#might look through my shelf later to see if I can find it since I still have most of my old books

[cosmicdahlias]

You Know What You Do To Me

a ford x reader fic

MINORS DNI

warnings: smut, oral, mdom

i’ve really enjoyed writing these fics! it’s been so long since i’ve been passionate about something like this 😭

It was another afternoon working at the Mystery Shack. You were dusting shelves, thinking about later tonight. You had two jobs, by day you sold overpriced knickknacks for your boss, local con artist Stan Pines, and by night you worked for his brother, Stanford. Before he even came back through the portal you were a big fan of his work, Dipper regularly lent you the journals during your breaks. You pored over the material, longing to meet the author.

When you met him it was a typical day, typical as things get in Gravity Falls. You were helping Soos fix up the place after the town had turned upside down, he filled you in on the cause. A portal, Stan had a brother who had been missing for 30 years, and more importantly this brother was the mysterious author you so desperately wanted to meet.

You were in the process of nailing a shelf back to the wall when you heard a door open behind you. You turned to see a man who looked nearly identical to Stan, but better posture, and somehow… cooler. You knew instantly this must be the man behind the journals. Your heart skipped a beat, not just from the excitement of finally getting to see the author, but because you couldn’t get over how handsome he was.

He looked at you and you felt yourself turn into a puddle. You could’ve sworn you saw his cheeks flush slightly, but convinced yourself you were seeing things.

“OH MY GOD THE AUTHOR IS LOOKING RIGHT AT ME!!! BE COOL!!! BE COOL!!!” You thought rapidly.

He made his way over to you and extended a hand to you, six fingers, the symbol on the journal’s cover made so much sense.

“Stanford Pines, you must be one of Stanley’s employees.”

“Y/n. You’re… the author of the journals.”

“You’ve read my journals?”

There it was again, the faintest tint of red on his cheeks.

“Yeah, multiple times. Your nephew lends them to me sometimes. I’ve always been into the weird and paranormal.”

“Well it’s always a pleasure to find someone who appreciates my life’s work.”

-

In the weeks that followed Ford would ask you to become his assistant. He insisted he was getting too old to do these things on his own. You loved working with him, unraveling the mysteries of this town. It gave you a sense of purpose.

The tension between you two was more than palpable, but neither of you had been willing to admit it to each other yet. Your time together was filled with stolen glances and flushed cheeks.

As you finished dusting a snow globe your mind wandered to your mentor. You had been pushing the limits lately, trying to get his attention. You wore more and more revealing clothes, you would drop your pen just to have an excuse to bend over in front of him, you would find reasons to stand close to him. You could tell it was driving him crazy, he would awkwardly excuse himself and disappear for ten to fifteen minutes, returning breathless.

But you started to think yesterday might have gone too far. You were sitting to the right of him as he was writing in his research notes, you pulled up your skirt slightly, slipping a hand down to your-

“Y/n, can we talk?”

You jumped, Ford had a habit of moving silently. A valuable skill when you’ve spent the last 30 years in other dimensions constantly staring death in the face.

You let your heart rate settle. “Yeah, sure.”

“Good, follow me.” He motioned you with his hand.

You both walked down the stairs to the basement where his lab resided, he turned to face you.

“Look, y/n, I know what you’ve been doing.”

You turned scarlet. You decided to feign ignorance.

“What do you mean?”

He exhaled a deep breath, massaging his temples. “Don’t play this game with me, you know exactly what you’re doing to me. Wearing shorter and shorter skirts, giving me bedroom eyes, finding any reason to bend over in front of me, and then yesterday-” he paused “yesterday you went out of your way to drive me crazy. You sat next to me, hiking up your skirt and you-“

He drew a shuddering breath, stepping awfully close, his chest almost touching yours “teased your clit over your panties, knowing full well you were in my peripherals. And you did that on purpose, stopping whenever I looked your way just to torture me, not letting me savor such a gorgeous view. I thought about you all night, I came with your name leaving my lips. And now-“ he pulled out a chair “you’re going to sit in front of me and touch yourself.”

“Ford-“

“No, you were so eager to do it yesterday, what’s stopping you now?”

You felt yourself grow wet under his words, you sat yourself down in front of him.

“Take off your panties, go ahead, take them off.”

You slipped the fabric down your legs and off your ankles letting them drop to the floor in front of you.

“Spread your legs, let me see you. Pull that skirt up.”

You obeyed his instructions.

“Now, slip a finger in your cunt and use your wetness to stroke your clit.”

You let your finger travel down to your dripping pussy, you traced little circles on your clit. You let out a sigh, Ford was watching you touch yourself, you had dreamed of this.

A growl rumbled in his throat, he watched you hungrily. His cock strained in his pants, he wanted to touch himself, but he couldn’t, not yet. You moaned softly, your brow furrowing in concentration.

“Faster, don’t stop.”

You picked up your pace, rubbing frantically, your moans growing louder, echoing through the lab. You hoped no one upstairs could hear you.

“Tell me how it feels.” He demanded.

“Mmmh, Ford, it feels so good.” You whimpered.

“That’s right, I know it does.”

He stepped close to you, a hand on the back of the chair, looking straight at you. You could smell him, fresh pine and leather. Your breathing became shallow and erratic, you were getting close. Ford could sense it.

“Are you going to cum?”

“Y- yes.”

“Good, look at me.”

You locked eyes with him, he stared at you intently. The feeling on your clit was becoming overwhelming, you were going to cum, dear god you were going to cum for him.

“Nhhh, ah hah, Ford.” You pathetically whimpered out, you couldn’t form a real sentence if you tried.

You felt yourself right on the edge, god you loved this, you loved putting on a show for him, you gritted your teeth in anticipation.

“Stop.”

“Wh- what?”

“You heard me, stop touching yourself.”

You withdrew your hand, your orgasm ruined.

“Why did you- I don’t understand.”

“You’ve been teasing me for weeks, with yesterday being the final straw. Now you’re going to see how it feels. Actions have consequences and you’re going to learn that. You don’t get to cum.”

He pulled you up by your arm, he grabbed your face and kissed you sloppily in pure hunger and desire. He let you go and dropped his hands to his belt buckle, undoing it.

“You need to see what you’re doing to me.”

He slipped his pants down enough to reveal his thick, hard cock. Fuck, he’s big. You bit your lip instinctively.

“Stroke my cock, now.”

You wrapped your hand around his shaft, your thumb massaging the head. He let out a groan of approval and you began pumping his cock. He started kissing and sucking on your neck, he was going to mark you so everyone knew you were his property. He started to buck into your hand, a bead of precum forming at the head. He throbbed, moaning into your neck.

He took your face in his hands again, god you loved when he looked at you.

“Get on your knees and take my cock in your mouth.”

“Yes sir.”

He throbbed at “sir” no one had ever called him that, he liked it. He made a mental note to encourage you to keep saying it.

You dropped to your knees and took his full length in your mouth.

“Fuuuck baby you’re so good at this, no one’s ever taken me all the way down before.”

He grabbed a fistful of hair and began fucking your mouth aggressively. You choked and pulled back. He chuckled.

“Oh poor baby, guess I spoke too soon, I’m sorry sometimes I forget how hard it is to handle a cock like mine.” He taunted while stroking your chin with his thumb. “I’ll try to slow down, it helps if you make an effort to breathe out of your nose.”

He resumed face fucking you, this time with a slightly more gentle rhythm, but you still felt the inclination to gag. You attempted to steadily breathe out of your nose and felt the urge subside. He clenched his jaw and picked up his pace again, you were really struggling to take him, he liked it that way.

His hips stuttered and bucked against your mouth. He could feel his orgasm rising.

“Baby slow down, slow down you’re gonna make me cum.”

You decided to ignore him, continuing to work your mouth on his cock.

“Stopstopstopstop. Stop!” He growled.

He seized your hair and pulled you off of his cock, knocking you backward. He reached out a hand and pulled you to your feet, then raised a hand and brought it down hard on your ass.

“You need to listen to me, next time I won’t be so nice.”

You savored the idea of being left with a six fingered welt. He lowered his hands to your hips and spun you around. He pressed himself against your back, his hard cock throbbing on your ass. His hand gripped your throat and he whispered in your ear.

“I’m going to fuck you senseless until I finish inside of you and you’re not going to cum, do you understand?”

You nodded fervently.

“Good, you’re so cute when you listen.” He said while slipping his thumb in your mouth.

He bent you over his desk, papers falling to the floor, one hand gripping your shoulder, the other on your hip. He pressed the tip of his cock into you before forcing the rest of his length inside of you. You started to scream out in pleasure, but Ford instinctively clasped a hand over your mouth.

He slapped your ass again. “Quiet, stardust, do you want everyone to hear you?”

He began to pump his cock inside of you, his hips slapping against your ass. You tightened around him and he groaned loudly.

“God I love the way your pussy squeezes my cock, it’s so fucking perfect.” He panted between thrusts.

He fucked you with a brutal intensity. He was doing this for his own pleasure, not yours. Like he said, you didn’t get to cum, not after what you had done yesterday. He pulled out and you whined, paused for effect and slammed himself back in. You threw your head back, moaning his name.

It felt so goddam good to finally fuck you like this after all the moments he had to steal himself away from his work to just to stroke his cock because you were incessantly teasing him. He had imagined you bent over his desk like this thousands of times. The image of you taking his cock like a good little whore was all the could picture whenever he caught you staring at him.

His grip on your shoulder and hip tightened, nails digging into your flesh. He was fucking you faster and faster, he wanted so badly to know what cumming in you felt like. You started to move your hips back onto him. Oh my god he couldn’t believe you wanted him this badly.

“Goddammit yes baby fuck back on my cock like that, you’re gonna make me fucking cum.”

You whimpered in approval.

“Would you like that stardust? Huh? Do you want me to cum inside of you?”

All you could manage was a weak “Uh huh.”

He panted like a dog, he was gonna breed you like one. Sweat began go form on his forehead, his glasses fogging.

“You don’t know how badly I’ve wanted this, wanted you. When I first met you I thought you were so fucking beautiful. I spent that night stroking myself to the cute Mystery Shack employee. I thought it was just a lonely old man’s fantasy that you would ever show me any interest, but then you started working for me and you would look at me with those eyes. God those eyes, so full of lust and want.”

You felt his cock throb inside you, he was close.

“I’m going to fill you up, have you dripping with my cum. Tell me you want it, I want to hear you beg.”

“Please, I need your cum in me. I need it so bad.”

“Call me sir.”

“Ahhh, hah, please sir, cum in me.”

He moaned loudly as he fucked you with a ruthless intensity. He buried himself deep in you as he came, your name escaping his lips. He didn’t stop fucking you, the feeling was overwhelming but he couldn’t help himself.

For a while there was nothing but the sounds of your heavy breaths. He began to slowly pull his cock out of you, cum spilling onto the floor. Jesus fucking christ he needed to draw this later.

You stayed bent over his desk, legs shaking. He grabbed you by your waist and pulled you onto his lap as he sat in his desk chair.

“Are you alright? I didn’t take it too far, did I?” He said stroking your hair.

“N- no, it was incredible.” You said between haggard breaths.

“Good, now here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to go upstairs and finish the rest of your shift. You are to keep your panties off and let my cum slowly drip out of you. And then later tonight you’ll stay here and I’ll reward you by letting you cum on my tongue and cock, if, and only if you heed my instructions. Do we have a deal, stardust?”

Your heart thumped wildly in your chest. Having Ford to yourself all night? Holy fucking shit yes.

“Deal.” You smiled.

“That’s my baby.” He said cupping your chin and pressing a kiss to your cheek.

-

You ascended up the creaking stairs back to work. Mind still buzzing with the moment you had just shared with Ford.

“There you are. I was startin’ to think you ditched, but then I- whoa, what happened to you, kid? You look like you’ve been hit by a bus.” Stan said in his gruff voice.

You caught your reflection in the window, your hair was a mess. You quickly attempted to fix it.

“Ah, uh, I was just helping Ford fix some stuff.”

Stan stared at you for a second before a smirk creased his lips.

“Oh yeah I bet he fixed you real good, kid.”

You turned beet red “No, that’s not what I-“

He laughed. “Look, I’m just happy you two finally hooked up. I was gettin’ real sick of watching you two ogle at each other like horny repressed teenagers. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a bet to settle with Wendy.”

“Great, Stan. Thanks for not making things awkward.”

[i-dont-r3member]

RANDOM SHOWER THOUGHT/MEMORY UNLOCKED/I NEED ANSWERS RIGHT THIS MINUTE

Does anyone else remember a book series from like…idk prolly the mid to late 2010s (or at least that’s when I think I read it it was probably older) where the main characters could like travel through mirrors??? And there was like this whole world in between the mirrors and these big bug creatures that they had to feed (?) so they would bring them to the correct exit mirror and there was like a lord of this mirror plane/world/dimension who was a jerk and they ended up like fighting(? Im p sure they outsmarted him technically) because I only remember this specific aspect and now I HAVE to know the series so I can remember the context around why they traveled by mirror

[medicinal-doll]

Hurt.

Daddy!Henry x little!reader

Summary: You only wanted to make a simple home cooked meal for your husband but after a recent accident his cautious nature decides to make itself known.

Warnings: Fluff, love bombing, babying, kisses,petnames,injury,hint at ddlg themes,slight Dom/sub dynamic

A/N I hope this helps a bit anon

*Please don't repost without permission If you use my writing as inspiration please ask first and credit me*

..............

You try to ignore your husband's looming eyes on your body. ever since he got home from work...no.. ever since the accident he's been acting as if you're made of glass.

"Let me get that for you sweetie" A strong dominant hand encircles your waist keeping you firm as Henry reaches over your head. grabbing the pasta box from the high shelf.

And now you're frowning in the corner. not only watching him start to cook the meal you planned, but every now and then he gives you a sympathetic smile.

You stand there arms crossed with a pout trying to work up the courage to say something. to tell him that you're far from helpless, and that you can take care of yourself even though you're healing.

But you know that argument would just fall on deaf ears. Henry babied you before you hurt your back. but now, apparently you can't even manage to make dinner without his assistance and under his watchful eye.

You wait until his attention is turned to stirring the basil ridden spaghetti sauce before you sneak out of the luxurious kitchen and make your way to the wine cellar. You scan the dusty shelves looking for the perfect taste to take your mind off of your overbearing husband and the dull ache of your spine when you finally see it.

The 1942 bottle of sauvignon blanc. only it's netted to an old wooden crate. fueled by determination and denial of your altered state you instantly crouch down. gripping the handles of the crate and start applying force as your husband's warnings ring a faint lullaby in the back of your mind.

You pull your hardest with all your might before a sharp seething hot pain shoots through you. causing an involuntary drop of the heavy box with a thud and a loud cry of pain.

"Shit!"

You drop to the floor as you caress your back in anguish.

And not a moment later do you hear heavy rushed footsteps come flying down the cellar stairs. finding yourself scooped up within an instant cradled in a protective embrace. You look up to meet Henry's panicked eyes as his irises wander your form looking for any sign of further injury.

"Are you alright honey?.." he looks at you with a sincere gaze as he brushes away your hair to get a good read on your expression.

But as embarrassment starts to settle in. you just give one simple nod as you feel your tears well up. clinging to his chest for comfort, sniffling lightly in shame.

Henry sighs, his concerned expression slightly settling. relieved that you're okay but then his brows furrow as he takes on a more stern look. taking a hold of your chin as he makes you face him hesitantly.

"Look at me babygirl..." He says in that gentle tone he knows you're weak for. shyly you look up at him your face still guilt ridden as ever.

"you're hurt honey" he says gently not wanting to lecture you too harshly.

"So now... You need to be a good girl and let your daddy take care of you, Okay?"

He feels his heart flutter as he watches your little eyes cling on to his every word.

"Papa knows how big and strong you are...and I love that. but now you need to stop being so stubborn and let me take care of you"

"that's what I'm here for angel" he nuzzles your face and you can't help the giggle that slips.

You pout at your husband feeling self conscious of your silly behavior and needless display of false strength. You bury your head into his soothing chest as you feel him carefully lift your feeble form from the ground.

.........

Settling onto the soft bed he seats you on his lap. gently rocking you back and forth. making sure to avoid shifting your injury as he places sweet kisses on your forehead and against your temple.

You meld so easily into his warm and comforting presence. relishing in the delicious concoction of his natural pheromones and faint cologne.

"I love you so much sweetie"

His big hands roam your body lovingly. caressing you from your soft thighs to your hips.then finally nestling around your ribcage delicately pulling you closer to his chest.

"Stay here and relax for me honey" he leans down giving you a deep passionate kiss to the lips. you whimper lightly savouring the softness and the light tickle of his facial hair.

"I promise i'll wake you when dinner's finished" he says in a low accent cuddling you close to him.You nod absentmindedly, not having it in you to prove your strength anymore. only wanting to be good for him now.

Grabbing at his collar for one last tender kiss. He then hushes you under the sheets. whispering his love and adoration for you. before leaving you to rest that pretty little head of yours.

[population9973]

family line - luke danes

luke danes x fem!reader

summary: things get a little complicated when your boyfriends nephew comes to stay with him

warnings: smoking, family trouble, a bit of angst, mention of cheating but it isn’t happening?, language, readers parents are 💀

word count: 3k (this was supposed to be short)

as you woke up in bed, you rolled over to find luke’s side of the bed empty, and squinted at the clock on his nightstand; you’d slept in.

“oh crap,” you hurried to get dressed and presentable before heading downstairs to work. as you walked in, you noticed luke was on the phone, and he didn’t sound too happy with whoever he was talking to. lorelai was behind the counter grabbing donuts and putting them in a bag, while a group of boy scouts waited in line.

“okay fine,” he said loudly. “do what you want- make the arrangements. now i’m working, we’ll finish this later!” he hung up the phone with a clang.

“is everything okay?” lorelai asked, and you gave luke a worried look as you tied an apron around your waist.

“do either of you have a sister?” he asked.

“uhm, no.”

“no,” you agreed. in the six months you had been with luke, family had never really come up as a topic of dicussion; and that was more than okay with you.

“i do!” one of the boy scouts piped up.

“you have my sympathies,” luke sighed, and disappeared into the back.

“here, i’ll ring you through,” you offered to lorelai, who happily cut in front of the line.

“do you know what that was all about?” she asked, and you shook your head.

“no idea,” you answered honestly, telling her the total for the donuts as rory pestered her to hurry up.

after helping the boy scouts order and pay for their food, you went to find luke, who was sitting in the storage room organizing cans on the shelf.

“hey, sorry i was late,” you said softy.

“that’s okay, it was quiet this morning. i thought i’d let you sleep in,” he replied.

“when is it your turn to sleep in?” you teased.

“never.”

“that’s what i thought,” you sighed. “i take it that wasn’t a customer calling to place an order?”

“no,” he sighed. “it was my sister. her son - jess, my nephew is gonna stay with me for a while.”

“is your sister okay?”

“define okay,” he replied, and you gave him a look. “nothing happened to her, she just can’t control him anymore. he’s getting into trouble and she’s given up taking care of him, so she’s sending him here.”

“i see,” you nodded.

“you’re mad i didn’t ask you,” he suggested, and you shook your head.

“no, luke of course not. he’s your family, and it’s your apartment not mine,” you disagreed. “i think it’s nice that you want to help him, and your sister.”

“but?”

“but what?” you asked.

“there’s a but,” he insisted, and you sighed.

“but,” you exaggerated, raising an eyebrow. “are you sure you’re ready for this kind of responsibility?”

“you don’t think i can do it?” he asked, stopping his shelf organizing to look at you.

“it’s not that i don’t think you can, of course i do. i just - think it might be a little more difficult than you’re expecting, thats all. so if you need any help-“

“i’ll be fine,” he insisted.

“okay.”

“but thank you,” he added, kissing your forehead softly, before walking back out to help a customer who’d been ringing the service bell.

“you better be on fire or else calm down; i’m on my way!” he called, and the ringing stopped.

you sighed, wondering if luke knew what he was getting himself into.

•

you only worked half days at the diner so you decided to give luke some space and go back to your house for a while, tidying up a bit since you’d been at luke’s the night before.

flopping down on the couch, you scrolled through the tv channels looking for something to watch, but failed to find anything that interested you.

after making some lunch and doing some chores around the house, you went out to buy some groceries and stopped by the diner to see how luke was doing just after dinner.

“hey,” you smiled, the bell above the door altering him to your presence.

“hey, back already?”

“i’m just passing by. i’m going to the grocery store - do you need me to grab anything for you while i’m there?” you asked, but he shook his head.

“nah i think i got everything all stocked up earlier.”

“is he here already?” you asked.

“yeah, i picked him up from the bus stop an hour ago. you might run into him while you’re out and about.”

“he went out already?” you asked.

“yeah, i think he wanted to uh… see the town,” luke sounded unsure.

“honey-“

“it’s fine, i’m sure he just needs some time to get used to being here. that’s all.”

“you’re right,” you agreed. “not to go into the gorey details but i’ve been in his place before and it’s not easy. no matter how great the person you’re staying with is,” you held his hand on the counter for a second, and he looked like he wanted to ask what you meant, but just smiled instead.

“thanks. i’ll see you later?”

“i was thinking i’d give you guys some space - let him settle in on his own for at least the first night. i’ll see you tomorrow though?” you offered, and he nodded in agreement.

your mind was distracted as you shopped for a few things at the store; luke’s nephew being in town was bringing up some memories that you’d spent years trying to forget. memories of your own adolescence. you just hoped things were easier for luke and jess than they had been for you.

•

it was nearly eleven at night when there was a knock on the door. after a quick glance through the window, you opened the door to see luke standing there.

“hey - what’s going on is everything okay?”

“uh yeah, sure,” he replied, walking past you and into the house, and you shut the door, walking into the living room to find him sitting on the couch.

“luke?”

“yeah.”

“shouldn’t you be at home with jess? i thought you guys were going to hang out?”

“yeah, uh he went out.”

“he went out?”

“yeah. i think i scared him off,” he sighed, and you took a seat next to him, placing a hand reassuringly on his knee.

“what happened?”

“nothing - lorelai invited me to bring him by for dinner tomorrow, so he can meet her and rory, and he asked if i wanted to play poker and then left,” he shrugged.

“ahh i see.”

“see what?” he asked, and you sighed.

“when i was 17, i got into a lot of trouble - like jess. my parents - may they rot in hell - were assholes who hated me and sent me to live with my aunt. lovely woman - had no idea what to do with me.”

“you’re saying i have no idea what i’m doing?”

“i’m saying, it doesn’t matter if you do everything right, sometimes a kid like that has to decide to come around on their own.”

“why didn’t you ever tell me your parents were dead?”

“i guess it never came up,” you shrugged.

“i’m sorry.”

“don’t be,” you shook your head. “the only thing they ever gave me was the ability to lie about where i was going and which floorboards to step on so they didn’t catch me sneaking out. i’m better off without them.”

“i had no idea.”

“i don’t really talk about them, you had no way to know. i’m okay now. my life is better than i ever imagined it could be, and i have you in part to thank for it,” you kissed his cheek softly, and he wrapped his arm around you, pulling you to lean against his side.

“well i’m glad i could be of service,” he kissed you softly.

“jess will come around, luke. just give him some time. my first night after my parents sent me away i stole a car and lived in it for a week.”

“really?” he asked, looking nervous as if he thought jess might do the same.

“no,” you laughed and he relaxed. “but it did take me a while to settle in.”

“is it a bad time to mention that i told lorelai you would come to dinner tomorrow?”

“of course i’ll be there,” you smiled, snuggling into his side after pressing another soft kiss to his lips.

“i should probably get going in case he comes back to the apartment. he doesn’t have a key.”

“you didn’t give me a key?” you asked with a slight laugh.

“he said he didn’t need one,” luke shrugged.

“ah - you have a locksmith on your hands.”

“you think he can pick locks?” he asked.

“it’s not that hard-“ you raised your hands as he shor you a disapproving glance. “kidding.”

“very funny,” he rolled his eyes playfully. “i really should get home.”

“five more minutes?” you asked, clinging to him tighter so he couldn’t leave the couch.

“okay,” he conceded. “five minutes.”

•

“hey, perfect timing!” lorelai greeted as you stood with luke and jess at her front door. “sookie is about to break the record for the most food served outside of the roman empire.”

“sounds great,” luke replied.

“sure does,” jess agreed. though far less sincerely. the introduction between you and luke’s nephew had gone about as well as you’d expected, but you tried to remember how you felt each time your aunt brought home someone new, so you weren’t taking anything he said too personally.

“so, come on in,” lorelai offered, and jess followed her into the house, looking at some pictures on the wall before finding his way to rory’s room after being introduced to sookie and jackson.

everyone got ready to sit down at the table, rory explaining that jess was just grabbing a soda, before you realized you didn’t have a drink and went to grab one. jess was no where to be seen when you got in there, and you stepped outside to find him on the porch with a beer bottle, which he opened with the railing of the porch.

“not hungry?” you asked, holding your hand out for him to hand over the beer, which he did with a sigh.

“not really,” he agreed.

“don’t worry - i won’t tell anyone about the beer, just don’t let lorelai catch you doing it again.”

“thanks, you’re my hero,” he said sarcastically. “you gonna make me come back inside?” he asked, and you shook your head.

“no, if i was you i wouldn’t want to be in there either to be honest,” you sighed. “lorelai is trying to be nice but all this can be … kind of overwhelming.”

“yeah,” he mumbled.

“did the party move out here and no one bothered to tell us?” lorelai asked, emerging from the kitchen door.

“i’ll be right in, i think jess wants to get some fresh air,” you said, pretty sure she wasn’t gonna like that answer.

“sookie made you a grilled cheese if you don’t like pot roast,” she offered in a sing song voice.

“wow. if i’d have known that-“ jess said mockingly. you knew lorelai was only trying to help luke, but you had a feeling that she was just going to make things worse.

“you really don’t want to be here,” she gathered.

“what gave you that idea?” he teased.

“look, i’ve done this whole act before - but you’ve got a really good thing here with luke, he’s a really great guy. he really wants to take care of you and make things right for you. you’re incredibly lucky to have him,” lorelai went on and on, and even you felt awkward, taking a step back to sit on the porch swing.

“lorelai-“ you started to tell her to tone it down a little, but she ignored you. you knew luke didn’t want her meddling in the situation, him being very much an ‘if i want help i’ll ask for it’ and then never ask type of guy.

“if you give this situation half a chance, you might be suprised at how good it can be, and how much you like living here, and how good it feels to have someone like luke that you can really depend on.”

“that’s funny, i thought she,” he pointed to you. “was his girlfriend. are you sleeping with him too, or something?” jess asked, and though it was inappropriate to say the least, you barely stifled a laugh. it sounded exactly like something you would’ve said when you were his age, and lorelai was definitely laying it on pretty thick about luke.

“excuse me?”

“the whole starry eyed ‘you’re so much better off, just give it a chance’ speech. you’re either really naive, or you’re getting some,” he said, before turning to you. “sorry this might be how you find out you’re getting cheated on.”

“jess, come on-“ you sighed.

“this is my house, and i choose how i get talked to in it.”

“you know, you don’t know anything about me, or my life, or my mom, or luke, so why don’t you doctor laura someone else.”

“i’m going inside, you better not have taken that beer from my fridge,” she pointed to the bottle you had set on the table, grabbing it on her way inside and slamming the porch door.

“that wasn’t very neighborly now was it?” jess mumbled, more to himself than to you, you decided.

“hey, i’m not gonna give you a speech or anything-“

“sounds like you are.”

“she means well, even if she can be a bit… much, sometimes,” you said, crossing your arms over your chest.

“if i have to hear about how perfect my life is now one more time i might go stand in traffic,” he huffed, and to your surprise, he sat down on the opposite end of the porch swing, the chain creaking as he did.

“it’s not worth your time; no one here drives fast enough to do any damage,” you offered, and he almost smiled.

jess pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it, earning a side eye from you, and he sighed as he handed it over. you put it out in a small puddle of water on the porch and tossed it in the bin outside the kitchen door, before you heard luke and lorelai arguing in the kitchen.

“they fight like a married couple too,” jess added, and you laughed.

“i can’t disagree with you.”

“you sure they’re not-“

“they’re not. don’t bring it up again,” you advised, and he raised his hands in mock surrender as luke stormed out of the gilmore house.

“let’s go,” he said, looking at the two of you, and jess didn’t hesitate to get up and start walking, and in that moment you were just as eager as he was to get away from the gilmore house.

“i think i should go home. call me tomorrow?”

“you’re ditching me?” luke asked.

“no, i just think me being here isn’t really helping, and maybe you guys need some time to talk. i’ll come to yours if you want me to.”

“he’s had more of a conversation with you than he has with me,” luke argued, and you sighed, looking down at your feet. “i’m sorry, you’re right. i’ll see you tomorrow.”

“okay. i love you,” you said, giving him a kiss before he hurried to catch up with jess, and you started your walk home.

•

for the second time that week, luke showed up at your house unexpectedly, and you opened the door to let him inside. it was your day off work so you hadn’t talked to him since last night, and he still seemed pretty upset.

“hey, what’s up?” you asked.

“i just pushed him in a lake.”

“what?” you asked, raising your eyebrows.

“jess. i got this call from taylor that he thinks jess stole the bridge money and i went for confront him and he was being impossible and i just pushed him in. this is bad,” he trailed off mumbling to himself.

“hey maybe it’s not as bad as you think it is,” you tried to calm him down. “how good of a swimmer is he?”

“he’s fine,” he sighed. “he’s wet. i just - i lost it. you’re right; i am in so far over my head i can’t even see my own hat.”

“have you tried turning it around?” you teased, and he gave you a look.

“what was I thinking why did I say yes to this?”

“because you wanted to help him.”

“raising a kid - i don’t even like kids! they’re always sticky, like they’ve got jam on their hands. even if there’s no jam in the house, somehow they’ve always got jam on their hands. i’m not the right guy to deal with that. i have no patience for jam hands!” he spiralled.

“luke, honey. slow down,” you shushed him. “he’s a teenager, not a toddler, so i think you probably don’t have to worry about the jam thing, and you can absolutely do this. but it’s going to take more than two days and an air mattress for you guys to become best friends.”

“i swear i’m gonna kill liz,” he interrupted.

“liz isn’t here. jess is, and you cannot give up on him yet. i know this is not going how you planned but imagine how he must feel.”

“maybe you could talk to him - he doesn’t hate you like he hates me.”

“he does not hate you, luke. he doesn’t know you,” you corrected. “if you want me to talk to him i can try but i don’t know how much that will help. i can’t parent him for you. he’s living under your roof not mine.”

“you’re right,” he sighed.

“as always,” you teased, kissing him on the cheek. “do you want to stay for dinner since you’re here?”

“nah i gotta go find a gnome.”

“excuse me?”

“babette’s gnome - long story.”

“i don’t want to know,” you laughed, and he pulled you into a hug.

“thank you, for talking me out of the crazy tree.”

“you’re welcome. he just needs more time to adjust - his whole life got flipped upside down overnight,” you sympathized. “and so did yours. you need to adjust to this too. just - try not to push him in anymore lakes?” you suggested as luke stepped out the door.

“no promises,” he smiled, before leaving to go find the missing gnome, and you shook your head as you closed the door behind him. at least things were never boring in stars hollow.

[vesuvianhermitcrabs]

The Arcana M6 When The Bed Is Covered In Plushies

Asra

The bed has disappeared. Not from magic or anything like that, it's just no longer visible beneath the absolute mound of plushies you own

Oh, how does Asra feel about it?

Who do you think was supplying you with all these stuffed animals?

He thrives in this environment

They immediately crawl beneath all of them and become one with the plushie pile

He makes expectant grabbing motions to lure you into the pile of snugness, where he will trap you for all eternity

Faust also thrives in this environment and often is found squeezing the life out of a plushie

Speaking of Faust, she gets lost in the plushie pile so often you will have to check for her before diving in

Do not dive on top of her

Asra will accidentally kick half of the plushies off the bed in his sleep

Nadia

Her poor heart

The first time she walks in on you sitting in your mound of soft little friends she completely freezes. There's this dewy glittery haze in her eyes that makes you feel as if she's about to keel over

I hope your bed is big enough to accommodate all the plushies you're about to receive

She doesn't care that it's impractical, it makes you happy and that makes her happy

Although if she's being completely honest, this might be healing something for her

Not that she'll tell you that, you'll find out through her having a bit of a snuggle session with your plushies while she thinks you're gone

(DO NOT BRING IT UP SHE WILL GET FLUSTERED AND YOU WILL NEVER SEE HER DOING THAT AGAIN)

If anyone tries to make fun of you she just purchases you more (there's nothing quite like retail therapy, I guess??)

Julian

He doesn't register the plushies on the bed at night, he just crashed there immediately due to working for 4 days straight

In the morning (late afternoon), he notices. He lets out a frightened "GAH!" and asks you where all of them came from (they've been there for a week)

You explain to him why you own so many and he turns away, smiling a little at the sight of them

Julian's started to have some weird behavioral changes since this discovery. He's started to come to bed a little earlier, and when he doesn't, you end up noticing your plushies missing and later finding them on top of his papers or sitting on the dining table

When you leave to go run errands you'll often come home to him clutching one of your plushies (he's pretending he wasn't just snuggling the shit out of one while sobbing into his pant leg out of depression and loneliness)

Portia

Oh. Oh my.

The first time she sees you cuddled up with a soft toy she physically can not handle it. It's just too cute for her

It doesn't help that you're in a big pile of cute soft fluffy things either

She needs an outlet or else she's going to combust, so she ends up punting one of the plushies off the bed and into the hallway (this was followed by a disgruntled yowl)

You look at her in complete owl-eyed shock and she seems to realize what she's done with a surprised laugh

Portia giggles out a series of breathy apologies before going to put the plushie back in the room

Sticks a band aid on the injured one

Bless her soul, she loves you too much for her body to physically be able to handle

One day you came home to a little crocheted Pepi and an apology note from Portia

Muriel

He saw you with a couple on your trip with Morga

In all honesty his first thought was... well. There wasn't really one. It was like you had scrambled, deep fried, and microwaved his brain, all at the same time

When you moved into the hut he wasn't quite expecting you to move in with all of those

He finds it oddly endearing

But... how are you all going to fit on the bed

Genuinely considers going back to sleeping on the ground

After you frantically convince him that this won't be necessary, he huffs a tiny little sigh of relief before you both wonder what to do next

You decide to build a shelf to keep the majority of the stuffies on, while a select few go in the bed with you

Inanna loves them very much and will adore and protect them like her own pups

She loves them so much that she pulls them off the shelf and into bed with you, her, and Muriel, putting you back to square one

Lucio

Complained so much about your bed of plushies that you were considering running off into the woods to never be seen again

Okay well you wouldn't really do that, and seeing as you don't really live in a house your bedroll is covered in plushies

"MC, why are you holding a plushie when you could be holding me?" Becomes a nightly conversation

This problem is mostly solved when you get a plushie of him commissioned

What helps the most is when you buy him some of his own

Cue sniffling and eyeliner stained fluids running down his face

Much like Nadia, you're pretty sure this is actually very healing for him so you indulge him

Sometimes you'll hear him ranting to the plushies with his face all squished into them, which you always stop to listen to. Especially when the conversation turns to you

[fictionalsownme]

More Than A Woman | wilford warfstache x gn!viewer / reader |

chapter one - "I've known you very well"

A/N: hi everyone!! I'm so excited to post this! Usually I spend a long time on the stuff I write but I wrote a good chunk of this in a feverish burst haha, I've been wanting to write for Wil and had such a clear idea of how I see him in my head for so long :)) This fic will probably be around 10 chapters~ish and progress will probably be a little slow but I'm also trying to get faster at my writing so I guess we'll see! Getting it down is always the hardest, then you spend a bit of time hating it, then the fixing can start! Anyway, I hope you guys like this, I love this dorky weirdo a lot for whatever reason, and I'd love to write for other egos too :) ((there might be a guest appearance or two in here in the last few chapters if plans don't change 👀)) hope you guys enjoy the first chapter at least! lmk 🥰! word count: 2.9k notes: reader is gender-neutral, similar to all of mark's stuff :) -- the title is just after the song! no pronouns or descriptors are used other than the occasional they/them. reader is the viewer (& district attorney) from wkm, adwm, ahwm, iswm, etc, but that won't come up until later. wmlw wilford. story will be mostly fluff, some hurt/comfort & angst, lots of romance and flirting! story is adapted from an idea I had for my self insert. we will get into some lore stuff (or at least my understanding of the lore 👀) and filling in gaps with headcannons, but it's mostly about wilford & reader and I'll try to explain as we go so don't worry about it too much if you don't know all of it. especially since I don't know if my understanding is always 100% accurate 👉👈 let's have fun yall! 💞

masterlist | AO3

The music playing softly over the convenience store speakers was pleasant, if slightly boring. Like elevator music— there only to help ease the passing of time. Your night shift would end soon, and the sky could be seen as it lightened more every minute through the windowed front of the building.

Other than that, the old store was quiet. Dusty. Pink and orange neon strips lined the walls near the ceiling. They overpowered the dated fluorescent lights, casting everything in a slightly peach haze. Like a dream. 

Different sections of the store were marked with neon too, the letters glowed against the wall denoting the drinks, the snacks, the hot food… You liked your little store. Even if the unyielding isolation of your work made you a bit… complacent. You couldn’t remember the last time you’d truly talked with someone.

The ice creams chilled your fingers through the wrappers as you pulled them from their box and slotted them into place. Even with the cold air of the freezer wafting over you, you could smell the cool summer air coming in the sliding front doors.

You liked to prop them open on dawns like these. The convenience store lights did draw in the occasional pestering bug, but they usually found their way out again before long. You did get a bat once. Albeit a little crazed and frantic, you were surprised to find it harmless. Maybe a little lost. Now that thing seemed like it would never leave. 

Refocusing on your task, you brushed your condensation-soaked fingers on your work apron, tied tight behind your neck and around your back, and shut the freezer door. 

The motion alert chimed a pleasant tune through the staticky old speakers as a customer entered the open doors from the street.

You called an automatic, “Welcome in~,” and went about straightening a shelf of snack bars and chocolate. You didn’t bother to look in their direction as you heard them make their way through the aisles.

“Pardon me,” said their strange, nearly British accent from beside you now. You turned to the source of the voice, the man who’d just walked in, and your eyes went to his outfit first. 

A silky-- almost sparkly in how it caught the light-- lavender shirt with mismatched buttons revealed expanses of his bare chest. It was paired with white bell-bottoms and a fake pink afro hanging half-off his head, about to fall off. He had olive skin and dark hair-- nearly black--, fluffy and sticking up every which way like hands had been running through it. Scruffy facial hair framed a thick mustache that tinted slightly pink where it turned up at the ends.

He looked… honestly, he looked ridiculous. But the 70s getup was fun, you supposed. And his eyes-- dark brown and monolid-- were handsome. Underneath all the… extra mess. You blinked, slowly, in a way that felt like waking up.

“Uh, hi. Are you coming from a costume party or something?” It was August, but you supposed it was never too early to start the spooky season. 

“Oh! Do you know of one? I do love a good costume. But no. Just the regular-sort. Just woke up from one.” He scanned the products near his head, grabbed a protein bar, sniffed the wrapper, guffawed, and put it back.

“You just woke up? Are you alright?”

“Oh, worry not, friend, this is normal for my level of reverie! I’m not even hungover!” He laughed, his hands going to his hips.

You stared at him.

“I was just looking for something to gnaw on! To nourish myself before I’m on my way.” His eyes were still traveling all over, not really seeing you.

Now in theory, a strange man coming in at this hour, acting even stranger, with his clothes disheveled? You knew you should be on your way to your safe space behind the counter to get him checked out and exiting the store as fast as possible. But there was something about him… 

Something you couldn’t place…

Instead you raised your eyebrows and relaxed against the cooler door. “Uh, I guess that depends on what kind of food you like,” You offered. After a moment, his gaze landed on you and he seemed to finally take you in. Your uniform, your crossed arms, your patient expression, your features. His face scrunched into confusion.

A moment passed, staring at each other like that. “Your shirt’s looking a little rough, you know.”

“Have we met, friend?” He asked as he began to fix his buttons. 

You watched passively as more of his chest came into view. He either didn’t notice or didn’t mind your blatant staring. You weren’t sure why you were staring, or what you were feeling as you did so. 

You weren’t gawking at his abs or anything-- well,-- not that he didn’t have abs. He did, sort of. The expanse of his chest and abdomen were tight with toned muscle. He definitely wasn’t lacking abs, anyway. Either way… this was about something different. 

You wondered for a moment if a vague familiarity was what you were picking up on, but quickly dismissed it.

“I feel like I’d remember meeting you.” 

You realized with a start that your comment could be seen as flirtatious, and added quickly, “Just, you know-- generally.”

But he just hummed and spun on his heels, turning away. You sighed and found yourself in-step behind him, hands in your uniform pockets. Like it was the most natural thing in the world. 

“Well, either way!” He started, his energy returning tenfold. “Let's see what this cute little shop has to eat!” 

For some reason, you asked, “Do you have money?” 

He froze. “Er, no~. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Mind what?”

“Well, spotting me of course! Let’s just say I owe you one, eh friend?”

You rolled your eyes, smiling. “Thought so.” 

Thought so? Maybe you did know him… 

It was your turn to squint in displaced confusion. “What’s your name?”

His voice came from behind you and you spun around, your shoes squeaking on the tile floor. When did he sneak around you? 

He bent over and twirled his hand, a flamboyant bow finally knocking the afro off his head. “Wilford Warfstache, at your service.”

“That’s your name?” 

He righted himself. “For now.” It suited him well enough, but for some reason it sounded misplaced.

… But no, either way, you definitely hadn’t met him before. You didn’t know many people in the first place, let alone someone so eccentric.

Still, you were curious about him. Curious about his personality and who he was. He felt sort of like a puzzle waiting to be solved. And so far, despite his quirks, despite how admittedly weird you’d also been acting, he’d been friendly. You couldn’t say the staring and prodding questions were too in-character for you. At least not when it came to customers. 

His hair looked softer without the wig to weigh it down-- parted at his brow and long enough to fluff over the tips of his ears and end where his neck met his spine. You reached down to scoop the curly mop of synthetic hair up off the floor.

“Where did you get this thing?”

He hummed something like ‘I don’t know’, his eyes sort of wide like a clueless puppy’s. 

“What, you just kind of have it?”

“Yea’p.”

You squinted at him, a smirk forming on your lips. “How about I do you a favor and throw this away?”

He shrugged, hummed an ‘alright’ sound, and turned away. 

“Oh no, I was kidding! God, here--!” You had to grab his wrist to stop him from wandering off further and placed the pink afro in his hand.

You had just been trying to tease him, but now you just felt bad. “Look, Wilford, you want something to eat? We have to throw the hot food out every night. You can have a taquito or a slice of pizza or something if you want.”

Then he was frozen again-- staring down at where your fingers wrapped around his wrist. Your eyes followed his gaze down and then you were staring too.

A moment passed. Then two. Finally, you let go and crossed your arms again, tucking your hands away where they couldn’t embarrass you again.

“... Fuck, I’m sorry. I-I don’t know why I did that.” You did your best to clear your throat.

But he was still stuck there. He blinked a few times and his gaze met your eyes, his brows gathering together. 

“Wh-What did you say your name was, friend?” He seemed so… serious all of sudden. So dire.

You hadn’t mentioned it yet, but told him with a hesitant voice. 

His expression blanked, eyes widening. He brought his arm, the offending afro in tow, to his chest, touching his wrist where you’d held it.

“Oh…” 

You raised your brows and asked softly, “Sorry, do you know me, then?”

“Hm?” And he blinked like his mind was clearing, like he’d forgotten you were there. 

He cleared his throat, smiled-- ear to ear-- his mustache lopsided like a cartoon. “Oh-- nevermind about that! Some food would be lovely, if you don’t mind.”

His eyes were sparkling. 

“Sure. I mean, it’s nothing fancy. Here,” And you walked over towards the front counter. Wilford trailed close behind you-- holding onto the wig in his hands like a school kid holding a lunch box-- his gaze wandering over the store again like he hadn’t seen it the first time.

You arrived at the hot foods section, a glassed-off section of day-old food over heated rods. You shrugged. “If you have a sensitive stomach, maybe don’t,” you started, “but it’s mostly fine to be honest. I eat it if I’m in a pinch, you know.”

You hopped up to sit on the counter, your legs facing Wilford, and leaned back to reach around and grab the tongs waiting there. You straightened and clapped them together twice. You offered him a smile. “What’ll it be, Mr. Warfstache?” Then a quieter, “--that was your last name right?”

“Do you gravitate towards anything yourself?”

“Can’t go wrong with a slice of pizza, I guess. Even here.”

His smile grew sort of soft. “Then that. If you please.”

“You got it.”

You leaned over again and served up the slice of moderately warm and slightly greasy pizza on a brown napkin and passed it off to him. 

“Much obliged.”

You got one for yourself too, and when you righted and your eyes found Wilford again, he was sitting in a retro-style diner chair you’d never seen before-- his feet against the edge of the counter beside you.

You couldn’t help the surprised laughter that choked out of you. “Wha-- where did you even find that?”

The chair teetered on its two legs as he leaned precariously back, tilting his head at your question. The pink wig sat in his lap and you couldn’t help thinking it looked like some weird dog.

“Well, there’s no need to worry! I’m only borrowing it, I’m not a barbarian.”

And you just knew you weren’t getting more of an answer than that.

“So who even are you?” You asked as he took a bite of the pizza, somehow pulling all the cheese right off the top in one piece. He pouted down at the offending mozzarella, slurping it into his mouth and swallowing it. “Do you live around here?”

“Mm. I don’t really live anywhere. Much more the exploring-- ever on the move-- type.”

He was so expressive. It really felt like talking to an old cartoon come-to-life or something. You turned to lean against the side of the glass cover, swinging your legs so your feet rested on the counter, not far from his still against the edge. You weren’t touching at all, but you were surprised at how quickly the two of you fell into a casual-- albeit timidly curious-- rhythm. 

“So what do you do?” And you began to eat too.

He beamed, his smile reaching all the way to his eyes. “I’m an interviewer! Warfstache Tonight, that’s what my show is called! It’s quite a professional endeavor!”

You smiled and hummed around your bite of pizza, impressed. That actually explained a lot. And it suited him nicely enough. “Sounds pretty glamorous.”

“And what about you? You can’t just be a convenience store clerk!” He seemed so affronted by the idea. Crinkling his nose, dropping his voice an octave. “How dreadfully boring.”

You winced. “‘Just a convenience store clerk?’ Ouch, Wilford…” You couldn’t help frowning down at your slice. 

 “Oh! No no, pardon me!” He let the chair fall back to four legs, waving the idea way with a panicked hand. “I only meant that… this isn't what truly stirs your passions, is it? Do you do anything at your leisure? For work or just… something you enjoy?”

You squinted at him. But you didn’t really think he was trying to insult you. And he wasn’t wrong. It just… wasn’t always the most fun when someone pointed it out. Especially like that. 

You sighed, fidgeting as you considered his question. “Not right now… This job keeps me pretty occupied. But you know, it’s not too bad. It keeps me, I don’t know, grounded I guess.”

He thought for a moment, then nodded, taking another bite. “I do hope you get more opportunities soon, then.” He said, surprisingly grounded.

You looked at him. “... Thanks.” And you meant it.

“And… my apologies for the earlier, uh, miswording.”

 “That’s fine… I’d be curious to hear more about your show, though! Have you interviewed anyone interesting or anything?”

A beat. A sort of tiredness settled into his shoulders and he peered up at you. “The odd gold-star guest did wander in from time to time. I’m not sure if my skills were quite deserving of them at the time.”

Was that… shame?

“The truth is, I couldn’t quite live up to the role. I--” He laughed, pained. He cleared his throat. “I’m taking a bit of a break from show business for the moment.”

Ah. So that’s what happened. You offered him a sympathetic smile. “To party? That’s probably why you don’t have any money, Wilford. And why you have to rely on shitty convenience store food?” You held up your greasy napkin like it was evidence.

“Now don’t underestimate the power of a good party! And this food is fine, I’m grateful for it,” He crumpled the now empty napkin and gestured wildly with it. “The truth is I get by just fine. I’m just not sure what else I should be doing.”

You looked out the front windows. The sky was getting lighter. The timer marking the end of your shift would go off any minute.

So maybe that’s why he’d been asking you about your passions. You felt bad for him. He was strange, to be sure. And a little hard to follow. But he was also… sweet. He had a softness about him.

And still… there was that feeling that hadn’t disappeared since meeting him. Like… like your soul recognized him. Maybe not deeply. But distantly. Like you’d met him in a dream. It was a ridiculous notion. Ridiculous didn’t seem beyond his territory.

You turned, legs coming down from the counter once again. You leaned forward, your hand landing at the junction of his shoulder and neck. His silk shirt was soft under your fingers. His eyes jumped up to yours and you looked down at him with a smile. 

“You liked doing your show right? You want to be an interviewer?”

He nodded slowly. His lashes fluttered. 

“Then that’s what you should be doing! You just have to try again!” You shrugged with one shoulder. “It might suck a lot. And you might fail again. But pick yourself back up. Keep going. I’m sure you can do it if you keep at it and think outside the box, you know. Failing only means failing if you stop.”

You leaned back, your hand sliding away. He stared at you.

“That’s what the rest of us do, anyway. Honestly, maybe you should do your show online! You know, livestream it or something. I’m sure you’d find your own way to it.”

Slowly, a smile crept back in, the corners of his eyes creasing. 

“What a wonderful idea…” 

God, his eyes… 

You looked down at your own napkin, laughing a little at yourself. “Wilford, I promise, the advice I just gave you was nothing crazy.”

“Well, perhaps it’s just a little too rare that I get a pick-me-up.”

You hopped down from the counter. “Swing by whenever, I’ll hand them out for free. Though, if you’re always on the move, I guess you’re probably not in town for long, huh?”

He quickly followed your lead and stood, his chair nearly falling in his haste. “Uh— w-well I, I don’t know, I could always… linger for a day or two. Hard to say really.” 

“Uh huh.” You smirked at him, raising your brows. “Well, if that constant partying you have going on brings you back here, feel free stop in, okay? … It’d be nice to have someone in here every once in a while. Well, someone friendly, anyway.” 

“Right. Will do. Of course.”

You gave him two solid pats on the chest and turned to throw the napkins away behind the counter. When you turned to face him again, he was gone.  Only slightly confused, you quickly recovered and yelled a quick, “bye~!” to the now empty store.

[artificial-transmutations]

Two sides of the same coin: First time at the sex shop

Mason was feeling uncomfortable. Even though he was gay, he was raised pretty conservatively, and thus, he had never been in a sex shop in all of his 26 years. Even the name: sex shop.

Not that there was anything wrong with it. It just made Mason feel a little weird, like he shouldn't be here, and that someone might walk in and ask him what he was doing here. Or that someone saw him in here who knew him. But as much as he was feeling uncomfortable, he also felt very curious, like he wanted to see what kind of things people bought in here, and, perhaps, even buy something himself.

While Mason has been out for some years now, he didn't find a boyfriend yet. Of course, being as uptight as he was raised, the thought of casual or anonymous sex using apps or the like wasn't an option for. So, his sexual experiences were pretty much limited to the occasional porn movie and, of course, his left hand (Mason was left handed).

Since he felt more and more dissatisfied with the experience, he had nurtured the idea of buying some... helpful gadgets. The thought alone made his head redden. The whole idea was so dirty and... wrong.

"Good evening, sir!" a voice sounded through the room, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Mason turned his head to look at the counter, only to see a young man looking back at him. He didn't look bad, had styled hair and a black shirt, with the upper two buttons unbuttoned.

"Can I help you find anything? My name is Dexter, and I'm happy to help you!" The clerk asked in a friendly tone.

"No, I'm okay", Mason said in an unsure voice. "I just..."

"Ah, you just want to look around. Okay, feel free! Let me know if I can be of any help!"

Even though Dexter had been extremely friendly, Mason felt even more uncomfortable. He quickly looked into the next best shelf besides him, only to find female lingerie on artificial boobs. Not what he was looking for. He wanted to quickly walk away, when he found something else on the shelf as well: A small sparkling coin that didn't look like it belonged here. Mason quickly pocketed it in order to give it to the clerk later.

As he walked away from the thin bras, he felt a bit disoriented. Which parts of the store were meant for gay men, and what areas were meant for women and straight people?

He could surely ask the helpful shop assistant, but in the process, Mason would need to out himself as gay. The thought was ridiculous. Mason wasn't in the closet about his sexuality, and he was pretty sure that a guy who worked at a sex store was asked worse questions than where the gay stuff was.

Nervously, he approached the clerk.

"Uhm, sorry!", Mason began, "but where should I look for... you know... men's stuff?"

The other man looked at him for a moment, then smiled again.

"Don't worry, I'll show you!", he answered in a kind voice and walked to the other side of the store, to the back, where all the male products were displayed.

"So, what are you looking for exactly? Condoms?"

"Oh no, I have those. Or rather, I don't need any right now. It's more...", Mason stumbled. How was he supposed to put this? "It's more about the... toys."

Dexter seemed to understand immediately.

"Oh, sure! Come with me!"

Dexter took him to a section on the wall filled with various dildos, butt plugs and other strange devices Mason had never heard of. He didn't even know the name of most of the stuff, let alone how to use them.

Apparently, Dexter picked up on his lost look and laughed in a friendly tone.

"Don't worry, I see you're probably new to all this. Let's start at the beginning. Are you looking for something for the back or the front?"

"Ehm... what's the difference?" Mason asked. He didn't understand the question and was feeling uncomfortable and hot and was sweating under his clothes.

"Well, there are butt plugs and dildos and a variety of vibrators that go into your ass. And then, of course, there are cock rings, flesh lights and so on to stimulate your penis." Dexter talked about this as if it was the most normal thing in the world, which was both confusing and attractive to Mason. In fact, the whole situation was made a bit worse by the fact that Dexter was really good looking!

"Uhm... " the thought of stuffing something into his ass sounded frightening, so he answered: "The front, in that case. What are these... fleshlights?".

"They are big fun", answered Dexter nonchalantly. "You can put them on your cock and feel like you are fucking someone, or like someone is sucking you off. There are models that look like an ass, or models that look like a mouth. Here." He showed Mason one of the latter, a black cylinder with a plastic mouth.

"Uh, okay. But how do they feel? Can I try it?" Mason had absolutely no idea why he asked the last part. Of course not, that was ridiculous.

As expected, Dexter shook his head. "Sadly, no, that wouldn't be very hygienic. But I assure you, they feel a lot like a blowjob."

"Oh, okay. Uhm. The thing is, I don't know how *that* feels, too..." Mason said. Why did he keep talking? That really wasn't the shop assistants business.

Dexter blinked before smiling again. He looked through the otherwise empty store and said: "I think I can help you with that, if you like."

"What?" Mason asked, surprised. Did he just offer to... what? What did that mean?

"A blowjob." The shop assistant explained. "If you like, I can give you one. Just sit down over there." He pointed at the nearby chairs.

Mason was so shocked by the sudden turn of events that he just mechanically obeyed, and before he knew it, he was sitting in front of the other man, who smiled and reached for Mason's fly. "May I?" he asked politely, and as Mason nodded, he unzipped Mason's pants and pulled them down along with his underwear.

Mason's cock was already hard, partly because of the situation and partly because Dexter was really his type.

"Oh, you have a pretty dick!" Dexter said and looked at it for a while before wrapping his lips around it.

Mason gasped in surprise. This was just... intense. This was something else entirely.

Dexter stopped for a moment and looked up at Mason. "Now, try to imagine it's not me sucking you off right now, but you're using a fleshlight instead. Just think of me as a fleshlight."

Mason nodded. He couldn't say he had tried a lot of stuff, but the idea wasn't bad. It sounded kind of sexy.

As Dexter was back to sucking his cock, he imagined that it was his cock in that cylinder-mouth-thing, and that Dexter was an empty hole. Automatically, he raised his left hand to the back of Dexter's head and supported his movements with careful pushes.

Suddenly, Mason felt the need to use his hands more freely, to grab the other man's head and move it along with his hips. So, he did. Dexter let out a low moan and bobbed his head faster.

It felt incredibly! With his right hand, Mason quickly discarded his shirt and his pants, completely forgetting where he was. He was getting more and more relaxed about the whole situation as well - so, what if someone saw him? There's nothing to it to receive a blowjob? It was like he was using a fleshlight, in a sex shop. Perfectly normal, at least for him! Sure, his friends sometimes called him a pervert, but he didn't see it that way. He was just living his life!

As Mason looked down, Dexter had changed a lot. His whole body had shrunk in on himself and pretty much all that was left was his head that Mason face fucked with joy. With each thrust, the thing that had once been Dexter, the shop assistant, changed more and more, becoming black and cylindrical, with a plastic texture on the outside. Finally, as the fleshlight's changes had finished, Mason threw back his head and moaned loudly, spilling his cum into the plastic toy.

After recovering for a few seconds, Mason removed the toy from his cock with a wet sound. It was modelled after a man's perpetually open mouth, just waiting for someone to stick his cock in again. It was a great product, really. Mason left the money for it on the counter (he was here so often and knew the owner, so this was okay) and pulled on his pants again before leaving the shop.

Mason couldn't wait until he gets home for round two. Perhaps he'd even start in the car.

If you enjoyed this story, consider subscribing to my riot page! You get to read all stories as soon as I have written them, and enjoy exclusive content and uncensored pictures!

Also, if you fancy the thought of guys being reduced to objects in tandem with other guys using them, be sure to have a look at my other stories of the series.

[sjsmith56]

Making It Clear

Summary: Bucky’s girlfriend reminisces about their relationship while he is on a long mission. She also recalls how one member of the Avengers tried to bring her down.

Characters: Bucky Barnes, named OFC, Sharon Carter, Sam Wilson

Warnings: Body shaming, self esteem issues, bullying behaviour, gaslighting.

Author notes: Set post-FATWS. Captain America 4 and Thunderbolts* have not happened. Instead, the Avengers were restarted with Sam and Bucky as the leaders. This happens a couple of years after that. A certain MCU woman character is the antagonist.

📚 ☕️ 🥙

It had been two weeks since most of the team went on the mission. Two weeks since I last spoke to Bucky. Two weeks since we last made love. We had only been living together for six months, six glorious months where I finally believed that I found a diamond in the rough. I was in love and with everything he said and did, I believed he was falling in love with me.

I'm not an Avenger. I'm nothing special, just an ordinary woman who was doing an ordinary job of working in a used bookstore in New York, one of two jobs I held: the other transcribing doctor's audio notes into a readable file, then uploading it into the healthcare database. I could do it from home, which suited me fine. One morning, as I was working at the bookstore, I became aware of the most beautiful man I've ever seen glancing at me as he looked at some books. Our eyes met and I felt a pull to his blue ones unlike any other connection I've ever had with a man. I smiled; he smiled back, then he smiled again when he brought his small stack over to buy the books he had chosen.

"Nice selection," I said, as I rang them through.

I looked at the hardcover illustrated one about the horse Seabiscuit. I thought it was an unusual choice, although it was a good book. He noticed my attention on it.

"I actually saw Seabiscuit race," he said. I looked at him strangely. "I'm Bucky Barnes. I was a young man then." He placed a gloved hand on the book cover. "It brings back good memories."

"You are really him," I stated. "You're different than you seem on TV. You're smiling, for starters."

He chuckled. "Yeah, I'm not a big fan of the media. Sometimes I feel as if they're waiting for me to screw up so they can point the finger and say I should never have been pardoned." He shrugged and looked around. "A bookstore is one of my safe places."

"$25.67, please. I've never seen you here before."

He offered his bank card and placed it on the terminal. "I only just found it this morning, but I think I'll be here more often."

Producing a cloth bag out of his pocket, he held it open while I slid the books and receipt into it. He nodded his head and turned to go to the door then looked back.

"What's your name?"

"Robyn."

He smiled again, his almost perfect white teeth showing briefly. "It's nice to meet you, Robyn. I'll see you next time."

That was how we met and true to his word, the next time was five days later, when he returned with his cloth shopping bag. I heard the bell on the door ring and got up from where I was rearranging a shelf. He was there at the end of the aisle.

"Hi, you're back," I said, saying the first thing that came to mind.

"I am. I finished the books. The Seabiscuit book was good. Do you have other sports books that might interest me?"

I smiled. "Well, I took the liberty of looking you up on the internet." He raised his eyebrows. "Not the bad stuff. The good stuff from before the war. You were a boxer." He nodded. "There's a book called The Sweet Science by A.J. Liebling. It was published in 1949, after you were declared dead, but it's considered one of the best books about boxing around."

I walked behind the front desk and opened the cupboard, pulling out a stack of books. Finding the boxing book, I put it on the counter for him. He smiled that brilliant smile again and picked it up, reading the back cover, then opened it and scanned the first few pages.

"That looks good. What else do you have there?"

"You'll like this one, even though most of the story happens after the war. It's called The Boys of Summer. It's about the Brooklyn Dodgers until the 1955 World Series. There's some criticism that it's too worshipful in tone but for a loyal fan of the Dodgers it's supposed to be an excellent read."

His eyes lit up and he picked it up, reading the back, then the first few pages of the first chapter.

"You're batting 2 for 2 so far, sweetheart," he said, then he looked at me. "Sorry, bad habit. I know women now don't care for those nicknames."

"I don't mind," I smiled back. "It reminds me of my grandpa." He made a face at me, which made me laugh. "I'm not saying you're old enough to be my grandpa because it's true that you are. You're just from a different time, that's all. It doesn't offend me."

The next book was The Natural, by Bernard Malamud. I described it to him, telling him it was made into a pretty decent movie as well. Sticking with baseball, I showed him Shoeless Joe, by W.P. Kinsella, and described the plot.

"They made a movie out of that called Field of Dreams," I said. "Whenever I'm home and it comes on, I watch it with my dad. Even though there are differences from the book it makes me cry every time." I put the final book in front of him. "This is No Cheering in the Press Box. The editor interviewed 24 sportswriters who were active between World War I and World War II. They basically just talk about the memorable sporting events and athletes they wrote about. Oh, and there was a movie about Seabiscuit based on the book you bought but the book was better, in my opinion."

He sifted through the five books then pushed them all towards me. "Ring them up. I'll take them all."

I scanned the barcode on the back of each book through as he watched me.

"You're not full time here," he noted.

"No," I replied, shaking my head. "I have another job that's almost full time, but I do it at home. This one gives me spending money. New York's expensive."

"Yeah, it is, but I still like the energy," he answered. "How much do I owe you?"

"$54.35." He put his cloth bag on the counter, and I packed the books while he placed his bank card on the terminal. "I hope you like them."

"I'm sure I will. If you want to pick out some books on science and technology for next time I would appreciate it. I'm still trying to catch up on what I missed."

It looked like he was going to ask me something else then he nodded politely and left the store. I went back to rearranging that shelf, then a few moments later heard the bell on the door ring. Just as I started to rise, he was there, offering me a hand up. It was a nice gesture and I thanked him. He stood awkwardly for a moment then took a deep breath.

"If you're not busy sometime I would like to have coffee with you, if you want, and you're not busy yourself. I can imagine two jobs keep you busy but I found it easy to talk to you and I just don't like going through the dating apps and judging people based on a photograph. If you don't, it's okay."

His voice trailed off and he looked so vulnerable for a long moment.

"I would like that, too, except I'm a tea drinker," I said. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and looked at my schedule. "I'm free at 5 today. We could make it drinks and a light meal, maybe? There's a nice bistro around the corner that makes good coffee, tea, and great paninis."

The smile that erupted out of his face was so sweet and I could feel my stomach do a little flip flop at the sight of it.

"Yeah, that would work. Shall I meet you here and we walk over together?"

"Sure, but let's exchange numbers, just in case something comes up. I imagine that in your line of work you're on call all the time."

Agreeing with that he produced his phone and handed it to me so I could enter my information in his contacts. He texted my number and watched as I saved it to my list. Then with a wave he left the store and I returned to that shelf.

Bucky showed up at 4:55, walking in as I was finishing with a customer. He smiled at both of us, then stood at a shelf, looking at the selection, until I walked the customer out, locked the door, and pulled the blinds down on the windows and door.

"I just have to put the cash into the safe," I said. "The owner will be in tomorrow morning and will do the tally for the bank deposit."

After I printed off the sales record and emptied the cash drawer, I opened the safe and placed all the cash in it. The door was closed, the dial on the safe was spun, and I locked the cabinet. Then I grabbed my purse and jacket, and came out to the front.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

I nodded and unlocked the door so he could leave ahead of me, locking both locks on it, then I asked for his help to pull the grate down and locked it into place. Like always, I sent a text to the owner that everything was secure for the night.

We arrived at the bistro just a few minutes later and I ordered a London Fog Tea Latte, and a chicken Caesar panini, while Bucky ordered a regular coffee and two roast beef paninis. It was common knowledge that he needed more food due to being a super soldier, so I wasn't surprised. We took a seat outside in the shade of the awning and waited for our food.

It was one of the best dates I had ever been on. Bucky was charming, in an old-fashioned way. He didn't monopolize the conversation, instead he asked me a lot of questions about myself. When I did ask him something he got nostalgic, but not in a complaining way. There were just things that he missed from before and he was sorry they didn't last.

"What about new things?" I asked, as our food was served. "What do you like about the present?"

"Food," he said, immediately, as he took an appreciative bite of his panini and smiled as he chewed before he spoke again. "Some things were better then but things like this, and the variety that's available is good. Healthcare is better. I mean, so many things were bad then, like cancer, tuberculosis, polio, and diseases that needed better antibiotics which didn't exist yet to be cured." He shrugged a little. "I prefer the old music but I'm making my way through the newer stuff and finding out what I like."

"I don't think they do romantic songs well now, not like they used to," I commented. "It's more about sexual attraction instead of the emotions, although there are still a few singers of the old stuff. I remember watching my grandparents dance at weddings when they played the old stuff and it was sweet, you know? It was romantic that they still felt the same way even after so many years." He got a pained look in his eyes for a moment, and I wondered if he was remembering something sad. "What were you like then? I've seen the pictures of you in your uniform and you were, and still are a handsome man. You looked so confident."

"Yeah." His voice softened. "I went out a lot, dancing. I was popular, mostly because I didn't kiss and tell. A woman's reputation was everything and it was easy to destroy if someone said something that really wasn't their business. I'm more introverted now as I don't have much in common with most people. I've had a few relationships, but they fizzled out and I never really figured out why as they said it was them, not me. Hard to believe that when you hear it several times."

"You like books," I replied. "That's a big plus for me. You're polite, attentive, and you have manners. That puts you above a lot of guys in my generation."

"You don't date much?" I shook my head, then took another bite of my panini. "They must be idiots. I think you're interesting and I'd like to see you again."

His words made me feel warm inside and I smiled at him. "I'd like that, too."

After we finished, we walked around, talking some more, then Bucky saw me home, sitting on the train with me. When we got to my apartment door, he hesitated for a moment then he gently brushed his lips against mine and watched as I entered, telling me to wave from the window when I was safely inside.

That was the beginning of our relationship, and it was wonderful as it developed over the first two months. We saw each other whenever we could, even if he sometimes just came and sat in my apartment to read as I worked on my medical transcriptions. He always made sure I had something to eat and drink while I was doing that. Sometimes, he would massage my shoulders when it looked like I was stressing out over some of the more unintelligible voice recordings, as accuracy in the transcription was paramount.

The first time he stayed over was incredible, as it started to rain hard while he was there. I wasn't going to send him out into the rain, so we made soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. When the power suddenly stopped, we made out, which led to our first time together, which led to him staying over. He was so giving, wanting to make sure that I was satisfied before he was. I can honestly say he made love better than any man I had ever been with, not that I had a lot of experience in the matter. It didn't matter, I was falling in love with him and by the words he said to me, the feeling was mutual.

My world fell apart a little just over two months after we started dating when the bookstore was broken into overnight, robbed, then set on fire. I wasn't working that day, but my boss phoned me in tears that someone would destroy her livelihood like that. Bucky came with me in the middle of the night to comfort her, as we watched the fire department try to save what they could, which ended up being nothing. Even with the insurance, she couldn't afford to reopen it and I was out of one of my two jobs. Two weeks later, the medical transcription service I worked for was sold to a conglomerate, who promptly terminated the contracts of over half the staff, me included. Because it was a contract position, there was no severance pay. It wouldn't be long until my savings ran out and when it did, I would be homeless.

"Move in with me," offered Bucky. "The suite I have at the tower is huge and I'm sure you can get on with the support staff there. All I have to do is ask Pepper Stark."

"Bucky, I don't want to use you like that." I appreciated it but it seemed wrong to use his friends to get another job and I didn't want to impose on him. "I'll find something. I can manage on my own."

He looked at me with a strange, soft smile on his face.

"The thing is, you don't have to. You're more than qualified to work at the tower and we're together so much already that I feel like we're already living together. Please, let me help the most important person in my life."

My interview with Pepper Stark went well, and I got a job, a good job, in the IT department. She even paid for my things to be moved into Bucky's apartment, although most of the furniture went into storage because his apartment was furnished already. Almost everyone was welcoming to me and I felt comfortable there.

There was one person who seemed friendly at first, but I found when Bucky went on longer missions that she wasn't on, she could be a little cold. Sharon Carter, who was apparently related to Steve Rogers' girlfriend from World War II, was beautiful, smart, and a very capable operative. As a CIA liaison with the Avengers, she was often sent on undercover assignments, with various Avengers, occasionally Bucky, to infiltrate secure places. In front of him and the others she was very complementary to me. But when they were away and we were alone, or with some lesser agents, she would make comments that could be seen as snide or hurtful, although she always worded them in a way that made me wonder if I was just imagining it.

Once, I came back from working out. I knew I wasn't at the level of fitness most of the agents or Avengers were. I just did stuff to keep active and Bucky never said anything to the contrary. On that day, I felt good about what I did, actually pushing myself with the weights. I stopped to get a bottle of water from the communal fridge. I took my sweaty T-shirt off and was in my sports bra and leggings. Sharon sat at the table, reading something on a tablet. As I walked past her, she hummed.

"I don't mean to be critical or anything," she said, in that confident voice she had. "Are you gaining weight?" I looked at her as if I couldn't believe she would say that. "It's just that you seem to have a bit of a muffin top forming. Maybe you shouldn't be eating ice cream for a snack so often. Just a word of advice. Bucky likes his women fit."

That was the first time I ever felt misgivings about my body. Even though I knew I looked good, she planted a seed of doubt in my head that day. Ignoring her, I left for our apartment and stripped down, looking at myself naked in the mirror. I grasped my midsection and tried to see where the muffin top was. I couldn't see it and even though I dismissed the thought, it percolated in my head, and I found myself cutting back on my food during the rest of the week. When Bucky returned, he made a big show of picking me up and holding me tight as he kissed me. There was a mirror wall and I glanced at it, seeing Sharon while he was doing it. She was jealous; it was clearly all over her face that she wanted Bucky. During dinner with everyone, she was polite again. As soon as we finished Bucky and I went to our apartment, locked ourselves in and didn't come out until morning. I wanted to ask him about Sharon, but something stopped me.

"Robyn, are you alright?" Bucky was looking at me as we brushed our teeth. "You seem off."

"I just missed you," I replied. "I'm glad you're back."

"Me, too," he smiled. "We have a lot of catching up to do. I've missed this."

He wrapped his arms around me from behind and kissed my neck. Then he frowned.

"Have you lost weight?"

"I don't know," I lied. "Maybe I've been grabbing food on the go while I'm working instead of stopping for a meal."

"Don't lose anymore," he said, softly. "I like you with something extra to hold. You've got a beautiful body."

His words soothed me, and I felt better. Our relationship progressed and we said the "love" words to each other often. The time apart while he was on missions was hard, but he bent over backwards to make it up to me on his return. Sharon made little comments when he wasn't around, but I ignored them as best I could. That lasted until he had to go on a long mission again, this mission that he was currently on. Thankfully, Sharon wasn't at the tower as she was on assignment in Los Angeles. But the day before Bucky got back, she walked into the common room, where I was sitting alone, minding my own business. She flopped onto the sofa next to me then looked over.

"You changed your hair."

"Just got it cut."

"It looks alright, I guess. Has Bucky seen it?"

"On FaceTime. He likes it."

"Oh." She was quiet for a moment. "Maybe when he gets here, he'll change his mind."

I shouldn't have let what she said bother me, but something flipped inside me at that moment, and I turned to her, glaring in anger.

"What is your problem? Why do you say things like that?"

"Like what? They're just observations. Whether you listen to them or not, isn't my problem." I got up to get away from her, but she just had to have the last word. "You know his relationships don't last. Something always goes wrong. It just depends on when you realize that he's not cut out for something long term."

I kept going until I got into the apartment. Then I cried, feeling stupid that I let her words hurt me. All the old insecurities from her first hurtful comments came up and even though I knew I should just let it slide off me, something must have hit the mark because I couldn't let it go. That night I slept terribly, unable to put her words out of my head. Eventually I fell asleep for a bit but was awakened by the sensation of someone getting into bed with me. With a start I sat up, only to see Bucky smiling sheepishly at me.

"You're back early!"

"We left early, and I flew at top speed to get back sooner," he said, reaching out to caress my face. "Was hoping to be with you before you left for work."

I clutched at him, kissing him frantically, until he laughingly pulled me off of him. Then he looked closer at me and saw how tired I still appeared. Immediately his whole mood changed into something more serious and concerned.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked. "Didn't you sleep last night?"

I looked down and shook my head. He waited to hear more.

"Sharon got into my head, and I couldn't shake it off."

"She what?" His voice hardened. "What did she say to you?"

"It was nothing."

"Robyn, it wasn't nothing if it bothered you. If you don't tell me then I have to ask Friday for a playback."

I explained how her comment on my haircut triggered me into confronting her and she gaslighted me into making it my fault I was offended. His face went steely. Then, haltingly, I told him what she said about him and relationships; that he wasn't cut out for something long term.

"How long?" I looked at him blankly. "How long as she been messing with your head?"

I told him about the snide comments about my appearance, and lack of fitness. It all came pouring out of me in a torrent. By the last words I was crying and he held me, pulling me onto his lap while he kissed me and told me over and over how much I meant to him. When my crying finally slowed down to shaky breaths and occasional sniffles, he placed his hand under my chin and raised my face to view his.

"Understand this and believe it," he murmured. "I love you. Living with you has made me feel like a new man and I wake up every morning smiling because I know that you're here with me. I want to wake up next to you for the rest of my life. That's not a proposal but it is a promise that someday, sooner rather than later, I'll ask you properly to marry me." He kissed me sweetly on the lips then he took another audible breath. "Sharon Carter is another matter. I turned her down once because I honestly don't like her. She's a good operative and I've had her back while she's had mine. But she's got a mean streak in her that comes out without warning, and she doesn't care who it hurts. My last girlfriend before you, said something about Sharon and then left, not wanting to elaborate. I didn't put it together then I met you and put it out of my mind." He looked up at the ceiling. "Friday, can you compile recordings of any interaction between Sharon and my previous girlfriends and with Robyn. Specifically, any that involve criticism of the relationship between them and me? Include any comments that were critical of the girlfriends."

I looked at him in a new light. "You think it was her who sabotaged your relationships?" He nodded. "She planted the seeds of doubt and watered them every chance she got." I rubbed my face. "She wants you for herself."

"It's never going to happen." His tone was firm, then softened as he gazed at me. "I have what I want right here, right now."

I unbuckled his tac suit jacket, slipping it off his shoulders then tugged his singlet off between tender kisses and caresses from both of us. He took off the rest and showed me how much I meant to him in the best way possible. All my fears about us were dealt with and we slept afterwards wrapped together for several hours. When I woke up to get ready for my job, he let me shower alone. When I came out, he went in for a quick shower then dressed.

"Let's go for breakfast," he said. "I have a video to show everyone."

Together we came out to the common kitchen and dining area where everyone was making or eating breakfast. Sharon was sitting at the table with a pastry and coffee, pretending not to notice us but Bucky made sure he had his arm around me and kissed my head often. He made me a tea and gestured for me to sit at the table while he brought our food. It was close to Sharon, but I ignored her. Bucky brought our food then went back and poured himself a coffee, sitting next to me.

"I do like your hair like this," he said, running his eyes over it. "It looks even better than it did on FaceTime. What do you think, Sharon?"

"It's fine," she answered, as if she were bored.

"I guess fine is better than alright," he said, looking straight at her. "That was the actual term you used, wasn't it?"

"I dunno."

"You know, maybe it's because I was out of practice or maybe it's because I thought we were colleagues, but I never once thought that you would stoop so low as to try to sabotage my relationships."

She made it seem like he was boring her then looked at him. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Let me refresh your memory then. Friday, playback video compilation from this morning."

The large wall screen came to life and a series of videos began of Sharon with Bucky's earlier girlfriends. Everyone stopped talking and watched in confusion, with open mouths, as they heard her say some nasty things to the other women. There were many comments about their hair, weight, lack of style, lack of fitness, but mostly how Bucky wasn't capable of being in a long-term relationship with anyone because of his PTSD, or because he was more interested in playing the field. To her credit, she sat there and took it, although her face hardened throughout the playback. When the video got to what she said to me, I could feel the mood in the room turn completely against her. Sam Wilson, who hadn't said anything until then, finally stood up and looked at her with daggers.

"I think you should put in for an immediate transfer to another agency," he said. "By what I've seen and heard just now I don't think anyone wants to partner with you on any missions. Whatever trust we may have built up with you during and since the Flag Smashers is gone, by your own actions."

She breathed out angrily and stood up, looking briefly at all of them, then finally on Bucky and me. With a shake of her head, she left the table and the room. Sam advised Friday to lock her out of any systems that required clearance. As far as he was concerned, she had no clearance with the Avengers anymore. Then he looked at me and Bucky.

"All of us can see what you mean to each other. You make Bucky happy and that means a lot to all of us. I'm sorry we didn't know about her behaviour sooner. It was unacceptable."

He left to file a formal complaint about Sharon and why he fired her summarily. Others came to offer hugs to me and even Bucky, who took them. We sat back down to finish our breakfast. I couldn't help it, but the tears began again. He put his knife and fork down, then turned towards me, cupping my face in his hands. Gently, he wiped the tears from my cheek then kissed me on the lips. He didn't say anything, just gazed at me so lovingly that I stopped crying and nodded that I was okay. It was the truth. I was great. In front of me was someone I loved very much, and he loved me just as fiercely. Whatever the future brought we would face it together.

One Shots Masterlist

Please support the author by reblogging.

[aylacavebear]

Stockroom Antics - Chapter 1

Maria had changed jobs numerous times over the last five years, more to keep herself safe than anything else. Her mother had told her she was a fairy but she thought it was just her mom being weird. Honestly, though, she had no other way of explaining what had happened to her that stormy day before she'd gone into a coma for two weeks.

Please don't take my work. I'll post warnings for each chapter. Will probably be 18+ I haven't decided yet!

Word Count: 1747

Pairing eventually Dean Winchester x OC

Warnings: Angst (mild)

A/N: This one's written a little differently than my last one. Let me know what you think. It's the first time I've tried this type of writing. Chapters will alternate viewpoints as well. I also looked into an actual area so this one could feel more realistic.

----------------------------------------- Stockroom Antics Chapter 1

You’d think being something supernatural you’d prefer to stay away from people, and live more of a solitary sort of life, but no. You like people, love laughter, and having a job with amazing coworkers brings you a sense of peace and happiness in your life.

One of your best friends at work is Sarah. She’s adorable, fun, and goofy, and you both make each other laugh all day at work while you unbox the truck shipment and get things on the hummers and into the bluebins, to get put out later.

She knows what you are, sort of. Although, not even you yet know the actual name of what you are. You haven’t found anyone you can really trust outside your immediate family to tell the whole truth to. Hell, you don’t need to scare anyone. Most people have no clue what’s really out there and you like keeping it that way. You’ve researched to find a name for what you are but so far, there isn’t a single thing that has your abilities/powers description. 

As you’re out on the floor, getting out one of the hummers with the kitchen items on it, your mind wanders back. When did it start, you think to yourself, absentmindedly. Four years, five now. You’re not sure anymore. Technically you’re in your early forties but ever since it happened, you feel like you’re in your mid to late twenties again. It also seemed as though aging had practically stopped. Most things a forty-year-old body would go through, you haven’t been experiencing. Just the opposite, you truly feel as though you’ve been getting physically younger.

“Excuse me, do you work here?” A woman asks, pulling you from your thoughts, as she can’t see the nametag hanging around your neck with how you’re standing.

You turn to her with a friendly smile, “Yup, how can I help you?”

“I’m just looking for a pan I can cover the top of my stove with,” the woman attempted to explain.

Neither you nor the woman knew the exact name of that particular thing, but glancing down, you notice a rather large cookie sheet on the shelf on the endcap of the aisle you’re stocking, “This might work,” you tell her, picking it up.

The woman is impressed, looking it over, “How much is it?” she asks.

You flip it over and find the tag, “Nine dollars,” you let her know, “Not bad. This is really nice.”

“What about that price? Fifteen?” the woman asks.

“Oh, that is the price you’d find it for at another store. Our price is always on the bottom of the tag,” you reassure her.

The woman is very happy, letting you know that if it doesn’t work to cover her stove, she’ll be making cookies. Of course, this is when your lighthearted side comes out, “I’m here Monday through Friday, always in the afternoons,” you tell her, playfully.

She finds you adorable, smiling at your playfulness and the two of you spend almost three full minutes talking about cookies before she thanks you for your help. You know it will bring your times down that you have to run the hummer in, but to you, seeing a customer smiling and enjoying their visit to the store is what brings you the most joy at work.

You smile happily to yourself as the woman goes on about her shopping trip and you get back to running your hummer of kitchen items. It’s while you’re putting out some of the food that the mess of the section bothers you again. This is one thing you’re not responsible for, straightening the shelves up to make them look nice. You frown a bit, seeing that there is nowhere to put out the box of bagged oats. Checking around, and not seeing anyone nearby, you just think that there is room on the shelf, that it looks a little neater, and it happens in less than the blink of an eye. 

What you didn’t notice was that you were being watched. A man, in his mid-thirties was standing near the women’s clothing racks, just watching you. He was fairly average, with short brown hair, and brown eyes, only about an inch taller than you, wearing jeans, a blue t-shirt, a hoodie, and sneakers. 

You finished the kitchen hummer and then grabbed a toy one, making sure to write down your times on the sheet in the stockroom. The toy hummers were a little different. They had toys, pets, and craft supplies. Being a kid at heart, as well as loving anything stationary, you loved running these hummers. As you were putting out some of the dog toys, you heard the sound of one of the bluebins heading in your direction. It was like the hummers but those bluebins were for women's, men's, and children's items specifically.

Sarah was soon standing at the end of the pet aisle, phone up and recording, a playful smile on her lips, “Aaaannd, you’re fired,” she tried to say seriously.

You pretend to look upset and sad, then toss your arms up with playfulness, “Party at my house!”

The two of you laugh as she saves the video, only to post it online later, your Stockroom Antics tag included. The man who had been watching you earlier continues to do so. Every aisle seems to be a bit of a mess today, so again, you think about it looking a little nicer. Only a little though, you don’t need to draw unwanted attention to yourself from your boss if they watch the cameras.

Ten minutes before your shift ends, Sarah comes back up to you, “Code 99 me?” she asks, and you smirk.

“Oh, so if I don’t, that means you’re stuck here,” you chuckle.

“Not cool,” she replies, playfully, “Should I go find someone else?” she raises an eyebrow.

“Na, I’ll let you out,” you laugh a little. 

The two of you walk to the front of the store, in front of the doors so that you’re both on camera. Sarah opens her bag, and you peek in, “Looks good. See you tomorrow?” you tell her.

“Yup. See ya,” she replies before leaving.

You smile a bit and head to the stockroom. There’s always some cleanup that needs to be done and you enjoy doing those little things that there never seems to be time for others to do. The man continues to watch you, and you still haven’t noticed him, not really anyway. You’d seen him, yes, but to you, he’s just another customer.

The backroom isn’t bad, not today. The girl is working on tagging the shoes with the alarms while a couple of other girls are in the clothing pods tagging clothes and getting them on racks to go out either later on or the following morning. You get some sweeping done, straighten up the bluebins and hummers, then bid them all farewell for the evening. Just as you reach the register to clock out, your ‘end of shift’ alarm goes off.

“Thank you phone,” you say out loud, pulling it out of your back pocket, and then turn it off. Smiling and shaking your head a little.

“See you guys tomorrow,” you tell the two cashiers as you punch out. 

They smile and say goodbye as you head for the door. Since you don’t carry a purse, there’s no need to have a code 99 before you leave. The air is a little crisp, it being the beginning of January in Southern Arizona and you put the hood of your hoodie over your head. It’s been a cold few weeks, although this week has been the worst with the rain. For three days now the low in the mornings has been in the upper twenties and the days barely over fifty. That’s cold for where you live but it happens every so many years.

As you’re walking toward your truck, which you love with all your heart, the man from earlier is following you still. The chill doesn’t seem to be bothering him at all. For now, you believe he’s still just a customer, not paying him much attention. The wind blows just right, from behind you, and all you can smell is sulfur, and a chill runs down your back. You take a deep breath though, calming your nerves. You should have known that picking a job across the street from where you had previously worked wasn’t the best of ideas.

You stayed calm as you walked to your truck. She was quite the beast of a truck. A 91’ F350 XLT Lariat, crew cab, long bed, with a two-inch lift, 1500 lb leaf springs, and 4-wheel drive. You hadn’t saved up enough to have her fixed up like you wanted but you loved her dearly. As you rounded the hood, the man pushed you against your truck, right in front of the tire.

“Found you,” he said in a low, pleased tone, smiling devilishly, “The boss is gonna be pleased.”

Without thinking you put your hand on his chest and the black smoke of the demon's soul began expelling out of his mouth, toward the ground. This wasn’t the first time you’d had to deal with demons and you knew it wouldn’t be the last. The demon looked at you through the man’s eyes, almost in terror but more in shock at what you were doing. He apparently didn’t get the memo of what had happened to the last demon that had gotten too close to you. A smirk crossed your lips as the demon's soul left the man’s body, went into the ground, back to hell where it belonged. 

With the demon now gone, the man was unconscious. You sighed before carefully dragging him over to the closest tree in the parking lot, which you had parked near, and propped him against it. At least he was still alive. Most demons rode whoever they possessed hard, usually killing them in the process. He’ll wake later, you told yourself before heading home.

That night you thought long and hard about whether or not to go back to work the following day. You knew the demon would tell his boss, whom you’d never met, just heard about. That’s when you sat up a little straighter on your couch, a determination in your eyes.

“I’m not letting demons run me out of a job I love,” you said confidently.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 2

A/N: If you'd like to be tagged in this one, and future chapters, leave me a comment and let me know. :)

Link to the series Master List

[postwarlevi]

Misplaced

Content: over 1.7k words of you trying to find something of very important value. g/n reader, more on the fem side if you squint, so don't :)

Extras: Another story for @levi-supreme Happy birthday Levi event! This one is special because she gave me permission to do somewhat of a sequel to a story she did last year, Lost and Found. Go read that if you haven't because it is referenced at one point. Thank you Rei and I hope you love it!

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

You blink your eyes open and smile to yourself as you wake up for the day. You yawn and stretch and slowly sit up in bed. Today being Monday, it's a regular off day for you as your husband gets up for his job very early.

He always tries not to wake you so you can sleep in and usually succeeds in slipping out without making you stir. While you wouldn't mind getting up with him, you do appreciate your sleep.

Looking over at this empty side of the bed you see a note and smile. He's always leaving notes for you.

Morning my love, I hope you got some rest. I might be working late today. But I'll make up for it this weekend. Breakfast is in the fridge. Lots of cut up fruit and yogurt. And those biscuits you like. Don't worry much about chores. I'll help out tomorrow. Relax and I'll see you tonight. - Levi

You sigh happily and put it in your nightstand along with many others from him. Sometimes you like to go back and read them.

Putting on a robe you shuffle to the kitchen and pull out your breakfast. It's all set up so it's easy for you to make a parfait with the fruit and yogurt, and put jam on the biscuits. You make a cup of tea and sit on the porch reading your book while you eat.

It is in fact a lazy day as you don't bother with dishes but put them in the dish washer and draw yourself a bath filled with lavender as you pamper yourself a little bit.

After you're good and wrinkly and the bath water is no longer warm you drain the tub and dry off. Deciding to go be slightly productive you head to your room to get dressed.

You sit on the bed and check your phone that you purposely left on your nightstand so you wouldn't be distracted and see a message from Levi.

It makes you laugh out loud, the funny things he sends you when he's supposed to be in a group meeting.

"Having a good day at work?" You send him jokingly.

Almost right away you get a response asking you to come rescue him, making you smile.

You go back and fourth a few minutes before telling him to get back to work and he says he can't wait to see you.

With that you put your phone in your pocket and think for a moment. Something looks like it's missing from your nightstand but you can't figure out what.

You shrug and go about your day, getting your binder and looking through the fridge to see what you can make with the ingredients you have. You find you like to meal plan, it saves money and gets you making dishes you can eat for leftovers.

You have almost everything you need to make one of Levis favorite dishes and make a note to do a small grocery run if you can't get enough carrots from your garden.

Even though Levi told you not to, you dust a little bit so you don't have so much to do later in the week and pause to pick up a picture on a shelf.

It warms your heart, this picture of you and Levi. He has a real smile, one that's generally saved for special occasions, but for you, always. His friends said he's never been so happy since he's meet and married you.

You feel the need to send Levi a quick "I love you" message randomly, which he's gotten used to and doesn't question if anything is wrong anymore when he gets it, but instead sends you one back.

You head outside to the garden to check on the carrots and other vegetables and go to remove your wedding ring before digging in the dirt and let out a gasp.

"Where is it?" You ask out loud to no one as you stare at your naked hand with no ring.

You frown and go back into the house to retrace your steps.

Did you have it while dusting? You look around at all the spots to see if you took it off so as not to get it dirty, but it's not there.

You look around the kitchen, by the fridge and on the countertops, but nothing.

You go to the bathroom. Surely you took it off for your bath? But it's not on the counter or the floor or in the tub.

Your stomach drops as you think maybe it went down the drain but decide that's overreacting.

You go outside on the porch. and look in the chair, on the table, all around the area, but cannot find it.

You feel yourself getting overwhelmed. If you can't find it, that means you lost it. Your wedding ring!

Heading back inside you sulk back into the bedroom and look in the nightstand and in the bed and under the bed.

At night you usually take it off so you don't accidently scratch it but you can't remember seeing it there today.

You sit on the bed and put your head in your hands. You feel your phone buzz and gasp at seeing it's Levi calling.

You debate answering or not. You could always pretend you were taking a nap when he called. That's more than believable.

By the time you decide to answer it goes to voicemail and a moment later you get a text instead.

"Brat? Are you ignoring me?" Brat. The word he uses when he says you're misbehaving.

"No sweetheart. Just didn't get to my phone in time." You message back, and it's not a lie.

But even through text you're sure Levi knows everything.

"Coming home soon."

You stare wide eyed at the phone. He's supposed to be working late! So you can have more time to look!

You jump up and start tearing up the house. You must find it!

You had it yesterday, you're sure of it. It has to be here!

Things are moved on shelves and the couch is pushed out of place and kitchen chairs are spread out across the floor.

Clothing is pulled out of drawers and things are moved in the closet and you search all over the garage, and still nothing.

You walk back into the house and look at the mess you've made and sit on the living room floor and cry.

You don't even hear the door open and your husband come in.

"What happened?!" Levis shout makes you cry harder. "Did someone break in? Are you hurt?"

He drops everything and kneels on the floor and hugs you as you shake your head.

"You're not hurt? No one broke in?" He holds your cheeks and tears fall onto his hands.

Would it just be easier to tell him that someone stole your wedding ring?

"N-n-no!" You sob as you tell him that no, this is all your fault.

"Love what happened?" He speaks to you gently and it hurts to have to say this.

"My wedding ring went down the drain!" You fling your arms around him and cry more, getting his shirt wet.

Levi rubs your back and smiles to himself, letting out a chuckle.

You push off of him and stare wide eyed.

He's so angry he's laughing? That's not a good sign!

Levi kisses your forehead and helps you stand and gets a tissue to dry your eyes.

"Stop your crying. It didn't go down the drain." He smiles at the silly thought.

"Well then where is it?!" Your voice is loud and squeaky but Levi knows you're just upset.

Levi digs in his pocket and pulls out a box and opens it.

"My ring!" You gasp as there it is, safe and sound.

"I left early today to have it cleaned, it's all nice and shiny now." Levi tells you as he holds it up. And yes, it's very shiny.

You frown and your lip quivers and Levi laughs again.

"I'm sorry love, I took it this morning. I thought you wouldn't notice. Sometimes when you lounge around the house you leave it on the nightstand, so I was hoping you'd rest up and not even realize." Levi tells you what the plan had been.

"You were trying to get me back, for last year." Your brain tells you that's wrong as you say the words anyway.

Levi sighs and looks at you like he's disappointed. "I most certainly am not." He takes your hand and puts the ring on.

"There, right where it belongs." Levi kisses your hand as you look down at it.

You close your eyes and sigh. "I'm sorry." You've finally come to your senses.

"It's okay. I should've just told you." He rubs his fingers along your palm.

You lean in to kiss him and he returns it gently.

You rest your head on his chest and hold out your hand. "It's very shiny."

You both laugh softly and share a sweet kiss, holding each other for a moment.

"Oh man…" Levi looks around the house and you're ready to cry again.

It's been turned upside down in your attempt to find something that wasn't missing.

"I'll help put it back together." Levi tells you, as this is somehow partly on him.

"I moved everything, even the bed. I'm sorry." You pout, rubbing your temple.

"We don't need to do it all tonight. Let's at least go put the bed back." He takes your hand.

You get to your room and can't even look at Levi as he sees the mess.

"I can't believe you made all this mess while I was working." Levi jokes as you huff.

"I really thought it was gone!" You cross your arms as he goes to push the bed back into place.

"I don't suppose dinner is ready?" Levi continues to joke, making you groan.

"You're never going to let me live this down." In ten years, maybe you'll laugh, but not now.

You clean up a little more, saving most for tomorrow, and make a quick dinner together before heading to bed, putting your ring in your usual safe spot.

Tomorrow you'll make Levi that dinner you had tried to plan earlier.

"At least I know you'll tear the house apart trying to find it." Levi pokes a little more and you roll your eyes.

As you slip into bed together you cuddle up close. "Of course, I love you."

He kisses your forehead. "And I love you."

You close your eyes and a moment later hear him chuckle.

"Down the drain?" Levi grins.

"Levi!"

[song-of-storms162]

What Dreams Would Sound Like

Genshin Impact Xiao x Gender neutral! Reader 

Modern AU, Bassist! Xiao, Bassist in training! Reader 

2999 words of mutual pining and fluff? 

Xiao’s just in the mall to pick up some new strings and possibly some boba. He bumps into you, a friend from university he’s been giving bass lessons and can’t seem to get out of his head. 

This fic has been collecting dust in my drafts for waaay too long. I cleaned it up to make it more gender neutral but let me know if I miss anything. I hope you all enjoy it!

Here’s a link to a photo of the boba straw key ring that comes with a portable reusable straw for anyone curious (yes it exists):  https://www.bobatribe.com/products/the-boba-straw

The little bell above the door jingles cheerfully as Xiao enters his favorite music store. The various instruments on display line the shop’s walls along with rows and shelves of gear ranging from boxes of violin rosin to smaller instruments like tambourines and maraccas. Xiao gives a brief nod to the owner wiping down the glass counters filled with capos and drumsticks as his eyes skitter over the rack of bass guitars on display. His gait slowed down to admire the gleaming instruments and to not nudge any of the arranged amplifiers with his guitar case. His feet find their way to a particular shelf in a corner of the store, where the guitar and bass strings are kept. 

Xiao reached out to grab a pack of his usual bass strings and some guitar strings for his bandmate Albedo, who had been too busy juggling two majors and a minor to visit the store himself. Xiao unlocked his phone to check with the photo Albedo sent him to make sure he had the right pack and he absentmindedly heard the store’s bell jingle again as he swipes through his photo gallery. 

“Oh, hello! Are you here to see those bass guitars again?” Xiao overhears the store manager say and he’s a little tempted to see who else might be another bass player. His thumb swipes over his phone furiously, where did he put that archons damned pho-

“Yes! And can you recommend me a few amplifiers today?” Xiao’s phone swiping halts at that voice. Looking up from his phone to scan the room, Xiao’s grip on the strings tighten when he spots you. 

You who was the only person brave enough to sit next to him for lectures during your first week in university, you who’s continued to save him a spot on your right for every lecture as you became immune to his glare. You, who calls Xiao over to invitie him to group projects if either of you didn’t have enough group members. You who’s made it to every concert and session he’s had with his band ever since you found out he played and sometimes you show up with bubble tea for him and his group members (they tease Xiao every time you appear) which lead to them jokingly calling you by the nickname of ‘Boba angel’. You who Xiao knows has a workshop every two weeks the same day they play live in Angel’s Share so Xiao asks his band if they can start a little later sometimes because the first time you showed up in the middle of their performance, out of breath from running to the campus cafe with their usual bubble tea, Xiao scolds you but he can’t help the redness creeping up his face when you beam at him and say, “I wanted to see you perform!”

Xiao who started giving you bass lessons when he was free and because he felt he owed you an apology but he quickly grew to love those little sessions with you. Xiao frowns, he hadn’t realised it but with all those sessions you had progressed to a level where you were more than entitled to an instrument of your own. His frown deepens as he realises you won’t be cradling his bass on your lap anymore but it softens when he realises the two of you can have more sessions now that you have your own instrument. 

Unbeknownst to Xiao, you’ve been saving and working for your own bass guitar, your sessions with him had reached a point where each person needed an instrument and you felt a little guilty for hogging his bass sometimes. You had heard of this store from Albedo, Xiao’s bandmate after discussing the matter with him and you soon found yourself coming back frequently to pick a bass guitar in their vast collection and you were able to narrow your choices down to a small number of basses. 

Before Xiao knows it, his feet had brought him closer to where you stand with the employee over two different bass guitars. Xiao recognises them vaguely, he knows the makers stamped on both guitars are well known and he thinks back on the past bass guitars of their brand that he had heard as he tries to pinpoint which one might suit you better. “(Name)?” He tries to hide the fact that he knew you were in the store for the past ten minutes or so. But luckily, you look up from the instruments and a smile paints your face. “Xiao, what are you doing here?” “I needed a new set of strings,” said Xiao as he held the string packet up. “You’re picking out an instrument?” “Yep!” Xiao watches your gaze drop back to the two instruments again, your hands patting down one of the basses. “I’ve been thinking about getting a bass for a while now and I have enough saved up for an amp too.”

Xiao’s not prepared when you smile up at him so sweetly. “And besides, I can’t hog your bass forever.” “I don’t mind.” 

You tilt your head curiously at him and Xiao coughs, looking away from you to hide his blushing cheeks. “I don’t mind you playing my bass.”

“Oh! Well that’s sweet of you Xiao,” you say before turning your head away before frowning at the two basses. 

“You can’t decide?” Xiao noticed your expression and you nod. 

“Have you tried playing them yet?” Xiao asks and you shake your head this time. 

“I don’t want to trouble-”

“Excuse me,” the employee piped up. “If you want, I can bring over an amplifier so you can try them out.”

“No, it’s alright-” “I’ll help you, they’ll need a new cable as well.” says Xiao as he slowly takes off his guitar case so it sits next to you before leaving with the store employee. 

“I have to say, Xiao,” said the employee as they searched around for a brand new cable. “I was wondering why you needed a string change so soon. I thought you were just practicing more but I guess there’s another reason why the strings are so worn.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Xiao picked up the amplifier in one hand before beginning to head back to where you sat. 

“I see I’m not going to get an answer from you,” the employee sighed. “But hey, maybe with both of you coming here, the store can start up a couple’s discount!”

Xiao glared at the employee before snatching away the bass cable. “The day you start a couple’s discount is the day I stop coming here.”

Xiao huffs before briskly making his way back to you, not hearing the employee say “He’s all grown up now, I wonder if Mr. Zhongli knows about his partner.” 

When Xiao comes back, he sees you cradling a bass in your lap. After placing the amplifier on the floor, Xiao drops to one knee to connect the bass to the amplifier. Xiao’s head dips down so he can see the cable and you find yourself staring at the fading turquoise streaks on top of his head, wondering when was the last time he dyed his hair. 

“Xiao?” You call out and he glances up at you. “When was the last time you dyed your hair?”

Xiao’s gaze is fixed on the cable. “A while, maybe a month, why?” 

You hum. “Have you ever considered dying it a different color?”

“...me and Kazuha mixed up our dyes once,” Xiao mumbles, loud enough for you to hear and the grin you sport has him both slightly terrified and embarrassed. 

“Wait, so you had red hair?” The excitement and amusement in your tone had his heart feeling things. 

“Does Kazuha dye his hair any other color?” Xiao grumbles as he stands. “It was just my tips–and why are you staring at me like that?”

The wide smile on your face is now coupled by what Xiao can only call starry eyes, you’re obviously trying to hold in your laughter but the way your eyes scan his hair then his face, have his ears reddening. 

“I’m just trying to picture you with red hair. Oh! Did anyone take a photo to commemorate the event?”

Xiao turns away from you and picks up the other bass and for a moment, you wonder if you’ve crossed a line. 

But Xiao’s cheeks are red when he mumbles, “Venti has a photo, I can send it to you.”

“Really?” 

“For a price.” Xiao sits next to you, careful not to bump your instruments together and his gaze turns to your face. Despite the slight redness in his cheeks, his eyes are piercing, serious. They’re the same burning gold that comes out when he’s performing with the band or dancing on stage. 

His staring makes you swallow and you quickly turn your head to the bass strings and begin to fiddle with them to avoid his stare. 

“Well,” you clear your throat. “What’s your price then?”

“We go get boba after this,” says Xiao and you whip your head away from the strings. 

“Wait, that’s it?” you question and Xiao nods.

“That’s it,” says Xiao and a slight smirk crosses his face. “What were you hoping for?”

You jolt in your seat and quickly look away. “Boba! Boba was what I was hoping for!”

“...right,” Xiao takes your actions in stride and you feel yourself let out a breath of relief. 

  “So how long have you and Xiao been dating?” The shopkeeper returns with a catalog in hand. 

Xiao’s hands pause in tuning the bass and he can hear you stutter. “A-actually we’re-”

Xiao doesn’t know how his voice manages to come out without shaking. “I teach them music.”

“Oh really? Are you sure?” the shopkeeper presses on, a teasing smile on their face. 

“And they’re a much better bassist than you,” huffs Xiao and the shopkeeper squawks. 

“Hey! I’m still learning!” 

“And so is (Name) and yet it’s obvious who the superior bassist is,” says Xiao as he starts to fiddle with the bass. 

“Fine,” the shopkeeper deflates. “So (Name) how did you convince Xiao to teach you?”

You and Xiao pause, your expression drops and Xiao quickly replies. 

“That’s for us to know and you to never learn.”

Before the shopkeeper could protest anymore, you quickly start off a few bass licks Xiao had taught you to lighten the mood. Xiao nods in approval when he notices the improvement in your fingering and the even tempo you keep. When you finish, Xiao gestures to the other bass of your choice in his arms, his gaze questioning. 

“Have you chosen that one or do you want to play this one too?”

You slowly set down the bass into an instrument stand the shopkeeper brings out and hold your arms out for the other bass. “I want to try the other bass too.” 

Xiao passes you the bass and plugs the cable into the new bass, nodding at you to start. You smile back before turning a serious gaze to your hand on the fretboard. When the music begins to flesh out, Xiao finds himself mesmerized by the sound for a while, gold eyes lighting up in soft adoration and slight surprise. The sound is slightly different but if Xiao had to pick, he felt the second bass suited you better. 

When you finish, you glance up at Xiao and ask “Well what do you think? I want to hear your opinion.”

Xiao honestly didn’t know why you were asking, the way you looked at the second bass and lost yourself in the playing said enough to him. “The second bass, it suits you. It’s like–hm how do I describe it?”

You’re not prepared for him to say the next line. 

“The way you play this bass, I think it’s what dreams would sound like.” Golden eyes scan the bass before flicking back to you and Xiao’s gaze falters at the way you’re looking at him. 

It’s almost as if you return his feel–

He quickly turns away to the shopkeeper as his hand fiddles with the gift in his pocket. “We’ll take the second bass, this amplifier, a new cable and a gigbag.” The shopkeeper’s eyes light up as they head to the storage room to bring out a new gig bag before asking Xiao if he could help bring the items to the cashier. 

Xiao nods and turns to you and notes the curious expression you wear before beginning to prepare the amplifier and cable. “Ready to go get boba?”

You nod. “Sure, I still need to see that photo after all!”

Xiao’s ears redden at your words. “It’s just a photo,” he mumbles.

“But it’s a photo of you with red hair!”

Were you trying to give him a heart attack from how excited and adorable you were being?

Xiao huffs, ”Let’s go before the shopkeeper bothers us again.”

You pay for your bass and set it inside the new gigbag, smiling when you slip the straps over your shoulders, giddy after purchasing your new bass. The shopkeeper hands you your change as Xiao picks up your amplifier before slowly offering his hand towards you. 

You take it, and Xiao gingerly takes your hand. You both zoom around the mall, never letting go. What exactly were you both now? Acquaintances? Outside of his bandmates, some peers and certain professors, Xiao didn’t associate much with people and you both definitely spent time together. Friends? That would be the easiest answer, but you couldn’t help but wish you were more than that. Best friends? You were sure that title belonged to his bandmates who knew Xiao better than you did but Venti and Albedo had both commented on how Xiao would be easier to convince when it came to doing something that involved you.

Another option lingered on the back of your head but you weren’t even sure if it was possible. 

“Do you want to order your usual or do you want to try the special edition drink?” Xiao’s voice quietly asks as you both reach the boba stand and begin to queue. 

You were still pondering over what the shopkeeper had said, perhaps something familiar would help cool your head. 

“I’ll order my usual,” You reply, maybe something familiar and comforting could help you make sense of this foreign feeling. Xiao nods and orders for you both. You opt to sit at one of the many tables when Xiao noticed how the furrow in your brows hadn’t gone yet. Hesitantly, Xiao brought out his hand and lightly tapped on your shoulder. The familiar gesture brought you out of your thinking. 

“You’ve had that expression for a while now”, said Xiao as he brought his hand back. “So I thought I’d try what you usually do.”

When Xiao was too caught up in his music, you would carefully tap on his shoulder, it would always be the trick you used when you needed to bring him out of his head and now he was using it on you.

“Well,” you cleared your throat. “I was thinking about what that shopkeeper said and how you responded. Does my playing really sound like that?”

“Like a dream?” Xiao asks and you nod as he continues. “It does, to me, it sounds like a pleasant dream I don’t want to wake up from.”

“I think that’s because I have you as a teacher,” you say with a chuckle and Xiao shakes his head. 

“I’ve taught you songs and scales but your playstyle is purely your own.” You both turn your heads when you hear the ding! Of the shop’s numbering machine and Xiao rises to fetch your drinks. 

“You forgot the straws,” You mention when Xiao returns with both drinks in hand. 

Xiao sets the drinks down. “No I didn’t, I have them right here.”

Xiao fishes out two adorable boba keyrings and sets them on the table. You tilt your head at him in confusion. 

“This one’s yours,” Xiao hands you the keychain with the smiling boba cup and keeps the one with the frown for himself. “This is how you use them.”

Xiao pops the keychain open to reveal a poker for your drinks and a foldable straw inside. You mimic his actions and poke your own cup. “These are adorable! Where did you get them?”

“I bought them, I saw them on an online sale and thought they’d be something you’d like.” Xiao sipped his drink and watched you fawn over the keychain, a small smile tugging at his lips at your own excitement. 

But Xiao’s smile tightened when he remembered why he had chosen to gift the keychain to you in the first place. 

“Xiao?” a tap on his shoulder and Xiao’s eyes flick to yours. You smile at him over your drink. “Now you’re the one spacing out! What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“(Name), can I,” Xiao takes a deep breath. “Can I take you somewhere next weekend?”

“Did a new boba shop open up?” you ask and Xiao falters in his response. 

“Yes but also,” Xiao feels his emotions ready to barf themselves on the table. “I was hoping I could take you out properly.”

“Like a date?” you ask with a teasing smile but it fades when you see Xiao nod.

Xiao was being serious. About taking you out on a date. 

You take a nice long sip from your drink, trying to look anywhere but the boy sitting across from you. When you drain your drink of nearly all its toppings, you finally have enough courage to face Xiao, who drained his cup as well. 

“I’d love to go out with you Xiao,” you finally reply with a small smile and Xiao’s eyes widen. 

“You’re sure?” he asks, dumbfouded that you agreed and you laugh.

“You just asked me on a date, and I said yes. Yes Xiao, I’m very sure.”

[boysplanetrecaps]

The BUILD UP BRAPPIES, 3x3 Death Match edition

Time to take a another brief break from my MNET Build Up Recap Project to hand out some BRAPPY Awards for Excellence in the Field of Excellence! In this post, I’ll be giving out BRAPPIES based on how everyone did in the 3x3 Death Match Mission. Let’s go!

Before we dive in to the BRAPPIES, I just want to say thanks again for being part of this! I enjoy shows like this more if I spend time on them, because otherwise they just sort of go in one eye and out the other, so thanks for hanging out with me while I do.

Favorite Performance Overall

And the BRAPPY goes to...

Bad News!

I mean, my overall favorite (Bain) on a team with two other favorites, performing a great song by my favorite rookie group…? And doing well? And all three of them surviving? YES! 

Favorite Song Discovery

This was tough because there were two really sharp contenders -- Nakka by Akmu, which I have had stuck in my head since I watched the show, and Enough by Hoppipolla, which I listened to in a one-hour loop twice through while working online. 

And the BRAPPY goes to…

Nakka by Akmu!

“Wow, BPR-Noona chose our song as the one she was happiest to find out about via watching Build Up! That’s such a surprise because I’ve never heard of Build Up or BPR Noona! But I guess it’s nice to win another award. We’ll put it on the shelf with the others and then eventually turn it into a cat toy. We’ll get a cat just so we can make it a cat toy. Thanks!” 

Favorite Performance of a Song I Don’t Like:

I’m going to give this one to Pray. I find the song itself a bit meh, but their performance was impeccable. 

Honorable mention: Fever 

Best stage outfits:

And the BRAPPY goes to…

Jeup’s team, specifically, Jeup! 

Jeup, would you like to accept the award?

Oh, you don’t want it?

That’s cool, it’s just an AI generated image anyway. See you later! 

Worst Stage Outfits:

Team Sweeties, with their paper towel blazers. 

I just don’t understand the thinking. There had to be other white outfits that wouldn’t have looked quite so… absorbent. 

Oh no, Sunyoul, don’t look at me like that!

Ok, I’m sorry. I’ll give it to Neon’s team instead. Neon’s sweater was inexplicable, and they all just sort of look like they’re wearing whatever they happened to be wearing today. 

Oh no, they’re sad now.

Well as long as Sunyoul is happy, I’m happy. 

Performance Helped Most By Song Choice:

And the BRAPPY goes to….

Team Underestimated for Enough.

I think these are all really great singers, and I also know they didn’t even win, but I think that this song is part of what helped them almost make it, and what weighed in to the judges’ decision to save Woong. 

Performance Hindered Most By Song Choice:

And the BRAPPY goes to: Team Forest! It seems obvious that the song was a bad choice overall and allowed only Sanghyun to really sing well, which was bad for the team as a whole. But hold on, team Forest -- there’s another Brappy coming your way….

Teammate Most Screwed Over By a Teammate:

And the BRAPPY goes to: Neon and Taewoo! They were both royally screwed over by Sanghyun, who would not go out of his extremely limited comfort zone and then managed to get all three of them eliminated. Thanks, Sanghyun! Thanghyun. 

Don’t worry, I’ll mail those Brappies out to you soon. 

Team Most Screwed Over By The Team Itself:

And the BRAPPY goes to...

Team Maknae!

Don’t get me wrong -- I think this was a great team. All three of them are great singers and their voices blend well. I just think judges are biased against young members and automatically discount them. If they had been split up amongst different teams, I think they would have had better outcomes, and we might have able to keep Joohee somehow. 

Biggest Glow Up from Previous Round:

And the BRAPPY goes to…. Seunghun!

Seunghun looks great in a suit and that shade of ash-blonde suits him pretty well. (I think he looks even better with his original dark hair, but still, he is just looking great over all!) 

Honorable mention: Bain

I think this is the best he’s looked this whole series. As his hair gets less orange, he gets more handsome. 

Best judging face

So many great nominees for this one! 

Wendy during Fever

Solar during Pray

VCG during Bad News

Eunkwang during Forest

Baekho watching Geonu dance:

And the BRAPPY goes to…

This was tough, you guys, but I had to give it to Baekho for just… expressing the truth about Geonu’s dancing. 

Hey, how do you feel about this blog, Baekho?

Aww, you’re so welcome! Anything else?

Oh, if you have to go, you have to go. Sorry your shirt fell off. See you later!

Most Irritating Judging Moment:

It’s a tie: (1) when they gave the win to Team Taco over Team Maknae, and (2) when they decided not to save Neon. Fuck that shit. 

Honorable mentions: Not saving Park Joohee.

Best Sweater:

And the BRAPPY goes to…

This fuzzy delight, worn by Jeon Woong! 

Honorable mention for obvious reasons:

Team That Seemed To Have the Most Fun:

Obviously, Team Taco. 

Team That Probably Cried The Most:

The BRAPPY goes to Sunyoul’s team, since they had to change from Piano Man to Drawing Our Moments at the last minute.

Biggest Coat-tail Rider:

Geonu again. 

Baekho, what do you think?

Yeah. Yeah, I know. 

Funniest judging moment:

And the BRAPPY goes to…

When Baekho told Jeup he’ll “lose his muscles” if he keeps crying. 

I feel like there’s a certain… theme to my BRAPPY awards? But I can’t quite put a finger on what it is. 

Oh, Jeup put a finger on it. Thanks, buddy. 

Best Dahee moment:

The moment she decided to wear this. Whatever this is. 

I love her. 

But also when she was so happy for Team Badnews when they got so much praise from the judges:

Ok, that’s it for the BRAPPIES for this round!

See you soon! <3 Click here for the next one: Drowning.

[thelonliestgirl]

1986’

The first thing I noticed as the guards pulled me into C-Block was all the eyes looking back at me. Most unfazed, except for one pair of angry brown eyes behind thick yellow glasses. Her gaze scared me enough to actually pay attention to what the guard was trying to tell me.

“Cell C-103, inmate!” The loud voice yelled and I headed there to unpack what little I had. To say I was scared would be an understatement. This place was already a nightmare and it hadn’t even begun.

In walked the brunette from earlier, her brown eyes still in a glare.

“What are you in for?” She asked. I kept my eyes away from hers, too scared to even see her expression.

“Fuckin’ answer me when I talk to you!” She yelled before shoving me to the ground.

“Shit,” I groaned, I sat up and looked into her glaring eyes. “Murder.” She smirked and knelt down to my level.

“I’ll talk to you later, roomie.” And as quickly as she arrived, she left. My back hurt like hell but I tried to make a point not to show her. As much as she scared the shit out of me, I didn’t want her to know that. Although, it wasn’t entirely easy to hide it.

— 3 days later —

I walked through the library slowly, tracing the spines of books as I looked through their titles. If I was going to spend my life in here, I might as well find something to pass the time. When I saw my favourite childhood story, I immediately grabbed it, craving to go back to a past memory. Behind the shelf I saw the familiar brown eyes looking at me as she sat smoking on a dark flannel couch.

‘God, I miss cigarettes’

She smirked and took the cigarette out of her mouth.

“Well howdy, stranger.” She said, her smirk seemed more welcoming than usual.

“Hey, Carol.” I replied quickly, before continuing my walk much faster than before. Suddenly when the shelf ended her hand grabbed my arm and pulled me into the secret ‘room’ she was hiding in.

“Going so soon?” She chuckled before dragging me to sit with her. She picked up a bible and I gave her a questioning look. I wasn’t really expecting to pray right now but anything beats Carol fucking with me. She opened the bible and showed me a stash of contraband. She held out a cigarette to me and my questioning look returned.

“I’m not gonna bite ya’ know?” She giggled and put it in my mouth before lighting it. That first inhale felt like heaven.

“Thank you.” I said quietly. Even when she was being nice she made me nervous. It was moments like these I would realize how pretty she was. And in that moment it had occurred to me that I was staring at her the whole time. Naturally, my gaze moved away very quickly. But she just giggled again.

We sat there just smoking until we were both done our cigarettes.

“I want you to join me.” She stated, suddenly turning to me.

“Pardon?” I asked. Obviously, I wasn’t stupid enough to not assume she meant a gang, I was just surprised by her asking me. The two of us shared a room but since my first day we haven’t really talked.

“You owe me now. So, you can join me and live through your sentence or get your throat slit in your sleep.” She said, somehow less threatening than before but still, of course, terrifying.

“Jesus man, I’ll join.” That of course brought her back to her somewhat happy self. After all, it’s hard to be actually happy in this shit hole.

— next morning —

Carol and I both awoke to the daily sound of a CO banging on the walls like usual. I hopped down from the top bunk tiredly.

“Fuck Angel, have you showered since you got here?” Carol asked in a tone only showing disgust. I angrily rolled my eyes.

“I don’t have any commissary money in yet so no, I haven’t fucking showered.”

“Just use my shit.” She said, like it was some obvious idea.

“Why so I can just owe you for some other shit.” I groaned.

“Free of charge, Angel.” She winked, putting too bottles in my hand. For some Burt Reynolds fan girl, she was really flirty.

— lights out —

I tossed in my bed unable to sleep. The lack of activity we got as inmates mixed with the overwhelming guilt made it impossible to sleep let alone function. I turned around and those same eyes looked right at me.

“Want a cigarette?” She asked, biting her lip.

“Is that even a question” I giggled as she handed me a cigarette. She motioned for me to move over and quickly got beside me.

“What’s this one gonna owe me?” I questioned. I may have been stupid enough the first time to expect different from Carol of all people, but I was not getting into this shit much further.

“Nothin’.” She stated, as if it was obvious. I was too eager to ask any more questions, I needed that shit to get me through this hell hole.

Time with Carol started to feel less like a chore, and more like a choice. I was pretty much forced to join her, but it didn’t seem to be that bad anymore. With Carol, I felt free. Like the bars were a choice. Like we chose to be separated from everybody just to get some “alone” time.

[scenezfreak]

What would Jeff do if his s/o found photos of him before the accident? How would he react? ❤️

Jeff’s S/O finding old photos of him before the accident.

I PROMISE MY WRITING IS SO BAD LMFAO‼️

• SFW!!! Comfort-ish? Definitely Fluff

You were cleaning out Jeff’s room since he’s too lazy to do it himself but claims he’s just “busy”. You take a bland box off one of the shelf’s he has and you rummage through it to sort more things out. Clearing the contents of the box you see an old cracked picture frame.

“Geez…I can barely see the photo.” You say to yourself as you carefully turn the picture frame over. You unclasp the back and take the picture out carefully, it’s just a picture of a normal looking boy. You examine the picture closer and you realize it looks similar to Jeff. ‘Oh my god…is this him before he-‘ you couldn’t finish your thought as you heard the door open.

“Oh, Hi Jeff!” You try to say nonchalantly as you try to hide the picture. He notices the box and rushes over towards you. “What are you doing?” He spat. “Well, I’m cleaning your room because you’re, and I quote, ‘too busy’.” You respond. Jeff sees the empty picture frame. He fell silent and just looked at you.

You sigh and reveal the picture you were hiding. “Sorry…I know I shouldn’t have went through your personal belongings.” You try to grab the picture frame but he stops you. “I just need to burn the picture. I don’t know why I still have it.” He sighs. You look at him, concerned. Usually he’d be mad if you went through his personal things, but he didn’t seem mad just…..sad?

You stand up, you know Jeff isn’t one to talk about his feelings. “Did you think I’d like the old you better?” You assume. He shakes his head. “No just…ugh…I hate talking about my feelings but I guess it’s the right time to tell you.” He states. “I just hate how vulnerable and weak I was back then. And yea I guess I thought you might even wish that you could date the more mentally stable me.”

“Oh Jeff…I love you for the way you are now, I love all of you. Nothing can change that. Mentally stable or not, you’re still the one who owns my heart. Not to mention you look 10x more beautiful now, you think so too, right?” You say and he nods his head. “If you really want to get rid of it then go ahead, but I wouldn’t mind seeing your old adorable self in a picture frame.”

He blushes slightly at the comment and turns away. “You really don’t mind that I look completely different?” He questions. “Of course I don’t mind, you’re still you, and I wouldn’t exchange you for ANYTHING. Being honest, I don’t mind that you’re literally insane, I’m into that type of stuff” you giggle.

You press a quick kiss to his lips and put the picture back into the frame and put it on the shelf. “I’ll get a new picture frame later, alright? If you don’t like it then take it down, I don’t mind.” You smile at him. “And don’t worry, I also find your smile very beautiful.” You say.

He sighs in relief. Looking at the picture one last time. Maybe it wasn’t so bad. Things change and he’s already accepted that. You go back to go through the box. “Why don’t you help me? I mean you ARE free right now.” You say teasingly.

He rolls his eyes, “Fine but only because I don’t want you snooping anymore.” He says. “HEY- I didn’t mean to!” You growl back at him and playfully hit him. He laughs at your anger and you both go cleaning his god awful room together.

[yuhi-san]

I used to have 658 Manga. I started collecting when I was very young, at a time and in a place where it was harder to find them online, let alone in german (back when I didn’t speak english). so what else was there to do but buy them? I also loved having the copies! But, it was expensive, already like 25 years ago. Prices have more than doubled. Not to mention, back then most had to be ordered on demand because it was a very, very niche thing even in bigger cities.

The point is, I had 658 manga, that is a lot of money and also some space they take up.

Had a special shelf made that took up an entire wall. I loved them. I moves out from home and into an apartment with a friend. I was in my early twenties and below us was a family with three girls. They weren’t quite poor but they also didn’t have much spending money for fun stuff. The oldest girl was 14, I think, and I was talking to her mum once outside when she came begging to get money for the new volume of some series (I can’t remember which one, it was an ongoing one that I knew of but didn’t read). She promised to clean the bathroom, vacuum the house, everything.

I remember saying, “oh, you like manga? So do i!”

The girl was so excited. I mean this stuff was more common overall these days but still more niche in a backwater place like the one I lived at that time. I was like the first person she met that didn’t just loosely watched the shows and was aware what manga were but was really into it, too. I told her if her mum was okay with it, she could come see my collection and pick any she would like to read.

Her mum was a little reluctant. The younger ones would maybe want to look at them too, she was worried they might get signs of usage and so on. I said as long as they don’t split the back, that’s fine. They aren’t collectibles. Like 6 different elementary schoolers went through the dragon ball ones back in the day. Yes, treat your books with care but at the same time, they are made to be read.

Girl was over the moon when she saw my collection. At first she would just ask to borrow new ones when she happened to see me come home from work but later she was less hesitant and came knocking on occasion.

We moved to a different place like two years later. My room would be a lot smaller. So, so many of the manga I have read once and left in the shelf ever since. I put the nostalgia one and the ones I liked a lot into boxes.

The ones I only ever read once into another. I told the girl later she could pick any she wanted and keep them. She could also keep the shelf because I knew hers was cramped and overflowing ( mine was big, actual wood and designed in depth and all to perfectly maximize the space for manga.) and I would no longer need such a big one, let alone have the space.

She was absolutely losing it. Shrieking and jumping and going, really, really? All over again.

I was so excited that she was so excited.

Her mum came to me and asked me at least 5 times if I was sure. Its so much money!

The truth is, second hand manga, even in top condition, don’t sell super well. I did sell some, but couldn’t and also didn’t want to keep the others in boxes until they did sell.

I said, “yeah, sure. I haven’t read them in years. What’s the point in keeping them like decorations in my shelf or in boxes? It just makes me happy that they can make someone else excited the way they excited me.”

(I randomly found her on Pinterest almost 10 years later, she is still super into anime and manga and still has the shelf)

I have a bit of a problem of letting things go because, what if I want to use it later? So I still had like 400 when I moved the second time. My cousin was over to pick something up and saw my collection. Mentioned her neighbor kid was really into it, too. (they didn’t have much money, bad family situation all around, she just moved to live with the grandparents). I sorted my manga out again, put them in a box, got into contact with the girls grandparents. Explained the situation and learned her 13. birthday was coming up. the weekend after her birthday, I showed up with a giant box, told her who I was and that she could have whatever she wanted from the box.

Just like the other girl, she was so, so happy. I loved it.

Could I have made some money back if I sold them? Sure. But it’s a hassle. And see, if I had met someone like me when I was their ages, that would have been such an amazing thing. I like to share the thing that made me happy.

Now, I bought the trigun and maximum manga. They don’t fit into my perfectly filled, current shelf anymore.

The manga now have been there for years. I love them. Re read some of them. But there is still a bunch that is good but… not enough to have re read them in like the past 10 years.

So what do I do? Keep them? So I have physical copies still if I ever want to re visit them?

For a whole while the talk about getting physical copies of stuff has been going on, especially with what is going on with streaming. I get it, though there is more to it than just ‘unlike with streaming they cant take it away and you actually owe it’ (mostly its money and space but also the ability to check it out before having to invest too much).

The point is, trigun had me actually wanting to own physical copies of something again. And with the rooster teeth situation going on I am glad to know I have all available dvd and Blu-ray from rvb and rwby.

Then again, they sit on my shelf, just in case, looking pretty.

I decided to cut down again. Keep the best and the nostalgia one (I don’t think I will ever reread dragonball or even inu Yasha but that’s the nostalgia. Fma will stay. Durarara, d.n.angle… bunch of shorter series that are mindblowing like blood+ or another).

I don’t know any kids big on manga personally right now, so lets go to the library nearby (that also offers manga drawing courses) and see what they want.

Yes, owing physical copies is important. But if they stay on my shelf untouched for years on end, I think they serve a better purpose with someone what gets to actively enjoy them.

[cutemothman]

per manum thoughts

Honestly, there are a lot of episodes of The X-Files that give me the heebie jeebies but none have come close to the feeling I got watching Per Manum. It's a Scully focused ep in a season that's a little Scully lacking imo so ya girl was excited!

Neither Mulder nor Scully get out of the narrative unscathed in this show but, god, they really love to torture Scully don't they? I mean, we know that having a baby is something that she's wanted for a long time. Something that she thought wasn't possible. And then Mulder waltz in like "Wassup I got some of your ova. It was in my pocket for a while, but I think it's fine" (Fox, babygirl, you're smart. You should know better).

In a series of flashbacks we see them trying IVF. I have to mention that I freaking loved how they did the transitions to the flashbacks here. Like in the elevator! They were absolutely perfect. Anyway, spoiler alert, it doesn't work. (Like seriously, Mulder, IT WAS IN YOUR POCKET FOR GOD KNOWS HOW LONG. THAT SHIT AIN'T SHELF STABLE) At this point we make the connection that the same doctor that Scully is seeing, the same one that started her IVF, is in cahoots with these doctors taking alien babies from women? (For what purpose....idk that's still unclear to me)

And then we have to watch poor Scully freaking out that she might give birth to an alien baby. Seriously, I felt panicked for her while watching this, it was kinda tough to get through. In sci-fi and horror, aliens are often used as an allegory for pregnancy. Something invading your body and destroying you from the inside out. This feeds into Scully's fear of her own pregnancy, that something could go wrong. That she's alone and scared and without Mulder. And yes, the idea that she could give birth to a literal alien baby. So while I can see what they were going for, I'm just tired y'all. We see her finally get pregnant and even though she doesn't completely understand how it happened (cough cough all things cough cough) she's excited nonetheless. I think she also sees her baby as a tie that she has with Mulder. And if he's gone at least he left a part of him behind. So to have her panic about the true nature of her baby's paternity just seems cruel at this point.

Another terrifying aspect of this episode is Scully's realization that she couldn't even trust her own doctor. We're used to this show taking people in positions of power and showing them as shady and working for their own agenda. (re the entire government) But Scully herself is a doctor. She looks at other people in the medical field and she trusts them. Because they're doctors and they're supposed to help people. Her own doctor turns out to be working for the alien people, so Scully goes to another hospital only to find that she can't trust those doctors either. I think this conveys a very real and prevalent issue, that is still true today, and that is of women and autonomy of their own bodies.

I haven't seen any of the later seasons yet, but I know about the revelation in season 11. It's just another way to use Scully and her body to drive the plot forward. This comes after all that's she's already been through, with her abduction and experimentation. This decision takes away Scully's choice and desire to have a baby and twists it into a nonconsensual nightmare. One were she wasn't in charge or aware of what they were doing to her body. I don't think the (predominantly male) writers understand just how fucked up that is. So yeah, I'm pissed about that. Mulder is the father of Scully's baby and that's that.

We also finally have Doggett finding out that Scully is pregnant. This has been simmering for a while, as he can tell she's keeping something from him. She didn't tell him, but of course he found out based on the circumstances. It's taken me a bit to warm up to him but I've been enjoying Doggett's character development since his introduction, as well as the development of him and Scully's partnership. He honest to god just wants to help her with no ulterior motive and I think that's exactly what she needs right now. Someone in her corner. I think by the end of the episode, when he tells her that he wants to help her and that he's going to find Mulder, he's so earnest about it, and it breaks down the some of the walls that she's built up.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about this episode. On the one hand, we got a lot of insight on Scully's character as well as her relationship with Mulder. But god, as a woman it was kind of brutal to watch. I just love Dana Scully so much and I want her to be happy.

I'd love to hear other thoughts and interpretations for this ep!