Any possibility of a Febuwhump Alt 6: Immortality, in An Unusual Family AU?
Absolutely! I made myself cry writing this one!
After the events that led to both the Hood’s and his bio-father’s deaths, forced to confront brutal truths that he just couldn’t ignore any longer, John found himself bowed down under the weight of building questions. Difficult, complicated questions which he couldn’t answer.
John did not like questions he couldn’t answer, especially when those self same questions affected his little brother too.  
But while those events had made him face those questions, they had also potentially provided a way to get answers to them as well.
Yes, they knew other fae, but other fae lived a very different life to theirs. Those fae wouldn’t comprehend the question, much less have any helpful answers. And while it was more than a little intimidating to reach out to this particular fae, he had the experience they needed to draw upon.
Making contact wasn’t a problem, Spectrum and Lieutenant Green were good, but he was better, and his emailed question was safely ushered past Cloudbase’s security protocols. To their relief the answer had come last night, along with a very polite request to provide a way to shore up the defences he’d slipped past, and a day later he, EOS and Alan were waiting in the kitchen area on Five for their guest to arrive. 
Exactly on time, reality twisted and Colonel White stepped out of nothingness to join them in the kitchen. 
As the eldest and as this was his turf, John was the one to square up to Colonel White and begin the formal greeting. “This is Thunderbird Five, name yourself.”
Hands at his sides, Colonel White bowed at the waist. “I am Charles Gray, Colonel White of Spectrum, son of Agatha Cartwright and a Nameless One. Peace upon your house.” 
“And peace upon yours,” John completed the greeting as both he and Alan bowed back.  
“Do you want some tea?” Alan blurted as soon as it was polite to do so, his nervousness making him fill the space with words. “Parker taught us the proper way to make it and John’s got a kettle.” 
“I would,” Charles nodded, a particular gentleness to his manner. “Earl Grey or English Breakfast with a splash of milk, if you please.” 
“On it.” Alan busied himself with the tea, making coffees for himself and John at the same time. 
Once the lidded cups were handed out, Charles took a sip from his, then turned expectant eyes to the brothers. “You have questions for me.” It was more a statement than a question, as if he knew exactly what they were about to ask him and he was using the words to open the discussion.
“We do,” John nodded, turning his cup in his hands. A glance up at EOS for reassurance got a nod from her camera, then Alan leaned up against his side in a gesture that was half encouraging him, half comforting himself. Shifting his cup to one hand, John curled his free hand around Alan and turned his attention back to the older fae. “We…we need advice… we need help. We’re… we’re going to lose our family… all of them… them and their children and their grandchildren…” John wasn’t surprised when he realised he was blinking back tears at the thought of going to all of those funerals - an endless parade of coffins, eulogies and headstones from now until eternity. 
“How do you do it?” Alan asked in a small voice that cracked. “How do you keep coming back, finding people, loving them, caring for them…then…then losing them?”   
“Because, young ones, the joy of their company, however brief, is worth the sorrow of the farewell,” Charles told them gently, and the shine to his eyes told them that he understood their fears and their pain, he understood them very, very well. “Yes, the loss is painful, it cuts deeper than any knife could, but I gladly suffer that pain because I remember the good things, how knowing them has changed and shaped me as a person. And it comforts me knowing that they aren’t truly gone, that traces of them live on in so many different ways, both in this world and in Arcadia.” 
“In Arcadia?” John questioned, surprised by that. 
“Yes,” Charles nodded. “Everything I learn here, I take back there and teach to my tribe. Every life that has touched mine, touches them as well. The stories of your parents, your grandparents, your brothers and sister and your friends - their legacies -  they will shape the Unnamed, just as the legacies of my officers will.” Charles paused to choose his words, then continued. “Tell their stories, young ones, tell them again and again, let them become legends and let those legends take on lives of their own, and your loved ones will never truly be gone. They’ll leave their fingerprints on this world for generations to come.” 
He gave them a moment for that to sink in, then began to speak again. “Young ones, I do not have much time left in this world, but each time I return I swear I will seek you out, to continue to be a friend to you and help you keep those memories alive. In return, I would ask a boon of you.” 
“What is it?” John asked, surprised that someone as powerful as Colonel White would seek a boon of them. 
Charles’ expression became grim. “It concerns Captain Scarlet. I have not told him yet, but he is not fated to die for a very long time to come. His lifespan will not be as long as that of a fae, but it will be fairly close. When I am ‘away’, will you two be friends to him and watch over him? He is not fae, nor is he human, but like the fae, very soon his ageing is going to almost completely stop. He will need time to adjust and I will not be present for the crucial time when his brothers and sisters in arms start to die and he is left behind. He still has things to do in this world and he cannot become lost in his grief.”
‘Should we do it?’ Alan asked John. ‘I like the guy, but this is a fae boon and I’m leery of those.’ 
‘We can trust Colonel White,’ John replied, ‘don’t ask me the details of how or why, but I know we can trust him.’ 
‘A leap of faith? That’s not like you.’ Alan frowned, wary. 
‘It’s Mom,’ John replied softly, relaxing his filters on his side of the familial link so Alan could feel what he was feeling. ‘Mom’s instincts are telling me we can trust him.’  
‘...F.A.B.’ Alan replied, then turned to White. “We’ll do it.” 
“Thank you,” Charles bowed at the waist to them both. “I cannot tell you how relieved I am to know he will be in good hands.” He was about to say more, but stopped, head slightly tilted as he listened to something that neither of them could hear. “A threat has just been issued.” Colonel White placed the barely touched cup of tea on the bench. “I will return when I can, young ones.” Nodding to them both, he stepped back into nothingness and vanished.
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