#f: breakfast supreme

[sempersirens]

yes, chef | part three

summary: domestic bliss doesn't last long with a man who doesn't know how to regulate his emotions at the idea of losing someone he loves

pairing: no-outbreak!au, chef!joel x f!reader

content/warnings: lots of angst, swearing

a/n: omg as a brit writing stories set in the US i always forget how far states are from each other.... wym you can't just hop on the train from houston to new york?

In theory, you'd always wanted to be a morning person.

You envied the ease of Joel's body slipping out from the sheets each morning, never fighting with his eyelids for just five more minutes of rest.

The break of dawn was probably your favourite time of the day; you just preferred to soak it all in warm and semi-lucid from Joel's bed. The ambience of car engines on the street below slowly waking up mixed with Joel's coffee pot singing on the stove felt like a hymn sung only for you. You'd shut your eyes - only momentarily, before hearing the door creak open and the large white mug you'd claimed as your own being set down beside you on the nightstand.

Strategically, it was lucky that Joel always had to get to the restaurant hours before you. But each morning you wished you could pull him back under the duvet and sink yourself into his chest until it was impossible to decipher where you ended and he began.

Showering after spending a night with Joel felt like sacrilege. If it wasn't for the sweat and other fluids clinging to your skin, you would wear the remnants of his touch and scent on your body like an expensive French perfume.

The restaurant was always hectic, but now nearing the festive season everything seemed to intensify rapidly. However, screwing the boss did have its perks; you'd managed to sneak a couple of days off last week to visit a friend from culinary school in New York.

While you were there, she'd taken you to one of her favourite spots in the city, introducing you to the head chef who was a friend of hers. He'd asked about your current role and you told him everything about working for the Joel Miller - strategically omitting the parts where he has you pinned against the stove after hours.

You'd thought nothing of it after that, knowing it would mostly be inconvenient to hire someone halfway across the country when culinary grads were lurking on every corner in the city. You didn't want to leave Joel, either. You didn't plan on staying at his restaurant for the rest of your life - even he didn't, but things were good. You felt secure for the first time in your life.

Finally arriving at the restaurant, you sang a chirpy "Mooorning!" into the kitchen before dumping your things into your locker. As you tied your apron around your figure, Joel emerged from the office, eyes dark and trained on the floor.

"Good morning, chef." You cooed in a low tone, letting your voice rasp every so slightly.

He kept his eyes on the ground, grunting something inaudible vaguely in your direction before stalking into the kitchen.

Weird.

Whenever you and Joel got a moment alone he would always take advantage of your solitude, even if only for a couple of seconds. He'd seemed fine at the house this morning, you'd heard him singing along to The Supremes while making breakfast. Maybe the wrong amount of stock had been delivered; the tiniest of setbacks were often enough to dictate his mood for the entire day.

You pushed the encounter to the back of your mind, redirecting your attention to your prep for the day.

"Has anyone seen my boning knife?" You shouted over your shoulder after all but turning your station inside out.

Before you could turn your head, a heavy hand slammed the knife in front of you.

"Was on the floor when I got here this mornin'. Watch your shit and clean your station." Joel growled, loud enough for the rest of the kitchen to hear.

"Yes, chef." You bowed your head, cheeks turning pink with embarrassment.

You were more than familiar with his sharp tongue and short temper, but there was something about the way he spat his words at you that sent an unease through your body. He'd made you feel small. Why couldn't he have left the knife on your station for you when he found it? It seemed like such a petty thing for him to do.

Not wanting to let his mood rub off on you, you brushed it off and carried on with your tasks before service started.

The morning rushed past in a haze, and soon enough orders were coming through. Joel had remained eerily quiet for the majority of the morning, you almost wished he would shout at you to simply acknowledge your presence.

He hadn't found a single excuse to touch you, an act of affection he often employed while he made his rounds through the stations. You felt like you were a child being given the silent treatment by your mother, all of a sudden you were six again, tugging at the hem of her dress begging for her to look at you.

You were in the midst of prepping a monkfish and kohlrabi main with cauliflower and dates, almost ready for it to go to the pass, when you felt his presence behind you.

"Sauce ain't reduced enough."

"With respect, chef, it has two more minutes on heat."

He left before returning with a spoon, dipping it into your saucepan of monkfish stock.

"Needs lime."

"I'm going to add lime before it goes on the pass. As I said, it's not finished yet."

"Fuckin' useless." He muttered quietly under his breath, but you caught it.

"What the fuck did you just say to me?"

"I said you're fuckin' useless. Slow, no attention to detail, don't know why you're still in my kitchen."

Your heart sank deep into the pit of your stomach, sweat coating your palms. All eyes were on you both, and the sizzle of your burning sauce on the stove was the least of your worries.

"How dare you speak to me like that?" You fought for your voice to not waiver.

Was this part of your act? Had he taken the game you both played too far? There was no softness in his eyes, no remorse or realisation that his words had stung you.

Before he could dismiss you from the kitchen, you untied your apron and threw it to the ground, letting your hard work char and spit on the stove.

You didn't say a word as you snatched your things, bustling through the back door without another glance.

"Where the fuck d'you think you're going? You don't get to walk out of here mid-service just because y'needed more damn lime." Joel called from behind you.

"This isn't about the fucking lime, Joel. How could you speak to me like that? I thought, I thought-"

"You need to get some thicker skin. They ain't gonna coddle you like I do in New York."

The words must've slipped out of his mouth judging by the way his eyes widened at the mention of New York.

"What are you talking about?"

"They called me this mornin' - for a reference. Told me how impressed they were meetin' you."

You wanted to reach out and touch him, to console him and tell him how this was all just a horrible misunderstanding. Then his words replayed in your head. Every time you looked into his big, angry eyes all you could hear was useless, fuckin' useless.

"Grow up, Joel. Maybe if you'd have talked to me about it like a fucking adult I could've told you it wasn't like that."

"Oh yeah, what was it like? You plan on fuckin' your way to the top there too, or that just with me?"

He was being unjustly cruel and he knew it. This wasn't a power play for you, and he knew that. Although you'd never said it, you loved him, and you were almost certain that he loved you too.

But this was too much - he had pushed you too far this time. There was no coming back from this.

"Fuck you, Joel."

taglist: @cool-iguana @skysmiller @lhymer1995 @brittmb115 @moonlightdivine @reallyidontcare @nana90azevedo @spookyanamurdock @lovely-ateez @spookyanamurdock @bbyanarchist @joeldjarin @nostalxgic @axshadows @jenispunk @noisynightmarepoetry @thoughtfulmoonchild911

[wttcsms]

fault / lines , ominis gaunt ;

[ prologue ]

pairing ominis gaunt x f!reader word count 1.5k content contains arranged marriage, summer before first year, scenes involving throwing up 

[ series masterlist ]

Ideally, you would not be throwing up in the second floor lavatory of your family’s home on the day you are to meet your betrothed.

Your mother is horrified, naturally. How absolutely unbecoming of her young daughter to represent the esteemed Malfoy Family in such an undignified manner. In her eyes — a shiny silver that resembles that of a steel blade — you’re acting no better than a filthy Mudblood.

Her disparaging comments, however, do nothing to stop you from dryheaving over the basin, and all she can do is make an irritated noise from the other side of the door before calling for one of the house-elves to assist you.

“Young Mistress Malfoy,” a squeaky voice appears from your left side, but you don’t bother turning around to acknowledge Lucky, the young house-elf who had been practically assigned to you since birth. “Lucky is here to get her young mistress all cleaned up so’s she can prepare to meet her—”

“Don’t finish that sentence, Lucky.” You shut your eyes, fingers curled around the basin so tightly to the point where your knuckles are beginning to turn white from the pressure. “Please.”

In the world of Pureblood society, early engagements that have been contracted since childhood — sometimes even before the births of the children — are as a common as grains of sand on a beach. It’d be more of an anomaly not to have one, and as a daughter belonging to the Malfoy family, it was only a matter of time before the inevitable marriage contract would be formed. In just a few weeks’ time, you’ll be heading on a train to begin your first year of school with a fiance by your side.

Engagement. Betrothed. Fiance. Each word only makes your stomach feel weaker, but after refusing to eat breakfast this morning, there’s really nothing left for you to hurl.

Your older sister, Venus, is about to enter her fifth year. She’s set to marry one of the Rosier sons, and as a result, has been stressing over French lessons this whole entire summer. Apparently, he finds the weather in his family’s hometown in France much more agreeable than the perpetual grey clouds that hang over Wiltshire. The eldest and only son, Orion, is entering his final year at Hogwarts. He already has a Ministry job waiting for him upon his graduation, and your mother has been running around the manor, obsessively making sure that the estate is ready to accommodate the high volume of people who will be coming over to what will surely be the most anticipated wedding of the summer. Orion’s betrothed, the oldest daughter in the Greengrass family, is in Venus’s grade.

Somehow, the idea of entering one school year a teenage girl and entering the next as a wife is a very frightening concept.

Perhaps it’s your young age that makes you so opposed to the seemingly restrictive nature of marriages. You know that some students, students whose families are not a part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, have the freedom to court whoever they please. What fun it must be, you think, to catch the eye of a stranger and know that you could pursue them if only you have the courage?

Your parents would be quick to remind you that courage is just praised stupidity. There is no reward here for being brave.

Which is precisely why you’re fine with locking yourself in the lavatory. If you had an ounce of bravery in you, you would find it easier to stand straight with your chin held up high and the strength to walk out of here and boldly look your future husband in the eyes.

But you are not brave. You are eleven years old, and you don’t quite want to face the harsh realities of entering a society that praises tradition and reigning supreme above all else.

If it isn’t courage that is praised, at least your family values duty. Venus surely is not in love with the Rosier boy, but she is absolutely committed to bringing pride to both families by being the best wife she could possibly be. Orion has never once been outwardly affectionate to anybody, and yet, you know deep in your heart that he will at least be kind to his wife. If your siblings can face these respnsibitlies without letting so much as a grimace slip through their perfect, Pureblood masks, then surely you can, too.

And so, like a dutiful daughter, you allow Lucky to clean you and fix your dress before you stand straight, head held up high, ready to face your future.

He would surely never hear the end of this.

Standing in the foyer of the massive Malfoy Manor is not on the list of things Ominis Gaunt is particularly happy to do. Nearby, his father is speaking to Aleksander Malfoy, the man set to be Ominis’s father-in-law.

That is, if you ever decide to make your appearance.

He can hear the familiar low cadence of his father’s voice, and the deeper still, rumbling tone of what must be your father. They’re too far for Ominis to catch the specifics of their conversation, which is saying something since Ominis can hear much better than most. The feeling that he shouldn’t even be here only continues to fester in the pit of his stomach and the cracks of his heart as he hears a woman’s voice — presumably your mother — speaking to his own.

“She’ll be out in just a minute! The poor thing’s agonizing over making a good first impression. She wants to look her best for your son!”

Ominis wonders if that’s true; if so, he feels awful for all the supposed extra effort you’re exerting on his behalf. If your goal was to impress him by looks alone, you’re going to be vastly disappointed in him.

Perhaps it’s for the best, then. Maybe his family can just head back home, and this can all be some sort of sick memory that he spends the rest of his life trying to forget. Let the Malfoys send off their daughter to someone more deserving, someone who will be able to appreciate your beauty.

“Terribly sorry for the delay.” A soft voice cuts through the growing tension in the foyer. With his keen sense of hearing, Ominis can nearly pinpoint from what direction the speaker is standing, but he doesn’t make an effort to face you quite yet. “Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt, please forgive me for my lack of punctuality. I see that in my efforts to ensure I would not disappoint you, I only became an inconvenience.”

His parents both laugh off your formal apology, probably just relieved that there’s a strong chance of this marriage still going through. Not many families would be too happy about marrying off their daughter to someone like Ominis, but it appears that even a family as prestigious as the Malfoys has a price. A side effect of being a Slytherin, no doubt.

You make your way to the young boy standing closest to the front door. Neatly parted hair. A bit taller than you, so at least you’ll still be able to wear your heeled loafers. But the most interesting observation you make of him is his eyes — a stunning shade that fuses blue and green together yet is covered by an almost milky film. It makes him no less handsome. You think he might even have a shot at being one of the most handsome boys in your year.

He senses your presence and waits until you come to a standstill before introducing himself.

“I’m Ominis. Ominis Gaunt. It’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”

You give him your name in reply, unsure of what to make of the boy standing in front of you.

“I apologize for the lengths you felt you needed to go through for our meeting. I’m sure you’re very beautiful.”

There’s a high likelihood that this Ominis boy does not mean a single word he’s saying. Chances are, he’s every bit his parents’ puppet as much as you are with your own. Still, he’s not an absolute oaf, and with both your families watching the two of you interact, you swallow back any teasing remarks and remain polite.

Your future is right ahead of you, and it takes the form of a boy just barely older than you with beautiful, cursed eyes. As you allow him to take your hand, you come to terms with the fact that this is the day everything changes.

The official binding contract is created; your fate is essentially signed, sealed, and delivered in blood in its purest form and wrapped with ancient magic that ensures this vow cannot be broken.

From this point forward, your life is now tied to Ominis Gaunt.

[thatswhatthepoetssay]

Sunshine Boy Chapter 1

Franken Kyle Spencer X Reader

Word count: 806

Summery: A typical story of girl meets boy…and maybe some trouble along the way.

——————————————————————————

When we are young we are told stories of magical castles, brave knights, and evil witches.

As I step through the doors of Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies, I can feel the sweat starting to build on the palms of my hands. After the meeting with the headmistress, I have some time to explore my new home.

The portraits of previous supremes stand out on the snow-colored walls.

They look so poised and solemn, not a single smile in sight, how peculiar.

“Hey, you’re the new girl right?”Asks the brunette-haired girl.

I’m the new girl at a school for witches..right.

“Yeah actually, I just got here a few hours ago” I answer hoping to sound as nice as possible.

“Alright then follow me, you will be bunking with me and Madison.” She says as starts to walk up the curved stairs.

——————————————————————————

By sunset, I knew all of the necessary schedules, routines, and even picked up on some gossip.

After asking the girl from earlier, whose name turned out to be Zoe, for directions to the bathroom. I grabbed my things and headed toward what I thought was the correct room.

Upon entering the thought-to-be bathroom I quickly realized that it was a bedroom.

I'm instantly met with a pair of brown eyes that carry a confused expression. To my surprise, they belong to a boy with sun-colored hair.

Isn’t this supposed to be an academy for “exceptional young ladies”?

“I'm sorry I didn’t mean to barge in, I was looking for the bathroom.” I explain while looking at him. Instead of replying he simply gets up and cautiously walks over to where I’m standing.

As he stands in front of me with confusion written all over his face, I see someone walking toward the room.

“Oh hi YN, I thought you were going to the bathroom?” Says Zoe as she walks through the doorway.

“Yeah I was trying to find it, but ended up here.. who’s this by the way” I eye the blonde boy in-font of me.

——————————————————————————

After Zoe’s quick explanation, I turn back to who now is known to be Kyle.

“Well Kyle my name is YN, I’m new, sorry again for barg-“ Before I could finish my sentence Kyle raises one of his hands and gently places it on the side of my cheek. Zoe quickly moves his hand away while telling him that he shouldn’t do that.

That was an oddly comforting way to say “hello.”

“Um well I guess I’ll just go now, sorry again” I quickly add as I walk out into the hallway.

——————————————————————————

The following morning instead of waking up to see my new roommates, I woke up to see a note placed on my bedside table.

“Cordelia needed us to get some supplies so we are going to be out for a bit. Would you mind bringing some breakfast over to Kyles's room? Sorry for being a bother, Zoe. Ps: There are pancakes on the counter:)”

After reading the note I quickly get dressed and head downstairs to get some food for myself and Kyle.

“Kyle? Its YN. Is it okay if I come in? I brought some food.” I say as I slightly open the door. As soon as I come into the bedroom I immediately spot Kyle sitting on the floor with some sort of cards all around him.

“F..ood?” He questions as I sit down setting the breakfast tray in front of him.

“Yeah food, there are chocolate chip pancakes today!” I reply while taking a pancake from the stack.

His eyes immediately light up as he reaches for the plate. His face scrunches up in concentration as he pours the syrup on his pancake.

Something about his golden locks falling onto his face makes me want to just reach up and brush them away.

“So Kyle.. how long have you been here?” I ask while taking a sip of my coffee.

He looks at me and starts to try to communicate his thoughts. After a few seconds, he lets out an irritated puff and buries his face in his hands.

“Hey it's okay-“ I try to calm him down by placing a hand on his shoulder “- take your time.”

At that, he raises his head and lets out a small whine. He looks so exhausted, his eyes have a tear-like sheen and his lips are formed into a frown.

“St..uu..upid” He mumbles as he points his pointer finger at his chest.

“I know you’re not Kyle. You’re not stupid, okay?” I say while giving him a small smile.

Immediately I am engulfed in a tight hug. His arms wrap around me and his head goes to rest on my shoulder. After a few seconds, my hands start to stroke his hair in a soothing matter.

——————————————————————————

PS Whenever I post Chapter 2 It will be A-LOT longer. In the meantime I will be posting different Ahs stories, one-shots, and requests. Im currently working on a Tate Langdon one that will be posted in a few days! Lmk if you guys have any requests for future stories :)

[melodygatesauthor]

The Best Barista in the First Order

Kylo Ren X f!Reader

Part 8 of 28 in the February Fluff and Fuck 2023 Challenge

Day 8 Prompt - Coffee Shop AU (not an AU, takes place in SW universe)

Summary: The Supreme Leader is very particular about many things, and his morning coffee is no exception. Even more, he is very particular about the barista who brings him his coffee every morning, and isn't happy when he hears she is transferred to a different position on his ship.

Tags/Warnings: SFW, soft!Kylo, no smut, fluff, Kylo is protective, Kylo Ren in love, cute, sweet, coffee shop is more like a kitchen on the Finalizer and Reader works in it making coffee in the morning.

Word Count: 2.7k

You were standing in front of the doors to the command center. No matter how many times you’d brought the breakfast orders to the First Order elites, including Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, your nerves never ceased to force your body to tremble.

You walked in through the double doors when they opened, rolling your cart containing drink orders along with various pastries and muffins. You moved slowly, careful not to spill anything, and parked your cart to the side. You picked up the tray containing mugs filled with specific and preferred morning beverages. General Enrich Pryde was there, awaiting his tea. You brought it over and handed it to him. Most of the time they all pretended that you didn’t exist, and that was the way you liked it. You were a lowly kitchen worker, only there to deliver their food and drink, and then be on your way.

You walked over to your cart once again, grabbing the Supreme Leader’s cup. You’d already made a mistake, not bringing his order to him first, but that didn’t seem to be a problem. At least, no one said anything. As long as you didn’t bring attention to yourself, you would remain invisible.

You wouldn’t be invisible today though, today you were going to make a scene. Today you were going to be noticed, and grab the attention of everyone in the room. There was no telling what you tripped over. It wasn’t a shoelace, your shoe didn’t even have laces. It wasn’t your pant leg, and the floor was flat as could be. It was simply the wonderful grace of the Maker, forcing you to fall forward, flinging the Supreme Leader’s coffee hurdling at the floor in front of his feet.

The one thing you could be grateful for, was that it didn’t land anywhere on him. If it had burned him, you knew he would’ve removed your head where you lay on the floor. Panic ran through you. The only thing you could think to do was rush over on all fours and beg for forgiveness. You scurried, slamming your palms into the ground and nearly bruising your knees with how quickly you moved to him.

“Supreme Leader, sir, I am so sorry.” You said, keeping your eyes on the floor at the coffee you’d spilled there. “It was an accident I-”

“Look at me.” He demanded, surprising you.

You raised your head, meeting your gaze to the void of the mask where you knew his eyes were. He tilted his head to the side slightly. His shoulders rose and fell with each breath. He was much bigger from the floor than he seemed normally. You felt your breathing stop, and the entire room seemed to go silent. You were sure they were all waiting for you to lose your head right there in the command center.

“What is your name?” He asked.

“...” You told him.

He stood up, increasing his height over you tenfold. He held out a hand and Forced you to your feet. You clasped your fingers together nervously when he released you. You let out a breath you’d been holding in for a while. A stray tear found its way down your cheek and you felt frustrated by it. You weren’t brave in the slightest, and you wished you could be.

“Someone get the cleaners in here. You…” He pointed at you, “bring me another cup.”

You nodded, grateful to be walking away with your life, “yes, Supreme Leader.”

You didn’t waste any time rushing out of the room to comply with his demand. A very small part of you considered leaving the First Order, afraid that maybe Kylo Ren would reconsider letting you live and behead you when he next saw you, but you knew that would be a mistake in itself. The entire trip down in the elevator was spent focusing on normalizing your breathing. You’d never been that close to death before.

It wasn’t the first slip up you’d made, but it was the first time you’d done it right in front of Kylo Ren, and so noticeably. After the long trip back to the kitchen, your boss was busy working on prepping lunch already.

Being a kitchen worker on board the Finalizer was difficult. You were busy from the moment you woke, to the moment you turned in for bed, and there was little time for leisure. Everything was on a strict schedule. Coffees went up in the morning, along with a cart with food. Then you prepped for lunch, and later you would bring the lunch orders and clean up the breakfast. Spilling the coffee really hindered the schedule, and you hoped your boss wouldn’t be too angry to see you making the Supreme Leader’s order once again.

Your hope fell flat as he approached you, stern-faced, “what are you doing?”

“Um, I spilled the Supreme Leader’s coffee.” You explained, starting to brew a new cup.

“You what?” He asked harshly.

You felt your cheeks heat from embarrassment.

“It was an accident.” You explained through your shaking voice.

“Enough.” He said, pulling the bag of coffee beans from your hands. “You’re done.”

“Excuse me?” You asked, feeling yourself becoming emotional. “I can’t be done, this is my job!” You shouldn’t have been raising your voice, but you couldn’t help yourself.

“This is not your first time slipping up like that, and this time you spilled the Supreme Leader’s coffee?” He scoffed, “you’re lucky to still be alive! No, we can’t have that. Maybe you can polish helmets or iron clothes.” He waved you off, “best of luck.”

Your mouth was stuck agape while you looked at him. You couldn’t believe that you were losing the position you’d had over the last three years on the Finalizer, all for spilling a single coffee. What was worse, was that it wasn’t even up for debate. You couldn’t try and negotiate, or say anything that would change his mind, you were just done.

“Fine.” You pulled your apron over your head, threw it on the floor and walked out.

Crying was pointless, it wasn’t going to get you your job back, but you did it anyway. You knew you could find something else to do. Your friend was head of one of the cleaning departments and she would, no doubt, be able to find you a job there, they were always looking for new people. It didn’t change the fact that you would rather work in the kitchen though.

There was something about waking up every morning, brewing coffee to the exact specifications of each person, and then having the honor of delivering their drinks. Even if they didn’t always show their appreciation, you knew even the most stern elites, like General Pryde, felt a little bit better when he had a nice, warm cup of tea in his hands, and it was all thanks to you.

You waited outside of your friend’s room for her shift to be over and for her to come back and see you. She was surprised to find you standing there, but when she saw your clearly distraught face, she wasted no time hugging you tightly.

“Hey Kass.” You said, crossing your arms over your chest.

“What happened?” She asked, furrowing her brow.

You shrugged, “spilled a little coffee next to Kylo Ren and my boss wasn’t a fan I guess. I mean, it’s not like I did it on purpose.” You sighed. “It just sucks, I liked working in the kitchen.”

“Well, you can always come work for me, you know that.” She patted your back.

“Yeah, I mean, if I don’t find something to do they’ll deem me worthless, which…” Your eyes went wide, “I don’t want to know what happens to those people.”

The people deemed worthless in the First Order often disappeared. If you stopped working, then you couldn’t contribute to the greater good, and therefore you needed to be disposed of. You couldn’t let that happen.

“Yeah, don’t worry about it, I’ll set you up tomorrow.” She hugged you again. “Why don’t you get some rest, meet at the utility room 0101-B, first thing and I’ll get you started.”

“Alright, thanks Kass.” You said, leaving her and heading to your own room.

Sleep didn’t come easily. You kept thinking about how mad the Supreme Leader must’ve been. You were glad he always wore a mask, afraid to think about what his face must’ve looked like when you spilled the coffee. One thing about the interaction with him stood out to you though…he’d asked you for your name. The more you considered it, the more you realized how strange it was that he would even ask you that. He had never asked you before, and he didn’t seem to care about most of the lowly employees of the Finalizer.

Those thoughts, and the nerves surrounding what your new job would be like in the morning, filled your mind and made it hard to finally doze off.

When you woke up, you felt as uneasy as you had when you’d gone to bed the night before. Already you were thinking about how lucky you were to escape death the day before, and how little you knew about being a cleaner.

After washing yourself and getting dressed, you finally left your room. When you made it to utility room 0101-B, Kass was already there, smiling when you walked through the door.

“Hey girlfriend, ready for your first day?” She asked, all too bubbly for your taste.

Kass had always been such a peppy type of person, and while you tried to be that way, it didn’t come easy to you. You often had to try hard to put on an excited face around others. Social situations weren’t your strong suit.

“Yeah, ready as I’ll ever be.” You sighed.

“So, you’re not going to like this, but apparently the Supreme Leader is in a…well he’s in a mood, and he broke something in the command center and you gotta go clean it up.” She motioned to the cart by the door. “That’s your cart.”

“What? Shouldn’t someone who’s been doing this longer be the one cleaning up after him?” You asked, feeling suddenly even more anxious than before.

You really might die now. You were certain that he never would want to see you again, not after you spilled his coffee the day prior.

“Part of being new is getting to do the jobs that no one else wants to do, I’m sorry.” She shrugged.

“No one’s going to show me what to do? No training?” You asked, trudging over to your cart.

“For cleaning? I know for a fact they teach you how to clean in the kitchens. Go on, you’ll be fine!” She insisted, ushering you out the door. “You get a one hour break at noon, and then you’re finished at five.”

You groaned and thanked her again for at least giving you a job. There was a chance you wouldn’t even run into the Supreme Leader. He was a busy man and couldn’t possibly spend his entire day in the command center. Surely he might be doing something else at that time. Afterall, you’d brought him his coffee on several occasions and in several different rooms. One time you even were summoned to his bedroom to put some food and drink by his bedside.

You wouldn’t be so lucky today though, he was there, and his back was to you while he spoke to the crew, voice booming through the room. He didn’t even turn while you started cleaning up the broken bits of electrical equipment scattered on the floor. You imagined that cleaning up after Kylo Ren’s tantrums must get exhausting to do day in and day out. The person who was new before you must’ve been relieved when they heard they were getting a break today.

“Sir, we will be approaching Jakku soon.” One of the pilots said at the control panel.

“Good. Ready my-”

You were so focused on cleaning you didn’t realize that the room had gone silent right away. Eventually you looked up, meeting the void of the black mask that had the Supreme Leader behind it. You gulped, feeling uneasy and wondering if he was going to kill you this time. You wondered if he had regretted not doing it yesterday while you were kneeling at his feet.

“You.” He pointed at you.

There were peering eyes all through the room, and they were all on you. Not a single breath was made from anyone. You wondered if someone would be thrusting your dead body into space in a few short moments.

“M-me, sir?” You said, damning your bottom lip for quaking.

“If the rest of you have no further work to do then I can see to it that replacements are found.” He looked around the room and immediately the prying eyes went back to their jobs.

One heavy stomp at a time, he stalked over to you. Not knowing what else to do, you once again found yourself kneeling at his feet. You would’ve kissed his boot if he had commanded you to. You were so afraid of what he was going to do next. You heard the signature hiss of his mask coming undone, and you were more confused than ever. Of all the things you’d expected him to do, that was next to last on the list.

“Look at me.” He demanded softly.

Slowly, you trailed your eyes up from his boot, over his leather pants, across his coat and finally met with his brilliant eyes. Your breath hitched in your throat. You felt your palms beginning to sweat and the heat was boiling in your cheeks.

“Pretty.” He said, an undeniable smirk played at his lips, meanwhile you were dumbfounded and completely confused.

“I-I’m sorry?” You felt like you were suffocating.

“Where were you yesterday?” He asked, moving on from his previous statement. “I am positive I asked for you specifically to bring me a new cup.”

“I, um, I was told I couldn’t work in the kitchen after I spilled your coffee Supreme Leader, sir.” You gulped, looking back down at the floor.

“Keep your eyes on me.” He demanded once again.

You did as you were told, still not sure why he was playing with you that way. If he was going to kill you, you wished he would just do it already.

“I’m not going to kill you.” You sometimes forgot that he could see into people’s minds. “Your prior boss on the other hand…will be taken care of immediately.”

You knew what that meant. There was no stopping him, so you didn’t even try, but you wondered what you’d done to receive that type of treatment. You wondered why Kylo Ren, the Supreme Leader of the galaxy, was interested in murdering your boss for dismissing you from your post.

“You are clumsy, foolish, and downright unfit to work even in a kitchen.” He said insultingly.

If he wasn’t your Supreme Leader, and your life wasn’t at risk in that very moment, you would’ve slapped him for saying such a thing. It was unbelievably rude, and hurtful.

“You make the best cup of coffee I’ve ever tasted, despite your inability to serve it to me properly.” His fingers moved, beckoning you to stand, and so you did.

He was so tall, so frightening to stand next to.

“Thank you, sir.” You said finally, remembering that you should speak when spoken to.

“Since you’re so unfit to work in the kitchen, I think it’s best I am the one to find the position that would suit you best.” He put a gloved finger under your chin and tipped your face up to meet his eyes once again. “Don’t you?”

AO3 LINK

Tag List: (please let me know if you would like to be added or removed): @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction, @my-secret-shame, @thatmomwitchfriend, @alexxavicry

[fandom-junk-drawer]

The Witcher Headcanon (Modern Au) - Error 404 Brain Not Found: Bonus Scene - Part 15

It started with Jaskier laughing at Yennefer sneezing her mouth full of salad on the kitchen table while he was in the middle of eating. A few bits of his ham and cheese sandwich tumbled out of his mouth, landing in his glass of tea. "F**khh--!"

"Ha!" Yennefer laughed, "That's what you get!"

Jaskier opened his mouth and showed Yennefer the rest of his chewed up sandwich just to be childish. It fell into his glass.

"Godsd*mmit!" He snarled vehemently as Yennefer cackled.

Geralt took the glass, stirred the mess with the straw, then handed it back to Jaskier and said, "I dare you to drink it!"

Jaskier hesitated for a second. He'd eaten worse. H*ll, he'd licked a gas station toilet seat once! This was nothing! It was just tea and some wet bread. He drank the soggy mess.

"Meh," he said with a shrug. "Kind of bland, actually."

Geralt took the glass and sniffed the little bit of sludge left at the bottom, then drank it. "I'd give it a 2 out of 10."

Jaskier took the glass back and poured in a little milk, added a handful of crumbled up crisps, a spoonful of mustard, and a splash of orange juice.

And unspoken contest had just begun. Yennefer watched mutely as Jaskier drank half the concoction, then passed the other half to Geralt. They both made faces and gave their opinions on the taste.

"That tastes like a f**ked up Dreamsicle!" Jaskier announced, making a face. Geralt gagging slightly on the crisp mush, nodded his agreement.

The glass was rinsed out, and this time, a soda was poured into it. Geralt added a handful of M&Ms, a piece of leftover fried fish from last night's dinner, mayonnaise, and a scoop of pineapple pieces into the blender. This was then poured into the glass of soda.

Geralt and Jaskier each drank some.

"EEaaaUUGGGHHHH!"

"HhhUURRRGhhh!"

"You're both morons!" Yennefer said, laughing at the faces they were making as they tried to get the taste out of their mouths.

The next 'drink' consisted of spaghetti, grape juice, Lucky Charms, soy sauce, and a Snickers bar. The drink was divided and then consumed. It was chunky, and Geralt was having a little trouble getting it down. He took a breath, and sucked it down in one go.

Jaskier was trying to drink his portion as fast as he could, trying not to think too much about the chunky bits. Yennefer was holding her breath when he gagged and she saw his cheeks puff up before he swallowed heavily with a shudder.

"That tasted horrid!" He said weakly.

"It wasn't that bad," Geralt claimed.

"Bullsh*t, I saw you gag, too! And you cheated! You did that guzzling trick, so of course you didn't really taste it!"

Uh-oh, they were arguing. Yennefer hoped that maybe this whole stupid game was going to end. Unfortunately no, it was not over yet. Her boys were dumber than she'd given them credit for.

"Okay," Geralt said, "Let's just blend them up really well, and drink them with straws."

"How about we each make one and split them?"

"Hm. Good idea!"

Jaskier's creation included broccoli, bacon grease, lemon juice, half a slice of supreme pizza, peanut butter crackers, half a bottle of A** Reaper Hot Sauce, and some crumbled up chocolate cake.

Geralt's mixture contained milk, raw eggs, some kind of powdered fruit-flavored drink mix, mustard, breakfast sausage, and two sardines.

"You're going to get sick!" Yennefer warned as she watched Geralt spoon a heaping mound of chili paste into the blender.

Geralt would probably just get a mild stomach ache, but Jaskier with his acid reflux? Oh, he was going to be hurting.

"Hm!" Geralt grunted dismissively

She tried one more time to be the voice of reason as the two morons divided the Horror Cocktails between them.

"Jaskier, babe, you probably shouldn't drink that. It's going aggravate your acid reflux. Remember what happened with the Firecracker shrimp--!"

"Hush, witch, this is man business!"

"Fine, give yourselves the sh*ts, "

"Where are you going?"

"To the back yard to dig the hole I'm going to bury your stupid a** in."

Jaskier stuck his tongue out at her while simultaneously giving her the finger as she left.

"Mine first!" Jaskier said, pouring half the slurry he'd made into two glasses. He added a straw to each, then pushed one glass over to Geralt. They clinked their glasses together, and seconds later, Geralt and Jaskier were sucking down the liquefied horror.

Their exclamations of revulsion could be heard all the way to Yennefer's bedroom. They were quickly followed by the sounds of two men who were convinced their tongues were on fire.

I'm living with dumba**es. Yennefer thought to herself as she listened to them drink the sludge Geralt had made, then curse and blow and pant and make gargling noises as they chugged milk to kill the burn.

She could picture it so clearly. Jaskier and Geralt dancing around the kitchen, swearing and panting. They would be huffing long breaths in through their mouths to cool the burning sensation. Their lips would be on fire.

Geralt had heard somewhere that hair absorbed the oils that caused the burning, so they would both be rubbing handfuls of Geralt's hair on their mouths and tongues.

The noises died down after a few minutes, and Yennefer went back to her book. Her peace was disrupted about an hour later by the sounds of two jacka**es experiencing stomach issues. Geralt was in the upstairs bathroom, and Jaskier was in the downstairs, both of them sh*tting what felt like liquid fire.

When the smell began seeping out into the rest of the house, Yennefer opened a few windows and shoved some towels into the gaps under the bathroom doors. She felt only a tiny bit bad about trapping her boys in there with the horrible stench, but hey, natural consequences.

Geralt was confused and mortified as he sat on the toilet in an expanding miasma that was making him gag. He was a Witcher, and he wasn't supposed to have problems like this! F**k, he could eat roadkill, or eat out of the garbage and be fine! Witchers were made to survive on anything, they weren't supposed to get the sh*ts from a little mixed up food! His bowels cramped painfully...

Jaskier was shaking on the downstairs toilet. His stomach and his a**hole were aflame. Oh gods, this was worse than the Firecracker Shrimp incident! The heartburn, the acid in the back of his throat, the fire in his guts... This was Hell. He was in Hell. There was no other place he could be. It was pain and misery, and was that brimstone he smelled? Phew! That was rancid! Oh, sh*t, he was drooling...

Geralt: *unintelligeble cursing*

Jaskier: *barfing and sh*tting simultaneously*

Geralt: *terrifying explosive noises*

Jaskier: My a**hole's on fire!

Yennefer did the only thing she could think of to help in the situation. She cranked the volume of the stereo up, and played "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash.

Howls of outrage and distressed digestive noises rang out from the bathrooms.

[thescribeoflostmemories]

MY VOWS TO YOU of pierro x f!Reader in canon genshin universe please!!! So excited for june!!!!

Flaming bonds being tested.

Reader x Pierro

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Music: Waltz No. 2 by Dimitri Shostakovich & Priestess in the darkness musicbox+orchastra (Fire emblem)

note : Implied cursed/ khaenri’ah reader, take that into account and I just randomly puke these all out while I was bored out of my mind during a meeting.Y’all proud of me? Also I have no such thing as summer vacation 🫠 I hope you like it.

- P

"Delusions too die hard, only the savage can reign supreme in this twisted wonderland. But what say, you? Who kindled but the last light of day." - Scribe

“I will lift up your sorrows,”

How many thousand suns have passed, and how many thousand moons, you must?

When did you exchange vows with one such as the man titled as your forevermore lover?

"My lady, Lord Harbinger Jester has arrived."

Jester, it does nothing to ring a bell in your mind on who that was.

"My lady, Breakfast is served." You’d rather spend the days alone, even with a cold bed to dream.

You had no recollection outside of your own name, broke away from sweet repose to this strange rozen land. The tall and small were under this Jester’s command, only a few could only withstand.

“Is it you, who have brought me here?” The bed is stale like bread, and it seems it only occupies you as the owner. Wallowing in contempt as you stare longingly out for the remainder until the blue hours come and go. You’re on the cusp of being exposed in your enclosure, frail and darkness inches closer than the ones that glances up from below.

‘Your cup will never empty,’

Upon the round table the man has laid for you, a small party he did threw.

Pierro is the name that you accrue. He had roused you from the hold of the archon, he did not dispute.

“Meister,” You heard of that title once before. Under the waking moonlight, he speaks of those that dare to oppose them with their might. Surely, what does he propose to justify his price?

“Evr’ything would come to light.” He says as if he had found the path to destroy the hand of heavenly edifice.

‘For I shall be your wine,’

Arrogance, a slow and insidious murderer. “For whom do you serve?” an inadequate query for one fittingly such as thy father. Voice hoarse from years of

“The lady of solemn promise.” he replied back, hollow and alone whisked away by the thread of fate tied to ev’rmore fractured amore.

March on the sands that strayed, from dimmed Khaenri’ah.

‘I light your way in darkness,’

Tearing, progress. You had exhausted all efforts, unplugged.

Realize your epiphany as gentle hands covet yours. Feeling the spine-chilling wind against your back.

In the past, you had recall of twin suns that sink into one, and strange black stars that soar through your scry.

Searching for dark Khaenri’ah

‘With this ring, I ask you to be mine.’

Your hand blessed once more with his soft whispers of perennial burning blue pyre.

To dine. Intruth; your fleeting light he cannot deny. Their love, shall cry, and die. In lost Khaenri’ah.

[boredzillenial]

A Gift Horse and His Mouth

Pairing: Dr. Strange X Afab Reader (she/they pronouns)

Tropes/warnings: PTSD/panic attacks, hurt/panic and comfort, hints at brat/brat Tamer, one “snap-out-of-it” slap, soft/supportive Stephen, wet dreams, oral (f receiving), caught masterbating

Summary: You came to Kamar-taj for help with your mental health. Little did you know your dreams would work against you and make things a lot more complicated.

Word count: 3,274

*Do not post or republish my work on other platforms or claim it as your own*

(Constructive criticism via DMs welcome, this is my first fic I’ve published be gentle)

“Just breathe, you’ll get through this.” Wong said calmly as you crouched against a wall in a meditation room.

You had come to Kamar-Taj to heal your mind. Little did you know you’d have to face what haunted you in daily meditations.You had heard stories of people healing impossible injuries after coming here and honestly you felt pretty stupid thinking this process would be easier.

“I’m - sorry - Sorcerer - Supreme.” You gasp out between inhales, trying desperately to claw your way out of a panic attack as you shook.

“No need to be sorry Y/N, when your instructor told me you struggled with meditation I did not know it was like this.” Wong said quietly. “Thank you for showing me. You need someone who can be more, present on a daily basis” He stood slowly, looking around the empty room and rubbing the back of his neck.

You nearly jumped out of your skin as the doors to the meditation room flung open and Strange walked in. Okay walk wasn’t quite the right word. The way he carried himself Strange always seemed to be strutting into every room.

“Wong I swear I am NOT helping if a blizzard blows in aga-.” He stopped short as his gaze landed on you, still on the floor and still heaving breathes as you finally were shaken out of the memory in your mind. “Ah sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt, I’ll leave you to it.” He turned on his heel to leave.

“Wait Strange! Your timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I have an assignment for you.” Wong smiled as he walked over and clapped Strange on the shoulder.

“I’m not a student, I don’t really do assignments.” Strange said curtly, seemingly doing his best to be respectful while getting his point across.

“You do when the Sorcerer Supreme asks you to.” Wong grinned. “Strange, this is Y/N. I think helping her will be good for you. They’re having trouble meditating and since you were the worst about it when you first came to Kamar-Taj who better to teach her!” Wong’s grin widened at the absolute annoyance blanketing Strange’s face. “Take her to the New York Sanctum to continue training.”

“You can’t be seri-“ Strange nearly growled before Wong cut him off.

“I am, and thank you for the help! You two can leave first thing tomorrow!” Wong clapped him on the shoulder one more time before leaving the room briskly. “Higher duties and all that!” He yelled over his shoulder.

Strange pinched his brow, sighing loudly and shifting his weight on his feet as he turned to leave. “Fine. Take the rest of the day to pack, we leave first thing after breakfast tomorrow.” He clipped and strode out of the room.

Finally alone, you were able to fully still your body from the shaking and steady your breath. Unsure what exactly tomorrow would hold.

~~~~~

Kamar-Taj was empty, completely silent. You walked softly through the halls, looking this way and that for any sign of life. Once you made your way to the meditation room that’s when you saw him, Strange.

He was cross legged, eyes closed, floating a few feet off the ground. As you entered the room, the doors slammed shut behind you. With a quick flick of his hand and fingers you were floating toward him. You struggled against the sling ring restraints as you stopped not 4 feet away from him. His seated position shifted to standing, face just inches from yours. His eyes opened slowly as he wrapped is arms around you. His lips brushed yours and those blue-green eyes were as soft as his caress as he leaned the rest of the way.

You felt the brush of his lips and you heard him murmur your name. “Y/n” another kiss, a little more firm “Y/n”, you felt his tongue glide against your lips “Y/n I am not missing breakfast because of you.”

~~~~~

You heard the bang of the door to your room slam open as you shot up in bed, pulling your blankets to your chest.

“Get up, are you even packed?” Strange snipped.

“Y-yes,” you stuttered. The pressure of his lips lingered on yours as you got your bearings.

“Good, get dressed and eat we leave in an hour.” His cloak whipped as he turned on his heel and strode down the hall.

If this is the kind of tricks your mind was going to play on you during your training. This was gonna be a lot more difficult that you thought.

——

You made it through breakfast and the quick portal to the New York Sanctum trying desperately to shake the memory of your dream. Your room in New York was comfortable, just across the hall from Strange’s room. It seems Wong briefed Strange on your past and deemed it necessary to keep you two close.

“So this is where you’ll be staying. Wong told me about your…” He hesitated. You knew people usually tiptoed around you once they heard about your diagnoses and how severe it can get. “Condition right before we left. I apologize if I was rude yesterday and this morning. And I’m right across the hall if you need anything. I’d like to go over your boundaries if that’s alright with you.”

You took a deep breath and sat on your bed as you did your best to release the tension from your shoulders. “I have night terrors sometimes. If I scream in the night please wake me. I don’t usually wake myself up with it unless it’s really bad” you said shakily, “I get panic attacks, they usually come on during the meditation sessions back at Kamar-Taj and well… I haven’t quite figured out how to break out of those.” You cast your gaze down at the mattress.

“Y/n, no one here or back at Kamar-Taj is judging you, especially not for this.” He came and sat on the best beside you. “Your wounds may not be visible like mine, but we’ll work through this.” You stared at the scars on his hands curiously.

You were a bit taken aback by his gentleness and tone. Wong must’ve really given him a talking to. Your gaze shifted up from his hands to his lips, your dream replaying in your mind. You could feel your face flush so you stood abruptly and began to pace a bit.

“Th- thank you. I really appreciate your understanding with this. And I really don’t want to hinder you on your duties here. I will keep up you don’t need to -“ you felt his hands on your shoulders, trying to steady you and stop your pacing.

You managed to meet his gaze as a smirk jerked at the edge of his lips “You’ve got this, I know you can keep up.” He winked. “Well I’ll leave you to settle in. Oh and just so you’re aware the Sanctum can get hot at night so crack a window if you need.” He stepped back and pointed above your bed where a small circular window streamed the late summer sun in.

“Thanks.” You said quietly as you forced your gaze to linger on the window. He left your room with a nod and without another word.

——

A couple weeks passed by without incident as you grew accustomed to the Sanctum and the few people who inhabited it. Strange was busy and you hardly saw him after you got settled on your first night. Your days had consisted of exploring, getting comfortable in the library, and taking short strolls around the neighborhood when the heat died down in the evening.

Though you technically had a window you still had not managed to open it nor set aside your pride long enough to ask someone for help, so you began sleeping in just your boxers and the top sheet.

——

You heard shuffling outside your door one sweltering night just as you had settled into bed. You toss a tank top on and tread quietly to the door. As you cracked it and peeled into the hall you saw broad shoulders under that familiar red cloak. “Jesus do you always wear that thing even in the heat?” You chided.

He turned slowly, one eyebrow lifted and a smirk “I see someone has gotten comfortable enough to joke.” He chuckled “My relic goes with me everywhere.” He dragged his bags into his room. You got a peak in as he made his way through the door. His room was huge, what looked to be a California king sized bed and books piled here and there. “Throw some actual pants on and come with me, Wong asked for a status update and I told him you’d been doing well with your meditation progress.” He called.

Shit shit shit - the one thing you managed to not do while Strange was gone.

“Ah yeah, one sec” your heart thundered in your chest as you shut the door and traded your boxers for a pair of silk pj pants. You were nervous as these were the kind that showed every curve especially with the tank top but the heat was unbearable in anything more.

“Meet you in the library” you hear him call from the other side of your door as his footsteps faded.

Shit

You made your way to the library and saw Strange seated in one of the many plush armchairs, leaning his head on his hand and reading a book intently. He snapped the book shut and stared up at you as to took as seat across from him. You could’ve swore you saw his eyes flicker over your figure as you took a seat.

“Get comfortable, show me how far you’ve gotten.” He said curtly.

You crossed your legs and settled your hands on your ankles as you began to take deep breathes. As you began to clear your mind of the daily, random, distracting thoughts the memories that plagued you came rushing to the surface. Your breath hitches and your heart pounded in your chest as you begin to shake.

“Y/n, remain in the moment. Focus on your breathing.”

Flashes of images, sounds, smells, battered your senses. Your breath becoming even more erratic.

“Focus” Strange’s voice sounded distance, his touch on your knees a far off sensation compared to the barrage in your mind. Your eyes moved wildly behind your eyes and your head began to twitch this way and that. “Y/n!”

You felt a slap sting across your cheek and your eyes snapped open. Strange was right infront of you, his hands on either side of your face. “Be here, breathe damn it.” You could see the tension set in his eyes and jaw.

You locked your gaze on his eyes as you tried to gulp in air. “In, and out” he shifted one hand from your face to your upper chest trying to hone in on your heart beat. “Breathe.” He said quietly. You keep your gaze on his face as he closed his eyes, his face was mere inches from yours. Your mind began to shift, those horrible memories replaced by the images in your dream. His lips, so close…

Your breathing began to steady but your heart still thundered at the nearness of him, the heat of his hands felt like burning on your skin. He opened his eyes and must’ve seen the panic shift momentarily to hunger as he released his grip from you and stepped back. “You alright?” He huffed, his eyes flickering over you.

“I - I think so.” You could feel the heat flushing your face as you shifted your gaze to the floor.

“Good… What the hell was that.” You furrowed your brow and looked up at him. “You were supposed to be practicing.” He gritted through his teeth.

“You were supposed to be here, leading me through it.” You stood shakily. “You think I want to go through that alone?!” You took a step - then another. Closing the gap between the two of you as anger shot through you. You stopped short just infront of him, your eyes level with his broad shoulders. You jabbed a finger to the center of his chest. “You know you are so-!”

He grabbed your wrist, frustration simmering in his eyes as he gazed down at you. “You better watch it.” He said as his lip curled a bit.

“Or what.” You growled. His eyes widened a bit, his snarl shifting to a smirk.

“This is new, this fire.” His smirk turned to a playful grin.

“No, it isn’t.” You snatched your wrist away. “It’s just been - buried.” You grumbled.

“Well” he clapped “Let’s unearth it. From now on - we’re working together… Daily.” He smiled. “And let’s just agree to tell Wong that your making good progress but have quite a ways to go. You’ll be staying at the Sanctum indefinitely to continue our training.”

“Fine” you huffed. This is why you had seeked out the wisdom of Kamar-Taj in the first place. You did your best not to look this gift horse in the mouth. Your eyes flickered to his lips and you felt that familiar burn creep up your face. Okay try not to look at his mouth at all.

“Go to bed, rest up. We’ve got a long day tomorrow.” He waved you off and turned his back to return to his book. You left the library shaking off the feeling that he was watching intently as you walked away.

You made your way to bed and got yourself as comfortable as you could in the heat, back in your usual sleeping attire…

~~~~~

Flashes, pain, fear. You were running through the empty Sanctum. Something chasing behind you. You couldn’t see it, couldn’t hear it, but you could feel it.

You tried to yell for help but your voice was choked in your throat. Sweat streaked across your body as you slid down corridors and halls. You burst through on the roof, attempting another cry for help but finding yourself voiceless yet again. It was bounding up the stairs. You backed away to the edge of the roof - the hot summer air whipping at your back. You saw no other choice, and let out a scream as you fell back.

~~~~~

“Hey hey, you’re alright” a warm voice floated in your ears. The first sensation coming to you being the tight wrap of something around your body. You blinked awake and found the Strange’s cloak encasing you. “You’re at the Sanctum, you’re safe.” You felt the edge of the cloak wipe the dampness from your brow.

Your gaze settled on Strange kneeling on the side of your bed. His bare shoulders and broad chest right in full view. You tried to adjust, the cloak firmly held you in place. You looked down confused. “Sorry for coming in, you were screaming and I came to help but uh,” oh for fucks sake you had been shirtless when he came in. Your face burned hot at the realization.

“It’s alright.” He continued softly, stroking a hand across your shoulder and side. Even through the cloak his touch sent lightning through you. “Are you alright for me to leave?”

You shook your head yes as your face continued to burn. He gave a short nod and stood. His muscles shifted as he walked away, even through his sleep pants you could tell his legs were as toned and the rest of him. It was only when he had made it into the hallway did his cloak slip from around you. You quickly snatched the top sheet over you as the door to your room shut.

You took a deep breath as you stared up at the ceiling. How in the hell would you live this night down. You began breathing deeply as you tried to return to sleep.

~~~~~

You found yourself in the library. The stillness bringing some comfort as the soft light from desk lamps lit the room. Your silk pants and tank top shifted over your skin as you walked. You finally settled in one of the plush chairs and leaned your head back. Running fingers through your hair as you took in a deep breath.

A short low chuckle came from above you. Your eyes opened as a shirtless Strange looked down at you. You sat up and leaned away as he made his way around the chair. He knelt infront of you and set a broad hand on your chest, fingers brushing against the base of your throat. You licked your lips and swallowed hard as his hand slowly shifted down. You watched as his hand cupped your breast and began to tease your nipple through your tank top. You sucked in a breathe at the sensation.

His eyes bore into yours as he watched your reaction to his touch. Without saying a word he placed his other hand on your knee, rubbing gentle circles with his thumb. You groaned as he began kneading your breast, and he took this as a sign to move the other hand from your knee up your thigh. He curled his fingers around the inside of your waistband and tugged gently, his eyebrow raising in an unspoken question.

You bit your lip and nodded, his other hand shifted to your waistband and you lifted your hips as he tugged your bottom half free. Your breathe hitched as his hands slid up your ankles, calves, until they rested on your knees. He cocked his head and grinned, and you nodded as he spread your knees aside. His eyes gleamed with hunger as he stared at your wetness already pooling in the chair. He gave a short growl and tugged you toward him. He nipped and licked up your thighs until he made his way to your cunt. Pausing for a moment before diving in.

The shock of his hot tongue splitting you open made to gasp. His shifted your legs over his shoulders and wrapped his arms around them, digging his fingers into your soft thighs. You leaned your head back and groaned as he worked at your core. His licking and sucking drew breathes from you and you ran your fingers through his hair.

He pulled away and nipped at your inner thigh, eliciting another gasp and drawing your gaze back to him. His blue eyes blazed as he sank his mouth back onto you. You kept your gaze locked on his as he picked up the pace, his tongue sliding into you. You groaned and grit your teeth, while his tongue inside of you felt amazing it wasn’t where you needed it. You grabbed hair in either side of his temple and pulled his tongue back up to your clit. He gave a toothy grin as he broadened his tongue and pressed it against that bundle of nerves. That pushed you to the edge, your hips bucking against him. He let out one more growl and dug his fingers into your thighs to hold you in place as he took you over the edge. Blinding pleasure shot through you as his tongue continued it’s punishing pace.

“Oh fuck, Stephen.” You cried out.

~~~~~

“Oh fuck, Stephen.” You gasped. Your hips bucked against the pillow wedged against your core.

You bit your pillow as you came down from your orgasm. Your body glistened with sweat as morning light streamed into your room. You sat up rubbing your face and eyes as the sheet fell to your waist. Your breasts heaving as you caught your breath.

You softly laughed as your hands came down your face. Now that was a dream. You could feel the post orgasm smile spread across your face as you opened your eyes.

And standing there just inside the door, was Stephen Strange. His head cocked, eyes wide and face flushed to match yours…

------------------------------------

Part 2 here! | Masterlist

[abramsbooks]

RECIPE: Immunity Salad (from Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed a Healthy Obsession by Jess Damuck)

You don’t need to already be sick to make this salad—but doesn’t just looking at it brighten your day a little bit? Eating it regularly during the colder months gives your immune system a boost but also just feels really clean and fresh when we may be eating a lot of things that aren’t.

Serves 2 as a light meal (This is great served with your favorite brothy soup.)

PRODUCE

2 large beets

2 sweet potatoes

1 (1-inch/2.5 cm) piece ginger, peeled

1 clove garlic, peeled

1 head fennel

1 grapefruit

4 cups (80 g) baby spinach

PANTRY

Extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon honey

6 Medjool dates

½ cup (65 g) hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted

COOK: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Trim the leaves from 2 large beets (reserve for another use; for instance, sauté them in a little garlic and olive oil!). Roast the beets for 60 minutes. (Note from Abrams: You can find Jess' technique in Salad Freak!)

When the beets have been in the oven for 20 minutes, slice 2 sweet potatoes in ¼-inch thick (6 mm) rounds, place them on another rimmed baking sheet, and toss them with olive oil salt and pepper. Roast for about 30 minutes, tossing the potatoes once, until they are golden brown and the beets can be easily pierced with a knife. Let them cool to room temperature or until they are able to be handled.

MAKE THE GINGER, GARLIC, AND APPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE: Into a large bowl, grate 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger and 1 clove garlic, then add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon honey, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

PREP: Make an ice bath. Cut the stalks and fronds from the fennel bulb and cut in half, and then in half again, and then thinly slice on a mandoline right into the ice bath. Let crisp up for about 10 minutes, then pat dry on paper towels or a clean dish towel.

Cut 1 grapefruit into supremes.

Pit and slice 6 dates.

ASSEMBLE AND SERVE: Add the fennel, grapefruit, dates, 4 cups (80 g) baby spinach, beets, and sweet potatoes to the large bowl with the dressing. Toss everything to combine, arrange on serving plates, and then sprinkle with ½ cup (65 g) pumpkin seeds. And stay healthy!

One of TIME’s most anticipated cookbooks of Spring 2022

One of Food & Wine’s best cookbooks of Spring 2022

A USA TODAY and PUBLISHERS WEEKLY bestseller!

Delicious and beautiful recipes from Martha Stewart’s personal salad chef and the self-proclaimed “Bob Ross of salads.”

Offering more than 100 inspired recipes, recipe developer and food stylist Jess Damuck shares her passion for making truly delicious salads. Salad Freak encourages readers to discover and embrace their own salad obsessions. With the right recipes, you will want to eat salad for every meal and never get bored. By playfully combining color, texture, shape, and, of course, flavor, Damuck demonstrates how a little extra effort in the kitchen can be meditative, delicious, and fun. The recipes—such as her Citrus Breakfast Salad; Tea-Smoked Chicken and Bitter Greens Salad; Caesar Salad Pizza Salad; and Roasted Grapes, Ricotta, Croutons, and Endive Salad—are meant to be hearty enough for a meal all year round but versatile enough to be incorporated into a larger menu. For Damuck, the perfect salad balances each bite, with something tart enough to twinge your cheeks, something sweet to balance out the bitter, and something with a little salty crunch to finish. Salad Freak is not just about eating to feel good; it’s about confidently combining flavors to create fresh, bright, and satisfying meals that you will want to make again and again.

For more information, click here.

[ainyan]

WIP

I don't know why, but I feel compelled to share a snippet of the WIP that literally kicked me out of Ruminations mid-sentence yesterday to be started.

He was still groggy from his long sleep, his brain filled with cobwebs and fuzz. As he sat at the battered table, he studied the plate they’d set before him: toast and eggs, a bit of bacon and a bowl of porridge - filling, but plain. A veritable feast, he thought grimly as he picked up his fork, in this war-torn parody of the world he’d once known.

The door opened as he began to eat and in walked a Roegadyn. His heart ached to see the features of a long-lost friend echoed beneath the dirt and grime and scars, and it took a supreme effort of will not to call him by that other man’s name. “How are you?” the man asked without preamble, placing a thick tome upon the table next to his plate.

Not answering right away, he took stock of his mind and body; aching and tired, he was still alive and in relatively fine form for one who had slept for nigh on two centuries of time. “I am well enough, thank you,” he finally replied, his voice hoarse and dusty from disuse. “Is this what I think it is?”

The Roegadyn shrugged. “‘Tis a journal from the right time, written by a man who claimed t’ be a Scion of the Seventh Dawn. You said you needed a clearer idea of what happened back before the Calamity, and this might help.”

He reached out and drew the book closer, peering at the cover. It was obviously a handwritten memoir, perhaps the only copy in existence - but it had been carefully kept in decent condition by someone who had understood the worth of a first-hand account. A Recounting of the Final Days, by Arenvald Lentinus.

It was not a name he recognized, but he did not doubt that if these new companions of his thought it worth his time that it would contain at least some of the information he sought. “Thank you,” he said, then cleared his throat harshly. “Thank you,” he repeated.

“Don’t need t’ thank me,” came the gruff reply, before a heavy hand came to rest on his shoulder. “I sure hope ye find what ye need. It gets worse out there by th’ hour.” As if to punctuate his statement, there was a hollow thud from somewhere beyond the thick stone walls of the dilapidated building where they made their current home. “It gets much closer, we’ll need t’ close up shop and move on.”

He swallowed and set aside his fork, his appetite forgotten. “I know,” he murmured, and turned to look up at his companion. “I’m doing my best.”

The Roegadyn smiled, a fearsome expression set amidst the seams of scars and permanent grease stains, but there was genuine approval in the curve of his broad lips. “I know you are. You just wake up, get well; we’ll keep you safe ‘til you find what we need to make this crazy idea of ours work.”

“Thank you Biggs,” he said, then cursed himself. “I mean…”

The Roegadyn gave him a curious look. “What’s wrong? It’s my name.”

It was his name, but it had not been his name that he’d spoken. “I apologize. I’m lost in the past.”

Biggs shook his head. “Don’t worry about it,” he rumbled. “I’m proud t’ be named after my many-times granther, and it means a lot that you see him in me. He was a great man, a brilliant man, and I could only hope to be half of what he was.”

Scarlet eyes warmed, and he reached up to pat the meaty hand still on his shoulder. “You’ve survived in a world gone mad, and not only survived, but held onto hope when all others have all but lost it. You are so very like your grandsire, and I am proud to have known both of you.”

He could not see Biggs’ eyes beneath the goggles, but he could read the shock and pleasure in the set of his mouth. “Well, my granther set much store by you, G’raha Tia, so I expect great things. Having you here will surely make Cid’s plan come t’ fruition.”

G’raha Tia exhaled at the sound of his name. “The gods all grant,” he replied fervently.

Biggs echoed him. “Eat yer breakfast and read yer book. I’mma go make sure ain’t no one getting too close for comfort.”

Attention drawn to the memoir once more, G’raha Tia gave an absent acknowledgement, and barely heard the Roegadyn’s chuckle as he left the chamber, leaving the miqo’te in peace with his breakfast and book.

[the-firebird69]

Thanos biggest mistake to Leave Wanda and kill vision Cool Edit #shorts ...

And Timmy Doyle doesn't think he's in someone else's body but he is he's in a hulks body he doesn't have that much power. He's making fun of his pants he has to explain it they look funny though and it looks like croakies and it's what he looks like normally. And our son says I'm much bigger than you and you guys come down and prove it says I'll be over in a moment and his character shows up and he's like up to his shoulders with his head and he's bulky like the hulk he said no that won't do it really is like 10 ft tall and to me is only 11 and but he's smoking like the hulk and her son is vulgar and weighs three times as much so you guys like this and can you see that this is the hours it mean it says what do you think it means there's three of you for one of me he says that's fairly observant and it's close and he says you wait three times as much and he said you're actually thinking in there and it's not even your body how wonderful and I got to put it out because of you. Now is that the smart part has your buddy says. Too you often and he's your enemy he says I guess that's the smart part. So it comes over and it says I'm going to hit you and you're going to feel it for quite a while it's in the stomach and he doubles over and it is not a hulk and it's Trump and he says oh you jerk and he hits Trump real hard and he's not in the house format and he's human and he gets his ass kicked so that's not me so the guy is crumpled over and in pain and that's time her son is about 6 ft and kind of bulky this is Timmy if you come here you get ruined he goes oh no give you a midget you said it laughing and said that's great he goes well oh God it's going to be this drawn-out thing and he says no I can get to it I'm not friends anymore much no one is and it's those empire s*** yeah they're huge they've always been doing it and my clans gone and all you guys had was my clan foreigners too need them and he said s*** that's awful and the last of them almost. This is what's so special and said you got to do a regimen you have to have discipline and they would teach people that you get up in the morning and you eat breakfast you have three of those a day minimum if you're feeling tired and hungry then you should try and rest you should stay in shape all that stuff and and it's a mountain of it systems for scanning checking way of seeing if someone someone without giving it away smart stuff that was going on so it is but a lot of it isn't it's craziness and someone did something to you well I suspect Tommy f and some others are lackeys though for the empire they are always the ones who haven't done and people can't remember okay there's one and he's near you so you probably knows he got it right away and went off to it it says no I can't beat you up right now but I'm full size you wouldn't stand a chance and the Hawks wouldn't either unless they grew and they're very formidable physically and if the juice it would be even and that's interesting cuz it's very dangerous and your brain might fry and he said wow that's awful you don't have to take it back he kicks ass but your pants need some work like armor or something anything just feel like you're walking around and you're bathrobe you said it laughing and it says it makes me want to piss my pants I can't stand it it's really awful so is that goes though he gets put back in his own body and he gets in a big fights and he can't win and he's terrified people will pick on him all the time so he needs evidence he goes to find it I finally get some and it's hard to keep tells people and it starts working again

Thor Freya

Olympus

Zues Hera

[veganstrider]

Divine Delights: Unleash Your Taste Buds with VeganStrider.com's Delectable Key Lime Pie Recipe!

Welcome to a world where vegan desserts reign supreme, and flavor knows no bounds! Today, we're diving into the tantalizing realm of VeganStrider.com's mouthwatering Vegan Key Lime Pie recipe. Brace yourself for an explosion of tangy lime zest, velvety smooth filling, and a crust that will leave you craving more. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure that will forever change the way you view vegan desserts!

Unleashing the Ingredients:

- 1 ½ cups of vegan graham cracker crumbs

- ⅓ cup of melted vegan butter

- 1 ½ cups of raw cashews (soaked overnight and drained)

- ½ cup of fresh lime juice

- 1 tablespoon of lime zest

- 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk

- ½ cup of maple syrup or agave nectar

- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

- A pinch of salt

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As you feel the warmth of the oven embrace your kitchen, you know something extraordinary is about to transpire.

2. In a bowl, combine the vegan graham cracker crumbs with melted vegan butter. As you press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, envision the foundation of your culinary masterpiece taking shape.

3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it glistens with a golden hue. Set it aside to cool, as anticipation builds with each passing moment.

4. Prepare to embark on a whirlwind of flavors by blending the soaked cashews, lime juice, lime zest, coconut milk, maple syrup (or agave nectar), vanilla extract, and salt until a creamy symphony unfolds.

5. Pour this exquisite mixture onto the cooled crust, spreading it with precision and care. Every stroke brings you closer to dessert nirvana.

6. Now, the waiting game begins. Place the pie in the refrigerator, allowing it to set for at least 4 hours, or if you dare, let it rest overnight. Patience is a virtue, but the rewards will be worth it.

7. As the moment arrives to unveil your creation, a sense of accomplishment fills the air. Slice into the chilled pie, marveling at its flawless texture and the anticipation of the magical taste explosion that awaits.

Prepare to be transported to a world of sheer delight! The Vegan Key Lime Pie at VeganStrider.com offers a symphony of flavors. With its tangy lime juice and zest dancing harmoniously with the creamy cashew filling, each bite tantalizes the taste buds. The crisp graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch that completes this sensory journey. Prepare to be mesmerized by the texture, the aromas, and the layers of flavor that will leave you yearning for more.

VeganStrider.com is your guiding light in the realm of vegan culinary delights. With a commitment to cruelty-free and compassionate cooking, their Vegan Key Lime Pie is a testament to the fact that plant-based desserts can be truly extraordinary. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply enjoy exploring new flavors, VeganStrider.com is your go-to destination for unforgettable recipes that celebrate both taste and ethics.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with VeganStrider.com's Vegan Key Lime Pie recipe. This tantalizing dessert is a testament to the fact that vegan treats can be indulgent, flavorful, and downright divine. Share this incredible recipe with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts, and let the magic of VeganStrider.com guide you to a world where taste, compassion, and culinary excellence coexist harmoniously. Take a leap into the world of vegan desserts today and discover the wonders that await you!

[felipeandletizia]

Felipe and Letizia retrospective: June 18th

2007: Delivery of the National Sports Awards & Gala dinner offered to the King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

2009: Opening of the 4th FEDIT National Meeting of Technology Centers

2010: Arrival to Stockholm to attend the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling & Government Gala Performance for the Wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling at Stockholm Concert Hall in Stockholm, Sweden.

2012: Academic event commemorating the bicentenary of the creation of the Supreme Court

2013: Visited the Student’s Residence in Madrid

2014: Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute of International and Strategic Studies & King Juan Carlos’ official abdication ceremony (1, 2, 3)

2015: Inauguration of the entrepreneurship summit “IN³: Innovators, Investors and Institutions”

2018: Breakfast with a representation of Spanish and Texan businessmen; Opening of the exhibition “Masterpieces of Spanish Painting from Madrid Collections” at San Antonio Museum of Art; Carolina’s Foundations Hispanic Leaders Summit at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Antonio, Texas & Received at Andrews Air Base in Washington by the Chief of Protocol of the United States of America, Sean P. Lawler on day 4 of their official visit to New Orleans, San Antonio and Washington, USA

2019: Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Elcano Royal Institute of International and Strategic Studies.

2020: Videoconferences: Representatives of the Museo de Arte Reina Sofía (Queen Sofia Art Museum); Representatives of the Guild of Fallas Artists of Valencia & Launch of the ‘Spain for Sure’ Campaign to project the image of Spain abroad at the Prado National Museum

2021: Delivery of the Order of Civil Merit Condecorations to mark the 7th anniversary of King Felipe’s proclamation

F&L Through the Years: 782/??

[btsrunmylife]

In The Dog House (a one shot)

Word Count: 4,628

Genre: Fluff, Humor, Smut

Rating: Explicit

Pairing: Seokjin x f!Reader

Summary: You truly, truly hate your neighbor. He’s loud, distracting, and he spoils your dog. What will happen when you finally confront him???

Warnings: Language, unprotected sex (be safe, friends), dirty talk, cunnilingus, fingering, slight degradation (maybe?), and hints of voyeurism if you squint.

Cross-posted to AO3.

It’s happening again. 

You groan and roll off the couch, heading toward the backdoor of your little, rented townhouse. You push aside the curtain to peer out at the backyard, where you have a small fence set up for your Lhasa Apso Pomeranian mix to run around. At the moment, she’s yipping and hopping at the edge of the fence, tail wagging and body wiggling with all her might to get your neighbor’s attention.

Your neighbor.

Truly, your dog’s behavior is all his fault. Normally so quiet and well-behaved after years of training, Nari’s good manners fly out the window the second she sees him.

You wish you could say it’s because your dog is overly friendly, but while that’s true, it’s not the reason she gets so excited. No, that would be because of the bag of treats your neighbor keeps hidden on his back porch.

He doesn’t even own a dog.

Your eyes narrow when you see the man loping toward your yard, said bag of treats in hand. A part of you was touched the first few times he’d given your little angel a treat. You fully believe, as any pet owner would, that she deserves the world. However, this little thing has become a routine. One that has spoiled your little pup into thinking every stranger is going to poof a bag of treats out of thin air for her.

To be frank, it completely ruined her training, and her incessant barking every time she goes outside is grating on your nerves

So, you do the only logical thing there is -- you stare broodingly out the window every time he feeds them to her, hoping he can feel the hatred you have for him prickling at his skin. 

Of course, that never happens. As powerful as you’d like to believe you are, you can’t shoot daggers out of your eyes or breathe fire out your nostrils. 

And he certainly can’t read your mind.

If he could, he would have stopped giving your dog treats after the seventh time it’d happened.

He also probably would have been blushing profusely every time you imagined his handsome face between your thighs.

You wonder if he would act on it if he knew, but you banish the thought as it comes. He’s your neighbor. An annoying one at that.

You sigh in relief when he finally turns to leave -- but not before giving Nari a final scratch between the ears.

Your first mistake is opening the door to call for your dog before your neighbor’s safely in his house. The second is freezing when he turns around to smile at you and wave.

You don’t respond for a good few moments, continuing to stare even as Nari’s soft fur is brushing past your ankles on her way inside. When your neighbor’s eyebrows start to furrow in confusion, you clear your throat and lift a hand in greeting before adamantly slamming your door shut.

Like you said.

So annoying.

*~*~*

Annoying and stupid, that’s what your neighbor is.

A few days later, you open the back door to let Nari out and, suddenly, she’s going absolutely crazy. You peer outside, wondering what the hell has gotten into her, when you notice what’s got her so hyped up.

There’s a whole bag of treats in your sweet, little baby’s pen.

A whole bag.

Why?

Scowling, you stomp over to the far side of the fence, closest to your neighbor’s yard, and snatch the bag off the ground before Nari can successfully tear into it. You glare at the back door of his home, which is clearly dark and empty.

Of course, you know this is probably some sort of kind gesture, but seriously? Who throws an entire bag of treats into someone’s yard? Not only would it be catastrophic if Nari ate the entire thing in one go, but what if some sort of animal had gotten into the fence?

What if the smell attracted other dogs?

The possibilities are endless and you really can’t help but wonder what goes on in your neighbor’s ridiculously (and admittedly attractive) thick head.

And what did he think? That you couldn’t afford to buy your dog treats?

With Nari jumping at the bag in your arms, you stomp your way back into your house and slam the door behind you, adamant about giving your neighbor a piece of your mind the next time you see him.

This shit has got to stop.

*~*~*

It stops. The treat giving gloriously, gloriously stops.

The spoiling of your little baby, however, does not.

A few days later, when you walk outside to let your little Nari in, you spot not one, but six tennis balls of various sizes in her pen.

And, of course, she’s going right to town on one of them

It squeaks.

And when you let Nari inside, the ball she brings in with her and refuses to put down continues to squeak.

All. Night. Long.

You’re going to kill your neighbor.

You’ve, quite honestly, had enough! Why is he so hellbent on spoiling your dog anyway? If he loves dogs so much, he should get one of his own! Clearly he knows what they like!

Groaning after your very long, very sleepless night, you trudge over toward the coffee pot and get it going before letting Nari outside. Your eyes widen when you see your neighbor in his yard, doing some sort of yoga routine that he’s supremely bad at. 

You quirk your head, eyes trained on his uncoordinated movements. His sense of balance isn’t terrible, but…yeah, that’s not how you do a downward dog…or a warrior pose. He’s very likely to hurt himself at this rate.

You’re still staring when Nari spots him, yipping and bouncing excitedly at the edge of the fence. A broad grin spreads across your neighbor’s lips, his sharp laugh bursting into the quiet morning. He rights himself, pulling himself out of whatever pose he’d been trying to do, and stretches his back while waving at the small dog.

“Good morning! How’s my princess doing?”

Wait, did you just hear him right?

His princess?

Nari is most certainly not his anything.

She’s yours, and you’re seconds away from opening your mouth to tell him so when his attention drifts to you in the doorway. It’s not until his eyes are traveling over you that you remember you haven’t quite…well, gotten dressed yet.

You clear your throat and tug at the long sweater you’re wearing, pulling it further down your thighs in a meager attempt to hide the fact you’re only in your underwear.

Damn it. You haven’t even had your coffee yet. It’s too early and you’re too tired for this.

His gaze moves back to your face and you could swear his ears redden when his eyes meet yours. He grins. “Good morning, neighbor!”

So, your dog is his princess and you’re just…neighbor. You see how it is. Favoritism at its finest.

Not that you can blame him. One look into Nari’s perfectly round eyes and your heart melts too.

So, maybe you shouldn’t be too hard on him for spoiling her.

No, wait! You lost sleep because of him! You should be hard on him!

As your eyes move over the baggy, white t-shirt falling down around his tightly fitting athletic pants, you start to wish he’d be a little hard on you instead.

Yeah, you need more sleep.

“Morning,” you squeak, cringing at the way your voice sounds after uttering your first words of the day. Too frustrated by Nari’s incessant noise throughout the night, you hadn’t even praised her for being the cutest dog in the world this morning

Safe to say, your silent treatment went completely unnoticed by Nari. Typical.

“Rough night?” he questions with a lift of his eyebrow

You narrow your eyes at him, wondering if he knows just how rough it was…and wondering if he’d like to help make tonight a little rougher.

Good god, your mind is horrible in the mornings.

“Yeah, seems like Nari got a hold of some new toys yesterday,” you say bluntly, crossing your arms over your chest. Doing this results in the bottom of the sweatshirt inching up your thighs, which doesn’t go unnoticed by your neighbor.

He huffs out a breathless, guilt-ridden laugh and scratches at the back of his neck. “Oh? Wonder where she could’ve gotten them?”

You roll your eyes, really wishing you remembered his name. “Look, neighbor—“

“Seokjin.”

You stop short at the interruption, eyebrows pinching. “What?”

“My name’s Seokjin,” he clarifies with a small, friendly smile.

You see what he’s doing, trying to ease the tension, and of course it’s working because the asshole knows how handsome his stupid face is when he smiles.

“I didn’t ask,” you grumble, but it doesn’t carry any heat because it’s actually good to know.

Seokjin’s grin widens. “No, but I figured you forgot since we first met.” 

He then rattles off your name as if he could never forget, which makes you feel great, obviously.

Your smile is thin when you say, “Right.”

He reaches into the pocket of his athletic pants and your eyes can’t help but follow the movements, watching as he pulls out a single treat to hand over to your little baby.

You frown. She hasn’t even had her breakfast yet.

“Can I ask you something?” you question when he’s scratching your pup’s ears. He glances up at you and nods for you to go ahead. You eye Nari as her tongue lolls out of her mouth, eyes blinking happily at the handsome man who's lavishing her with attention.

Bitch.

“Why don’t you have a dog of your own?” you voice the question that’s been at the forefront of your mind since the very first time he’d given your dog a treat. At first, you’d thought he was just being neighborly, now you know it’s more than that.

A soft smile curls the corners of his lips and he looks at Nari affectionately. 

“They’re a lot of work, aren’t they?” He shrugs. “I don’t have much time for one.”

And, yet, he has plenty of time to spoil yours...

You hum, heart softening just a little at the sight of Nari softly lapping his hand.

Seokjin’s fond smile widens as he wiggles his fingers, cooing at her. “And who could ever compete with this little angel, hmm?”

You would hope that you could compete…….and now you feel ridiculous because you’re starting to feel jealous of a dog.

Your sweet, little, angelic and beautiful dog, but still.

“Sometimes I have to wonder though,” Seokjin begins, peeking up at you from beneath his lashes. He chuckles a little. “Do you even feed her? She’s always so excited.”

Yeah, nope, this is no longer cute. How dare he!

“You’re feeding her treats!” you explode, throwing your hands up in the air. “Of course she’s going to be excited! Dogs are known for being food motivated!” 

He raises his eyebrows at your outburst, hand slowly withdrawing from Nari’s head as you continue. 

“And furthermore, every time you feed her one of your treats, she never eats her food! I give it to her and she just looks at it because you’re spoiling her meals! So, yes, I feed her, but no, most of the time she hasn’t eaten yet so she’s overly excited for you to feed her something that’s in no way nutritious at all! It’s completely throwing off her routine!”

Seokjin’s lips press into a firm line, eyes creasing in silent laughter that eventually bubbles over, pouring from his lips in squeaks. “You’ve been holding that in for a while, haven’t you?”

Heat floods the apples of your cheek and you try not to appear too put-off by his observation. Clearly, you’re not subtle at all. You huff, crossing your arms tightly over your chest and averting your gaze. You’re not even sure how to respond to that or what to say after your outburst. You feel a little silly for losing your composure, honestly.

Sobering slightly, Seokjin chuckles. “You could’ve asked me to stop, you know?”

Yeah, that probably would have made more sense than glaring from your back window. More heat floods your cheeks and you have to resist the urge to roll your eyes at yourself. How many times have you, yourself, said that communication goes a long way?

You glance at Nari, who’s settled down on the grass with her head on her paws, looking between the two of you like she’s watching some kind of show.

Yeah, must be so amusing to watch your owner make an idiot out of herself like this.

“But Nari loves you,” you sigh, rubbing your arm a little sheepishly.

“Yeah, she does.” He says it like it’s obvious, like everyone should love him, and you scoff.

“Bribery,” you grumble.

He throws his head back in a laugh, crinkled eyes sparkling as they move over you. “And is there any way to bribe her owner?”

Your eyes widen, all the thoughts you’ve had of his mouth coming to mind, and you don’t even realize your hands have moved to tug at the bottom of your sweater until his eyes shift to follow the movement.

His eyes darken, plump lips curving into a smirk that you would gladly drool over if he wasn’t standing right in front of you. “I interrupted your morning...have you had coffee yet?”

You take a step back, glancing over your shoulder into the kitchen, where the freshly brewed pot of coffee sits. You quirk an eyebrow. “I just...made a pot, actually?”

His lips twitch. “And has Nari had her breakfast yet?”

Your other eyebrow rises and you can’t help but wonder where this is going. “Not yet…”

He grips the top of the fence. “Should we change that then?”

A surprised laugh slips past your lips before you can stop it. “Are you inviting yourself into my home?”

He blinks a couple of times. “Maybe...am I being too forward?”

In your opinion, he’s not being forward enough. You whistle for Nari to come in and she jumps up instantly, skittering into the house. You shrug. “Since you’re the one that’s ruining her meals, it’s only fair that you’re the one that tries to make her eat.”

His smirk spreads into a wide grin and he eyes the ground in front of him before hopping the fence. You’re tempted to tell him about the gate you installed, but bite your lip, a little impressed he managed to make it over the fence without issue.

He’s taller than you’re expecting and your eyes widen a little as he climbs the steps, his smile a little smug as he motions toward the door. “After you, neighbor.”

Neighbor. So, you’re back to this again.

You roll your eyes and turn around, leading him into your home before you can overthink it.

*~*~*

Of course, your dog loves to make you look like a fool. She wiggles excitedly as Seokjin pours her dry food into her bowl, sitting back on her haunches and raising her front paws in a beg when he moves to set it on the floor. She eats so quickly, you’d think she’d never eaten before.

You want to wipe the smug smirk off Seokjin’s lips when he turns to you, arms crossed over his broad chest.

You set your jaw and pour coffee into two mugs before offering one to him, motioning toward the cream and sugar for him to do as he pleases. He follows you to the table, a little too closely, and your breath catches in your throat when he trips and catches himself with a hand to your waist.

“Sorry,” he mumbles, but doesn’t bother to remove his hand. Instead, he steps a bit closer, a pleasant warmth settling against your back. You swallow, fingers fiddling with the bottom of your oversized sweater. “Nari must have been starving.”

Your eyes flutter as he shifts behind you and you struggle to turn your attention to your dog’s empty bowl. She’s a traitor, but you’re kind of grateful for it at the moment, especially as Seokjin’s grip tightens around your waist.

“I’m kind of hungry too,” he murmurs, and you vaguely hear him set down his mug before he’s moving your hair from over your shoulder. His lips don’t touch you, not the way you’re craving, but he does nuzzle into your neck, hands following the curve of your waist, down to your thighs. You press back against him at the feel of his palms against your bare skin and you feel him smile against your shoulder.

“You didn’t even bother to get dressed before ogling me this morning,” he teases, fingertips flirting over the inside of your thighs, prying your legs further apart. You feel deliciously exposed in a way that leaves you breathless, your anticipation making your hands shake. You let out a sigh when he presses himself against you, feeling his hardening length against your backside. He chuckles at the way you gasp when he subtly rolls his hips, highly aware of how needy you are. “You think I don’t notice you watching me.”

His lips finally settle over your pulse-point, teeth gently grazing and nipping at your skin. “You think I don’t know how flustered I make you, how crazy I drive you when I pay more attention to Nari than you.”

Your entire body flushes, wishing you could take back all the things you’d thought and the feelings you’d felt just this morning. Especially now that you’re so sure he’d been doing it on purpose.

He laughs lightly, squeezing your thighs. “You’re jealous of a dog, but I definitely wouldn’t be doing this--” He inches a hand higher, pinching the sensitive flesh of your thigh and making you jolt in his arms. “--to your dog.”

Yeah, that’s...a very good thing?

You manage a small, strained laugh that turns into a gasp as he spins the two of you around. You’re quick to slam your coffee down on the kitchen counter, just before he’s bending you over it. He grinds himself against your clothed core, but doesn’t let you relish in the feeling for long before he’s sinking to his knees. He plants wet, open-mouthed kisses to the back of your thighs, enjoying the way you squirm at how close he is to where you want him. To where you need him.

“Fuck,” you pant, and a saccharin chuckle slips past his lips.

His fingers flirt over the material of your underwear, dipping a finger in to swipe over your core. He hums. “So wet already and I’ve barely touched you.”

He nips at your skin, shocking you. “I bet you were imagining me between your legs this morning, weren’t you? Is that why you couldn’t look me in the eyes when I said good morning?”

Well, technically, you were fully imagining his cock, not his mouth, but…

You yelp when he suddenly moves your underwear aside, moaning at the sight of you. The pad of his finger grazes you, swiping between your folds, up to your clit and back again. “Look at you.”

God, his voice sounds wrecked already. He sounds like a man starved, like a man ready to devour you. And fuck, you want him to.

“Please,” you whimper, wiggling your hips in an attempt to get more of his fingers.

He chuckles, running his teeth along the curve of your ass. “Tell me, what have you been imagining? My fingers or my mouth?”

That’s honestly such a hard choice to make. While his lips are divine and you’ve been wondering what he could do with his head buried between your thighs, you’ve also had various fantasies about his long, slender fingers. You know he could destroy you with either and you’d be more than happy to take whatever he gives you.

He sinks his teeth into you and you jolt forward with a yelp. Panting, you mutter, “Both! Either! Please!”

“So greedy,” he laughs, but presses a kiss to your backside as his fingers find your clit. He smirks when you spread your legs wider for him and when he finally buries his face between your legs, he moans at the taste of you on his tongue. “God, you taste fucking delicious.”

You rock back against his face, desperate to feel more of his tongue. He doesn’t disappoint, prying your folds apart and pressing into you, adding a finger for good measure. He hums, the sound coming out as a growl, as he starts to finger you and suck on your clit.

“Look at you,” he murmurs. “So good for me. So accepting of my fingers and my tongue.”

He sucks and slurps at you like a man eating his last meal, hands moving to grip your hips as you start to tremble and thrash against him.

“That’s right,” he growls, brushing his teeth against your clit. “Cum for me, gorgeous. I wanna taste more of you.”

He sucks harshly at your clit, fingers sinking deep into your cunt as you start to tighten and then pulse around him. He’s quick to remove himself from your clit, continuing to pump his fingers into you as he slurps at your juices.

“So fucking good,” he groans, pulling you back against his face until he can barely breathe. He licks you clean, sucking at you until you’re a trembling mess in his hands and whimpering in overstimulation.

When he finally pulls away from you, it’s with a self-satisfied smirk that looks far too vulgar and far too sexy with your arousal dripping from his chin. You don’t care though, quickly pulling him to his feet and mashing your mouth to his. You taste yourself on his lips and the two of you moan, tongues tangling as you quickly hook your legs around him.

He catches you easily, setting you on the countertop and reaching for the waistband of his pants. You wiggle out of your underwear, letting them drop to the floor as he drops his pants, boxer briefs following along.

You glance down between you to get a good look at him, hand moving at its own accord and wrapping around him in a few quick pumps. He moans under the touch of your fingers, gripping your hips and pulling you toward the edge of the countertop.

“I don’t have a condom,” he groans, burying his face in your neck as you squeeze him. “I didn’t think I’d get this far.”

You snort, quirking an eyebrow at him. “You were so confident that I’d been fantasizing about you, but didn’t think I’d actually let you fuck me?”

He grunts, teeth scraping along your neck. “I mean...a guy can hope.”

You sigh, dropping your hand away in favor of wrapping your legs around his ass to pull him toward you. You wrap your arms around his shoulders with a smirk. “It’s a good thing I’m on the pill then...and clean.”

His eyes widen, lush lips parting. “I’m clean too...you’d really let me fuck you raw?”

You bite your lip and nod, causing him to tip his head back in a moan.

“Fuck, you’re perfect,” he praises, taking himself in his hand and lining himself up. He lets the tip nudge against your folds, dragging it up to your clit and back down again. He glances up at you as you bite your lip. “You sure?”

Your grip around him tightens and you pull him closer. “Yes! Please, fuck me!”

His cocky smirk melts away as he sinks into you, slipping in easily with how wet you are. He holds himself there for a moment, adjusting to the warmth of you wrapped around him. Your walls flutter, still sensitive from the way he’d fucked you with his fingers moments before, and he sucks in a sharp breath.

“You feel so good,” he groans, slowly pulling out to slowly push back in. The movement feels good -- so blissfully good -- but it’s not enough. It’s not what you’re craving.

You fingers sink into his shoulders and your legs tighten around him. “Harder.”

“Harder?” he questions, smirk evident in his voice, and you’re immediately regretting your words as he pulls out just as slow, only to snap his hips forward. He carries on this way, at the same agonizingly slow, but deep, pace and you can feel your nerves starting to light on fire. Your entire body feels warm, blood pumping eagerly through your veins as he scrapes against your walls.

“Faster,” you plead, wishing he’d just fuck you hard and dirty the way you’d always imagined.

“Hmm,” he hums, kissing up the length of your neck until he reaches your ear. He nips and teases at your skin. “You sure? This won’t last long, not with you so wet and tight around my cock. You really that eager for me to cum inside you, neighbor? Really want me to fill you up?”

His words have you whimpering, hips rolling desperately against his in an attempt to speed things up.

He chuckles, hands squeezing around your hips to slow you down. “I should’ve known you’d be this desperate after watching me for months. I bet you’ve imagined cumming around my cock, huh? Probably fucked yourself with your fingers and wished it was me.”

You cry out when his fingers pinch your clit.

“You want to cum?” he taunts, and you nod your head quickly, clinging to him for all your worth as he finally, finally picks up the pace.

“Then cum,” he huffs, fingertips digging into your waist as he barrels into you, plucking at the coil wound so tightly within you that you’re crying out and panting against his neck.

“Seokjin!” you yelp, finally able to move your hips and help set the pace.

He’s breathing heavily along with you, sweat dripping from the strands of his hair, as he nods. “Cum for me, princess.”

As if attached to some wire, you do exactly as you’re told, orgasm crashing through you like a wave and leaving your body trembling against him. You’re whimpering and sighing and moaning out his name as your walls squeeze around him, milking him of every last drop as his orgasm quickly follows.

“Fuck, yes,” he grunts, fingers moving quickly over your clit to prolong your orgasm and leave you a trembling, sweating mess. He keeps going until he’s spent, until you’re whimpering out small tears. He stills, slowly pulling out of you as he kisses your tears away, pulling you in for a passionate, all-consuming kiss that leaves you panting against his mouth.

He brushes your sweat-slicked hair from your forehead and offers a small smile, eyes soft and a little sleepy. “You did so well.”

You manage a wobbly smile, still a little dazed, and turn your head to kiss the palm resting against your cheek. “You didn’t do so bad yourself.”

He laughs, that high-pitched sound that you’re slowly growing fond of. “We should clean up and then think about having a real breakfast…if you want to, that is.”

You smile, leaning in to kiss him chastely on the lips because you really can’t resist. You let out a contented sigh. “I’d like that.”

He grins. “Yeah?”

You roll your eyes. “Yeah, I guess I should get to know the man Nari has fallen so hard for.”

His eyes narrow playfully. “Mm, yeah, and maybe I can find a few ways to get her owner to fall for me too.”

You snort, knocking his hands away and jumping down from the counter with a slight wince. “Yeah, maybe.”

Because, yeah, it’s entirely likely.