#everyone pretend this went up yesterday evening lol

[thenightfolknetwork]

Ok so, I'm not...supposed to exist?

I am—er, well, was an imaginary friend. My "brother" was a lonely little boy who was quite neglected looking back, and he wanted someone to spend his time with, a "sister".

So he dreamed, and I came to be. Now, even as a child he wasn't the most imaginative sort, preferring to imagine things he could see and wonder about what was rather than make something new completely from scratch. So, in his mind, his sister looked just like him, just with longer hair. I think that's one of the reasons i'm...like this.

Most children describe their imaginary friends as fantastical, with great glittering wings or neon spots and the like. Most children stop talking or believing in their imaginary friends around a certain age. Most children cannot see someone else's friend. No one, outside of the child, can see an imaginary friend.

Until now? I think? These are all observations I've made.

I remember only existing when my brother was around. We would play and "go on adventures" and just have fun. When it was dinner time, I would sit beside him and eat... but couldn't eat. I would say things to make him laugh, but no one else would acknowledge I was there. I didn't think much of it at the time since..well, I couldn't think. I wasn't real.

As he grew, he must have imagined me growing as well. As he learned, I did, too, and must have adjusted accordingly. Unlike his peers, he was convinced that I was a person and was angry when people told him otherwise.

We got older and he got more insistent when suddenly, people started to play along. Pretending to see me and talk to me when it was clear that they couldn't. I think this was when I started to...feel things? Think?

We fought, my brother and I. He was graduating secondary and heading to Uni. I asked him why he still imagined me when it was clear he didn't need me anymore. He said he did need me. I didn't believe him, we argued, and he left.

I was still there.

Before, time almost seemed to...skip? Think cutscenes from those video games everyone seems to like playing. The day ends, I blink and it's morning, no sleep needed. Brother was distracted? Time skips until he addressed me again.

I've never not been without him before. I panicked. I collapsed against the wall and I felt it. The cool wall, the tears streaming down my face, my brother's hug when he came to apologize. I don't know how to handle it.

When we sat down for dinner, his mum and dad addressed me and asked if I was alright, as if they had always known I existed. They could see me and my distress. I tried to explain, but everyone looked at me confused. They told me that of course i existed, I always did.

But I know the truth. There are no pictures of me in this house. There are no school records of me or medical ones. I have no bedroom or clothes of my own. I did not exist.

I don't know exactly when I became "real" but I am now. I just...I don't know what to do? I wasn't real and now I am and everyone calls me crazy for thinking otherwise. How does one exist? My brother is leaving for Uni soon and everyone expects the same of me, as if I've been accepted into one. I haven't, I've checked.

Why do I exist? Why does no one acknowledge that I never did?

Please.

I'm scared.

I'm so glad you've written in, reader. Quite apart from the existential questions your situation raises, there is also rather a lot of paperwork involved.

It is possible to live in the UK without being part of the civil bureaucratic system – indeed, there are certain isolated genuses whose right to do so has been fiercely protected over the generations. But it's a tremendously difficult way to live if you have any intention of engaging with the economic, education or healthcare systems.

The Bunbury Institute of Manifested Personages should be your first port of call to tackle the logistical and legal difficulties presented by your case. They'll be able to get you sorted with all the documentation you need to prove your existence, including a Certificate of Corporeal Incarnation, which will stand in where others might use their birth certificate.

Once you legally exist, you'll be able to open a bank account, apply for a passport, and essentially make whatever choices you want to make about how to spend the rest of your existence. Which brings me to the real heart of your letter – the emotional impact of your change in circumstance.

Sudden onset incarnation is a profoundly disruptive experience no matter how, when or to whom it occurs. Even if your family were able to understand the situation and support you through it, it would still be an extremely difficult situation to navigate. As it is, the nature of your previous existence and the way your incarnation has taken effect means they're just not able to.

You ask why nobody acknowledges your previous non-existence. Generally speaking, most people find it extremely difficult to the point of near impossibility to really understand divergent realities. It's not that your family are trying to undermine you – they are literally, psychologically and biologically, incapable of understanding how you have come to be.

I strongly recommend you find someone to talk to about this issue as soon as you can. Without your legal paperwork in place, it will be difficult to access mental health support either privately or through the NHS. However, the Bunbury Institute and other such charitable organisations may be able to put you in touch with support groups for others like yourself.

What's important is that you know, you're not alone in this. Whatever your family may believe, your experiences are real and valid. And, now, so are you. It's going to be a big adjustment, figuring out how you want to live in the world now you're here. Try not to get too overwhelmed. Take things one day at a time, try to keep an eye on the positives, and give yourself the grace and time you need to process the negatives. In time, I feel sure you'll be able to build a life that feels right for you.

[couldnt-think-of-a-funny-name]

random percy headcanons:

wants to be the photographer friend SO bad and he technically is but like 70% of the pics come out blurry or weird bc there was a monster attack in the middle of them. his instagram is truly so chaotic looking.

literally always has seashells on him someone will ask him for a pencil or spare change and he has to empty all his pockets of shells to find it. drops his backpack and a bunch of shells fall out. kicks his shoes off and sand and shells fly out and his mortal friends are like percy What the Fuck

his eyes glow underwater!! bioluminescent king. no one told him though and he didn't find out until he joined his school's swim team and terrified everyone (he managed to convince them his contacts were having a weird reaction to chlorine lmao)

he really likes art!! he doesn't just pretend to for rachel's sake he genuinely enjoys painting with her. he likes splatter paint, collages and pop art styles the best. one day after splitting some edibles they realized percy could manipulate water colors and went CRAZY with it

will ask to be excused during class and comes back like an hour later with scorch marks all over his face bleeding from one of his ears covered in dust missing three fingernails rips in his jeans and a fat lip and the teacher is like percy what the actual hell were you doing in the bathroom all this time and he's just like uhhhhhh I have ibs

the brand from camp jupiter did unfortunately (for sally) Unlock something in him lmfao he keeps getting shitty little tattoos. usually stick-n-poke but someone's friends cousin's girlfriend's brother has a gun that gets brought to parties every now and then. most of them are sloppy but you can tell what they are HOWEVER he has one that was supposed to be a seal that came out looking like one of those shitty ms paint crying memes. annabeth laughed at him for ten minutes straight when she saw it.

he wanted to dye his hair blue but he was too chicken to bleach his entire head so he just did the tips. his hair is curly though so it looks absolutely ridiculous but he loves it

percy and annabeth get a crusty little yappy white dog in college and he carries it around like a baby lmao

back to his chaotic instagram, he's got so many pics of him like, relaxing at the bottom of the mariana trench or hugging a giant squid or riding on a whale shark and his mortal friends all think he's just really good at photoshop and this is a very specific bit he decided to commit to. they're always like lol percy where do you even FIND these pictures are you subscribed to like scientific journals for the laughs? but no he just took them all on his shell phone

has an ongoing prank war with annabeth's little brothers bobby and matthew but like it's Unhinged. they're playing 5D chess and she has no idea whats going on

weird tshirts!!! he loves them! like

shit like this or those 'women want me fish fear me' shirts, anything with a funny or incomprehensible slogan is going in his closet right along with his band tees lmfao

bought estelle a panda pillow pet when she was born 🥺

can NOT bring himself to eat seafood no matter how many times poseidon has told him its fine. he's like NO these are my FRIENDS JONATHAN WAS TELLING ME ABOUT HIS GRANDDAUGHTERS WEDDING LITERALLY YESTERDAY WHY IS HE ON A PLATTER DAD. they had to give up and just start eating normal land food at the palace every time he comes to visit lmfao

gets into horsegirl antics with hazel she NEEDS to know everything the horses have to say. they spend hours gossiping in the stables.

movie nights in the poseidon cabin were 10000% a thing and when he was missing annabeth and thalia and grover (and a few others) would still sleep in there every now and then and talk about how much they miss him :(

percy and beckendorf had the worlds most elaborate handshake

he DOES impulse buy stuff just because they're ocean-themed. stuffed animals, home decor, school supplies, clothes, you name it he bought it if theres like a fish on it

has more scars from crashing off his skateboard than he does from monster attacks

grover is somehow the only person who's ever noticed percy is severely claustrophobic

has a deep passion for adele. I can't explain this one I just feel and know it to be true.

he and annabeth both proposed to each other at the same time and they were SO mad about it they kept yelling over each other's speeches lmao

he can SING but he doesn't know it. sally keeps trying to record him singing to himself but something always happens to the camera and she loses the evidence

called chiron a brony one time and mr d thought it was so funny he was nice to percy for an entire week

the camp keeps trying to convince him to teach sword fighting lessons to the younger kids but he can NOT bring himself to swing a sword at a 9 year old so he keeps getting injured

has the most complicated iced coffee order in the world his go-to local coffee shop finally just put the damn drink on the menu and named it after him

he IS the quiet kid in the back of your math class that always has his hood up to try and hide his headphones and eats increasingly elaborate meals out of his backpack when the teacher isn't looking. one time someone caught him with a rotisserie chicken in the middle of a geometry final.

he argued that he DID have enough to share with the class

currently obsessed with the image of him knocking back a container of sea salt as if it was a shot and his mortal friends being like hey! what the actual fuck! and he's just like uhhhhh anemia kills!

its his birthday<3

[morgana-larkin]

Omg I just got the randomest idea for a smut with Chessy, but would you be able to do a smut where Chessy catches the reader wearing one of her button up shirts with nothing but lingerie underneath and it turns Chessy on?

I love it!!! Omg I was so excited to write this when I first saw it. Chessy would so be turned on with her girlfriend wearing one of her shirts! I forgot to include Sammy in this but just pretend he’s at a friend’s house or something lol. Not edited in the slightest and I hope you like it!

On another note: ok I know I said the next prompt was Melissa angst and it was, but then got hit with writer’s block so I went to the next prompt which was this one. I’ll try again tomorrow but maybe you can request or send me some Mel angst stories to get some inspiration to my brain, lol.

Face The Consequences

Warnings: it’s basically porn with very little plot, Chessy and reader are horny af, public smut, fluff

Words: 3.47k

It was summertime and a great week to spend time outside as it’ll be sunny the whole time. So the Parker’s decide to go on a week-long camping trip, Saturday- Saturday.

Chessy immediately invited you over to stay for the entire week to which you immediately got packing and came right over and ran into the Parker’s as they were heading out.

“Oh hey y/n! How are you?” Nick said as soon as he saw you. Chessy introduced you all as the twins kept pestering her about meeting her girlfriend when Chessy told them she was in a relationship. You and Chessy have been going out for about 8 months now and it’s been wonderful.

“Hey Nick, I’m good. How are you?” You replied back.

“Good, we’re just about to head out for the week, camping. Now that the twins are done school. I had a feeling you already knew that though. Chess invited you over for the week?” He says and you nod. He looks and sees Elizabeth, the twins and Chessy walking over. “Well, have fun, and please, stick to her bed.” He says and your cheeks turn red.

“Hey y/n!” Elizabeth says to you.

“Hey Elizabeth.”

Hallie gasps when she sees you. “Y/n! You’re here!” She says excitedly.

“Hey Hal.” You say and you guys high five. “Ya I’m staying over for the week with Cheesy.” You tell them and Chessy comes over to you and she gives you a kiss.

“Hey you.” You tell Chessy with a smile.

“Hey beautiful.” Chessy says back to you and returns a smile of her own.

“Sounds like a fun time. No wonder you asked for the week off.” Elizabeth says. Elizabeth decided to open up her business in California while having a manager in London and she hired you to help her with the business here. Which is how you and Chessy met a year ago as you kept coming over to the house to finish up some work during the busy months for weddings. After you requested the week off, Elizabeth had a feeling why and decided to approve it and just close up for the week.

“Yep, thanks for approving it on short notice btw.” You told her.

“Not a problem. I figured with all the times you bailed me out of a tough moment, you deserve it.” She tells you and she puts the twins bags in the trunk. Chessy goes behind you and puts her arms around your waist and leans her chin on your shoulder.

“Awwww.” The twins tease and you scoff and roll your eyes playfully at them.

“Alright guys, everyone in. You two have fun.” Nick says, then Elizabeth and the twins get in the car. Chessy waves them off and then guides you in the house.

“Alright, what are we going to do first?” You ask Chessy and she turns to face you, cups your cheeks and pulls you in for a long kiss.

“Hmm, I missed you.” She says and you smile.

“Even though I was here yesterday?” You ask her.

“Ya but you were finishing up some work with Elizabeth for most of the day.” She says and you hum. “I feel like I haven’t gotten nearly as much time with you as I want.”

“Well it’s a good thing we got a week to ourselves then.” You tell her and she smiles and kisses you again. You pull back and look at her. “Mind if I take a shower right now? I woke up a little late since I had a hard time falling asleep last night.” You ask her and Chessy pretends to think of an answer.

“I’ll allow it if I can join you.” She says and wiggles her eyebrows and you smile and kiss her cheek.

“Of course, showers are always better with you.” You tell her and you both go upstairs.

You both have a shower, along with Chessy pushing you up against the shower wall and making out with you.

When you get out, Chessy does her thing and then leaves you to do your routine as you have more you like to do after a shower. Chessy goes to make sandwiches for you two for lunch.

You brush and dry your hair, apply moisturiser to your body and then some face cream. You go to your bag and pull out your new red lingerie bra and underwear that you got for this week. You put it on and then you see Chessy’s closet door open and see a bunch of her shirts and you go to her closet. You look at all her clothes in here and you decide to borrow one of her button up shirts. You put it on and it just covers your ass and you do up the buttons but decide to leave a few of them undone for Chessy to see the red lingerie of your bra.

You go downstairs and Chessy is just finishing up the sandwiches. She has her back to you as she’s cutting the sandwiches in two.

“Hey Chess.” You tell her.

“Hey hon. I heated up some leftover chicken breasts for sandwiches for us.” She tells you.

“So that’s what smells great.” You say and she turns around with the plates in her hands and a smile on her face. She sees what you’re wearing and her jaw drops and eyes widen at the sight. You giggle at her reaction and take one of the plates from her. You both go out and sit by the pool to eat and Chessy keeps looking over at you. She thinks you look beautiful with one of her shirts on and she knows you left a few buttons undone so she can see your red bra. “See something you like?” You tease her when you catch her staring at you for like the tenth time in 3 minutes.

“Oh you know I do.” She says, a little breathy and you smile. She’s turned on and you know it. You both finish up your sandwiches and then you bring the plates in and Chessy puts them in the sink.

She then turns around and pushes you against the counter and kisses you hard. You moan into the kiss and Chessy moves to your neck and sucks on it. You gasp as she unclips your bra even with you still wearing her shirt.

“I love the new lingerie and my shirt on you btw.” She tells you and you smile. “But at the moment it’s in the way of what I want.” She tells you and undos the buttons on the shirt. She leaves her shirt on you but has it open all the way and moves your bra down so she can put a nipple in her mouth. You gasp and put your hands in her hair. Your hands run into her classes that are propped up on her head and you take them off of her and put them on. She pulls back as soon as she feels her glasses move and looks at you with them on.

“Wow, I can see out of these.” You say as you look at her.

“That’s because they’re reading glasses you dork.” She says. “Although I’ll admit that you look sexy with them on.” She tells you and you smile.

“Oh ya? Well what if I do this?” You tell her and you bend your head down and slide the glasses down to the tip of your nose and look at her. Her breath hitched and she picked you up and placed you on the counter.

“You're so sexy.” She says and spreads your legs. “And all mine.” She tells you and all the wetness from your mouth goes right to your core. She kisses up your thighs and slides your underwear off. She yanks you forward a bit from your legs and you fall back and you’re leaning on your forearms and looking at her.

“I feel a little underdressed right now. What gives?” You tell her as she still has all her clothes on. She looks at you and smiles. She knows you love looking at her boobs as you love the size of them, so she takes her tank top and bra off and you hum at the sight.

“Better?”

“Much.” You say and she leans down, hooks her arms around your thighs and connects her mouth to your clit. You gasp out at the sensation of her hot wet tongue on your sensitive clit. She knows all the ways to make you feel good and you know you won’t last long with the speed and intensity she’s going at. About a minute later she slips two fingers in your entrance and you cry out.

Chessy can see that your arms are shaking but you want to see her the whole time so she pulls her mouth away and replaces it with her thumb. Then with her left hand, she pulls you up and holds you up with her hand on your back. She then kisses you and you put your hands on her boobs and she moans.

You’re very close and the sensation is intense, you put your hands on her back and pull her closer to you as your legs start shaking.

“Come when you want beautiful.” Chessy tells you and seconds after she says that, you come and scream out her name. Chessy slows down and then pulls her fingers out of you and goes to put her fingers in her mouth. You intercept and grab her wrist and put her fingers in your mouth and moan. She looks at you the entire time and you think she might stick her fingers right back in you right then and there. You then undo her pants and slip your hands down her pants and underwear. You feel her wetness and she’s soaking right now.

You do the ‘sexy glasses look’ again and she loses her balance for a second. You find her clit and apply pressure on it and she bucks her hips to you and moans. You slid off the counter and she rests her forehead on your shoulder and her hands grip the edge of the counter as you continue to apply pressure on her clit. You keep your left hand on her back and you go and suck on her neck. She gasps out and then you stick 2 fingers in her. She moans at the sensation and you know she’ll get weak in her legs soon so you flip the two of you around and press her up against the counter. She’s surprised by the movement and she leans back with her forearms on the counter and you go and suck on a nipple. Her legs start to shake and her breathing is heavy, you put your thumb on her clit and she comes a few seconds later. You keep going though and she cries out when another orgasm starts building.

“OMG Y/N!” She screams out.

“I got you Chess, let go my love.” You whisper in her ear and she comes again. You slow down and pull out of her and lick your fingers. Chessy takes a minute to catch her breath and looks at you.

“I won’t ever get tired of having sex with you.” She tells you and you smile. “I mean I feel like I already don’t get enough of you as is.”

“Well I feel like I don’t get enough Chessy time too.” You tell her and she smiles at you and blushes. “Btw, Nick told me that we should stick to doing it in your bedroom.” You tell her and you both laugh.

“Well that lasted all of…” Chessy cheeks her watch. “2 hours.” She says.

“Well it was only an hour last time so… progress?” You say and she laughs.

“As much as I love how you look with my shirt and glasses on, I will need them back.” She says softly and you give her glasses back.

“Glasses you can take back but this might be my shirt from now on.” You tell her and she arches an eyebrow and smiles at you.

“Oh is that so?” She says and you nod proudly. “Hm, well I guess I could live with that, even if it’s my favourite. It does look better on you anyway.” She says and kisses you. She clips your bra back and does up most of the buttons and you put your underwear back on as she puts her bra back on. She was about to put her tank top back on when Nick comes in.

“We forgot the first aid kit.” He says.

You pull the sides of the shirt close together and Chessy covers her front with the tank top and turns around to face him. “Boss!” Chessy says surprised.

He looks up and both you and Chessy’s cheeks are red. He sees you wearing Chessy’s shirt and Chessy without even a shirt on and her hair is messed up and he sighs as he grabs the first aid kit. “Y/n I literally just told you like 2 hours ago for you guys to stick to her bed.” He tells you and you bite your lip to hold in a giggle. “This isn’t something I ever expected to see.” He mutters as he walks out.

As soon as he closes the door you burst out laughing. Chessy nudges you to stop but ends up joining in. When you both settle down, Chessy puts her tank top on and wraps her arms around you and looks at you with a smile. “How about you go sit your pretty ass down on the couch, pick a movie and I’ll make popcorn?” She suggests and you hum.

“I like that suggestion.” You tell her and she gives you a kiss on the lips. “Btw, you know that even though I’m keeping this shirt, I’m burrowing other shirts of yours every day this week right?” You tell her slyly and she giggles.

“You’re gonna be the death of me.” She says and you laugh. You go to walk to the couch and she smacks your ass and you let out a squeak. You stop and look at her and she just gives you a smirk.

“Cheeky.” Is all you tell her and she winks at you. Chessy makes the popcorn while you pop in a movie. When she comes over, you’re sitting with your back against the arm of the couch on a pillow with your legs spread out on the couch, remote in hand, ready to press play. You lift your legs up for Chessy to sit down and she puts your legs on her lap and sets the bowl of popcorn on your lap for you to share.

You press play and set the remote down on the table. While you both eat popcorn and watch the movie, Chessy keeps rubbing your thighs. At first it was sweet but now it’s turning you on. You finish the popcorn halfway through the movie and Chessy is instantly on top of you, moving your underwear to the side and running a finger through your folds. You gasp out and immediately get more wet. Chessy smirks and kisses you then slips a finger in your entrance. You gasp into the kiss and Chessy slips her tongue in your mouth and you put your hands on her back. She puts her thumb on your clit and it has you shaking your legs in no time. You come and gasp into the kiss and then Chessy pulls out and gives kisses all over your face as you come down from your high. You giggle at her kisses and she places the final kiss on your lips.

“I had no idea you’d be so horny today.” You tell her with a laugh.

“You take my clothes and look sexy in them, then you gotta pay the consequences.” She tells you and you snort.

“I should always take your clothes then.” You say and she rolls her eyes as she kisses you again.

The next day Chessy is by the pool in her one piece and you come out with a different shirt of hers on and the sunscreen in your hand.

“Hey Chess, do you mind doing my face and back?” You ask her and she turns around to face you.

“Sure, if you don’t mind doing mine.” She says back and you nod and hand her the bottle. She squirts some on her hand and does your face carefully. She then spins you around and you undo her shirt and take it halfway off and she does your back. You put the shirt back on but leave it undone and turn back around and face her. You take the bottle and you do her face and back too. You put the bottle on a table close by and Chessy runs her hands down your sides. “Hmm, beautiful.” She says and you smile. She then gets to a ticklish spot and you flinch. “Oh, are you ticklish there?” She teases you and tickles you at that spot on both sides. You giggle and squirm and you run away and she runs after you. Being a nanny to an energetic child means that she’s quickly able to catch up to you and pulls you into her.

“Ahh.” You squeak out and you squirm in her grasp as she continues the tickle torture. Your bikini top ends up coming undone as you tied it loose and you squirming on her got it pulled and came undone. Chessy stops as your top falls off and she immediately grabs your boobs. Your giggles quickly turn into moans. Chessy’s eyes are immediately blown as she goes from tickle monster to wanna fuck you in a second. She moved one hand to your bikini bottoms and unties the straps on it too and pulls it off. She lays you down on the grass where you ended up when running away and you end up sitting on her shirt. She then hooks her arms around your thighs and places her mouth on your clit. She has you squirming again in no time, although now for an entirely different reason. She doesn’t pull her mouth away until you come twice.

She then goes on top of you and kisses your lips. While kissing, you quickly fling her straps off her shoulder and pull the swimsuit down. Her boobs quickly fall out and your mouth is on them before she can even react. She gasps and you pull the swimsuit down more to around her thighs and she takes it off the rest of the way. She sits up and starts grinding on your leg. You bolt up and go to attach your mouth to a nipple. She loves that you give them so much attention as your mouth and tongue feel so good on them. She comes on your leg with a moan not long after. You both get in the pool after and make out after splashing each other.

The Parker’s come back Saturday, just after noon and you and Chessy are sitting at the kitchen island having lunch together. They end up joining you and the twins tell you all about their week.

Later on, you all gather to watch a movie together and you and Chessy are cuddled on the couch together with a blanket on top of you as it’s a bit chilly out. During the movie, you see everyone is paying attention to the screen so you quietly undo Chessy’s pants and stick your hand in under her underwear. Her eyes widen and looks at you, but other than that she doesn’t react. She goes to grab your wrist to stop you but you quickly slip a finger in and she freezes. You discreetly finger her and you both face the screen to not give anything away.

Chessy starts breathing heavily, so she puts her elbow on the arm of the couch and puts her chin on her hand and covers her mouth to try and cover up her louder breathing. She gets closer and closer to an orgasm and you see her struggle to keep it together in front of everyone and you smirk, which does not go unnoticed by her. Oh you know you’re paying for it tonight but this is too enjoyable so it’ll be worth it. She bites her lip and keeps her mouth shut as she comes and lets out a small squeak. Thankfully it was covered by a loud sound from the movie and no one noticed.

You did end up paying for it later that night in her bed but you didn’t complain at all.

Taglist: @esposadejoyhuerta

@imaginesmultifandoms

@idonothingalldays-blog

@sexysapphicshopowner

@dvrkhcld

@lilfartbox1

@ricejucie

@unicorniusfallapatorius

@a-queen-and-her-throne

@sleep-deprived-athlete

@og-kxsh-420

Let me know if you want to be added!

[gisele0127]

i love ur writing smm and if you are accepting req cause i'm having a lot of ideas lol but can you do rin, sae + bachira how they act when they realized they had a crush on the reader? don't hesitate to ignore this feel free to do so also have a nice day :)

rin

rin realized he liked you when you argued with sae (y/n having a trilingual moment)

it was just like any other day, rin staying after practice to focus on his shooting skills. being the manager of the team (and his best friend), you stayed back. rin was particularly exited today, and wanted to practice his skills extra extra longer because sae was coming back tomorrow. you were exited too of course! the three of you go way back, growing up together and being good friends.

so when you went to use the bathroom real quick, you didn’t notice that sae had slipped through. you saw the two talking and eventually playing together. you just sat down on the bleachers not wanting to interrupt this heartwarming meeting. but you were so wrong, you sat down in a hearing distance and could hear all the words exchanged. surprised washed over you because what happened to him?

you get up and wait for the two at the gate, you knew never to come between the two when they were arguing. as sae walked by first you saw his stern lifeless look. you weakly smiled at him and said “missed you” he responded with a “me too”. but you didnt care about that, all you cared about was that your bestfriend (and crush) was sitting down in the middle on the field on the verge of a breakdown.

you quietly walk towards him and when you get to him you don’t say a word. sitting down next to him and after a couple of minutes you say “go home, i’ll put the equipment up”. at that he does what you say but quietly, and since when did his eyes get watery?

it’s the next day and you show up at the itoshi home. their mom set up a feast and invited you since you were practically the daughter they never had. while you two were cooking you asked “when does rin get back from training?”. she responds with “he’s not training today. he’s been in his room all morning. he must’ve gotten sick from being outside while it was so cold yesterday.” you nod partially agreeing with her.

you offered to take his temperature and walk into his room. he’s ‘asleep’ on his bed. he’s been pretending to be asleep just so that his family doesn’t bother him. you gently push his bangs out of the way and feel his forehead.

“oh crap you do have a fever” you say as you quietly walk out of the room.

as for rin, he was turning red like crazy. the ‘fever’ was just his embarrassment. he thanked the lords that his room was dark enough for you not to see his face. but why was he even red enough to begin with?

you go back to cooking and when the two of you have set the table you offered to go fetch sae from his room. you knock and wait for a “come in”. sae was on his desk watching a match intently. “the food is ready, you know how your mom gets when she has to tell you twice to come down.” he slightly frowns and gets up walking toward the doorway but stops when you call to him. maybe it was because you were pissed at him or maybe because your first love was currently heartbroken in bed, but you went off on sae. in spanish, because “i don’t want rin to hear”. the walls were paper thin though so he heard the argument but couldn’t understand. what he heard next was a goodbye to his mom and a slam on the door.

you and sae would often get into drabbles as kids but not one like this. the two of you were close up until he left. he wondered what the argument was about but he also wondered, why is my stomach like this?

he goes to the table to eat his food. everyone is silent, his mom with a disappointed look, but his dad kind of happy? sae looked pissed and with a tone of venom he says, “your girlfriend is crazy.”

he’s silent for a moment, before saying “she’s not my girlfriend, yet.”

✄┈┈┈┈

sae

he realized he liked you when you first facetimed him

you met sae at a park a year before he left for spain. as cliché as it sounds he hit you with the football on accident and apologized. you were a very shy person so all you did was nod and hand him the ball. he looked familiar to you, maybe you’ve seen him before?

ah yes. when you get home and read the newspaper you realized that the boys name was sae itoshi. and he was really good at football. you smiled, maybe getting hit with a football wasnt so bad after all.

weeks pass by and you see him at the park once in a while, sometimes with his little brother. you would often go to the park with your little sibling too. but today was different, because your little sibling asked them to play with him. and surprisingly he said yes.

it became a routine, once a week all four of you guys would play. you became close or closer to sae, still being very shy and barely talking. you two were similar in a way, staying silent. maybe you two had more similarities, other than just being the oldest.

eventually sae had to go to spain, and that meant no more playing soccer at the park together. you were sad, and so was he (but he’d never let you know that). you two said goodbye at the park, and he offered you his once in a lifetime smiles. you’ve never seen him smile before, never ever. once you two said your goodbyes you go back home you sat down thinking.

when sae was at the terminal sitting down his phone started buzzing. he looks down and see it’s a facetime from you. when he answers it it’s the second time you’ve seen him smile. and he’s smiling like a dummy.

✄┈┈┈┈

bachira

he realized he liked you when you stood up for him

you were on the girls football team, so you got to know the boys team pretty well. the two teams would often scrimmage or practice together.

you particularly became close to bachira, maybe it was his bubbly personality or maybe it was because you pity him. a lot of people on both teams would call him a ball hogger, weird, etc. but to you he was the complete opposite. he was actually nice and really funny. you two would joke a lot on the field to the point where you’d have to run laps as punishment.

it wasn’t out of the ordinary to hear your teammates call bachira creepy, even he knew a lot of people would talk behind his back. unknown to him you would always stick up for him.

just as he was in the storage room he heard a couple of the girls talking about him.

“y/n i don’t get why you’re friends with him…he’s a little weird”

“yea and he actually scores unlike your benchwarmer ass…” “he’s actually really fun and nice i don’t understand why everyone thinks he’s weird”

when he heard you say those words, it was like cupid threw a bow at his heart.

notes: im sorry this took so long! please share your ideas :) i would never ignore requests :)) not proofread!!!

[desideriumwriter]

Anyone But You | Chapter 4 | F.W. x Fem!Reader

Chapter Summary - Reader confronts Cedric for leaving her alone, gets an unpleasant introduction of Malfoy, and gets pushed over the edge by Fred in the library.

Pairing - Fred Weasley x Fem!Gryffindor!Reader

Category - enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, angst, fluff, slowburn

Content Warnings - cursing, fighting

Word Count - 3.5k

A/N: thank you all so much for the support on this series! i was never really that confident in it and am constantly nervous posting new chapters but you all are too kind! anyways this next chapter is gonna be a small turning point!! im excitedd lol

Series Masterlist | F.W Masterlist | Previous | Next | Navigation |

You caught the brown headed boy walking with the crowd, even though Ced had the same look as hundreds of other boys in the school, you were always able to point him out, it was just pure instinct.

Rushing and shoving through the crowd while trying to catch up to Cedric, apologizing and saying excuses to people you pushed past, you successfully caught up to the Hufflepuff boy and you smacked him on the back of his head.

“Ow! What was that for?” He winced, rubbing the spot where you hit him.

“Arsehole! Where were you yesterday? You left me on the train! You didn’t even bother to wake me up!” You scolded him, talking to him as if you were his mother.

Merlin, you almost sounded like Mrs.Weasley when she sent a howler to Ron after he stole his fathers car.

“I just…was in a rush to get off, I wanted to get off before I would be stuck in a crowded line of students.”

“Really? Or is it that you wanted to get to Cho before anyone else did?” You accused, he began to trip over his words, he stuttered while trying to make up an excuse.

“Yes- no! Okay, maybe a bit of both. Why are you so bothered by it? Are you jealous?” He drew out the last word, teasing you.

“Because you left me alone on the train! Everyone was gone but Fred and George, I had to walk with them!” You shouted.

“Oh my Go- Are all your problems somehow connected to the twins? Is there some reason deep down inside why you hate them so much?” He retorted and shook his head.

“That doesn’t matter right now. Just next time, wake me up before you leave to go drool over a girl.” You hissed, walking faster to get ahead of him.

Your frustration simmered down within the hour, then rose again the next class due to the twins' loud presence in your potions class.

They repeatedly tried to slip the wrong ingredients in your cauldron when you weren’t looking, thankfully you caught them every time and smacked their hands away or elbowed one of them in the side.

However, they successfully stole your grinding stick when you went to grab a weakened griffin claw. They bit back smiles when you came back, frantically moving around your supplies and looking under the table to see where it went.

You looked up, George was already grinding his claw, while Fred held up two grinder sticks in each hand. Moving his head to look at each one, pretending to analyze them. You tried to snatch your stick back from him, you weren’t quick enough. Fred flung his hand back, putting it out of reach.

“Give it back.” You commanded, your voice barely above a whisper, trying to prevent Snape from hearing you. Fred knew what you were saying, but he pretended not to. Mouthing “What?” after each time you repeated yourself. George joined in on the pestering, cupping a hand over his ear, leaning in slightly.

You were so close to drowning the both of them by shoving their heads into their cauldrons full of mixed liquids and powders.

“I would suggest you give Ms.Y/L/N her stick back, unless you want to be used as a test subject to see if your strengthening potion works correctly.” Professor Snape said flatly as he appeared because the twins, you saw as Fred tightened his lips together and let out a small huff of air, disappointed that he’d been caught, that his fun was interrupted.

“Apologies, my dear lady.” He placed the stick flat on the palm of his hand, bowing down as if he was a servant presenting a crown to a queen. A few students let out giggles, becoming quiet when Snape's head snapped in their direction.

You contemplated hitting him over the head with the heavy stone object before you snatched it from him, instead you angrily grinded the claw in your bowl into a fine powder. Even though Snape did you that small favor, freeing you from the twins' mischief. It still feels as if the professor wants you to suffer by placing you next to them.

“He's like a damn shadow, a bloody ghost.” Fred tried to whisper to George, only for Snape to smack him on the back of his head as he passed by, Fred let out a small grunt of pain, rubbing the back of his head. You tried to hide your smile.

The twins hadn’t shown up to charms, which was the first good thing that happened today. But, you found out who the infamous Draco Malfoy was. A blonde slytherin who was an uptight little rich prick who bullied the Weasley family and Harry thought he was better than everyone else, and who was in ancient runes with you.

He sat in the desk in front of you, he was next to Pansy Parkinson, a girl in the same year and house as him, they obviously had a liking for each other. Constantly whispering in each other's ear and giggling, making fun of random kids in the room, complaining about the class, passing notes even though they were right next to each other. They just constantly flirted, it made you want to gag.

At one point during the class, Draco tried to impress the black haired girl next to him by answering a question Professor Babbling had asked about the translation of a certain word.

With his feet perched up on his desk, his arms crossed, back laid comfortably against the chair, he said his answer with the most prideful and cocky voice, only for it to be so far off from being correct. 

“Good try! It actually means ‘invisible’, not ‘soup’. Feet off the desk please.” The professor said nicely, beginning to go more in depth and detail about the word.

You let out a small chuckle at Malfoys failed attempt, only for him and Pansy to turn around with a scowl.

“What are you laughing about? Shouldn’t you be trying to makeout with that Hufflepuff boy?” He sneered while you grimaced, being surprised how short tempered the third year was. 

His insults were stopped when Babbling asked for both of your attention. Your hopes of today being a better day than yesterday were long gone.

One of the only good things about today was that you had very little homework then usual, Snape assigned everyone to sketch a Chinese Chomping Cabbage and research the ingredients for it, the rest of your professors only encouraged you to study, which you were definitely going to pass on doing.

You chose to sit in the library and do your sketch for your homework. Your artistic abilities were not on your side today, you had to crumple up so many pieces of parchment after failing your sketches on them.

You’d finally been able to draw a normal looking cabbage instead of a lopsided one. You traced the pencil marks very carefully with black marker, you wanted yours to look neat and nicely done.

Once you were done tracing, you grabbed a green colored pencil from your pouch, coloring in the cabbage.

It didn’t take long, you only had a small section left to fill with green. Your work was interrupted by the chair next to you being pulled from the table and sat in by a redheaded boy. 

“What’s going on?” He whispered, leaning over and sticking his neck out to see the progress of your drawing. You stopped the movement of your pencil, smacking it down on the table.

“I’m doing my work. Have you even done yours? Or at least started it?” You scoffed. He only smirked, reaching in a pocket on his robe and pulling out a folded piece of parchment, unfolding it, he proudly showed off his completed work. A deformed cabbage, scribbled lines, poorly erased lines, and sloppy coloring.

It was very obvious he put no effort into it, he probably did it in only three minutes. Less than three minutes.

“You call that a cabbage? It looks like a pile of green mush.” You scoffed.

“It’s potions, not art class.” He shrugged, grimacing. You only shook your head and rolled your eyes, one of your most used responses to anything he says.

You went back to filling in the final uncolored section of your drawing, Fred watched, his chin rested on his fist. It was kinda nice, him shutting up. This might’ve been the longest you’ve seen him be quiet for.

You could see in the corner of your eye that he had a hand in his robe, you assumed he was putting his drawing back in his pocket. What you didn’t assume was that he actually was taking out his wand, getting ready to mess with you.

“Colovaria” He uttered under his breath, with a flick of his wand, the pencil you were coloring your drawing with began to change from a soft green to a bright neon pink, ruining your drawing.

You stopped your coloring, leaning back a small bit as confusion filled your face, then it was covered with anger once you realized who was next to you, who had caused it.

Fred immediately looked away, trying to fight back a mischievous smile while pretending to look at a book he quickly pulled off the shelf. You gripped your bright pencil tightly.

“Are you serious? What is wrong with you?” You barked, yet your voice still quiet due to trying to not get in trouble in the library.

“Who? Me? What?” Fred played dumb, he pointed to himself, looking around the empty aisle, pretending he thought you were talking to someone else.

“Stop messing around, you know what. You messed up my goddamn drawing.” Your fist was clenched tightly around the pencil, knuckles turning white. “Why are you so immature?”

“Oh come on, it’s funny, you need to have a laugh once in a while.” He defended, this only made your anger bubble up more.

“It’s not funny, it’s my homework for a class I can’t afford to fail! And you’ve just fucked it up!” You shouted, your rage took over your care to respect the library's rules. 

“Shhh! Quiet in the library!” He smiled. “Besides, you can always draw a new one.” That last sentence pushed you over the edge, your emotions took over. You stuck him right in the arm with the pencil that you had your hand squeezed around, the pencil Fred had messed with.

“Ow! The hell was that for?” He yelped, he began to look upset as well. He began to look and sound angry as well. You stood up, beginning to pile and gather your things together.

“Don’t mess with my shi-” You were cut off by a very unpleasant Madam Pince stomping into the aisle, staring you down.

“What is going on here?” Pince said sternly, her tone frustrated due to the noise.

“She stabbed me!” He exclaimed while rubbing his upper arm with one hand, pointing at you with the other. He looked like a small child snitching on their sibling.

“He started it! He messed up my drawing!” You defended yourself.

“I don’t have the time to listen to bickering over coloring pages. The both of you have caused an unnecessary scene here. Ten points deducted from Gryffindor. Now, I order you two to leave the library.” She pointed towards the exit.

“What? That’s not fair!” You stated, Fred and you looked at each other in shock.

“Ah, ah. You’d better get out before more points are taken, or if you want a temporary ban from entering here. Leave, now.” Pince gritted the last word through her teeth.

You tensed your jaw, aggressively shoving your things together and then storming off down the hallways, Fred following after you shortly.

“You’ve got some good strength, maybe you should be a beater in case me or George can’t play.” Fred called out behind you, you ignored him like you always tried to.

“I’m serious, if you stabbed me a little harder with that pencil, maybe I would be paying Madam Pompfrey a visit right now.” He commented, his loud voice echoing throughout the corridors. You spun around, facing towards him while walking backwards.

“Oh shut up, it probably didn’t even break open your precious skin.” You mocked him, then you turned back around, continuing to stomp through the hallway and up the stairs.

You hoped once you made it on one of the staircases, it would move and stop Fred from following you any longer, unfortunately, it did the opposite.

As soon as Fred began to walk up the staircase, you and him felt the push of it moving in a different direction.

“I bet it did with how rough you were, you could help me fix it. I reckon you know a good healing spell.” He pipped as he stood next to you on the stairs, you narrowed your eyes at him.

“Fix it yourself, I’m not helping you with anything.” You spat at him with a large amount of disgust, Fred opened his mouth to say something, however the stopping of the staircase cut him off quickly.

You decided to keep moving rather than waiting to hear what other nonsense he has to say.

“Ah, come on Y/N! I’ve seen you in charms, you’re good with your hands and surprisingly good at whipping up some spells.” The backhanded compliment made your blood boil more, maybe you should’ve jabbed him a little harder with that pencil in the library.

Tiny bits of relief were cooling your boiling blood once you noticed you were walking on the staircase that led you to the common room door. 

You said the password as soon as you were in front of the fat lady, not having a single bit of care to hear her horrendous singing, you shoved yourself through the doorway as soon as she let the door begin to open.

Fred continued to loudly talk and tease you, trying to get another big reaction out of you. You whipped yourself towards him in the middle of the common room. 

“You’re lucky I jabbed you in the arm and not the jugular.” That’s the last and only thing you seethed at him before stomping your feet up the stairs to the girls dormitory.

These past two days have been a fucking nightmare.

Fred only stood there, shocked and frustrated almost as much as you were. A tad bit of anger in his system as well.

You ripped off that stupid necklace the twins gave you, breaking the chain and throwing it on your side table.

Four months had gone by and the school year had finally ended. Things had calmed down after those first two days back, especially after what happened with Fred and you in the library. He must’ve realized how upsetting they were to you, also a bit scared that you would curse or possibly physically harm him the next time he tried to mess with you. Yet, Fred seemed quite pissed at you for a while after that, he became a bit mean. 

His face would drop anytime you’d walk by, he’d scowl at you, push past you. He’d give you the same behavior you’d give him. He stopped after a while, not allowing your presence to bother him, as his did to you.

At least him and George didn’t use you as their target student for pranks as much as they used to.

But, of course they had to end the year with a dramatic bang. 

On the very last day, when everyone was packing and chatting before they left. Fred and George set off probably half-a-dozen dungbombs in the common room due to their end-of-year high spirits. You and Hermione were walking downstairs from the girls' dorm when it happened.

You saw those stupid mischievous grins on their faces as they threw the dungbombs and ran off, giggling like little girls while you and Hermione were coughing your lungs out.

Anyways, you stopped being mad at Cedric even though he still continued to chase after Cho, you were able to drag yourself through your classes, you attempted to apologize to Madam Pince, you dealt with the twins' mischief that would occasionally be towards you, you had to suffer through the flirting between Draco and Pansy and the insults they threw out at random people, and you were able to pass all your O.W.Ls.

You arrived onto the train with Cedric, finding a perfectly empty booth as soon as you entered the train.

You both settled in, throwing your bags on the seat, and pulling out your coins to see how much you had you could buy from the candy trolley that was soon to come by.

You slouched down in your booth, the bottom half of your body hanging off it.

“Good school year?” Cedric asked.

“It’s been a fucking headache.” You sighed heavily, he let out a small breath.

“Well, as an apology for constantly leaving you behind because I do admit, I was chasing after Cho,” he tucked his lips in and slightly bowed his head in shame. “I got you…a ticket to the Quidditch World Cup.” His embarrassed attitude changed into a prideful one while he flicked a ticket out his bag. Your attitude changed as well.

“No way! You’re lying!” You shouted as you sat up.

“The proof is right in front of your eyes.” He laughed and waved the special slip of paper in front of your face, you grabbed the ticket, looking at it intensely.

“My dad got us them, he’ll be taking us in August.” He took the ticket from your hand, you scowled at him in response. “I’m keeping this in a safe place, along with the rest. I don’t trust you to.” He chuckled as he put it back in his bag.

“Oh come on! I lost something you gave me one time! It was during first year!” You protested, he only shook his head in dismissal.

“That ‘something’ was my wand and you lost it.”

“I didn’t lose it! The twi-” You began to defend yourself, only for him to cut you off.

“The twins took it thinking it was yours, yeah I know.” He sighed after finishing your sentence.

“Exactly! So technically, it wasn’t my fault, it was the twins.” You smirked and tilted your head taunting him, yet he said the last two words at the same time as you while he rolled his eyes.

You laid down in your seat. Cedric did that face, the one where he’s thinking about saying something, or about to say something. He’s debating on saying it, because most likely it’ll be something you would probably disagree with or not like.

“You know…” He leaned in, placing his elbows on his knees and his hands clasped together. 

Here he goes.

“I think underneath all that abyss of hate and anger towards the twins…there’s a bit of liking hidden for the Weasley twins. Especially Fred.” Your jaw dropped again, it dropped to the floor this time but with the most intense grimace.

“What?” You yelled in shock, probably loud enough for the kids in the other booths to hear, 

“Absolutely not!” You scoffed, looking at him as if he had gone mad.

“Oh come on, you’re constantly talking about them, you have been since first year, you carry that necklace they gave you everyday, your friends with their family. Face it, there’s some love deep down inside.”

“Now that’s just assumptions. One, I'm not talking about them, I'm complaining. They’ve been annoying me since first year. Two, I wear the necklace ‘cause it looks quite nice on me and I like it, and just because I like it, doesn’t mean I like them. And three, my mum and dad are friends with them, I’m only friends with Ron. I wouldn’t even say friends, we’re more like…acquaintances.” You counted off your reasons in defense of his accusations.

Cedric let out a long, disappointed sigh, shaking his head and standing up.

“Denial is the first stage. Now excuse me, I have to use the bathroom.” Is all he said, sounding like he was telling you about the worst news possible and patting you on the shoulder, then leaving the booth. 

However, he stuck his head back in, asking for a request. “Also, if the trolley lady comes by, get me a licorice wand? I’ll pay you back.” Then left actually this time.

You let out a dramatic huff, crossing your arms and staring at the ceiling of the train.

Deep down inside you like the twins? You like Fred and George Weasley? You like Fred Weasley? Oh piss off. Cedrics out of his mind if he thinks you could ever get along with those twins, let alone like them. 

The twins have been the most agitating two boys you’ve ever met. You have no liking for them, not even the smallest amount. There’s only hate and despise left for them. You don’t think about them that much. You don’t talk about them that much. You don’t really complain about them that much. Right?

“Anything from the trolley dear?”

tell me what you thought! :) or ask tba to the taglist!

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[justmeinadaze]

I'm In Control Part 7 (Steddie X You)

A/N: I bare you your crack for the weekend. Snort your serotonin slowly please lol <3

Warnings: Daddy Steve and Sir Eddie and all that that implies (I regret nothing). She really pushes them this time so some degrading from the guys, slapping, and a bit of the rough stuff. All three talk about their traumas. Y/N talks about her religious trauma a bit more. May be triggering if you grew up in a household or town like that. My bio mom liked to pretend she did she I heard a lot of this same stuff myself.

Word Count: 3276

Boys,

Went to work. 

See you later :) 

-Y/N

“Should we be worried?”, you place your head in your hands as you look at TJ who’s casually lounging on one of your couches.

“I don’t think so but it’s something to be cautious of. You may want to call your clients down here and just bring them up to speed.”

“Well, I told them I was going to see them at their shoot tonight but if I know them, they are probably on their way down here anyway.”

“I haven’t seen bullshit like this since the early nineties—” 

A small knock on your door interrupts him as it slowly opens. “Hey, sorry. We aren’t interrupting anything, are we?”, Steve cautiously pokes his head through. 

You smirk at your boss who chuckles. “You’re amazing. No boys. I actually wanted to speak with you. Come in.”

“Why do you sit on top of your desk like that when you have a thousand chairs?”, Eddie asks as he leans against the edge of it next to you.

“Makes me feel tall. Also Mr. Munson, I’m not sure if you saw but the sign on the door says it’s my office so I can do whatever I want.” He scrunches his nose at your playful tone. 

Steve steals your desk chair, gliding closer to you and TJ. “What’s going on?”

“Apparently, the cops raided a set the other night.”, TJ sighs as you press play on your tv. He gestures towards it as he continues. “Our wonderful city officials are trying to look good so they are cracking down ‘drugs’ and ‘prostitution’.” 

“But…none of that is happening.”, Eddie folds his arms as he watches the screen. 

“Not with any of my people and sets I work with. You guys know if you see any of that kind of shit, you let me or Y/N know.”

Steve lets out a heavy sigh as he leans back in his chair. You reach for the stress ball on your desk and throw it at his shoulder. 

“Don’t worry. You’re safe with me.”, you flash him a comforting smile. 

“We just want you guys to be aware. It really shouldn’t be a problem especially on Luke’s set. His studio is so big I don’t think they would even dare try it.” He glances at the three of you before clearing his throat. 

“Since everyone is here…”

“My other client isn’t here.”, you interject.

“Yeah, but I know where he is. I keep losing you three.” TJ stands, trying to make himself more authoritative. “Where were you guys yesterday?”

“Audition.”

He turned to face you. “All day? Really?”

“Oh. I’m sorry. Auditionsssss.” You make sure to put obnoxious emphasis on the S. 

Your boss narrows his eyes at you as both men try to contain their smiles. 

“You, young lady, are lucky I like you.”, he points his finger sternly. “From now on if I call you answer. If we have an event or party EVERYONE must remain there until I dismiss you. Understood?”

You faux salute him. “Yes, sir.”

“Gentlemen?” They affirm with mumbled yeahs. “Good. Now that all that is out of the way, I’m going to go back to my office and eat my delicious lunch in peace. Don’t bother me.”

He grins, jokingly pushing your shoulder as he leaves you office. 

Your eyes shift between them, Eddie’s head was down towards his sneakers as Steve was still looking at the TV.

“Wow. Well, don’t get shy on me now.”

“Are you ok?”, Eddie was the first to speak. “I…I didn’t hurt you or anything, right?”

“Eddie…”

“Steve was right. We weren’t in the right frame of mind. I definitely wasn’t.”

“Eddie, it’s okay. I’m ok.” You wrap your arm around his shoulder, pulling him in front of you so you could hug him from behind. “You didn’t hurt me. Not physically anyway…” His chest rose and fell as he sighed. 

Your eyes flicked to Steve who was watching you both. “I’m sorry I smacked you.”

His nose scrunched as he shrugged. “I deserved it.”

“Oh, okay. Well, fuck you then.” You and Steve smirked at each other. 

“I’m sorry for being an asshole.” He slides his chair closer to the both of you. 

“I know we said we would talk later but I feel like I should at least get this out now. I’m not sorry for what I said in the parking lot…or back at the house. I’m still extremely angry you didn’t talk to me. I understand why you didn’t, agent and client and all that but… it just hurts that you guys don’t trust me.”

“We trust you.”

“Daddy and Sir, trust me. Steve and Eddie don’t.”

##################

“Cut! Steve! Do we have a problem?”

“No! No… no fucking problem.”

“Ok, well, you can’t do anything with it soft, son.”

You and Eddie look at each other from your spot behind the camera as you sigh and reassuringly pat his arm. 

“Mr. Harrington!”, you beckon him gently with your finger. 

“Y/N, get his mind right or else—”

“Or else what?”, you cut the director off as you grab Steve’s hand. “Jason, if you want him to use his dick you need to get off his and relax, okay? We’re a bit overamped with everything going on.”

You tug the man into a corner behind the set where no one else could hear or see you. 

“Talk to me, babe.”

“I don’t know…I just…can’t focus.”, he sighs as he runs his fingers frustratingly through his hair. 

“Steve, look at me.” You slide your hand down his chest to the outside of the boxers they had him wearing, rubbing your hand below his waist. “When you go back out there, don’t focus on the cameras or the director. Don’t focus on yesterday…”

His shoulders deflated as he exhaled. “Hey no. Focus on me, Daddy.” Steve’s eyebrow raised coyly as he softly smiled. You felt his cock gradually begin to harden against your palm. “If it helps just pretend she’s me.”

“Mmm… but she’s not you.”

“I know. That’s the magic of acting.”, you giggle as he grins, running his tongue his lips. You lean closer to his chest as his head falls on to your shoulder. “Everything’s going to be alright, Steve. I promise.”

His lips find yours for a moment before you pull away. “You ready?”

He nods, going around you with a more determined stride as he heads back to the set. 

##################

Eddie throws their keys on the counter as the three of you head into their house.

Your eyes scan their exhausted looking frames. “Do you guys want to crash and we can talk tomorrow?”

“No. We should get this out of the way now.”

“Wow. Thanks Steve. That makes me feel special.”, you scowl at him.

“Honestly, I… I don’t know why we are doing this. We can’t have a romantic relationship. It would be hidden and only we would know about.”

“Okay. So why does the whole world have to fucking know?”

“Because you would be ours.”, Eddie interjects as he leans his back against their couch. 

“Ohhhh, I see. So you don’t trust me enough to tell other men to fuck off so you need to parade me around so they KNOW to stay away.”

“That’s not what I said.”

“That is seriously hilarious to me. You know that you two literally fuck people every single day and it doesn’t bother me?”

Steve slyly chuckles under his breath. “Yeah, but what if we were at a club or event and some random girl just climbed on my lap or started making out with Munson here. How would that make you feel?”

“In that scenario that would piss me off but I would…I would hope if we were in a relationship, you would tell that girl to respect your boundaries and get off your lap. I would trust you. God, Steve, why are you like this?”

When he doesn’t answer, you sigh in frustration as you step away. “Okay…” You bite your lip as you pace between them with your hands on your hips. “Okay. I have an idea. I want to talk to Daddy and Sir.”

They glance at each other, completely confused. “They trust me. Maybe they can help you say what you need to say.”

“No.”

You pout your lips, allowing your body to slowly push you into that headspace to get them where they need to be. “Please, Daddy.”

Steve’s face twitches slightly at your tone. “I said no.” 

You saunter back over to him, untangling his arms in front of his chest as you glide your hands up his body. “Pleeeeeease. Steven is afraid to open up to me and I need to know why.”

When his eyes met yours, you knew he was there. Daddy was ready to play. 

Steve reached for your throat, gripping it tightly in his huge hand. “I told you not to call me that AND I said no. Geez, Eddie. She never listens.”

He released his hold on you, shoving you backwards into a broad chest. “Probably never been disciplined properly.” You quickly turn around to see Eddie glaring down at you with his beautiful brown eyes. Since you three had begun your dynamic, you had learned little details about their body language and tone. Eddie’s voice told you that Sir hadn’t completely come out yet. 

“Oh, but Mr. Munson. I have.”, your hands reach up to cup his cheeks. “I came from an aggressive religious upbringing, remember? They were way more strict than you could ever be especially since you can’t seem to take charge without Daddy’s help.”

His strong hands shot up, gripping your wrists, and aggressively pulling them off his face. “I don’t need his help or permission to handle brats like you.” There he is.

“I don’t think I’m the one that needs handling.”

Eddie pushes himself off the couch, staring down at you as he bumps you with his chest. “I know you do.”

“How do you know that, Eddie?” You try to maintain your confident tone but it shakes as he bumps you again, walking you backward towards the bedroom. 

“Well, for one, you can’t seem to remember who you’re talking to.” He turns to Steve who has been steadily following behind. “Stupid little girl wants to know more but can’t even follow simple instructions.” His hand grabs you jaw, holding you still.

“Who am I?”

“Sir.”

Eddie shoves you back hard against the doorframe, making you wince. “Louder.”

“Sir!”

“Good girl. Hopefully you’ll remember it this time.” You stumble onto the floor as he pushes you into the room. They both come in and sit on the edge of the bed, stepping over you as they do. 

“Why…don’t you…trust me?”

Steve grins as he beckons you over with his finger. You obey, crawling to his lap on your knees. His fingers gently trace along your cheek down to your lips. 

“Because you are a whore.”

Your chest caves in as you exhale, searching his eyes for an explanation.

“Aw, Eddie. I don’t think that was the answer she was expecting.”, he says with a voice dripping with mocking. “You think you’re the first woman we’ve done this with? Where are they now, honey? They aren’t here. They. Leave. They always do.”

You saw pain flash quickly through his eyes and disappear just as fast. 

“Girls like you use us and then when you’re done, you’re gone.”

“You…haven’t known me for…for very long. Why do you think I would hurt you like that?”

“Like he said,” Eddie looked down at you with contempt. “You all do. Everyone in our lives leave. Anytime my mom fucked up in some way, she would blame it on me and my dad would beat my ass. When he got arrested…it’s like she saw no further use for me. There was no one to shield her from so she dumped me on my uncle’s doorstep and ran.”

Your heart ached for him as he hung his head. Your hand started to reach for his knee but you stopped, allowing it to hover. “Can I touch you?” Eddie didn’t verbally answer, instead placing his palm over yours and guiding it to his leg. 

You glanced back at Steve who was now glaring into the void. “Daddy?” He subtly shakes his head. “Talk to me, baby. Please. Help me understand.”

“Haven’t I given you enough?!”, he snaps. Your nose scrunches as you glare at him. 

You chuckle sarcastically as a light bulb suddenly goes off in your head. “Oh, I get it. Is that why you prefer Daddy? Was Mr. Harrington not so nice to Steven?”

Both sets of eyes abruptly look at you as you rise to your feet. You can tell just by Eddie’s look alone you’re very close to the target. Steve slowly stands well, his eyes penetrating yours. 

“Color, Princess?” Your eyes never left Steve’s but you could see in your peripherals and by the sound of his voice that Eddie knew the real game was about to get started. 

“Green, Sir.”

“You remember what you have to say for us to stop, right?”

“Yes, Sir.”

As soon as the words left your mouth, Steve’s hand connected with your face causing you to take a few steps backwards. 

“Why do you keep pushing, little girl?”

“Because I want to understand!”

He slapped you again, this time a bit harder than before. “Why?!”

“Why do you fight it so hard, Steve?!”

As he went to hit you, you ducked down and shoved his chest. Eddie intervened, grabbing your upper arms and holding them behind your back. Steve slid off his belt and handed it to the boy behind you who used it to tie your wrists together. 

He tossed you to the bed on your stomach, pulling your pants and panties down your legs. You heard clothes being removed behind you before Steve climbed on top of you. You yelped as he smacked your ass, pressing your face into the mattress as he sheathed himself inside of you. 

He gave you no warning or time to adjust as he began roughly thrusting into you. The man laid his full weight on top of you, pushing himself deeper into you as he continued his assault on your pussy. 

“Got nothing to say now huh, little one? Had plenty to say earlier when you were mouthing off. You still seem to think you have some control over us but you don’t, you fucking slut. You never will so stop making demands and stop pushing.”

“Then why do you have feelings for me?”

“Because I’m a fucking idiot.”

“Is that what he told you?” You whimpered as he thrust into your harder. “Your—mmm—you’re not an idiot—mmm-- for caring. You deserve to…fuck… to be cared for the way you do for other people.”

Steve pulled out of you and flipped you around, lifting your legs around his waist as he entered you again. 

“How do I know I can trust you?”

“How did you know you could trust Eddie?”

His brown eyes shifted towards his friend before looking back at you. You craned your neck to kiss his lips and he allowed it. His head fell beside yours as he pumped his hips harder against yours. 

“I care about you to, Daddy. I like you a lot. Both of you.” You gently kissed the shell of his ear as his hips sputtered and he came inside of you, his body trembling above you. 

“Fuck. Baby…I…”

“It’s ok, Daddy. It’s ok.”

“I can take care of her, buddy. Come here, sweetheart.” Steve rolled out of the way as Eddie lifted you onto his lap and leaned his back against the headboard. He reaches behind you untying the belt and tossing it to the floor.

You straddle his waist, taking his cock in your hand and gradually began sliding yourself down onto him. You both groan at the feeling as your head falls to his forehead. Eddie notices that your hands remain on your thighs as you start grinding and bouncing your hips. 

His own palms glide down your arms, grabbing your wrists and placing your arms over his shoulders. He leans in to kiss your lips.

“You can touch me, pretty girl. It’s alright.”

Eddie giving you more control drove you wild as your pussy tightened around him. 

“Fucking hell. Come on, baby. Make yourself cum.” His fingers dug into your waist as he guided you, moving you faster against him. 

“Can I…please, Sir…” When he nodded his head, you completely let go; tossing your head back as you came.

His arms wrapped around you as he lifted himself up onto his knees, thrusting into you as you clung your yourself to him. Eddie loved the way your body fit perfectly against him. If he had his way, he would never let you go. He grunted into your neck and you both moaned when you felt him cum inside you. 

He expected you to let him go but when you didn’t, he sat back down on the mattress, running his hands through your hair and down your back. 

“My dad was never around. Actually, neither of my parents were.” You climbed off the metalhead’s lap to turn and look at Steve who was staring into the void again. “My father was a cheating dick head who always made sure to remind me I was never good enough.”

You watched him as he got up, disappearing into the bathroom and coming back with a rag. Eddie motioned for you to sit in front of him and you did, opening your legs so the other boy could take care of you. 

“I know that feeling.” When Steve’s eyes meet yours, you deliver him a tender smile. “Religious family, remember. My brother and I were always reminded how terrible we were and not just from our parents but the church and the town. My mom and dad didn’t even see me off when I moved here. They said California is a state of sin.” You roll your eyes as you sigh. 

“I imagine they don’t know what you do?”, Steve asked as he threw the rag haphazardly into the bathroom doorway. 

“Pfft, God no. They’d lose their minds. Kidnap me and probably take me back home.”, you laugh. 

“We wouldn’t let that happen.”, Eddie grinned as he rested his head on your shoulder.

“Do you really think I’m a whore?” You felt the arms around you stiffen. 

“No.” Steve’s voice was so low you could barely hear him. 

“Um, louder, Daddy. I can’t hear you.” You playfully tilt your ear towards him and a smile spread across his face. 

“I said no, beautiful.” You grin as you lean back against Eddie’s chest. “I think, like Eds said yesterday, we’re jaded. It’s…easier to lump you in with the other girls we’ve been with because—”

“We like you so much it will hurt less when you leave.”, the other man finishes. 

“When I leave… Gentlemen, I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon. I get it though. I really do. You’ve been hurt by so many people… but I promise not just as your agent or your friend or… you’re safe with me. There’s no rush. We don’t even have to put a label on it. Let’s just see what happens.”

“I can do that.” Eddie tenderly kisses your shoulder.

“Me to.” Steve reaches out to move a strand of hair out of your face. 

“Good. Now, can we eat because I’m fucking starving.”

#################

@gracieluvthemoon @e-munson666 @luna-munson83

@lunatictardis @corrodedcorpses @big-ope-vibes

@eddiesguitarskills @brittney69 @mandyjo8719

@hugdealer @mynameismothra @local-stoner-bitch

@miarosso @imjuststeddietrashatthispoint

@arianafreckles @sweetpuffy12 @mybradforddream

@sugar-haus @manda-panda-monium @wroteclassicaly

@gracieluvthemoon @erinsingalong @ imogen-m-h

@playfuloutcast @spookedbydawn @cinnamapup

@bimbobaggins69 @justmeandmymeanderingthoughts

@skyesthebomb @sherrylyn628 @eli-flower @aejae-ssi

[hoodharlow]

If You See Me Out in Public, You Don't Know Me

AN: after many months here's the next part. Ty for all you who waited patiently for this update. Tbh it's not my besy work but I pinky swear the next chapter will be better

Requested? @nattinatalia sent me some concepts that help me with this chapter

Warnings: slut shaming (from Joe) and smut bc I love mess lol

Word Count: 2.7k words

Jan. 2023

It wasn't the first time Astrid was going to some hotel room to meet up with an athlete, nor would it be her last. What did surprise was that it was Joe who dm'ed her. She still had no idea why he left that night. And unfortunately for her, Astrid saw him at places and events thanks to her best friend’s boyfriend, but Joe avoided her like the plague and when they were forced to be together he acted like she wasn’t there. She had no idea what his deal was. She thought everything would be fine between them when he started dating a fitness influencer but that shit hit the fan when she got exposed for using him to get at Jack Harlow, Amira's boyfriend, by another influencer. After that shit show, he got even moodier when Astrid was around he made it everyone’s problem.

And yet, there she was walking down the hallway to his suite. She fluffed up her hair and snapped a quick selfie in the hallway. She scanned the doors looking for his room number, 304.

Astrid wondered why he even hit her up. She saw him yesterday at a steakhouse with her brother’s and a few of his teammates. Over the summer Stevie, aka Esteban, was finally drafted for the Padres from his minor league team. A few of them were football fans and got tickets to some championship game in Kansas City. Esteban asked Astrid to come with him. She agreed. Her schedule was pretty open until March. Had she known Joe was going to be playing she shouldn't have flown out to Missouri, which she later learned was where the Chiefs resided and not in Kansas like she originally thought. 

She finally found Joe's room and knocked. He opened the door seconds later, revealing himself in only low hanging pajama sweats. 

"I have an hour before my brother wakes up and sees that I'm missing." She said, walking in. She took a seat on a couch in the living room part of the suite. 

"Your brother?" He asked, confused. 

"Yeah, you literally shook his hand when he and some of his teammates walked over to greet you and your teammates." Astrid got up and helped herself to some fruit in the food cart. She opened her small purse and pulled a small bottle of Tajin. 

Joe was quiet trying to sort out all the information she gave him. At dinner he saw one guy have his arm in the back of her chair while he engaged with his teammates. Astrid nodded along but she mostly kept to herself. He remembered she mentioned that she had a brother who played baseball but he didn't know it was him. He spent the whole dinner shooting glares at the guy everytime he heard Astrid laugh at whatever her brother said. 

"I don't even know why I agreed to this." Astrid said, getting up after Joe didn't talk. "I bet this is some photo op for your team. Oh look Astrid Romero came out of the hotel where the Beagles were staying. Did she fuck the whole team? Or which player is her latest conquest?"

Astrid hated how she got labeled as a jersey chaser. Her dms were filled with athletes from all sports begging to take her out. At first she agreed to go out with them, but it always ended the same. Someone heard from a friend of a friend that she put out and that was all they expected from her. Some were more slick and pretended to be interested in what she talked about during their dates while others flat out told her they just wanted to hook up. A handful didn't even take her out or sleep with her. Their teams would call the paps and make it seem like Astrid and whatever athlete went out so the athlete would get clout. 

At first it bothered her, but now she's used to it. She was tired of having to explain herself every time she would be seen with a man so she just let the gossip pages run their mouths. She had better things to do than argue with people on the internet about who she did or didn't sleep with. 

"It's the Bengals." Joe corrected her.

"Like I give a shit." She rolled her eyes. "It's the same shit at the end of the day. Your team gets some clout and I'm the bitch that puts out." 

"Like you don't do it for the clout either." He scoffed. 

"You figured me out." She said sarcastically. "Fuck all my hard work and the awards I won for my work. All I want people to know about me is who lasts three minutes in my pussy and ass." 

"Don't pull the victim shit on me. You did it first to me. It's only what you deserve." He spat. 

"What are you talking about?" She frowned. 

"That night we hooked up. My publicist called me about some pictures of us at the place we went out to eat?"

"What pictures?" Astrid only knew of the ones where they walked out of the club, but her face was covered. To this day people still wondered who the girl in the sparkly dress was. 

"They never made it out because I had to pay a pretty penny to make sure they didn't." 

Astrid thought back to that night. She remembered that at some point he got a call. He stepped out and took it then came back a bit annoyed. She asked him about it but he waved her off and fucked her from behind. Then they had another round and he left soon after that. 

"And yet you still continued to have sex with me?!" She yelled. "You're a fucking dick!" 

"Don't turn this around on me." He snapped.

"Don't you dare make me the asshole in this. I never once used you!" Astrid wiped a few tears. "Why didn't you fucking go? Why did you wait until after we went a few more rounds?" 

Joe knew it looked bad when she said it like that. She was right. If he was really pissed like he claimed, he would have left. But he didn't, he couldn't. He was captivated by her. He never felt a connection with someone like he did with her. There was something about her that made him dive in head first. 

"You're a real piece of work." Astrid said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. 

"Astrid, wait," he said, reaching for her hand. 

He pulled her to his chest. One glance down at her hazel green eyes and everything was out the window. They weren't sure who kissed who first nor how they ended up on the couch. 

Astrid pushed off her jacket and tossed it aside. She pulled her hair into a bun and straddled Joe. He pushed her up so that his hands were on her ass. With both hands, he kneaded her ass and then pressed her down on the growing tent of his pants. Astrid held his face as she leaned down to kiss his lips. They moaned into each other's mouths as Joe kept moving Astrid’s hips on him. He held them in place and pushed his hips up for a different sensation. After what felt like an eternity, he finally let them go and wrapped his arms around her waist as they continued their makeout session.

She pulled away and dropped to her knees, opening Joe's legs so she could fit in between them. Knowing where it was leading to, Joe lifted his hips and pulled down his pajama pants. He sighed contently and ran his hand over his erect cock. If he hadn't pulled it out, he was positive he would have come in his pajama pants with Astrid grinding on him. 

Astrid leaned forward and pushed his hand off. She swirled her tongue around his tip.

She slipped him as far as she could take him. He let out an incoherent sound until she reached the back of her throat. She did it a few more times, egging him on. She pulled away, with a trail of saliva spilling from the corner of her mouth, and kissed down his length. 

He moved to the edge of the armchair and spread his legs more. He bent down and pulled her up her neck, claiming her lips with his. Joe reached for her hair and made a makeshift ponytail with his hand. Joedidn't bother to give Astrid a response. He tightened the grip around her hair and guided his cock back in her mouth. They moaned in unison. He slowly bobbed her head up and down his length, getting used to her mouth. She took him a little deeper each time. Several minutes passed and Joe began to thrust his hips up as he held her head in place. His grunts and moans filled his suite. 

After a while, Joe loosened his grip on her head and let Astrid do her thing. Her eyes never left his as she took him back in her mouth. His stomach began to contract after a few bobs, letting her know that he was close. Slowly, she pulled him out of her mouth until only his tip rested on her tongue. Within seconds he came into her mouth. She took every single drop and continued taking him until his climax ceased.

Astrid’s phone rang. She removed Joe's semi erect cock out of her and reached to her back pocket and answered. 

"Hey," she said cheerfully. 

She nodded along to whoever was talking to her on the other end. Joe sat dumbfoundedly. His mind went completely blank. Not only did Astrid suck the soul out of him, but she sucked his thoughts.

"I gotta go." She said, breaking his trance. "Can I use your bathroom so I can clean myself?"

"First door," he said. 

Astrid nodded and got up from the ground. She went into the bathroom and a few minutes later she came out. Her face was washed and her hair was pulled into a loose bun. 

"I still don't know why you called me up, but, uh, I'll see you at the game. Good luck or whatever." She said before opening the door. 

A few of Joe's teammates were out in the hallway, hyping each other up for the game. A few pretended not to eavesdrop on their quarterback as THEE Astrid Romero, lingered by his door. 

"Wait, here," Joe said, handing her the extra key card. "Come over after the game, we haven't finished talking."

Astrid didn't respond. She simply took the keycard and put it in her purse. She turned on her heel and made her way down the hall.

*

Joe heard the key card reader ding, unlocking the door. He scrambled to change the channel. HBO was doing a marathon of Astrid’s show because there was a season premiere and he decided to watch it for the millionth time. He needed a distraction from the team's loss and what better way than to watch Astrid for a few hours straight. He got up from his bed and went to meet Astrid in the living room area. 

"You came." He said. 

"I had nothing better to do." She shrugged. 

"Do you want something to eat or drink? We can order room–" 

"Why the sudden change in attitude? I thought you hated me because I allegedly used you for clout?" 

"Yeah, about that…" he scratched the back of his neck. "I talked to my publicist and apparently they have it on record that you didn't pay or call anyone."

Astrid gasped, "You don't say." 

"I wanted to apologize for that night." He said, earning an eye roll from her. "What I did was shitty. You were the first high profile person I've been with. But I was used to people wanting parts of me in exchange for clout or something. When my team called me about the pictures. I was pissed and didn't think properly. You were right: I should have just left. But I didn't. I ended up using you and took out all my frustrations from past relationships on you. And I'm sorry for that. You didn't deserve that."

"Oh…" Astrid wasn't expecting a full apology. "Um, apology accepted, I suppose." 

"If there's any way for me to make it–"

Joe was cut off by Astrid cupping his cheek and brought their lips together. He slowly pulled away, making her whine, but he quickly made it up to her by kissing her neck.

Clothes were shedded off and thrown haphazardly as they made their way to Joe's bed. He settled between her thighs and placed her thighs on his shoulders. Joe peppered kisses all over her thighs. Astrid squirmed at the feeling of his lips. They got closer and closer to where she needed him the most. She let out an inaudible gasp of pleasure when Joe licked her. She tried closing her legs, but Joe's grip on them kept her in place. He moaned at her taste and savored her, taking his time with his tongue. He pushed one of her legs to her chest, giving him better access to her as he sucked her clit.

He inserted another while he pressed his thumb on her clit. Astrid felt something build up in her. She felt pleasantly overwhelmed with Joe's fingers and tongue. Joe felt it too. He sped up his fingers and circled his thumb on her clit roughly.

"Joe!" She moaned out.

Joe lapped up her release. He dropped her legs down and laid next to her. He knew she was going to need a moment. He traced his thumb under her bottom lip. He leaned down and captured her lips. They kissed for a while with some touches here and there.

"Do you have a condom?" Astrid asked against his lips. 

Joe nodded, "hold on." 

He went to his duffle bag and pulled out an unopened box of condoms. He grabbed about three and tossed them on the nightstand. He laid on his back and skillfully slid a condom down his shaft. Joe leaned over to kiss her. While they made out, he collected some of her arousal with his fingers and stroked himself. He lined himself up against her and slid into her. Astrid gasped and dug her nails in his biceps. He knew she was going to leave marks.

"You good?" He asked her.

"Yeah…it's been a while that's all." She reassured him. 

Joe nodded. He did a few shallow thrusts, slowly pulling out and pushing himself back in so she could get used to the stretch. She felt so good around him. After a few minutes he picked up the pace and her moans filled the bedroom. 

He tilted her head up so he could kiss her. His lips and tongue went at the pace he thrusted in and out of her. He wrapped one of her legs around him, bringing them closer as he took her. Her breath hitched at how good it felt. Joe must have noticed, and continued thrusting in that spot. The familiar feeling came over her once more. Astrid was about to come, and Joe knew it. His thrusts got more precise, hitting where she needed him.

“Come on, Astrid, let go for me.” He encouraged her. 

That pushed her over the edge, and she repeated Joe’s name over and over until her high faded. Joe continued thrusting in and out of her. His thrusts grew sloppy. After a few minutes passed, he stilled, shuddering he quietly moaned out, "shit," as he came inside her. He relaxed his body plopping on top of her. Their heavy breathing filled the room as they tried to calm themselves. Joe pulled out of her and laid on his back.  He excused himself and went to the bathroom. 

Astrid laid in bed thinking. She looked over to the bathroom and then back toward the room. She could easily make a run for it. Was it petty? 100% but she was on a sex high and not thinking straight. She quickly got dressed. Next to her boots was Joe's white pink teddy bear shirt. She put it on over long sleeve and draped her jacket over it. She placed the keycard Joe gave her and left. 

Joe was still in the bathroom, unaware of how the tables turned on him.  

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @nattinatalia @cherry4everrr

[nocturnal-desolation]

Hello sorry for tagging. I am very sick, my asthma is at its maximum level, my nose freezes, I have no medicine or food. I am in bad shape financially, I am a black disabled, who uses multiple medications, I pay for my food and lodging

Unfortunately I do not have all the resources to keep me safe, that is why I need your help, whatever you can contribute to me will be of great help.

Would you look at that… I have a prime example of how to spot a scam in my asks. It's not very well done, just well enough that some people might fall for it - and some have even reblogged it. You've been redirected to the Fraud Detection Unit, which will take it from here. (actually it's still just me, I'm the fraud detection unit, we have "Fachkräftemangel" in Germany, sorry, jk)

Seriously though… First of all, I'd like to address the fact that it's incredibly sad to play with people's emotions like this. You should be ashamed of yourself, but I'm sure you're not. It's the same with scams asking for help and donations for people and families in Gaza, which has come up a lot recently and is even more despicable because there are actual fundraisers going on (which are official) and these people are in a terrible situation. So to exploit that worldwide sympathy or solidarity and use the inhumane circumstances of these or other people for your scams is disgusting to the core.

But back to this particular ask and blog… The text itself makes no sense. Like, not at all. For example, a " freezing nose" is not a typical symptom of asthma. I've never had asthma, but I'm pretty sure your nose doesn't freeze up when you have asthma. What are you trying to tell me? That you got asthma in the middle of a blizzard? Sorry, I can't help you with that. "Get out of the blizzard!" is all I can tell you. And what is the "maximum level" of asthma? Is that some kind of asthma end boss? Sounds more like you need an ambulance, not money...

That's why it's important to be fluent in English if you want to pretend to be a native speaker. I can't help you there either. I can barely speak my own language, let alone English.

Some other things everyone should notice or look for when getting messages like this:

blog was created fairly recently, no consistency, just reblogged some random things (like posts from 'tumblr staff' lol - no offense) to have something on it at all + obviously otherwise empty blogs that are just begging for money or reblogging other similar posts all the time are even more suspicious

something I haven't seen before either is "Black Lives Matter" being used as bait to appeal to those involved in the movement

randomly generated usernames (what is "toosaladgarden"? I've never had a salad that was too garden, so I don't know - not too important, but in this case it doesn't help to be convincing)

no bio, no age, no country (usually not important, but in this case it is)

non-transparent fundraiser, no one knows why this exact amount of money is needed (I think it even went from $1700 to $1900 since yesterday if I saw that correctly lol) and how the supposed current donations came about (you could put any number in there)

randomly contacted

scammers often use tactics such as emotional manipulation and urgency to evoke sympathy and to prompt a quick response

lack of details, very vague in general, limited information about specific circumstances

But that made me curious and I wanted to know more. You (the scammers) were "smart" enough to use a profile picture that can't be easily traced back to the original source, I'll give you that. But that's a problem for you, because it seems to be the only picture you have of this person with this child, so you had to use it everywhere…

And that's why I was able to trace your picture back to a Twitter / X account that goes by the name "Aska" and the handle askafarao… which also engages in very, very obviously fraudulent requests for money. Every few days or weeks since August 2023, this "X" account posts nothing but new "reasons" why the money is needed. And it's quite funny how little effort they put into it, because the reasons are not creative and half of them don't even add up. But most importantly, somehow there are a couple of different email addresses for different paypal accounts with different names on them. I think we can all agree that unless you're trying to hide something, you don't need more than one name… right? Unless Paypal is going to close your accounts all the time, or you're afraid they will because they're detecting fraudulent activity, you don't need more than one account, right?

TL:DR Let's make this part short and sweet: If you get a message like this, or see a similar post, be aware that it's a scam. Don't reblog it and don't be like, "But what if it's true…" It's obviously not, and when I saw the X account, I actually had a good laugh because this account is a complete mess, even for a scammer.

[onlyhereforthestories]

All It Takes Is A Christmas Party (Alexia Putellas x Reader)

Here is a second fic for you all! I'm sorry it is a little late I was drinking beer lol I hope everyone has the best day today. Merry christmas lovely people

Yesterday you and your team had played your final game before the Christmas break, a champions league game that you had won by a good margin. This meant that you were all going into the annual Christmas get together in a great mood and with high spirits. The only thing that made you slightly less excited about tonight was your major crush on your captain.

Alexia had won you over about 5 minutes into your first meeting, she had introduced herself and tried her very best to speak English to you from that first moment. It didn’t stop their either, for the next few months she’d be the person to teach you as much Spanish as possible as well as being your translator to the best of her abilities. Wherever you were Alexia wasn't far behind and this was a well known fact amongst not only the team but the fanbase too.

What always showed everyone was the fact that there was nothing going on between the two of you, both of you would always deny it whenever it was brought up with the team or the media and that was the truth. What was also the truth was the fact that you were slowly falling for the woman that was so far from your league. She deserved so much more than you and your insecurities that would always be a thorn in anyone side during a relationship and you knew it.

So you had left those feelings as just that and not acted on them, and you weren’t planning on acting on them any time soon either. This fact made going to events like these, the behind every door get together with the team, so hard. There was no need to hide or put your media trained head on, all of you were in a space where you could just be yourself and it wouldn’t matter. The problem for you was that your normal self had the biggest heart eyes for the women they called la Reina and you knew it would show if you let that shield down.

You knew you didn’t really have a choice though, Lucy and Keira had already threatened a break in if you weren’t outside and ready to go at 19:45 sharp. So you that’s how you found yourself in a matching pair of underwear looking at the three outfits you had set out. One was a simple pantsuit and shirt, one a more suit type ensemble and the final one was a casual jeans and shirt. Deciding that you looked the least ugly in the jeans you opted for them and pulled them on.

You weren’t one to wear any make up and you always had your hair up so you pulled it into a bun and left your face natural before getting your watch and bracelet out. Deciding that you needed at least a ring you found one in your wardrobe and checked the time, finding it was only seven you settled on the sofa to watch something while you waited. This was always a perk of not needing to do too much before going out.

When you and your two close friends pulled up at the club the team had hired out, you were already kind of not in the mood to be there. You had got comfy under the blanket back at home and was pretty sure staying there was the better option for your current predicament. You had been told that you were one of the last small groups to arrive and that meant that the chances of Alexia already being there was high. Both girls with you knew about your thoughts and feelings and knew not to mention them otherwise you would get more in your head about it than you already were.

Entering the club you went right to the bar and got some beers for the three of you, at least with a bit of alcohol you could pretend you didn’t have social anxiety that consumed you in groups of people. Juggling the beers back to the table proved to be a harder task than you realised and just as you were about to drop one it was taken from you. You assumed it was one of the girls it was for so you were caught off guard when your eyes met the beautiful browns of the woman you were trying not to fall for even more.

“Who is it for?” It was a simple question with a simple answer but your brain betrayed you in that moment and you couldn’t get it working well enough to answer, not when you took in the beauty of the woman in front of you. Opening and closing your mouth a couple of times you were saved by Lucy reaching for the beer and taking one other out of your hands.

“Took you long enough. Come on Keira needs saving from the youngsters.” Lucy was your saviour and you weren’t 100% sure she even knew it. “You know if you want to hide that crush of yours, staring at her like you would carry her up a mountain is probably not wise.” The older woman laughed at the horror that crossed your face, so she did know she was saving you and she wasn’t afraid to let you know either. 

About an hour into the party was when your nerves around the older woman and your feelings really sprang into full force. Alexia had been dancing with a few of the friends allowed to attend tonight and your mind was playing with you.

For so long your teammates had been telling you she fancied you and that if you asked her out there was no doubt that the woman would say yes but this proved it wasn’t true. You knew you weren’t the most attractive person or the funnest to be around so you didn’t really blame her but it doesn’t mean you were torn up over it.

The woman she was dancing with looked so much better than you did in a pantsuit and shirt, maybe that was the outfit you should have worn. But then again she would then just look better than you in the same clothes and that would be worse. She was talking and laughing with Alexia and she looked to be having a great time.

You decided another drink would help so you head over to the bar. What you didn’t notice was the eyes that followed you. Alexia was hoping that the advice Patri and Claudia had given her would work. She had flirted and been around you as much as she could and yet you didn’t seem interested. And the unknown of your feelings was stopping her making any kind of move, she didn’t want to put you in an awkward spot and loose your friendship.

So that’s why she had gone with their plan, a plan of dancing with the pretty women that were invited to the little get together. However she was starting to see it wasn’t working and that wasn’t good for her. So instead of doing what she had been doing and leaving it she decided to was time to put her brace girl pants on and go up to you.

You had just got your beer when your hand was grabbed and you were pulled in a direction before you could protest. You managed to keep your beer from toppling over and you were about to get annoyed at the person until you saw who it was.

“Alexia what the hell. You scared me. Are you okay?” She looked at you but didn’t speak something that made you more uncomfortable. You knew you were sometimes hard to talk to but you didn’t think she’d ever let it get to that point. In fact she’d promised it wouldn’t.

“I’m sorry. Here have this.” You gave her your beer and ran out of the club. You didn’t want to be the person no one wanted anymore, you couldn’t be that. One more love to leave was more than you could handle so you decided to leave yourself. You couldn’t be a screw up if you left, you couldn’t mess it all up and be the disaster you were always told you were if you were not even there.

Alexia stood and watched as you pretty much sprinted away from her, she saw the sadness in your eyes and she didn’t know what to do. She turned around and came face to face with a rather angry English couple.

“What did you do? Alexia really all you needed to do was talk to her, she’s been trying to build up the courage to ask you out for so long but she doesn’t think she’s good enough or deserves you. What did you do?” Alexia felt like an idiot she really did. She thought you weren’t interested in her and she was so worried about her own possible rejection that she didn’t realise she was harming you.

She didn’t reply to the two women, she handed them your discarded beer and ran out after you. Lucy went to follow but Keira stopped her with a hand around her wrist and a shake of her head. “Let her do this. I have faith they have this themselves.” With a nod they made their way back to the rest of the girls partying and left Alexia to hopefully fix this.

Alexia couldn’t see you when she got out of the club, instead of worrying about that she called a taxi and gave them your address. When the taxi pulled up at your appartment Alexia was pleased and relieved to see the lights on in your flat.

After she payed the driver, she made her way into the foyer and to the lift. Pressing your floor she composed herself and tried to think about what she wanted to say to you.

Taking a deep breath and knocking on the door she held that breath while she waited for you to answer. When the door swung open you were not looking but speaking. “Lucy I’m fine I just couldn’t be there anymore…” your words died in your throat when you made eye contact with the woman who was definitely not Lucy.

Alexia smiled at you and couldn’t help but think you were adorable when your cheeks burned red. “Why couldn’t you be there anymore?” Alexia stepped forward and was pleased when you didn’t block her entrance, in fact you stepped to the side and closed the door behind her.

“I couldn’t watch the woman I am falling for dance with someone else anymore. I couldn’t stay and not be the wanted one as always. I couldn’t stop my emotions showing anymore and it’s not fair because you deserve more.” Alexia was slightly shocked at what you were saying but what shocked her the most was your verbal confirmation that you in fact did like her.

She watched as you paced around the small living room of your flat and she realised quite quickly that you must have not known you had said that you liked her. This also confirmed how much of an idiot she was for letting you get so in your head and not putting her big girl pants on and asking you out earlier.

She decided then and there she would do everything in her power for as long as you would have her to make you know how important and wanted you were.

Stepping into your path she placed her hands on your shoulders to stop you. She waited for you to look at her before she spoke. “Y/n I am so sorry I didn’t talk to you. I’m so sorry I didn’t have the guts to be the forward one and I’m so sorry I let you think that you weren’t wanted. You deserve so much more than that and I failed to make you feel the way I wanted to. I failed at stepping up and I am sorry I let you get to the point where you thought you weren’t good enough. You will always be good enough.” Alexia took a second to make sure you were listening and it was okay to carry on. You were looking up at her with a confused expression but you weren’t pushing her away.

Deciding to take the lead a little more she stepped a little more into your space and slid her hands so she was resting her arms around your neck a bit more. She was happy to see the slight blush rising up your cheeks and was even more happy when she felt your arms settle around her waist. It gave her that little bit of encouragement to continue on, to know this was something you wanted.

“I want you. I should have told you that when we started to get closer. I should have been braver and told you that’s where my head and heart wanted us to go and I’m so sorry I didn’t. But I’m telling you now. I want you y/n.”

She waited as you visibly processed what she said and she panicked slightly when tears started to streak down your face. She was about to pull away and apologise when you laughed but your grip on her waist tightened. That was confusing because she didn’t realised your thoughts.

Of course she liked you, of course your stupid insecurities got in your head and caused you to be an idiot. Of course this was how you got the girl. You composed yourself before looking up at the slightly taller woman.

“Firstly you have nothing to be sorry for. Secondly, I have issues. I have thoughts that mess with my head and cause me to struggle in situations. I’m going to panic and probably say things that are odd and confusing. I’m going to think I’ve messed up when you don’t and it’s going to be a challenge being with me. I want you that I can tell you. I’ve wanted you for a while.”

Instead of answering you and telling you words that she knew you already knew she would say, Alexia decided that actions spoke louder than words.

Pulling you flush against her and leaning forward she took note that your eyes fluttered shut in anticipation. That was all the invitation she needed to close her eyes and bridge that tiny last bit of distance to press your lips together.

The kiss started out tentative, small slow movements on lips against one another. It was stepped up when Alexia tugged slightly on the baby hairs at the back of your neck, the slight pressure had you gasping slightly allowing the older woman to deepen the kiss. The two of you stood there for as long as you lungs let you, breaking apart slightly when air was really needed. Although you didn’t go far, you stayed within each others arms sharing small pecks and soaking up the moment before Alexia whispered against your lips.

“Merry Christmas mi amor. Here’s to the first of many.”

[cloveroctobers]

SPEND IT / holiday edition?

A/N: haven’t done one of these pieces in awhile and I should at least do one once a year? Maybe. Idk. My ask box is still on hiatus but I felt inspired to write for this time around—also I’m sick with a sinus infection and needed a break from binge-watching shows lol. Also based on the we’re not really strangers couple or relationship edition questions? + stream coco jones 🫶🏽 + NOW EDITED and I hope you enjoy this!

OJ HAYWOOD

Black Friday’s didn’t include much planning unless you dragged OJ out from the ranch to do so. He was always up at the crack of ass anyways…so you didn’t see what the issue was when it came to being in stores to catch a deal. Nonetheless it still irritated him, that man hated being around people too long and obviously preferred hanging with his horses.

However he’d tolerate it for a hour or two just to be with you.

You’ve been together for three years—long distance but been the best of friends since middle school. A lot had changed since you came back from Alaska, learning about this new found species? that took over Agua Dulce had your mind spinning, especially as a biologist.

You missed out on all of it and couldn’t be there during the lost of Otis Sr. due to the snow storms in Alaska, lack of flights and by the time you got back home…you were there for the aftermath. Which meant getting all the details and wondering if the lab you worked for had any further information. Of course they did. Most importantly, you wanted to be there for OJ but he seemed to brush it off, as if it was just another obstacle on the Haywood ranch.

He knew he could be vulnerable with you but it’s not something he wanted to do. It’s not something OJ simply did. You couldn’t recall a time OJ ever got emotional—even when his mother passed back as a child and to learn that it didn’t change as a adult was interesting.

What did change was the amount of eyes OJ had on him now. It was Emerald’s idea to have the four of you participate in this questionnaire that would be filmed, you know like those ones you see on YouTube? Emerald and Angel would be paired while you and OJ would be together. At first everyone assumed it was some interview to get further information on Jean Jacket but Emerald convinced you all that it wasn’t. It would be like gathering around for another round of “Friendsgiving,” she threw yesterday.

Except you would all get a check at the end of the session.

“As if you need more money,” OJ muttered on the drive to the studio.

Em smacked her lips, “why wouldn’t I? No, why wouldn’t all of us? We have to catch the bag especially with the way inflation is treating us. You’re welcome, negro!” She slapped the back of his headrest while OJ just hummed.

You were only participating because you knew OJ wouldn’t do it otherwise. You even took off work to be here and to be honest, it didn’t hurt to have extra money in your pocket for the upcoming holidays. However you got what OJ was hinting at since those pictures and interviews not long after the Jean jacket incident went viral. And Emerald Haywood was all about the business; if she was eating good, so was the rest of her people, period.

Which brought you to this very moment. You could tell OJ was ready to go home after the first round of questions. He didn’t understand why it had to take over a half hour to get the both of you ready and set up. Plus those bright lights were so hot that OJ had to toss his hat onto the table fifteen minutes into shooting.

It was your turn to start the first question to the second round, “What type of social situations make you feel the most awkward?” You read off the card, watching as OJ lolled his head around to look at you.

His large round eyes gave you a look as he sat up straight in the chair now. He drummed his fingers against the table pretending to think about it, “Situations exactly like this one.”

“You guys walked right into that.” You laughed, glancing at the camera and then a few of the camera crew.

A woman added, “Can you please elaborate?”

OJ sighed pressing his elbows into the table, “I don’t care to be in social situations like that. If you haven’t noticed I’m not a big talker and this is probably the most y’all got me to talk today. I can go a whole day without saying much and be fine with it. Put me in a bar and people start conversations with me there, awkward. I used to go to bars with my late father and he had no issue chatting with anyone there. Me? I’m ready to go after one drink. Send me to the store? I don’t browse, I go there for a reason, get what I need to and I’m going back home. I don’t need all eyes on me given what I’ve just been through and ‘specially right now. It’s uncomfortable and the only reason I didn’t get up after level one and leave is because of my honey that’s sitting right across from me.”

The room went silent as OJ voiced exactly what he was feeling. Those that didn’t know him would feel like this was a outburst but you knew better as his frame visibly relaxed after he said his peace. His eyes went back to yours as you placed the card to the pile and reached out for one of his hands. OJ’s ebony calloused but warm hand gave yours a nice squeeze as you dipped your head at him.

“You okay to continue baby? Or you wanna scram? I’m sure they have enough content from us to edit.” You asked while OJ gave out a brief turn of his lips.

OJ thanked you with his eyes, “Mm. I’ll ask a question to you before we do. Cool with you?”

“Sure.”

He tilted his head with a nod before holding a card up to his eyes to read, not caring what the crew thought at this point, “what would you change about the world?”

Taking a deep inhale, your mind scrambled with multiple options. The mistreatment of the environment would be the most simplest answer.

OJ always loved watching you as your brain tried to process everything you were thinking. It was almost as if he could see the light bulbs in your eyes as they scanned for a answer from your brilliant brain.

A smile erupted on your own lips as you said, “I’d change everything it’s done to you.”

OJ immediately pulled the back of your hand up to his lips. He didn’t need you to further explain like he knew the film crew was expecting, your words attached to the genuine light in your eyes was all he needed to make his heart swell. He’d wouldn’t tell you that but he showed you with a kiss to your skin.

JESSIE “JR” RAYMOND

What started out as a light hearted segment during what this production called, “round one,” quickly shifted as you sat across your boyfriend of a few months.

You didn’t want to hear anyone call you a bad sport (since you weren’t keen on this whole idea in the first place) so you showed up. It also put you at ease because you would be doing these questions with JR which you had no knowledge of thanks to Nate. You assumed it would be you versus which ever friend production pulled out a hat or whatever Nate told them.

It was Friendsgiving after all but you weren’t complaining! You considered JR your friend who you easily fell in love with but always fell back because it wasn’t the right timing. You only just got around to being friends your senior year of high school and you never thought you’d be friends with a whole ass jock. It wasn’t really your scene not after you’ve seen plenty do your friends dirty…yes that means you were bias but JR so happened to be different.

Which meant he had shameless girls falling over and after him. You vowed not to be one of them despite your own mother, aunties, and your own “Christian,” grandmother telling you to get JR on lock as soon as you could. Like? Why couldn’t you just be friends? He had such a good heart, you knew that but it took you going to college together the first two years to want that heart full-time.

JR cleared his throat, his eyes flicking up to meet yours underneath his eyelashes. You knew from the expression on his face that this was serious or it could be him putting on a dramatic effect. However usually a smile broke as he got the question out but that face did not change as he held the card.

“Will I find your ex on your instagram/facebook feed? Why or why not?” JR flicked the card onto the table as you laughed a little.

“What’s funny?”

“I’m only on Instagram and Twitter. I deleted my Facebook after some country ass great-uncles got creepy and their girlfriends got mouthy like we’re not related so…no.” You started while JR carefully took in your words.

You reached out to run a hand up JR’s clothed sleeve as you kept smiling, “y’all got my man stressed over this and for what? I don’t nearly have as many exes as Jessie…”

“Don’t deflect, baby. Stay on track, please.” JR encouraged while you rolled your eyes.

“For Twitter no. I don’t know if they follow me or not and I don’t want to take the time to find out,” you continued, “I know for sure I don’t follow them. I had one or two request on Instagram but i didn’t feel like it was necessary to allow that. Even before JR and I decided to be official. Those relationships didn’t end bad or anything like that but that’s the past and I don’t need to know what’s they’re doing in their daily lives. I wish them well though but I’m focused on my life and what I have going on.”

“Well alright,” JR was all grins then while you shook your head at him in disbelief.

Then the film crew had to stir the pot, “what about you JR? Would they find any of your exes on your feed?”

JR stopped smiling then which made you quirk up a brow before you glanced at your gel-x nails.

“Uh—it’s kinda similar to my baby’s Twitter but with Instagram. My page isn’t on private though and anyone can follow me and I do have more relationships than them. So yeah I have exes from high school that still follow me and I follow them. I haven’t unfollowed them because I’m now in a relationship.” JR was honest with his answer.

You now toyed with JR’s initial necklace that was now on your neck as he said this.

“Does this bother you?” One of the film crew asked.

Lifting your shoulders you replied, “this wasn’t my question for JR but…not really? I’m secure in our relationship, although it’s fresh but we’ve been friends for a couple of years now and I have faith in us. I feel like I know him well enough to not think negatively about what he maybe thinking about his past encounters. That’s a closed chapter. I’m the new one. Therefore, I’m not going to demand what he does on his account. Simple.”

“We solid.” JR confirmed, holding his hand out for dap.

You did your signature handshake, “real bad but we’re not gonna ignore the double standard here. That’s a private conversation for another day.”

JR dipped his head, now looking at you a bit sheepishly, “Agreed.”

Plucking up a card you read off your question to your boyfriend, “What could you have done better in your previous relationship(s)?”

Huffing to yourself you placed it down. You wondered if these questions were instigating anything between your friends too because it definitely seemed like they were trying to start something between you two. However the both of you knew how to handle yourselves quite well.

“Communication,” JR told with furrowed brows as he said this, “most definitely. I had that issue all throughout high school when it came to disagreements and was ready to call it quits with a swiftness. The childishness was so bad at fourteen.” He laughed to himself before saying, “I even struggled with that in my last relationship freshman year in college.”

You knew of this situation and empathized with it. It was not your relationship to pass judgment on but you were there when JR broke it off and seen how hurt he had been. It pained him even further when he learned the truth and how he felt like he wasn’t a good enough boyfriend. Ultimately to know what his ex had truly been through and how she would live with that for the rest of her life, bothered him.

He shut her out because of his assumption and lack of communication.

“How’s the communication going between you two?”

JR lifted his brows, searching your eyes for this answer. He didn’t want to say something when you may not feel the same.

Keeping your eyes on JR’s you spoke, “we take the time to. I actually think Jessie’s great at it, he really listens to understand and not listen to speak since you know how there’s people like that? Not my man.” You winked making JR slowly beam at you, “He also knows how to ask open ended questions when we really need to discuss something.”

“Yes, I learned a little something something in my behavioral course.” JR smiled, “they’re a different communicator though. It’s lots of non-verbal cues I have to pick up on to get a sense if talking is what is needed at the time. We kinda just know what works after being around each other for a bit.”

You mirror his smile.

“So it’s all peaches and cream?”

JR glanced at the crew, sensing what you were feeling as the conversation shifted this round. He wasn’t sure if it was to get content or was the purpose truly trying to get the both of you to get closer. To connect. However that phrase felt…shady as you would say. Y’all were being open with complete strangers so why was it feeling like no one in the room was rooting for you when they didn’t know you?

“Yeah,” JR refrained from turning his eyes into slits at the main person that was prying, “and if it isn’t? We’ll do our damn best to figure it out because that’s what a team does.”

He turned back to you, watching as you got up to sit down in his lap, arms slipping around his neck. You two shared a slow peck solidifying that as his hands rested on your waist.

“Team work makes the dream work.” You stated staring into his eyes briefly, before looking back at the crew as JR placed a kiss along your jaw.

“Yes ma’am, you’re my dream.”

You face JR again, knowing he meant that as you caressed his brows; staring down at his lips knowing he was awaiting another kiss.

“We’re being corny.” You mumbled, knowing you were still attached to a mic but it didn’t matter.

JR lightly gripped your jaw as he shrugged, “I know but we still cute though.”

Which earned him a laugh and another kiss.

LANDO JOHNSON

“What did the people who raised you teach you about love?”

Lando let out a low whistle as you read the question. You chuckled to yourself reaching for the glass of water to cater to your growing sore throat. Just imagine being sick around turkey day? What the hell were you supposed to enjoy without your throat hurting? Cranberry sauce?

“Oh, we getting deep huh sweetheart.” Lando rubbed his hands together, before glancing upwards at the lights in thought.

“Times two.” You held up a peace sign, making Lando laugh as he watched you.

Lando fell silent, pressing his elbows into his upper thighs as he thought about his parents marriage. “I’m a military brat, my father is a marine and plans on retiring as soon as I graduate and go pro. So we’re all supposed to accept change but my mother? She wasn’t like that. She hated change and was your typical Georgia peach. Georgia is all she’s ever known so when she met my dad she wasn’t willing to go over all the place, she liked traveling but not if that meant she had to spend it alone. Once she got pregnant with me that stopped, she had seen enough and my mom was always set in her ways.”

Placing your hand on top of Lando’s for comfort you listened to what you already knew.

“My parents are complete opposites. My dad can be tough, disciplined, active, and prideful. My mother was a artist, one of her paintings is actually in the library at our university. She was quiet but stubborn, kind-hearted, and goofy at times…” Lando described the two that raised him, “They taught me that love is patient and love is not a need or a want.”

You felt like Willow at the red table talk as you listened to your boyfriend tell you this. Whenever you had conversations like these, lando can have you thinking about a lot and you admired that. He had a way with words and knew how to challenge you by looking at things from all perspectives.

In the end, not all things are one sided.

“How so?” You commented as his eyes found yours.

Lando used his free hand to caress his chin as he explained, “my dad would be off on duty in other countries while we stayed here in Georgia. To anyone on the outside it appeared as if that was what worked for them but I knew there were times that they both grew tired of this. Yet they were patient with each other, learned that together. However they taught me the difference between need and want. Need can be based around fear, and a lot of people feel like they can’t live without someone so they need them. Fear is the opposite of love, you shouldn’t be fearful in a relationship. Wanting gives them the freedom to leave but you still love them. When my mother got diagnosed…my dad and I both learned more about the need and want aspect.”

“Wow,” you breathed feeling like the two of you were the only ones in the room—which was often.

“My parents could live without each other and love with distance. I think that was the universe preparing them for my mother’s future departure. It all makes sense to me. To some it won’t but I know love can take work and isn’t always what you expect.” Lando finalized.

“Shout-out to Mr. And Mrs. Johnson.” You clapped it up for the pair while Lando just shrugged his shoulders with a grin.

Lando reached for his own card to read to you, “they’re pretty cool but I’m cooler right sweetheart?” He winked before he awaited your answer.

“You aight.” You teased while Lando shook his head and looked directly into the camera.

“We don’t rock with liars.”

“Oh, shut up.” You lightly kicked his foot underneath the table.

Lando inhaled trying to get comfortable in this ugly bamboo chair, “okay, croaky. I mean love—this is your question.”

Balling up your fist at the man you laughed, almost going into a coughing fit before he slid your water closer to you. Raising the glass you mouthed at the camera, ‘it’s not COVID.’

“So…how’s your heart today? Really?”

It was almost as if Lando had this question memorized with the way it said it with such ease. He didn’t even have to break eye-contact to ask this and seemed pretty intuitive to your response. Lando didn’t mind having chats like this and thrived on discussions, if he had something to say you were gonna hear it no matter what tone.

From the moment he started going to therapy after enduring panic attacks, he was pretty open about talking things out. He had his mother to thank for that, she didn’t allow him to bottle things up whereas his father preferred to get his frustrations out at the gun range instead. Which Lando knew wasn’t the healthiest since the military had this agenda that you had to be this stone cold person…he just accepted that was something his father wouldn’t change.

Don’t get the man wrong, his father knew when it was time to ask for help; once Lando started having panic attacks but that didn’t mean he didn’t let his pride lead the way in the beginning. And the man tried as Lando got older because Mr. Johnson also found that he needed someone to talk to too and what better person to do that than with their own son?

So yes Orlando Johnson did not mind having these conversations with someone he was spending time with.

He watched you intently, like he always did when you spoke. Just as much as your eyes shined watching him talk, his own heart felt fluttery? Whenever he looked at you.

“…somedays it’s like woooo I’m at the top of the world or a rollercoaster and then sometimes its like the drop from a rollercoaster then I’m feeling like a ogre crawling out some quicksand you know?” Your eyes were wide as you rambled, which made Lando chuckle as he zoned back in on your reply, “that’s that seasonal depression hitting but as for today? I’m a nice…I don’t know 6.5/10.”

“I receive that,” Landon said, “what can I do if anything to help make it better?”

“You’re already doing it, handsome.” You held out your glass to clink against Lando’s.

DAMON SIMS

There you two were sitting across from each other in the room with bright lights and cold air.

Damon was leaning towards you, elbows pressed into the table, while you leaned into your fist as if you were in some deep studying session and Damon was on the field ready for whatever.

“Damon, What question are you trying to answer in your life right now?”

Damon lifted his hands as he chewed on the back of his lip and then said, “how to continue moving forward in a lot of my relationships right now and what the rest of the year is gonna look like?”

You nodded your head, not shocked about this answer but felt a little worried. Did those relationships also include you? You knew most of that answer was based on Damon’s relationship with his father, although you knew he was ready to move on with his biological mom and proceeded to give the same treatment he felt his biological dad gave him when he gave him up, you knew damon still wanted answers.

“I got a lot going on although the gorgeous smile may have a lot of y’all fooled,” Damon peeked at the camera flashing a grin that you lightly shook your head at, the man couldn’t help but to let that ego out every now and then, “but I’m still human. I got shit to figure out and I know I don’t have to have it all planned but I need further direction by the end of this year. I already got my New Year’s resolution planned.”

“Will we be experiencing a New Year’s Eve kiss in the city?” You quizzed.

Damon scratched at his nose, “in cold ass New York? I might see something like a rat on skates when we’re in the moment so I dunno about all that doll.”

“See how I’m disrespected?” You tossed the card at Damon who laughed, “like I don’t cater to my man. Like I don’t have many ways to keep him warm. Damon thinks I’m gonna pull a shitty move like rose did Leo DiCaprio when I told him I’m not her.”

Damon pushed out his lips but didn’t miss a heartbeat, “let me tell y’all what she did. She made dinner for us the other night and while we were eating, her mom calls her on FaceTime right? She tells her mom that she made us Mac and cheese, asked me how I liked it and I said it was cool. Before I could even say anything further she tells her mom there’s cream cheese and onions in it. Her mom has her own successful catering business. Her mom starts to go off on her but she proceeds to tell momma that I made it and it wasn’t her! Guess who got cussed out that night? Now y’all tell me if you think she wouldn’t do me like rose?”

“Is this true?” The camera crew asked you.

Looking away over your shoulder, you curled a strand of hair behind your ear mumbling, “I’m sorry mom.”

“I need a apology too. I got the brunt of it.” Damon tried to catch your eye but you just fanned him off, “we not about to make it to New York with this stank-ness.”

“Whatever, you love me.”

“Sometimes, bro.”

You battled your eyelashes while Damon just let out a low sigh.

“When was the last time someone made you feel special on your birthday?”

“Birthdays that I remember?” You questioned.

“…we not twenty-one yet.” Damon whispered, while you mockingly covered your mouth.

“They don’t know if I got what Harriet Tubman had.”

“What?” Damon laughed, “I can’t deal with you.”

“Alright, alright,” you sighed, “I’m a winter baby but i love the summer and celebrate half birthdays yet I can’t remember nobody’s else’s—don’t quote me on that. I’d have to say I felt the most special when I celebrated my last birthday with my friends back home since we only had months left together. They wrote me letters and it all played out as a monologue at the movie theater. I thought we were going to see the new scream but nope, it was our lives played out on the big screen.”

“Dope ass friends.” Damon commented, “can’t wait to hang with them in New York in January.”

Smiling you gripped Damon’s arm to snatch the card out of his hand up to your lips while leaning on the table. “IN NEW YOOoOoOORK!”

“Here she go,” Damon pinched his brows laughing as he turned to the camera cutting his fingers against his neck, “y’all might want to stop filming, this’ll take about ten minutes since she’ll try to transition to any other song that says New York or is by a New York artist.”

Keeping the card to your mouth you gripped the sleeve of Damon’s cardigan, “these lights will expire you—

“Inspire.” He attempted to correct you.

“In New yooooooork. New York. New yooooork!” You ignored him before tapping him, “it’s your turn to rap Jay’s part.”

“No.”

“Forget you then,” you sucked your teeth before licking your lips and attempting to pull some fuckboy light skin cringe mess, “Say what up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' Mai Tais.” You started to rap what you remembered until Damon got up from his chair.

You tried your hardest to work your camera time, although you were sure this wouldn’t make the cut as Damon gripped onto your cheeks to get your attention.

And he did when he pressed his lips to yours.

“New years came early.” You breathed, smiling up at Damon who pulled you to your feet.

He tossed an arm across your shoulders before clearing his throat and began rocking you from side to side beginning to sing off-key himself, “One hand in the air for the big city…”

You wrapped both arms around Damon’s frame; grinning at both of your foolishness.

EMMETT CULLEN

“If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?” Emmett read the question off to you with a sigh.

He found this whole ordeal kinda lame until he persuaded the camera crew to provide shots, which wasn’t originally part of the plan. At this point in the game, he was taking shots after asking you questions just because. It wasn’t even a truth or drink segment but Emmett was charming and knew how to get his way.

“Ha!” Emmett laughed, golden eyes scanning over the card once more after downing his shot, “We don’t need to guess. I’ve got a sister who—

Slamming your hand on the table, you widened your eyes at your husband who sent you a dimpled grin. He held his hand out to calm you as he carried on.

“My sister Alice, what’s up if you’re watching! She’s a legit psychic and could tell us anything we need to know regarding my babe’s future.” Emmett admitted but knew the people were reluctant to believe that.

Especially since the room went quiet.

“Aw, don’t tell me you don’t believe me! I can call her up right now!”

“Emmett—

“It’s not that we don’t believe you. We get all sorts of people on this show for different things so maybe you can give us her contact info after?”

“Oh yeah,” Emmett smirked, “did you have vampires and witches too?”

“No we haven’t had any of those that I can recall.”

Emmett whipped his head around to yours, wiggling his brows while you scoffed at him. Of course he wouldn’t be on his best behavior, he wouldn’t be himself if he was.

“Put your library on shuffle. Explain the first song that comes up and why it best represents your relationship or in our case, marriage?” You moved on as Emmett couldn’t wipe the grin off his face.

He lifted his body with ease, yanking his phone out to open Apple Music. He was the Apple Music guy and you were a Spotify girl, it was a whole debate that you didn’t want to get into right now.

“Alright, here it is. Starting the countdown! In three…two…one…!” And he pressed play followed by the music.

Emmett tossed the phone on the table after turning up the volume that would most likely blow out his speakers. He then began mimicking the guitar and drums as the band began to sing.

I never believed in things that I couldn't see

I said if I can't feel it then how can it be

No, no magic could happen to me

And then I saw you

I couldn't believe it, you took my heart

I couldn't retrieve it, said to myself

What's it all about

Now I know there can be no doubt

You can do magic

You can have anything that you desire

Magic, and you know

You're the one who can put out the fire

You know darn well

When you cast your spell you will get your way

When you hypnotize with your eyes

A heart of stone can turn to clay

He paused it, “well, well, how ironic for this song to best describe our marriage, huh babe? For the too young out there or uncultured, this was released in 1982 by a band called America. It’s a feel good song and when I’m with my babe, my wife, that’s what it feels like all of the time. Good vibes. Some might even say magical.” He snorted to himself, tipping a imaginary (most likely witch) hat.

The insiders he was throwing right underneath these people’s noses was actually a little funny, stupid but funny regardless.

“She’s from a wicked place herself, Louisiana and this was actually the first song I remembered hearing when I met her at this restaurant you have to take a boat through murky water to get to. That was a sign we should be together from the music itself.” Emmett told, keeping his eyes on you before he grabbed another shot, “and I’m a big believer in the signs.”

“Not the love spells?”

“So you admit you did a love spell on me?” Emmett dipped his head as he stared over at you, a sly grin threatening to appear.

“Please, I don’t need to do much to get you falling at my feet.”

Emmett’s booming laughter was heard, “she’s not wrong,” he tilted his head then took the shot, “and I love putting in the work if that means I get to have you.” He winked.

LEAH CLEARWATER

“How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?” You blew out a breath as you could feel the heat radiating beneath your girlfriend’s dark brown eyes.

Leah chewed down on her bottom lip and you weren’t expecting her to answer this. However she wanted to be transparent and honest with you mainly, fuck the cameras.

“I love my mother,” Leah started, “she’s always been a good mother. I just always felt like there was a disconnect somewhere. I was always closer to my late father and Seth is closer to mom. It’s the usual weird dynamic, the son gravitates to the mother and the daughter with their father. We were no different.”

This you knew. It wasn’t something intentional but that was just the way it was and that did not necessarily mean that one parent loved the child any less or vice versa. You’ve seen Sue Clearwater plenty of times out of the five years you’ve been dating her daughter and she had the whole maternal vibe. She was sweet, constantly trying to get you to eat, nurturing, courageous and not to mention beautiful.

Leah sniffed, “like I said there’s this disconnect there long before my dad died but it seemed to increase afterwards? She’s currently in a relationship with this woman’s—that I don’t particularly care for father. He’s fine or whatever but it makes me feel gross that he literally helped produce someone who has caused one of my friends pain. He’s a reminder of that along with trying to take my dad’s place as if he wasn’t friends with him. It’s almost like he spit in my face being with my mom, that colonizer.”

Charlie Swan and Sue Clearwater had been in a relationship for over eleven years now. It still bothered your girlfriend to this day simply because she did not want to sit down and have a conversation about it. Leah did not want to waste her breath but it was evident that Charlie wasn’t going anywhere. Especially since him and Sue moved out to Oklahoma years ago to start a new chapter in lives together.

“So I say we’re content. There’s just things we don’t want to see eye to eye on. I have no problem voicing my opinions to my mom, that’s my mom. And she understands how I feel and that it’s not going to change. We love from a distance but if I need her she’ll be here in a heartbeat and if she needs me, I’ll be around.” Leah informed with her signature lisp and a sting in her eyes.

You knew Leah didn’t want you comfort her. She didn’t like to be seen as weak and you told her showing emotion never meant that you were weak. Leah’s been through a lot of hurt, was bitter towards certain people with every reason but was still healing after all these years.

There was no timeline for that.

“Let’s change the subject already!” Leah rubbed at one of her eyes as she continued sitting slouched, “What roles do love and affection play in your life?”

“It plays a prominent role in my life. Family is very important to me, we’re all very close. Very affectionate. I lost both of my parents at eighteen and was thankful enough to have godparents that were willing to look after me. My parents were very loving and my godparents are the same. I carry that with everyone around me, including Leah. I love giving love as much as receiving it.” You answered making Leah scowl, who bit down on her nail as she shook her head at you.

“She’s the grumpy girlfriend but a big softie at heart that just simply wants to be loved.”

“Oh god,” Leah wanted to sink into the floor, “don’t talk about me like I’m not even here.”

“Okay, Leah. Do you feel loved by me?”

“Yeah of course I do. What kinda question is that?” Leah frowned.

“Good and I’m going to keep loving you in public and behind closed doors. We’ve been together five years, I’m not going anywhere.”

“You don’t know that.”

You exhaled, “We’re not focusing on the what if’s, we live in the now remember? So shut up and let’s make out.”

“Ew, not in front of these strangers.”

“Aw come on, live a little. You know you can’t resist all this.” You ran a hand down your body making Leah snort and look away in horror.

“…Later.” She whispered, peeking back at you, although the mic was still on.

You kissed your lips at Leah who flicked the card at you, knowing you wouldn’t be stopping the love any time soon and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*

Continue along with my fall anthology prompts here

[twopoppies]

I can’t with people. The fact Des was there, all the comments are ‘oh it’s serious serious’ and ‘he’s bringing his family and close friends to the play, he’s so whipped and in love’ like 😮‍💨 Anne and Des/Robin also met the other women, Olivia, Camille, f Kendall since they all went to shows and sat in the family section. Do they even know how PR relationship works? Maybe he has no one else to join him yesterday or maybe he spent the day with his dad and was like you want to come with me to this thing I’ve to show up…lol why is everyone always so f embarrassing and dramatic, it’s such an obvious PR relationship, do they not want to see it or do they desperately want him to date girls or anyone? It makes no sense 😭

I just think there are people who want to believe this is a real relationship and the reasons for that are going to run the gamut from, “I want him to be happy” to “he would never lie to us” to “if he’s dating her, I can continue to fantasize that he’d date me” etc etc.

But I get it. It’s super frustrating to see comments like that when it’s so obvious to you that it’s not real. I just find it better not to read comments on posts and articles. I like living in my little bubble where I can pretend everyone has a functioning brain. 😅

[eddiegirls]

okay cool hi lol let's be haters together <3

so my post earlier was abt 3x01 and specifically the pregnant woman gets attacked and has her baby stolen from her body call. it annoyed me on my first watch and then REALLY annoyed me on my second bc that is such a racialized form of violence mostly perpetuated by white women (or a couple) against black and/or indigenous women.

important context i am indigenous and 2s (usamerican specifically mohawk) which is why i feel like maybe i'm overreacting a bit but also fuck that lmao

and we know that sometimes the calls on 911 are inspired by real events right (the milky way call and also maddie telling that dv caller to pretend to order pizza come to mind)? and considering it is such a visceral crime i can't help but assume that they were inspired by one of the real life women that it's happened to. or any number of them. and they're mostly indigenous or black or other women of color!!

and like there's a reason bipoc are targeted for those types of crimes! so to tell a story like that and choose to victimize a white woman... idk leaves a bad taste in my mouth

and this is kinda an ongoing thing in 911 where they either completely avoid racial stuff while still using those stories or make the most milquetoast liberal statement that boils down to "racism bad". the whole michael and may and harry getting stopped and almost being brutalized thing comes to mind!

I know I shouldn't have high expectations for a copaganda show and I wouldn't even want them to touch the topic of racialized violence against bipoc bc they will fuck it up but also. I'm pissed bc violence against native women is PERVASIVE and also never fucking acknowledged by society at large.

Idk I'm salty about it and no one probably even noticed bc it's a small moment overall and maybe I'm being sensitive but also I feel like I deserve to be sensitive about this kind of thing. all I could think of while watching were those indigenous women who probably inspired that call and it sucks

anyway thoughts? LMAO

second part:

oh also to add on to the essay i dropped in your inbox yesterday i don't think the writers were in any way being malicious or bad writers or anything like that. they didn't anything wrong per se, it just made me uncomfortable to watch bc of my perspective as an ndn so i'm being a hater abt it to feel better lol obviously i still love the show

thank you so much for these thoughts!! i've never considered this but i think it makes total sense. you're 100% right that they base calls on real life stories, like a LOT of the calls. (random but i think it's cute that in the blackout episode, the call maddie takes from someone seeing the milky way in the sky is based on real calls from the LA blackouts in the 90s)

i actually just went and rewatched the scenes from 3x01 with the kidnapped mother & stolen baby. you are absolutely not wrong to be frustrated/uncomfortable w this portrayal. they really did it in the most viscerally disturbing way too, with the kidnapper literally removing the baby from the mother herself...definitely trying to play up the sensation in a situation where they could have addressed a deeper issue. instead they just did like "haha this crazy lady is so mentally ill and insane! let's use it as an opportunity for everyone to reflect!" (which, side note - this show does not handle certain mental health issues well either, despite being all pro-therapy for the characters when they're going through stuff....). and then they just used it as a way for chim & maddie to reflect on their own want for kids (and set up the possibility of maddie getting pregnant). the story did not need to be set up that way. like it was all for shock value...but marginalized/vulnerable people's babies being stolen is a real thing that happens (both by individuals and by the state/CPS/etc).

a better way for them to address this would be like, they have a sinister CPS worker who goes rogue and uses their power to take kids away from parents when it's not needed - this would be more interesting/hard-hitting IMO bc it puts the focus more on state-sponsored violence instead of individual harm committed by 1 person, but we do still have one person who is the villain (probably a "sweet" middle-aged white lady).

that said i also completely agree that they would...not do a good job if they tried to address racialized violence against Indigenous women. i feel like we would get one offhand comment about MMIW and maybe like a 10-second black screen at the end with a hotline you can call or something. i'm just thinking about how horrifically anti-Black the Mara/abused dog comparison storyline was...the writers on this show need to be punished tbfh

and also, i totally get you - the writers aren't being malicious, but they CLEEEEEEEAAARLY have blind spots and it shows.

[nordic-language-love]

I have a day off today, so I’m ducking in to tell y’all a little bit about how things are going!

I’ve taught my first classes! Most of them I’ve had another teacher assisting me, but yesterday I did my first solo class. It was... okay lol. One of the boys disengaged the moment I said I don’t speak Japanese so they have to speak English, and proceeded to yawn audibly through all activities and pretend to be asleep when spoken to (which I put on my lesson report form, so the regular teacher will hopefully tell him off haha).

On that note... Japanese kids really are like any other kids. Everyone said to me before I went, “ohhh I bet Japanese kids are so well-behaved and respectful!” I can assure you they are not lmao. Some are, others are little terrors.

I’ve had some really wholesome moments. The other day during one of the younger classes this one boy (~3 years old) was mostly a little terror, running around all the time and hiding in the corner. But then during story time he sat in my lap and directed me to hold him. Then later in the lesson he went and hid in the corner again, so I went over to him and asked if he was okay. And he just snuggled into me, so we spent the rest of the class like that.

So far 4-5 year-olds are my favourites to teach. You can be so fun and silly with them! Sure, they don’t want to sit down and do things, but I’ve found some useful hacks already (pro-tip: if you let them rub things off the whiteboard or draw a shape for answering questions correctly, they’ll suddenly be very, very attentive)

I enjoy this kind of teaching a LOT more than teaching on italki. The lesson prep I have to do is minimal and all time outside of teaching is my own, basically. Not to mention it’s much more active and I don’t spend my life hunched over a desk!

Speaking of free time, I spend most of it studying languages and it’s awesome!

My Japanese level is definitely improving. My speaking not so much, but my comprehension for sure. The kids do speak Japanese in class, both to each other (obviously) and to me, and I’m rapidly getting used to certain words and speech patterns.

I can also now more or less get through interactions at train stations and konbinis! I even managed to ask a police lady for directions the other day (go me being so panicked about being late for my train I didn’t even care that my Japanese was broken af. Literally like, if I don’t at least try to speak Japanese rn I’m going to miss my train and be late for my classes)

I’ve learned that despite being in the country, active studying is really important. I’ve not learned anything through pure osmosis; I’ve only learned through active studying and then having the immersion reinforce it. So yes, my level is improving because I’m in the country and surrounded by the language, but I have to put in the effort first.

Also, the general level of English in Japan is not high. I’ve been spoilt by travelling around Europe where I can usually find someone who speaks broken English well enough to help me if I’m stuck (or if not then I can communicate in broken French/German/Spanish), and coming to Japan and being lost at a train station and literally not being able to communicate is a HUGE motivation to get good at the language quick!

I LOVE Yamagata! There was a snowstorm the day after I moved in and I feel like I live in a winter wonderland. I can see the mountains almost everywhere I go in the city. It’s not a busy city, and every train ride makes me feel like I’m in a Studio Ghibli movie. I love it I love it I love it.

I also love the dialect here! It’s easy to understand and it’s kinda musical!

My personal supervisor (PS) is awesome and has been super helpful. I’m so grateful! A lot of people from my training course have said that their PSs haven’t given them much/any orientation, whereas mine helped me set up my internet and a Japanese bank account as well as went over my schedule with me and ensured I did at least a week of teaching with someone else in the classroom before I was on my own.

I’ve only met 3 of my colleagues, but they’re all nice. One of them lives in my block and we’ll teach together for two days next week. Another of them loves the snow and the cold as much as I do, and I think we’ll get on super well.

My flat is tiny. It’s basically one room! But it has loads of storage space and being as small as it is means it’s super easy to heat (which is fortunate, because it was -10ºC the other night).

The tap water tastes great! In Nagoya it tasted so fucking weird I couldn’t even drink it. But here it’s awesome.

I’m enjoying trying new things! I’m going through all the different candies/chocolate brands at konbinis and supermarkets and I’ve hardly had the same thing twice since I got here (including bento). This is super different to how I was in the UK, where I was stuck in a routine and knew what I liked and didn’t want to go out of my comfort zone.

So yeah, I went from crying and wondering if I’d made a huge mistake the first 2-3 days of being here to absolutely thriving less than a month later. I’m so happy right now, truly living my dream, finally able to flourish and grow in a way I always knew deep down I could.

[alexander-arcturus-black-lupin]

Drarry ofc (been in my drafts too long)

This fic takes place during 3rd year. Harry was having a class with Slytherin. Professor Lupin was teaching them about patronuses (daddy siri out lol, living with our dear Remmy illegally cus why not and because i said so🤭) he managed to get a hold of a boggart which he had transfigured into a dementor. 

Though it was not real it still had almost the same effect. Everyone went till it was left with Harry. He walked up to the dementor, he had done the spell a million times, in front of almost everyone, to the extent even first years know what his patronus looks like, a stag.

Hermione and Ron were the only ones who knew that the stag was his dad’s illegal animagus. 

He took a deep breath. “Expecto Patronum” 

Silver mist erupted from his wand, the windows had been shut prior to enabling them to see even the faintest ones. He lit up the entire room, in the corner of his eye he locked eyes with Drace. Draco had a proud look on his face. Harry wanted to smile back at him. Till he heard a couple gasps. He directed his attention to his corporeal patronus. It wasn’t a stag…

It was a dragon. It was tall, its neck long and its scales were visible. The Dragon chuffed at the students before disappearing. Whispers and mumbles filled the room. 

“Wasn’t his patronus a deer?”

“It was a stag you oaf and yeah it was,”

“Dragon in Latin is Draco,”

“And?”

“Sir-” Harry started shutting everyone up. “Is it possible for patronus’ to change?”

“Uh,”  Professor Lupin cleared his throat. “Yes it is quite possible,” The professor thought to say something but the bell went and students shuffled out the door. He was about to call out to Harry till he noticed how Harry was walking behind everyone.

With Draco

Harry and Draco turned a corner before disappearing. 

Strange

Shortly after as he was preparing for his next class Hermione and Ron came by. 

“Professor, have you seen Harry?” 

Professor Lupin shook his head. “Last I saw he was walking with Malfoy, find Draco find Harry,” 

The duo are stunned. 

Harry walking with Draco

They both leave and retrace their steps, Hermione casts a spell and a smoke trail of green appears.

“Come on Ron,”

“What’s he doing with that git Malfoy,”

They follow the trail of green till it turns a corner, Hermione and Ron hold their wands at the ready. Only to find Draco and Harry, Harry pinning Draco towards the wall. His wand at his throat a bit sloppily. Hermione thought as she was about to raise her wand when Harry leans in and kisses him. 

“What were you on about again Malfoy,”

“I-”, Malfoy, the boy with a quick retort for everything, was speechless. 

“Hmm?” Harry asks, feigning innocence. 

“What was that,”

“I- nothing at all,” Draco sucked in a deep breath. "Uh…" 

“So?”

“Fine, I lose I'll stop hexing Ron behind his back,” Ron opened his mouth but Hermione shot him a look and he abruptly shut up.

“Promise,”

“I promise Harry,”  Ron’s mouth is agap. He’s about to say something again when Hermione grabs him by his collar and with a flick of her wrist they are invisible and silent. 

“Good, now about yesterday,”

“I was hexed, Pansy,”

“She hexed you on the day of our date,”

“Full body binding curse, do you know how hard and embarrassing that was to get out of, I have never felt more humiliated and I-” Harry leans in and kisses Draco. 

“Easy, Draco, you might get a wrinkle,” Draci snorts and shoves Harry. 

“I think you have enough wrinkles for the both of us,” Harry just smiles and lets him go. 

“Ready to pretend to the whole of Hogwarts that we hate each other,”

“I’d rather stay here kissing my boyfriend till our next class but alright sure,” They pass by the two crouched behind the wall. 

“You go that way, I got this way yeah,” 

“Sure honey buns,”

“Potter, I’ll hex you,” 

After the two leave, Hermione and Ron both escape to the grand hall. 

“Did we just-”

“Kissing,”

“Boyfriend,”

“Draco”

“Harry,”

“Together,”

“Oi!,”

“They turned to find Fred behind them,”

“What rubbish,”

“Hey Fred what’s up,” George says as he stops on the same step as his brother. 

“These two say Malfoy and Harry were snogging,”

“Snogging?” Angelina says as she passes by. 

“Malfoy and Potter,”

The news of Harry and Draco's relationship quickly spread across the school, and soon everyone was talking about it. From the Gryffindors to the Slytherins.Everyone was shocked to hear about the relationship between the two rivals. However Harry and Draco were oblivious to this. Harry walked in from one side of the Hall and Draco from the other, there was a silent anticipation as the two walked past each other without a word. 

“Why is everyone so off.”

“HA-” Before Ron could say anything, George burst out from the end of the table. 

“You shag ‘im yet?

"What are you on about George?" George just fluttered his eyelashes towards the slytherin table. 

Harry and Draco locked eyes and it seemed the same thing was happening there. Draco rose and held his wand at Crabbe as he leaned in and whispered something. Crabbe immediately straightened up and nodded furiously. 

Draco then rose and walked over to the Gryffindor table. Eyes were on him. He stopped before you actually reached Harry. 

"What you lot gawking at you'd think I'm about to curse someone," he snarled. He slumped in-between Harry and Ron turning to face Harry. 

"The jig is up," He said as he grabbed a plate of crème de la something. "Might as well indulge the public." 

An owl landed on the table and stuck its leg out, a daily Prophet owl. Harry paid it and started to read the paper like a normal day. He would say something about an article and Draco would comment on it. 

The whole Hall was still in shock, once Draco was done eating and Harry was done reading. Harry reached over and wiped a smudge on his cheek and Hermione swore she saw a faint blush on Draco's cheek.

"Thanks love,"

"Meh," 

"Blimey," Ron said, breaking the silence.

 Draco pecked him on the side of his lips and went back to his own table.

"Blimey, he's lost it, the both of 'em"

One day, during a Quidditch match, Harry and Draco exchanged a purposely passionate kiss on the pitch, confirming to the entire school what everyone was already whispering about. The crowd was in shock and the match had to be stopped, Harry caught the snitch anyway so meh.

[awek-s-archived]

please can you guys stop acting like bee wasn’t antiblack, or that her being rightfully angry about antisemitism means that it’s ok to be antiblack. i get it i get that she was hotheaded and emotional. i also get that she is not doing well mentally at all and that’s why she disappeared off tumblr as a result of the situation. i ALSO get that she read and re-read that post after writing it multiple times and went back and added to it and reblogged it a couple times to encourage people to also reblog it to spread it. i know this because i didn’t reblog it myself until about the 3rd time i saw it on my dash. there was ample opportunity for bee to see that her wording was messed up and if she didn’t mean it or miswrote what she meant to say, she could have removed it. whatever, that isn’t the situation at this point. the situation at this point is people know and accept that bee herself admitted she was being antiblack and apologised, but are now rallying some kind of a support group for her being like ‘we know you were antiblack and we don’t agree with that, but it’s ok because we know you didn’t mean it and we love you!’ THAT ISN’T YOUR PLACE. it’s not my place either but evidently you need someone to tell it to you like a dickhead because everyone affected has been way too fucking nice about it. like are you guys stupid? genuinely asking. because you’re starting to sound exactly like the twitter fans you keep mocking and disowning every day in your little screenshots you post on your blogs. racism sucks until it’s your friend, or your mutual, right? then it’s fine? because it’s your friend and you know them and they’re absolutely NOT racist, just in this instance, right? i’m closer to bee and laura than over half of you people on anon or throwaway blogs ever were btw ????? like im literally their friend???? or was supposed to be???? which is why i even expressed such disappointment @ laura and waited so so long for her to try and get back to me and try to tell her that it wasn’t ok to get so defensive????? to the point of her also being racist and antiblack???? but im not gonna stay silent abt it and pretend it’s not happening or defend them on main OR WORSE ON ANON LOL like not even owning what you say, to say things like ‘i know you were racist but i love you :(’ like cmon.... are you SERIOUS with this. BRO YOUR FRIEND WAS RACIST. if you’re not gonna get involved directly on main like i didn’t get til now, at the very least try and talk to them about it, like i know other mutual friends of ours have. at least BE A FRIEND not a fucking asslicker. you didnt see me asslick bee for being in the wrong. i sent her a dm at the start of the chae situation telling her to take care of herself and then supported the community she hurt on here. me distancing myself from them further after all the other shit that happened is because i personally dont feel comfortable interacting with people who were so confidently antiblack and racist on main after doubling down on the initial callout. if u get called out, you review what you said, you apologise sincerely if you were in the wrong, you move on and grow. you allow the people you hurt to process that hurt. that’s how this shit works. you guys are 3rd parties DO NOT get to sit there and go ‘it’s ok!!!! you deserve support, we know you didnt mean it!!!’ while COMPLETELY IGNORING the fact that an entireeeeeee group of black people have been hurting over this situation for DAYS.... like. i have literally seen it with my own two eyeballs because i see their posts. they are hurting!!!! you guys are literally NOT CARING!!!??? get a grip! if you’re gonna support your friend, fair, but at least acknowledge at the VERY LEAST that they literally added to the disgusting treatment black people face enough on here and off here every day. MAY I ALSO MENTION, as my friend jewel also mentioned yesterday, black jewish people exist. this situation hurt them tenfold. like what was the reason for pitting two minority communities against each other like that??? not once have i seen one of you guys say something so simple and so true and that is that ANTISEMITISM IS BAD but SO IS ANTIBLACKNESS.

[mariaofdoranelle]

Royal Rebels — Chapter 3: The Dagger

Masterlist

I’ll make up for the angst next week I promise

Word count: 3,4k

CW: mild violence, mild smut. I don’t know if it classifies as NSFW, but I wouldn’t read it at work lol

o==[::::::::::::::::::::::::>

Rowan had been so stunned to see Lorcan Salvaterre at Mistward he didn’t do anything until Aelin was pinned against the wall, the position making his canines dangerously close to her throat. Rowan’s chest tightened like Aelin was constricting it herself. That had been his fault. Hopefully, Lorcan could loose his grip on Aelin if properly distracted. But Rowan was counting on her being underestimated by Lorcan and knowing exactly what to do once he did it.

“Tell me what you’re doing here. Now.” The disadvantage of this plan is that it relied on Rowan’s ability to strike conversation. But it didn’t seem to make a difference, Lorcan had just made his big entrance and stopped on his spot, sniffing Aelin with wide eyes. And then he turned towards him. Fuck, had Lorcan noticed her Ashryver scent?

“Whitethorn, I want you to tell me what the fuck have you been planning in Terrasen with your—“

“Excuse me?,” Aelin interrupted, “Whitethorn and I met yesterday.” Rowan knew it was just her cover-up, but his chest managed to tighten more when he heard it. He could always trust Aelin to pretend nothing happened between them.

Lorcan leaned further from Aelin so he could look into her eyes. “Spare me, Galathynius.” Thankfully, it was enough for her to shift her wrist and grab a blade she had under her clothes. Lorcan pushed her into the wall with his body again to stop her, but the only thing he did was give her leverage to press the knife against his crotch.

“It’s Celaena, you dumb fuck!” And then she pressed the blade a bit harder and sneered at him, “You’re not a Whitethorn. Not one of her blood-sworn. I’d like to know who the hell I am about to kill. Now!”

Lorcan went stiff as a board. When Fenrys cackled and joked, “He’s not a blood-sworn, just the mistress,” Aelin seemed even more confused, but the way Lorcan’s lips flattened as he refused to make eye contact with anyone in the room wasn’t fooling Rowan. In the four thousand years of her existence, Maeve had never taken a blood-oath from a demi-Fae, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want Lorcan’s powers for herself, which led to Fenrys’s nickname for when he wanted to irk Lorcan. The mistress. Because of his endless hope of being made official by Maeve, but Fenrys and Vaughan had also a theory that Lorcan was in love with the Fae Queen.

“I came to talk to Emrys and Malakai and followed your scent.”

Rowan snarled, “What the hell do you want with them?”

“The fortress’s can sell their goods at Doranelle if they wish to. Just for the bigger fairs, though.” Of course it’d come to that, Maeve was collecting so much from the farmers some of them didn’t have enough to eat and sell. Many small peasants had to choose between selling their products and starving their families.

“At what cost?”

“They won’t be taxed at the bridges, just for the income at the fair.”

“Doesn’t your queen have royal messengers for that?” Dorian interjected.

Lorcan sighed. “They’re facing some hostility, Maeve is sending stronger people for now.” That, Rowan didn’t doubt.

Aelin threatened Lorcan’s manhood harder. “Thanks for the heads up, not-blood-sworn. Now you’ve interrupted our friendly hangout enough.”

Lorcan barked a laugh. “Do you expect me to believe this after you brought an entire army to Wendlyn’s coast, Princess?” The room was deadly silent after this, and Rowan was feeling like his stomach was free-falling inside himself. Maeve had eyes everywhere, so he had his suspicions about her knowing. To have it confirmed was another thing. Even if everyone could somehow hide their crumpled, fearful faces, the room still reeked of panic. Lorcan was the only one grinning, and there was no doubt he’d tell Maeve everything he saw here like the good puppy he was. Rowan didn’t mind dying, he just never thought it’d be under such humiliating circunstancies. Lorcan released Aelin, but that wasn’t enough to let her relax. On his way to the door, he just sighed and said, “You brought this upon yourselves.” And then he gazed at Fenrys. “I’m going to Southeastern Doranelle soon and your parents thought you’d be hiding at a manor there, so they gave me this.” Lorcan dropped a letter with the Moonbeam seal at the table and went away like nothing had happened.

Everyone remained sat like statues after this, without saying a thing. There was no mood to continue the meeting when they were trying to process the new target on their backs. The four of them stayed together until they could see Lorcan leaving from the tiny window at the study. When he went out of sight, all of them relaxed. A little.

“Well, at least there was no killing today.” Fenrys tried to brighten up the mood even if he was as white as his wolf form.

“That’s the scariest part for me. Makes me wonder if he didn’t kill us because Maeve has plans.” The Havilliard prince couldn’t be more accurate. If Lorcan could kill them to make Maeve’s life easier and get minimal recognition, he would’ve.

Looking at her hands, Aelin said, “I have things to do. I’m leaving.” Considering the stress they were all in, she probably was going to burn something soon.

“I overheard people talking about damage on the crops. Emrys might ask you to burn the insects.” Actually, Rowan had no idea how pest control was done here, but that seemed to work when Aelin nodded her head and left the room without looking at him. The corner of Dorian’s lips had a gentle tug when he looked at his distressed friend, nodded at Rowan with firm eye contact and trailed behind her.

When Aelin left the study, it was like half the pressure inside the room vanished too. Rowan leaned back on his chair and sighed. Her presence in a room always made the air feel hotter. Not too much, but enough to make Rowan’s skin tingle. The fact that they weren’t in speaking terms now only made it worse.

Looking at his side, he noticed Fenrys was reading his letter with a frozen expression. Rowan didn’t know the other Moonbeams closely, but he had an idea about what the letter entailed. Maybe it was because he was partially raised by an uncle who was fully focused on Sellene’s education, but Rowan always found Fenrys’s parents too overstepped. Annoying and narrow-minded too. At first, he stayed away from Fenrys as much as he could thinking he’d be just like his parents, and apart from the latter, Rowan was actually right. The boyo was overstepping and annoying just like his parents, but in a tolerable, almost nice way.

Fenrys drew a long-suffering sigh and closed his letter.

“What happened?”

“Do you want to read it?”

Rowan eyed the stack of papers on his friend’s hand. “I didn’t even read the letters they sent to me.” When Maeve’s lackeys researched his properties, he really hoped they wouldn’t put the ashes from all the letters he burned in an urn and give to Uncle Ellys thinking it’s Rowan’s parents.

Fenrys bit his lip, stifling his amusement. He wasn’t one to be upset about something for too long, but he didn’t like to be distracted from his sulking when the situation called for it.

“They said that if Maeve doesn’t recognize me as a citizen, they can’t recognize me as a Moonbeam. I mean, my dad literally told me my name for now on is just Fenrys, which actually sounds neat if we keep the context out.” He released a bitter chuckle and looked down to his feet. “They also rue the day I started training with you because apparently you turned out to be a bad influence.”

Rowan kept the chuckle that was forming on the back of his throat to himself, but couldn’t help his snarky comment. “I don’t remember cornering them everywhere in Doranelle for months.” In fact, meeting Fenrys was one of the most infuriating experiences of Rowan’s life. After being borderline harassed by the Moonbeams, he told them he couldn’t unofficially train their son who refused to go to the army because he spent his whole day at the base. Half a day later, there was a 30-years-old scrawny blonde Fae sat atop his office desk.

Fenrys sent him a watery smile. “Anyway, they haven’t spoken a word of Connall, do you think I should reach him?”

Rowan just shrugged. He didn’t like to meddle in their rocky relationship.

For a few minutes, Fenrys just fiddled with his hands, looking inward. Until Rowan got up from his seat, at least.

“Come on, Boyo.”

Fenrys sent him a skeptical look.

“We’re going to see the baby chickens.”

That was enough to brighten his friend up a little. “Are you playing with them?”

“I’ll... Sit by their side,” Rowan said with narrowed eyes.

“And feed them?” Fenrys got up from his seat, ready to see the farm animals.

Rowan sighed. “And feed them.”

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

The next day, Rowan woke up with the reminder to write Sellene’s letter and pondered about what exactly he would tell her, and how he would do it. He also couldn’t stop thinking about the shock that was seeing Aelin and Dorian here. This was likely the most vulnerable situation these two were ever in, considering they were used to strong castles and multiple guards. To top that, one of the most powerful monarchs in the world would be on their backs soon. On Rowan’s back too now, he mused.

He would soon have to choose between fighting on Aelin’s suicide mission or hiding for Mala knows how long, until Maeve died. Knowing himself, he already knew what was going to happen, but there was still time to be in denial about it. And about the fact that he’d have to learn a way to live in the same place as Aelin without feeling he’s being stabbed in the stomach. It would be fine.

After breakfast Rowan stopped at Aelin’s room. The door was open, but he just leaned on the threshold with his arms crossed. She was applying on her hair something that smelled a lot like Fenrys, so he must have taught her one of the homemade hair recipes he uses. Aelin didn’t bat an eye at him, but she must have sensed his smell by now. In fact, Rowan was aware he should say something, but watching her get ready for the day was one of his favorite things to do back in Terrasen, and he was too weak to break that little bubble by now and face Aelin’s anger.

“What do you want, Whitethorn?” she demanded while braiding her hair.

“I’m waiting. We’re going to the town nearby.”

She slowly turned to him and said in a carefully controlled tone, “Excuse me?”

Rowan sighed. “Fenrys told me you need shoes. I send Sellene’s letter, you buy the shoe, and we can be back for dinner if we leave now.”

“My shoes are perfectly fine, thanks.”

Rowan gave a pointed look at them. They were usable, at least. He had seen peasants wearing much worse, but he was sure Philippa would have a heart attack if she knew the state of Aelin’s shoes, even if he didn’t know her servant that much.

Before he could say anything, Aelin placed her dagger above her cheekbone and used it to help her apply eyeliner. Rowan was almost telling her to be careful to not hurt her eye when he noticed the dagger.

That gods-damned dagger.

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

“I think we should go to Suria.”

Rowan sighed. “I really don’t want to know what will happen if we take a seven-month vacation.”

During dinner, Lord Suria invited them to stay at his beach estate until the snow starts to fall, which would be mid-autumn. There was no way they could do that, and Fenrys knew it. He had no idea how Maeve let him have a six-week vacation, and she hasn’t responded to his letter letting her know he would actually be absent for four months. Rowan just hoped he wouldn’t lose his job at the end of this.

“Relax, it’ll be fine,” Fenrys sing-sang, giving Rowan a lazy slap on the back.

“I’ll have to wait at least half a decade to request Maeve your lieutenant position.”

“You’re not asking her shit.” Fenrys soon sobered up.

They had this discussion over and over. After being dumped at the base to train during Rowan’s spare time, Fenrys never really left. If Fenrys requested Maeve the position he unofficially had, he would be recognized for the wars he fought and finally be paid for his work. Instead, he only declared he didn’t want to be “chained to the government.” And Rowan never understood this statement because Fenrys didn’t want to make a commitment, but he was already one of the most loyal Fae Rowan had ever met. In fact, the only promise Fenrys repeatedly breaks is when he says things will be fun.

I just convinced Sellene and Vaughan to see a play with Fae acting in their animal forms. Why don’t you come with us? It will be fun!

Essar is throwing Lorcan a surprise birthday party. Why don’t we stop by? It will be fun!

We reached Varese right before Galan’s trip to Terrasen. Why don’t we join him? It will be fun!

Sometimes Fenrys’s plans were, in fact, fun. A lot of them weren’t, though. Just like his plan to come to Terrasen, where Rowan ended up on the verge of making an international mess because of Aelin. He didn’t know what would happen if Fenrys and his crazy people skills haven’t charmed the whole castle in a matter of days. Even though things were under control, Rowan definitely didn’t want to spend months at Suria. The lord was likable, but social gatherings were mostly tiresome because people were either scared of him, or interested in his military history only.

“Ro, I think you have a visitor.” Fenrys snapped him out of his thoughts.

It wasn’t hard to smell the lavender, lemon verbena and embers leading to his room. Rowan sighed. Fenrys was trying not to laugh at him, but his shoulders were shaking too much to hide anything. They didn’t say anything, Fenrys just waved at him before entering his room and mouthed Good luck before Rowan continued his way like nothing was happening.

When he opened his door, Aelin did an admirable effort to immobilize him against the wall, but Rowan didn’t even fight her. He knew she was too scared of the repercussions of his murder to do anything,

“Good evening, Princess. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Aelin was on her tiptoes, but he still had to bend his head down to look her in the eye. While she held her dagger on this throat, the same from the day they met, her cheeks were flushed and her angry expression made her nose wrinkle at the top. Looking up at him like this, she looked almost… cute.

“What do you want?” she snapped.

“You were the one who initiated this meeting. Is the Whitethorn-Galathynius Treaty over?”

Aelin’s nostrils flared, and she leaned closer. “You’ve already infiltrated yourself in my castle and became buddies with my Court, now tell me what you really want so you can leave and finally give me some peace.” Rowan’s eyes sparkled at that.

“Are you mad because of Suria’s invitation? Or is it just jealousy because he’s not your biggest fan?”

Aelin tightened her hold on the dagger and pushed her body against Rowan’s to hold him further against the wall. Rowan couldn’t help but notice the way she had to expose her neck further each time they got closer. He licked his lips.

“Okay, Whitethorn, here’s the thing. I don’t know what hidden agenda you have planned with Maeve, so I need you to cooperate and spill,” she said through gritted teeth.

“I hate to disappoint you, but I don’t have a hidden agenda, Princess.” Her title fell from his lips like a sneer before his eyes looked down at her body, coming back quickly since he couldn’t see it properly due to their proximity. Rowan breathed deep, and her body resisted his ribcage’s attempt of getting more space. The friction of their chests against the layers of clothing that separated them made him conclude, “You’ll see that I tend to be very straightforward about what I want.”

“How so?” Aelin thrusted her chest even closer, and her quick breaths didn’t help with the friction.

He held her waist on a tight grip. “You want me to show or tell?”

She hesitated, but then said, “Both.”

Aelin’s grip on the dagger was loose enough by now for Rowan to lean down and kiss her. The first moment his lips touched hers, it was already working just like ancient Fae wine, numbing him slowly. Even if she managed to taste even better. Then her mouth invited him in, and Rowan felt like he was free-falling inside himself. Aelin’s tongue felt completely poisonous, and he couldn’t let go. His hand cradled the back of her neck, pleading for more, and Aelin gripped his hair too. Just because she knew what he wanted, she pulled back and painfully dragged her teeth through his lower lip. They kept eye contact for a few seconds and it wasn’t enough for Rowan to decipher her expression, so they just went back to kissing.

“Aelin?”

“What?” she tried to snap, but was too hazy.

He forced her to look at him by gripping her hair and pressed himself against her harder.

“I want you to call me by my name.”

“Why?” she asked a little breathless.

He made sure their noses were touching and his lips hovered right above hers. “Because when I fuck your pretty little cunt, I want to be the only person you scream about. You hear me?”

He kissed her again and pushed his thigh between her legs, which she immediately rode. Rowan’s gaze was intense on her, eyes locked when she cursed and moaned with an arched back. With that, he yanked her head to trail rough kisses on her neck.

Aelin was still loosely gripping her dagger, so Rowan put one hand above hers, gripping it too. With linked hands, he used the blade to cut the ties holding her dress in torturous speed, giving her time to change her mind. However, Aelin held his neck her free hand, pressed their foreheads together and sent a soft plea.

“Rowan.”

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

“I can smell your thoughts from here, Whitethorn.”

She had finished applying her eyeliner and was looking at him now. Gripping the damned dagger.

“Are you going to pretend nothing happened?”

“I’m not pretending anything. You pissed me off, this is me being pissed off.”

“So you’re pissed off because of the way we ended things?”

“Ending things? Is that what you call disappearing into thin air?” Aelin barked, but Rowan had already put a shield to stop other people from hearing their argument. Aelin was glaring at him, her breaths quick, bit Rowan was completely still. Maybe he didn’t put an end to things the best way, but they always knew he would have to leave. They didn’t even have a relationship, for Mala’s sake. That didn’t mean Aelin would ever stop tinging the back of his mind every now and then, though. Seeing he still haven’t responded, she straightened her posture, her chin high.

“I’m not upset you ended things,” Aelin finally answered. “In fact, I’m glad you did. You were nothing more than a bad habit to me.”

Rowan swallowed. Hard. His throat would be less tight if Aelin was crushing it herself. Somehow, it felt like she was. They kept eye contact, both frozen in place, as still as a painting.

“We need to at least be civil to each other if we’re going to work together,” Rowan muttered, changing the path the conversation was heading.

“And who told you I trust you with this mission? What guarantee do I have that you won’t get bored and leave?”

“You’re the one who’s talking about being bored.”

“Tell me, Whitethorn. Can I count on you a month from now?”

It was only when Rowan didn’t answer that he realized how loudly they were arguing. He couldn’t give her a response because Rowan wouldn’t steal Sellene’s throne, neither would he put her in it before speaking to her first. Even if they ended up disagreeing.

Aelin chuckled, and Rowan could feel her bitterness like it was his.

“That’s what I thought.”

A/N: I’m focusing on writing for Rowaelin Month now, see you next month :)

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