#even wallflower can bloom

[squarekeystudio]

Officially Licensed fan art for Netflix's Bridgerton series.

Some of the most popular quotes from the show available to purchase as magnets, stickers, prints and much more!

Other designs available in store.

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[ayamos]

What should transpire once this author becomes the story??

[hauntedfictionland]

BRIDGERTON | Looks from season 3 trailer

“Even a wallflower can bloom.”

[lovebugism]

heyy i have a request <33

just read ur shy reader x steve fic where she gives him his phone number back and then hits her head and he’s just so 🥰🥰🥰 abt it all. i know it’s a prequel to a fic where they’re finally together but could i politely request a fic from when they did get together. maybe tommy tries picking on her again but steve actually stops him that time🩷🩷🩷

thanks for requesting :D part of the king!steve universe! — steve defends you from his asshole friends (shy!fem!r established relationship, hurt/comfort | 1k)

The air smells overwhelmingly of the late summer season. Of nighttime and dewy grass and chlorine and Steve The Hair Harrington. 

The boy himself lazes in the lawn chair next to yours, much too far for your liking. The warm scent of his cologne lingers between you and cradles you in his absence. 

You tilt your chin to your shoulder and admire the sharp edges of Steve’s profile in silence. Your heavy eyes fall from his pronounced browbone, to the slope of his chiseled nose, and finally to the plush of his pink lips. Too pretty for his own good.

“You can swim if you want to,” you murmur when you catch him eyeing Tommy and Carol splashing each other in the steaming pool. “You know that, right?”

Steve’s brows furrow, as though offended by the question. “I’m okay here.”

“I just don’t want you to think you have to stay here with me—”

“I don’t care about swimming with those two shitheads, alright? Honest,” the boy interjects, then turns to look at you fully. Honey glitters in his dark eyes, which melt with a quiet adoration. In a similarly warm tone, he confesses, “I just wanna spend time with you.” 

A petaled smile blooms on your mouth. You purse your lips to the side in a futile attempt to conceal it, which only makes Steve’s smug grin grow. He knows what he’s doing to you. And it’s maddening.

“You can flirt with your girlfriend without being an asshole, you know?” Tommy calls from the shallow end of the pool, freckled arms folded along the concrete edge. He shakes wet hair from his face and jokes, “Dissing your friends isn’t exactly a turn-on. Ain’t that right, sweetheart?”

Your face burns when he turns to you. The unwanted attention makes your throat catch and your stomach do backflips. ‘Cause no matter how many times Steve invites you to these hangouts, you know you’ll never truly fit in. Not here. Not with them.

Steve, seemingly sensing your discomfort as you shift in your seat, calls back. “Hey, Tommy?”

“Yeah?”

“Shut up.”

"Dick,” the darker-haired boy chuckles. 

Carol swims over to him, then, and mounts his back. She wraps all her dainty limbs around him like a koala. Tommy accommodates her weight with little effort. “Hey, Wallflower. Why don’t you hop in? The water’s warm.”

As if you didn’t already know that you were less than friends, the use of the horrid nickname was further confirmation.

“I don’t know how to swim,” you confess in a mousy voice.

“I could always teach ya,” he offers, mostly polite, but still distantly creepy in his way. “You’ve got a bathing suit under all that, right?”

“Uh… Yeah?”

The corner of his mouth lifts in a faint smirk. His dark eyes flit up and down your form like he can see right through your oversized t-shirt. “Nice,” he hums.

Carol scoffs and swats his arm. “You’re such a boy.”

Tommy’s freckled face swirls with a boyish offense. “I just wanna know what she looks like under all those clothes! That’s all!” he argues like it’s normal. Like you aren’t there at all.

“Okay, Tommy,” Steve spits. “That’s just gross.”

“What?” he laughs

“You can’t— You can’t just say that!” the boy beside you retorts, talking wildly with his hands. “That’s, like, super sexist, dude.”

Even stewing in your red-hot embarrassment, he manages to get a smile out of you. Not that he’s trying to, anyway. He’s trying to stand up for you — the best he can, at least. It’s not his fault his boyishness is so damn adorable.

“Don’t act like you haven’t said worse shit, Harrington!” 

“Yeah, but I grew up! It’s not my fault you’re still fourteen!”

Tommy rears his arm back to splash him. The warm droplets of the heated pool land mostly on the boy beside you, dampening his sweatshirt in rogue places. A few fall gently on your arm when you flinch away.

“See. Now you’re just proving my point,” Steve deadpans.

“Hey, Wallflower!” Tommy shouts, if only to further provoke his best friend. “If you ever want a break from this hardass, give us a call, alright?”

Carol gasps in offense. “You’re so gross,” she giggles before splashing him with a lighthearted hand. To which Tommy responds with a much bigger, much more dramatic splash of his own. 

The two of them roughhouse like they hate each other and forget you were ever there, while you drown in a riptide of thoughts.

What did she mean by that? your mind races. Does the mere thought of you disgust her? Or does she realize how pervy her boyfriend is? Maybe it’s both. But the thought is still stomach-turning.

Steve looks over at you and softens all over again. “Sorry about him,” he mumbles.

His honeyed voice cuts through all the mean voices in your head. You blink hard and turn to him with less glazed-over eyes. “You’re real cute, you know?” you say with a wavering, mostly sincere grin.

He only shrugs and swipes an anxious hand through his hair, ducking away when his cheeks start to speckle a burning pink color. The chocolate strands fall back over his forehead once more. 

“He doesn’t get to talk to you like that,” he murmurs sheepishly. “Or anyone, but… Especially you.”

“Hardass,” you quip with a mischievous squint.

Steve sends you a playful glare in return. You cave with a pretty laugh. He grins at the sound of it and settles back in his plastic lounge chair, blinking up at the velvet night sky.

“It’s feel good, though,” he mutters with his arms folded over his stomach.

Your brows pinch. “What does?”

“Being the only one who gets to see you under all that.”

Steve flashes you a smirk — pretty, pink, and lopsided. You meet the petaled expression with a lighthearted glower despite the sparkles burning like embers in your chest. 

“Does it?” you monotone.

“Yep,” he answers, popping the p. “It’s an honor, really.”

“Shut up.”

“I feel like I deserve a medal, honestly.”

“Shut up.”

[pomefioredove]

HIII I SAW THE FLIRTY PROMPTS EVENTS AND RAN HAHA

Can I please get "You're a shy little thing, aren't you?" with Rook please???? 🙏🙏🫠🫠🤍

anon this one is PERFECT omg screaming...

summary: "you're a shy little thing, aren't you?" type of post: short fic characters: rook additional info: romantic(?), reader is gender neutral, reader is not specified to be yuu, Rook being a little freak, shamelessly flirty, not proofread a part of this event

There's that feeling again.

Your heart rate picking up, muscles tensing, adrenaline urging you to find somewhere to run, a quiet corner to lurk until those eyes you feel on the back of your neck have turned away...

You're surrounded by people, but even the crowd isn't enough to hide you.

For so many years, you hadn't been noticed at all. An unsaved seat, a forgotten name, a dull, drooping wallflower with nowhere to root. Ignored and undesired, nothing more than a piece of furniture in everyone else's lives.

You had long come to accept that it's just how things are, even here.

And, so, the feeling of being watched is wholly unfamiliar.

You slip out of the midday crowd and into a quiet corridor. Your worst fear, really, is that whoever's keeping their eye on you is picking you apart at the seams, analyzing your every flaw...

As if being quiet didn't make you enough of a target...

"Ah, there you are! I thought I lost you,"

You nearly jump. For a moment, you're tempted to look around the vacant corridor for someone hiding in the shadows, because, surely, that voice isn't addressing you.

The boy at the other end of the hall tilts his head. "Ah, do not be frightened! I was only worried you had been swallowed by the crowd,"

You blink.

"...Me?"

"Oui," he responds, putting his hands on his hips. "You are such a tiny thing, I could not let any harm befall you under my watch."

There's something rather unsettling about his gaze. Familiar, even.

"Tiny?" you scoff at the description. "...Who are you, anyway?"

His smile is just as uneasy. Too eager, you think. "Je suis désolée, how rude, I have not introduced myself yet. Where are my manners?" he scolds himself, taking a step forward.

"Rook Hunt."

No, not familiar at all. You've never seen this man in your life, even if there's something about his gaze that strikes a chord with you.

You give your name in return, to which he hums.

"You are quite the interesting creature, you know."

Creature? You give him a sour look, and he chuckles.

"I mean it in the loveliest way. Like a flower which takes a century to bloom, or a comet one might see but once in their lifetime,"

He speaks enthusiastically, and thus fast, leaving you dizzy with metaphors and imagery.

"...Is that a compliment?"

A small smile graces his lips, and he leans forward. "Would you like it to be?"

Full of surprises. You instinctively lean back, further away from those piercing eyes.

He hums again, eyes shining with amusement. "Ah, ah, have I embarrassed you? My apologies,"

"I'm fine," you lie, and leave it at that. You can't seem to come up with a good excuse, and your face feels warm.

Rook tuts, circling around you like a predator surveying its prey.

"...There is no shame in being flattered, chérie. Though I would gladly embarrass you all day just to see that lovely look on your face again,"

You watch him carefully, though avoid eye contact as he stops, eventually, standing in front of you again with a little smile.

"It is a shame you hide yourself, even now. Your beauty should be appreciated," he says. "...Though, I admit, I find the idea of keeping it all to myself rather tempting."

He's going to give you a heart attack, you think. You can feel the embarrassment swelling in your chest, making your heart beat a little faster and averting your gaze to the ground.

He chuckles. "You're a shy little thing, aren't you?"

"I..." you cough awkwardly, eyes fixed on the floor tiles. "...Don't get complimented often."

Rook places a hand over his heart, as if offended by the very thought. "Non? What a cruel world we live in, where such beauty goes unnoticed! The very notion wounds me!"

"Well, then..." he says, getting down on one knee and taking your hand in his, kissing each of your knuckles.

"...Let me make up for it, chérie."

[holylulusworld]

Darkness and Sunshine

Summary: Bucky hurts you deeply.

@buckybarnesevents „Hot Bucky Summer 2024”: Week 10 “Shhhhhhhhh…”

Pairing: Mobster!Bucky Barnes x Sunshine!Reader

Warnings: angst, Bucky being a douche, unrequited feelings, BBF trope, unwanted touching (not Bucky), fluff

A/N: The story to this random thot & this poll.

Bucky's POV

She does it again. A quick glance at me, and back to her girly drink. I know she’s interested in being more than my friend’s sister to me, but this can never be.

Just like her drink, she’s too sweet for me.

You know you're bright as the morning, as soft as the rain Pretty as a vine, as sweet as a grape If you can sit in a barrel, maybe I'll wait Until that day I think I'll take my whiskey neat My coffee black and my bed at three You're too sweet for me You're too sweet for me

I’m the whiskey-neat kind of guy. Bitter and dark. Rough and violently. My soul is black, just like the coffee I drink.

She’s the sunshine, but I am the darkness. A beautiful but vulnerable flower like her could never grow in my shadow. She would wither away and die before she got the chance to bloom.

I don’t know when, or how I changed her mind about me. I was only ever the dangerous guy her brother met to get drunk, and punch people. How often she scolded her brother for being friends with me, I don’t know.

But somehow, over the years she changed her mind. Now she looks at me like a lovesick puppy, and I cannot bear it. Not because I do not wish for her to be mine. It’s the opposite. I cannot let her in. If I do, I’d paint a target on her back.

Damnit, she bites her sweet lips while stealing another glance at me. I sigh deeply and sip at my drink. Tonight, I must show her that a goody in two shoes can never be the woman by my side. As much as it pains me, it has to be done.

“Buck, what’s wrong with you?” Her brother asks, clueless as ever. He’s not the smartest when it comes to acknowledging love, or other people’s feelings. “Something wrong?”

It has to be done. I tell myself, repeating the words like a mantra. Steve, my best friend since childhood worriedly looks at her brother. He knows about Y/N’s feelings for me, and that I must extinguish the flame I ignited in her heart.

Sadly, this can only be done by crushing her heart.

“Bucky, maybe there’s another way?” Steve gets up when I do. He wraps his hand around my wrist, stopping me for a second. “You should reconsider your decision. Peggy is sweet too. Just give it a try.”

I think I'll take my whiskey neat My coffee black and my bed at three You're too sweet for me You're too sweet for me

“No—” I harshly free my metal wrist from Steve’s grasp. He means well, I know he does, but I cannot allow Y/N to fall for me even more. I’m a dangerous man, deadly even. I won’t steal her light nor let anyone hurt her even if I have to be the one breaking her heart.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

So, I turn away from my friend and his disappointed look. Away from her brother. Away from the future fate held for me to protect what could’ve been mine.

I nod at the girls I hired for tonight, and they immediately take my offered arms. I breathe in and out before walking in Y/N’s direction.

The girls begin to chat, and as I’m about to walk past Y/N I say, "Luckily I found you ladies. All the girls at this place are so plain and boring.” I look directly at Y/N and scrunch my nose up in disgust. “Some are only allowed at my club because their big brother begged me to let them come.”

My heart chatters as a pained wail leaves Y/N’s lips. Her eyes water and her lips tremble. Those soft lips I yearned to kiss for so long. Forsaken to me now.

Still, there’s something in her eyes. A sliver of hope I must kill.

“I can’t believe a wallflower like her believes she can be anything but a pity fuck to me. If it was up to me, I’d make sure she stays away from me,” I hate myself the moment she drops the glass in her hands to run out of my club. I shattered her world and broke her heart.

I watch the door slam shut, telling myself it’s for the best.

Your POV

You run, as fast as you can. It doesn’t matter that your brother drove you to the club, or that you forgot your jacket.

Bucky just confirmed your worst fear. He hates everything about you. From your plain outfit to your character. All the things he said, are true. You’re not like the girls hanging on his arms tonight.

All you had was a glimmer of hope that maybe, he sees more in a woman but a pretty face and good looks.

Your whole world got shattered when he said all those awful things.

You know now that James Buchanan Barnes is just like every other guy.

It’s almost two months later that Bucky sees you again. That day, you glance his way. Your eyes sadden and you immediately walk the other way. The flowers you wanted to buy long forgotten you almost run away from Bucky to not feel the hurting all over again.

His eyes follow you until you’re only a tiny dot in the distance. Bucky shakes his head and sighs deeply. This is not what he intended to do.

He not only lost a good friend that night but hurt you so deeply that you’re scared to even look his way.

“Fuck,” he curses under his breath when Steve steps out of the flower shop. He carries a huge bouquet of roses for Peggy.

“What’s wrong, Buck?” Steve follows his friend’s eyes, frowning. “What happened?”

“She ran away.” He shrugs, shoulders slumping. “I didn’t want her to be scared of me, Steve. Only to make sure she looks for someone better.”

Hiding in your bedroom you ignore your ringing phone once again. You assume it’s your brother, or maybe your friend Tasha trying to get you to go out.

No way you will go out there, facing the world ever again. Bucky embarrassed you in public, in front of your brother and all his friends. You’ll never recover from this.

Rolling to your side you grab your phone from the nightstand to silence it. For today, you will shut yourself out from the world.

Another month later Bucky is fuming. Not because of you, and your presence at his club. No, not at all. Your sweet smile, and the cute sundress you’re wearing make his heart flutter.

The person making his blood boil is your date. John Walker - the man trying to get under Bucky's skin for years. That bastard brought you here for a date. A date at Bucky’s club.

Walker did this on purpose. Bucky is sure about it. He doesn’t know how his concurrent found out that he likes you, but he did. Now you’re sitting at a table with Walker, looking at the untouched drink in your hands.

Vodka. Bucky knows you hate vodka when it’s neat. You like the sweet drinks, the girly drinks he laughs about.

“What’s wrong?” Steve regrets his question the moment John Walker dares to put his hand on your thigh.

You tense, and uncomfortable shift in your seat. Maybe this date wasn’t the best idea. You agreed to go out with John, and even willingly entered Bucky’s club to show the very man that you moved on. (At least you like to tell yourself so.)

“Relax, and smile for me,” John’s voice hardens. This is his chance to get back at Bucky Barnes, and he won’t miss it. “You look like you’re at a funeral. Smile, you’re having the honor to be my date.”

Biting your tongue, you look anywhere but at John. He’s not as nice as you believed he was. Tonight, he showed his true face.

His hand creeps higher and under your dress. You’re about to stop his hand from slipping between your legs when he’s suddenly gone.

John makes a gurgling noise because Bucky dragged him off his chair from behind. He struggles against Bucky’s iron grip. Bucky has his metal arm wrapped around John’s throat, choking your date.

“You don’t touch her ever again,” Bucky growls in John’s ear. “And she doesn’t drink vodka, you piece of shit.”

“Buck—” Steve laughs watching John tug at Bucky’s metal arm. “I see you’ve got it handled.” He holds out his hand for you, murmuring your name. “Come with me, Y/N. This is not for you to see.”

“She’s having a strawberry daiquiri and get her some chicken parmesan. I bet that bastard didn’t order food for her,” Bucky grunts while keeping John in a chokehold.

Your heart flutters. Bucky remembered your favorite drink and food. But wait. He hurt you and broke your heart. Why would he attack your date?

“I should go home,” you slip off the chair and grab your purse. “Never call me again John.” Your voice is barely a whisper, but John gives you an angry look.

“You’ll regret fucking with me, missy.”

“You wish she’d fuck with you, but she won’t,” Bucky slams John’s head onto the table, making you shriek. Steve brings you into his arms and presses your face into his chest.

“Let’s get you to the VIP area, Y/N. You don’t want to see what happens next…”

The moment you follow Steve, Bucky smirks. He leans over John, whispering in his ear.

““Shhhhhhhhh…, don't make a scene, Walker," Bucky snarls. "If you even look her way ever again, I’ll break every bone in your body. And then, I’ll put you back together only to break them again.”

“Why am I here?” You nervously glance at Bucky. He sits next to you, pointing at the food Steve got for you. “I should head home.”

“Doll.” You whimper at the pet name. “I’m sorry…for tonight and the other night,” he grabs your hand, holding it tightly. “I tried to protect you from myself. You’re too sweet for me. A ray of sunshine and I’m…”

“A big grump,” you giggle. “I know you’re a grump.”

Bucky chuckles. You still don’t understand that he’s not a good man. He killed people, and his profession is far from legal. “Doll, you don’t understand. I got a gun and…”

Your eyes drop to his crotch. Bucky’s eyes widen when you lean closer to get a better look at his lap. “Why do you call your cock a gun?”

He laughs. Bucky wholeheartedly laughs for the first time in years.

“What I tried to tell you is that I’m a criminal with a gun. You’re a sweet girl, and too good for me. I wanted to keep you away from me, and said all those things.”

“So, you hurt me to make me leave?” You sniffle. “Why? If you don’t even like me.”

“I like you too much, doll,” he whispers in your ear, hot breath fanning over your skin. “That’s the problem.”

“You’re an idiot.”

Bucky laughs. Not even the toughest criminals dared to call James Buchanan Barnes an idiot. “You’ve got balls, Y/N. No one ever called me an idiot.”

“You deserve that much,” you pull away and cross your arms over your chest. “What kind of man does things like that? How could you do this to me? I didn’t leave my place for weeks, hiding in my bedroom.”

“I wanted to keep you safe, only for you to walk right into John Walker’s trap.” He huffs. “I guess to keep you safe, I must keep you around from now on…”

Part 2

Tags in reblog.

[celepom]

It’s Pride 2023! Time to put up some more comic recs!

This time I’ve put together some stories about discovering one’s own queer identity, outlining a family history of queerness, and several stories where being queer isn’t the focus - queer characters are simply allowed to be.

Belle of the Ball By Mari Costa

High-school senior and notorious wallflower Hawkins finally works up the courage to remove her mascot mask and ask out her longtime crush: Regina Moreno, head cheerleader, academic overachiever, and all-around popular girl. There’s only one teensy little problem: Regina is already dating Chloe Kitagawa, athletic all-star…and middling English student. Regina sees a perfectly self-serving opportunity here, and asks the smitten Hawkins to tutor Chloe free of charge, knowing Hawkins will do anything to get closer to her. And while Regina’s plan works at first, she doesn’t realize that Hawkins and Chloe knew each other as kids, when Hawkins went by Belle and wore princess dresses to school every single day. Before long, romance does start to blossom…but not between who you might expect. With Belle of the Ball, cartoonist Mariana Costa has reinvigorated satisfying, reliable tropes into your new favorite teen romantic comedy.

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The Moth Keeper By Kay O’Neill

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn't exactly what Anya thought it would be? The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya's dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun's warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.

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Hollow By Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White & Berenice Nelle

Isabel "Izzy" Crane and her family have just relocated to Sleepy Hollow, the town made famous by—and obsessed with—Washington Irving's legend of the Headless Horseman. But city slicker-skeptic Izzy has no time for superstition as she navigates life at a new address, a new school, and, with any luck, with new friends. Ghost stories aren't real, after all.... Then Izzy is pulled into the orbit of the town's teen royalty, Vicky Van Tassel (yes, that Van Tassel) and loveable varsity-level prankster Croc Byun. Vicky's weariness with her family connection to the legend turns to terror when the trio begins to be haunted by the Horseman himself, uncovering a curse set on destroying the Van Tassel line. Now, they have only until Halloween night to break it—meaning it's a totally inconvenient time for Izzy to develop a massive crush on the enigmatic Vicky. Can Izzy's practical nature help her face the unknown—or only trip her up? As the calendar runs down to the 31st, Izzy will have to use all of her wits and work with her new friends to save Vicky and uncover the mystery of the legendary Horseman of Sleepy Hollow—before it's too late. 

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Until I Meet my Husband By Ryousuke Nanasaki & Yoshi Tsukizuki

The memoir of gay activist Ryousuke Nanasaki and the first religiously recognized same-sex marriage in Japan. From school crushes to awkward dating sites to finding a community, this collection of stories recounts the author’s “firsts” as a young gay man searching for love. Dating is never ever easy, but that goes doubly so for Ryousuke, whose journey is full of unrequited loves and many speed bumps. But perseverance and time heals all wounds, even those of the heart.

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Is Love the Answer? By Uta Isaki

When it comes to love, high schooler Chika wonders if she might be an alien. She’s never fallen for or even had a crush on anyone, and she has no desire for physical intimacy. Her friends tell her that she just "hasn't met the one yet," but Chika has doubts... It's only when Chika enters college and meets peers like herself that she realizes there’s a word for what she feels inside--asexual--and she’s not the only one. After years of wondering if love was the answer, Chika realizes that the answer she long sought may not exist at all--and that that's perfectly normal.

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M Is for Monster By Talia Dutton

When Doctor Frances Ai's younger sister Maura died in a tragic accident six months ago, Frances swore she would bring her back to life. However, the creature that rises from the slab is clearly not Maura. This girl, who chooses the name "M," doesn't remember anything about Maura's life and just wants to be her own person. However, Frances expects M to pursue the same path that Maura had been on—applying to college to become a scientist—and continue the plans she and Maura shared. Hoping to trigger Maura's memories, Frances surrounds M with the trappings of Maura's past, but M wants nothing to do with Frances' attempts to change her into something she's not. In order to face the future, both Frances and M need to learn to listen and let go of Maura once and for all. Talia Dutton's debut graphic novel, M Is for Monster, takes a hard look at what it means to live up to other people's expectations—as well as our own.

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Golden Sparkle By Minta Suzumaru

Himaru Uehara’s first year of high school is off to a good start, minus one problem—he keeps having wet dreams. With only his mom and sister at home—and having skipped health class in middle school—he thinks it means there’s something wrong with him. Thankfully, a new friend has just the remedy and teaches Himaru exactly how to deal with those pesky dreams! But his solution only leads to more confusion, and the two find themselves navigating feelings they’ve never felt before.

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Thieves By Lucie Bryon

Ella can’t seem to remember a single thing from the party the night before at a mysterious stranger’s mansion, and she sure as heck doesn’t know why she’s woken up in her bed surrounded by a magpie’s nest of objects that aren’t her own. And she can’t stop thinking about her huge crush on Madeleine, who she definitely can’t tell about her sudden penchant for kleptomania… But does Maddy have secrets of her own? Can they piece together that night between them and fix the mess of their chaotic personal lives in time to form a normal, teenage relationship? That would be nice.

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Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic By Alison Bechdel

Meet Alison's father, a historic preservation expert and obsessive restorer of the family's Victorian home, a third-generation funeral home director, a high school English teacher, an icily distant parent, and a closeted homosexual who, as it turns out, is involved with his male students and a family babysitter. Through narrative that is alternately heartbreaking and fiercely funny, we are drawn into a daughter's complex yearning for her father. And yet, apart from assigned stints dusting caskets at the family-owned "fun home," as Alison and her brothers call it, the relationship achieves its most intimate expression through the shared code of books. When Alison comes out as homosexual herself in late adolescense, the denouement is swift, graphic -- and redemptive.

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She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat By Sakaomi Yuzaki

Cooking is how Nomoto de-stresses, but one day, she finds herself making way more than she can eat by herself. And so, she invites her neighbor Kasuga, who also lives alone. What will come out of this impromptu dinner invitation...?

Kasuga and Nomoto promised to spend their Christmas and New Year’s together. Now, they find themselves learning more about each other’s families through the food sent by Nomoto’s mother. Cute character bento, salmon and rice, stollen, fruit sandwiches, roast beef…Nomoto and Kasuga warm up to each other over a cheerful holiday season.  

[williamprattz]

even a wallflower, can bloom

[d-targaryenshoe]

Carpets And Premieres - Luke Thompson

Word count: 827

Summary: Arriving at the premiere of the third season of a show you've been working on for two years, is rather exciting, no?

As the paparazzi flashbulbs went off like a thousand tiny suns, you and Luke, made your way down the red carpet as his hand was placed on your lower back.

You were wearing a pastel blue dress with a fitted top, a plunging neckline, and a flowing skirt that added a touch of refinement.

The intricate beading and embroidery details on the dress not only improve its visual appeal but also make it a statement piece for all who see it. 

 The fitted top ensured a flattering fit, while the flowing skirt added a touch of drama and elegance. 

The air was electric with anticipation and the sweet, intoxicating scent of popcorn wafted past, carried on the warm, humid breeze. 

Fans lined up along the barricades, some holding signs that read

 "We love you!" and "Season 3, we are ready for the feels!" while others eagerly snapped photos with their smartphones.

You couldn't help but feel a flutter in your stomach as you spotted the familiar faces of the cast members, who felt more like family than co-stars. 

They were all dressed to the nines, looking like they'd just stepped out of the pages of a romantic novel.

 As you and Luke approached the interviewer, you noticed the microphone in his hand and the earnest expression on his face.

 He was excited to speak with you about the upcoming season.

"So, Luke, how does it feel to be here at the premiere of Bridgerton season three?" he asked, his voice steady and professional. 

You could see the flash of Luke's dimple as he smiled and replied

"It's absurd. We've all been working so hard on this season, and to finally share it with our fans like this is just incredible." He paused for a moment, looking into the interviewer's eyes before turning to you. 

"And, of course, having her by my side makes it even more special." You felt your cheeks redden at his words.

"And what about you, y/n?" the interviewer asked, turning his attention to you. 

You cleared your throat, trying to find the right words to express how much being a part of the Bridgerton world meant to you.

 "It's been such an extraordinary journey," you began,

 "I never could have imagined being here, standing next to this amazing man, watching our characters come to life on a screen. It's a dream come true." You glanced over at Luke, feeling his hand squeeze yours gently in support.

The interviewer seemed to sense the sincerity in your words, and nodded before asking, 

"So, what can we expect from the new season? Any special details you can share with us?" 

You and Luke exchanged knowing looks.

 "Well," you began, "I can tell you that the love story between y/c/n and Benedict, this season is going to be breathtaking. There's a lot of passion, a lot of drama, and course, a few jaw-droppers along the way." 

Luke chimed in, "And the chemistry between y/c/n and Benedict? It's off the charts. I think the fans are going to love what they see."

You smiled at him, feeling your heart flutter. Even after all this time, being around Luke still made you feel giddy. 

"And what about the other characters?" the interviewer prodded. "Any favorite moments or storylines you can share?"

 Luke thought for a moment before answering, 

"There's so much to choose from, but I think my favorite part is seeing how the Bridgerton siblings find love one by one. They're an amazing family, both on and off screen." 

You nodded in agreement.

 "And," you added with a grin, "I think we can all look forward to seeing how even a wallflower can bloom."

As the interviewer thanked you and Luke, you both excused yourselves from the media frenzy and made your way over to where your co-stars, Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan, Claudia Jessie, and Simone Ashley were standing. 

They were deep in conversation when you approached, but quickly broke away with hugs and well-wishes for the premiere. 

"How are you both holding up?" Jonathan asked with a warm smile. "This whole thing is such a whirlwind, isn't it?"

"It certainly is," you agreed, returning his grin. "But it's so exciting to be here with all of you. You've all been such a huge support system over the years." 

You glanced over at Luke, who nodded in agreement. "It does feel like a family," he said, squeezing your hand.

"Well," Nicola cut in with a laugh, "let's not forget that we also have some amazing material to work with. Lady Whistledown would be proud." 

They all shared a laugh before falling silent, gazing out at the sea of adoring fans.

 "This is going to be one heck of a ride," Claudia said with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. 

"But I think we're all up for it." You couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie and pride as you stood there with your fellow Bridgerton colleagues.

[zhongrin]

Welp, you know how in some manhwas etc, there is a plot where main character dies in one of the time lines, and their only friend or dear person, was their Butler or Maid?

Yea

This concept but Zhongli and Reader : )))))

- 🐠

◇ tags ◇ yandere

◇ a/n ◇ O H N O M Y H A N D S L I P P E D-

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡 ⬙ 𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡

the world is grey and dark ever since your funeral.

endless rain pours from the sky from behind your now-ownerless bedroom windows. your favorite curtains are nowhere in sight, already thrown out along with all the other possessions you treasured. the room has been stripped bare of you, yet your butler still manages to find the tiniest bit of peace from reminiscing in the lifeless setting.

he remembers how you always liked seeing the rain falls in the afternoons, with your book of choice and the tea he brews. you told him the sound makes you relax and the cool air is a welcome change to the dry sun. he thinks it's ironic for the sun to admire the rain and clouds, but then again you were always more of a wallflower and disliked being put on a spotlight.

his gloved hand briefly caresses your favorite armchair, a heavy sigh leaving his lips.

zhongli was a competent butler. never in his life he would be caught slacking off like his - at least, that is, before you were violently ripped away from his side. you, his master. you, the one he swore his loyalty to. you, who called him your one and only friend in this cold and ruthless high society you're forced to take part in.

you, the love of his life that he had sworn to protect and watch over at all cost.

... for the first time since he was promoted to a butler, he failed at his job.

if he closes his eyes, it feels like he could still see your smile. hear your giggles. her your name calling him, with that endearingly playful tone full of affection.

"-li."

yes, just like that. the way his name curls your tongue is so unique to you. no one can ever replicate the warmth that blooms inside his chest when he hears you refer to him by his name and not his title.

"zhongli."

you always call upon him as a friend, a confidant, and not a servant. and so can you blame him for slowly but surely finding comfort in your beautiful voice? for being so hopelessly enamored when you ask him to brew you tea or tell you stories about his past before being a butler of yours?

"zhongli!"

his eyes snap open and he freezes. your wary smile greets him and the tall male blinks several times.

did he... fall asleep? was this a dream? but the weight of the teapot on his hand feels far too vivid to be a dream, and the world is far too full of colors.

"are you okay? do you feel sick?"

the warm and soft hand resting upon his forehead. the scent of you. the worried frown between your eyebrows. the downturned curves of your lips-

"no, master."

"are you sure?? it's rare for you to space out like this. do you need to take a break? if so i can always dismiss you for the da-"

"no!" he said a little too loudly for his liking, and it seemed to have surprised you just as it surprised himself. he shifts on his legs and clears his throat, a smile naturally spreading; an easy feat, since he was within your presence, "please, let me stay by your side. who would take care of you if not me?"

"very true," you hum, a momentary sadness crossing over your features, and he knows you're thinking of the other residents in your home who would be more than happy seeing you die tomorrow.

he would know. he's seen them hold a toast upon your demise.

you sat back down in your armchair and he leans over to pour you your tea, smile widening when you thank him with that sweet lilt in your voice. he allows himself to indulge just a little bit as he retreats, softly inhaling your scent. only then he realizes the extent of how much he misses you.

he doesn't even care if this turned out to be just some sort of a hyperrealistic dream.

this time he'll make sure to take care of everything that threatens your safety, without fail.

perhaps he should start with those no-good people you call 'family'.

© zhongrin | 2022 ◆ no repost. reblogs much appreciated. feel free to reach out to submit suggestions, feedback, comments, or if you just want to talk!

◇ taglist ◇ @thestarsofenkanomiya | @genshinparty | @abyssmal-skies | @hamdehlesmis | @depressivecomforts | @sophiethewitch1 | @why-am-i-here-someone-save-me | @sunnshineflxwer | @heartonthemoon | @yuutasbabe | @percyval-archives | @carbs-need-more-love | @rebeccka | @queen-belial | @stygianoir | @silentmoths | @niktwazny303 | @dustofthedailylife | @herdrops | @clovcly | @marina-and-the-memes | @angryhope | @mixed-kester | @shuangxo | @fiannee | @lordbugs | @anonymousficreader | @shizunxie | @ladylofspades

[squarekeystudio]

Officially licensed Fan Art for Netflix's Bridgerton series.

Stickers, magnets, stationery, bedding, mugs, prints and more!

Visit SquareKeyStudio.redbubble.com

[lovelyo]

Penelope is a Wallflower…BY CHOICE

Aight, I’m tired of this “Even a wallflower can bloom” propaganda that Netflix keeps trying to force feed. Penelope is a self imposed wallflower. Through season 1 and 2, Penelope has not tried once to befriend debutantes or talk to anyone in the ton that’s her age, at least from what we’ve seen. It’s not like she tried and people were like, “gtfo my face” and that no one wanted to talk to her. Hell, Edwina tried to strike a convo with her and she ended it quickly to go sniff out Colin’s ass.

I understand how hard it can be to put yourself out there. A full blown introvert is writing this shit right now, but you can’t complain that no one notices you tied with your constant “pretty bridgerton” asshole comment when you put zero effort in talking or courting. That’s the kicker for me, she complains about being a wallflower when she made herself one. But we all know why she didn’t try to socialize; how else was LW supposed to get her content.

Penelope isn’t a victim. Penelope chose to not interact and be unseen cause she wanted to be a fly on the wall for LW for exploit, profit and disdain, more son in S2. She didn’t care about courting cause she only wanted Colin. One of the reasons why she’s doing what she’s doing now is because of Colin saying he didn’t want to date her(should’ve stuck to your guns Colin).

The upcoming season is proof that if she just tried, she would’ve been seen.

It’s not cause she’s shy, it’s not cause she has anxiety, it’s not cause she’s reserved. She is awkward, I give her that, but when it comes to men. She’s completely fine engaging in talk with women(and completely fine in tearing them down).

You know who really embodies a true wallflower: Francesca. From what we’ve seen and known from spoilers, trailer and even her promo, Francesca is reserved and rather stay to herself. She won’t deny anyone a conversation, unless the people are obviously creepy or the topic gets uncomfortable, but she’s nervous cause it’s her first time out on the marriage mart and sticking to the walls is what comforts her at the moment; it’s how she copes.

Francesca doesn’t want to be seen cause she feels she ain’t ready for the marriage mart and is nervous.

Penelope doesn’t want to be seen cause she’s a borderline sociopathic gossipmonger.

[ren-3gade]

[even a wallflower can bloom 🌼]

[quotergirl19]

My imagined Bridgerton season 3 episode 4 cliffhanger:

After seeing Colin & Penelope together at the season’s first few balls and events, Lady Danbury is convinced that there’s an attachment between the two “friends,” and since she has taken a liking to Penelope and she’s fond of all the Bridgertons, she decides to test her theory by sending a few handsome gentlemen Penelope’s way to see Colin’s reaction.

First the dimwitted but very handsome Mr. Harry Dankworth and then the charming and mature Mr. Marcus Anderson were encouraged to entertain the lovely but shy Miss and maybe even dance with her. Penelope naturally charms these men and Colin notices the way they are looking at her from across the room. Suddenly, a jealous Colin has swooped in to drag Penelope away, escorting her most scandalously behind closed doors alone to tell her those are not the sort of men she should be flirting with.

Penelope is livid because she was not flirting with them yet, she’d barely even spoken to them. But more importantly she needs a husband and Colin said he would help but now he’s getting in the way and potentially ruining her by taking her by risking them being caught alone. It’s the final straw for the newly blooming wallflower who sees no other way to get through to the man. Penelope asks why he is meddling when he isn’t her brother or father and he certainly isn’t jealous since he doesn’t even think of her as a woman and would rather die than court her himself so she cannot understand what his problem is.

Colin tells Penelope that she should not be willing to settle for just any man who speaks to her. She needs someone intelligent enough to protect her and her future but certainly not a known charmer who’s old enough to be her father. That she deserves the sort of man who understands and respects her and puts her first. Someone who will love her. But Penelope’s heard enough and insists that it took her a long time to realize that she cannot keep waiting and hoping for love because this is her third season and she has to give up on love and settle for the security of a convenient marriage with someone kind so she could to a life for herself and to plan her future with a good man.

Penelope turns to leave and Colin instinctively grabs her pleading with her not to go. He appears pained and desperate and she can’t bear the look in his eyes so she asks why he is doing this and begs him to just be honest with her. Colin confesses that he wants her, that he hasn’t been able to think of anything but her for weeks. That she’s all he sees. That he wants to hold her hand and dance with her and talk to her, to make her smile and kiss her. That he’s mad for her and can’t bear it and as he’s telling her, he’s wrapped his arms around her like he’s terrified of losing her. Penelope can hardly believe what is happening but finds herself touching his lips to silence him. She leans in and their foreheads are touching as her hands slip into his hair and he leans forward and kisses her.

Their first kiss is sweet, but it very quickly deepens and hands are moving, clothing was shifting and Colin has her laid out on a chaise. His hands were warm and her skin was soft and everything felt right. Penelope knew that what they were doing was wildly inappropriate and so did Colin but neither of them cared because all that mattered in that moment was that they wanted each other so desperately. Colin asks if she wants him to stop, she tells him that she wants him, that she wants whatever this is between them, forever. She tells him she’s his if he is sure that he wants her and he tells her, he’s never been more sure of anything in his life. That he needs her, that he belongs to her. That he will always belong to her. Body and soul.

Just then Eloise enters and they break apart. She is furious and accuses Penelope of trying to trap her brother but she won’t let Penelope get a word in and Colin is immediately defending Pen because she’s his intended and she’s going to be his wife so he demands that Eloise treats her with more respect and gets over whatever she is mad about. Eloise glares at Penelope and asks if she’s told Colin her big secret or if she intends to trick him into a lifelong commitment with Lady Whistledown.

Colin is shocked when Penelope confesses, admitting that she had to do something to earn money to support herself and her family because her father had gambled away everything including her dowry and that she’d wanted to tell them but couldn’t risk anyone knowing, Eloise looks surprised but Colin is speechless. He tells her he thought he knew her but he was wrong and he has much to consider. Colin leaves. Eloise tells Penelope that she should have known better than to lie to the people trusted her. Penelope tells Eloise that she has a large family full of good people who love her, that she’s blessed with so many wonderful things because she’s a Bridgerton. But their friendship was the one good thing in Penelope’s life. That Eloise was the sister of her heart and the only person she was sure loved her in her whole life. Penelope was simply too afraid of losing Eloise to risk telling her. Because if she lost Eloise she would be completely alone in the world, and clearly she was right because the instant Eloise found out she abandoned her and never even cared enough to find out why Pen did what she did. Whistledown was the only way Penelope could make enough money to save herself and her mother and sisters. That she was raised to be a fine lady, the daughter of a Baron, who never questioned her mama. Lady Featherington had taken Penelope and her sisters to a poor part of town when they were girls and warned them that they could be ruined and end up shunned from society with nothing if they didn’t obey their mama. That Penelope would likely have been forced to be her mother’s unpaid companion and if she lived to old age, Pen would be on the street like a beggar with nothing. Left to starve or worse. She did it because it was the only way she could think of to save herself from that fate.

Before Penelope leaves she admits to Eloise that she would never have tricked Colin or married him without telling him the truth because she was in love with him and only ever wanted him to be happy, and the worst part was that she thought he might love her too but now he would hate her forever. Eloise tries to go after Pen, but Cressida Cowper stops her to mention that she heard quite the commotion coming from the room her brother went into with Penelope Featherington. That she wouldn’t have imagined that pudgy little nobody capable of doing anything remotely interesting but then she heard Eloise clear as day, calling Penelope Featherington of all people, Lady Whistledown and now she would personally see to it that little snake got was she deserved for daring to mock her in her gossip rag.

Eloise Bridgerton, who has never been at a loss for words was left horrified and heartbroken and without a clue of how to save Penelope when she spots Lady Danbury who is looking at her as if she too heard everything. Penelope was right not to tell a soul it seems. Because once Eloise knew, it was only a matter of time before she opened her big mouth, ruined her brother’s chance at happiness and put Penelope’s very life in jeopardy.

[doomed2repeat]

Love this poster!! It feels more in theme with what the season should be. Colin and Pen are more balanced in the composition, there’s some eye contact and a physical connection, the copy of Lady Whistledown front and center.

This would even make a better book cover than the current mirror focused one. As much as I love them playing with the mirror motif and making it a big deal in the show, it’s a bit of false advertising for the book cover while this one focuses more on the couple and Whistledown, like the books do. The show is inspired by the books, but it’s not a faithful enough adaptation to sell it as if it’s the same thing. The tagline “Even a Wallflower Can Bloom” also has little to do with the story someone who buys the book will find inside.

[agtartzz]

Can you tell us more about Gretchen here? I don’t know too much about her!

IM GLAD YOU ASKED Gretch was the standard wallflower in middle school. The more socially apt children found her easy target: her messy hair, braces and overbite, and love of hiding behind books. Invisible among the tumult of adolescence, Gretchen's awkwardness was matched only by her intelligence and compassion. Fast forward to high school and she has changed remarkably. Her once-awkward frame has bloomed into elegant grace; her smile is even more beautiful without the braces, and she wears her hair straight. Gretchen's the same kind-hearted bookworm she always was even if her look has changed. She's down to Earth and levelheaded, yet she's still kind and doesn't like to stand out much. She has a tendency to trip over her words when nervous and often feels like the same shy girl she was back in middle school. Her warmth and sincerity draw people in, but she’s never quite sure what to do with the attention. She only started to care about her appearance more with the natural progression of adolescence, but she's still superstitious and a bit nerdy. Being a nerd is bearable in shallow high school world when you're a pretty girl. She has a witty sense of humor that soars over most people's heads like a black raven, something Dib clocked onto and really appreciated about her. I imagine her family life is relatively normal. Normal mom, normal dad, normal older sister, nothing remarkable. Dib often stays over at their house to escape the insanity that's his own household.