#erin watches the circle

[shibinus]

The Circle season 6 recapppp spoilers about the finale ahead!

I would've been sooo pissed if Paul didn't sacrifice themselves for Kyle. Like, obviously Paul was at the bottom and Kyle was higher up in the rankings, if Paul tried to stay even knowing that and hoping that Kyle would sacrifice himself? Nah, that would've been a load of BS. Mad respect that Caress made that decision and left the Circle in probably the best way possible.

Was a little shit that Paul threw Lauren under the bus though. I don't remember them flirting really - I remember super awkward conversations. Probably lost Lauren some points, at least with Kyle if not the whole Tres Fuegos.

Honestly I respect Liv for Blocking Myles. As much as I would've been annoyed that she took out the low hanging fruit by taking out Jordan, I would also have been happy if she took out Jordan - because he was fucking annoying. Dude was just too aggressive and half the fun of The Circle is seeing how people make connections without actually meeting face to face, not just throwing shade on everyone.

Sub-note on point 3 - I wouldn't have hated if she went after QT either. Hey, at least SOMEONE learned that when it's an anonymous block, they could take a big swing. You go girl (or guy, whatever, yay Brandon).

I felt so damn bad for Autumn. She didn't do anything and everyone made her feel so bad. I get that they were just playing the game and fired shots because she was an easy target as a new player and she really, in the grand scheme of things, shouldn't have taken any of their comments personally since obviously they hadn't had any time to get to know her. But I still felt bad for her. She seemed like a nice person and got booted out before she was even given a chance. But hey, that's the way it usually goes for people who don't get to start out at the very beginning.

I don't get why Jordan went SO HARD on Myles? Like, I guess he was a pretty big player when Jordan came in and had a lot of influence, but so did QT? And probably Kyle? And besides, influence comes and goes anyway usually as conversations go on. Like. Just. Chill my dude. You fucked it up for yourself from the start from being so aggressively attacking everyone. In public chat, no less.

Honestly, amazing job Liv. I was real confused in the first episode when everyone was like 'she's probably a catfish' and talking about how boring she was and then she got voted in the top two (I don't remember, was she first even???) It just seemed like everyone was hating on her in the beginning and then she worked magic and won it at the end. Great game, Brandon. And kept it pretty genuine, just a couple calculated moves that made all the difference.

Probably more things to talk about but this is enough of a text dump.

Oh oh oh oh one more thing. I'm so proud of Kyle for being like 'everyone thanked the super influencer except Liv. So Liv was probably the super influencer!' like yes, someone finally used their brain in this game. If Liv was playing a super calculated game she should've thrown in a comment somewhere in the middle being like 'thanks for saving me super secret influencer *heart emoji*' just to confuse anyone who analyzed the chat like Kyle did. SO anyway, good job Kyle, proud of you.

[ashes-acedia]

the death by natural causes exhibit at hmns was sick (😏)

seeing as cigarette smoke is one of my worst triggers... these asthma cigarettes, which sounds like a complete oxymoron, have piqued my curiosity and i must investigate.

[imwritesometimes]

I think the helicopter flying over the neighborhood with someone saying "give yourself up before the dogs find you" over the loudspeaker is just.... adding to the ambiance of the day

[spenceragnewfics]

CLOSET MAKEOUT? i need details !!!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED WRITING THIS!!! It was so fun and I hope you all love it!!

BABY I’M YOURS | Spencer Agnew x F!Reader

TW: Allusions to alcohol, making out, hickeys, 

Word Count: 1.4k

Description: During a Smosh company party, Spencer gets desperate to have some alone time with Y/N.

One thing about the people at Smosh, they love to party. It’s kind of surprising with most of them being introverts and liking to be alone. Y/N guesses it’s because they’re all like family which makes it easier but it’s not for her to understand, just enjoy.

The company had just finished a huge project and so everyone was getting a well deserved wrap party. Ian and Anthony fitted the bill for it all as a way to say thank you and to keep up morale as this was the first big project since the company had become independent again.

The drinks have been flowing for hours along with food and plenty of music that has kept people on the dance floor. Y/N is currently there dancing with Chanse, Erin D, Angela, and Courtney, enjoying being with some of her closest friends. 

Not too far away is the group of Shayne, Spencer, and Marcus V (Chanse’s boyfriend). The three are watching the group with different loving expressions, their significant others not too far away, enjoying themselves. “Marcus, I’m shocked you’re not over there with Chanse. You two usually kill the dance floor at these things.” Spencer says before taking a sip of his drink.

Marcus shrugs, “Eh, he seemed excited to dance with his girls right now. Also it’s cool to be in the partner circle now.” He says, making the two other men laugh. “Yeah, it was just me for a while until Y/N grew the extra ball to ask Spence out.” Shayne teases as the aforementioned man rolls his eyes.

“Okay, whatever, easy for you to say, Mr. Golden Boy. Cast members dating is one thing but crew dating is another.” Spencer says, leaning against a wall. “Yeah, but I’m glad you too finally broke the tension. It was killer, dude.”

“Yeah, I know, I was in it.” Spencer deadpans, making the two men next to him laugh. It was true, Spencer had liked Y/N for years but never took a chance because he would always psyche himself out with the whole crew members dating thing. Thankfully, Y/N told him how she felt, after many many talks with Courtney about if she should do it or not.

Zoning out of the conversation, Spencer focuses his gaze onto Y/N. He watches as her body flows with the music, her head back enjoying the music as if she’s in another world. Maybe she is as she looks over to her boyfriend, a silly smile on her face as she continues dancing.

The look brings his own smirk and he sets down his drink, “I’ll be back in a bit, guys.” He says, not caring to hear a response as he walks over to the dancefloor. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulls her against his chest as he leans down to her ear “Having fun, little peach?” He whispers in her ear before kissing her neck. The feeling of his lips making her giggle, “Very much, is there something I can help you with?” She asks as she leans her head back onto his shoulder.

“Yeah, you can come with me.” He says before grabbing her hand and walking away from the dance floor. “Spence, where are you taking me?” Y/N asks, them getting farther away from the music makes it easier for him to hear and the excitement is clear in her voice.

“Somewhere private, need to be alone for a bit.” Is all he says as they continue farther and farther away from the party. Looking around, he spots a closet and opens the door. He lets her in first before coming in and closing the door. “So what’s this all-Hm!” Y/N starts to say but is cut off as Spencer kisses her roughly.

His hands are cupping her cheeks as he pins them to the farthest wall. Her hands find place on his chest as her hands make fists with his shirt to keep some leverage.

The room is dark, not light except the small sliver coming from the door frame. That doesn’t stop the couple as the two only become more intertwined as moments pass.

Spencer moves his hands down to her waist, squeezing every few moments while Y/N has one hand tangled in his, once, nicely styled hair that is becoming messier as the seconds pass. Her other hand is on the side of his neck, gently scratching the back of his neck which gives him chills. 

Moving his lips down, he kisses her jaw then makes home on her neck. She sighs happily at the feeling, the sensitive skin becoming a lovely fire with his lips searching the territory.

Starting to leave open mouth kisses, he finds the most sensitive part of her neck. The attention to the area makes her whimper as he starts to suck and lick, making a mark to show the world who makes her feel good, loved, and safe.

“If you keep going like this, I think we’ll have to worry about staying quiet.” She teases as he continues leaving marks on her neck. He hums before pulling away, “I don’t we’d have to worry, it’s loud enough out there and no one would come down here anytime too soon.” He sounds like he is basically suggesting and she can tell the biggest grin is on his face.

She uses this moment as her opportunity to push him against the opposite wall. He lands with a gentle thud before he feels her body on him, “I thought it was time to switch it up a little.” She says before kissing him.

Their lips move together in a passionate furry as he pulls her as close to him as he can. Needing to feel her all over him, like he’s addicted which he just might be. Her lips move down to his neck, open kissings being the way of travel down before she starts to leave hickies in her own right on him.

The sounds of his groaning and moans make edge her on. It’s sounds that not many people have heard and it’s something she treasures and values so much during their time alone together.

Once she seems satisfied, her lips move back to his. His hands land on her hips as she starts to unbutton his shirt. Y/N starts to slide the shirt off his shoulders when a knock sounds on the door, both of them stopping suddenly. “Spencer, Y/N, are you two in here?” Someone asks, it sounds like Chanse.

Before either of them can answer, the door opens and light floods the room. Standing in front of them is Chanse, Angela, and Erin. The couple looks at them shocked as the three’s jaws drop. “Chanse, what the hell?!” Y/N yells, “You didn’t even give me or him a moment to say anything.”

“I-I-I just-” The boy stutters out, almost speechless for once. “You three, leave now.” Spencer says, using his stern director voice. Something he has developed since getting his promotion a couple years ago. “Yeah, yeah, we were just about to. Sorry!” Erin says quickly as Angela starts to laugh. The door closes but Spencer leans over to turn on the light.

“Welp, that just ruined the mood.” He jokes, rubbing his partner’s hip. “Ruined the mood? Love, you should know me better than that.” Her face pulls into a cunning smirk. “But we should probably head home, don’t want another cast member or worse Ian or Anthony walking in.” Y/N says as she removes herself from him.

“Yeah, I like showing you off but that’s a bit much.” He says as she starts to button up his shirt. “Hmm, you do dress up nice when you want to, Spence. I like this look on you.” She says, wrapping her arms around his neck when his shirt is buttoned up.

“I’ll dress like this more often if you want.”

“No, I like your George Lucas look more.” He rolls his eyes as she laughs, “I do not dress like George Lucas!” He stresses, all she does is tap his chest with a teasing smile.

“If you say so, baby Lucas.” He groans as she takes his hand. The two of them leave the closet before heading to the exit for a lovely and fun night at home without curious co-workers trying to interrupt.

[heartfullofleeches]

Good Boy

Male Sub Yan Bully + G.N Reader

"I only need a good boy by my side, and I don't mean someone who'll have me home by eight. I want an obedient pet. Will you be that for me?."

Warnings/Tags: Top/Dom Reader, Anal Sex/Pegging, Cross-dressing, Light Degradation and pet play. Reader's gender is (obviously) never stated, but their parts are referred to as dick for ease.

Anyone with working eyes could see how whipped that boy was for you.

From the day he pushed past you in the hall, a faint spark started his heart stemming from the dismissive glare you back shot his way. That flicker was the match that blew everything into an explosive mess for your attention, igniting any obstacle in its wake. Your fellow peers avoided you for the continued safety of their fingers and social life, and every which way you turned he was there. His physical harassment didn't go beyond shoving you out of his way or snatching pencils and things meant for trash.

You never acted out against him - to his. Never ratted him out or even raised your voice. You hardly talked to him at all and that pissed him even off more. To make matters worse you were cordial in your brief encounters, and even threw off-handed comments his way. Trailing your fingers up his bicep when he forced himself at your table. Saying he looked "nice" with his hair up and out of the way of those pretty eyes. It drove him mad. He knew you knew he was too chicken shit to actually put hands on you and didn't bother wasting your energy to provoke him.

Recently, your dynamic had taken yet another turn. One, uneventful Monday morning, you strolled right up to his locker and patted him on the head as you walked off to class. His knees turned to jelly, and he nearly had a locker door slammed in his face following your hand as it left his soft locks. At lunch that very same day, you sat in his lap and even fed him his food - so long as he rushed through that project for his next class he was intentionally planning to fail. When the grades were sent back and you caught wind of his score, you kissed him on the cheek and ruffled his hair like you did before. His goons spread rumors of the two of you dating, but now everyone believed it with the leash you had around his neck. If he didn't get himself into detention, another pat. Good grades? Two kisses - if he work school appropriate clothing. Your switch from pretending he never existed to dotting on him like you were actual lovers boggled his mind to no end. What made you see him differently?

"This thing is way too damn short. I told you I'm not putting on fucking her bra - that's gross. Where the hell is my phone.. What the fuck?... give it to me. Post that and I will fucking ki-"

Oh - that would explain thing. It would explain a lot actually. All those weeks back, Erin had been asked by a friend to help deliver his sister's clothing to a nearby shelter with a few beers as payment. One of them had the brilliant idea to have a drinking contest with the loser having to try on her clothes. When it was discovered he had been pouring his into the grass, Erin was immediately disqualified and given his dues. They took video and posted it to his private page - forgetting about the person he made follow back. In all honesty, Erin had no problem wearing feminine clothing. It was just that everything that girl had absolutely shit tastes in fashion and not at all to kiss liking.

What he had on now was exactly his style.

Sliding a hand up his outer thigh, you loop two fingers through the heart shaped buckle attached to his garters and thigh highs. The spaghetti straps of his crop top hand loose and torn off his shoulders; neck and chest decorated in dark bruises and teeth marks. Circling your tongue around his puffy nipple, you pull it between your teeth - just to watch him squirm as your lips break contact with his chest; the strip of leather hanging from his thigh crackling against his skin as you retch your fingers free. He whimpers mutely, rubbing the stinging flesh into the mattress to prolong that fading bite. Grabbing his knee causes him to stop immediately, looking up at you with those pretty, pleading eyes through the whispy, dark ginger locks clinging to his sweaty forehead and cheeks. You smirk.

"What a good boy."

It had all been a test. You saw that video, and you had to have him. You knew he could be obedient with the right motivations and there was none better than giving yourself - and a little praise, to him. As usual, Erin was pissed when he found out you were training him like some.. dog, but he couldn't deny the guilty pleasure of you turning him into your bitch in front of the whole school. His cock throbs in his panties as his hazy mind replayed the billionth loop of you calling him yours; the phantom heat of your breath against his ears sending chills. Erin bucks away from the hand placed over the bump in his skirt so you wouldn't notice the pulse, but you certainly had. You close your fingers around his length, stilling him as another gloop of drool rolls past his lips.

"Eager Boy! I would love to help you with this, but.... I only need a good boy by my side, and I don't mean someone who'll have me home by eight."

You drop your lips to his ear, teasing the shell in just the way that made him cry out everytime. His little bated moans were the cutest thing.

" I want an obedient pet - and lover. Will you be that for me, Erin."

His cock ached at the first title; his heart sung at the next. He'd do anything to relieve the tension in both areas. Anything to be yours. Licking his bitten lips, he nods.

"I'll be good...."

You reach up to stroke his cheek. Erin nips at your fingers, rolling the metal ball of his piercing between each. He spits directly in your hand.

"Freak."

His chest rises with a shaky laugh, yet there's nothing but obedience in those eyes. It's a work in progress. You smack the meat of his thigh with your spit covered hand; the sound and force of the saliva hitting his send immeasurable. The e way his mouth falls open as he gasps - you would've thought he came right then and there if his solid erection wasn't in your opposite hand.

"You're lucky I'm nice. Turn over, pretty boy."

Leaning back, you help Erin lift his leg over your head as he turns over onto his stomach. Scooting forward, his ass falls into your lap as he sinks down. You raise the skirt that barely covered much to begin with and slip those lace panties down; pre-ejaculate smeared into its crotch. You wish you hand more time to appreciate his attire or shove those frilly garments down his throat, but as soon as he came through your door it was too your bedroom - and you wanted to hear his sounds nice and clear for your first time together. There would be plenty more nights in the future for you to do whatever your heart desired. Reaching forward, you tap his lips with your finger.

"Spit? Since you've already proven you don't mind getting your drool all over your master."

Erin opens his mouth - letting out a gagged yelp of surprise as your fingers shoot down his throat. He's never been more thankful for the lack of a reflex. Regaining what little composure he hand, Erin swirls his tongue around your fingers and hollows his cheeks as he suckles them as you drag them out his mouth. His head falls into the pillow as you draw your arm back to position; spreading his asscheeks as your lubricated thumb teases his hole. It slips in easier than you imagine and his back muscles go taught.

"Have you fingered yourself before?"

Erin buries his face in the pillow, eyes avoiding your stare. ".... toothbrush."

"Pfft - you whore. I was wondering what happened to that. Guess I don't have to ask who you were thinking about while you did it."

"At least you go your brains if anything ever happens to your face."

Frowning, you yank the hair still trapped in the scrunchie he wore. "Bad dog. Guess you won't need the prep then."

Removing your finger, you lend your cock to his hole. He hooks one arm under the pillow and reaches the other behind him. You take his hand and lock your fingers with his as you slip inside; pinning the limb to his back as you sink in. You pull your knees from under him and plant them in the mattress as you drag your girth out of his tight hole. Erin drops his free hand between his legs, but you quickly add your weight to his arm - immobilizing him.

"Ah-ah, I didn't say you could do that did I?"

Erin grumbles something under his breath, but thankfully you don't hear it. As a reward for staying still you kiss along his back up to the nape of his neck, right below his choker where you plant your teeth as you start off at a gradual pace. His skirt falls pack down a couple times which you lose care of after a while and let drap at your thighs. He keeps his lips separated from the pillow so his heavy breathes are audible - just like he knew you wanted. Such a good boy. Dropping your grasp to his waist, you tug him back with each thrust - virtually bouncing the drooling boy on your cock. His greedy hole and desperate whimpers suck you back in. Pleads he tempts to conceal with his moans ringing longer no matter how exaggerated his sounds become. Like everything when it came to you - he just couldn't keep it in.

"ngh...y/n...please...hah... give more."

"You want more this so soon? Hm, you've been good enough so far."

Yelping as your hips snap against the curve of his ass, Erin rocks his with a stutter - rutting his aching cock into the mattress chasing friction you refuse to provide. Your hand cracks hard against his right cheek and his back arches against your sweaty bare chest as he all but screams into the pillow now forced into snuffing his cries. You grab his jaw and his head pivots back to look up at you.

"So noisy.... It's unsightly of you, Erin. Like you're a different person now you've got a few inches in you. Tell me, are you my good little puppy or some bitch in heat using my dick to get off?"

Tongue petaled around your thumb, Erin cries out beneath its weight. "Mmph.." You lift your finger, smearing his drool into his cheek as you turn his head to face you.

"What was that, boy?"

"y-yours... 'm yours, I promise. I can be both. Please let me be both."

"We'll see about that." Standing on your knees, you yank Erin along with you and lock your arm around his neck to keep him from falling as you drill upwards into him. His cock bobs with each hammer of your hips into his and you have enough mercy to stroke him to completion as his eyes roll back in his head. You mouth more marks into his neck and shoulder blades, scrapping your teeth on the bone. Your name bleeds off his tongue like it's the only he's ever known and right now there couldn't be a truer statement. You suck one more fresh hickey to his neck and work on to his jaw, licking the stray tears that drip down to the corners of his mouth as you crush his windpipe in your hold - darting your tongue past his gasping lips. Erin groans in the blissful heat of the thirsty kiss, cumming into your hand and onto his thighs and your pillow. You rub the sensitive flesh for a few more strokes before letting him fall into his own mess. You join him on the unstained pillow and scoop your arm under his neck. He scoots over, resting his head on your chest - eyelids droopy and body slack. You brush his hair out of his face, pressing a kiss to his clammy temple.

"A quick rest, then it's the showers before bed for you, Mister.. You did amazing for me. Clean?"

You extend your hand; palm glazed with his spend. Erin scoffs, lips twitching into a faint smile.

"You're such a dick."

He sweeps his tongue over the salty fluid and licks it off the ball of your fingers, cringing at the taste, but doing as asked for once.

"True, but I'm your dick now."

He stops - eyes soft and more vulnerable than the entirety of your session. "You... were serious about that?"

"Of course. You're a good boy, Erin - when you want to be. I like you."

His head falls back to your chest, hand finding yours. "i... love you."

-

The next day at school, you walk in together with your wrist in his hand. You'd let him keep his big dog act for just a little longer. Stopping at your longer, Erin spots the one that got away - some little shit that snuck a note in your locker and fled his fury due to the teacher standing in the hall. His right hand tightens into a ball.

"Erin."

The student looks your way, shocked seeing the two of you so close. His shoulders relax as he shoves the fist into his pocket. Thankfully, you didn't have every period together. "See, i wasn't doing nothing."

You peck his cheek with a smile. "Good boy.

[kaelidascope]

Dude, I love this fanfic so much! I just wanted to ask where you got the idea from. Did you have any inspiration from anyone? Also, what's your favorite fanfic? And want do you recommend ?

AWE bless!! Thank you so much I'm glad you're enjoying it <33

So actually a good 80% of this is written from personal experience LOL I used to dance and was into drift building/racing in my late teens/early twenties! Most of the references or scenes in Midnight Menagerie are references to things I've seen or done in real life, OR stories friends have told me within the same field. (Nora is literally just a rebranding of this one mutual friend we had who just. Absolutely fucking unhinged) Like for example, the anticipated Hangover Chapter is just a retelling of an insane Summer weekend I had in 2017 ☠️ it's a personal delight being able to translate things into the narrative, even more so knowing people find my stupid, terrible decisions as amusing as I do in current times lol

My general rule of thumb is to write from experience. Things I understand either on a technical point or emotional connection. So, if you've read it in my work, it's probably something I've done LOL

Another reason I find drive in writing this type of narrative is that MM!Blake's type of dissociative PTSD is something I haven't seen much in media in general. I've seen people depict her in various ways (some of them good!), but none of them ever really apply directly to me, so I wanted to make something that I could relate to and how to properly navigate life, given the environmental circumstances. Plus some us need better examples on how to juggle mental illness as adults and also be in healthy long term relationships because damn I have zero reference LOL

For the fic recs, oh boy I have so many LOL time to be a pathetic fangirl on main but okay here's the ones that immediately jump to mind (also heads up most of these are mature or explicit rating);

Certified Kaeli Fresh Fics

Let You See My Wilder Side (If I Can See Your Bones)

We all know this one but it is, hands down, my favorite piece of literature of all time. Masterfully crafted and a timeless classic worth several rereads (and I have. Embarrassingly so)

Written by @/lucytara on tumblr || @/explosive_sky on twitter

honestly all her works are immaculate and beyond compare. Also a major fan of I Have A Bullet With Your Mouth On It (That was first RWBY fanfic I ever read LMAO a friend recommended it to me before I even watched the show) I aspire to write like her some day. It's what got me writing fanfiction in the first place. So, credit goes to Erin for inspiring me to post my manuscripts at all. Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation. I have two book series in the process of being published now and I wouldn't have had the nerve to do it had it not been for this specific fic.

2. One Day At A Time

Also one of the earlier fics I read before getting into the show LOL I love all of @/Frenchsoda 's work, the full list is also worth checking out. I'm a fan of disgruntled Blake who doesn't understand her attraction to Yang but it's so god damn sweet ugh

3. Fucking In Love

Written by @/Set_WingedWarrior and @/Softlight

This one circulates a lot in my social circles. Everyone I know LOVES this one and after reading it earlier this year, now I see why. As someone who worked in the sex industry for a brief period of time, this one's not only accurate but also A DELIGHT to read. The premise is fun, captivating, and worth the wait. I actually discovered a chapter update earlier this year and sent the gc into hysterics because we thought the fic was dead LMAO props to these authors!! They're doing an amazing job and deserve praise

4. You're A Mountain, Full Of Glory

written by champion author @/lescousinsdangereux

I should just preface already that every book Blake reads in MM is a fanfiction that exists because I love Easter eggs. Everyone knows I had Blake reference this in chapter 3 LOL but it's equally as immaculate as Erin's work. I LOVED especially the dynamic between Weiss, Yang, and Ruby in this one. Baby, we're complicated fucking murdered me 😭 also that fuckass Christmas scene, that's my favorite Christmas song LMAO

5. The Home Inside Your Head

Written by the ever skilled @/writeriguess . I found this fic by accident by seeing fanart for it floating around on this site. Got curious, picked at it, and. Oh, my god. It's not very often my brain gets scratched in the right way, but boy this one does it. This author does something specifically unique I haven't seen many do before, and I applaud them for it. There's great detail on the scenes that matter, and the fucking organic build up between Blake and Yang is just. God. Chef's kiss. Truly. It feels so god damn natural and healthy and it's already crossing off several of my agendas already. Give this one a read and give the author some love. SENSUAL FACE TOUCHING? CHAPTER 13????? BOOOOOOOYYYYYYY I'm normal about it

6. You'd Be Paranoid Too (If Everyone Was Out To Get You)

Written by @/WabaJaba_ on twitter

Okay so this one's completely different than what I've previously listed but HOLY FUCKING SHIT IS IT A THRILLER. It doesn't nearly have the amount of love and attention it truly deserves. A friend of mine recommended it to me because it shook them so fucking hard they were in total brainrot hell for a MONTH. NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY LMAO God I was obsessed with this for weeks myself. It obviously lives up to it's rating, horror fics aren't for everyone. But if you're able to read it, good lord you should. It's chilling, captivating, and had me on the edge of my fucking seat the entire time. Both endings are good, I still can't decide which one I prefer but RAH I will make sure this is seen god dammit

and last but certainly not least

7. You And Me and This Temptation

written by talented author @/ProfessorSpork

Okay this one was an accidental find as well. A friend sent it to me because THEY found it by accident, I clicked on it for later, went looking for a completely different fic that I mistook for this one, started skimming and realized 'wait a minute LMAO I don't recognize this'. But the thing you have to understand is I hate reading. I'm not a reader, I'm picky and it needs to be worth sitting down for long periods of time. This is one of the rare instances where I was so captivated by it I kept reading more and more from the middle where I landed, and eventually just said ykw let me just start from the beginning cus LMAO context.

This one is, by far, one the healthiest and loveliest depictions of first times I have ever seen. This shit was so inspiring to me that it literally kickstarted an essay in someone's DMs why depictions like this are so important. I didn't have this experience irl, and why MM is written the way it is is because its meant to serve as a lighthouse for those who, like me, haven't. This fic however I feel like should be a required read for anyone getting into relationships for the first time because if it's not like how these two interact, LEAVE IT. This is the standard. This is amazingly written, it's the closest I've ever seen canon Yang and Blake be written to date. The fucking souvenir bit 😭 NJKFGNFJKGNGJ killed me, I was kicking my feet laughing for a good minute. This is the kind of standard everyone should look at and go 'yeah, I want what they have' BECAUSE IT'S CORRECT. LOUD CORRECT BUZZER NOISES

Honestly everything in my bookmarks is certified Kaeli Fresh but these 7 are my top faves. They're probably also really commonly known I'm sure but LMAO like I said I don't read much 😭 which is heavily ironic considering I write myself. Anyway this ended up way longer than I intended but LOL <3 <3 go give these incredible authors love!!

[solesommerso]

Oooh I just saw your writing for CPD now too 🤩 could I pls request a Jay Halstead x Reader where they have to go undercover as a couple? They're dating secretly, but the secret comes out when they're just too convincing during their undercover work? 🥹

PS I ❤️ your writing! 🥰🥰

Secrets | Jay Halstead x Reader

a/n: ah I think I did this justice but I’ve never written for Jay on his own so idk

warnings: canon typical drug related mentions, guns, secret relationships, reader in a skirt (still kept g/n), swearing, slight nsfw (thigh grabbing/kissing)

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ

~

You hiss at the microphone digging into your chest, shifting your shirt around for the umpteenth time to try and ease your discomfort from how badly Hailey had set your tech-wear up.

"I shoulda just done it myself." You groan towards Jay, watching how your partner shakes his head only to be cut short as he nods towards the door, the man you've been tracking walks in, a girl in tow with a tray of drinks in her hand.

"Would you two like anything to drink?" She asks, bending at the waist to pick up the past glasses left on the table in front of the couch you reside on, both of you shaking your head to the woman's question. The man that you're here to see, Liam Smart as you've come to learn, tsks his tongue at Jay.

"You don't want to buy your pretty friend a drink?" It almost has you rolling your eyes, you would if this undercover case wasn't so important.

"They're alright." Jay replies, sliding his hand onto your thigh, it brings heat to your cheeks in an instant, you pray nobody on the team can pick up on it through all the cameras.

"Okay then. Shall we get this thing going?" Liam quirks a brow, at least he wants to get this done and over with just as fast as you and Jay do.

"So what's your plan?" Smart leans his elbows onto his knees, smirking when Jay protectively pulls you in closer as the angle Smarts at gives him a clear view to try and stare up your skirt.

"We get three kilos now and three more in a weeks time." Liam throws out a laugh, adjusting his pants which makes your hand drift over to Jays hip, his guns there and while yours is tucked into the back of this skirt, Jays is closer.

"I don't know you. I can't trust you, but you expect three kilos right off the bat?" You both knew it was ambitious but hoped Liam would be dumb enough to agree.

“We have a lot of clients.” You say in your best fake sweet tone, Jays hand squeezes your thigh which means he must pick up on it.

“I see, and where are your clients?” Liam slumps back against the red leather couch you’re all sat on, it circles around a table in a way you can only describe as ‘cliché’, straight out of a bad crime movie.

“North side, they’ll pay top dollar.” Jay builds up on your story and Smart must be drunk enough to believe you two as he smile small.

~

Soon enough everything is going to plan and you’re slipping into a back room to retrieve the three kilos Jay requested. Liam has definitely gotten more than a few drinks in him as he’s getting more and more talkative, gushing over how north side moves product quickly and blah blah- you don’t care anymore.

While this is very much a work outing, Jays hand has been drifting around your thighs throughout the whole endeavor, not to mention how you’ve been leaning into him, your anxiety’s spiked about the team maybe figuring out you two aren’t so much lying about your relationship. Voight’s already gave up on the ‘don’t date your coworkers’ rule with Adam and Kim but you’re newer, and Jay has a history with Erin, no matter how long it’s been since she was even in Chicago. It could cause some issues.

“You guys aren’t very touchy for a couple.” Liam comments in his drunken state. It has you and Jay making split eye contact, his gaze filtering down your body then back up to your lips, and god what you would do to abandon this all and climb into the back of his truck.

“Go on, kiss them.” Smart might be drunk but you can’t complain about his words, Jays hand slips up the side of your jaw, pressing his lips heatedly against yours, instantly dropping his other hand to pull your waist in and let you wrap your arms around him.

It last longer than it should.

A fair bit longer, with a lot more tongue than you’re sure any of the team appreciate. But you get the drugs and the next meet set up, so job well done- kind of- the smirks across your fellow officers faces make you have some regrets. Aside from Voight who’s just shaking his head and beaconing Jay into his office, no doubt about to get a lecture about telling Voight things like this, and dating another coworker. Jay will be fine.

“So when did that start? Hm?” Kevin comes to tease you, you shove at his shoulder and shake your head.

“Shut it.” You huff, looking away from Adams fake kissing lips that has Kim throwing her hand onto his chest in protest.

“So it is official then?”

“Shut up!”

[shibinus]

Just watched the new episodes of the circle season 5...spoilers ahead do not read if you don’t want to be spoiled through 5.8.

1. I fucking love Raven (and Paris) and Chaz. I need them to be in it until the end.

2. F u c k Marvin. What a shit bag. Thank goodness Tamira talked to Raven about what happened and the girls could rally around each other.

3. Does anyone else find Sam boring as fuck? She doesn’t do anything. And she’s dumb as bricks if she thought geography would potentially include a question about how many bricks are in the Great Wall of China and thought the elements in the periodic table were earth, water, fire, air ... ?????? Girl please.

4. Shooby was done pretty dirty right off the bat with having to make the decision between blocking Jennifer and Bruno. But at the same time, he didn’t play it great either. It makes sense why he’d go with Jennifer to get in with better alliances and such, but he also screwed Bruno over making promises he couldn’t keep and then going around to others saying ‘I’ve got your back’ when Bruno called him out for not having theirs after saying the same exact thing. He just didn’t play a very good game as Sasha which sucks, I would’ve liked to see more of him...but mostly I found him pretty annoying this time.

5. Marvin was the bigger swing, this was the time to take him out.

[imwritesometimes]

the way my mom would watch psých and be like omg it's like you and your brother and the way I go over to my mom's and she still watches this like all the time even though we've both moved out and she's like 'it just feels familiar'

[takeariskao3]

The music resumed between one breath and the next, both musicians singing in a melancholic harmony, and Ginny felt herself relax into the rhythm, and into Harry.

They were closer now than when they started. Ginny’s left wrist laid parallel to his upper arm and her elbow rested against his, while Harry’s face was in a perpetual tilt downward and his fingers curled into her spine.

His thumb traced a delicate circle into her skin.

This was a dangerous game. One that she didn’t know how to win. One that she didn’t realize she was playing until it was too late. One that now they were in it, she didn’t want to give it up.

One that she had no idea why she didn’t play more often.

She had reasons… somewhere. Where were they?

Harry’s hand tightened on hers for a moment, and Ginny looked up to see the ghost of a smile still playing at his lips. “Why don’t you want to talk about it?”

Her face fell and she let out a shaky breath.

“Because it’s going to be a disaster,” Ginny murmured at his shoulder before she could stop herself, and then once she started she couldn’t stop. “Because I’m going to get booed, or benched, or fired. Because it’s all some big cruel joke-”

“Why do you think it’s a joke?”

“I’m the joke,” Ginny shook her head, and spat the words that had been plaguing her for months. “Because I’m mediocre.”

The declaration hung in the air between them, diffusing into a silence only interrupted by the soft crooning of the band. She let out another quivering sigh and finally mustered the courage to look up at him.

Harry was watching her with a peculiar expression, and he didn’t speak until he knew he had her full attention.

“You’re not.”

Ginny scoffed, it was the only thing she could do besides cry, and she was not going to cry.

“But I’m not great,” she explained, giving voice to the resignation pounding through her chest. “I want to be the best, or nothing. And I get in the air and it’s glaringly obvious how far from great I am. I can’t adapt like Gwenog, I can’t strategize like Val, I can’t-”

“Quit trying to be them,” Harry interrupted, heat crackling behind his green eyes. “You can’t be a better Gwenog Jones than Gwenog Jones. Why would you want to? You’re Ginny. No one is better than you at that. So, just be Ginny. Just fly.”

His gaze pinned her in place even though they still swayed slightly to the music. She tried to pull in a breath, but it was a shallow, pointless thing.

Because while she fancied herself courageous, Ginny wasn’t without fear, and in that moment, nothing was more terrifying than the way Harry looked at her.

ERIN IM SCREAMING

this was such a nightmare to write because i wanted to get it EXACTLY right. the way they just sort of get lost in each other and forget literally anything else. AND THEN THE INTIMACY OF REASSURANCE AND GINNY IS JUST FLOORED

GAAAAHHH and now you’re telling me THIS is the p&p moment??? for the whole fic????????? helppppppp im so emo about this GOD

[heartfullofleeches]

Masochist Yan bully with a sadistic student council reader

Tw: smoking, cigarette burns, masochism, slightly suggestive themes

-

Erin watches the cafeteria door as he wastes for you to come outside. He was standing behind a building in the recreational area of the school, tucked away from human eye less they rounded the corner. He flicks on his lighter as you finally make your way outside for your routinely inspect of the school grounds.

He puts the cigarette to his lips. The other week, you caught another school smoking in this same spot and gave them an earful. You forced everyone to leave, but there were rumors you made them smoke the entire rest of the pack after-school. Erin still got tingles when he remembered how the student cries from your verbal assault.

Erin lights the cigarette, taking in a puff as the nicotine burns. He gags. It's not his first time, but in his excitement he ended up inhaling more than intended. He stands close to the end of the corner; tossing his pack onto the ground as your footsteps approach.

He steps out and picks from up, cancer stick hanging from his teeth as he waves. "Hey, Y/n. What's up?"

Your expression is neutral. "What are you doing, Mr. Hart?"

"Nothin." He takes the cigarette from his mouth and blows into the air. "Just enjoying my break like everyone else."

Without another word you walk over. You grab him by the wrist, pulling him around the corner as you then shove him against the wall.

"Give it to me."

Erin's face heats up. He feels your breath against his face. He shakily hands you the cigarette.

You grimace. "How disgusting. Tainting our school grounds with this stench. It's fitting for someone like you, but that doesn't mean you can do it."

His heart beat excellerates. "What are you gonna do about it?"

"Well I let the last pest off with a warning, but I'll make an example out of you. You're tougher to crack than them anyways." You step back. "Kneel."

Erin's not as tough of an egg as you think as he immediately falls to his kneels. He was a little over a foot taller than you standing, now at stomach level. It was a good imbalance. One he'd like to see more often. He gets as close as possible, chest pressed against your leg. You stare down at him; him returning the look with one that reminded you of a dog in heat.

"Stick out your tongue."

Erin again does as told. That smart ass confidence of his had been withered down to an obedient pet. You had yet to fully tame that spirit of his - but you would. You yank him forward by the jaw; flicking some of the cigarette's ash onto his tongue. He trembles in anticipation. You finally press it into the flesh of the muscle; keeping an iron grip on his jaw.

"Gah.. Hah..." Erin moans in pain as the bud chars his tongue. He grabs your thighs, nailing hooking onto the fabric of your pants. It fucking hurt. He could feel the tastebuds in that area melting away, but he wanted more. So much more. The pain was as enriching as the sweet embrace of a lover. It believed with his sick obsession for you that left him in a puddle of pure ecstasy.

Saliva pours over his lips and onto your fingers. He tries so hard not to bite down; jaws clenching, but unable to close around the cigarette. It eventually goes out from the combine weight of his saliva and being forced into a surface. You twist the extinguished bud for added measure before flicking it onto his lap.

You force his head back; another moan erupted from his throat as you yank his hair. Your fingers enter his mouth as you except the extent of the damage. A circle red is burnt into his tongue; the flesh raw. He nearly finishes on the spot as you tug on it. Deeming he's learned his lesson, you let him go.

"I think that's enough punishment for today. Don't do it again or..." Your voice trails off. As you spoke your eyes wandered his body; falling on an unflattering sight between his legs. "Are you- Did you get-"

Erin doesn't respond. Too caught up in the pleasure running through his body to speak. You nearly retch.

"How repulsive... Clean yourself up and go home for the day."

You walk away as the alarm rings for the next period. Erin slumps against the wall as he shoves his fingers in his mouth, trying to reach that same high he felt when yours were in their place. It's not enough to settle his heart back into his chest, but enough to finish what needed to be done.

[autism-purgatory]

Hooray WIP introduction

Shirleston Academy of Mystery and Intrigue

“Everyone in that place is stuck in endless dreams and living nightmares, all while it watches.”

Takes place in a private school in Portland, Oregon where three students are wrapped in an ever-growing mystery surrounding the history of their esteemed school. Its inspirations are The Magnus Archives and K-12 by Melanie Martinez (and my own shitty experiences with private schools but this isn’t a vent post). It’s a cosmic horror mystery with hints of dark academia. Students at Shirleston are ranked by the color of their ties. Freshman have blue, Sophomore have yellow, Juniors have Red, and Seniors have green. (If I see a hogwarts joke I’m deleting this blog)

Our characters:

Ashley Yuan: 18, A senior at Shirleston Academy and trying to get the hell out of there as soon as possible. She is generally snarky but clever. She also has OCD and is demi-sexual. She’s been living on her own for about a month after her aging mother passed. She gets wrapped up in this mess of a mystery after discovering a fellow student burned alive in a ritual circle in the library. She pieces the school’s mysterious history alongside…

Erin Reyes: 15, the youngest one of the protagonists. He’s quiet but very blunt and honest when he does talk, and is internally screaming 24/7. He has been homeschooled for most of his life due to severe bullying until his father put him in Shirleston. He is autistic and is having a bit of an identity crisis due to his slow and painful process of unmasking after years. Hes terrified of Shirleston not just because he has to talk to people frequently, but also because there’s just something so off about the place. This only gets worse when he’s roped into the plot. He’s also pan but extremely closeted.

James Lyon: 17 and a junior. He’s playful, energetic, kinda stupid, but means well for the most part. His dad is the CEO of Glacé, a banking company and a major investor in Shirleston. He likes being at shirleston due to how horribly his parents treat him, it’s sort of an escape for him. So that obviously goes to shit when a friend of his ends up dead in the library. Now he doesn’t feel safe anywhere, but finds at least a little comfort in his new friends. He’s gay, but like Erin, he’s extremely closeted.

There’s body horror, found family I guess??? Chase scenes, dream symbolism, body horror monsters, the works.

[bonefall]

. wait. what about the world wars. surely there would have been bombs. or Human Battles. maybe not as many as there would have been in more populated areas. but. if the implication is that the clans were formed in the early 1900s. then like. they would have seen the wars. for god’s sake they would have seen the PLANES. HEY ERINS WHY DID YOU IMPLY THE CLANS WERE FORMED PRE-WWI

[Image ID: Heat map of World War 2 bombings in England. The regions used for the Bonefall Rewrite are circled and marked 'lake'. The original authorial stated region, New Forest, is circled as well. Both of them overlap heavy bombing.]

BOTH AREAS, BOTH CANON STATED AND MOST ECOLOGICALLY CONSISTENT, WOULD EXPERIENCE HEAVY BOMBING IN THE 1940s

As far as I know there wasn't any ground invasions in those parts of England, but the carpetbombing would have been very hard to ignore. They would have seen planes or watched the Twolegplace get devastated, assuming the Ford Model T dates the Dawn of the Clans to the 1920's to 1930's

[sanctaignorantia]

Playing with the fancast thing again!

I woke up with the idea in mind that Tom Ellis should be on IWTV somehow, because I'm an idiot and I like to fancast, but unfortunately as I don't watch many movies and series, my list of actors is limited to a very small circle!

But let's play a little...

Erin Kellyman and Amelia Kellyman as Maharet and Mekare and I don't think I need to tell you why... (The one in the middle is Milly Kellyman and she's an athlete.)

(left) Erin - October 17, 1998 - 1,68m (British)

(right) Amelia - June 6, 1993 - not sure (British)

Tom Ellis - November 17, 1978 - 1,91m (British)... I have no idea who he could play, but like Ben Daniels (Santiago), he's the kind of actor who has the charisma to make you feel sympathy for the devil (if you know what I mean), so he could be something like Santino haha.

May El Calamawy - October 28, 1986 - 1,69m (Egyptian/Palestinian)... I've loved her since I saw her in 'Moon Knight' and thank you Marvel for that, she's a great actress and I'm just in love with her, it's that thing, I just want her in every possible production. I can't say she'd be a good Akasha because I don't think she'd fit that role, so she could be some gender-swapped character or maybe Chrysanthe.

Jameela Jamil - February 25, 1986 - 1,79m (Indian/Pakistani born in UK)... Make her Lydia (Pandora) and make her kick some ass, make Arjun her little dog and in the end she can be with Bianca (I don't think she should be with Marius because he deserves to end up alone).

Eva Green - July 6, 1980 - 1,70m (French/Jewish descent on his mother's side)... How can you live without wanting this woman on your screen? I have no idea who she could be, but make her one of the old ones, a powerful one who puts fear into you, make her kick a lot of ass too.

Charles Dance as Magnus - October 10, 1946 - 1,91m (British)... It's so sad because I can only see Magnus as him, but if Christos Lawton is Magnus in S2 I'll be satisfied too.

Paul Bullion as Thornevald - June 4, 1988 - 1,91m (British)... Come on, he looks so much like Thorne, it's like he's going to start crying at any moment! And I wish the series would not only put Thorne and Cyril together, but make them a couple, because I would love that so much, them being the best clumsy duo at protecting and following Lestat around while being a complete mess, they need to stick together, I love them.

Gillian Anderson or Kristin Bauer van Straten as Gabrielle. To be honest, from the first time I saw Kristin I saw Gabrielle in her.

Gillian Anderson - August 9, 1968 - 1,60m (American/British)

Kristin Bauer van Straten - November 26, 1966 - 1,75 m (American)

Oded Fehr as Nebamun (Gregory) - November 23, 1970 - 1,87m (Israeli)... That crush from 'The Mummy' that you never forget. Gregory being the biggest dad!

I had some funny fancasts for Marius from the moment I read him in 'The Vampire Lestat', but the only two that never left my head were Fawad and Pedro, sorry! Two completely impossible actors, but something in me screamed that Marius should be Latino (crazy) and I unfortunately won't change my mind about that.

Fawad Khan - November 29, 1981- 1,78 m (Pakistani)

Pedro Pascal - April 2, 1975 - 1,80m (Chilean/American)... Every time I read Marius and the image of Pedro pops into my mind, I start to giggle (I love you Pedro!).

Sometimes I see Marius in Adam Cowie too, but unfortunately he's not an actor… June 3, 1988 - 1,88m (British/Model and Dante's face in DMC V).

That's all for now, there are a few other characters that I wish I could fancast, but unfortunately I don't have any references and they are:

Seth. I keep wondering who would be the ideal actor to be the best couple ever with Fareed! (Sorry, I love them too).

Sevraine. Another great woman I wanted kicking ass!

Avicus and Mael. Along with Fareed and Seth, the two of them are the couple I look at and shout "old married couple energy!"

Cyril. Because I want him kissing Thorne on the mouth!!!

Rhoshamandes. Poor dear Rhosh, poorly used in the books, I wish he had the same energy as Ben Daniels as Santiago, an actor who would make you love the great villain and that in the series he is that great villain and not just someone who gradually becomes mediocre.

edit 1)

Mahesh Jadu as Cyril, Khayman or Seth - October 26, 1982 - 1,83m (Australian)... My goodness he's beautiful, isn't he???? >///<

Please reblog with more fancasts!

[thefandom-casserole]

Episode 51 Notes-

THE INTRO ALREADY IS THE BEST ONE THEYVE EVER DONE EVER

DVER

DAHJKUDGHJJGDTHH

OMG

once made a bill nye song parody for my step dad cause he’s a fire fighter and it was just. Fantastic 

My headphones are not working 😭 

Taylor Teen Fact: Our Taylor Swift would never leave Japan for anybody/any game

Linc Teen Fact: Lincoln only has only one thing on his wall unrelated to soccer “Best son/student award” from Grant and Marco

Scary Teen Fact: Scary doesn’t use an umbrella ever. She looks up at the rain to get the emo mascara smudge 

Normal Teen Fact: The Oak-Garcia families only thing they can agree on is a 60 frames/second motion TV 

Love how much Freddie loves that 

Porn update!!!

Anthony Fact: They’re starting shooting in March!! WILLY STAMPLER AND ANTHONY BURCH IN HIS PORN JESUS CHRIST OMG

Beth… 

This is gonna be good

I’m excited

Lincoln is still trapped :<

Wowwww Taylor and Normal are fighting 

Oh boy

Mercedes my beloved <333

Love how Normal is like “Taylor… Taylor…” like a dog

HERO AAFJHHHGHHHQHAJAHAJSJDJJSSNJSJSN

HERO AHAHAHAHSHSHSBBAJAHAH

I LOVER HER

Taylor and Hero omg….

Hero does Track!!!

I cannot hear the phrase let me cook again after watching Slimecicles one vod omg

Chapperal vs Teen High hehehehe

Track goes through everything fr

Highschool sports are crazy

Hero and Normal the siblings of all time!!!!!

ANGELS COME FOR HERO KABAJAJAJAJAHHAHAHAHAHHA

OMG

The fucking dank memes

Reminds me of this kid in my class holy shit

Larry sounds so excited there “YES! Yes!”

“A phase you go through”

A phrase- a life style 

Oh god

“You’re a very smart kid Larry”

This is bad for scary holy shit

AMRS ICY

IM SCARY

Circle of death holy shit holy shit holy shit ahhajajahshs 

Ha get Willy’s ass

DOOD ON NO

“You got me!”

Oh dear

Sonic mention!!

Jezz ball!!!! I love Jezz Ball

This whole bit was hilarious

SCARY HAS BURN SCARS NOW TOO

HERMIE NORMAL AND SCARY

Linc already is playing with a soccer ball!!!

“I love my parents, I love my spouses. But loves not real so I don’t feel anything at allllllll”

DARRYL

Finger puppet if Carol

This is a craft podcast 

Darryl and Linc interaction is giving me life actually

Glenn!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt playing so many characters this is lovely 😭 

LINCS COMPELYE FOXUS ON SOCCER IS ABAIANJAJSND

Freddie has another plan 💀 

Glenn was in prison before!!

Darryl and Glenn…. Holy shit I love them so much

Linc is so funny

There’s no world where it wasn’t a Nat one

Ron!!!!!!!!!!! He’s singing!!!!!! Agajjajajahahsjsh

Ron and Henry!!!

I love the daddies so much

Erin O’Neil!!!!!!!!! My wife!!!!!!!

Operation Black Friday into Heaven

Taylor going through his Anime Villain arc at the end of the season 😭 

Scary and Linc’s soccer thing!!!!!

I missed a bunch

HERMIE!

[tallshipsandtallkings]

"So you have no expectation that any relationship you enter into will last?" For Erin

Erin shook her head, and retreated back into the safety of her blanket, tucking her feet under her. Watching a romcom together had seemed a good idea for their fourth date, a low-key way of spending an evening after she had exhausted herself in the library cramming for finals.

"Yeah, I'm not a relationship person," she said, and grimaced as she reached for the popcorn bowl Al held in his lap. "That's something you should know about me. You're sweet, and what we have is... great," she hesitated. It was an understatement to how good the past few weeks had been, and yet she was not ready to name or describe the fragile, beautiful feeling that was growing inside her. "But sooner or later I will do something and mess it up."

The alternative, of course, was that Al would reveal himself to be a horrible, jealous, controling, or even downright abusive boyfriend. Which he did not so far seem to be, but some of the worst people she had dated in the past only showed their hand once she was deep in love with them, and could use that to their advantage. Opening up to her brother's best friend felt surprisingly natural, but Erin knew well how manipulative and sweet talking lawyers could be, having been raised by one. Her father was a decent man, of course, but a man also capable of talking his way out of a speeding ticket, or bringing a corporation down to its knees. Her brother could already talk circles around most of the competition. And Al was her father's best student in an entire generation. She knew how fast the tide could turn.

And yet... this felt easy. When they first kissed, she remembered not getting the butterflies, but an imperious feeling that this was right, that this was it. She had known him for so long, but he had been ony Al, loud and boisterous when he was with Patrick, serious and hardworking whenever her father brought him along, and sweet and funny whenever she talked to him. It was as if a veil had been lifted from her eyes, and now she could see him fully.