#most of the asks/answers on here have been silly but i’m also so ready for Serious Conner Moment

[asksirmasterconner]

smh i had some good asks waiting for me on this blog and now the man the myth the legend has returned to finally respond and it seems i must have thrown them out at some point :((

[luckyarchivist]

Archivist Hypothesis: Leander, Cutiefulest Cult Leader This Side of Lowtown (WC: 3K)

(Leader and Leander are only an "n" off... Hm.)

I’m here again, because Leander’s 2.0 route has been taking up all of my brainspace to the point where I haven’t even thought about doing the other THREE routes I still have to finish. Including Ais’s! And that’s my mans!

But my mans must wait. Because talking about Leander and his textbook cult-style manipulation is #1 Priority for me rn.

I mentioned in answering this ask that Leander and MC seem to be meant to be a "cult of one," where Leander is the Leader and the MC is his recruit. And, because I happen to love the video Mind Control Made Easy (I remember the musical.ly trends...), and have a copy of the script in my Drive, I’ll be pulling from that non-academic resource to illustrate my points.

So let’s talk about the new Leander, and the proof I could find of how he’s laying the groundwork for a cult-flavored, emotionally manipulative relationship with the MC.

"Structure your cult like an onion..." "...with the most benign and helpful features on the outside, and the most controlling, kooky, and evil parts at the secret inner core."

Honestly, I believe this element may apply to both Leander and his Adderstone. On the surface, the Adderstone is a group of do-gooder yorozuya run by their equally stand-up boss.

Also from MCME: “Establish front groups.”

However, unlike the Bloodhounds (RIP), the Adderstone certainly doesn’t give off the vibes of a local Samaritan club that happens to really like magic tricks and pissing on the Senobium’s good name. Their behavior so far feels almost cliquey. You’re barred from speaking with Leander when you first encounter him at the Wet Wick—

—and the Adders don’t even react outwardly when you mention the Senobium near them, instead closing off.

Kinda like when you try to tell a joke to the popular kids and they just look at you.

Now, yes, this is only two things. But we’re also only in the prologue, so I hope to see more proof of this insular culture within the Adderstone. A big part of cults is some kind of separation from the rest of the world, physically and/or mentally, and that separation being encouraged by the Leader. To me, even if they do good works, the truth of this organization is not the community helpers they’re marketed as.

Now, while Leander may not be trying to recruit you to the Adderstone (at least, not yet), he is trying to recruit you to his private, VIP cult. This means he must also hide his true personality under more benign layers.

I may be in the minority saying this, but I don’t believe at this point that Leander is totally bereft of goodwill towards others. And I hate to plagiarize, but this is what I said about Leander in the ask I referenced at the top of this ramble:

In 1.0, Leander is playing a part. He is acting as someone who is very silly and very promiscuous and endlessly kind, despite his abilities as a mage and a leader, because that is what draws people in. … But that's not him, or rather, that's not the truest version of him. In 2.0, Leander is himself. And we see in his route that the cute, blushing Leander, who speaks highly of friends and foes alike, is not absent — he's still there, because that is him, too. It's just not played up to such a comical degree. That is because 2.0 Leander uses his authority to get people to trust him, rather than appealing to their emotions with cuteness.

Whether you’re talking about old or new Leander, his controlling and kooky (I hesitate to say evil, for now) true personality is hidden under an approachable façade. For 2.0, Leander’s outer layer is the capable but never arrogant activist, one who looks out for the little guy and is always ready to lend a hand. We’ve only just begun to peel back these layers, and what we’ll find when we get to the “inner core” is yet to be known. I’m excited for it, though!

“Promise to fulfill their dreams.”

Oh, this one’s easy. We all know that the MC is in Eridia looking for a solution to their curse, having finally reached their breaking point in one way or another. After being res’d by Kuras, the MC seeks Leander on his advice.

And, wow: only the second person the MC has met in Eridia, and already we have a way forward! Not only does Leander promise to help you find a solution — and kinda imply that perhaps he is the only person who can help you find a solution, in his subtle way—

—but he also demonstrates that he can touch the MC without being cursed, and promises to fulfill their dream of “normalcy”.

This is something that, so far, no other love interest can offer you, not that MC is eager to test this. It’s an easy way for Leander to draw them in.

Having thought on it for a while, I thought this move of showing he could touch you was quite appropriate. The cults I’ve learned about in my very casual consumption of cult analysis media often do A Thing or Things to show people that the cult is legit, or to get those halfway through the door of the cult to recruit more people by saying, “Wow, come look at this! Isn’t it amazing?”

Religious cults might perform a miracle or predict the future or bestow momentary enlightenment upon you, to show that the Leader and the group are truly blessed by God or a similar divine being; growth and development cults might build community and allow you access to professional contacts through classes, workshops, and retreats, awarding you personal success and upward progress within the cult. In either case, the initial bait is a tactic to draw you in and make you want to stay, because you feel the cult has something to offer.

Leander’s version of this is his magical protection against your curse. I mean, it is a miracle, isn’t it? And we read through narration that MC is clearly starving (touch-starving, lmao) for this kind of contact. Their wish is being granted; surely, this man must be the one to trust, if he can do all this, right?

My addendum to the checklist: Choose the right prey.

"Fulfilling dreams" is just one of the cult steps that relies on the person you are recruiting being vulnerable.

Now, everyone has dreams. And, truly, I believe that fact is proof that anyone can be recruited into a cult, as long as that cult is offering the right thing at the right time. But the MC fits a specific stereotype of cult recruits quite well.

In my little bit of research, I’ve often seen the term “lost souls” used to describe recruits. Tenuous connections to family or friends, and a desire for community; a sense of purposelessness or despair; an endurance of hard times, and a yearning for those times to end, without the power to stop them. I would definitely say we see our MC in these. I mean, they barely see themselves as human because of their curse—

—and they say more than once that death would be preferable to living as they are.

This lack of self-esteem and general instability makes MC an easy target for a manipulator. Once you figure out what they want (the ability to touch through the removal of their curse), all you have to do is give them that, or the illusion of it. Of course, if you want to hold onto this person, and truly make them devoted to you, as Leander does, there have to be…caveats to this gift.

“Offer them something free...” “...and get them to feel obliged to give you something in return.”

As mentioned, the MC is incredibly vulnerable when they enter Eridia, and not just in a mental or emotional way. They are totally alone, in a new city far from whatever they could’ve considered home. They have little money, and the other form of currency that runs this town — information — they seem reluctant to give out to others. They need both basic necessities, like food and shelter, and a solution to their life-ruining ill.

Lo and behold, here comes Leander, who is simply too kind to make you pay for anything he gives you. Drinks, room and board, a chance to touch someone without driving them crazy: all free of charge. It’s a little suspicious, even to the MC.

It’s probably just because they’ve been so isolated and rejected! They’re just not used to a normal amount of kindness from people.

Leander’s free.99 approach made me wonder if that is how his Adders — and by extension, the entirety of Lowtown — were recruited or curried favor with. Perhaps those in his inner circle were guilted into joining the group after one too many free drinks, and then succumbed to the brainwashing reinforced by “true believers” within the Adders. As for the people of Lowtown, I highly, highly doubt they’d all fit the description of cult followers, but anyone down on their luck is likely to look favorably on a person or an organization that offers them aid in their time of need. And it’s possible that Leander could call on these people to do his bidding in the future, because of all the favors they’ve been done.

The question between Leander and MC is, “What will Leander ask for, in exchange for all of his free assistance?” Help taking down the Senobium? Your powers of contact insanity? Your heart, in sickness or in health, till death do you part? Or some combination of the three? There’s no way to know for sure quite yet; that’ll have to wait until the release of the full game.

“Encourage separation from their family. …” “Isolate them from the rest of the world. …”

If you’re following along in the video, I’m breaking from the order of steps — this is much later. But Leander takes the initiative and pulls this step out early in his solo route. Good for him!

Although MC has no family, they do have some semblance of acquaintances in Eridia, who they’re at least on speaking terms with by the end of the demo. You don’t even know these people that well! And yet, they are a threat to your to-be-all-consuming relationship with Leander, one that he is quick to crush.

As all the other LIs do, Leander offers to share what he knows about your other potential beaux. But look at this line:

Perfection! Not worth the Ais lines I lost, but still absolutely lovely.

It's right on the edge of, “I'm concerned for you, you need to be careful,” and “I will make you distrust these other people so you can only trust me.” It's so casually written, and so vague: partially, of course, because Leander is going to elaborate in just a moment. But I also like to think it's conditioning MC to take him at his word without detail. Ais and Vere are Monsters — shouldn't that be enough for you to stay away? It doesn't matter what "faults" Mhin and Kuras have — just the fact that I've said something about it at all should make you nervous.

And it only gets better, because you as the player get to see how easily Leander manipulates MC and maintains his geniality depending on what MC thinks about each other LI.

Oh, you want to befriend Mhin? Not a good idea; you shouldn't waste energy on “someone who won’t respect your time.” But if you don't want to bother with Mhin, Leander fondly describes them as a tender soul beneath all their thorns. The same for all the others: Ais is both a harmless rival and a Monster tyrant who sees humans as below him; Vere, a victim of the Senobium and a notorious killer; Kuras, a saint beyond reason and a mysterious shadowy figure unable to cure your curse.

Leander's lines about the other LIs in 1.0 (at least, as I recall them), were much more casual — and, of course, often implied amorous feelings or relations. Not anymore. This Leander has a goal, and that goal is to lock you down, now.

(This hypothesis of mine — that, over the course of the story, Leander is going to make the MC rely more and more on him, trusting him about everything {especially relating to his own stellar reputation and what it’s definitely not hiding, or the trustworthiness or safety of entities outside of those Leander can control} — also relates to many other steps of “becoming a cult leader” mentioned in MCME, such as:

“Make them paranoid about their own bodies or thought processes.”

“Revert them back to childhood dependence and mindless obedience.”

“Demonize outsiders as less-than-human, biased, corrupt, or conspiring against the group. Develop an us-versus-them mentality.”

I hope we’ll get to see these escalations come out in full force once the game is released.)

I also think these choices from Leander make narrative sense. Leander initially thought he had a monopoly on you, having learned that you took Kuras’s direction but didn’t tell him of your curse and its effects. Once he learns that you know everyone else, people who could plausibly draw you away from him, it makes sense that he would start to pull his strings to bring you back, as opposed to waiting it out. On the other hand, if you don't show any signs of leaving him by saying you see all the other LIs unfavorably, Leander can maintain his People's Princess persona and say nice things about them all.

This kind of two-faced manipulation fits in doubly well with Leander's new prominent angle as a sort of political figure: one who knows the right words to stir people up and get them on his side. He has the talent to spin a person as a sinner or a saint, and technically not be lying either way.

“Act friendly and interested. Get information and hone their weak spots—” "—and then use this information to manipulate them gradually. Over time, you'll begin to shape the recruit's behavior by granting or withholding this love and attention.”

As our cult leader, and the most outwardly and conventionally friendly of all the LIs, obviously Leander’s been doing this. Not only is he the first person to get some real information out of the MC about their curse, but Leander then suggests that he have sole rights to that information — for your safety, of course.

Not only that, but he's super excited when you tell him during his route that he is, in fact, the only person who knows what's really going on under those bandages.

Maybe because he's ecstatic he has the most leverage over MC out of all of his friends!

We also start to see some of this grant/withhold behavior in his solo route, though not with his affection so much as his information. He offers you new info about how to fix your problem (which MC remarks he got his hands on crazy fast!)—

This last line is both so fake and so real coming from him.

—before he inexplicably threatens to take this info away.

Love how he makes it seem like he's trying to accommodate you here!

By refusing to give up the information we were just promised, Leander actually manages to draw the MC closer to him. They panic—

—and their actions cause them and Leander to become closer, physically and emotionally.

Look at Leander, dictating your behavior at the end. You snake, you! 🤭

I won’t pretend I think that this cult of one is going to turn into a sex cult (an intimate touch cult, maybe XD), but there's a reason that sex is so prevalent in cults: sex is power. Based on what we know of Leander, I don’t think he’d shy away from having a physical relationship with the MC for both his own gratification and the achievement of his ends, i.e. keeping MC under his thumb.

Presumably, if you choose to date Leander, the MC has decided that he is most equipped to help them, and they place all their touch-related eggs in his gold-embellished basket. Not only that, but his isolating remarks during your discussion of the other LIs likely make the MC reluctant to trust anyone else for help. This makes the giveth and the taketh away even more potent, as without Leander’s love and assistance, the MC goes back to being the lonely and shunned “monstrosity” they were when they entered the city.

Personally, I think this bedroom scene is absolutely wild: why is MC freaking out like this? But I’ve never been indoctrinated into a cult, and people who have (as well as people who study it, or who deprogram cult members) say sometimes it can only take a couple of days to be hooked by the leader’s charisma. And the 2.0 demo definitely takes place over the course of a couple of days!

What’s to come?

There are a lot more elements of both the cult of one, which is a specific relationship dynamic, and of cult leaders and their followers in general that I could mention, both that Leander has already used and that I hope he will. But this is already 3K words, so, I’ll cut myself off here. There's only one thing left I want to say.

My hope: an Unnamed feeling

If I could speak one thing into the game, it would be all the cute lines from Ais and Leander back. But if I couldn't choose that, and assuming this isn't already present (since I’ve only played the new demo with my Exile, Iulanz), I'd wish for this:

I’d really, really like it if my fav, the Unnamed MC, actually notices these signs of cult behavior before the other MCs. They’ve been in the midst of a cult before, and it could be argued that they have undergone and subsequently broken out of a cult’s brainwashing already (though as an object of worship, rather than a worshipper).

I think it would be fantastic for the Unnamed, who was able to see their priests draw in who-knows-how-many people and turn them into “true believers” who willingly drove themselves mad by allowing MC to touch them, to realize that they were caught in this cycle again but on a different side. In some ways, that’d make their story a lot more tragic — a person who, despite traveling miles to escape their only home because of the damage they caused, cannot escape this toxic lifestyle of effusive and damaging devotion to one whose power or influence demands worship and obedience.

Et tu?

Here’s the mandatory section where I solicit feedback. What do you think about new Leander? What did I fuck up in this essay? Is this another time where I’m saying obvious shit that everybody knows, and I just shouldn’t have bothered? And will you be joining the Cult of the Dagger and the Snake? These are all questions I will be watching for your answers to, as well as your random comments, wherever you put them. Thanks for reading!

[trippinsorrows]

midnight sun

authors note: don't ask. don't ask. don't ask.

words: 1.8k

warnings: angst, domestic violence

song inspo: 'faithfully' by journey

And bein' apart ain't easy on this love affair Two strangers learn to fall in love again I get the joy of rediscovering you

Pressure.

A constant, almost soothing, irreparable thing. A loyal companion that hasn’t escaped nor forsaken him for as long as he can remember. The perpetual weight of responsibility that was assigned to him the day he entered this world, and something that will remain with him until the day he leaves it.

Whenever the fuck that’ll be.

At this rate and with his luck, not for a very long time.

“Did you know that the average person has four bad days per month?”  An overheard question.  Something Roman has to scoff at. Whatever sample that was used that produced such a statistic had to have been the fucking soccer and yoga moms. The ones who consider Starbucks being out of fucking pumpkin spice the definition of a bad day. “Adults also apparently smile 15 to 20 times per day.”

Another random fact that’s overheard, except it’s something that Roman realizes is much closer than he initially realized. The proximity does not align with something that’s in earshot. More so something that’s right in front of him.

“I don’t know if I—if I really believe all that, but—”

With a heavy sigh, he lifts his head, ready to lay into the poor, unsuspecting soul. “Why are you fucking talking to—”

Two abrupt stops. Two interruptions. Two complete collisions. 

A second round.

Years. Almost twenty, and yet the instant his eyes lock with hers, he knows, and judging by the way she drops the notepad in her hand, she knows, too.

It’s been some time since he’s felt so thoroughly shaken, but that’s exactly what he feels in this moment.

“Solana?”

Not that there was any doubt before, but the tiny gasp that leaves her mouth is all the confirmation he needs that this is most definitely her. 

Her eyes. So big, brown, and inquisitive. Once filled with an abundance of hurt and pain, an ideal match with his all that time ago, is no longer the same. Something different. There’s some trace of happiness. Yet, there’s something almost disingenuous about it. Like, it’s a poor attempt at camouflaging what was felt so long ago.

What might still be felt.

“Roman….”

His jaw clenches. It’s been so long since he’s heard his name leave the mouth of someone like her. Soft. Innocent. Kind.

None of those non-physical things about her have changed. He can tell that even in this brief, unexpected interaction. 

Naturally, his eyes move over her, noticing her hair is no longer long and cascading down her back. It’s short, barely brushing past her shoulders. Lighter. It suits her.

Her body is filled out, shapely, womanly, heavy in the desired areas. And the minute her mouth curls into an almost hesitant smile, he finds himself pleased that that has remained unchanged.

She always had such a soothing, beautiful smile.

“I—what—what are you doing here?”

A good fucking question considering he has a million and other things on his to-do list and not one of them includes sitting in this random coffee shop he drove past on his aimless drive. 

“I mean,” she laughs nervously, hand to her face, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, that’s—that’s a silly question. You don’t have to answer—”

“I was driving and saw it. Wanted coffee.” Not necessarily a lie. He does now want coffee but not necessarily when he chose to park his Maserati and enter into the quiet, almost wholesome shop. “You work here.” A statement. Not a question.

Nodding, he’s much more pleased than he should be to see her smile grow. “Well, technically, I—I own it, but—”

“You own this place?” To anyone else, it’s perhaps a silly thing to “ask” given she just said as such, but for him, for them, it's so much more.

Her smile is bright, a light that contrasts the still unhealed bruises on her face as she shares with much more hope and optimism than anyone in their situation should have, “I want to own a coffee shop some day.” Looking over at him, consciously or unconsciously scooting closer, she challenges, “guess what I’m gonna name it?”

A bitter scoff leaves his mouth. He rolls his eyes but still gives it a go. “Sunshine’s place or some shit like that?”

Her giggle is a respite from the heaviness of the past two weeks. The only escape he’s found in this hell hole. And not just the facility. 

“No. I’m gonna name it—”

“Dulce’s…..” Roman pulls himself from a memory buried so deep, he doesn’t know how he was able to retrieve it. “You always said…..” 

“Yeah…..” she answers in a low voice, pushing back some of her hair, a nervous habit he sees still exists. But, it’s not the habit he’s focused on. It’s the diamond on her finger.

An engagement ring. 

“You’re engaged.” Another assessment. One that shouldn’t stir up whatever the fuck is brewing within him.

For a second, she looks like it’s a surprise to her as well. And, he sees it, catches the brief glimpse of an attempted escape. 

That sadness. A feeling that doesn’t quite escape a person, not to the extent she felt.

That they both felt.

Still feels, clearly.

For her, at least.

Maybe.

“Y—yes. Ummm—”

“Solana.”

Another voice introduced to the conversation. Male. Gruff. Infuriating. Roman cuts his eyes to the out of shape man who looks like a recovering alcoholic and someone who doesn’t need to be talking or even around her.

“Cody’s waiting.”

Cody?

But, Roman doesn’t have time to think too much about that ugly ass name. His focus is back on Solana, Solana who has suddenly shifted from slightly timid to downright terrified. She’s grasping at the material of her apron. “But, I—I thought he said I could work all day tod—”

“Plans changed.” A rude, coarse interruption that has Roman’s jaw ticking. Just who the fuck is this man and why does he think he can talk to Solana like that?

“Don’t you see we’re in the middle of a fucking conversation?” A much too late entrance into whatever this is, but an arrival nonetheless. “Leave.” 

For some reason, it seems the man only now decided to pay attention to just who she was speaking to, a recognition that has his eyes widened as he turns back to Solana, poorly whispering, “do you know who the fuck this is?”

“Kevin, please. I’ll—I’ll be out in a minute.” It ticks him the fuck off that she’s practically begging this motherfucker, a man who Roman doesn’t even know but would love to put a bullet in.

Just might after today.

Kevin scoffs and shakes his head. “Your mistake.”

He says nothing else, turning to walk away, Roman standing to possibly commit murder when Solana moves her hand in front of him, as if trying to stop him.

“It’s—it’s fine. My—my fiancé is here.”

Roman looks down at her, still completely unnerved by her complete shift in demeanor. Her fear is practically palpable.

“Solana….” He sees her eyes shut as her name leaves his mouth. “What’s going o—”

“It—it was good to see you, Roman,” she cuts him off, forcing a smile that doesn’t meet her eyes. “But, I—I have to go.” And it’s as she turns to walk away, he makes the mistake of grabbing her wrist. Instant regret fills him when she jumps but something else as well.

Suspicion. 

Solana has always been jumpy. He’s known that from the day they met at that god-awful place so many years ago. But something about the fear that courses through her, is stamped on her voice, feels….different.

He drops his hand, stating in a low voice. “Give me your phone.”

Her eyes widen. “Roman—”

“Please.” A word no one on this goddamn earth could torture out of him, but something that so easily rolls off his tongue for her.

Obviously confused, her expression remains torn even as she reaches in the pocket of her apron, pulling out and unlocking her phone. He takes it from her, ignoring that strange feeling when their hands touch.

Moving fast and thinking quick, he programs his number, choosing an unsuspecting name, one he knows she and only she will recognize. 

Handing it back to her, he instructs, “you need anything, you call me.” It’s not preferred. What he’d prefer is to walk outside and snap that Kevin and this Cody person, if he’s outside too, necks. Would prefer to tell her to just stay with him. But, it’s too much. Much too much given how long it’s been.

And yet, they seem so easily falling back into routine. 

She’s still visibly nervous, holding her phone in her hand instead of placing it back in the apron. Another pained smile followed up with, “goodbye, Roman.”

He doesn’t say it back, almost refuses to. Just watches as she moves to the back of the shop, coming out a few minutes later, apron discarded, purse on her shoulder, nearly rushing out without sparing him a glance even if his gaze never leaves her.

Solana is only able to barely slide into the back of the SUV, the door held open by an irritated Kevin when she’s yanked by her hair.

Piercing blue eyes stare down at her, his other hand wrapped around her neck, squeezing tightly but not enough to completely restrict speech.

“Where the fuck were you?!”

His voice is harsh and angry, as is the look in his eyes. She opens her mouth to try to respond when he instead smashes her head into the window. She winces but refuses to cry out in pain even when his fist collides with her jaw. Her eyes clench shut, Solana already tasting the blood forming in her mouth.

“When I tell you to come, you fucking come, you understand me?!” He shouts, once again grabbing a fistful of her hair. 

Nodding helplessly, she forces out an answer, ignoring the blood leaking out the corner of her mouth. “Y—yes, sir.”

He scoffs, a cruel, wicked smile on his face as he takes pride in his work. In her terror. “Pathetic,” he hisses, shoving her away. Solana moves as far into the corner as she can, forever grateful when he pulls out his phone and initiates a phone call like nothing happened.

It’s stupid and risky and something she most definitely shouldn't be doing, but Solana can’t stop herself from also pulling out her phone and scrolling through her contacts, moving to the R’s only to find nothing there.

There’s an emptiness that accompanies that realization that makes no sense. A sadness that fills her at the thought that he didn’t, but…..the look on his face, so handsome and strong, the fact that he even asked….he had to.

So, she continues to scroll, carefully assessing for each stored contact, stopping when she sees it. Emotion fills her for a completely different reason, reading the single word that carries such weight and meaning.

Journey

[sturniolo-rat]

Cake Eater’s Delight

Matt Sturniolo X Reader

A/N: here’s your anal fic as promised! I spent way too much time describing yoga positions. For this, I am extremely sorry.

Contains: smut, anal, oral, butt plugs

TW: BEARS! Also, the term "Butt Slut" You give me a simple request, and I will do the absolute most

Y/N is wearing yoga pants that accentuate her ass. Matt is intent on fucking it.

Today is self-care Sunday, and Y/N just finished making a strawberry banana smoothie with extra protein powder for her boyfriend, Matt. It’s seven a.m., and she has the whole day planned, but first, she has to get him up and ready.

“Wakey wakey, My sweet boy.” she chirps eagerly, holding the smoothie to his face. 

“Oh god.” he groans, wipes the sleep from his eyes, and sees how hyped Y/N is. Still very disoriented, he says, “I see you’re having a good morning, Baby, but what time is it?” 

“It’s seven a.m. and I’m super excited for our early morning nature walk!”  

He sits up and sighs. “The fuckin’ nature walk.” Matt was actually pretty enthusiastic about this last night when he agreed to it, but not so much this morning. It’s too early, and he just wants Y/N to come back and be the big spoon for the next two hours. The smoothie, however, is immaculate, and he made her a promise. He summons all of his strength and swings his legs over the side of the bed. He sits facing Y/N and says with a smile, “I’ve never been more pumped for anything in my life!” Y/N gives him a bone-crushing hug before skipping off to get him the outfit she picked for him yesterday. Matt can’t help but stare at her booty as she makes her way to the closet. Those damn yoga pants get him every time.  

Half an hour later, they arrive at the closest California state park. Matt is warming up to the idea of this walk. He really does love nature, and having a little stroll in it is certainly something he would do as self-care. “Maybe we’ll see a bear!” Y/N squeals. 

“I love bears. They're so fucking big and dumb.” He really does hope they see a bear. His excitement over seeing a dangerous animal in the wild isn’t his fault. He has a very serious condition called white man curiosity. Bless him and his family. 

As they walk the dirt trail, Matt tells her facts about all the animals and plants they encounter. At some point, the trail leads them to a very colorful part of the woods filled with flowers. The trail has slowly been getting narrower, so Matt is now walking behind Y/N. “Baby, If I sincerely told you that I accidentally body-swapped with my sister, would you believe me?”

He’s deeply confused by the question, but he has an answer for it, regardless. “I would probably ask you a question that only you could answer first.” he pauses to laugh at how silly she is. “Would you believe me?”

“Most definitely,” she responds with unnatural quickness.

Matt is taken aback. “Why so certain?”

“Well, now that we’ve had the conversation, I don’t think you’d say you were body-swapped unless it actually happened.”

He’s getting very invested in the conversation now. “I’m not worried about it because you only really get body-swapped with people you dislike. So I don’t think there’s any danger of this happening to me and my brothers.”

“I don’t hate my sister, but we are polar opposites, so I see body-swap potential.”

“Be careful not to get sucked into any body-swapping hijinks, My love.”

“I’ll try, but no promises.”

Suddenly, he grabs her arm and stops her in her tracks. Y/N turns around to look at him, but all she sees is a beautiful array of flowers. Matt had been behind her, picking a bouquet of flowers as they talked. He moves the flowers from in front of his face and hands them to Y/N. “It’s a thank-you gift. I truly am having an amazing time today.”

“This is insanely fucking sweet. Thank you so much, Baby.” She leans in to give him a soft peck on the cheek. “I think we should start heading back though. We’re getting kinda far out.” They had gotten lost in each other's company and didn’t notice that they had been walking for an hour and covered at least 2 miles of the 5-mile trail.

Matt tears his gaze from Y/N’s face to take in their environment. “Goddamn, we’re like way out in the fuckin wild!” He can tell Y/N is getting somewhat uncomfortable with the thought of being so deep in the woods, so he holds out his hand for her to take and starts to walk her back down the trail. 

Y/N lets go of his hand and taps him furiously on the shoulder. “Matt. Matt, it actually fucking happened. Look!” she whispers in his ear and points into the distance. 

“A bear!” Matt yells.

“Hush!” she hits him hard on the head. “Don’t be the idiot who gets killed because he screamed at a bear. Just get the camera out.”

He fumbles with his backpack but realizes he didn’t pack it. He was so sure they wouldn’t come across a bear. The pictures and videos he takes on his phone will have to do for their next vlog. Once Matt has all the bear material he needs, they continue down the dirt path, tip-toeing very quietly.

When they finally reach their car, they’re exhausted, sweaty, and gross. Matt, however, is also rocking a semi. He’s been walking behind Y/N for hours now, watching how her ass moves. They’ve just started experimenting with butt stuff recently. He’s been obsessed with her backside ever since. He can't get the image of the pink hello kitty butt plug sticking out of her ass out of his mind. The drive home is pleasant and gives him time to calm down. Matt doesn’t want his horniness to get in the way of the day Y/N has planned. 

They arrive home, and Y/N flops on their bed. The walk was way longer than it was supposed to be. She’s anxious to tell Matt about the next activity she has planned, but she needs a quick break to hydrate. Matt comes in clutch and brings her the Stanley cup she filled up that morning but forgot to bring. She sits up and takes the cup. “Thank,” she says as she takes a sip. “God!”

“Don’t thank God. Thank me, Honey.” he winks as she absolutely chugs her water. There’s water dripping from the sides of her mouth running down her neck and breasts. Fuck she can even make drinking like a feral caveman look sexy. When she finishes, she sets the cup down, and Matt’s dick jumps in his pants. She looks like she could be in a wet t-shirt contest. He’s really fighting for his life right now and needs an activity to distract himself. “Alright! Get up, Baby. It’s time for whatever’s next on the list.” He hopes it's something lame and calming like meditation or maybe some silly facial skin routine.

“Okay, I’ll go get the yoga mats and bring them to the living room.” She hops up from the bed, fully recharged and energetic as ever. “Oh, yay. I’m gonna bring my new yoga ball, too!”

“Oh, good!” he says quite insincerely. He should have seen this coming. She’s wearing the yoga pants she reserves for actually doing yoga. This is going to be torture. He tucks his boner into his waistband and waits for Y/N in the other room.      

When meets him there, she kicks her yoga ball into the corner and gives Matt a big hug before setting up their pink and blue yoga mats. She’s so happy to be spending the day relaxing and playing around with him. Her ponytail whips around behind her as she spins to face Matt. “Did you know it’s actually recommended that you do yoga or stretch after long walks? The walk wasn’t meant to be long, but how lucky it is that my plan works out.” She’s speaking extremely quickly due to her excitement.  She pauses for a breath but begins talking again before Matt can respond. “Are you ready?” she asks expectantly.

“Of course, My love. Your plan is perfect.” 

They stand on their respective mats, and Y/N realizes that Matt has probably never done yoga in his life. “Let me show you five poses you need to know before we start.” He takes a deep breath and prepares for a face full of outstretched booty, but to his surprise, she sits down crisscrossed. “We’re gonna start off with the Sukhasana. Just sit down, touch your pointer fingers to your thumbs, and close your eyes.” 

“Seems easy enough,” He says and patiently watches as she changes pose. 

“Then we’re gonna transition into the Adho Mukha Svanasana. Just get on your hands and knees,” she demonstrates as she talks. “Place your hands down in front of you, shoulder-width apart. Then walk your legs back so your hands are under your shoulders, and your knees are under your hips.”

“That’s a lot of words to explain what I believe is the very simple-looking downward-facing dog.” Yup. This is exactly what he expected. It’s awful and stressful, but it’s also absolutely fucking glorious. Her booty is a piece of art crafted specifically for him by the hands of God. He tears his eyes away and looks at her face as she once again, changes her pose. 

“Oh, shut up. I’m trying to sound like a yoga professional,” she says with a small chuckle. “Anyway, the next pose is the pigeon pose.”

“Yeah, super fancy and professional.” He smirks, and she rolls her eyes.

“Moving on!” she says, letting out an exasperated breath, “From the Adho Mukha Svanasana position, you’re gonna lift your left leg up while keeping your other leg straight and your foot arched.” 

“Jesus Christ,” Matt whispers loudly. The pose essentially looks like she’s throwing it back on the floor. Her bottom is round and cute, and all he wants to do is reach out and squeeze it. That’s a lie, actually. He wants to smack it. Hard, very fucking hard. He wants to grope her fat, meaty thighs and worship her body. She’s talking, but he can’t hear her. He’s in a trance, and he needs to do something about it. “I’m sorry, Sweetness. I really am, but I can’t keep it to myself anymore.”

Y/N gets up and looks at his face, very concerned. “What’s wrong, Baby?”

He still hasn’t looked up at her face. “It’s your ass.” He licks his lips. “I have to fuck it.”

Y/N moves so that she’s directly in front of him and grabs him by his jaw to make him look at her. She whispers in his ear, “I know.” Matt has been lusting after her all day. There was no possibility that she wouldn’t notice. "Time to destroy my root chakra."

“Fuck yes!” He pulls her into a rough, toothy kiss. His lips are soft, almost silken, and pillowy against hers. His hand reaches up to massage her breast, and she moans into his mouth. She needs him. Needs to see more of him. Y/N tugs at the hem of his shirt. Matt takes the hint, breaks the kiss, and removes it. She puts her hands on his chest and rubs them down his abdomen. He’s so beautiful. 

In one swift motion, he wipes her hands away. She whimpers and gives him a pathetic, needy look. “I know you want to touch me, Baby. I know.” He says as he makes his way over to get the yoga ball. “But right now, I need you to bend over this ball and show me that pretty, pretty ass of yours.” 

Y/N does as she’s told. She loves it when Matt bosses her around. He pulls at her pants aggressively, and she doesn’t understand what he’s trying to do. Then she hears a tearing sound and feels the cold air on her bare bottom. “You just ripped my favorite yoga pants!”

“Quiet!” He barks. “I’ll get you new ones.” He says as he forces her panties down around her knees. His hands part her cheeks, and he can’t believe what he sees. He has been lusting after this woman all fucking day, thinking he was being a pervert. Little did he know that Y/N had her butt plug in the whole time. He takes a closer look. It’s not her favorite Hello Kitty one, but the one with the blue jewel on the end. Matt’s eyes widened; it’s their second biggest one. Y/N anticipated this, and she always comes prepared. 

He kneads both of her cheeks as he asks, “Oh, Sweet girl, did you plan this? Was this part of your little self-care day? Did you need to be a little butt slut for me to feel complete?”

“I do.” She whines. “Last night, I got so horny thinking about you playing with my ass.”

“I can tell, Sweetheart. You used the big blue one. We’ve never even touched that one before. Were you training your ass for me?” He sits on his knees behind her so his face is level with her rear. Matt takes his time biting and kissing her ass. She lets out a hiss when he starts to play with the plug, pulling it out only to put it back in again. Every little movement has her gasping. He keeps going until she’s too loose for the stretch. He slaps her on the ass with so much force he leaves a handprint, and she lets out a wail. 

“I know we haven’t done it before, but do you want to take my cock?” he asks.

“I want to try,” she says in a shaky voice.

“Are you sure?”

“I am. I swear.”

“I promise I’ll be gentle, but first,” He shoves his pants and boxers down and takes his cock in his hand as he walks around to Y/N’s front. “I need you to lube up my cock. Can you do that for me, Baby?”

“Mhmm, I can.” She replies eagerly and opens wide. 

Her mouth is wet and warm around his cock. He holds her hands behind her back so she has to deep-throat him to reach his base. The dirty, sloppy sounds coming from his thrusts in and out of her throat are music to his ears. He needs to hear more. He grabs her by the ponytail and fucks her face harder. He wants to hear her choke and gag. She doesn’t mind it. She’s just happy to be of service. Her mouth is so fucking perfect, but he needs to stop before he cums. He pulls out, and she gasps for air. “You okay? Catch your breath, Baby.” He gives Y/N time to orient herself. 

“I’m okay.” She gives him a big smile. Only sluts smile like that after choking on cock.

“If you want me to stop at any point, just tell me, and I'll stop.”

Y/N nods her head, and Matt takes his spot behind her. He pulls the butt plug out very carefully and sets it aside. Her pussy is so wet and leaking, but he ignores it entirely, except to say, “You’re dripping down your thighs, My love.” he smiles to himself as he taps his cock on her ass. “You’re soaking your new exercise ball,” he says as he slowly pushes his tip in. When he finally pushes in past his tip, it burns and hurts, but she loves the sensation. She keeps thinking that it can’t get any longer, but it just keeps going, and the stretch burns until, eventually, he gives her all of him. Her asshole clenches hard, and it feels so fucking amazing, but then it’s burning and hurting right at the entrance, and she whimpers as he pulls himself out halfway. He’s going so slow, and he wants to speed up so badly. Her asshole feels so much better than he imagined it would. He knew she would be tight, but he didn’t know how deep she could take him. She can’t fit him all the way in when he fucks her pussy. It feels so nice to be able to give her everything he’s got. 

“You can go faster now.”

“Oh, yes.” he bites his lip and speeds up to a respectable pace. 

“No, faster. I need it faster,” she says desperately. He picks up the pace, and finally, he starts to feel like he’s properly fucking her. She’s moaning and whining because it feels so bad and so good at the same time. It’s a very confusing sensation, but all she knows is she wants to cum so badly. Usually, Matt likes to make Y/N cum first, but he doesn’t know if anal will make her cum, and he just can’t resist cumming in her ass. He stands her up so she’s up against his chest and reaches in front of her to rub her clit. This is what she needs, what she’s been missing. He loves the sounds she’s making. He doesn’t even notice he’s been drilling into her faster and faster. Y/N is letting out loud yelps with every thrust. If anyone overheard them, they would think she was in agony. 

“I’m gonna cum, Baby. I want you to try to cum with me. Can you do that?” he says, breathing heavily.

“I can try.”

“What do you need, Love? How can I help you cum?” 

“Please pull my hair.” His hands are around her ponytail before she can even get all the words out. He pulls so hard she’s forced to look up at the ceiling. 

“Like that?”

Her eyes are rolling to the back of her head. “Fuck, yes! Just like that! I’m gonna cum!” 

Matt puts more pressure on her clit and feels her cumming. It feels different from when he’s in her pussy. The thought of having had every one of her holes pushes him to the edge, and he releases himself into her asshole. 

Y/N’s knees buckle, and she collapses onto the exercise ball and pants. He wants to ask her if she’s alright, but he’s distracted watching his cum leak out of her ass. “Fuck,” he leans over to pick he up bridal style. “Let's get you into a bath, okay?”

“You’re not gonna believe this, but that’s actually next on the list.”

“Perfectly planned, My love.”

Masterlist

@rafecameronsbitch @daddyslilchickenfingers2 @mrsmiagreer @lovergirl4387 @gdsvhtwa @ashley9282828 @j-worlds-blog @stephanienwf @achrisgirly @draculaura123 @abbypost @Cind2224 @crazychrisl0v3r @ryli3sworld @bkwrld @pinkishpearls @pepsienthusiasts @stunza @chrattstromboli @sturnssmuts @angelic-sturniolos111 @69isabella69 @maryx2xx @sturniolo04 @bigbeefybitch @klaus223492 @r93339 @sturnzsblog @spotconlon55 @robins-scoop @junovrsmp4 @sturnlover4eva @blahbel668 @lilahnowheretobefound @luxy-nyx @tuffsturns @m0r94n @sturnstvs @pepsicolapussy333 @maddyslifesstuff @dogblof @honeymoonxxz @xplr-sturns-e-m @hayhjelmstad15 @thetriplets3 @y0urm4m @mattyblover07

[toasttt11]

morning

July 9, 2023

Ophelia was brushing out her hair in the mirror in her guest room at the Hughes’s lake house when she heard a soft knock on her door, “Come in.”

Quinn opened the door slowly and blinked surprised to see Ophelia completely awake and ready for the day, she was a morning person he realized like him, “Morning.”

“Morning.” Ophelia mumbled back setting her brush back down on the dresser.

“We’re gonna go the rink in a little bit if you’re up for it?” Quinn asked her and his eyes saw a little penguin stuff animal on her bed and he smiled softly, it’s adorable.

“Okay.” Ophelia quickly nodded never going to turn down going skating.

“Mom is making breakfast and we will probably head out once Luke and Jack finish waking up and eat too.” Quinn told her.

Ophelia nodded and she grabbed her phone and slipped her slides on and started following Quinn out of her room.

“So i’m assuming you’re a morning person?” Quinn asked her as they walked down the hallway together.

“Yeah i rarely can sleep in.” Ophelia told Quinn making him a smile and nod.

“Me too. There’s some really good running trails here if you want to join me in the mornings?” Quinn offered as they walked down the stairs, he always runs alone so it would be nice to run with Ophelia.

“I’d like that.” Ophelia nodded softly giving him a small smile. She’s use to running alone and it would be nice to run with someone else.

“Morning Ophelia!” Ellen looked up from the stove and beamed at Ophelia, she was so happy to have another girl around the house.

Ophelia mumbled a soft morning back and followed Quinn to the barstools and sat down next to him seeing Jack laying his head on counter looking half asleep.

“You’re okay with a omelette?” Ellen asked Ophelia as she plated Quinn’s omelette.

“Yeah, thank you.” Ophelia softly thanked Ellen, it’s been awhile someone has cooked for her outside of the hockey chefs.

Ellen smiled at Ophelia and she stared pointing and asking about the vegetables and which one Ophelia was fine with in her omelette.

“Want coffee?” Quinn leaned over asking Ophelia. Ophelia softly nodded back, “How do you like yours?” Quinn asked he stood up and grabbed a light blue mug that no one ever touches and started brewing a pot of coffee.

“Uh i’m fine with whatever.” Ophelia shrugged, she wasn’t picky about how her coffee is and liked it most ways.

Quinn hummed in response and grabbed milk and a chocolate creamer and held them up to Ophelia, “Which one do want?

Ophelia pointed at the chocolate one making Quinn smiled satisfied and he poured three cups of coffee and poured the chocolate creamer in all three and carried the mugs back to the counter and at the light blue in front of Ophelia, the red Devils one in front to Jack making Jack glance up and immediately took a sip of his coffee and a dark blue one for Quinn.

Ophelia thanked Quinn and Ellen as Ellen set a plate in front of Ophelia.

Jack mumbled a soft morning to Ophelia after waking up a bit from his coffee and he waited for his mom to make his breakfast.

Ophelia was half way through eating her breakfast when Luke finally stumbled into the kitchen his curls going everywhere as he plopped down next to Jack and immediately started inhaling his breakfast.

“Oh Ophelia i’m going shopping today so is there anything you like in particular or have any allergies?” Ellen asked her as she pulled out her shopping list.

“I’m allergic to shellfish and kiwis.” Ophelia told Ellen and all four of them sitting there made that mental note to remember that, Ellen would also make sure to tell Jim. Good thing none of the Hughes care for those two things so they won’t get them again anyways.

“Besides that i’m not picky.” Ophelia shrugged softly, she’s not the biggest eater.

“Okay, what about something you like to snack on?” Ellen asked wanting to make sure Ophelia was completely comfortable here.

“Uh hummus and vegetables.” Ophelia answered.

“Dude that’s my favorite too.” Jack perked up giving her a silly smile making her lips quirk up.

Jim walked in from the backyard and said good morning to the four kids as he walked into the kitchen.

Ophelia helped Quinn clean up form breakfasts as Jack and Luke both got dressed to head to the rink.

Ophelia followed Quinn to the car outside and he grabbed her hockey bag from the garage where they put it last night and he put it in the back of the car, “Sit wherever you want.” Quinn told Ophelia as he unlocked the car.

Ophelia nodded and she climbed into the car and headed back to the third row and sat down.

Jack got in next sitting in the seat in front of Ophelia and Quinn in the drivers seat and Jim in the passenger.

“See Ophelia thinks the third row is better too!” Luke teased Jack as he climbed into the car and went back to the third row sitting down next to Ophelia, Luke liked the third row because the second row only had two chairs and from the third row he had a lot of room to spread out his legs.

“Not everyone has very long legs Lukey boy.” Jack teased back making Quinn shake his head didn’t as he pulled out of the driveway.

Ophelia watched amused as Luke and Jack sassed each other for most of the drive, she’s never felt comfortable to do that with anyone before.

Quinn parked the car and they all got out do the car.

Jack grinned at Ophelia as he grabbed her bag before she could take it and he just started walking into the rink with her bag.

Ophelia softly shook her head and stayed at Quinn’s heels as they walked into the rink, she’s been here at the US rink couple of times.

Jack set her bag right at the stall in between his and Quinn’s and Luke’s is next to Quinn’s.

Ophelia started unpacking her bag into the stall and looked up seeing Luke putting her name in the stall just as the three Hughes have their names in their stall.

Ophelia follows the three boys on to the ice and saw a few other players skating already and she followed Quinn over to Jim.

Quinn had told her that Jim works with them the most during the summer and told her that the rink was gonna be emptier than usually for the next week as most players are on trips right now.

Ophelia nodded listening to what Jim was telling them to do for the drill. She was going again Luke and Jack against Quinn.

Ophelia narrowed her eyes and took off with Luke trying to defended her and she was quick with changing directions and managed to spin around Luke and tap the puck into the net.

Quinn and Jack shared an impressed look with Jim. Obviously they have seen her clips and she had to be pretty great to go first overall but seeing her skill in person is a bit different.

They went through this drill a couple times before Jim switched them up and had Jack going against Luke and Ophelia against Quinn.

Ophelia laughed a bit seeing how competitive Luke and Jack are with one another.

Ophelia got ready for her turn and knew Quinn was gonna be even harder.

Quinn watched intently as Ophelia started skating and he quickly shifted covering her. Ophelia couldn’t get away from Quinn but she could move her stick so she just flicked the puck randomly backwards and hit the post.

“That was smart.” Quinn praised looking at her proudly once they stopped the drill, she couldn’t get away from him defending him so she took the shot even at a bad angle.

Ophelia wiped her face and she smiled up at Quinn.

Quinn started telling her something else she could try and she giving him her full attention as she listened to his instructions.

Jim raised a eyebrow noticing how Quinn was talking to her and seemed to be explaining something to her and noticed the way Quinn had her full attention and had a feeling Quinn will be teaching her a lot on and off the ice.

Quinn smiled proudly as they went through the drill once more and she did exactly what he suggested and she did it perfect, he gave her a high five and patted her head softly, “Good job.” He gave her a proud smile making her perk up a bit and smile back.

Eventually they finished their practice and Ophelia followed the boys off the ice and back to the locker room.

“You were great.” Jack nudged her elbow softly as they sat down in their stalls.

“Awesome.” Luke added agreeing with Jack.

Ophelia shyly smiled back and saw Quinn nodding in agreement.

She had a lot of fun practicing with the boys and Jim coaching, Hockey hasn’t felt fun like that since her Dad would coach her or skate with her, she’s missed hockey being fun.

[screams-in-writing]

Posting from the comfort of the bed I’m about fall asleep in, here’s a late pseudo Valentine’s Day thing that is both sappy and angsty b/c I just can’t help myself.

Note 1- I wrote this all out in one go, so there could be typos.

Note 2- I haven’t decided if I’ll have puzzle park stuff in the long fic, so this is a kind of a what-if aftermath scenario.

It had been a very long day at the cafe.

By the time you reached home (only a few blocks away) you were all but ready to collapse onto the sofa. There was no plan to go all the way up the stairs to get to your bedroom, so the sofa it was. Your roommates weren’t due to get back to the house until later in the day, so you could crash for a few hours.

Or so you’d hoped, until entering the darkening house and seeing the distinct shadowy shape of a certain tv-headed man who was sprawled out over the sofa you’d intended to flop on yourself. Frowning in thought, you closed the front door and locked it as you stared at the stolen sofa. Mr. Puzzles hadn’t mentioned that he was going to stop by today; he’d not sent you any messages for a few days, come to think of it. Stepping through to the kitchen, you use at the sight of a vase of roses that most certainly hadn’t been there before. A mix of colors, as if one couldn’t be decided upon. There was also an envelope with your name on it. A quick glance told you that Mr. Puzzles was still in one spot.

You didn’t think Valentine’s Day would be so subdued from someone who made a spectacle of your birthday, but here you were. You almost expected a dinner, date and movie cliche from the man, but maybe recent events had Puzzles rethink making a grandiose deal of this day.

The envelope was opened.

A simple outline of a cartoon heart was stamped on the front; inside was a simple ‘Thank you for giving me another chance.’

It was unsigned.

You recognized the handwriting anyway, seeing as Mr. Puzzles couldn’t help but write all over your and your fellow podcast members’ scripts. Or to eagerly offer you a new script of his own for you to read, antenna on top of his metal head perked up expression focused on you when you read one.

The card answered your earlier question.

Mr. Puzzles was still hesitant over where the two of you stood relationship-wise after the disaster that was Puzzle Park.

A slow sigh left you, tracing the handwriting on the card before turning it over to look on the back and rolling your eyes fondly. In one corner was Mr. Puzzles’ logo stamped there. The one that he used for his different ventures. What a silly man he was, specifically making a line of Valentine’s cards to sell (and possibly other holidays planned) so that he could give you something of his own in the process, along with the roses.

Shaking your head again, you put the card by the case and backtrack to the living room, not stopping until you stood alongside the sofa, to stare down at a still-asleep Mr. Puzzles.

The sight of his long legs thrown over one end of the sofa was amusing as it always was; his knees over the arm if the sofa, and his tv head resting on a two sofa pillows to prevent his antenna from pressing into fabric.

Eventually, an idea came to mind, and you shuffled over to lightly pet along the side of Puzzles’ head.

Nothing.

Good, that meant you had time to trap him before he could sneak away again, since you’re fairly certain that Mr. Puzzles hadn’t meant to fall asleep and still be here when you got back home. Maybe he felt guilty over not speaking to you, maybe he didn’t think you wanted to see him. Maybe you should ask him yourself, when he woke up.

But no matter the answer, you were sure of the actual meaning behind the roses and the card when paired with the words written within.

Mr. Puzzles brought you a peace offering hidden behind a Valentine’s Day gift.

You had an answer for him, and, withholding a grin, carefully crawled on top of Puzzles and settled on him comfortably. There was a twitch and a static noise from the darkened tv screen but the man didn’t wake up.

Perfect.

Reaching up, you undid the bow tie and two buttons of the dress shirt, glancing up now and again to assess for any motion that would indicate Mr. Puzzles waking up.

Nothing.

Completely out.

No wonder, too, with the stupidity of what this man had done to his own body when he went off on another power trip in an amusement park of all places; you wanted to have a word with Puzzles’ parents, if they happened to be around.

Smg4 and his crew too.

And Puzzles himself.

So many conversations needed to be had, and it was absolutely and utterly infuriating that so much progress had been lost for miscommunication and assumptions about one party to another.

“My dear, not that I’m opposed to it but…if your plan is to divest me of my dress shirt, I’m afraid you will be unable to do so while lying on top of me.”

The ticklish sensation of a powered on television set could be nearly felt, close as you were to Puzzles’ shoulders. Flicking the parted collar of the dress shirt, you promptly face-planted into the area where the human part of his neck was attached via wire and other metals, covered in a smooth barrier of cloth that blended the wires wrapped around the neck to brace it were.

“This might be better.” Mr. Puzzles announced in a strained voice, right after releasing a startled noise. He let out an interested hum next, one hand moving to rest lightly over your upper back. “Good evening.”

Awkward.

Uncertain.

You remained in place, then lifted one arm to drape over Mr. Puzzles’ other arm to keep it trapped against the side of the sofa. Breathing out a slow breath, you felt the way Puzzles shuddered over the sensation, his fingers flexing in a twitch over your back before settling, then languidly trace along after a moment.

“I wasn’t planning to fall asleep…” The words tapered off, followed by the telltale sound of the man’s expressions flipping around before settling on something. “…you want me to stay?”

“I saw the card.” You murmured into the wires, lifting your free hand to rest over the exposed collarbone, the skin cooler to the touch, but not as cold as the metal and wire woven in and out of it. “…some people don’t think I should give you more chances.”

“Ah.” Mr. Puzzles shakily moved his hand from your back to rest over your hand, gently patting. “That’s…it’s still rather tender there.”

You turned your hand over and clasped Puzzles’, but he merely guided you before letting go of your hand to have it rest over his shoulder. “Better?”

“Yes.” Mr. Puzzles lapsed into silence; it was uncharacteristic enough that you levered yourself up on your right forearm to get a good look at the man’s expression.

Averted digital eyes, furrowed brow, neutral technicolor smile.

This, and the lack of immediate clinging to you, told you that there may be genuine regret for his actions this time around when it came to Smg4 and his friends.

“Just so you know, Tiffany says you’re welcome to work in the cafe again. If you want, when you’re not in the podcast room crossing out sentences on the scripts.” You say, not ready to touch the subject that was Puzzle Park. Right now, you just wanted to spend time with Puzzles, without accusations being tossed about that he had been manipulating you behind the scenes, when you’d been blissfully (for the most part) unaware of the amusement park until someone contacted you when most of Smg4 and his friends has gone inexplicably missing.

Later.

There would be time to unpack that later, when things had settled down in Mr. Puzzles’ home world, and Swag stopped attempting to capture him to put him into an underground bunker prison.

Which would only make everything worse, to isolate Mr. Puzzles. That was the last thing he needed, and-

A gloved finger gently prodded the middle of your forehead.“You’re thinking very hard, my dear.” Another poke. “Don’t keep this expression for too long or it might freeze that way.”

You didn’t ask what the expression was; instead, you refocused, and saw Mr. Puzzles had tilted his head up so his screen could face you a little better. It looked painful in the neck, but he didn’t seem to be bothered by it. For now.

“What are you thinking about now?”

“You.”

“…”

While the man may not have said anything, there was a quick flash of surprise, longing, then weary happiness. “I was thinking about you too, while I was running to come over here.”

“…why were you running?”

“Swag found out I was headed here, to visit you, and I just barely outran the tank-”

Tank?!

“-and I did know some shortcuts, which was why I was able to get here without too much trouble, but I do think that I may have to ask someone to make sure that Swag isn’t just. Just camping out and waiting for me to return.” Mr. Puzzles sighed theatrically as he leaned his metal head back on the pillows to stare up at the ceiling with a faintly annoyed expression.

You…think you may postpone visiting Mr. Puzzles’ home world, at least until Chris managed to convince Swag to leave the tv headed man alone for the time being.

“The offer of the cafe is a tempting one, but I think…” Mr. Puzzles voice wavered, then, quietly. “I believe I’d rather just spend some time with you, if you’re willing.”

Just showing up to your world was answer enough for you; the roses and the card helped too. But instead of speaking, you just levered yourself up along Mr. Puzzles’ frame to lean your head against the side of his tv one.

He went perfectly still beneath you, hands moving as if to touch, but held himself back, the doubt still present in his actions.

Pressing your head harder against his, feeling a little static from the edge of the screen, you carefully looped one arm around the back of his neck. Once Puzzles slowly, hesitantly, wrapped his arms around you, you looped your other arm around the back of his metal head. Settling on your side carefully so his tv head was partially cradled onto you, you whispered into the vent. “You kept me out of the danger when it mattered. We talked. We spent time alone from one another. I don’t understand the why, but you don’t have to tell me, so long as talking to someone else is helping.” You encouraged Mr. Puzzles to turn his head slightly so you could see the screen. “We’ve done this before, and we can get through it again. Please, don’t keep isolating yourself. If you need me to tell you over the phone or text that I do want to see you, I can do that.”

The screen dimmed to static for a few minutes before the ‘face’ returned, a very brief sight of teary eyes before Mr. Puzzles finally looked at you, the digital eyes directly on you, along with an uncertain smile.

To this, you leaned in and offered a brief grin before peppering the tickle static screen with kisses, pleased to hear the spluttering.

Mr. Puzzles suddenly hugged you to him, after making certain that he wouldn’t accidentally headbutt you. There were no tears, as he couldn’t physically cry any longer, but the breathy, shuddering sounds were there. The flickering screen indicated an inability to settle on any one expression. Eventually, it did, and the static was loud in the sudden silence.

“I can stay, for a little while?”

“As long as you want, so long as we get off to my room before Derek or Rose get back.” You felt the underside of Puzzles’ metal head nuzzle you, and felt a little better at hearing the low chuckle.

“How scandalous, to be found lying peacefully on the sofa together.” A soft, light teasing as you were held closer. “Are you…is this comfortable?”

“Only if you keep holding me like this.”

“I…you’re…” A light tremor went through Mr. Puzzles whole frame before he let out a facsimile of a sigh as he did so. “Of course I will.” A moment of quiet. “…thank you, for letting me stay.” Another long silence, and then, a bare whisper. “I’m sorry.”

It was a start.

“Me too.”

A soft laugh; a quieter murmur of thanks.

Better to communicate, than to remain silent.

As a bonus for being nice to Mr. Puzzles while he was still navigating the bridges he’d burned for a second time, you were ever so rudely (aka mercilessly teased) about the combination of roses and a few other flowers you’d missed in the vase by Rose, who’d entered the living room via the kitchen.

Because of course Mr. Puzzles would find a way to both apologize and attempt to woo you at the same time.

Smug man that he was, Puzzles enjoyed your blush before quickly leaning over to press his screen to a cheek, and, after making a kissing noise, leapt to his feet and booked it for the front door like he expected Rose’s look to set him on fire despite the distance.

The joke was on Mr. Puzzles when he realized that his bow tie was missing and half his dress shirt had been undone.

The later fluster was worth waiting for once you were done with your next shift, and you found Puzzles in the house at the edge of town, and upon seeing you, and the bow tie you held up, he flushed.

[digitaldiarystuff]

False Hope Pt.4

soo like i said i read the series last weekend and got inspired again but honestly, third part could easily be the last so read it with caution and hope you enjoy it love yall sm

————

pairing: Pedri Gonzalez x Y/N

summary: you’re close friends with Pedri and pretty much in love with him, pretending you’re not you went to comfort him but he seeks the comfort in a different way than you would’ve expected

genre: suggestive but not quite, angst

————

It had been a few weeks since you last saw Pedri and it couldn’t have been worse. He was occupying every thought and every dream, making you question your decision. Maybe it could’ve been better if you just agreed to go back and resume life without ever mentioning your undying love. You constantly stalked his instagram and even the gossip accounts just to see him being completely mia. He wasn’t spotted out in a while and hasn’t posted any training pics which was out of the ordinary but couldn’t bring yourself to reach out. It’s not like you haven’t thought about it but just was worried the reaction you’d get would be severely negative.

The only way you could be notified of his recent life was through Ferran and Sara. She was constantly coming by and trying to cheer you up, you weren’t particularly close beforehand but even the most stupid person aka Ferran could tell there had been something wrong with you and Pedri so Sara tried her best to be there for you even though you didn’t tell her much just that you had a falling out. It sounded stupid, like you were two high schoolers but you didn’t know how to put it into words. Sara understood and didn’t pry too much.

“You’re coming, right?” she asked excitedly but you were completely zoned out thinking about Pedri again.

“Coming where?”

“To Ferran’s birthday silly.” she bumped her shoulder with yours in a playful manner but you were quick to shake your head repeatedly.

“No no no no no no”

“Yes yes yes yes” she raised eyebrows trying to sound authoritative. “You need it, also Ferran really wants you there”

“Sara I really appreciate it but I’m going to have to pass.”

“Whyy?” she whined.

“You know why.” you looked at your hands anxiously.

“Y/N, isn’t it time that you let go?”

You didn’t answer, you couldn’t because you weren’t ready to start crying in the middle of a cafe on a random Thursday.

“Look, I don’t know the specifics but I know you two care about each other even though you don’t believe it right now. You were really close for a long time, that’s not something you could pretend never happened, if you want to talk to him this is your opportunity and if you don’t that’s also completely fine. Just don’t shut yourself out.” she sympathetically held your hand and made you look up at her.

“But if you seriously don’t want to, I’ll find something to tell Ferran. Do what you think is the best.”

You thanked her and left the cafe soon after needing a long bath to clear your head. There was no way you could go to a party Pedri would definitely be at, it was the dumbest thing you could do.

So here you were, waiting nervously next to Sara fidgeting with your hands while simultaneously trying to act chill. It was a hard combo to maintain and you often found yourself scanning the room vigorously to see if a certain someone showed up yet.

“He’ll come, just relax.” she said noticing your mannerisms and all you could manage to do was a small nod.

After a while with the help of alcohol, you managed to loosen up a little. You wished Ferran a happy birthday and danced with him and Sara for the most part but now had to use the bathroom. When you were finally done and making your way downstairs, your eyes immediately met with Pedri’s. It’s like he was waiting for you, under the stairs just looking up. He looked even better now, if that’s possible. He shaved and was surprisingly wearing bootcut cargo pants instead of his usual skinny jeans. He looked at you with such softness you almost melted but quickly told yourself off for being this delusional, if he wanted you he would’ve said something. He rejected you.

You tried to look unbothered and tried walking past him without having any conversation, as much as you wanted to see Pedri once you did you realized you were still so hung up on him and it made you pity yourself. But Pedri, being as annoying as he was, couldn’t let you to just leave without talking to him and followed you around like a lost puppy. You tried engaging in convos with random people beside you just to make him leave but he patiently waited until whoever you were talking to had to bail and play beer pong.

“Can we talk now?” he expectantly asked while you looked around for any possible escape routes but there weren’t any.

“About what?”

“Y/N I miss you” he said defeated and you immediately felt your eyes watering.

“We shouldn’t do this here, c’mon let’s find somewhere more quiet.” you said and walked ahead of him. It was actually because you didn’t want to cry in front of 100 people.

Once you were outside sitting on the loungers he took a deep breath and started again.

“Y/N I know it’s all my fault. I know that I hurt you so much and I’m sorry for all of it. I didn’t get a chance to properly do it before.” he looked down embarrassed and you slowly nodded. You weren’t actually waiting for an apology but hearing Pedri take responsibility made you feel a little bit better.

“Honestly, it’s okay Pedri.” you looked up at him and for a moment saw his eyes glistening when you called him Pedri instead of Pedro.

“This is life, you can’t always get what you want. I really don’t blame you, there’s no bad blood, yeah.” you smiled softly and he nervously gulped.

“I- I wanted to…”

“We should get back inside.” you announced as he was saying something.

“Did you want to say something?”

“Um, no no.”

You went back inside and successfully removed yourself from the awkward situation. Talking with him both felt familiar and new, like something completely changed in your relationship forever and you didn’t know whether to be happy or sad about it.

Throughout the night, Pedri watched your every move. His eyes never left your figure while you tried to keep yourself busy yet he never approached you again. As much as you enjoyed his attention, it was also a curse because you tripped on your two feet more times than you could count and it was becoming more and more embarrassing by the second. Your latest success was to spill your beer all over the floor and on yourself a little. Everyone laughed at how clumsy you were and so did you, the alcohol in your system making it easier. Sara told you, you could clean yourself in their bathroom and even get something to change into so you went upstairs oblivious to the fact that Pedri followed suit.

You clumsily picked out a shirt from Sara’s closet and as you pulled your shirt up the door opened slowly and Pedri was on the other side. He immediately looked away, took a step back and shut the door a little so there’s just a crack.

“Oh I’m so sorry I knocked but when you didn’t answer, just wanted to check up on you.” he excused himself and you were too shocked to realize you were in your bra when he walked in. You only remembered to put the other shirt on once he got out.

“Uh, it’s alright. I was just changing.” you said with burning cheeks. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Y/N I have some things I want to say to you and I wanted to talk to you outside but chickened out before.” he started and you stiffened up thinking this couldn’t be anything good. Maybe he had a girlfriend and wanted to let you know before they made it public or he wanted you to exclude yourself from his friend group.

“Why are we talking through a door? You can come inside and talk.” you laughed a little trying ti ease the situation but Pedri stayed outside.

“It’s easier this way.”

“Pedri if it’s…”

“Please let me finish. I prepared a speech and all just in case if I ever had the guts to talk to you. When I first came onto you, I didn’t know why I did it and I know this makes me a jerk but it’s the truth. I thought it was because I was frustrated and I just needed an outlet but… I would never have done something like that to you I care about you so much so when it happened I was a wreck. I was a proper asshole and I don’t blame you for leaving me like that. I chalked it all up to being lonely and having a close friendship but no, all day all night I thought about it Y/N. I tried my best to keep the act and continue being friends but when you pulled away from me it hurt so much that’s when I knew it couldn’t just be the friendship we have. It must be something more if I follow you around town just to prevent you from hooking up with a guy.” he laughed a little and you joined him. Even though that night was a nightmare for the most part, you couldn’t shake the feeling when he came to pick you up or when he begged the receptionist for the room number.

“So I knew then. I don’t know how I could be so blind for all this time actually. But after that you were so broken that I couldn’t cause you any more pain. I figured it’d be easier for both of us if I stayed silent and let you live your own life because truth to be told I’m a mess. I can’t promise you anything, I can’t say I’ll never hurt you because I did.”

You were slowly inching towards the door and didn’t even realize some tears falling from your eyes with his confession. He was right, he hurt you and made you miserable but he also made you the happiest girl with just a smile or a hug. You felt safe around him, you felt appreciated.

“And my life is so busy and I don’t ever want to make you feel neglected, this season has been… Never mind, we’re here to talk about us.” and with that you opened the door and saw Pedri also with teary eyes and a pout. When he saw you open the door he was taken aback and stopped immediately like he forgot everything he wanted to say.

“Y/N”

“Pedri” you smiled and once he saw you he started smiling too. You looked at each other for a moment before he reached for your hands pulling you a little closer.

“I meant everything I said.”

“I know.” and you really did know, Pedri may be a lot of things but he’s not a liar.

“And I know you deserve the best, you deserve a stable guy with the most time in the world to shower you with love and…” he trailed off.

“And?”

“And I’m willing to try to be that person, only if you allow me.” he raised his eyebrows in a curious manner and you thought about your whole history. Since the day you’ve met there was a voice inside you saying you were supposed to be together and here he was after all this time asking you.

As you were having an debate inside you Pedri took the chance to lean in closer.

“I’m not going anywhere this time.” he smiled and all you could do was lean into him and trust your gut feeling. Your noses were touching at this point and you could feel both your heartbeats going crazy.

Pedri closed the gap between you two and connected your lips. You reciprocated immediately and knew this was nothing like the last time, this was the Pedri you knew with all the determination in the world and he’d do anything to keep his word.

Maybe it wasn’t all false hope.

[yunhoee]

A Trip to Remember- Chapter Two

Summary: The year is 2031, and y/n is looking for a fresh start on her vacation with her sister. 3 months post breakup, and she's ready to stop wallowing. Korea has been a dream location for y/n for years, she is excited for all the sightseeing and food! Her sister has other plans, when she suggests attending a certain someone's charity birthday event.

Pairing: idol!Seonghwa x corporate!reader

Genre: fluff, romance, angst, seonghwa x reader, ateez ensemble, suggestive, cursing

Length: 4,643 words

Author’s Note: I'm still figuring out Tumblr, so an updated masterlist will be coming soon. I hope you enjoy the second chapter! :)

You’re surprised by how forward Seonghwa is, but you also can’t deny the sexual tension you’ve been running from the moment you met him. The way he’s fiddling with your dress strap while he waits for your answer, all while staring into your eyes. You feel the electricity in the air, it scares you, but you’re too busy staring into his brown eyes.

“Okay,” You say shyly.

Seonghwa smiles with so much endearment, “Okay.” He waits a moment and then decides to ask, “Do you mind telling me about yourself? I want to know more about you.”

You nod, “I’m a manager for a tech company, I’ve spent years working to get where I am now. I’m 35, and well you’ve met my only sibling.” You both smile at the mention of Emma. You’re not very good at coming up with fun facts so you ask, “Is there anything specific you want to know?”

Seonghwa hesitates and then asks, “Are you single? You don’t have to answer that if it’s too personal.”

You smile, “It’s okay. I am single, I went through a pretty bad breakup a little over 3 months ago. Actually, this trip was my way of a fresh start. I was tired of being sad, and my ex started officially dating his mistress. I’m ready to move past that time of my life. We were together for 5 years, but I don’t miss him at all.” You giggle and look at Seonghwa, “Is that bad?”

He laughs, “Not at all! I’m sorry that it didn’t end well, that must’ve been really hard. But look at you! In Korea, riding with me to an after party. Would the past y/n believe it?”

You start laughing, “Absolutely not! I’ve been working 24/7 for the last 3 months, but I meant it when I said this trip is my fresh start. I’m not going back to how I was.”

Seonghwa grabs your hand, “I’m so proud of you, y/n. I know we just met, but you’re really inspiring. I was completely blown away from your generosity towards the orphanage in Jinju. Now hearing what the last few months have been like for you, I am captivated by you.”

Your eyes widen as the blush spreads across your cheeks, “I-I just really enjoy helping people financially. It’s one of the major perks of my job.”

Seonghwa smiles, gently puts his hand on your cheek, and leans in, “You didn’t say anything about the last part.”

His cologne fills the air you breathe. His touch is like fire to your cheek. When Seonghwa is this close, your thoughts are less reasonable and more on instinct. How are you supposed to be making good decisions while Seonghwa is holding you like this? You thought the sexual tension was bad before, well it’s a hundred times worse now. You’re scared to move, to blink. Fighting every ounce of your body to not just jump him right here right now. You notice his other hand that’s not on you, is shaking. The thread you had left of self control snapped, and you kissed him. 

It’s not just a kiss, it doesn’t feel like one you’ve had before. Seonghwa quickly reciprocates, fully making out now. The feeling you get is unlike one you’ve experienced. Most first kisses are a little awkward with silly mistakes. Not this one. It was like your mouths were made for each other and fit perfectly. You didn’t know anything besides the fact that you needed more. The kiss has turned frantic, you both need more of each other right now. It was like a dam breaking, there was no stopping this now. 

“Oh shit! We were wondering what was taking so long!” 

You find yourself straddling Seonghwa. His arms wrapped tightly around your waist, and your hands holding his face. The two of you look absolutely horrified, and you clumsily get back into your seat. Wooyoung wished so badly that he had a camera. 

Seonghwa clears his throat, “Sorry about that. Give us a second.” Seonghwa closes the car door. Wooyoung is laughing maniacally, most likely running to tell the rest of the members.  

You both sit quietly for a moment, fully back down to earth. Seonghwa’s kiss sent you to outer fucking space. 

You decide to break the silence, “I’m really sorry about that. I’m not sure what overcame me. I’m sorry if that made you un-”

Your sentence is cut off by him grabbing your chin, pulling you in for a sweet kiss. He pulled away, but is still close and is looking directly into your eyes. 

He smooths out your hair with his hands and says, “Don’t do that. Not with me.”

You open your mouth to ask what he means, but you can’t form the words. He doesn’t even have to tell you, you already know. This is the fastest and most connected you feel to a person in this moment, and you would be lying if you said it didn’t scare you. 

Seonghwa goes back to his side of the car, “You might want to fix that red lipstick.”

You finally notice how smudged Seonghwa’s face is with your lipstick. You’re embarrassed, but it’s also kinda hot. The two of you spend the next ten minutes removing every trace of your time together. 

He sighs, “Wooyoung has probably told everyone by now. I wouldn’t be surprised if your sister knows.”

You cover your face in an attempt to hide your blush, “Oh god. I’m never going to hear the end of this.” Seonghwa chuckles and gently pulls your hands from your face, “That makes two of us. We should probably head in, I’m sure everyone is waiting for us now.”

“Alright, let's get this over with then,” You say as you open your door.

Seonghwa looks you over once to make sure you didn’t miss anything. You notice a bit of red lipstick on his neck. Your face is turning red again, but you reach out and wipe the lipstick off. 

Seonghwa has a mischievous smile, “I left that there on purpose. I wanted them to see how you marked me.”

You lightly smack his arm and whine, “Stooooop. I’m going to be permanently red at this point.”

Seonghwa smiles and kisses your cheek, “I like it.”

The two of you walk into KQ together, trying to act as normal as possible. Seonghwa explains that the party is happening in their cafeteria. You see birthday decorations lining the walls, and hear music blaring from what you assume is the cafeteria. The two of you walk in, you spot your sister sitting at a table and head for her. 

“Hey guys!” You and Seonghwa greet everyone at the table. 

Hongjoong responds, “Ah there’s the birthday boy. We were wondering if you two were ever going to show up.” Everyone at the table is looking between you and Seonghwa as you sit next to your sister. Seonghwa takes the chair next to Hongjoong, which is a few people away from you.

Seonghwa comes up with an excuse, “Yeah sorry our driver took the wrong turn, so we were stuck in traffic.”

Emma stares directly at Seonghwa, “Is that so? How interesting, we heard a completely different story from Wooyoung. Something about Seonghwa being covered in y/n’s lipstick, and y/n sitting on your-”

You cover Emma’s mouth, “Anyway! We’re here now! Let’s drink and have some fun!”

Emma removes your hand from her, and she has the biggest smirk on her face. Before she can say anything, you shoot up from your chair.

“I-I’m going to get a drink!” You manage to say as you’re walking over to the makeshift bar. 

You miss the way that Seonghwa follows you with his eyes the entire time. Emma didn’t. The rest of the table is engrossed in their conversations, so Emma catches Seinghwa’s eye and motions for him to sit next to her.

He’s sweating bullets and sits down, “What’s up?”

Emma chuckles, “I’m just going to be honest. I thought maybe you and my sister would hookup, I was actually hoping you would. I’m confused though. I’ve seen the way you look at her, the way you just watched her walk over to the bar. Do you have feelings for her?”

Seonghwa is taken back by Emma’s boldness, “Uh-I mean I really enjoy being around her. I just want to get to know her more, since we only just met tonight.”

Emma doesn’t fully believe it but doesn’t push it, “Okay. I didn’t mean to come off so strong, I was just surprised since you just met. But just between the two of us, I’m rooting for you.”

Emma and Seonghwa smile at each other, and he goes back to his seat before you come back. You’re at the bar, and decide to take another shot before coming back with a mixed drink. As you walk back to the table, you notice a girl you haven’t met before. She sits in the open chair next to Seonghwa. Something inside of your stomach drops, you already have a feeling something bad is going to happen. You sit back in your chair, and already notice that this girl is doing everything she can to flirt with Seonghwa. 

The alcohol is pumping through you at this point. You’re fully tipsy, as you continue sipping on your drink. 

Emma grabs your hand, “Let’s dance!”

She pulls you along with Nari, and the three of you walk to the makeshift dance floor. 

“Who the fuck is that girl sitting with Seonghwa?” Emma asks Nari as soon as you all are far away enough. 

Nari looks and rolls her eyes, “It’s one of the manager’s nieces. She’s been trying to get with one of the members for years.”

You notice the way Seonghwa and this girl are laughing together. Talking as if they’ve known each other forever. It makes your stomach turn. You down the rest of your mixed drink, which you already know is a bad idea but you really don’t care.

Emma is visibly annoyed, “Okay but why is he being so friendly with her? Wasn’t he just making out with my sister?”

Nari sighs, “Well the boys have to be careful with her, they don’t want anyone getting in trouble. Seonghwa is probably just being friendly, I’m more worried about what she will do.”

Your eyes start to burn, you didn’t notice that tears were forming. Nari and Emma immediately notice, and pull you so you’re not facing him anymore.

Nari tries to comfort you, “I wouldn’t worry about it, y/n. People flirt with the members all the time and nothing ever happens. I think Seonghwa is just being nice.”

Emma rolls her eyes, “Well we also feel like being extra friendly. Nari, do you know any guys who would want to dance with us?”

Nari’s eyes light up, “Oh my god you’re diabolical. Let me go find some of the members from bbtrippin!”

All you know is the music is blaring, and you are dancing on someone. Nari brought a bunch of her work friends over to dance. The alcohol hit you hard, quickly becoming drunk and having zero care in the world. The staff was well prepared for this. The room is dark, but they brought in different portable strobe lights. 

The guy who is dancing with you is one of the cute dancers from bbtrippin. Everyone is just letting go and having fun, nothing serious. The music is mainly a mix of songs that are popular, not just ateez. But the next song that started was Bouncy, and everyone went crazy. Now everyone is singing and dancing even more. Someone bumps into you, and you see it’s Hongjoong. So then you and Hongjoong start singing and dancing together. The two of you are drunk, and just having the best time. Even in your drunken state, this still feels like the best night of your life. 

Someone turned on Cyberpunk, and the members couldn’t help but get into formation. Everyone was laughing their asses off, the members were all so drunk. Obviously they weren’t in their right mind enough to sing as well, but it was crazy to see how their bodies moved almost automatically. They were all giggling so much, it was so cute. At the end, we all clapped for them as they fell into the nearest seats panting. 

Everyone is laughing and finding an open seat. You unintentionally make eye contact with Seonghwa who is sitting across from you. It looked like he was about to say something to you, but was interrupted by the girl from earlier who came and sat in his lap. He looked surprised, but didn’t immediately push her off. It feels like someone dumped ice water over your head, you feel yourself starting to sober up almost immediately. You’re not sure why you feel a pit in your stomach, it’s not like you guys were dating. You watch Seonghwa flirt openly with her, whispering something in her ear. She giggles and you stand and start to walk away, before Hongjoong stops you.

He looks concerned, “What’s wrong?”

You put on your best show, hoping he doesn’t notice the tears brewing in your eyes, “Nothing! I just have to pee.”

Hongjoong reluctantly lets you leave. You take this as your chance to get the fuck out of here. It’s 1am, so you book a car to come pick you up. Thank god Emma downloaded the app for you at the hotel. At this point you’re nearly sprinting out of KQ, you know it’s only a matter of time until your sister realizes you left. Especially since you know you weren’t very convincing to Hongjoong. Once you finally find the right car, you’re on your way back to the hotel. You decide to text Emma, now that there’s no way for her to stop you.

Hey! I’m in a cab headed back to the hotel. Sorry, I wasn’t feeling well. Have fun and stay safe! Let me know if you need money for anything. 

Emma instantly starts calling you. You feel guilty, but you also can’t talk to her right now. What are you supposed to say? You made out with Seonghwa, and then you saw him flirting with another girl, and now you’re crying in a cab. You’re sure that Emma has already figured it out anyway. 

You finally make it back to the hotel. It feels like a major walk of shame going to your room after your night. You’re embarrassed at how much seeing Seonghwa with another girl impacted you. He’s single, he’s allowed to be with whoever he wants. So why are you unable to stop the tears from falling? Maybe, somewhere in your subconscious, you were hoping that Seonghwa felt the same as you. 

The shower is boiling hot, but it feels so good. At this point, you’re not as sad but angry. Why was Seonghwa being so lovey with you, and leading you on. He said all the right things, just to go and flirt with another girl. Well whatever. Fuck him. You’re in your comfy pajamas, and crawl into bed. You can’t believe everything that has happened, and it’s only your first night of your vacation. Well one thing’s for sure, you learned your lesson from Seonghwa. You text Emma that you made it, and are going to bed.

She responds almost immediately, “I’m going to kill him.”

You shake your head at your sister’s temper, “Please don’t. It’s really okay. We are both single, he can do whatever he wants. I guess I just misinterpreted.”

The tv is on, and you’re attempting to fall asleep. Your body is absolutely exhausted, but your mind is racing. You feel like an idiot. Why did Seonghwa tell you he was interested in you, if he was just going to immediately get with another girl. Maybe he just said those things to get you to kiss him. That thought was even more upsetting, you didn’t think he was like that.

You hear the door unlocking, and brace yourself for a lecture from your sister.

“Before you start asking me a million questions, can you at least bring me water from the fridge?” You ask your sister. 

Emma doesn’t respond, but you hear the fridge open. 

You turn and sit up, “I’m really sorry I left you. I just needed to get out of there-”

You stop talking at the sight of Seonghwa standing in your room, holding a water bottle for you. 

He sounds out of breath, “You didn’t misunderstand.”

You’re shocked that he’s actually in your room right now all you can manage to say is, “Seonghwa.” 

He starts towards you but stops himself, “Do you mind if I sit on your bed?”

You sit up and motion for him to come over. He sits right next to you, his feet still on the ground. You’re surprised by how frantic he looks. 

“I’m so sorry about earlier. I was jealous that you were dancing with other guys, so I was acting like an idiot. I’m sorry that hurt you, after everything you told me about your ex-” He can’t even finish the sentence, he just puts his head in his head. 

You touch his arm, “Hey it’s okay. I overreacted. We are both single, you’re allowed to do whatever you want.”

Seonghwa looks at you with wide eyes, “Don’t say that. I know you feel the same. When we kissed- I’ve never felt like that before.”

“S-stop. Please. I can’t do this.” You say with a lump in your throat.

Seonghwa looks like he’s trying not to cry, “What do you mean?”

You take a shaky breath, “I think the way I acted tonight is proof enough that I’m not ready for a relationship. The instant connection I feel with you is scary. When I saw you with that other girl…I didn’t respond how I should have.” You look in his eyes, “I’m so sorry, I just don’t think I’m ready yet.”

A tear falls from Seonghwa’s eyes, “I fucked up, I lost your trust. Please can I have a chance to rebuild your trust in me? I’ve never felt this way about someone, y/n.”

You think for a minute, and almost give in. Almost.

“You have nothing to apologize for. We just met. Besides, I live in America and you’re all the way over here. I don’t speak Korean, and you’re a celebrity.” You collect your thoughts for a moment and meet his watery eyes, “I just think there are a lot of things working against us. I’d rather things just end things now, if I feel this way after just one kiss…I can’t start something like that. I’m so sorry Seonghwa. I just think I’ll be the one getting my heart broken at the end of it.”

Seonghwa feels speechless, his vision is blurry from the tears falling from his face. He stands quickly, surprising you. He walks to the edge of the room. 

“Well I disagree, but I respect that you need more time.” He meets your eyes, “Just so you know, the things you brought up, none of them are deal breakers for me. I already speak English, and I would make regular visits with you mandatory for my contract. Just think about it, okay?”

You respond quietly, “Okay.”

Seonghwa immediately turns and walks out of your hotel room. You fall onto your bed, and the tears immediately stream down your face. 

Five minutes later, Emma enters your room. She walks to your bed, and sees you all curled up eyes red from crying. 

She sits with you, “What happened? I gave Seonghwa twenty minutes, but he only used ten. Then when he came down, it was obvious he had been crying. Now I find you crying. What’s going on, y/n? I thought the two of you would’ve made up.”

You shake your head, “I’m just not ready to put myself out there again. Things with Seonghwa…the way I feel about him, I just need more time. Can we talk more in the morning? I’m exhausted.”

Thankfully Emma doesn’t argue, and goes to shower before bed. You turn off your lamp, and promptly cry yourself to sleep. 

You wake up to the smell of food. You roll over and see Emma standing awkwardly as the hotel worker brings in your tray of food. They speak for a moment, and then the employee leaves. 

“What time is it?” You ask. Your voice raspy from the light before. The memories quickly come flooding back, and your head starts throbbing.

Emma laughs at your disheveled state, “It’s 6pm, we slept all day.”

You groan, “Oh my god my head is pounding.”

Emma brings you over an assortment of food, as well as medicine for your headache. 

You smile, “Wow thank you. You were so prepared!”

Emma shrugged, “It wasn’t me. Seonghwa had all of this sent over. He asked me to text him when we woke up, he knew you were going to be in bad shape.” 

You are pretty shocked to hear that after last night's fiasco, but are also grateful. You begin digging into your food, and chugging water.

“So I was thinking”, Emma starts, “What if you spent the next few days in Jinju? Nari told me that the people at the orphanage are already asking when you’re coming. It seems that they are eager to show you their hospitality since you gave such a large donation. You could spend a few days away from Seoul, clear your head, and then we could meet in Namhae since it’s not far from there.”

Y/n is surprised by Emma, “You aren’t coming with me?”

Emma responds, “Only if you feel comfortable taking the train there alone. A local guide will be picking you up from the station. I was planning to spend a few more days here with Nari. We could meet up in Namhae, and then continue our trip from there?”

Well you definitely don’t want to hold your sister back, but this is rather surprising. But maybe Emma is right, it would be nice to get away from the city for a few days. Even though you literally just got here. Park Seonghwa really did a number on you. 

You ask, “You said someone will be picking me up from the train station?”

Emma smiles, “They were so insistent and excited to have you, I couldn’t say no. But yes, a local guide will be picking you up so you don’t have to do any navigation. Your train leaves tomorrow Monday morning at 8, and then I’ll meet you in Jinju on Wednesday and we can travel to Namhae together. Does that sound okay?”

Honestly, you were a little confused as to why it felt like your sister was trying to get rid of you. But you were also too exhausted to question further. You can’t deny it though, you are pumped at the idea of exploring Jinu for the next few days. The people who work for the orphanage you donated to are extremely kind as well. 

You shrug, “Sure. You are acting suspicious by the way, but I’ll go along with it.”

Your sister giggles, “Nothing gets passed you does it? This will all make sense soon enough.”

Y/n ignores her sister’s very suspicious comment, honestly you’re too jetlagged to care. You scarf down your food, and go to the bathroom to take a quick shower. 

After your shower, you and Emma make a quick stop to the 7-eleven across the street from the hotel. The two of you spend a good thirty minutes just being excited, and looking at all the different food and beverage options. You both decide to sit inside and snack on some cup noodles. 

“So how’s your head?” Emma asks.

You respond, “After the food, medicine, and shower I’m doing much better. What about you?”

Emma gives a thumbs up, “I’m great! You forget, I’m much younger so I bounce back fast.”

You scoff, “I suppose that’s true.”

There’s an uncomfortable pause followed by silence as the sisters finish up their snacks. Emma wants to ask about Seonghwa, but she can feel that y/n isn’t wanting to talk about it. This whole situation has really shocked Emma. She wasn’t expecting you to be so into him. You’re normally pretty reserved, so when Wooyoung came in yelling that you and Seonghwa were making out in the car she didn’t believe it at first. But then she saw the two of you walk in together, and she instantly realized that Wooyoung wasn’t lying. The way you look at Seonghwa, she’s never seen you look at someone like that before. Based on what Nari was telling her, this also isn’t normal for Seonghwa. He was more into flings, and relationships that weren’t going anywhere. 

Emma also will never forget the look on Seonghwa’s face when she was screaming at him. He looked absolutely panicked when he realized you had left, and that his behavior was why. Emma was ready to grill him, but his response surprised her. Seonghwa was nearly in tears when he was begging Emma to let him apologize to you. The whole ride to the hotel, he was so upset with himself. The original plan that Emma and Nari had come up with, was just for the two of you to hook up with no strings attached. Emma knew you were in desperate need of a good fuck, and Nari said that Seonghwa would be the perfect match since he’s not really into relationships. Or so they thought. 

The rest of the night consisted of you packing up the few things you took out from your suitcase, and scrolling through your phone in bed. You fell asleep around 8:30pm (thank you, jetlag). You wore something cute but comfortable to the train station. Emma was nice enough to come with you, so at least you didn’t have to navigate yourself to the station. 

“Alright I think you’re all set! The train leaves in 15 minutes, so that’ll give you enough time to get situated,” Emma says.

You smile, “I’ll see you on Wednesday, and no more surprises after this okay? I think I’ve had enough for a lifetime since getting to Korea.”

Emma laughs, “Of course. Just remember, keep an open mind. I know how stubborn you are, but maybe just this once see where it goes before shutting it down completely.”

You look at your sister confused, “Okay now I’m even more suspicious. What the hell are you planning, Emma?”

Emma smiles and nods to the train, “You better go, I don’t want you to be late because you missed your train. I love you, and just try to relax and have fun! You deserve to be happy.”

She gives you a hug and gently nudges you to the train. You get on the train and find your seat. You get situated in your seat, and now your mind is racing. What could Emma have possibly planned for you?! 

The ride to Jinju was actually delightful. You loved being able to look outside the window, and see so many different parts of Korea. Your playlist and convenience store snacks also make the trip very enjoyable. You’re only a few minutes away from Jinju when you realize you didn’t ask where to meet your guide. 

The train has finally arrived in Jinju. You pack up your things, and go to grab your suitcase. It takes a few minutes, but you have made it off the train. The station is pretty packed, so you begin looking around and walking towards the exit.

“Y/n!”

Your head turns and your eyes widen, “Seonghwa?”

[goldendoodlerlockerlove]

Hiii it's ask wave time~ who are ten of your favorite characters? They could all be from Bob's Burgers, or a mix! Don't worry it doesn't have to be ranked in order, and it doesn't even have to be ten if you don't want! Just who stands out to you?

Babs! I love you so much, thank you 😭💛 *Gasp*, I know I’m answering this so quickly, but I couldn’t resist!

1.) Well, y’all already know how much I love my baby boy, Gene. I’ve talked about him so much I’ll spare you (mostly). But he’s just so sweet and genuinely talented without even knowing it. His first instinct when being allowed to shout something in a room was to shout about how much he loves his family! He has such a kind heart

2.) Bob, of course, is also the best. Anyone with daddy issues has probably been healed by his presence (I don’t even have daddy issues, and he’s still healed something within me). He’s such a fantastic husband and father. Is he perfect? Of course not. He’s human. But he always tries, and does things like actually apologize when he raises his voice. That may seem like a small, easy-to-miss detail, but it’s just so important and speaks to the kind of person he is. That is why I love him so much. He’s also just so relatable 😭 I’ve wanted to give him a hug way too many times because of how insecure he is, tjffjndndjskska

All right, now onto characters not from Bob’s Burgers (I would like to give an honorable mention to Tina, Linda, and Teddy though, because they’re so wonderful and I love them. There are definitely other characters I love, but of course, I can’t list them all here 😭):

3.) Butters from South Park is what I want my future child to be like and I’m not even joking (okay, semi-joking, because I’ll love my child no matter what they’re like). But he’s the sweetest, most adorable little boy ever and he melts my heart every freaking time he opens his mouth. He’s somehow even cuter when he tries to be intimidating, like when he’s Professor Chaos. I want to adopt him so bad because his parents are the actual worst. I don’t understand how he turned out the way he did with parents like them.

4.) SpongeBob from, well, SpongeBob is also adorable. He’s an Autistic, silly little guy and he loves his job probably more than anyone has ever loved their job. I love his optimism and his philosophy of just trying to make every day a fun and good day. He’s always ready to conquer the world’s challenges, however big or small. It’s also so cute how much he loves his pet snail, Gary.

5.) Gir from Invader Zim is such an adorable robot. And yes, I know the creator, Jhonen Vasquez, doesn’t like it when people call him cute (or at least he used to? I don’t know how he feels about it now) but I still want to call him cute. He has a dog suit as a disguise. Come on. Plus, he helped Zim almost conquer the world by making up a song about chicken and rice, which was hilarious. And glorious.

6.) Wakko Warner from Animaniacs deserves more love, I think 😭 He’s so cute! Especially when he’s seen without his hat (which only happens once or twice, but when it does happen, OH MY GOD, he looks like a little puppy). His song Wakko’s America also deserves more love because it’s amazing. Even though this isn’t confirmed, it’s also heavily implied by a random comic that he might be Non-Binary. Heck yeah.

7.) Pinky from Pinky and the Brain has my whole heart. He’s the cutest freaking little mouse. He has SO much unconditional love in his heart for Brain, to the point that the only thing he wanted for Christmas was for Brain to be happy and take over the world. He was that willing to make his (boy)friend smile! He keeps Brain grounded and it’s clear Brain cares just as much for him, despite never being able to admit it. But that’s okay. He’s just happy being by Brain’s side. And I love that.

8.) Dug from Up definitely made my love for dogs higher. He’s so fluffy and sweet and loves almost everyone on sight. The fact that he immediately decides Carl is his new master is so cute. The fact that he’s a golden retriever, my favorite breed, definitely helps (it also seems like he’s a bit small for his breed, which just makes him cuter 😭). Anyway, everyone needs to watch this movie. It makes me ugly sob every freaking time.

9.) If Milhouse Van Houten from The Simpsons has one fan, it’s me. God, people hate on him so much, and it hurts my heart 😭. I just want to give him a hug. I just wish they’d fully get rid of his crush on Lisa (and have him get with Bart :3) but oh well. He’s just a silly, nerdy guy who hates saying “Jiminy Jillickers”. It’s wonderful.

10.) Harold Hutchins from the Captain Underpants series is great. I love his stupid, bad haircut and the fact that he’s a shy artist who gets brought out of his shell by George. Plus, his backstory in the books is so sad. He deserves all the hugs.

God, there are so many more characters I could have mentioned, and I thought I would struggle with this a lot more (Nick Wilde from Zootopia and Baymax from Big Hero Six are a couple honorable mentions). I just love a lot of media. But this was very fun to do, and appreciating characters is the best!

[seijorhi]

Hey, god it’s me again. 😔 LOL

I think that at this point of my life your beautiful and flawless fic ‘means to an end’ has physical intertwined with me. It is a part of my mind, soul, and body. 😩 Everything about it is chefs kiss.

I wish I could just kiss that beautiful big brain of yours for coming up with such delicious ideas. The way it’s on my mind daily since the moment I read it is SICKENING (in a good way obvi 😏).

I will go through my day and out of nowhere something will remind me of it and along will come a question. You did this to me Rhi 🫵.

NOW I know you’re very busy with getting your new fic ready (absolutely excited btw, I love Gojo and knowing your beautiful mind , anything you write will be to die for!!!!) but I wanted to ask a couple questions (I know, shocker right?). Since I know you’re busy, don’t feel obligated to answer these questions. In fact, I’ll be very happy if you even reply with a heart. (I simply just wanted to let you know deeply I appreciate/admire your work.)

But here are my troublesome questions:

- Did the guys on their volleyball team know about their obsession with the reader?

- I know you mentioned Atsumu having girlfriends through highschool but did that apply to Osamu too? (Especially since he liked the reader first?)

- This is sort of like my first question but did the girlfriends know as well? And if they did, did they feel any jealousy? (Jealousy from their boyfriend giving his attention to someone else.)

- Since there was a long period of time of not seeing the reader, did they have hopes of seeing her again? (before Atsumu found ame)

- While in that period of time did the twins still date around?

That’s all but please if you have anything else to add , it’s definitely welcomed. 🫶 (also I’m sorry if these questions sound silly or stupid but they’ve been taking up my mind for awhile and I’m sorry to everyone for constantly bringing up ‘means to an end’ but that fic has a strong grip on me yall. Like I’m down bad on my knees for this version/fic of the Miya twins 😔.)

OFF TOPIC: I’ve been trying very hard to be more active with my favorite writers to show love and support but still find the idea to be very scary. I still get nervous sending in messages or asks but I’m trying to take baby steps. I also want to gain the confidence of not having to press the anonymous button because I want you to know who I am but as a second baby step , I will now be signing my post with my nickname since I want you to (sort of) know who I am ☺️ (and not just some crazed fan lol.)

-🌬️🌫️ katia

(I keep on forgetting which emojis I used on the previous questions I sent but I hope I got it right this time 🥲)

(Edit: you’ll probably see the same message again but that’s because I’m sending it to you again because I forgot to mention this in the pervious one 😰.

You’ve inspired me to start taking a more darker route in my writing. I began writing maybe a month ago and it’s a romance novel. (So far I’ve got two chapters 🫠).

But these past couple days I’ve been REALL REALLY wanting to write more darker content (like the kind you write, you’ve inspired me a great deal with your writing technique).

But the problem is I don’t know how to write yandere/horror/gore. So I was wondering if it wasn’t to much of a bother, if you could give me some tips or advice. (Im very new to writing and I have my struggles but I want to branch out to more darker themes, like you and fairy.) Still learning the ropes but I hope with your guidance, I’ll get there 🫡. )

hello my love!

okay so first of all if ur gonna keep being so cute and complimentary i will melt into a soft gooey puddle and be of no use to anybody so be warned.

as for your questions:

i would say that most people who spent a decent amount of time around the twins, i.e. their teammates and classmates, would have at least an inkling about their interest in bullying her. the miyas are many things, subtle isn't one of them. having said that, i think out of everyone, suna was probably the only one who saw it for what it was

hookups yes, 'girlfriends' no

again, anyone who spent a significant amount of time around the twins was bound to eventually put two and two together. which isn't to say that they were all blind going in – some undoubtedly thought they could snag his attention once they were officially dating, only to find themselves bitterly disappointed

they 100% both kept tabs on the reader, it was more a case of biding their time and waiting for the right moment

yes. not serious, long term relationships (aside from ame) as neither one of them would be capable of faking it for more than a few months but relationships all the same

advice wise, i dug up this old post which hopefully will be at least a little helpful??

beyond that, all i can really say is that for me, good yandere/horror fics balance emotion with tension, and the build up of both. the characterisation is also really important – what makes you love to loathe them, or alternatively, not see them coming until it's entirely too late. nothing bores me more in a yan fic than when the writer hasn't bothered to give their yan a personality beyond a cookie cutter obsession.

but congrats on getting started with writing! i'm proud of you bby <33

[oneluckygirl]

okay so im real nervous to post this and it’s my first ever fic so please be gentle! 🙏

i don’t have a title or anything, and it’s just something i have had in my brain for a while that i decided to write down 🤷‍♀️

(I also didn’t proofread that great whoopsie)

Content warnings:

Smut, mentions previous relationship abuse

Word count: 3k ish

You walked into the door after an extremely long day. Your feet were tired, your clothes were suddenly wildly uncomfortable, and your hair had been in a tight bun since 6 am. You honestly had no clue how you had been doing these 10 hour shifts for the past three months. All you wanted to do was take a shower and sleep for a year. That’s when you noticed the lights on in your kitchen and a pleasant smell coming from it. Sav had mentioned he was going to stop by when you got home, but you weren't expecting him to be cheffing it up in your house without you there. You weren't complaining though, you’ve had the biggest crush on him since the boys moved in next door to you two years ago.

“Sav?” You called out as you walked down the hall. You stopped when you got to your kitchen doorway and nearly started sobbing at the sight. There he was, in all his curly-haired glory, making you dinner. He turned around at the sound of his name and flashed you a smile, “Hey Y/N!” You nearly melted at the sight of him.

“What are you doing?”

“I know you’ve been having a rough time lately and I figured the least I could do was help you out a little, so I made dinner.”

Tears actually began to well up in your eyes. You genuinely could not believe his kindness, and after the past few weeks, you definitely could use some extra compassion in your life. “Is everything alright?”, he asked you. You took a deep breath and tried to compose yourself before responding. “This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me in a really long time, and it- it’s just a little overwhelming.” Feeling a little silly, you immediately covered your face with your hands.

He stopped what he was doing and walked over to you and wrapped his arms around you.

“It’s okay, love, I’ve noticed how stressed you’ve been and I wanted to make sure you were well taken care of. You deserve a little break.” You were full on sobbing at this point and there was no point in hiding it. You thanked him for his kindness and, naturally, apologized for being emotional. He reassured you that it was alright and just held you for a little while. It felt so reassuring to have someone show they care for you. He squeezed you a little bit tighter before letting you go, “The food is ready if you’re hungry.”

“Thank god!”, you giggled. “I’m starved.”

You both sat down to eat at the table and began to make small talk. You asked how the new album was coming along and Sav gave you a look that said ‘don’t ask’ and you stifled a chuckle. He asked you how your day was. “It was alright, I suppose.” You talked a little bit about the bad stuff, but tried to stay positive seeing as there was no sense in going into another sobbing fit over your plate. And truthfully at the end of the day, your stress didn’t need to worry anyone else. He gave you a sympathetic smile and tried to change the subject. And Sav, being the ever-concerned softie that he is, asked how you had been handling the consequences of your most recent break-up.

“I’ve been okay for the most part. I certainly don’t miss him being around, but I do have this fear that he will randomly show up on my doorstep uninvited. If he does, I’m calling you lot.”

“You know we’d be here for you in a heartbeat!” Sav paused for a second to think about how he wanted to ask his next question.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened with you and him?”

You sighed and thought to yourself for a second.

“You don’t have to answer if you don’t feel comfortable, Y/N. I was just curious.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m okay with talking about it. It’s just a bit of a long story. I’ll definitely tell you if you want to hear about it, but I’m dying to take these clothes off and shower. If you don’t mind, I’ll only be a few minutes.”

Sav nodded, “Yeah of course, I don't mind waiting.”

You smiled a ‘thanks’ and dashed to your bedroom, determined to stay true to your word and only be a few minutes. You quickly showered, making sure you had enough time to put some lotion on and threw on some more comfortable clothes. You couldn’t lie, you were trying a little harder because Sav was here. Your outfit consisted of a cute matching set and an oversized sweatshirt, and you topped it all off with a little perfume. It was the least you could do for him after he did all this for you.

When you returned you saw that Sav had taken it upon himself to do the dishes and make tea. He handed you your cup and sat back down at the table with you.

“Feeling better?”, he asked.

“Much. And I’m ready to tell that story now”, you said, taking a sip from your mug.

Your ex was a nightmare from hell. What started as innocent puppy love quickly turned into a borderline abusive relationship. You knew you were in trouble the second he stopped caring about your consent in the bedroom, and that was when you had decided to leave him. Problem was, you had no clue how to leave without upsetting him. You ended up staying until he found someone else, and when the cheating occupied all his time, he let you go gently. And you told Sav all about it. By the end of your little rant, you were shaking.

“I’m so sorry that all this was happening to you Y/N”, he reached across the table and took your hand, rubbing his thumb over your skin to soothe you.

“It’s alright now. He’s preoccupied and I’ve worked really hard to get rid of the bad memories.”

You paused for a second, debating whether or not to continue.

“Can I be honest with you Sav?”

“Always.”

You stood up and took your mug to the sink, and he followed. You knew your next few sentences might’ve consisted of a bit of oversharing, but you didn’t care anymore. You needed to get this off your chest and Sav was more than willing to listen.

“I’m mostly worried about being in a physical relationship again, because he was my first, and- well, he was plain terrible. I was much more hopeful that things would get better before he started to take advantage of me. Part of me thinks I started to believe all the time she called me names, or made fun of my appearance. I’m scared there’s no one out there who will be willing to go slower.”

Sav nodded and began, “Y/N, I promise you there is someone out there for you. You’re a wonderful girl, and any guy would be lucky to have those experiences with you. It breaks my heart to know you feel this way.”

You began to sniffle, and it was now your turn to hug him. You just needed another second, and he opened his arms and took you right in. After a few moments you began again, still wrapped up in his arms.

“I really appreciate you Sav, and I know I don’t say it enough. Thank you for doing all of this.”

You stepped away and continued, “If I’m being completely honest, at this point I don’t even need to be in love with someone, I just want one good night where I get to enjoy myself. This may be a bit much, but that asshole never made me finish once.” you said, you could feel the heat rising into your cheeks and you looked away from his eyes. “I know it sounds selfish, but I just need someone I trust to be gentle and to not judge me.”

“And obviously be willing to participate,” you added with a forced laugh, tears still threatening to pour out.

Sav was quiet while you spoke. You looked back to him, partially to read his expression and partially because you thought you might’ve scared him off with your honesty. He seemed to be deep in thought. He took a deep breath before responding,

“Y/N, can I ask you a serious question?”

His tone made your heartbeat quicken.

“yeah…”

He paused again.

“...Do you trust me?”

You slowly picked your head up and looked directly into his eyes, searching for any sign that you may have misheard his question.

You nodded your head, “Yes.”

Well, too late now. But hey, it was true. You did trust him.

Before you could speak again, Sav cut you off, “Would you let me take care of you tonight?”

You were too stunned to form words, so you just nodded your head. All your pent up frustration, stress, and now, gratitude, were now spilling down your face and Sav gently wiped your tears away with his thumbs before pulling you into your third embrace of the evening. “Are you okay with this?”, you asked him. “I don’t want you to feel obligated.”

“Yes Y/N, I want to do this, and I want to make you feel special. You’re so loved and you deserve to be treated properly”

You choked out another ‘thank you’ out of habit while Sav leaned down to whisper in your ear, “Shall we go to your room then?”

“Yeah I guess so,” you smiled as you said it.

He lifted you up slightly, encouraging you to wrap your legs around his waist, and he carried you to your bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

Sav layed you gently on your bed and climbed on top of you. He began to mark up your neck, searching for the spot that made you squirm, and once he found it, he sucked a deep purple mark into it.

He removed your sweatshirt and stared down at your outfit.

“You look gorgeous, darling.”

“Thank you”, you squeaked out.

Your cheeks were most definitely a deep shade of crimson.

He kissed down your chest and began to unhook your bra, but you grabbed his hands.

“Can we leave it on for now?”, you asked him.

“Of course love, whatever you’re comfortable with”, god you love how sweet and gentle he is.

He began to kiss down your stomach as he felt you up through your top. You let out a tiny moan and felt Sav smile against your skin. As he kissed his way further downwards, he stopped to make sure you were okay. You nodded for him to continue, and he gently parted your legs to kiss your inner thighs.

He pressed a kiss over your clothed center and hooked his thumbs into the sides of your panties. You lifted your hips slightly and allowed him to pull them the rest of the way off. You immediately closed your legs together once they were gone, and Sav rested his hands on your thighs and gently opened them again.

“Is this okay?”, he asked you.

You looked into his blue eyes, swallowed, and nodded your head for confirmation.

He dipped his down and pressed one final kiss to your inner thigh before licking a stripe up your center. You shuddered and threaded your hands into his thick curls, opening your legs a little more. He began to give little kitten licks before giving an experimental suck on your bundle of nerves. Your grip in his hair tightened and your back arched off the bed. He began to suck harder and more continuously, and you knew you wouldn’t last very long if he kept it up. He moved down to poke his tongue at your entrance a few times before picking his head up. You whined a little at the loss of contact. “You okay?”, he asked you. “More than okay, I just- forgot … to mention I’m- not super… vocal, but I promise you… I’m more than okay.” It was hard to form words because damn was he good at that. He just smiled and continued his assault, going back to sucking as hard as he could. You pulled at his hair and he groaned, the vibrations from his mouth along with his relentless suckling making you come undone way quicker than you anticipated. Sav licked you clean before kissing his way back up your torso and resting his head on your stomach. You were still catching your breath as you spoke,

“That was incredible holy shit”

Sav just chuckled, “let me know when you’re good to go again. I’ll make it even better the next time, promise.” He held his pinky finger up and you locked yours around it.

“If that’s the case, I’m good right now.”, you smiled down at him and he readjusted himself to be face to face with you.

“If you say so,” he began to suck a mark under your ear before dropping down to your jaw, then your collar bone. As he did so, his right hand was traveling south to gently run his fingers through your slick folds. He slipped one finger in as his thumb made gentle circling motions and you let out a soft moan, reveling in the way his calloused fingers felt on your body.

“Sav, please..”

“Your wish is my command,” he sing-songed as he slipped another finger in.

He was working desperately to find your sweet spot, and he softly asked you, “have you ever found it before?”

“...No,” you answered him honestly.

He continued his assault, and after a few more thrusts, he experimentally began to curl his fingers upwards in a ‘c’mere’ motion. After a few curls, you cried out and clenched around his hand.

“Ah, got it.”, he smirked in triumph and continued to rub against the spongy area. “Maybe that’s why you were so quiet before.”

You just covered your cherry-red face at his remark. You hated to say it but he was right. This time was better than the first, and you had certainly gotten more vocal.

As he thrusted his fingers in and out and his thumb continued its work on your nub, he was sucking another hickey into your chest. As he bit down on the love bite and curled his fingers one last time, you came all over his hand, panting and moaning his name. He lifted his fingers to his mouth, groaning as he licked them clean, and winked at you. The sight of it making you squeeze your thighs together all over again and blush harder than before.

After lying next to you for a moment, really letting you recover this time, Sav was the first one to speak once you had finished.

“Y/N?”

“..yes?”, you called out weakly.

He turned his head to face you.

“I’m in love with you.”

And for the first time, he kissed you. You felt like you were on fire. He rolled over completely to get on top of you. The heat from your previous high coupled with his body was almost too much. Almost. He slipped his tongue into your mouth and began to grind his hips down onto yours. The friction was delicious. You reached your hands down to tug his jeans and boxers off, but Sav stopped you.

“We don’t have to if you don’t want to…” he trailed off while you continued to undress him.

You looked back up and nodded, “I want to Sav, trust me.”

That was all it took.

While he finished getting his own clothes off, you busied yourself with unclasping your bra and tossing it to the side. When he turned back to you, Sav took a moment to admire your naked figure.

“You’re so beautiful.”

You didn’t think it was possible but you turned even more red and reached up to bring him in for another kiss. Still attached at the mouth, he lined himself up at your entrance. He pulled back for a second and you nodded, assuring him he was good to continue.

You whined as he began to push in, forgetting how long it had been since you had been so full. Sav gave you a moment to adjust before you told him to move.

His pace was slow, but impactful as he again searched for that special spot he found just moments earlier. A few strokes later, you let out a gasp letting him know he was successful. He began to thrust harder, grunting softly, and reached a hand between your bodies hoping to send you over the edge.

You began to clench around him and he knew you were close. “Sav… don’t stop” you gasped out. His hand began to rub quicker, tighter circles as his thrusts became sloppier. You were both extremely close. You squeezed him even tighter and your legs began to shake as he gave one final thrust before coming undone.

He collapsed on top of you as you both lay there panting. You whined as he gently pulled out and went to go retrieve a towel. Once he returned, Sav cleaned you both up before getting back into your bed and pulling the covers over you both. He gave you one last deep kiss before you adjusted so he was lying on his back with you nearly on top of him, one of your legs draped over his waist, your head on his chest. You were exhausted, but after a few quiet moments you spoke up,

“Sav?”

“Hmmm?”, he sleepily hummed a response.

“I’m in love with you too. And I have been for a long time.”

[weird-dere]

hi twy!! i’m not sure if you’ve been asked this yet but I’d love to hear about any winter or holiday traditions that you and ichigo have!

Keeeeendyyyyyyyyyy!!!!

Hi beloved! :D 💗💗💗💗💗

I hope you have been well :3 💋💋💋

Kissing and cuddling you forever uwu 😘🫂💜💜💜.

This ask has been sitting in my inbox for a little bit, apologies! I’m here and ready to answer it now though uwu.

As the holidays come closer and closer we are doing more things to remain warm! Most nights I can be found sipping on a cup of hot cocoa and Ichi will have his mug of cappuccino. We’ll also bust out some soft fuzzy blankets and start getting cozy together owo. Also, neither of us really ever take baths, but during this season we have some together here and there. We’ll have candles burning in the bathroom too so we can unwind and be intimate, but not necessarily be sexual uwu.

Christmas movies are not really our jam to be real. But we love to sit and watch youtube reviews of the shitty ones lmao. Consider it getting into the spirit and getting a good laugh along the way lol. We are always having some kind of cookies and milk to munch on while watching. Sometimes popcorn as well! Either regular, or the kind with either cheese dust or caramel on ‘em.

There is of course also decorating the house for Christmas 🎄. We have a few garlands with lights, a wreath for the front door, some merry rugs for the kitchen, and of course the Christmas tree that goes in the living room. We try to do everything in one day, so we have music blasting through the house as we do it together. Take breaks sometimes to snack together n such :3.

We also make time to do something creative or expressive together! Maybe we decide we each wanna try to paint a Christmas scene. Or we make some paper decorations from scratch. Maybe we try to make and decorate some gingerbread cookies or put together a gingerbread house. Maybe we try to draw silly Christmas themed outfits. Or even take a visit to a Color Me Mine or adjacent establishment and make some Christmas themed ceramic items! And all the while we have some Christmas music playin (if we are at home) 🎅🎵.

Also it’s been so so long since I’ve driven around to see all the pretty lights n stuff people put out! So I would love to do smth like that with Ichigo or go somewhere where a city is decorated with a bunch of bright pretty holiday cheer uwu.

Not sure if this bullet I’m serious about at all LMAO, but having silly thoughts about having a day where we do some roleplay of santa and one of his elves/mrs. claus or smth n we get to fuckin’ 😂😏🍑💦

Thank you for as always for providing me the opportunity to talk about my fave selfship of all time 🫶🏾💕😚💋💋💋

I greatly appreciate you giving me your time, attention, and the space to me 🥰.

[buttered-baguette-writes]

Europe Feels Like a Kiss

((Part 2))

A few days had passed, and Harry hadn't done much. He texted with the group Draco and Pansy introduced him to and called with Hermione and Ron, but otherwise, he didn't really socialise.

Looking for a bit of adventure, Harry decided to set out on the streets again in hopes of finding something fun along the way. He walked for a while, going past all the places and alleyways he had already explored in order to get to the unknown.

He eventually made his way past the restaurant he had gone to the other night with Pansy and Draco, then kept on going down the street. However, he didn't make it very far as a dog came barrelling down the cobblestones straight for him. It was most certainly still a puppy, but it was huge.

The wonders of Great Danes.

The dog was spotted and multi-coloured, and its front paws were quickly on Harry’s pants, just begging for attention. Its tail wagged so hard and fast that it became nothing but a blur.

“Well, hello there! And who are you?” Harry cooed at the ginormous puppy, hands scratching its body while also trying to grasp the collar so he could read it. “Luca’s Shelter huh? And how did you get out?”

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“Harry? Oh, thank goodness!” Luca yelled out from across the street, looking puffed with a leash looped to his pants. He stayed where he was, putting a hand to his chest as he simply breathed.

Tugging softly at the dogs’ collar, Harry awkwardly pulled the dog across the street. It was a strong pup. The dog tugged away from him but towards Luca the closer they got to the other man. Harry offered a bright smile. “Hi.”

“I’m so happy to see you!” Luca said before quickly and quietly chastising the large puppy. The pup had bowled past him at the shop entrance when he went to take him for a walk. “Milo here is a troublemaker,” Luca added, finally clipping on the lead.

“Cute though.”

“Yeah,” Luca agreed.

“I can walk him back for you?” Harry suggested, wanting something to do. Besides, he had been meaning to see Luca’s shop.

Luca looked at him sceptically for a moment before Milo tugged towards something down the street. He quickly handed the leash to Harry, not ready to run again. “Please.”

Harry smiled. Taking the lead, he let out a short whistle, catching the dogs attention. “Come on,” he said energetically.

Milo trotted happily in front of Harry as the man walked next to Luca, making small talk.

By the time they made it back to the shop, Milo was one tired puppy. However, he would certainly be ready to play after a very short nap.

Harry spent the rest of his day at Luca’s store helping out, playing with cats and dogs, and getting to know the Italian man. Lottie dropped by, having forgot her lunch in their apartment upstairs.

Harry had had such a good time that he promised to come by and help out again. The kittens and Milo were his favourite.

On his venture to find a place for dinner, Harry came upon a fluffy gray cat that was in a harness and leash. His green eyes jumped to look at the owner who just happened to have a familiar head of blonde hair.

“Are you walking your cat?” Harry asked. Never had he heard of someone taking their cat for a walk.

“Yes,” Draco answered. “Altesse loves the attention.”

“Pardon? What was that name?”

Draco flushed slightly. He was a proud cat owner, but he never had to explain his cats name in English. He didn't know why he felt so silly about it in that moment. “Altesse, or, Son Altesse.” He answered, knowing the look on the other man’s face. “It means –”

“Her Highness?”

“How did you…”

“I have a translating spell,” Harry said sheepishly. He had wanted to learn the language but was struggling to pick it up on his own in the short time he had been there.

Draco just watched him as he bent down to greet Altesse. Draco heard him say something in French, amused when Her Highness sniffed his hand snootily before accepting a quick scratch between her ears.

“What’re you doing?” Harry asked as he stood back up.

“Dinner. Haven't decided what yet.”

Harry perked up. “Can I join you? I’ve no idea where to go.”

Draco gave him a once over before agreeing, taking them to a fabulous restaurant a few streets over. They ordered their food to go – at Draco’s insistence – taking it back to the blonde's flat.

It was larger than Harry’s.

There was two bedrooms and a bathroom to one side. The kitchen was a decent size, a small island with stools. There was a couch against one wall and a shelf on the other. Large windows littered the entire apartment. There was a full balcony off the living space with a little table and two mismatching chairs.

It was very inviting.

Harry was there for a few hours. The conversation always flowing.

Harry talked about the time he spent as an Auror, the ministry not putting him through the proper training course. That experience had drained him so much. And the media made it worse, especially when he quit. Then, when he began setting up his charities, the press hounded him about his dating life.

“England went wild when they found out I got a tattoo,” Harry reminisced with a dry laugh. “Even muggle places weren’t safe.” He had booked the appointment under an alias at a muggle parlour, but someone found out anyway.

Draco took a sip of his wine, horrified by the media tales. “And I thought they were nice to saviours and such,” he said. His experience had, of course, been terrible, but they hadn't followed him everywhere.

“I wish…” Harry replied. He did miss home, but he needed to be away. At least for a little while. His eyes drifted to a photo of a young Draco and his mother. “How is your mum?” He asked.

Draco sighed.

Narcissa had insisted on staying in England, now in a small cottage on the outskirts of society. She had been pushed there, and so had Draco. But she was being as strong as she could. The blonde explained that he hadn't wanted to leave her at first, but there was nothing left for him back there. No motivation to get back into a society that didn't want him.

Then, he got a call from Pansy who begged him to go to Paris. The way she talked about her business actually inspired him to do something. So, he left.

“I’d most likely be moping and greying if she hadn’t called,” Draco said, half joking.

Harry agreed. While Draco introduced him to his friends, Pansy offered him work. “Does she do that a lot?”

Draco quirked a brow. “Do what?”

“Give people jobs?”

Finishing his glass of wine, Draco smiled fondly as he thought about his friend. “If you mean the likes of you and me, yes. She has a sixth sense almost,” he joked. However, the bespectacled man looked confused. “She picks up on those who have talent in her line of work, even if they don’t realise it.”

Harry found that fascinating. “Is that how she chooses most of her staff?”

“All of us,” Draco replied. “Even you.”

Harry went to say something, but before he could, a fluffy cat jumped on his lap and demanded attention.

“Altesse! Sorry, she normally doesn't do that,” Draco apologised.

“No worries,” Harry waved it off, hands petting the cat lovingly. “You’re cute so you know you can get away with it,” he mumbled to the cat who flicked her ear in approval.

Since Harry didn't mind, Draco didn't either. He grabbed the bottle from the table, pouring himself some more wine. He titled it towards Harry’s glass in question, pouring when the man nodded.

“Do you have pets?” Draco asked, amused by the way his cat and Potter were playing.

“No,” Harry said almost sadly. “But the animals at Luca’s shelter are wonderful.”

“So, you’d adopt?”

“Definitely.” Harry looked back up at the blonde grinning. “I’d need a bigger place though.”

Harry spent the next day lounging about his apartment. He was lucky enough to have a tub in the bathroom, so he figured he’d make the best of it. He lit one of those candles he bought the other day and sunk into the warm water. His hair was tied up, glasses sitting on the vanity.

He almost fell asleep in there.

When he got out, he wrapped a towel around his waist and nothing more. He quickly regretted that as the breeze that swept through his apartment was chilly on his skin.

With a sigh, he realised he would have to go shopping. He did bring clothes with him, but he also knew the weather in France was different than England. Besides, he figured he might try to dress more like a Parisian. Something different, something fun. Yet another thing to separate him from the stress back in England.

Putting on a shirt and pants, Harry plopped down onto his couch. Before he could do anything, his phone buzzed on the side table. Curious, he picked it up.

From: Draco Malfoy

               Drinks is on Wed. this week.

               If you wanted to come.

The tips of Harry’s lips lifted. He had been wondering if they had drinks on the same night every week after finding out just how busy Pansy was. He assumed the others were also super busy, seeing as they all owned their own businesses.

Harry quickly typed out his reply.

-- Love to. Should I bring something?

From: Draco Malfoy

               More pastries. Pansy’s request.

Harry sent back a smiley face. Tossing his phone back onto the side table, he got comfy on the sofa. After a while, he drifted off to sleep as the sun changed direction and filled his apartment with warmth.

Wednesday… he had two days until then.

Those two days were uneventful. He went back to that rooftop café he found, happy that the workers remembered him. That time, his request for a tea did not throw them off.

Around midday, he stopped by his favourite bakery and got a bag of sweets. He didn't know half the stuff he was ordering, but it all looked fantastic. As long as it wasn't some weird combination like mushrooms and caramel, he was happy.

He made sure to keep the bag out of the sun as he wasted his afternoon away.

Once night began to fall, he locked up his apartment and apparated to Pansy’s. He arrived earlier than the week prior but was not surprised to see that most were already there. As he was led up the stairs, he found Elle, Camile and Draco lounging on the couches, wine glasses already in their hands.

“Bonsoir Harry,” Elle greeted him. She rose from the couch to give him a kiss on the cheek before moving on to Pansy. The latter had hurried to the kitchen to stash the pastries. Putting her glass down, Elle crept up behind Pansy, wrapping her arms around her waist. “Ma chérie, are you not going to share?”

Harry looked away. Maybe too quickly. But seeing that interaction had reminded him of his singleness and how most of his attempts at a relationship had ended on not-so good terms. Apart from Ginny, of course.

He plopped himself down next to Malfoy without thinking about it.

The blonde didn't seem to mind. Instead, he raised a brow at his friend who was sitting on the other couch.

Camile was giving him a look that meant she wanted to know something. “So, Draco,” she started, sipping her wine. The red on her lips left nothing behind on the glass. “What happened to that kitchen hand boy?” One of her brows quirked as she smiled.

Malfoy flushed brightly. He cleared his throat before he spoke, resisting the urge to down the rest of his wine. Not only did he not want to talk about that man, but for some reason, the idea of Potter hearing it made it all the worse. “Nothing.”

“Oh, so you dropped him? Shame, he was young and fit,” Camile teased.

“He was only two years younger!” Draco protested. It wasn't as if he was trying to date someone just out of school. No, he was more respectable than that.

Pansy suddenly appeared with more wine bottles and glasses. She complained about how Draco had complained about the kitchen hand, talking about it on their lunch breaks. On the bright side, the man had decided to move to a different restaurant – which was good news for Elle as the man was helping her competitor.

Harry was confused as the woman started joking about how Malfoy shouldn't be one to complain.

Their smiles turned almost evil as dread hit Draco hard.

“You mean, you don’t know about Mr. Pamper Prince here?” Camile asked.

Malfoy stopped the conversation right there. He begged his friends to change the topic. He already had them poking fun at his beauty routine, he didn't feel like adding Potter to the mix.

Thankfully, Lottie and Luca arrived just in time. However, the latter was a bit down.

Luca didn't chat much as the gathering officially started and the others were getting worried. He was usually the hyper one, even after spending all day with the animals at his shelter.

Luca sighed when asked what was wrong. “Milo had people interested, but they thought he was too hyper.” It was true that the Great Dane was a bit on the energetic side, but that shouldn't stop him from going to a nice home. “He's only six months! No where near the end of the puppy stage.” His eyes shot up to look at Potter. “He missed you today, I think,” Luca said.

Harry tilted his head slightly, hair tumbling with the movement. “Really?”

Luca nodded and said with a small laugh, “You can keep up with him better.”

Beside Potter, Malfoy looked mortified at the idea of having such a large dog. Maybe he’d come around one day, but that was a hard maybe.

The night continued. Eventually, everyone was lively and enjoying the wine. At some point, Pansy did retrieve the pastries from the kitchen and offered them to her friends.

The group talked about random things, tried to get to know Harry a bit more, and failed to create a spontaneous group outing. Everyone kept saying they were busy or that they needed to check their calendars.

Fed up, Pansy went and got a spare calendar from downstairs. She began by scribbling down her and Draco’s schedule for the rest of the week. Muttering something under her breath, the paper duplicated itself. Everyone watched on curiously as she wrote something on one of the calendars. Seconds later, it appeared on the duplicate.

Satisfied, Pansy leant back. She repeated those muttered words and created five more copies of the calendar. Holding the pen tighter, she concentrated hard and the entries for her and Draco changed colours.

“There,” she said, happy with her work. “Now we can plan easier.”

The others stared at her, impressed. Even a bit tipsy she knew how to do something complicated.

Harry counted the number of calendars she did, unable to keep the smile that spread on his lips. There was enough for all seven of them. His heart did a funny thing at the thought that he was already a member of their friend group, considering how close they all seemed.

“Welcome to the club,” Draco said. He was smiling when Harry looked over at him. “No leaving now,” he joked.

If Pansy wasn't sitting on the other couch, she would have hit his arm.

The next day, Harry watched in awe and horror as his calendar began to fill itself in.

Pansy was the busiest in the group. She had meetings after meetings, run throughs, networking events, the different stores… The list felt endless. Then again, it was her business that she started from scratch. Not only was she the boss, but she was still head creator for new designs and such. A businesswoman of many talents.

Elle was the second busiest. She was manager and owner at her current two restaurants as well as being head chef at them both whenever she stepped into the kitchen. She was much like Pansy – doing everything in order to do it right. She was looking for a third location, feeling confident.

Camile was surprisingly the next. Her plant nursery was doing well but she was also involved with local universities and researchers of all kinds. People looking to make discoveries or cures. She was often in meetings or helping a potions expert brew something new or trying to make a specific plant grow.

Luca had a normal enough working week. Though his hours were much longer. He put most of his energy into keeping his shelter running and didn't have a lot of employees – less than what others would recommend, but they were good. His days could be flexible if he really needed them to be. Every now and then, a charity event would be sprinkled in.

Draco was somewhat busy, but certainly not the worst. Currently, his number of shoots were minimal as P. Parks Fashion was putting together their next season. His next few months involved test running outfits and sitting in on certain meetings to give his stylistic input.

Lottie didn't have a clear schedule. She would simply block out time periods or entire days where she was unavailable. Nobody had a clue what she did. Well, apart from the few times she'll be requested by a school or hospital and entertain kids who really need a cheer up.

And then there was Harry. The only reason he knew what his colour was on the calendar was because Pansy added a legend to the side.

He knew he shouldn't feel bad about it. He was there to relax, unwind, find himself – he didn't need a job. But if he happened upon one, he wouldn't decline.

As he turned away from the almost frightful thing on his wall, his phone went off.

“Hi Pansy,” he greeted.

“Bonjour Harry! I'd love if you came by this afternoon,” Pansy said. There was faint yelling in the background interrupted by a yelp as Pansy’s pen became lodged in the wall between the people. With a breath, she kept speaking. “If you’re interested in the business and also to see one of our camera’s here.”

“Sure.”

“Great, see you at four.”

She left no room for debate and as Harry tossed his phone aside to charge, he realised a small detail. Pansy would be in a meeting.

Lucky for Harry, the Slytherin had also called up her favourite blonde and asked him to come in to help.

Draco kindly explained what Pansy was wanting to do, but Harry wasn't taking in the words. His eyes caught sight of white and yellow trailing up the blonde’s arm as he folded up his sleeve.

“Is that a tattoo?” Harry asked, accidently cutting the other man off. The ink looked immaculate against the fair skin. It almost made him want to reach out and trace it.

Draco startled but quickly recollected himself. “Yes,” he said with a smile. “Daffodils – also known as Narcissus.”

“When did you get it done?”

Draco hummed. “The day I came to France. I was tired of seeing that horrid mark and already missed mother dearly,” he said.

For a moment, Harry had forgotten about the dark mark that had been etched onto Malfoy’s skin. The mark that represented ruin in both their lives. Now, he thought the flowers were a far better choice – quite pretty too. A thrill ran up his spine at the idea of getting another tattoo himself.

“Do you have anymore?” Harry asked. He may have hoped to have a tattoo buddy after this, but he was just excited someone else actually had one. None of his friends dared to get them and the only Weasley to have one was Charlie.

“No,” Draco replied. He could clearly see the sudden energy in Potter’s eyes at the mention of the ink. He had stalked the other in 6th year – knowing what those green eyes lighting up meant was a given. Remembering something, Draco grew curious. “How many do you have?”

“Four.” Harry grinned at him.

Against his dark skin was a perfect, singular lily flower right over his heart. It was fairly large and took up most of his pec. On his left shoulder blade was the upper half of a proud stag. It trailed down the side of his back as the fur lines faded. Both were highly detailed and almost life like. On his left shoulder was his smallest and simplest tattoo. It was a filled in dog paw that had the moon and a star above it.

Harry’s last tattoo was of a snitch. It sat curled up on his upper, outer right thigh. “This one was done at a magic parlour.”

“I didn’t know those existed,” Malfoy said. The idea of getting a charmed tattoo intrigued him, but he'd no idea of what to get.

“They’re great,” Harry said. “The snitch can unfurl and moves about.”

“Oh.” Malfoy stared off into the distance, distracted by a thought. Though that was quickly ripped away as he saw friend making her way towards him, heels silent.

Pansy slung her arm around Potter, startling the poor man. She started teasing them that it took forty minutes to discuss what they were supposed to be doing. She got an eyeroll from Malfoy and an apologetic smile from Potter.

“Sorry, I got excited and started talking about tattoos,” Harry explained.

Pansy looked between them and smiled. “I’ll allow it… this time.”

After that, she put them both to work.

Draco was given a long coat that he had to make work with his outfit and accessible accessories. He was to pose and do what he thought might work for a potential photoshoot.

Potter was finally given a camera. Pansy stood next to him as he figured out buttons, lenses, scales, and such. Then it was about him trying to find a good angle even if he thought the pose Draco was in was awkward.

Pansy wanted to see what he could do.

After a while, she stood back and just watched the two work together. Instead of asking her, Potter would ask Draco if he thought an idea might work and the blonde was happy to help. It was fun to watch.

The longer Draco posed, the more relaxed he got, the quieter Potter became and his frown less prominent.

“Alright,” Pansy said with a clap and a smile. She heard the faint click of the camera as Potter took one last photo. She would love to see that one. “C’mon,” she beckoned them both over to a computer booth, connecting the camera.

The photos started off not so great. Even so, if Pansy thought the pose was good, she hit print. Then the pictures started getting better, making even poses she usually didn't like look good. There was a lot there. Some were just pictures of the light instead of Draco.

And then she got to the last one and she smiled. It was a mid-motion shot. Draco was running a hand through his hair with his eyes closed, right after she had called time. He was about to take a step and his tattoos were poking through the coat sleeve slightly, the most colourful thing in the entire shot.

Pansy hit print.

Waving a hand, she told Draco to go get Potter dressed in something different before turning back to the computer to save the images off the camera. Brain ticking away, she created a folder and put some of the better ones in there as well as the last one. With quick hands, she shared the folder with Potter before shutting down the computer.

They had a dinner to get to after all.

Part 1 // Part 3

Also on AO3

[alittlecherrylemonade]

fuck if I know tbh

I need to write it down.

you kept thanking me last night because I put your back pack on your side of the bed and got you a water and I’m like ??? bro this is just what people who care about each other do??? and then a little bit later I asked you again what you wanted from me and you were like someone to spend time with and get to know and spend my life with and I was like sure but that’s kinda generic why me and you told me how you think I’m kindhearted and thoughtful, referencing those little things like they weren’t little, and I’m really summing it up here because you said a lot of really lovely things but I had been stressed from knowing I’d see my parents today and overstimulated by going out with your friends so it didn’t all stick but I thanked you for telling me and you were like shit have I not? I’m sorry I need to work on that which hello green flag then we talked about how you don’t ask questions back a lot and I told you how I did think it could mean you were real self centered but I didn’t get that vibe so I observed and realized you just kinda suck at communicating so I told you if you have a thought that’s about me, you should tell me but anyways

it was such a good reminder. this trait that you admire in me is something that was only able to grow because I let go of toxic relationships. I remembered realizing a few months after going no contact with Lewis and my parents that I was nicer and more considerate because I wasn’t constantly on the defense. I remembered being so happy about that. and you reminded me of why I let go of the things that were hurting me.

and then this morning you woke me up just to go down on me then let me sleep bc I never fully woke up 😂 and then you woke me up again at like 7am but we didn’t leave the bed until half past 11 and there was sex, sure, and it was fun and more exploratory and it was nice getting to do that but the conversation too, that was… comforting. and warm. and so, so soft.

you said that you wanted to be closer to me. while completely wrapped around me, full contact. and I know that feeling. and I made it sexual because I’m so scared but I knew what you meant. it’s not just physical. it’s emotional, but so intense that it becomes physical. not even necessarily in a sexual way, though that can help. I know that feeling. I’m watching you fall in love with me, brave and flawed, fearless and afraid. and when I shut the fuck up long enough, I can hear it. in my mind. a little whisper that wants to slip right out of my mouth. watching you grin in profile in the low light of sunrise past my curtains, like it’s the most beautiful sight because it is. that big ole smile, no reservations, just for me. fucking stunning actually. and I do have reservations, a million of em. but goddamn watching you smile like that could make me forget. and then I thanked you, for getting me all soft and happy. even though soft is hard for me. because it made me braver. more comfortable. ready to face something scary. and I laid on your chest and just said “soft” because I felt it and you answered “cozy” and we volleyed some cute lil adjectives back and forth and I told you that I really like you and you tried to make that a volley too and I thought you might be trying to say it or get me to say it but fuck boy I’m so scared. I was thinking it though… so I teased you and got real silly instead and you matched my goofy and it was so fun and also soft. it carried me right on through to the family dinner. which I do now think I should’ve asked you to come to because your day apparently wasn’t so great and you’re in a bad mood so you’re not here which makes me a little sad because I wanted to finish my day how I started it. all tangled up in you.

but last night and this morning? significant. special. soft and cozy and vulnerable but still safe.

you singing along to Swing Life Away in my ear with your arms around me while I cleaned up after you helped me make dessert for the family dinner.

hearing you tell your old friend that nah, you weren’t really thinking about buying that land off your parents to build anymore. because you just weren’t feeling it. as if it had nothing to do with me telling you I wouldn’t wanna live that close to family. as if you weren’t talking about a future that you intend me to be a part of.

a souvenir from your bad work trip and finding out that you already got me something for Christmas.

showing you that video of my dad after telling you I had a dream where he was wearing a wedding dress and taunting me yesterday morning. the video where he drunkenly rambled about me getting married someday and how hard it would be to lose me.

god that smile. just pure peace and bliss. just joy. and I wish I could making you smile like that rn, but I understand.

realizing that, despite you holding on tight enough that I couldn’t fully breathe, I felt so safe. comfortable. almost like home.

and I told you once that being in love means when a person is a home.

[nemo-of-house-hamartia]

Hello! I’m popping in your ask box to say I just discovered your Federico x Lucia ships (I know it might have been a while and I’m probably late to the ball but anyway) and I wanted to say they are so wholesome and adorable and their love is so pure and bright-, to cut it short I love them very much ! And since Lucia loves books so much do you think Federico would offer her a library just like when the beast kinda does/shows Belle in the original animated “Beauty and the Beast” movie? Or maybe even dance in one ? (you can totally choose to ignore if you don’t feel like it pls don’t pressure yourself I was just curious)

But seriously , you’re amazing and hope you’ve had a good day (if not, wishing you for the next one to be better) and hope you continue to to share with us everything abt your ships and cool oc. xx

NONNIEEEEEEEEEE!!! WELCOME TO THE PARTY!

please, grab a seat, take a party hat, a huge piece of cake (or whatever you fancy) and get ready TO PARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

Lololol, all joke aside, welcome in this silly space of mine, and thank you very much for sending me this ask!

First of all, do not fret about being late to the Ball

Because as you will see, my brain is always focused at some capacity on Assassin's Creed (sometimes 50%, sometimes 90%, depending on the days and the amount of caffeine I have available.☕☕☕by the way, have a cup yourself. Also, I sort of rotate between ACU, ACS and AC2, with a touch of AC-Rogue here and there).

Allow me to thank you VERY MUCH for your kind words toward Lucia and Federico! I wrote their story a long while ago, and while I got swept away by ACS and ACU, my Lucia and Federico still very much occupy a big part of my brain.

TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION (please, always feel free to send any question you have, I am always happy to answer).

This HC is ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS, omg I can so imagine Federico gifting Lucia a library like the one the Beast gift to Belle, and because of the way theri relationship is, Federico would MOST DEFINITELY invite his Madonna Lucia to dance an impromptu dance among all those books that she adores so much (because you can bet that Federico would fill that library with ALL the books from Dante and Petrarca -Lucia's favourite), keeping her ever so close because after she escaped from Venice (dear Gods, I need to upload part 2 of Rondó Veneziano), he is all that she has left.

It would be such a cute, magical moment, gods now I need to draw this <3

THE FLUFF IS OFF THE CHART. ALL THE FLUFF.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS FLUFF FOR LUCIA AND FEDERICO!

I honestly needed it.

And thank you SO MUCH for your kind words and well wishes for a nice day! I wish the same to you! hope the day you will have will be a blessed one, filled with happiness, safety and inspiration! <3

AND YES, OF COURSE!! I WILL KEEP ON BRINGING ALL MY DARLINGS OCS AND THEIR STORIES WITH THEIR BELOVEDS.

YOU CAN REST ASSURED OF THAT.

[skylarsolstice]

Here's a little preview of my Magnus Archives mafia AU fic: The Magnum Archives

Martin Gilroy.

Arthur Blackwood looked down at the ID that now marked him as a man with that name. It turned out that if you were related to Salesa, you could pull favours with the men selling fabricated backstories. Arthur- or rather, Martin- flicked the card between his fingers, looking up at the old building that housed the Magnus Archives. Martin smirked. Elias Bouchard was certainly bold, Martin would give him that. Martin had to give him that, considering how bold he was about to be.

He stepped into the building, looking around for the front desk. Approaching it with a little more uncertainty than he had approached the building; he felt a little silly, actually. Having been so caught up in this entire plan, he’d forgotten how long it'd been since he had properly interacted like this.

Foreign words tumbled out of his mouth, getting a little jumbled together in his haste. “Ah, hi, hello. I’m looking for Mr. Bouchard? Uh, I have an appointment with him, soon… I think.”

Well, all things considering, a little social anxiety would probably help with covering what Martin was actually planning on doing here.

The woman at the desk looks up from her computer and asks "Mr. Gilroy right?"

"Yes, Martin" he replied

"Great, have a seat over there and I'll let you know when he's ready" she told him "I'm Rosie by the way" she added.

Martin nodded and took a seat outside of Mr. Bouchard's office. He sat there for a few minutes just looking around. He noticed the cob webs in the corners of the room, one of them with a spider hanging from it.

Martin had always been fascinated with spiders. He recalls his science research project from primary school. How many hours did he spend on that project with his father? That was before he left of course.

Before Martin could get too lost in thought, he heard Rosie call.

"He's ready for you now Mr. Gilroy. You can go right on in."

"Thank you," he replied over his shoulder. He twisted the knob and entered the office. Elias is a small man, wearing a 3 piece navy suit with a white shirt and black tie. His face is sharp with a well kept moustache and bright green eyes that seemed to pierce right through Martin- like he was trying to read his soul and intentions. Martin took in a shaky breath.

"Good morning Mr. Bouchard, how are you doing?"

"I'm doing well, thank you. Have a seat," he all but demanded. "Sorry for making you wait. It's been a bit hectic around her these last few weeks after our previous Archivist’s disappearance. Now what can I help you with?" He said, looking up at Martin.

"Well Mr. Bouchard, I'm here for the archival assistant job. I think I'm more than qualified for the position. If you look at my CV that I sent over you'll see I have quite a bit of experience as a personal assistant and in archiving," Martin responded with as much confidence as he could muster.

"I did take a look at the CV you sent over, and I must say I am impressed. You have good experience and education along with some very reputable references- Something you don't see as often as you would think. My question for you is why do you want to work here? Why this institution?" He asked in a smooth voice.

"Well, this is most certainly a reputable institution and I find the research you do here quite fascinating, even riveting. I would love to be a part of that research. Also there aren't many places that would make use of my parapsychology and library science degree," He answered with as much confidence as he could muster.

"Yes, I suppose that's true," Elias said with a small laugh. "Well Mr. Gilroy, I admire your boldness and that with your substantial experience, eagerness, and applicable education I think you would be a great fit for this job," Elias stated. Martin breathes a silent sigh of relief. It worked. "I'll just need you to fill out some paperwork and have it ready on your first day. Does Monday work?" He asked

"Yes, that's perfect," Martin eagerly replied.

"Great. Go ahead and just let Rosie know you need the new hire paperwork. You'll drop that off at her desk Monday and then she can show you down to the archives. This place can be a bit of a maze if you don't know where you're going," He added.

"Thank you Mr. Bouchard," he said, shaking the other man's hand. He walked back out to the front desk to talk to Rosie again.

"Here's the paperwork you need." She said, handing him a thick packet of paper. "Just bring it in, completed, to me on Monday and then I can show you to the archives. We don't need you getting lost on your first day." She remarked.

Martin thanked her and headed back out the way he came. It was time for the fun to begin.

-

Martin arrived at the institute approximately 10 minutes early. He wanted to make a good impression on his new coworkers. Heading over to Rosie's desk to drop off the paperwork he completed, he lightly cleared his throat to get her attention. As soon as she looked up at him, he spoke.

"Hey, I have my paperwork ready. Hoping I could still get a guide down to the archives."

"Of course, no problem!" She said, taking the packet from him. "Follow me," She continued. She led him to the elevator and pressed the button for the basement. After they got off, she led him down winding corridors to a door marked Archives. "Here we are. Good luck on your first day!" She said with a big smile.

"Thank you. Have a good one," He replied as she walked off back toward the elevator or it looked like he was heading back that way. This place was rather confusing. Martin took a deep breath before walking in through the door into the archives. Inside, there were two occupied desks with plaques. One reads Timothy Stoker- Archival Assistant, and the other Sasha James- Assistant to Head of Archives. Martin cleared his throat and both of them looked up.

"H-hi, I'm uh- M-martin. Um- Martin Gilroy," He stuttered out.

"Hey, it's the newbie!" The man behind the right desk yelled. "Nice to meet you. I'm Tim, your new favourite coworker; and this," he gestured to the woman in the next desk over "is Sasha James: the biggest pain in the ass this side of the Atlantic!" He said with the biggest grin.

"Shut up Tim," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Ignore him, he's an idiot. It's nice to meet you, Martin. I'll let Jon know you're here and we'll get you set up," She got up from her desk and made her way to the office in the back. She knocked on the door with the inscription Jonathan Sims- Head Archivist. She walks in and says something Martin can't quite make out; then she turns back to Martin. "You can go on in. He's ready to meet you," She called to him with a smile.

Martin made his way to the back of the room and through the door. He looked at the man behind the desk and he immediately felt his face flush. He's a slight man with long dark hair tied back into a ponytail. Although he looks relatively young, his hair already had a few grey streaks running through it. He looked up at Martin with big brown eyes and Martin couldn't help, but find him and the warm brown of his skin very attractive.

"H-hello, I'm Martin, Martin Gilroy. I'm the new archival assistant. It's nice to meet you Mr. Sims," The words came out relatively coherent- much to his surprise. Martin desperately hoped Jon couldn't see the flush in his cheeks.

Jon looked up curiously at Martin making eye contact with his ocean blue eyes. He couldn't help, but notice the other man was quite tall and large in a sense that made you not want to get on his bad side. Martin had a cute rosy flush to his cheeks as well.

Cute? Did he really just think he's cute? Oh boy. Jon pushed that thought to the back of his mind to address later… or ignore forever. Whichever came first.

"Good morning Martin, have a seat. I'm just finishing getting your account set up on our software." Jon said as he finished typing everything in. "Alright, that should do it. Here is the information you will need to login," he continued, sliding a sticky note across the desk with a temporary username and password on it. "Once you get logged in you can customise your account and everything."

"Great, thank you Mr. Sims," Martin replied with a small, flustered smile. "What should I get started on today?" He asked.

"There should be some boxes on your desk with files in them. Just do as much online research into those statements as you can and make a report of your findings for each. We won’t get you into field research just yet. And Jon is fine, Mr. Sims was my father." He added.

"Right, of course! I'll get right on it Mr-er, Jon." He stuttered.

"Should you need any help, feel free to ask Tim, Sasha or myself," Jon replied, unable to fight a small, amused smile on his own face.

After Martin left the office Jon felt his face flush. His cheeks warm and his eyes lingered on the figure of his new coworker as he took a seat at his desk. Jon couldn't help, but feel like he could trust him; like he may be one of the only people he could trust. Where did that come from? He wondered, scratching at the earring in his left ear. He noticed more and more that the earring he always wore was irritating his ear for some reason. It was a more recent development since he started this job actually. That's weird, he thought. Maybe he needs to get it cleaned? It's a family heirloom, so he's hesitant to leave it with a total stranger. It was, after all, the last thing he had to remind him of his grandmother.

He can think about that later. For now, he needed to stop staring at Martin (and the way his brow creased as he focused), and get back to work.

Martin sat down at his desk with a long sigh. He couldn't help, but take one last look at Jon through his open office door. Some stray hairs fell in his eyes and Martin found himself imagining a moment where he would brush them away to tuck behind his ear so he could look into those deep pools of brown.

He shook himself and turned on his computer. The computer looked like it came straight out of a 90s tech catalogue, and Martin wondered if this used wifi or dial up internet. The computer started up with that classic windows start up sound- and then Martin yelped, jumping up out of his chair.

The screen saver he recognized from the scary maze game people used to prank each other with in high school. It was even accompanied by that blood curdling scream. He heard Tim laugh, taking far too much joy in Martin's terror.

"Sorry I couldn't resist," he wheezed. Sasha shot him an exasperated look. "What? I hardly get to prank newbies anymore now that we've been banished to the dungeon!" He said defensively.

"If we could not traumatise Martin on his first day that would be great," Jon called from his office, sarcasm dripping from his words. Sasha hummed in agreement.

"You guys are such buzzkills!" Tim said with an amused smile.

"No worries, it's all in good fun," Martin said with a smile. "I always expect a little bit of hazing when starting a new job and I'm hardly traumatised," he chuckled.

"See, he thought it was funny. Also I think I should get credit for knowing how to work this ancient piece of technology so well,” Tim declared.

"Yes, Tim. so impressive," Sasha deadpanned. "Now would you quiet down, some of us are trying to work here," Sasha said, throwing a piece of crumpled up paper at him.

Tim fell to the floor dramatically holding his shoulder like he had just been shot "Sasha, how could you hurt me like this?! I thought we were friends!" he cried in feigned agony.

The archival staff burst out in loud laughter at Tim’s very toddler-like drama. Martin was going to like this mission; unsanctioned or not