#i often read a book while watching tv or read a book while listening to an audiobook

[hellenhighwater]

okay, settle an argument for me. I'm being told it's weird to listen to an audiobook while simultaneously reading a different book. Do you do this? Like, audiobook in your headphones, unrelated book being read at the same time, not just alternating which you're working on by listening to a chapter, then reading a different chapter.

[compassionatereminders]

Currently I'm working on asking myself how I can make any situation I'm in more cozy and enjoyable. That means making a hot drink and cleaning my glasses before I sit down to read. Putting on my favorite music while I scroll tumblr or draw. Checking the weather and putting on proper clothing before going on a walk. Preparing something nice to snack on before sitting down to watch TV. Listening to an audio book while doing the dishes. Because often it only takes a couple minutes to do something extra that makes a positive difference!

[selfishdoll]

NOW PLAYING…. LOVE BELT

Hold me, hold me, hold me

FLUFFY SLEEP HCS

ft. kashimo hajime, gojo satoru, nanami kento, takuma ino, & shoko ieiri

cw. none? domestic, fluffy, ooc characters.

needed something cute and fluffy to combat these new leaks 😭

KASHIMO HAJIME.

refuses to go to sleep before you. when he’s ready to get into bed, you better be too. ( this is a joke, of course he wouldn’t force you to sleep at the same time as him. but.. he will follow you like a lost puppy until you’re ready to go to sleep. i’ll be right there, you can sleep haji. i’m fine, i’m not tired. )

like said in a previous drabble, his arm is always around you. he’s not gently touching you, not a hand on you, it’s an arm. tight around your waist, your back pulled into his front. your body is always facing away from the door, and there are times he will even cover you in his sleep. not to smother you, it’s a safety thing for him.

he’s a jujutsu sorcerer and no matter if you’re strong or not, he cares for you. more then he hoped for. so the second you move in your sleep whether on purpose or not, his eyes are opening and surveying your bedroom— assuring no danger is present.

prefers to remain clothed in sweats and a tshirt so he’s always warm. will remove his shirt if he need be, but most times he’s clothed.

gets up before you, but only gets out of bed when you do. until then he’ll just look around the room, plan his day in his head, and look at you. he has to refrain from kissing or touching your face, since he would hate to wake you up.

will urge you to get out of bed when it’s time, hajime just isn’t a lazy person, so he would hate for you to be. but if you wish to stay in bed, he’s sighing softly but remaining next to you, still holding you.

GOJO SATORU.

feel like he hogs the blanket.

kidding. he would never do such a thing.. maybe.

anyway, satoru is a little similar to hajime when it comes to sleeping with you. except, much more outspoken about it. when he just wants to take a quick nap he’ll go to the room (or somewhere else) by himself. but when it’s time to shut down for the day, he’s asking you to come to the room with him.

grabbing you gently, kissing your skin, urging you sweetly. he’s needy, like he can’t sleep properly without you by his side. as annoying as it seems, it’s cute to you.

when you finally give in you usually don’t go to sleep automatically. either reading a book or watching something. that’s fine, given he’ll come close, wrapping his arms around your waist. or pulling you to lay against his chest.

against his chest, you’ll hear his steady heartbeat, his breaths, the way they get just a bit deeper as time passes on. your fingers will intertwine, the man gently squeezing your smaller ones every so often.

you’ll speak about random things, hearing him give some hums because even if he isn’t completely listening, he wants you to know he cares.

did you hear me, satoru?

mhm. i heard you. knowing he’s blinking in and out of sleep.

soon enough you’ll hear his soft snores, looking back to see his head pressed into his pillow, arm lazily across your body.

it only takes moments before you shut the tv off, switch off the bedside lamp, and curl up into his arms, falling asleep too.

NANAMI KENTO.

nanami is different then satoru and hajime, as you’re the one that’s normally urging him to bed. he’s a stressed man whether when he’s a salaryman or a sorcerer, he has responsibilities to tend to. and as much as he hates working overtime, it usually ends up that way.

come on to bed, nanami.

i’ll be right there, i promise.

will smile at the way you hang on to him, attempting to wrap your blanket around him as well— as if seducing him to sleep. he’s gotten used to your tricks, simply patting your hand while his attention remained on the task at hand.

soon your legs would get tired, walking around his chair and taking a seat on his lap. you’ll lay on him, eyes closed and simply relishing in his presence. he allows you, sacrificing an arm to wrap around you to assure you don’t slide off.

an hour or so would pass, your soft snores entering his ear as he blinked tiredly. he was finally done. finally. his arms wrapped around you, securing you before standing up, walking out of the office with you in his arms.

once in the bedroom he places you onto your bed, shedding himself of his clothes to simply reside in his boxers. with a heavy sigh he’s crawling into bed, smiling when he feels you move closer to him. his arm wraps around your body, tugging you to his side.

most times nanami adapts to your sleeping habits. if you’re on your side he’s curled up behind you hand on your stomach, if you’re on your stomach he’s on his back, allowing you to sleep on his chest.

another one that likes to touch when he sleeps. prefers it actually. you’re his peace and he can’t sleep without that.

TAKUMA INO.

definitely a blanket hogger. the moment you mention it in the morning he’s apologizing with the silliest look on his face. he doesn’t do it on purpose.

ino is the kind that doesn’t really mind not sleeping together. sure, he’d want to, but he knows you two have different ideas of sleep schedules. he probably goes to sleep before you, dressed in some sweats and a shirt.

but the moment you come into bed, he’s waking up to cuddle you, wrapping his arms around your waist and placing his face into your breasts.

can you breathe, ino?

mhm...

i can literally hear you struggling.

the two of you probably move around a lot in your sleep, kicking each other, you spooning him, it’s a surprise how the two of you end up in the morning.

ino probably needs to be woken up since he ignores his alarms.

SHOKO IEIRI.

its pretty rare the two of you fall asleep at the same time or together at all. she works the night shift and is busy in general. sometimes when you are waking up, she’s going to bed. and not for long either.

on those special days you two can sleep together, shoko doesn’t really care what positions you two are in. she just wants to sleep.

will allow you to curl up at her side, hug her from behind, doesn’t matter as long as you are still and quiet.

sometimes if you’re still up she’ll lay her head in your lap, allowing you to stroke her hair and lull her to sleep.

unfortunately, these tender moments are interrupted if she’s on call.

[tsyvia48]

Author & Mensch: Reflections on the impact of @neil-gaiman on my life, in essay and doodle

As a woman of a certain age, I am a well-practiced overthinker. Nerd, geek, know-it-all, intellectual, the names have been biting or praise depending on who wielded them. They’re all true, and I embrace them. 

In the early days of adulthood, when I was a wee 20-something overthinking nerd, geek, know-it-all, intellectual (20+ years ago), I became deeply interested in image and text and text-as-image. While friends were watching and arguing over Survivor, I was obsessing over Peter Greenaway’s The Pillowbook and Prospero's Books and Neil Gaiman’s Sandman. (To this day my copies of the Sandman graphic novels and the English translation of The Pillowbook of Sei Shonagon are proudly displayed on the good bookshelves—you know, the ones I want people to peruse.)

Sandman isn't merely good storytelling and good art, it teases at some of the fundamental questions to which my religion-major heart was consistently and reliably drawn. It modeled a way of rendering the questions—and suggested answers—I would never have imagined on my own.

In those days, I created an artist's book: an altered gift edition of Hamlet. I explored Ophelia’s femininity and the inevitability of her break with her mental health, caught as she is between Hamlet and her father. I imagined her story if she’d had true agency. I investigated the way art (fan art?!) had shaped my understanding of the play and my relationship to it. I layered in my story—my resonance and dissonance with hers—and my art, along with images of famous and not-so-famous paintings of Ophelia. I proudly named Greenaway and Gaiman as influences. 

I imagined myself an artist. And, truthfully, I suppose I was one. 

I read Good Omens back then, too, delighting over the religious tropes and subversions, the humor, and the fundamental faith in humanity that shone through. 

In the two decades since then, below the din of “responsible” choices (that have mostly moved me away from imagining myself an artist) there has been a melody quietly bringing me comfort, shifting my perspective, and reminding me who I want to be. When I stop to listen for and name the music, I realize much of it generates from Neil Gaiman. 

The Graveyard Book gave me comfort and hope as a new parent. 

Ocean at the End of the Lane reminded me of the layers and the depths⏤the archetypes and metaphors⏤present in everything around me, if I am willing to seek them.

Neil’s anecdote about meeting Neil Armstrong has been a talisman against imposter syndrome. Or, more precisely, it has been a permission slip for forgiving myself when the imposter syndrome inevitably surfaces.

The episode of Dr Who he wrote (“the Doctor’s Wife”) changed the way I understand the entire Dr Who experience before and since. 

Lucifer (tv), which his work inspired, gave me joy, comfort and distraction through a tough time in my life. 

When, a few years ago, I realized he is Jewish, I had that swelling of pride and resonance that I always get when someone I admire shares that identity with me.

And now there’s the Good Omens tv series. It has opened something in me I didn’t realize was closed. Crowley and Aziraphale are helping me better understand myself, and love, and gender, and storytelling, and, believe it or not, Torah. I am writing again for the first time in ages. I'm drawing more often and with more joy than I’ve known maybe since childhood.

I’ve been getting back into my gratidoodle practice, drawing and writing what I’m grateful for. And when I decided to add Neil Gaiman’s face and some words about my appreciation for his work to my sketchbook, I realized he’s brought me full circle.

Text and image and text-as-image + Neil Gaiman + story is an old constellation for me. And once again, I find my thoughts dancing, shifting, blossoming to the quiet melody of (one of?) the greatest storyteller(s) of this generation. 

And now that I am actively engaging with other Gaiman fans, I see how responsive and kind and encouraging he is to those of us who love his work, and his name is permanently etched on my heart: a benefactor, a teacher, a role model.

How satisfying and fitting that such a powerful and resonant voice, miraculously, thankfully, beautifully, also seems to be a genuine mensch. 

B”H (thanks to God) that I am alive at the same time as such a one.

#I didn't realize I was going to write AND draw when I started this #but I felt I needed both #I wish I had a flatbed scanner #this photo doesn't do it justice #there's greater nuance in the color in person #Stories matter #Art matters #like, really matters #Neil Gaiman is a gift to this world #Good Omens #Crowley and Aziraphale #Ocean at the End of the Lane #The Graveyard Book #Neil Armstrong and imposter syndrome #The Doctor's Wife #So grateful for tumblr

[thatawkwardmoth]

I'm sorry but if you think Logan would be a bad dad or just straight up not care about his children, read the comics or watch X-Men evolution.

Yes, Logan is a brute and he's 'not nice' a lot of the time. But if you think that this man wouldn't raise Laura, Gabby, Jubilee and all his other little shitheads out in a cabin in Canada, far away from people (but close enough for cell service, he gets it Jubilee, please stop yelling in his ear about Instagram), you're dead wrong.

Gabby's room would have built in bookshelves and she'd have a killer treehouse outside, her bedframe would be hand carved wood with pieces meant to withstand her claw for a while. She'd have plushies and posters and whatever she wanted. Logan could go without food for a while just for her to get the things she liked. She could not go without food and neither could the rest of the shitheads. Yes, Laura is her main adult but Logan won't let Gabby have a lackluster childhood.

Laura's room would be covered. With whatever she wanted. Even if she changed her mind and redecorated a thousand times, it's her room. It's not a cell or some blank white room. She's not X-23. She's his girl, the Wolverine. She can have a small gym set up to train and keep her active, 100%. But she'll come to eat when called and won't overdo it, healing factor or not. Or Logan will lock the door and ground her. He keeps the porch light on for her every night, knowing sometimes she just wants to run, to stretch her legs and feel the freedom she has. He'll wait on the porch, beer in hand and offer her some food when she's back. Tell her Gabby's asleep and she's fine, like Laura can't hear her snoring. She's got his attitude and they butt head but he'll always be the first to remind her she's not an experiment. She can put up a hundred dumb posters and read a hundred dumb books that aren't educational, he doesn't care. He'll even listen with minimal grumbling.

Jubilee's room is more adult than her old one is. It's got a jack and jill bathroom that leads to Shogo's little nursery. It's not used very often, but it's got all the updated supplies, for her and the baby. She's got the whole lawn to use her powers and not deal with complaints (unless it's the people inside the house), a hand made playhouse for Shogo when he gets older. She's got it all, whenever she wants to just run away. Whenever she needs a vacation or just to come see him.

Kitty's got one too, it's not changed. She can be the Red Queen to Krakoa, the fearsome Shadowcat to others but she's still got a room at his cabin with pictures upon pictures lining the walls, plush X-Men toys bought with Jubilee to annoy them, little notes from Rachel and Illyana. It's like a piece of the old Shadowcat Logan refuses to let Kitty Kate get rid of. She's got her own bathroom so she stops phasing through the doors and walls of the other ones without knocking and she's got a little balcony for her plants to die on because she never remembers to water them and Logan also forgets even though he tries to remember.

Logan's got a room that he hardly ever uses. He finds the girls in it (and his sons sometimes) in it more than he is. His bed is the communal 'i had a nightmare but we're not talking about it' place. It's the only reason he's got a TV in there. To turn on whatever dumb thing they want to watch, even if he hates it, he'll sit through nine seasons. There are stickers on his dresser (on most things actually, Gabby's personal signature), a giant plush dog bed for Jonathan the Wolverine, multiple pillows he doesn't use but they do. He even made sure to buy a comfortable blanket set even though he doesn't care at all when it comes to himself. He's survived worse but if it brings them comfort, he's going that extra mile.

He's stunted emotionally and sometimes messes up but this cabin, the one he's fixed up and added onto, he knows he did right by them with this. But he refuses to fix the creaky steps or the painted light switches, the chipped tiles or the old decorations that he shoves in the attic. Those are the character the house has, memories he doesn't want to lose like he's lost so many before.

[writingoddess1125]

Nerdy S/O 🎮 📖 🧛

The guys and their uniquely nerdy S/Os who they love!

Soap 🧼, Ghost 👻 , König 👑 x GNREADER

Soap + Cosplayer 🧛

• Johnny had met you when you were both at a bar, You typically werent too into the bar scene but it had lead you to meet the man of your dreams.

• Afterall who could resist that Scottish Charm?

• It had been 3 years of bliss shared between the two of you-

• Johnny knew from the beginning you were- quite the Nerd. He found it cute however! Even if he didn't understand it fully-

• Often getting back from deployment in the nice flat the two of you shared to see you dancing around listening to music while stitching some sort of fabric together.

• Johnny spent hours with you, Enjoying the craft of building your costumes and often wanting to join in the fun. Even if he knew nothing of the media this was involved in.

• "What is this costume for again?" He asked setting down the freshly cut foam to the side while you glued your peices down on some fabric-

• "This my Darling is a costume from the 1999 Mummy with Brendan Fraser" You say cheerfully as you stitch the costume.

• "Movie?-" He questions and you comfirm "Movie-"

• Will eventually start watching the Movies and TV shows with you. And gets really really into them as well- Turns into a big fantasy guy

• "Love- I want to cosplay with you at the next convention.. I wanna be a elf" He said shyly

• You damn near cry at this and hug him "Oh Honey I've waited to hear those words!"

• "I need to do the inseam-" You mumbled as you measured inbetween the man's leg to get the measurment.

• Will definitely want to roleplay in the bedroom. Feels like it has opened a new door for him and is more then excited-

• Comes in dressed like Han Solo with a wide grin- Fake gun and all on his hip as you laid on the bed in your own costume. "I do believe that you ruined my last smuggling trip- Sorry darling but you'll be paying for that another way"

• Will show you and his costumes off when he visits friends on base. Showing the last convention the two of you went to together- if anyone gives him shit he has no issue punching them.

Simon + Book Nerd 📖

• You and Simon had been married for years, the famed Lieutenant knowing from when he first met you that you were a book fiend

• It was a major part of you- And one he adored

• Simon was quite the reader himself but truthfully not as deep as you. Havibg seen you so engrossed in stories before that you forgot to eat.

• But books were also how you showed love.

• "Love, I know this is a long deployment for you.. so I want to send these with you so you don't get bored" You say softly, holding up a 3 book series to your husband as he prepared for his job.

• Of course he accepted and read them while on his missions.

• Enjoys whatever you give him, be it fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction or what have you. He will always read them through and even take a note so he can talk to you about them later.

• Will also love when you read outloud to him

• "Honey I just got this series I want you to check out" You called out excitedly as you rush to your husband who is watching his Football (Soccar) game and sees you holding the collectors box. Calmly mutes the TV and gestures for you to sit and read out loud to him the new book.

• He had built you a library and Many shelves to store your hoard of books and got you a special couch to sit in and read.

• Does have a deep appreciation for Spicy Books and will happily warm up to prepare for your want to experiment.

• He had gotten you the book 'Den of Vipers' and had heard from the book store owner it was a spicy one- so he waited.. It took a few hours but you came into the bedroom flushed face. Simon having already stretched and was ready-

• He also knew about your fanfiction even if you were embarrassed and secretive about it. Occasionally you'd let him read over your work, which he would appreciate and genuinely enjoy the stories.

• Also will grab books while he is on his deployments or secretly read your fics on his phone.

• Buring a Mission he is stuck in a book store, as he is ready for the attack he spots one of the fantasy books you had wanted that had sold put before you got your little hands on it... so he slips it into the vest of his armor and goes on with his mission.

• Saved him 50£ anyway-

König + Gamer 🎮

• When you and König start dating he is a bit surprised by you playing video games.

• He was taught it was something children do- so to see his Partner playing is a big surprise for him.

• However you help him open his eyes to the media and introduce him to the fun interactive stories and escapism that video games help you with.

• This peaks his interest and ask to join your gaming adventure.

• "Schatz are you sure about this?" He ask softly as you get him to play some Mario Kart 8. He's nervous at first but after a round his competitive spirit comes out and gets very good quickly- Cheering loudly as he wins and gets first place.

• After this a massive gaming room is built in his home for the two of you to share. König now understanding why you love games so much and supports you hobby fully.

• Even if it's a very expensive one.

• The two of you having funny cute arguments over the games subtitles or language.

• "I want it in German with English subtitles so I can practice" You wine as König shakes his head- "Liebling I want English with German subtitles"

• This often ending with the two of you giggling together over it and a passionate session between the two of you.

• Will support you wanting to decorate the home with some gamer merchandise and even gets his own to throw in there.

• Will eventually start playing some other games without you. Something to help him relax and take his mind off things-

• Mainly Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing are his favorite at the moment. It helps him unwind after his deployments

• After the hardest of deployments will just want to relax with you and watch you.

• Will love to just have the two of you cuddle in a warm bed and watch game play videos if you guys aren't up to playing a certain game. YouTube being a wonderful addition

• Will download some games on a burner smartphone he keeps and play it in his bunks. If it's multi-player will invite you to join him so the two of you can spend this time together even at a far distance.

[popironrye]

The Lost Boys

Leisure Headcanons

💋 David 💋

Is a skilled fire arm shooter. (Loves the cowboy aesthetic)

Has his own gun hidden in the cave.

Doesn't get the chance too often, but will ride a horse when the chance arises.

Likes wood carving. Mostly non specific whittling into basic shapes or animals. It helps him relax.

Movie nut! When the boys go the Max's store to fool around, David makes sure to tuck a movie or two that catches his eye in his coat. Tends to watch them alone, all the questions from Paul would just grate on his nerves too much.

I imagine David would be like REALLY good at origami for no particular reason. He doesn't even try, just once the boys do it just because and he's just the best at it.

I don't know if vampires can emerge in water in the lost boys lore, but if they can David loves to swim. Chilling in water clears his mind.

💀 Dwayne 💀

Skater boi! Does a lot of sick tricks, but when you can levitate it's less impressive. XD

Doesn't care for guns, but likes archery. Hammers his own arrow heads. Dwayne and David like to pick a spot in the woods to shoot make shift targets.

A real book worm. Will spend a lot of time just silently reading for hours.

Takes up knitting from time to time. He prefers hand knitted blankets and throws rather then the store ones.

Likes to make jewelry. Made his own necklace.

Enjoys all types of puzzles. Cross word, jigsaw, and brain teasers.

Can sew and offers to sew up holes made in all the clothes the boys decide not to get new ones.

🌿 Paul 🌿

Can play the guitar.

Also likes to sing, and is pretty good at it. Wanted to start a band, but the other boys weren't up for it.

Has the biggest music collection and is always hogging the tabletop/cassette/cd player.

Amateur photography. Just likes to take photos randomly. Some are really artsy.

Got really into tie dye for a while. Although he might have just been high.

When he wants to relax, Paul really likes to stargaze. Laying outside the cave looking at the sky and hearing the waves of the ocean just makes him feel at peace.

When David isn't using the tv monitor, Paul enjoys quite a few video games. He also likes to take on the arcade and carnival games at the boardwalk.

🪶 Marko 🪶

Aside from pigeons, Marko will try to domesticate a number of animals to the cave, including stray dogs, cats, deer, badgers, squirrel, foxes, bats, and even a black bear once.

He in fact did NOT domesticate a black bear, but he did wrestle one.

He does his own patchwork on his jacket.

Like David, he likes to sculpt into wood, but he usually carves patterns and landscapes into more grand pieces.

He's also a skilled painter. Mostly he'll paint murals on sections of the cave David says is ok for him to paint on.

He collects sea shells on the beach.

He'll style the others hair. Especially David who he'll cut and dye in the way he likes best.

🔥Pack Activities🔥

Dart throwing. The bigger the target the better. David and Dwyane are very competitive at this one specifically.

Rollerblading. Put wheels on shoes, what more can you want?

Listening to music. The boys have very wide music tastes and sometimes they cross over and they all like the same stuff. They take turns around the player of their choice to just smoke, drink, and listen to the sounds of the music plays.

Card games. Specifically poker when they're all together. They make things more interesting when they make bets.

And of course motocycle cruising and board walk loitering.

Something that always strikes me with vampires in fiction and indeed with any immortal creature with the high and emotional intelligence of humans. IMMORTALITY IS FUCKING BORING!

I mean, think about it. Imagine you're given all the free time in the world with very little responsibility with no fear of getting sick or tired allowed to do pretty much whatever you want. What would you do? Cause I would go stir crazy. So I came up with these dumb little head canons on how I image the boys specifically would pass the time in their little vampire lives that doesn't revolve around murdering and feeding off of people.

Of course cruising on their bikes come to mind. And there's a couple in the movie we get to see like Dwayne's skateboarding and Marko's fondness for pigeons but I wanted to throw more possibilities out there. :3

[gyll-yee-haw]

Your age gap writings are so good! Can you write something where the reader is in her 20s in college and Jake protects her from hate from fans or maybe one of his friends is like 'She's way too young for you and she isnt famous or trying to be famous so why are you with her???' and Jake just shuts them down

Thank you so much, babyy <3

I've got a taste for men who are older, can't help it.... 😔

Warnings: age gap, misogyny (not from Jake obv), cockwarming, pool sex, size kink, oral (f), creampie, soft!dom Jake, daddy kink, so many pet names, a hint of innocence kink

Like 3.2k words

---

It was a hot summer day. You were outside by the pool, book open in front of you as the sun burned your skin. You were finally relaxing after an exhausting semester in college.

Poor Jake, though, couldn't join you. He had a lot of things to solve about upcoming projects... you weren't complaining, you were extremely proud. And why would you even complain? Most days he worked from home. He sat with his laptop at the kitchen table, which was separated from the pool area by a glass door, that allowed him to enjoy the view of you in a bikini, living your best life. Well, you earned it, college can be really rough.

More often than not, you would tease him. Like when he was taking an important call and your bikini top would accidentally fall off... or when you (also accidentally) made eye contact with him while enjoying your popsicle a little too much... and all that would lead to him delaying his work just a little bit.

But tomorrow would be different. A few people on his team would come over for a meeting. So you told him you would just hide in the bedroom until they were finished. He insisted that the meeting shouldn't stop you from enjoying your time however you liked, but you said you preferred it that way. Not only you wouldn't feel comfortable having foreigner eyes on you, but you also didn't want to embarrass Jake... you knew by the comments you've been reading the kind of things people called you. You didn't want to give anyone any evidence that you were irresponsible or bad for his career.

-

So, by the time everyone arrived the next day, you were comfortably snuggling on your pillows, searching for something to watch on tv. Or some background noise for you to nap to.

Meanwhile, Jake was downstairs, discussing important things with his crew.

The meeting itself didn't take too long. But as everyone was saying goodbye, one of his oldest friends, who worked on his image's management asked him if it was okay for him to stay a little longer, so they could speak privately. Jake didn't mind and didn't think much of it... after all, they knew each other for a very long time, and would often talk about non-work related things.

"Hey, man." Jake greeted him as soon as the last person walked out. "Sit down, want something to drink?"

"No, I'm okay, I won't take too long, actually." The man replied in a very serious tone. "There's just something that a few of us been talking about and... we really didn't want to bring it up during the meeting, because it's quite delicate."

Jake's face fell. He had been so happy these last days... and the meeting was so successful, he didn't expect to have any trouble soon.

"Actually..." The man continued, as there was no response from Jake. "No one really wanted to bring it up, but... I'm your friend, am I not? I knew I had to."

"What's going on?" Jake asked, trying to get him to go straight to point, instead of explaining himself over and over again.

"It's about Y/N." He said at once. "Listen, man... I know you, I know you're in love and you're happy, but..."

"Hey, don't start." Jake felt his blood boil as he brought your name up. "I know what people say about her. But they don't know her. And neither do you."

"Jake, man..." he shook his head, hands on his waist as he tried get into Jake's head. "Come on, we all know how much shit starts with you don't know her, she's different..."

"Well, and you know that people on the internet are just waiting for opportunity to misinterpret something... at least you should know, since it's your job." Jake shrugged. "I mean... how many times did we have to deal with this?"

"Jake, I'm not talking as someone worried about your career. I know that these comments will die when they find someone else to cancel." He explained. "I'm talking as someone who's worried about you. You know how these girls are... maybe she finds a richer guy before the comments die, you know."

"Get out of my house." Jake closed his eyes and counted to ten, trying to keep his voice low.

"Come on, man..."

"Get the fuck out." He repeated. "If you leave right now, you're just fired. If I have to ask again, I'll make a few phone calls just to make sure you won't be getting another job anytime soon."

"You know what?" The man raised both hands in the air and chuckled. "You do whatever you want, I'm just trying to warn you..."

The look on Jake's face made him walk through the door without saying anything else.

Jake's body felt heavy and he allowed it to fall on the sofa. His heart ached. How could anyone talk about his princess that way? People didn't know how sweet and caring and kind you were. People didn't know how happy you made him.

"Fuck it." He rolled his eyes.

He was stressed and decided to take the rest of the day off. Take the day off to enjoy your company. You relaxed him like nothing else and nobody knew shit about you.

The eager manner he opened the bedroom door made you jump.

"Sorry, baby." He spoke as he climbed up the bed, resting his head on your chest. He left out a frustrated sigh.

"Oh no, what happened?" Your arms automatically wrapped around him. He looked exhausted.

"Just had to fucking fire someone." He replied, feeling his skin crawl. It made him even more angry to remember that asshole's words now, while he was being comforted by you. "Sexist piece of shit."

"Why?" Your eyes widened. He told you it would be a simple meeting... you would never expect things to end this way.

"I don't really wanna talk about it right now." He knew that if he told you, it would ruin your day. It would hurt your feelings, you would get insecure and maybe even feel a little guilty, which you absolutely didn't deserve. "But you could make me feel better, pretty princess."

Your face visibly lit up at the possibility. And that sparkle on your eyes made Jake regret not punching that guy on the face.

"Why don't you put your bikini on, darling?" He suggested. "Wanna spend the rest of the day by the pool with you, how does that sound?"

"Really?" You smiled at him, warming up his heart. "Just you and me, no work?"

"No work." He promised, returning your smile. "Hurry up, angel. I'll be downstairs waiting for you."

You didn't waste any time. You ran to the bathroom to put on your cutest bikini. One Jake himself bought you. You loved it when looking pretty for him could solve his problems. You felt so powerful.

When you were ready, you wrapped a towel around your body and went downstairs. From the kitchen, you could see him inside the pool. His hair was wet and the way he was breathing indicated he had swam a few laps already. You bit your lip. The roles were reversed at that moment. Now you were the one who was appreciating how the sun hit his wet skin so beautifully. His breathtaking body. God, no man your age looked like that.

But his beauty wasn't all that caught your eye. He also looked so stressed. And he tried to hide it as soon as he noticed you approaching the pool.

You tossed your towel on a chair and sat on the edge of the pool, feeling the water cover the lower half of your legs. He swan closer to you and placed his hands on your knees, which you took as sign to spread your legs. As soon as you did, he stood between them and cupped your cheeks with both hands, placing a sweet kiss on your nose.

You shivered as drops of cold water rolled down his fingers through your neck.

"I love you." He said, out of nowhere. "You make me so fucking happy."

"I love you too." You smiled, placing your hands on top of his, still on your face.

His hands went to your waist and he caught how your body reacted, letting out a laugh.

"What? Water is so cold..." you felt relieved by seeing him laugh.

"It kinda is." He admitted, and you knew that look in his eyes. He had an idea. "Why don't you come here and keep me warm, huh?"

"Alright, but give me a minute." You took a deep breath.

"Take your time, baby, I'm yours all day today." He leaned down, spreading your legs a bit more so he could place little kisses on the inside of your thighs, dangerously close to what your bikinis barely covered. "In fact, I'm yours all the time. Everyday. Even when I'm not here, you're all I think about."

"Yeah?" You bit your lip, bringing your hand to the back of his head, grabbing his hair very gently.

"I do." He continued his trail of kisses as he wanted to make sure not an inch of your thighs wouldn't feel loved. "If I could have my mouth on you all day I would, princess. For the rest of my life..."

He grabbed your thighs, making you move foward a bit. Then he used two fingers to pull your bikini panties to the side before getting his tongue on you. He licked your folds up and down slowly, like he was trying to discover what you tasted like. Like he didn't have you for breakfast that very morning. And the way his tongue began to work afterwards, hungrily, in and out of your hole, indicated he liked it very much.

He used his other hand to finger you, one finger in and out slowly, until he felt he could accommodate two, and as your moans got louder, he began curling them inside of you, all while he licked and sucked on your clit with passion.

Your hips bucked against his face and you pulled his hair, trying not to fall inside the pool, since you were dangerously close to the edge.

"Jake!" you gasped loudly. "Gonna cum, gonna cum..."

His mouth was working too hard on your clit and no force in the universe could make him stop at that moment, so he wasn't really able to reply, but you took that as a sign that he really wanted you to. And you did. You screamed his name, pulling his hair hard enough to make him moan against your core. When you were finished, you had to push him away, cause he didn't want to stop.

"Please... it hurts, too sensitive..." you begged.

He separated his mouth from you, wearing an unbearably gorgeous grin. Then he removed his fingers, immediately sucking them clean.

"Taste so fucking good, baby, can't help it, want more..."

"Fuck, Jake, I..."

"It's okay, princess. Won't you join me?" He helped you fix your bikini as if nothing had happened.

"I will, turn around."

He immediately understood what you meant. He turned his back to you and you hopped on it like a koala, gasping as you felt the water involving your whole body, arms and legs wrapping tighter around Jake's body.

"Easy, baby, you'll get used to it." He chuckled, moving around the pool with you in his back.

He was right, soon enough you felt your body relax against his.

"See, I'm keeping you warm." You said, kissing his shoulder.

"Oh, sweet girl..." he laughed. "That's not what I meant."

Your eyes widened at the realization. "Oh... I'm sorry, I'm so stupid."

"You're not stupid. You're my sweet, innocent little girl, aren't you?" He comforted you.

"I guess..." you felt your face grow warmer.

You untangled yourself from him, feet touching the floor. He turned around to face you.

"You're so pretty." He murmured, touching your face softly.

"Wanted to look pretty for you." You smirked. "Make you forget all your worries."

"You did it." His hand wrapped softly around your neck. "You're such a good girl for it."

"Hmm..." you started feeling him through his swimming shorts. "You're so hard."

"Yes, pretty girl. You did this." He brought his lips to yours, brushing softly as you reached inside his shorts.

His hands went to your hips and he kissed you to distract you from the fact he was getting rid of your bikini panties, then threw them somewhere outside the pool, keeping an eye contact that was enough to make you clench around nothing. He pulled his shorts down just enough to free his cock.

"Ready, baby?" He asked sweetly and you nodded. "Don't move, okay? Stay very still and relax."

You wrapped your legs around him and he entered you slowly. When he was all the way in, he stopped everything, just held you tightly.

"Just wanna relax with my pretty girl today." He said, giving your forehead a kiss. "Cock buried deep inside her, where it belongs."

It was the way he spoke the dirtiest things in the sweetest tone that always drove you crazy. That made you wanna bounce on his cock like no tomorrow. That made you moan under your breath, but he always, always heard you.

"What's wrong, princess?" He mocked.

"You're so fucking hot..." you almost cried as you watched him lift your bikini top and pinch your nipples.

"So cockdrunk and I didn't even fuck you properly." He kept playing with your tits.

"Please..." you whined.

"Y/N, it hasn't been 5 minutes." He kissed your neck. "Be patient, I thought you were a good girl... I just need a break, can't you see that?"

"I'm sorry." You moaned. "But... but you can take a break, and maybe I could move, just me?"

"Come on, you can do better than that." He laughed at how incoherent you sounded. "I know you know how to beg, baby. Just say the words, you have to be more clear."

He pinched your nipples again as he saw you hesitate.

"Jake, fuck!" You moaned in pain, feeling your pussy squeeze him. "Let me sit on your cock, PLEASE. I will be good, I promise..."

"That's better." He removed himself from you, earning protests. "Calm down, baby, I'm gonna do what you asked, unless you wanna be a brat..."

You bit your lip, to keep quiet.

He fixed his shorts and got out of the pool, signaling with his hand for you to follow him, and you did, like an obedient puppy obsessed with it's owner.

He sat on a chair, beside the pool, legs spread, waiting for you. You had to take a moment to appreciate his body again. His hairy chest, with a matching beard. He was so big... his thighs, his posture so masculine. The way he looked so intimidating, but was the softest when it came to you... he was perfect.

Soon enough you were standing between his legs. He kept eye contact with you as he got rid of your bikini top, directing his mouth to your tits as he grabbed your ass with both hands, hard enough to leave a mark.

"You're so fucking gorgeous." His voice was filled with lust as he spoke. "Gonna be a good girl and sit on my cock now?"

"Yes, fucking love your cock..." you agreed, feeling dumb as you saw it throb when he pulled it out of his pants.

"You're such a dirty girl, saying things like that... I mean, I know you love my cock, but jesus..." he mocked you with a smirk, helping your straddle him.

"Don't like it when I talk dirty, daddy?" You asked innocently.

"Fucking love it, baby, can't you see my cock throbbing? Come on, angel, make daddy cum like you promised, be good to me..."

He didn't even finish his words before you managed to get it inside of you, moaning at how good he stretched you.

You started moving up and down at a nice pace, knowing both of you were just too horny for games. Knowing that you only had the illusion of being on control because you were on top... but he could make you regret the smallest teasing.

"Fuck..." he moaned both at your movements and the sight of your tits boucing.

One of his hands cupped one of your breasts as the other one went to your hip, a sign that he wanted it harder. And you gave it to him harder.

"You're so good to me, such a pretty baby... you're gonna make me cum."

"Need you to!" You already looked and sounded like a mess, boucing on his cock as fast as you could, feeling your pussy start to squeeze him. "Need to you to cum inside, daddy..."

"Of course, baby, you deserve it, yeah?" Both his hands were now on your hips, handling you like a doll. "All of daddy's cum belongs to this pretty pussy..."

You cried out as you came again. So much harder. And he just kept thrusting hard, his thighs hitting your ass made a sound so loud you could barely hear him.

And then he came too, as deep as he could. He rested on the chair, breathing heavily and you collapsed on his chest. A few minutes of the most absolutely perfect peace he felt in days filled the air, and he breathed it in.

Not even your whines and protests when he pulled out could interrupt it, he just chuckled.

"Shhh it's okay, little one." He said sweetly. "Just wanna take care of my princess."

You accepted, feeling safe as he wrapped a towel around your body and stood up with you still in his arms. He carried you bridal style to the bedroom.

"Waaait! No!" You laughed as he tried to put you down on the bed. "We're still wet!"

"That doesn't matter, we'll change the sheets afterwards, come on..." he rolled his eyes. "Just wanna look at you for a second."

"You've been looking at me a lot these days..." you mocked him. "Watching me through that glass door, I see you pretending to work..."

"It's just hard to believe you're mine." He admited, intertwining his fingers with yours. "I'm afraid you'll disappear if I look away."

"That's right, I'm yours... and I'm not going anywhere." You promised, placing a soft kiss on his lips. "I love you, Jake."

You had no idea how much he needed to hear that. Of course he knew it, but having moments like this, so intimate, even more than the sex they just had, gave him strength to face all the bullshit people said about you and him. Cause in the end, this is what he was coming home to. He felt safe.

"I love you so much, my princess."

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

thinking about book 6 battle simulations

I was thinking a lot about book 6 lately! (Not for any particular reason, I was just ruminating, haha...)

During the examination segment, Riddle, Azul, and Vil were put into one group and Jamil and Leona were put in the other group. Idia then put them into VR simulations in which (simulated) Trey, Jade, Rook, Kalim, and Ruggie approached the subjects to upset them. This is for the purposes of STYX to gauge their combative capabilities and blot accumulation. What I noticed on another read of these parts was that Idia makes sure to inform all the subjects they are about to enter a VR simulation BEFORE they dive in... and yet despite this, group 1 (Riddle, Azul, Vil) was still caught off-guard when Trey, Jade, and Rook attacked them. Meanwhile, Jamil in group 2 automatically defers to Kalim but Leona is the one who notices something is fishy about the situation. Now, now... this is interesting 👁️ Why might this be, I wonder~ (You bet I'm going to analyze the heck out of these small details!)

***Main story spoilers up to book 6!!***

First thing to consider: it's possible that perhaps the characters don't fully understand what "VR simulation" is, as most of them did take a while to come to their senses. Of the 5 subjects, Riddle is the most likely to fall into this category. He seems to be slightly confused by the concept of a "virtual space" when Idia explains the examination to them (which likely conflicts with Riddle's very traditional understanding of "tests"). Furthermore, Riddle has expressed in Endless Halloween Night that his mother did not allow him to play video games or to watch TV so he'd usually do crosswords or solve other puzzles for fun. He's not completely technologically inept (like Malleus), but Riddle does have a somewhat limited scope of how items and procedures are to be used, especially if it lies beyond its normal means. It's likely that he has not thought of VR simulation being used in the scenario in which he finds himself in now.

The other 4 subjects, however, most likely understand what VR is and shouldn't be confused by the simulation. Azul is very savvy and keeps up with trends, which can factor into his business(es). He even brings up streaming as a potential source of revenue in book 6; man has his fingers on the pulse of pop culture to know what will sell. Vil, being a celebrity and the leader of the Film Research Club, must have an understanding of various technologies used to achieve certain effects (especially as director of his own projects). Jamil constantly deals with Kalim's requests and, being in Kalim's social bubble, must get exposure to all kinds of crazy technologies. Leona, being a knowledgeable prince, surely must understand the concept of VR simulation.

Okay, so... why did they (mostly) still get "tricked" by the simulation anyway? The key words today would be "trust" and "dependence".

Thinking about it, there's one thing that separates group 1 from 2: the boys in group 1 have a tendency to rely on others for support and validation whereas the boys in group 2 are consistently shown to be more independent than their peers (even if they, too, seek validation). Let's go through them one by one!

GROUP 1

Riddle

Riddle is presented as a tyrant that rules with an iron fist, particularly in book 1 where he stars as the main antagonist. However, it's also pretty blatant that Riddle has become increasingly aggressive due in part to others enabling him. Ace specifically calls out Trey for this, saying that his failure to intervene or to quell Riddle's temper has resulted in Heartslabyul students suffering for it. Cater is also complacent, as he and/or Trey often follow Riddle's orders and remove Adeuce from the dorm multiple times in book 1. Riddle relies on these upperclassmen to listen to him and carry out his bidding, and he feels validated when they do. It's a lesson he has learned from his mother. He is the most powerful, and therefore he should be the most correct. Notice how Riddle is quick to anger when others refuse to obey him and how often he demands for them to conform. He becomes enraged when the Heartslabyul mobs rebel and chuck an egg at him. But what hurts him most of all is, perhaps, Trey turning too. Riddle was mad about the mobs acting up, yes, but he still did not overblot. Not yet, at least. No, Riddle overblots only AFTER he tries to attack Ace with the rose trees... and Trey steps in with his UM to overwrite Riddle's collar, turning it into cards. Trey's relationship with Riddle cannot be understated here. In this very moment, Trey, Riddle's childhood friend (one of his first friends), vice dorm leader, silent yes man, his most trusted confidant, has betrayed him. He is proving Riddle wrong, that the most powerful mage is not the most correct. "Are YOU going to tell me that I'm wrong too? After all I've done to protect the rule of law?! [...] I... I refuse to believe this!"

From these examples, we can clearly see that Riddle is someone who is reliant on others--not that he isn't a capable mage, but rather he is reliant on others for his own sense of self-worth. Indeed, even in his post-OB flashback, he indicates feeling proud and excited when his mother praises him for good grades or successfully performing a spell. This is reiterated many times over in book 1, in which Riddle feels satisfied and even smug when his students fall in line, and spirals into uncontrollable rage when they don't. There are a select few whom Riddle has chosen to place his faith in, and Trey is one of them. Trey, who gave him his first slice of strawberry tart and has been supporting him as his vice for over a year now (since Riddle became dorm leader in his first week as a first-year student; now is the start of Riddle's second year). That's why he feels so hurt when Trey is suddenly chastising him, telling him that he's behaving irrationally.

If we reexamine Riddle's post-OB flashback, you'll notice that Riddle says he is lonely without every outright stating the word "lonely". The phrasing makes it sound as though Riddle does not understand his own loneliness, like he doens't even know the word or want to acknowledge it as reality. He is awkward and unsure around Trey and Chenya, who invite him out to play. He follows his mother's rules because he believes that is what will bring him happiness. He wonders why, in spite of following all those rules, he still feels hollow inside. Then, once Riddle has awoken, he confesses that he always wanted to play more with Trey, and that he wants to talk with everyone after a meal. Riddle. at his core, craves companionship rather than dominating his peers. Trey was one of the few friends he ever had, and so Riddle puts a lot of stock into his support. This may be why he was quick to believe the fake Trey in the simulation, and why he looked so shocked when Trey started attacking him. Here is a boy who has already been betrayed once, experiencing that same betrayal again at the hands of his childhood friend. How scared must he be of losing his oldest friend, of Trey turning his back on him or seeing him as a monster? 😭

Azul

Due to the bullying he experienced in his childhood, Azul works very hard to maintain a new image of someone who is cool, confident, and composed. Part of that is passing himself off as someone who is large and in charge, while posing Jade and Floyd as his lackies who do whatever he tells them to. The reality of the matter is that the twins are very much... there to do their own thing, and they just kind of go along with Azul's schemes because they seem to be a lot of fun. When you stop to consider it though, Azul definitely puts a lot of trust into the Leech brothers even though they're both shady and can be flippant at times. It's the twins going around and advertising Azul's services to the student population. It's the twins who help him expand his business and acquire new items (as all three's Dorm Uniform vignettes are about the Octatrio conspiring to acquire the rights to and/or advertise their new drinks). It's the twins who are asked to run the Mostro Lounge whenever Azul is absent. Time and time again, Azul falls back on Jade and Floyd. They've been with him since middle school.

In book 4, both Azul and Floyd insist that they aren't really "childhood friends", but they do consider each other "equals". As Azul describes it, "I strongly doubt Jade or Floyd have any binding allegiance to me. This is all and elaborate game of pretend to them. [...] If I made a poor choice as leader--or even simply a boring one... They would turn on me instantly and seize the dorm leader seat for themselves." Floyd follows with, "We ain't got any plans to challenge him, either... for now, anyway. Aha ha! [...] We stick with [Azul] now 'cause it's fun. If it stops bein' fun, we drop him like a bad habit. Easy." The twins and Azul are both very aware that their relationship is a temporary and transactional one. Azul himself has even fully considered the possibility that Jade and Floyd may one day turn on him. This is all true--however, I also believe it's possible that the Octatrio are not being entirely truthful to themselves and do actually care for one another beyond the confines of their business ties or "having fun". In book 3, Jade and Floyd sense that something is wrong, and their immediate thought is to go check on Azul because of this gut feeling. Jade warns Azul of the consequences of misusing his UM. They are also the first to check on Azul after his OB and insist that he rest and find it within them to gently tease him over the situation. Even the way they address each other is "special". Jade and Azul have a tendency to be polite and use the honorific "-san" after everyone's name... except for each other and Floyd. Floyd, meanwhile, tends to give everyone a nickname... except for Jade and Azul. They drop these naming conventions within their group because that's how much they know and trust each other. Further proof of this is that when Floyd first meets Azul in the post-OB flashback of book 3, he calls Azul "Octopus-chan". Azul used to have a nickname, but no longer has one. This implies that a lack of a nickname actually indicates that Floyd is more intimate with someone than if he had nicknamed them. The same goes with Jade and Azul, who are usually so formal and polite.

I've already established that Azul acts in ways which indicate that he is close to the twins, as much as he tries to deny it and come off as tough. He drops the honorifics for them and he trusts them to do his bidding. What I find most telling, however, is when Jade and Floyd check up on him right as he's about to OB. "Jade! Floyd! Ahhh, you've finally come back to me," Azul says (if you listen to his voice, he sounds SO relieved). "Would you believe that thanks to these FOOLS, I've lost all of my contracts? Which is why I'm going to need your powers now. Come on, give them to me!" This is notable because, prior to this, he was forcibly ripping powers out of mob students. But now with the twins--Azul makes a CONSCIOUS decision to ask Jade and Floyd for them to willingly give up their powers to him. Azul is emotional and acting without tact here, but he STILL stops to ask the twins for them to surrender their magic. He cares about getting their consent specifically. When the brothers deny him and Floyd says Azul has become lame, that's when Azul snaps. His loyal henchmen are refusing his request and he's lost all his accumulated wealth. He's going to become the weak, friendless crybaby he once way all over again.

Knowing all of this, it makes sense why Azul was as startled as Riddle was when the simulated Jade attacked him. Azul claims that he anticipates this day--but he still seems to disturbed when it actually happens. It's true that perhaps this surprise comes in part from Azul having no indication that the twins were getting bored of him, so this is coming out of left field in his perspective. But... it could also be that he's hurt by the sudden shift, even if he and the twins have been telling themselves all along that they'd toss each other out without a second thought once they lose interest. This calls back to Azul's concerns right before he overblots: that his "business partners" (whom he refuses to call his friends) have lost interest in him and will now leave him alone and with nothing. He relies on the brothers not only for labor, but as his company and his confidants. When that's taken away from him... what does Azul have left that's worth anything?

Vil

Vil is another person who typically passes as very independent. He looks after himself quite well and is often the one nagging others to do the same. The thing with him is... he's still a celebrity at the end of the day, and a celebrity like him is always aware of his public image and the eyes on him. That's Vil's Achille's heel: as a celebrity, he is constantly concerned with how others perceive him. This is a lesson he learns in book 5--that he shouldn't let other people's judgment of him or a silly popularity contest determine his self-worth. Ah, but let's remember... book 6 begins like a mere DAY after book 5. Sure, Vil's character arc may be over, but that does not mean that he has suddenly completely changed. Up until yesterday, he was aggressively training to overcome his rival and to show the whole world his true beauty. Vil still, to some degree, finds value in how he looks and how others see him, as it strongly ties into his career. To this end, he sees Rook as a valuable individual.

Now, there's a lot of contention about whether or not Rook is a good influence on Vil or not, as some interpret his commentary as derogatory or unnecessarily critical. I'm not going to get into that; here, I am going to speak plainly about how Vil himself views Rook's feedback. In Vil's Labwear vignettes, he confides in Trey that he relies on Rook's keen observational skills to reflect the truth back to him. A celebrity must look at his best, and he can count on Rook to not mince his words and point out even the most minute of changes at a quick glance. (Vil himself is also extremely strict with himself, but lacks the superhuman abilities that his vice dorm leader does.) Rook has been doing this since long before he even transferred to Pomefiore, critiquing Vil's performances and such, not just his looks alone. This led into long discussions and debates between the two, which demonstrates how much Vil values Rook's perspective. Even back then, Rook was one of Vil's greatest supporters, but not exactly a totally blind "yes man". He is offering the kind of feedback that Vil seeks, not empty, sugar-coated niceties. This is why, in spite of his betrayal at the end of book 5, Vil eventually accepts it, as he trusts Rook's keen eye and judgment. What's interesting about book 6's examinations is that Vil seemingly takes charge of his group. When approached by the simulated classmates, Vil steps up and, after a moment of silence, says, "No... It's nothing. Let's go." (Vil is known as a skilled actor and can easily sniff out an act himself. Was the silence hesitation as he, Azul, and Riddle reevaluate the scene? Hard to say, but I'm assuming that STYX's state-of-the-art tech was able to perfectly simulate Rook, and thus confused Vil and co. for a while.) Rook strikes him with a spell, and that invokes a great emotional reaction from Vil, who seems to be the most aghast of the group. The fake Rook then declares that he's going to claim the dorm leader seat from Vil, which shocks him. "As you know, I appreciate beautiful things. Hence... I can hardly allow someone who's acted as ugly as you to occupy the Fairest Queen's throne!" The scene then cuts away to a battle. Now, while we don't get any extra dialogue from Vil to show his reaction, one interpretation could be that he was stunned into silence. Why is this a believable occurrence? Because the fake Rook called Vil out for "ugly" behavior. This is significant because back when Vil was overblotting, he was desperately shouting for people to "not look at him" because he's "so ugly". Here, ugliness does not mean literal ugliness or something that is visually unappealing. The "ugliness" being spoken of refers to being morally rotten, as Vil was speaking on his guilt after resorting to dirty tactics to try and take out his rival (when he had previously sworn to win on his own merits alone). The simulated Rook might be referring to this, which induces great shame in Vil, who is aware of the weight of his sins. Heck, book 6 even starts with Vil taking accountability and sincerely apologizing to the whole NRC Tribe for causing them trouble. Vil blames himself for their team losing, as it was his OB that forced them to fight and physically wore them out before their big performance. "What does it matter who forgives me?! I can't... I can't forgive myself!" He may still have lingering guilt regarding this incident, hence why he's the one predominantly reacting when the vice dorm leaders betray group 1. His mirror and huntsman, who speaks only the truth to him, now tells him of his ugliness. What else can that be, if not the truth reflected back at him?

GROUP 2

Jamil

To be clear, Jamil did not automatically go after the simulated Kalim. He automatically defers and tries to go along with his dorm leader (and only starts fighting once Leona declares the simulation for the sham it really is). Why? Surely Jamil is sharper witted than that. To this, I say... of course, it's just that Jamil's so used to being a servant that he reverts back to submissiveness as soon as he's put in a circumstance where there's a power dynamic. He’s not the one relying on Kalim—Kalim is often the one relying on him. You need proof of Jamil's servile mindset? He was intentionally talking down his own skills ever since book 4 and, according to Azul, has been purposefully maintaining painfully average grades (which, in of itself, takes a lot of effort). Admittedly though, those are conscious choices, not unconscious ones. But how about back in book 5, when Vil announces him as one of the lead vocalists and Jamil's immediate reaction is not to accept it, but to humble himself and insist that Kalim would be better suited for it (when Kalim actually isn't)? Jamil has to stop himself, back up, and accept the nomination, which he has earned for himself, rather than relinquish it to someone less deserving. Years and years of serving someone else, forced to play the part of the inferior servant, will beat that attitude into his mind, regardless of how much he resents the position.

Even now, Jamil feels like he usually has to follow someone else's lead. Leona, the upperclassman and dorm leader, provides that lead for him in the VR simulation. This leadership + independence is something they would butt heads over later in book 6, as Jamil begins to act overprotective of his current charge (Leona) as he does with Kalim. While Jamil has played the part of Kalim's attendant and childhood friend, the reality is that Jamil cannot stand those roles. He desires to stand out and to be recognized--something which is evident in book 4. Before he brainwashes the Scarabia students, he's always framing himself in a positive and helpful light to them and speaks humbly about his abilities. After he brainwashes the Scarabia students, he has them heap him with praise that he had never gotten in his childhood. In the post-OB flashback, we see Jamil's parents scolding him for outperforming Kalim, even in something as simple as a game. The headmaster of a great arcane academy overlooks him in favor of someone far less capable.

Jamil knows he can be great, but he's intentionally being told to not reach those heights. He feels stifled and trapped, and no one understands his plight that he cannot escape from. This results in Jamil distancing himself from others and coming to rely on himself and himself alone to make his wishes come true. He can't rely on his family, who are beholden to their legacy of being servants to the Asims. He can't confide in friends because none of them are quite like him, and Kalim would ignorantly brush it off. He can't tell third parties because, as Crowley as demonstrated, they dismiss him outright. Jamil, as he acts throughout book 6, is doing so in an effort to find his own strength and to be able to act on it with the freedom he seeks. To play support not because he has to, but because he, the individual, wants to. As Jamil states before overblotting, he wants to "be free" from these precarious circumstances where a wrong move could doom him and his family... but he only has so many liberties to work with. This leaves him in a strange limbo situation where he still isn't fully independent but desperately wishes to be. We see him fighting against the restraints, and to varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the context and his state of mind within that context.

Leona

From a young age, Leona seems to have worked tirelessly to obtain recognition. Like Jamil, Leona was in such a position (second-born prince) that, despite his efforts, he kept being rejected and beaten down again and again. As we see in his post-OB flashback, this is what eventually broke Leona’s spirit and made him develop a pessimistic outlook on his prospects for the future. The thing is, even though Leona does not really have hope for himself, he still manages to inspire hope in other people, from underclassmen to the students of his dorm. Book 2 is entirely about Savanaclaw looking to Leona to save their own futures, and him trying to do so for their sakes. His club mates extol how he can so quickly hone in on their best skills and advise them on how to sharpen those skills. Jack admires Leona’s plays, so much so that he wished to one day play alongside Leona. He’s even able to get beastmen of different species to get along and live peacefully under his rule when this has historically been difficult for his older brother to manage. All in all, Leona has all the makings of a leader. He stands out from the crowd, knows when to leverage his power and intelligence (playing smarter, not harder), and commands with ease.

… That being said, Leona’s presence can be so powerful at times that it’s also isolating. This was the case for his childhood, which is depicted to us as many palace servants being fearful of Leona’s devastatingly strong magic. He also uses this strong magic against his dorm mates when their intentions clash in book 2–and he comes close to killing someone in the process. He’s also just notorious in general for being grumpy or unfriendly toward others, including one instance in book 5 when he seems upset that you’ve showed up in his classroom. Leona drives people away from him, whether because of his strength or because of his prickly attitude.

At the same time, i would also describe Leona as a tactician that keeps some degree of distance from those he commands. He makes it clear he's willing to use others to achieve his own goals and does so many times over. Book 2, when he tries to take out Malleus to help his dorm leaders while also trying to prove to himself that he's capable. Book 3, when he helps Yuu and co. dissolve the contracts including one of his own he made with Azul, etc. Leona knows how to best use his own abilities, as well as those of others. That's what makes him so formidable--he can read others and judge the situation extremely well, and he knows when it is smart to fight and when to tactically retreat (such as in book 6, when he immediately surrenders to STYX agents rather than make a scene). Leona is a self-sufficient man.

There’s the question of Ruggie, of course. Leona is often depicted as lazy and relies on Ruggie to do many daily things for him, such as laundry or fetching food. This obviously throws a wrench into the claim that Leona is more "independent" than those in group 1, doesn't it? He doesn't even come close to Jamil, who actually does all of these tasks himself. Well, not exactly. I don't think "independence" here really comes down to that alone. Riddle, Azul, and Vil all relied on Trey, the twins, and/or Rook to some significant degree to inform their own senses of self. Jamil had this belief of deferring to his "betters" (the Asims) instilled in him, regardless of his personal feelings on the matter. And Leona? Leona does not significantly rely on Ruggie for his self-worth (dude was 100% going to sand him in book 2). Yes, Leona was likely looking to help his dorm members in part to prove to himself he is capable of leading a pack, but he gives up when he realizes it was a fruitless effort. He doesn't become reinvigorated to keep it up or to try again, even when his dorm members (Ruggie included) plead to him. Leona is acting selfishly, and he refuses to acknowledge their perspectives--he's set in his own ways and is driven by his own thoughts, not those of the people around him. Perhaps this is what allows him to discern truth from lies with such clarity, as it is Leona who rouses Jamil to his senses and leads the charge against the VR simulation Kalim and Ruggie.

[juniperss]

Soft!Darry Curtis Headcanons

A/N: This was originally written on my main account a few years ago but I decided to move it here since I don't change this URL as often and it makes easier to find my writing! Also It's been a while since I wrote these so I'd like to think that I've improved somewhat since then!

Getting Darry to open up and soften up takes a lot of time and patience. He's a busy guy juggling work, his brothers, and the group so a relationship is another thing he has to find energy for. So patience is key when it comes to the relationship.

Darry had a crush on you for a while but pushed his feelings aside because he didn't think he had the time. However, once Soda and Ponyboy found out about his crush?? Oh boy they all but harassed and threatened Darry to talk to you. He had planned on asking you out when you swung by to hang out with the group at the drive in which automatically made you suspicious because....Darry doesn't do movies. Cut to the two of you being volunteered by Soda to go get the popcorn and drinks only to have clueless Dally cut in.

Well he didn't end up asking you out until you all got back home and you were pulling the chocolate cake out of the fridge. Mr. Superman was blushy and nervous but managed to ask you out before the boys ruined the moment .

Darry tries to schedule dates but with all his responsibilities you two kinda end up just hanging out. Which actually is nicer than any fancy dates he could've planned. Watching movies on the couch with his head in your lap and playing with his fingers. Baking chocolate cake late at night for the boys to have in the morning. Sitting on the porch tucked under his arm, back pressed against his chest while you two talk about life.

SPEAKING OF HIS ARMS AND CHEST. Darry Curtis is pure cuddle material and he loves cuddling. Strictly in his room or on the couch once the boys are asleep or if they're out. He loves feeling you against him, loves when you fall asleep on top of his chest while he's reading or watching TV. Probably one of the fastest ways to get him to relax is to fall asleep against him.

This happened once and the gang came home to find both you and Darry asleep on the couch. Steve teased him about it and it was one of the few times that Darry didn't wack him upside the head. He just leaned back in his chair and looked at you sipping your coffee next to him.

Darry isn't really a man of many words and really just likes to listen to you talk. You could talk about dirt and he'd hang onto every word you said. When you two start dating and he gets to know about your interests he'll actively try to learn more about them. 

 Darry isn't really into big romantic gestures, he's a lot more subtle and it's sweet. He remembers almost anything you say and uses that to his advantage. Once you mentioned that you liked food from this one diner a couple hours away and for your birthday he drove out there and brought it back to the house. He leaves you notes where he knows you'll see them, always makes sure to have your favorite kind of coffee at the house. Things like that.

Watching you do anything domestic instantly melts his heart. And if you do things to help him out without him asking? He melts into a pile of goo. He's so busy and always has a thousand things to do so you going out of your way to help him is really special. Helping Ponyboy with his homework? You're an angel. You did the dishes and the kitchen is clean when he gets home? You're too good for him. 

 Darry struggles a lot with balancing working and taking care of himself. He needs someone to remind him to slow down. You remind him to take moments for himself. Moments to hang out with his brothers outside of scolding them or group activities. And once you begin helping out with work + home stuff it makes it easier for him to do that. He's so thankful. Thanks to you he has part of his youth back.

Ponyboy says in the book that he front door is always unlocked in case one of the gang needs a place to crash and I feel like Darry prefers to be home in case they ever need him. Especially after what happens with Johnny. So most nights you end up staying with him if you can. You have your own drawer and Darry makes sure to save you room in the bathroom for your things. 

 He starts sleeping better when you're next to him not that you could really tell because Darry is asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. He mentioned that his dreams are better now or that he doesn't even remember dreaming now. 

 Darry tends to sleep on his back and not move but somehow his hand always finds your body in the night. Whether he ends up with his hand on yours or back, arm wrapped around your waist.He wakes up early most mornings out of habit of making sure that Ponyboy is up for school. Even during the summer it happens and it used to annoy him but now he's thankful for the quiet moments with you.He's especially cuddly in fhe mornings and affectionate.

Darry isn't one for PDA but mornings? Will kiss you for as long as you allow, is happy to let you doze in his arms or against his chest, please play with his fingers. 

 HIS HANDS! He's got the strongest and roughest hands in the world. And you love to hold them. And he loves when you hold them. Does the cheesy thing where he holds your hand against his to see the size difference.

Strong boy gives the best hugs (only second to Soda and no I don't take criticism) and honestly a hug from Darry is the cure to a bad day. One time when you you had a nightmare and couldn't fall back asleep he sat up against the headboard, pulled you up with him and just hugged you. His chest is a wall of warmth and his arms are so secure that nothing could pry you away. And in the quiet moments is when he usually finds things to say. He just spoke about work, about the house was working on, and soon you fell back asleep

Darry dreams of having a bigger house some day. Nothing huge, maybe just two more rooms than the home the Curtis boys have now. He wants to send Ponyboy to college, help Soda get his own place, and maybe adopt a dog or two (though he's not opposed to a cat, but he wants a really fat one). And you. He wants you. That's it. He'd be happy with that.

[writershapeholeonthedoor]

Only girl

Pairing: Elizabeth Olsen x Fem!Reader

Summary: You and Elizabeth have a quiet night at home

Disclaimer: English is not my first language. Just fluff.

MASTERLIST

It was quiet, not oddly so. Other than the occasional flip of a book page, the calm breathing, and the quiet hum of the fridge in the other room, there was so other sound filling up the house.

It wasn’t uncommon for that silence to creep in and you were usually thankful for it. It brought you peace, it made you relax after a long day. It was a welcome moment, especially when you could stay that way. Lying down on the couch, head resting on your girlfriend’s thighs as her hand ran through your hair in a soothing motion, your nose slightly touching the curve of her hip and one hand clutching her shirt as if she could disappear at any moment. Your girlfriend was reading a book for the last hour or so, quietly turning the pages and sipping her wine every once in a while, and you just knew she was enjoying this moment as much as you were. The TV wasn’t on, there was no music playing, and even the city outside seemed to understand you two didn’t want to be bothered.

It was one of the rare nights where you didn’t have to worry about being somewhere else or going to bed early because one of you had to be up before the sun was up in the sky. It was hard to have those moments where you could enjoy each other's presence and you would like to take full advantage of that. Elizabeth had promised you she would make an effort to slow down on her workload to be home more often, but you wouldn’t hold that against her. You would just enjoy your time with her.

You loved the way her fingers played with your hair, her smell, her soft thighs under your cheek. On the nights that she had to go through her scripts for an upcoming job, she would read a few things out loud to find the right tone and you would listen carefully because you loved the passion she put into her characters. There were nights you spent talking to each other with the same enthusiasm you had when you both met, as if the world was ending and you needed to hear all about her and tell her all about you, and you loved how that didn’t change even after you hit your third anniversary. You also loved to watch her cook, to be given small tasks to help her, to see the crinkle between her brows when she grabbed her phone to look up a recipe to make sure she got it right, to see her eyes sparkling when you eat what she made and say something as lame as "I wish I could kiss the chef, this is so good".

You loved Elizabeth. In a way you didn’t know you could because there was always something amiss in your previous relationships, and then suddenly you met her and it was like going back home. Even when she was across the globe shooting, even when she would spend most of her days inside a plane for press tour, because Elizabeth would always be home when you needed her.

"My love?"

You snapped out of your thoughts, blinking your eyes open and turning your head to the side to look at Elizabeth. The other woman was holding her book with her free hand, a finger marking the page she was on, and her eyes seemed amused and just a bit preoccupied. Her other hand kept running through your hair, though, and you couldn’t help but smile at that.

"Yes?" You asked with a deep content sigh.

"You okay over there?"

You nodded and turned back to your previous position with your face pressed against her. You almost didn’t reply because you weren’t feeling like talking when you were so damn comfortable, but you knew Elizabeth was worried enough to ask you so she would like an answer.

"Yeah," you sighed again. "Why?"

"You're clutching my shirt," she pointed out, although that didn’t make you let go of the soft fabric. "And I’m pretty sure I could hear your brain working."

The last part was said with humor and you chuckled softly at that. "I was just thinking of you."

"Oh." You thought it was funny how Elizabeth sounded surprised by that fact, as if it was such a foreign concept of you to be thinking about her. "What about me?"

"Too many things about you," you replied with a smile partially hidden against her.

"Good things I hope."

"Is there anything bad in you, Elizabeth Olsen?" You joked and, before she could start arguing, you kept talking. "What are you reading?"

You had opened your eyes to watch her again and saw as Elizabeth averted her gaze to the book as if she needed to be reminded what her book was about. "It's just poetry."

"Really?" You enquired with interest. "Care to read one for me?"

"Those aren't about love," she gently admitted with a soft smile at you. "Very tragic, actually."

"Oh no," you teased, finally turning around on her lap so you were lying with your belly up. "I don't need to know more tragic stuff, I see enough on the news."

Elizabeth laughed. "That's fair."

"Do you mind if I keep using you as my pillow?" To make your point, you hooked one arm around her thigh. "You're exceptionally comfortable."

"Do you need a blanket?" She asked as a way to reply to your request.

"No, I'm pretty warm already."

You smiled at her when you pulled your sweatshirt away from your body for a second to show it to her, receiving a gigantic smile that made your heart beat just a tiny bit faster. Well, that was Elizabeth’s sweatshirt, actually, but you had basically stolen it from her since you started spending the night at each other's house. It was her NYU sweatshirt from when she was studying there. It was a bit old, but so damn comfortable that you just had to have it. You used to wash it and slip it inside her closet when you would come over so it would smell like her again, but now that you live together you just make her wear it for a day before you take it back.

Elizabeth never complained. In fact, her eyes look softer when she sees you wearing it. So you would just count as a successful heist of yours.

"I can see that," Elizabeth said with amusement.

"Go back to your book, I'm trying to rest."

She chuckled when you closed your eyes and got more comfortable in her lap, but the silence quickly fell around you again. Her hand kept caressing your head and it didn’t take long for you to start feeling sleepy. You fought against it, changing your position a couple of times, but eventually you knew it was a lost battle.

"Babe?" You grumbled.

"Yes, my love?"

You didn’t reply, though you didn’t even know what you wanted to say to start with, and your lack of words caught Elizabeth’s attention. She looked down and, after realizing you had your eyes closed and your mouth slightly parted, she moved her leg from under your head.

"Babe!" You complained, but Elizabeth chuckled softly.

"Don't sleep on me, honey," she said. "It's still early and you won’t be comfortable on the couch. Besides, our food didn’t get here yet."

"I was pretty comfortable before," you whined and pouted.

"Come on, get up," Elizabeth insisted gently.

You sighed and rolled over so you were facing the rest of the living room. You took a few more seconds before you sat down, instantly snuggling against Elizabeth’s side. She laughed but wasted no time putting her arm around you and kissing your temple.

"Someone is very cuddly today," she teased you, her voice just a whisper when she pulled away.

"I'm trying, but my girlfriend isn't making things easier," you joked. "Speaking of her, do you think she would be willing to share her wine with me?"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes fondly and put her book down to reach out for her glass. She took a sip of it before handing it to you. "The one who finishes the glass has to go fill it," Elizabeth declared, clearly amused, after you drank the rest of the wine.

"You tricked me," you complained although you were already getting up from the couch to go to the kitchen.

Elizabeth stopped you though, grabbing your hand to keep you in front of her, and then she raised her chin and smiled up at you. She was clearly waiting for something and you leaned down to give her a quick peck. After that, she let go of your hand and you walked barefoot to the kitchen. The wine bottle was placed on the fridge, so you opened it and grabbed the wine to fill up the glass. You thought about pouring some in another glass, but you could share it and there was no need to get more things dirty. You moved to put the bottle back on the fridge and saw the bowl with fresh blueberries Elizabeth had bought that morning. Your food was supposed to get there any minute now, but you couldn’t ignore the sudden desire to eat the blueberries, so you took them with you on your way back.

You handed her the glass and sat down beside her again, this time grabbing the remote so you could watch something while you waited. You put a blueberry in your mouth and chewed happily before putting the bowl on Elizabeth’s lap.

"Want some?"

"Dinner is almost here, you know?" She said, albeit she also grabbed a blueberry to eat.

You smiled and shrugged. "Just a snack."

"What are you going to watch?" Elizabeth took another berry.

"Oh, I don’t know about you, but I might watch The Empire Strikes Back."

You got the reaction you were hoping for. Elizabeth groaned and threw her head back on the couch. "That's unfair! You know that’s my favorite movie! I’m trying to read over here."

"Oh, well." You shrugged, feigning innocence even though you knew Elizabeth could see right through you. "You can watch it with your girlfriend or you can go back to that book."

"That might be the easiest decision I ever made," came her reply at the same time Elizabeth put her book away and started to move on the couch to get more comfortable.

You chuckled. "I wanna cuddle, give me room."

"Yes, ma'am."

Elizabeth opened her arms so you could snuggle against her again. You quickly did so, smiling at the feeling of being surrounded by Elizabeth, then put on the movie and reached out for another berry. Elizabeth took a sip of her wine before sighing contently.

"Don't get too comfortable," you said suddenly. "You have to go down to grab our food."

"Why can't you do it? Why does it have to be me?" She sounded amused.

"Because you love me," you replied without missing a beat.

"That I do," Elizabeth agreed. "We will just do rock, paper, scissors."

"You see? That's why I love you," you declared, hit play and hugged Elizabeth tightly.

On nights like that, it was easy to think there was no one else in the world besides you two and you were fine with that.

[iskratempestmadness]

The characters of the "Baki the Grappler" and dating you

Baki:

Oh, this boy is so tense because of the constant fighting... That's why he prefers something relaxing and cozy... For example, having dinner together at home in a quiet environment or just wrapping up in blankets with you and watching TV shows or just listening to how your day went. He likes to see you completely relaxed with him too. It's just that this is the homely, calm atmosphere that he lacked, so he completely enjoys it.

Hanayama:

He prefers shopping or going to restaurants. As I wrote earlier, he is good at talking about his affection for you, so he shows it by making you expensive gifts. But he also likes to see you smile when he gives you another piece of jewelry. It probably can't be called a date, but he likes to see you cook for him. Your concentration at this moment, the skill of your hands, and these charming flavors that fill the cooking process... Mmmmm Hana is thinking about the wedding at this time

Katsumi:

Ohhh this is a surprise. Even for him. Will you go to the amusement park? It's possible! Are you going to go to the spa together? Maybe! Dinner on the roof? Why not, you can try it! Just take a walk in the park? Good idea! Katsumi is trying, in fact, he doesn't care where the date is or what he has to do, because you're happy with him. He will do anything to get your attention and surprise you. But he also likes to get new impressions, new emotions. He's a double plus.

Jack:

He also likes something calm and quiet. But his undisputed favorite is joint training. From jogging in the park to strength training in the gym. He likes the way you look during them, the way you give your all, the way sweat runs down your body while jogging. But he likes even more the fact that you're trying to match him, that you're trying to get better. It may seem that this is not a date, but a competition, but he really appreciates such moments.

Retsu:

His favorites are dating in the park and reading together. No matter how hackneyed it may be, but he loves reading and you, and combining you is just heaven for him. What could be better than reading together or discussing a book you've already read? He also likes to cook with you (he likes the way you look in an apron) But he's also ready to try something new with you.

Bonus:

Once you asked him to dance, he agreed. Despite the fact that he was somewhat clumsy, he liked it, he began to practice more. Now dancing is the final part of your romantic evening.

Shibukawa:

Something quiet and peaceful like joint walks in the park or picnics. A calm atmosphere, a nice conversation, the beauty of nature is all he needs. He's a pretty traditional guy, but he doesn't mind trying something new at all. For example, to go to the slot machines with you. HE'LL FIT IN PERFECTLY. He is moderately gambling, does not like to lose and learns quickly. But now it's not a date, it's a WAR, after you're done, the loser pays for the winner's subsequent purchases throughout the evening. This cute grandpa will basically fit into any adventure with you (if it doesn't break the law), it helps him feel younger.

Doppo:

He also likes to try something new. Take him bowling, he'll like it. He can screw up a couple of times, but his gambling is working in the right direction. But it can also turn into a competition. He also likes to buy you cute trinkets, bracelets, rings, headbands. You're a princess for him, and that's why you have to look the part.

Bonus:

LOVES it when you arrange a spa day. He likes to see you relax, but he likes the way you take care of him even more. He loves it when you give him a massage (probably often whined that his shoulders and back hurt, because of this you had to take care of him and you know what... He liked it☺) Now you have scheduled days for self-care.

[rubendiasthoughts]

Josko Gvardiol as a boyfriend:

- In my mind Josko is just a giant teddy bear. Like he would be so cute and sweet with you, always so gentle.

- I feel like Josko would love to spend time with you in a very chill way. Like it doesn't have to be fancy, no need to go out all the time. I feel like he would love to just have a cozy night in with you, like maybe the two of you just lounging on the couch together, him always holding you close to him.

- He would be so affectionate with you in private, always touching you, kissing you. I don't really see him being big on PDA, but he would definitely always hold your hand or have his hand on the small of your back.

- I already said this, but Josko is definitely the boyfriend who would hold your purse, your phone and your stuff for you when you two are out. And then everyone would think it's so cute, cause there is tons of pictures of him guiding you to his car by your hand and holding your purse for you.

- Definitely a real gentleman, would open the door for you, always let you go ahead of him...

- I think Josko would love it when you scratch his scalp with your nails and it would kind of become your thing. Like he would just lay his head in your lap when you're maybe watching tv, and you would just play with his hair and scratch his scalp and he is just humming quietly with his eyes closed. He would find it so relaxing.

- I feel like he would be the type of boyfriend who is just obsessed with his girl. He would think you are the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. Like I have an image of him just staring at you when you're getting ready, with the most lovesick look on his face, his puppy eyes and he would be all "you are so pretty, baby".

- I also think that a big part of his love language would be acts of service. He would love to do things for you, even if they are little. Like bringing you a coffee to bed, cause he knows you like to have it right after you wake up, while reading a book. But it also would definitely work both ways for him - he loves it when you cook for him when he comes home from a tiring training or something.

- I don't see Josko being big on jealousy, like I feel like he would have so much trust in you and also feel so secure in himself that he doesn't think he has anything to worry. But I also think he would love the idea that you are his and only his and no one else could have you. And he would love to showcase it in subtle ways, like he's definitely getting you a necklace with a little J on it. And he would so love it of you got your nails done and got a little J on it.

- Play fighting is definitely a thing with Josko. Like him tickling you on the couch (just imagine his beautiful smile). Would often end up in a make out session.

- I just know he would be such a good kisser. Would love to have you in his lap, his hands all over you, gripping your waist, kneading your ass, brushing your hair away from your face and putting it behind your ear, while his lips are on yours, pushing his tounge into your mouth and then kissing down your neck.

- You would definitely become besties with his sisters, because he's so close with them and he would love it. I can just picture him when you're out in a restaurant with them, and he's just listening to your conversation with the softest smile on his face, so happy that you are getting along so well.

- Whenever the two of you have the day off you know he's not letting you out of the bed easily. Would love to have a lazy morning with you, just holding you on his arms, giving you little kisses while you catch up and talk about your week.

[ronearoundblindly]

For my favorite Steve 🥰💙🖤 (Fools Rush In)

29. Describe their nighttime routine.

30. What are their respective love languages? Do their love languages work well together?

38. Who’s got a quicker temper?

Questions are from this ask game and about this post-Endgame AU with Steve Rogers x lab tech!Reader.

29

There's no TV in your shared apartment because there are so, so many monitors on the compound. Steve likes some peace and quiet, to listen to records or the radio, or simply to read. Nighttime offers less drawing inspiration than daylight outdoors, but occasionally he'll putter with some sketching. That's harder to do while sitting right beside you on the couch, or while you lay with your head in his lap (and vice versa). Even if Steve reads, he has one hand on you, resting. In fact, he particularly enjoys books on tape because you two can snuggle and just relax.

This is your time to chat about the day, too, but since not everyday is very exciting, being present is enough.

All that is done in the living room because Steve is a bit of a purist in what you do where. Eat at the table. Relax on the couch. Sleep in the bed. Do not eat in the bed; that's not what it's for. Weird old fart...

It's fine to get sleepy on the couch, but it's very rare to stay asleep there all night.

For the most part, bedtime routines in the bathroom are separate. There's a His & Her's sink in the master bath, so if that's all anyone needs, you brush teeth and wash face side-by-side.

Steve starts out laying on his back with you curled up against his chest and hip. He does progressive relaxation to force his muscles to release tension from the day. He's so bulky now that this is crucial. It helps elongate his spine so when he does turn over to spoon you, Steve is properly gelatinous to mold around the back of your body.

Sometimes, if Steve can tell you're not asleep yet, he'll start humming your song, and he enjoys that he can hear your smile when you chuckle and wiggle deeper into his hold.

He runs hot, so Steve prefers a fan on in the bedroom which serves as low, white noise. He doesn't mind if you need a thicker blanket, however, he just mostly likes the air circulation.

30

If it's not obvious from Steve's nighttime routine, his love language is quality time. He appreciates the quiet moments you spend with him more than most celebrations. Time is precious to Steve Rogers. He understands its value. You giving him your time means everything.

(Not trying to make assumptions about every reader's love language, but I'm gonna wing it for Keeps.)

You thrive on words of affirmation, and Steve becomes better and better at communicating. He starts out so guarded because of the life he leads: his job is acts of service, he doesn't experience physical touch like other, he's...sorta terrible at gift giving, and Steve is being watched and listened to constantly. He's leery of everyone and everything. F.R.I.D.A.Y's everywhere--worse than J.A.R.V.I.S was--which takes a lot of getting used to.

He gets better, though. Steve has had to get comfortable with a lot of new-to-him behaviors. Not that he wouldn't have been nice and communicative with a girlfriend in the '40s, but he never had a girlfriend before. He's had zero practice, and at first, he's very awkward. Eventually, the words come easily, albeit always softly in public. He hates the idea of anyone else being in your relationship. They're there anyway.

Fools's Steve says "I love you" to you often, but the words have about three thousand variations of intonation and subtext, from playful to pissy. If you aren't alone, it's usually whispered.

Other than that, Steve not only tells you how lovely you look--even when you don't feel beautiful--but annoyingly and obviously means it every single time. You can see it in his eyes and his body language. It took a while to accept that he truly loves you and finds you beautiful. Your mind fought against accepting that. You were convinced by his every hesitation that it meant he couldn't possibly love you, but that wasn't true. That's not what was going on.

Steve took a while to sift through his feelings and hangups, but the question was never whether he loved you or was attracted to you. He worried whether or not he could be the partner he wanted to be to the right person.

38

Technically...Steve???? This one's a little complicated.

You get truly angry only after something has been stewing for a long time. Consistent, tiny annoyances or frustrating behaviors eventually boil to the surface in infrequent rages.

Steve, on the other hand, is cool as a cucumber until the most random, damndest things just 🫰🏼set him off. He's a cheeky bastard when his feathers are rumpled the wrong way. It's odd and totally hilarious.

He spends so much time as Cap letting everything just roll off his back like a duck in water. He has to go with the flow. He can only control himself and what he does in the future. He gives orders, yes, but humans err; Steve understands that maybe nothing he plans will go correctly. He's prepared for that.

But...what Steve isn't prepared for is people putting a vinyl record in the wrong dust jacket with no indication as to where the correct one will be. What kind of imbecile-- He can't stand his to-go order being totally opposite what it's supposed to be because seriously he didn't even make any substitutions! And absolutely hysterically, he can't handle there not being a 'wet floor' sign when the very shiny floors happen to be very slippery.

For a big man, Steve falls hard.

He got some great height though... Spun nearly 200 degrees mid-air before flopping the landing and bouncing against the far wall. Spectacularly funny when you know he isn't hurt. It's not even a pride or ego ding for Steve; he's simply furious that someone not-him could have been the one to slip.

So yeah, technically Steve has the quicker temper, but his anger lasts less time than yours.

Thank you for asking!

[Main Masterlist; Light Masterlist; Ko-Fi]

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[steddieas-shegoes]

"do you know any hobbits?"

This is a drabble based on a line I said in this. It's not technically necessary to read that before this, but it definitely is funnier.

🧝🏻🧝🏻🧝🏻🧝🏻🧝🏻🧝🏻🧝🏻🧝🏻🧝🏻🧝🏻

Steve was quiet today.

Usually, when he sat with Eddie, especially if they were alone, he talked nonstop. Almost like he didn't get to talk to other adults often enough.

Which, now that Eddie thought about it, was probably true.

He'd talked a bit about his day at first. He took the kids to the school so they could all volunteer for a few hours, checked on El and Hop, and helped Jonathan with Joyce's car.

But it's been damn near 30 minutes of silence while Eddie pretends to read and Steve pretends to watch the tv in the room.

"I've got a question," Steve suddenly asked.

"Go ahead," Eddie set his book down, sort of grateful that the silence was broken.

"Do you know any hobbits? Like, in real life?"

He was so serious.

Eddie bit back a laugh when he realized that Steve was being so serious.

Oh boy.

"Nope. Um. I don't." Eddie was so proud of himself for not being a smartass.

"Do they only live in that, like, Middle Earth place? Where is that?"

Eddie was only human.

He laughed.

He felt so guilty about it after, but he had to laugh.

Steve's brows furrowed and his head tilted, like he was trying to understand why Eddie was laughing.

"Sorry. I just. Middle Earth isn't a real place and Hobbits aren't actually a type of people," Eddie schooled his features, but it was too late.

Steve's entire face turned a bright red. He looked away from Eddie then, focusing on the wall directly across from his chair instead.

"So this Token guy, he just made it all up?" Steve asked quietly.

"Yeah. Kinda crazy how he built this whole world on his own, right?" Eddie needed to turn this conversation around.

He couldn't handle the sad look in Steve's eyes, like he'd let himself down, like he was used to letting himself down.

"Yeah. Crazy."

"But really, you never know if there are Hobbits somewhere and they just haven't been found. I mean if government monsters can exist, why can't they?" Eddie continued, smiling when Steve's face turned to him.

"Hobbits aren't created by the government though," Steve said, face relaxing back into his casual conversation smirk.

"If they can hide the Upside Down, maybe they can also hide Middle Earth."

"You're ridiculous."

Eddie shrugged, picking up his book to continue reading.

Steve started talking again a few minutes later, seemingly back to normal.

Eddie smiled to himself as he complained about something Dustin did in his car on the way home from volunteering.

"Maybe Dustin's a Hobbit," Eddie said, which got Steve on a new tangent that Eddie was happy to listen to.

[irisbleufic]

Of all the current Devil’s Minion writers your playlist is the one I want to see. Do you have one? If not, are there particular songs you’ve been listening into to while you write? The vibe of your prose with them is hypnotizing like the short story about them in the books, it’s impressive, and does your music also inform this choice if at all?

Intense question, anon. Fourteen-year-old me fucking hyperventilated after reading the DM chapter in Queen of the Damned (me, on the floor of my bedroom at 3am because I don’t want to get caught reading this book, staring dazed at the ceiling; me, now, three weeks ago, sitting shellshocked on the sofa after watching S1 and S2 over two days as a binge; me, over two of those weeks following the binge, rereading the first half of the Chronicles and starting to see double, tilt the prism, see what happens when the narratives are overlaid and blurred), and it still feels like that. Likely my prose turning out the way it is in these stories is about 90% my giddy teenage self having access to my adult self’s writing experience to finally write this beloved pairing without fear of litigious letters (IYKYK, my fellow elder Millennials in the fandom). I don’t often love film and TV adaptations of my favorite books, but I adore this show. It’s flawlessly transformative; its improvements only make the resonances and overlaps that much more meaningful. No notes.

However, I have been listening to the same small handful of songs on repeat for 6 days as I write these pieces. I imagine they are affecting my sense of scansion at points; my writing life didn’t begin with fiction, it began with years of poetry before I ever tried prose. These tracks are as meaningful to me as poems as they are songs. It’s as good a starting point for a playlist as any; I’ll keep adding and put it together on Spotify at some point.

1. Vesuvius - Sufjan Stevens

Vesuvius, I am here

You are all I have

Fire of fire, I'm insecure

for it is all been made to plan

Though I know I will fail

I cannot be made to laugh

for in life as in death

I'd rather be burned

than be living in debt

This song was my entire first 72 hours of writing. I’m that Autistic weirdo who will listen to a single song on repeat for a month and think nothing of it. Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii being the nexus point of their love story from beginning to end in QotD, this is everything to me; I was never going to be able to write about the show incarnation of them without integrating this location and this imagery in the most reverent love letter I know how. This is why my series title for these stories is Caldera. Volcanic crater blowout if ever I saw one; I ran with it.

2. I Forget Where We Were - Ben Howard

Hello love, my invincible friend; hello, love, the thistle and the burr. For you, I have so many words—and I, I forget where we were. I haven’t known this song for all that long in the grand scheme, but it found me via Spotify shuffle in 2022 right after something awful happened. The longing in this song hinges on one of the lovers in it waking up to something they’ve forgotten about their relationship, something precious, and I’m thrilled to finally have a fandom application for it.

3. Make You Better - The Decemberists

I sung you your twinges

I suffered you your tattle-tales

and when you broke sideways

I wanted you, I needed you, oh

to make me better

Oh, to make me better

But we're not so starry-eyed anymore

like the perfect paramour you were in your letters

And won't it all just come around to make you

let it all un-break you to the day that you met her

No excuse for this one; it does a great job of speaking for itself. Front-man Colin Meloy is one of my all-time favorite songwriters, and his work is frequently dark, creepy, and/or gothic enough in flavor that I could find a few more.

4. Song to the Siren - Elisabeth Fraser & This Mortal Coil

On the floating shipless oceans

I did all my best to smile

till your singing eyes and fingers

drew me loving to your isle

and you sang, “Sail to me,

sail to me, let me enfold you—

here I am, here I am,

waiting to hold you.”

This cover of Tim Buckley’s folk masterpiece completely transforms the vibe of the song, and in the kind of way you need for this pairing. This one is at responsible for the events and imagery in my “Still Life with Sunken Treasure.”

5. Hal - Yasmine Hamdan, Only Lovers Left Alive OST

لأ ما أقدرشي

لأ مش ممكن

لأ ما أقدرشي

لأ مش ممكن

يا عزيزة اطلعي

لأ ما أقدرشي

يا حبيبتي شرّفي

لأ ما أقدرشي

وطلعت يا ناس، مغلوبة يا ناس

يا عزيزة اتريحي

لأ ما أقدرشي

يا حبيبتي اتلحلحي

لأ ما أقدرشي

وسمعت يا ناس، مغلوبة يا ناس

لأ ما أقدرشي

لأ مش ممكن

لأ ما أقدرشي

لأ مش ممكن

لأ ما أقدرشي

لأ مش ممكن

يا عزيزة اتفرفشي

لأ ما أقدرشي

يا حبيبتي قربي

لأ ما أقدرشي

فرشنا يا ناس، مغلوبة يا ناس

يا عزيزة اقلعي

لأ ما أقدرشي

يا حبيبتي اتجرأي

لأ مش ممكن

شلحنا يا ناس، مغلوبة يا ناس

لأ ما أقدرشي

لأ مش ممكن

لأ ما أقدرشي

لأ مش ممكن

يا عزيزة اتغندريله

يا حبيبتي اتذوقيله

افهمي يا سيدي مش قادرة

وطبعا تقنعني مش واخدة

ايه يا عزيزة؟

ايه اللي إنتي عملاه ده؟

يا ��ا يا راجل يا هوه!

مش عيب عليك اختشي ونو

لأ ما أقدرشي

لأ مش ممكن

يا عزيزة اخلعي

لأ ما أقدرشي

يا حبيبتي اتشخلعي

لأ مش ممكن

يا خيبتي يا ناس، مغلوبة يا ناس

يا عزيزة اتبغددي

لأ ما أقدرشي

يا حبيبتي جربي

لأ ما أقدرشي

وجينا يا ناس، غلبنا يا ناس

جينا يا ناس، غلبنا يا ناس

I don’t think the Arabic justified to the correct side when I copied this, but the translation is very easy to find. I don’t speak Arabic, but honestly the English translation is dull compared to the beauty of this language. If you haven’t watched Only Lovers Left Alive, what the hell are you even doing with your vampire-loving, monster-fucking life? All the tracks on it have the right vibe for DM, really.