#my friend said cozy bout it so there you go

[gammasquad]

Broke up with Photoshop, Procreate my new sugar daddy.

[cupidssorbett]

"What a cowboy.”

Cowboy/Vaquero Miguel x Ranch-Hand? Reader.(Beautiful art above is by Katromz on tiktok and insta!)

Summary: Miguel ends up trying to befriend his longtime friend and employers niece however maybe befriend isn't quite the word.

Includes: AFAB reader but no specified pronouns/race/looks nothing, flirting/teasing, Nicerish AU Miguel, caught masturbating, Oral M & F, recieving praise, mentions of the word 'cunt/pussy', P in V, as well as not much use of name more nicknames.

P.S Vaquero and Cowboy are the same words for those who don't know, a friend requested this so I delivered! Please pardon any terribly translated Spanish I am still learning and had only few help from a friend of mine! This was a request so thank you to my friend!

Word count: 7766.(it's a long one babes.)

By cupid.

Begin.

You’d been sent out for the summer to help your uncle at his ranch, you didn’t mind too much it’d be giving you more to do than usual. He was happy to have you since most his ranch-hands called out or would be busy trying to fill in the empty spots left by others. So when he heard his favorite niece would be dropping in to help out he was more than delighted.

It was a long, long car ride to his ranch and by the time you had arrived the sun was high in the sky and it was sweltering. You hopped out of your dad’s truck with a smile on your face, your cousin’s Poppy & Nana coming to greet you with enthusiasm, quickly taking your bags. “Look at you two, it feels like it’s been forever since we’ve hung out together!” You say as you nudge Nana’s arm, she laughs a bit as the three of you trudge up the dirt driveway up to the main house.

Poppy opens the door for you as soon as you head inside you hear a squeal from your Aunt Maria, who immediately runs over to scoop you up into a hug. “Sweetheart it has been too long!” She says excitedly as she practically squeezes the air outta you. “I missed ya too aunty but please..please let me go I can’t breathe-!” You manage out as she lets you go, “Oh my! Sorry ‘bout that sugar! It’s just been so long!” She says pinching your cheek a little. “Now, Girls go show her to her room alright? Get all cozy, Jack said he wasn’t gonna have you start work till tomorrow when he can give you the lowdown of everythin’ new.” She said shooing you three up the stairs.

You followed the girls up the stairs as they talked away, you weren’t really invested in the conversation as you looked at all the old pictures that were hung up on the walls. All those old memories made you smile, you were out of it until Poppy pulled you back into reality with a tug on the arm, albeit a hard tug, “You alright there?” She asked, raising a brow at you as nana opened the door to the room, you blinked and flashed her a smile. “Yeah just got a little out of it, this heat whew it is-” “Why don’t we head to the lake!” Nana says with a bright smile as she sets your bags on your bed, cutting you off.

“Oh I don’t know what if your dad needs me here or help with anything I’m not just here to leisure about.” You say as they both sigh dramatically, “C’mon you heard mama, papa’s not gonna need you till tomorrow!” Poppy says crossing her arms, eventually you sigh giving into them and their antics. Excitedly they leave you to get ready telling you to meet them downstairs when done. Once you are ready to go with a little bag that has sunscreen and such inside you hurry downstairs the two girls waiting for you.

You can’t help but grin with their contagious smiles, “Ma! We’re heading to the lake!” Nana calls out to her, “Be safe girls! Be back by sundown too ya hear?” She calls from the kitchen and you all respond with unanimous ‘Yes ma’am!’ before hurrying out the door giggling like a bunch of school girls as you anticipate the cool water of the lake.

It was a bit of a trek until you reached it, shoving branches aside and walking through bushes hoping none of them were poison ivy or poison at all. Once nana pushed a thick willow branch aside you sighed happily, the blue water shining under the high sun. The three of you quickly hurried to the shore finding a nice spot to lay your things.

As you and nana carefully laid things out poppy quickly ditched her shorts she wore over her swimsuit bottoms and ran into the cool water with a loud cheer. She then decided to splash the two of you, causing you to get a cheeky grin. “Oh that’s how it’s gonna be huh?” You asked playfully as you ditched your own shoes and bottoms before running into the water yourself.

The cool embrace of the lake on your warm skin made you feel completely relaxed, until you remembered your motive to run in here in the first place. The time at the lake started with games and running off the rock ledge that overlooked the lake to jump in. Splashing one another or Watching as someone did something dumb for what felt like the 100th time in those hours.

By the time the sun started to settle down in the sky you were resting on your towel as the girls continued to play in the waters. Drifting off into your own daydreams, sunglasses shielding your eyes from the fleeting rays, until you were startled awake by squeal. You assumed something had happened, so you quickly sat up pushing your sunglasses to sit on your head. “What? What happened?” you asked worried, until you saw them giggling over something or more rather..someone.

You let a slight huff at the fact they had you all worried for nothing, you however curiously followed their eyes. Wondering what could’ve caused them to squeal to begin with. Down a good way from your spots on the bank was a man, a rather handsome man you had to admit. Poppy however caught your staring and with a cheeky smile sat beside you, “Ooo! Do I sense a crush perhaps?” She said with a shit eating grin.

Waving her off you stopped staring at the mystery man, “Oh please, You think everything is a crush or love related.” you said, trying to dismiss her packing your stuff away as the sun started to set. Nana was quick to hurry outta the water spotting you and your packing, quickly just tossing her stuff in her bag as you & poppy shook your heads at her mess of a bag now.

All of you hurried back dodging branches and plants until you were on an open stretch the house coming into view, “So..” you started, earning their attention again. “Who was that guy?” you asked, keeping your gaze ahead. You heard the stifled giggles and such from them before nana caught up to you, “He is papa’s right hand man, quite the looker isn’t he?” she teased with a smile. “I suppose,” you said as you walked up the porch steps hearing their squeals and giggles. “But don’t go tellin’ anyone, I barely know that man.” you said sternly pointing at the two of them and they quickly stopped their giggling nodding as you headed inside.

Heading inside your aunt had prepared some dinner for when everyone got back, and as hungry as you were you decided to go and get a shower. Not before your uncle was quick to scoop you up in a hug much to your protest before you fake made a disgusted face before he ruffled up your hair as you headed up the stairs getting a warm shower and some dryer clothes.

After dinner and what not you were sitting upstairs with Poppy & Nana and one or two of the herding dogs, flicking through movies trying to find something to watch. Seeing as none of you could agree on anything it eventually came down to just getting some sleep, the hours at the lake tiring you out and your aunt & uncle calling out a goodnight to you three had reminded you that you’d be out helping in the morning so sleep was a good option.

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The birds started chirping and the sun began to peek through the blinds, once it hit your eyes you groaned and began to open your eyes with a squint bringing a hand up to block the bright rays from practically blinding you. Sitting up blinking the sleep from your eyes you took note that it was just you and nana in the room, nana being fast asleep still.

You decided it’d be a good time to wake up and get ready so you could start helping your uncle out, you quickly brushed your hair to look less like you just got up and then you grabbed an outfit from your suitcase that would best suit the chores you’d be doing and the hot summer heat. You quickly made your way downstairs some of the dogs following you, “Mornin’ Sugar!” Aunt Maria called to her as she flipped some pancakes. “Morning Aunt Maria, Where’d poppy run off to?” you asked, snatching up a piece of bacon from the plate on the counter sharing some with the dogs.

“Oh she ran into town to fetch some more seeds for the garden, Jack told me we had extras but I know we didn’t, speakin’ of which since your most likely heading out that way mind giving those breakfast burritos on the counter the boys.” She asked using her spatula to motion to the cloth covered basket. You nodded, finishing the bacon off and grabbing the basket heading out the back door and off the porch to the main farm area and barn.

It wasn’t a long walk by any means, just one that felt long with how the sun sat so high and beating down on you, you spotted your uncle's truck out front of the barn. All the workers either sitting in the bed of the truck or leaning against it, you hurried over with a smile on your face as your uncle spotted you tipping his hat back slightly, a smile coming to his face.

“Hey there sweetheart, whatcha got?” he asked as he got up off the side of the truck walking over. “Aunty asked me to bring these breakfast burritos for you boys.” you said and they all hooted and hollered hurrying off the truck to grab one for themselves making you just laugh and shake your head. “Thank you for that darlin’ , right you all know my niece don’t you?” He asked, raising a brow as a few murmured yes’s and no’s were heard.

“Well you do now,” he said as he motioned to you, moving aside as you gave them all a wave of ‘hello’ then you spotted him, the man from the lake the other day. You didn’t realize you were staring until he made eye contact with you. A rather cheeky smile gracing his lips.

Once they were all done with their burritos the real work began. “Alright, Think you can work on feedin’ all the animals first then we can start on herdin’ the pasture ones back alright?” Your uncle asked and you nodded, “I’m on it!” you said with a smile. “How bout I send someone with ya, we’ve got a few new ones that might need some introduction, How about..Miguel!” your uncle said, clapping his hands together.

You were picking up one of the feed bags off the truck bed when a rather tall and muscular man walked up with a slight smile on his face, “Looks like I’m helpin’ you today sweetheart.” Miguel said, and oh god Miguel was the man from the lake. This realization almost had you dropping the feed bag before you quickly readjusted your hold on the bag. He only chuckled, slightly tilting his head and the brim of his hat up, giving you an even better look at his face, “Come on don’t go fallin’ for me already.' ' he teased at you.

Huffing you adjusted your grip on the bag turning on your heel with a little scoff, “You wish, I would never I barely know you.” You said as you began walking, utter bullshit, you couldn’t lie that his face, his eyes, his damn voice had you enthralled. He only let out a hearty chuckle following you carrying a bag or two of his own, “Then why not get to know me?” He suggested, shaking his head as you sped up your walking speed.

When you finally reached the animals you breathed a sigh of relief, quickly hurrying over to say ‘hello’ to all of them forgetting about Miguel following after you, he stood off to the side as he opened some of the bags watching as you excitedly said ‘hello’ to the ones you knew, all calling them by name then excitedly gasping at the ones you didn't know.

He had to admit he found it amusing, cute even at the way you greeted them all. He had to, he just had to, he cleared his throat which brought you back to your little situation causing you to huff almost and it only made him chuckle as he pushed a feed bag, ready and open your way. You grabbed the bag, opened the pen door and made your way inside without him, starting to fill up all the feeding spots walking about.

Miguel thought this would be a good time to start a conversation, “So, Why do ya keep ignoring me?” he asked and you just hummed in response, “I’m not.” You denied, “Ah-Ah just now you almost did.” He said looking at you, that stupid look on his face had you smiling slightly and rolling your eyes. Trying to look away before he caught it, but oh he caught it. “Hey! I saw that, I made a breakthrough!” He says motioning around to a nonexistent crowd almost proud of himself causing you to shake your head with a slight smile.

You two finished up the feeding chores with relative ease, the tension simply melting away as you two actually got to talking with one another actually getting to know more like he suggested, then you started saddling up some of the horses so they could head out to check for any lost or still loose cattle or sheep. You finished tightening one of the straps, patting the nose of the horse, a smile on your face when it responded with a big sloppy lick to your hand. “Alright, Are we ready to get a move on?” he asked as he took the reins from your hand. “Yep, All saddled up.” you said with a little salute.

“Thank you sugar, how bout you go feed the calves while we’re gone if you're up for it?” your uncle asked, hoping on the horse. “I can’t say no to feeding the calves,” you said with a smile. With a few waves and goodbyes you went off in search of the bottles that had the formula for the calves that were rescued and didn’t exactly take to any cow the ranch had. You grabbed the bucket of bottles and took a seat in the stable stall with one of the babies. Taking the bottle out, the little thing came running and it made you laugh.

You held the bottle up for it and at first it went well until it didn’t somehow, something had gotten on the shirt underneath your overalls and that was not sitting well on your skin with heat in the air. So you thought, hey they wouldn’t be back for maybe an hour or two at most so you unclipped the clips of your overalls and took the shirt off letting it rest on the table that had all the tools and such then you clipped your overalls back up and when right back to taking care of the calves.

To you only 30 maybe 40 minutes had gone by so you still weren’t too worried about putting that shirt back on or heading back to the house as you happily wandered the stable saying ‘hello’ to the horses that stayed behind. Blissfully unaware that Miguel had headed back to grab the hat he had forgotten, quickly making his way inside of the stable. Stopping his tracks quietly when he spotted you petting one of the horses and it seemed innocent enough until his eyes seemed to wander lower..to the point where he noticed you were not wearing a shirt under your overalls. And not wanting to make you uncomfortable or wanting to make anything else happen he just gave up grabbing his hat and left as quietly as possible.

When you had assumed they’d be coming back you went and got the shirt off the workbench and put it back on quickly as the cowboys came into view. You put on a smile and looked ahead as they made their way over and started hopping their horses all saying their ‘hellos’ and such but Miguel just completely ignored you, was he not going on about you ignoring despite barely knowing him earlier? What a hypocrite.

You just shrugged it off, what would it matter really, you said a quick ‘hello’ to your uncle as you checked the time, you had promised you’d spend the last few hours before the sun actually set at the lake with the girls and you had to depart to get ready. Simply brushing off Miguel ignoring you, you went back to the main house to change and once you were done you headed off however little did you know you’d spend your time alone at the lake..well for a little bit at least.

You relaxed on the bank for a little bit taking in the sun's rays after applying sunscreen of course, waiting thinking maybe they’d got busy or something. So you went from enjoying the water to resting on the shore to reading the book you brought until you exhaled a bit annoyed. You got up, gathered your things, slipped your shorts back on and made your way back to the main house in a slight huff.

When you opened the door your aunt seemed to pick up on your bad mood, “What’s the matter pumpkin?” she asked as she dried her hands with the towel. “The girls told me to meet them at the lake and then they just didn’t come!” you said with arm motions. She seemed to shake her head and sigh, “Well if your looking to pick a bone with them they might’ve gone down to the guest house to deliver the fruit like I asked, the one where the cowboys are stayin’.” She said, giving you a little nod. You thanked her begrudgingly before starting your way to the guest house, saying hello to the cowboys you saw as you headed by whether they were lugging hay or simply just passing by.

You got to the guest house and opened the front door, it was rather empty, and you didn’t hear any giggling, not even a hint of your cousin’s voices, you raised your brow carefully making your way down the hallway. You continued until you saw a door slightly creaked open, you neared it hoping maybe your cousin’s were just fooling around here and that you could drag them back. But that idea quickly evaporated as you neared closer you heard..grunts? At first you thought it was one of pain but when you got a view of what was behind the just barely opened door you quickly realized it was not one of pain rather of pleasure.

There Miguel laid on presumably his bed, legs spread slightly, cowboy hat resting lazily over his head, pants just barely down his thighs as his head moved up his hard erection..precum leaking from the red angry tip. You couldn’t help but stare, biting back the gasps with a hand over your mouth. His teeth sucking his bottom lip back slightly exposing his sharp canines that had you feeling some kind of way, but oh boy it just got better as soon as you mindlessly dropped your hand from your mouth he muttered out your name, “Dios... Ni siquiera sé cómo me hiciste esto..(God... I don't even know how you did this to me.)” He murmured out in Spanish as he hissed when he glided his thumb over the leaking slit.

Miguel was lost in his own thoughts, his mind flitting back to when he saw you in the stable in nothing but your shoes and overalls. He groaned out as he moved his hand up, he knew it was wrong and dirty not just for the fact that he was just getting to know you but the fact he wished it was your hands and not his then he was snapped back to reality by a noise..

You gasped and your gasp got his attention causing you to quickly hide behind the wall before he could spot you, when you heard him moving off the bed you were quick to run as quietly down the hallway. Your feet carried you quickly as you hurried out of the guest house not wanting to get caught in the slightest.

Your heart felt like it was in your ears, your cheeks felt hot, hell your whole body felt hot. You hurried quick and fast to the main house, your feet just carrying you inside as you gave a quick ‘hello’ to your Aunt before going to your room flopping onto your bed. Burying your head into your pillow and just screaming muffling it.

God..he was thinking about YOU? That had your heart feeling like it was going to burst out of your chest, you rolled onto your back as you stared at the ceiling that moment replaying in your head causing you to subconsciously rub your thighs together before you brought your hands up to smack your cheeks, mentally cursing yourself for feeling this way.

Huffing you sat up on the bed grabbing your journal you brought with you, “God..Was he really thinking about me? But why,” you murmured as you flipped out the journal trying to write it out of your mind at least so you could push it off and act as if normal. By the time you finished you were called down for dinner and you just inhaled and exhaled pushing it to the back of your mind shoving the Journal under your pillow and heading down.

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By the time dinner was done you and poppy were helping with the dishes as a few of the cowboys stopped by to drop off some stuff and there he was again, you quickly looked away as he spotted you offering you a sweet smile and tilt of his hat. You only just ignored him continuing your conversation with poppy and working on the dishes.

When you finished you quickly dried your hands not wanting to stick around for very long you couldn’t even fathom why seeing him again got you so much more worked up than it should. “I’m headin’ to bed really tired, Night everyone!” you called quickly as you hurried up the stairs to your bedroom causing Miguel and a few others to raise a brow before just brushing it off to turn to their own things.

You inhaled sharply and exhaled laying onto your bed, your hands traveling gingerly down your stomach to the hem of your pj shorts. Your fingers slipping past the hem of the shorts to your panty clad cunt, exhaling slightly as your fingers brushed over your cunt that slight pressure you added caused your body to melt slightly into your pillows. Your mind clouding with thoughts of him, before the sound of someone coming upstairs snapped you back to reality.

You quickly pulled away from your shorts and grabbed a random book from the nightstand to act as if you were reading. Poppy and Nana came bursting in with a movie for the three of you to watch and you all but sighed happily as it was something to completely take your mind off it.

The movie was put in and the lights were turned off getting all cozy in your beds and watching the movie until you all but fell asleep..

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For the next few days you did your best to keep your distance from Miguel but your hard-headedness to stay away from him only had him more intrigued and always earned a laugh from him because you always denied his questions whenever he asked one and you denied his help just to make it easier, but it seemed to fail every now and again considering your help to your uncle’s work and with him always having the cowboys with him you only ever saw him everyday..

The next morning came and you decided you’d just avoid Miguel completely and only interact if you just HAD to interact with him thinking that it would be best especially because of the way you made him feel and with the way he had you feeling even if you were just getting to know him better.

Today you dawned a nice summer dress as you were going to help your Aunt in the garden to keep a distance between you and him. You put on a sun hat and followed your Aunt out to the garden to work on the precious marigolds she had planted that were getting swallowed by the pesky weeds.

Dropping down onto your knees and getting to work right away you heard a clatter of tools causing your head to whip around to where it came from, and god fucking dammit you swore nothing was on your side this week, it was miguel, tool belt beside him and a few fence posts as he shot you an apologetic smile. “Sorry bout’ that didn’t mean to startle you act like I’m not here.” you only hummed in response, turning your attention back to the flowers.

Digging into the dirt yanking weed after weed out as the sun began to rise high into the sky above, causing you to start to sweat under the hot rays. You huffed sitting back on your heels as you dusted your hands off of dirt with the exception of some stuck under your nails. Miguel heard your little huff and his eyes happened to wander your way, gazing unapologetically up your figure, your flushed face and slightly pouted lips catching his attention.

He cleared his throat slightly, turning his attention back to the fence, “You doin’ alright Miss?” he asked, tipping his hat back slightly. You just hummed in response earning a small frown from him, “What?” you asked, raising a brow. “How come you keep ignorin’ me, I thought we were making progress?” he said as he looked at you.

“Well, You started it when you came back from the stable that day and completely ignored me.” you shot back as you crossed your arms, “I did not I was just busy,” he said more matter of factly. The way he seemed so hurt by your antics had you feeling bad almost, you eventually sighed dropping your arms to your side. “Alright fine I have been but I ain’t telling you why, BUT I will make a better effort to stop ignoring you I suppose.” You said and you watched as his face brightened slightly.

“Well I think I’d be the happiest cowboy around,” He said with that stupid smile, “You're so weird.” You stated, shaking your head and turning your attention back to the weeds. He only laughed and went right back to his job, that’s what sparked the two of you talking again, you knew deep down you weren’t gonna be able to ignore him even if you tried because that really only made things awkward so you decided it would be best to try and be his friend.

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That is how you spent some of your days, getting to know him and then spilling your feelings to your little diary and then going right back at being friendly, well one fateful day you made the mistake of leaving your diary not entirely under your pillow.

You were helping Miguel lug some hay to the truck and you exhaled, noticing the way your skin was getting a little red, “Damn, Hey Miguel could you go to my room and grab my sunscreen for me? I’ll finish loading up the hay if you do.” You said giving him a little smile and he sighed with a laugh. “Alright alright I’ll go fetch it, Where would I find it?” He asked stopping in his tracks.

“On the nightstand!” You called back as you grabbed another bale, he nodded giving you a little salute before setting off. He headed inside offering a polite ‘hello’ to your aunt before going upstairs finding your room and heading inside. Originally he was just here to grab the sunscreen and go but a little book peeking out from behind your pillow had him curious.

He stopped for a moment before he eventually caved and carefully picked it up in his hands, just a peek, it wouldn’t hurt really. Just a peek turned into reading some pages and skipping others, that was until he stumbled upon some of the more..explicit pages and they seemed to be about him. God he felt his pride swell, the way you thought about him and looked at him.

“Well damn little lady..” Miguel murmured with a slight smile on his face before he shut the journal, having now learned about your developing crush on him and the way you thought about him. He grabbed the sunscreen and headed back down and out with a curt tip of his hat.

You noticed when he was walking back he had a little beat to his steps causing you to smile and raise a brow as you took the sunscreen from him. “What’s got you so happy go lucky?” you asked as you applied some on your face and arms and he just hummed in response. “Eh no particular thing, can’t a man just be happy hm?” He teased you and you playfully swatted at his arm. Once you were all good with the sunscreen you two got back to work, all the moving and feeding and more moving of stuff had you both out till the sun was settling near the mountain tops.

“Hm, Looks like we should start headin’ back Miguel.” You said looking at the way the sun was settling, “Ah right, can’t believe the day slipped away from us that damn quick.” He said as he adjusted his hat to sit back on his head slightly, you couldn’t help but admire his features slightly before snapping yourself out of it. “Miguel, I was wondering if you, I mean if you and any of the cowboys would like to come down to the main house for a lunch of sorts,” Miguel smiled coyly at your little invitation, “Oh? You're inviting little ol’ me huh?” he said his smile went from coy to smug and you rolled your eyes playfully.

“You wish, I’m doing it as a request from my aunt.” You said lying through your teeth, no you were wholeheartedly inviting Miguel, using your aunt as an excuse so he didn’t see right through you. However that was long gone really, he already saw right through you, you and your dirty little thoughts with the way you looked at him and what he learned from your diary. He dramatically put a hand over his heart, “I am truly honored sugar,” he joked causing you to roll your eyes again starting your way back to the main house.

His smile never leaving his face,”See ya tomorrow sweetheart,” he laughed as you turned away from him quickly heading back to the main house to wash up for dinner, he knew damn well what he was going to do tomorrow to get you alone and he couldn’t wait.

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He spent his day counting down the minutes till he could meet you for lunch well you and your family really, when he saw how the time neared closer he had gone back to the guest house to freshen up opting for a nicely pressed shirt, one of his nice belts, and some jeans that he knew you thought looked damn good on him. Grabbing his hat swiftly and the sunflowers he got just for today.

Making sure he didn’t look too eager he toned down his steps and his excitement, knocking on the front door adjusting his grip on the flowers. He heard you call out ‘I got it!’ before your footsteps followed, opening the door you were the picture of summer. Wearing a nice little sundress, hair more loose and free, and a smile creeping its way onto your face. “Howdy little miss.” He said his southern drawl coming out more has he held the flowers out to you.

You accepted them gratefully, “Miguel you really didn’t have to-” “I wanted to sugar, there’s a difference.” He hummed as he walked inside with you greeting your aunt and uncle with his usual polite demeanor and then greeting your cousins with that smile of his. You couldn’t help but grin, going and finding a vase for the flowers. “He’s a real nice boy ain’t he?” your aunt asked, having noticed your grin.

Still subconsciously smiling as you filled the vase with water you shrugged, “Yeah I suppose he is.” She just laughed a bit as she brought the food and drinks to the table with you following behind her setting the beautiful sunflowers as the centerpiece. Calling everyone to the table for lunch, you settled into your seat, Miguel sitting in the seat beside you which was across from your uncle so they could continue whatever conversation they were having.

You all served yourselves and then conversations began, it felt like most lunches with the addition of Miguel, little did you know what he was planning. He knew how the herding dogs were so when your aunt went to grab the pitcher of juice he sneakily tossed a piece of food underneath the table causing all of them to make a run for the food bumping your aunt’s chair, the pitcher of juice ended up splashing all over your sundress causing you to squeal and jump up.

You quickly excused yourself to hurry up stairs to remove the splotches of color that had begun to seep into the fabric more and more. Miguel excused himself as well, saying he had a call to take and it was rather important. Your family thought nothing of it, just hoping you’d be alright. He headed up the stairs with ease as he heard the sink start to run. Inside you had grabbed a cloth and began to rub at the stains without much thought.

Then a knock sounded and you sighed thinking it was your Aunt or cousins you opened it, it was Miguel. “Ah- I’m sorry I’m tryin’ to-” Miguel cut you off, “Don’t worry sweetheart, I know how to get pesky stains out especially ones that ruin such a nice dress.” You blinked the nickname felt less innocent for some reason especially with the way he was looking at you.

You cleared your throat allowing him to come in and shut the door as he kneeled down digging through the cabinets, “Ah here we are,” He said holding some bleach, “This oughta help somewhat.” He hummed as he dabbed a cloth with some leaning forward looking at you for your permission. You nodded slowly and he brought the cloth to one of the stains, wiping gently. His touch so gentle and soft had your stomach erupting in butterflies.

You felt your arousal grow slightly from his little touches and ministrations and the way he always looked to you with those eyes as a way of asking. You couldn’t help but stare at him, analyzing his features and then a chuckle erupted from his chest causing you to snap back to the situation. “Darlin’ If you keep staring at me that way I might just have to do what your little diary says.” the mention of your diary as your cheeks flushing red and your heart speeding up more than it was before. “I beg your pardon?” was all you could manage out.

He chuckled, setting the cloth aside and moving closer, “I didn’t wanna tell you this sugar but I’ve read your little journal and all the thoughts you think bout me.” He whispered softly against your ear causing you to shudder slightly. “Miguel I can explain-” You started, “Shh, Shh no need sweetheart, I know exactly what you need.” He said softly as he leaned closer, his lips hovering just away from yours. “Question is, do you really want this?” He asked wanting to really make sure this wasn’t some wet dream or that it wasn’t you who felt this way. You swallowed hard as you exhaled shakily, nodding, “Words sugar.” He said softly against your lips. “Yes Miguel, Please.” You pleaded slightly and he chuckled, shaking his head. “Goodness little miss your going to be the death of me.” He teased before your lips met.

It started out soft and sweet then grew into something more passionate and rough as his hands rested on your hips, his thumbs tracing patterns on the cloth that covered them. You pulled away for air, your breathing coming out in small pants and huffs. “Look at you..Kiss bitten lips all needy for me.” Miguel said with a slight smug smirk, “I’m not needy.” You shot back at him with a small huff.

His hand went from your hips to your thigh working up to your panty covered clit, a gasp eliciting from your throat. “Not so needy huh?” he teases as he rubs a thumb over your covered clit groaning at the way your arousal has made your panties wet. “Not-Not needy at all,” You managed out as a whine followed your words when his hand moved away.

“Then maybe I shouldn’t,” He started before you sighed, “Please Miguel..” You murmured, earning a smile from him, “Please what?” he said, pushing you on. “I need you.” you whined out earning a satisfactory chuckle, his hands found your waist and he hoisted you up to sit on the counters of the bathroom. His lips immediately find your inner thigh, sucking marks into the soft skin.

His hands wander as you let out small gasps and cries trying to be quiet, as you beg for him, as you beg TO him. God he never really thought his little idea would work but here he was buried in between your thighs, what a dream. His lips inched closer and closer to where you wanted him, he gently pulled your panties down and off. Then he licked a slow stripe up your folds eliciting a moan from you causing you to cover your mouth.

You could practically feel the smile he had on his face, he began eating you out like you were the last meal he’d ever eat. His tongue working your leaking hole then focusing directly on your clit. Humming gently when his lips wrapped around the sensitive bud causing a guttural noise to slip past your hand. His pace is unforgivable with the way he’s eating you.

He acts like he's a starved man eating the most delicious food alive and he just can’t stop, one hand keeping your thighs apart and the other massaging the soft supple skin. The way he alternates between tongue fucking you then sucking at your clit has your head in the cloud feeling like your on cloud nine.

Without warning he shoves two fingers in causing you to gasp at the surprise feeling, his fingers working slowly but surely in a soft pace to give you time until you're practically begging for more and he gives you more. His fingers curl in the right spots as he pumps his fingers in and out of you sloppily kissing and licking at your clit.

All the stimulation has your head reeling as a knot forms in your stomach, he doesn’t stop, he makes direct eye contact with you with that smug smile on his face as the knot snaps. Your velvety walls spasming around his fingers as you orgasm, your eyes shut tight as he laps up all of it slowly letting you down from your high as you exhale sharply when he removes his fingers.

His hands come to make quick work of his belt and jeans bringing his boxers and jeans just low enough for his painfully hard cock to spring out. You can’t help but stare as he works it slightly, your mouth practically hanging open at the sight of it, precum beading at the tip as he works it slightly lining his head up with your entrance.

He looks to you for another affirmation and you nod looking up at him with those pleading eyes again and he can’t say no to you. He nudges his head in before plunging in full force eliciting a loud moan from your lips and groans from his with how tight you are around him. “God..So tight, such a good girl I swear.” he murmurs as he begins thrusting into your cunt, the praise causing your pussy to flutter around him. He acknowledged this with a little smirk.

“You like that huh? You like being my good girl,” He huffs out earning a whine from you, he lands a small slap to your ass causing a yelp to fall from your lips. “I asked you a question.” He said gruffly his change in attitude had your stomach feeling butterflies. “Yes, Yes s’good Miguel!” You cried out as his pace became relentless. His smirk remained at the way you reacted to all of this. His hands have a grip on your hips that’ll most definitely bruise without a doubt.

His face finds itself in the crevice of your neck placing soft kisses and words of praise into your ear, your mind practically melts from all of this as he fucks you with such a pace, the sound of skin slapping and your muffled whines and cries becoming evident as he continues on. Your legs come to wrap around his back slightly as he pulls his face away to watch where you two connect. “Tan condenadamente apretada, tan buena para mí.(So damn tight, so good for me.)” He managed out as your walls fluttered around him, having a vice on his cock.

“That feel good? Hm?” he asked knowing damn well your practically fucked dumb at this point, nodding your eyes fluttering open as he comes to rhythmic pace that’s hitting all the right spots for you. He continues to praise you and kiss up your neck leaving marks occasionally just because he can. With the way your walls clench around him he can tell your close, his free hand comes down to rub circles on your clit making you gasp and your head loll back onto the mirror behind you.”So damn needy for me..Taking all you can get.” he chuckled out.

“I’m not needy,” you managed out best you could as you took his hat from him, He shook his head at your hard-headedness “Eres tan terco…(You are so stubborn..)” He huffed out with a chuckle, quickly taking his hat back from you as you shot him a mischievous smile even in your mind melted state. Rolling your hips eliciting a groan from the cowboy who tossed his head back, his hat covering his face.

He hums slightly, leaning down to plant kisses on your collarbone and shoulder, “That’s how you wanna play huh?” he murmurs into your skin, his pace picking up almost knocking the air out of you, the lewd noises that spill from your lips spur him on, and that familiar knot tightens in your stomach, then the coil snaps and your cunts warm walls restrict around him and he can’t help but groan before he quickly pulls out before he can cum. Causing a small whine from you at the loss of feeling full.

“You wanna play games then we can play games sugar.” He says as he brings you off the counter onto your knees, you swallow thickly as you gently kitten lick the tip of his cock, soft and slowly. Teasing him with it, earning low groans and even slight whines from him. You don’t get very far with your tricky endeavors before he bucks his hips slightly causing you to gag around it. “Sorry bout that darlin’ just can’t help myself.” he says with a slight smile.

You start a steady pace, your hands resting on his thighs as you bob your head back and forth, your nose touching the tip of his pelvis before you pull off of him just to tease him again. He groans out before laughing slightly, his hand coming to find itself behind your head. “God you are just a little tease ain’tcha.” he says before thrusting into your mouth, causing you to gag slightly and pat his thighs. Tears welling in your eyes.

“Shh shh, it’s alright just relax.” He says softly and you try to, finding a steady breathing pace through your nose and relaxing your throat slightly. He begins face fucking your practically, drool coming to spill from the side of your mouth and nose tickling his pelvis as the hums you produced in response to his praises elicited groans and huffs from him.

His pace was rhythmic until it became erratic, his breathing becoming more uneven, “Don’t think I’m gonna last any longer.” Miguel huffs out as his pace becomes more needy. You hum around him and he groans, begging you to do that again and you oblige, humming around his length gagging slightly. The sensations send him over the edge after a few more thrusts his cum spurts down your throat causing you to swallow out of reflex, he slowly pulls out a string of spit connecting him to your kiss bitten drool covered lips. God the sight of alone could have had him going again he leaned forward wiping a thumb over your lip to wipe the drool away as you swallowed.

He planted a small kiss on your temple, “You're just perfect darlin’.” He praises making you smile slightly as he helped you stand up, a hand resting on your hips. “Maybe we should head back down, Wouldn’t want your family to worry too much.” you hummed in response, “I’m gonna change first, you go on down.” you said softly planting a kiss to his cheek as you carefully exited the bathroom to go back to the room.

Could this be the start of something real with this cowboy?

Fin.

[greynatomy]

lucy bronze social media au

face claim - taylor hill

finally finished this

———

liked by user1, user2 and 5,748 others

enews Longtime couple, Y/N Y/LN and Timothée Chalamet have reportedly split, sources say. The couple have been on the rocks for a while after a video of Timothée has been seen circulating the internet getting cozy with a mystery girl.

Read more with the link in our bio!

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user1 love doesn’t exist anymore

user2 bout time she left him

↳ user9 she was always way out of his league

user3 damn! timmy tim broke up with a whole supermodel for some rando

user4 bet he gon try running back to her in a week

march 17, 2020

liked by user1, user2 and 224,738 others

yourinstagram my favorite sidekick 💙

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user1 she said ‘forget about timmy here’s me and my dog’

user2 so beautiful!

user3 go out with me now that tims not in the picture

liked by user1, lucybronze and 746,804 others

yourinstagram beach bum 🌞

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user1 great view, but i prefer to look into your eyes

user2 u got a little sand on you

user3 where is this bikini from?!

june 25, 2020

liked by user1, user2 and 12,474 others

tmz Y/N Y/LN seen holding hands with a new partner just months after her breakup with longtime boyfriend- now ex - timothée chalamet, in manchester, united kingdom.

click the link in our bio to read more!

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user1 she’s back!

user2 she’s already with someone else? girl is going around

↳ user3 tim moved on while in a relationship bffr

↳ user4 it’s been six months that’s a long time

september 5, 2020

liked by user1, user2 and 5,637 others

enews Y/N Y/LN just deactivated her instagram account just before the new year starts!

click the link in our bio to read more!

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use3 what? no!

user4 good! she wasn’t good enough for timothee anyway!

↳ user5 girl bffr he cheated on her. good for her for leaving!

user6 hope she comes back soon!

december 31, 2020

liked by gigihadid, taylorswift and 10,748 others

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user1 IS THAT A RING?

user2 miss girl comes back from the dead and just drops a pic

enews Y/N Y/LN engaged? click our bio to find out more!

↳ user3 she’s not back more than 5 seconds and you already have an article up

↳ user4 fr give her a break

march 10, 2023

liked by alexiaputellas, leahwilliamsonn and 11,748 others

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user1 wait… are these wedding photos??

user2 did she get married?

user3 what’s with the no caption post again??

tmz click the link in our bio to find out more out more on this marriage

↳ user4 you and enews need to fuck off!

user5 what’s the barca and england team doing in the likes??

april 22, 2023

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yourinstagram @/victoriasecret world tour is out now!

loved to be in wings again 👼

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lucybronze ❤️❤️❤️

↳ yourinstagram ❤️❤️❤️

gigihadid so glad to share the vs runway with you again!

↳ yourinstagram love ya gi!

user1 are we just gonna ignore her last two posts??

user2 acting like she didn’t break the internet

user3 what is lucy bronze doing here?

↳ user4 and most of the barca and england team liking??

may 15, 2023

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ynupdates yn seen at the barcelona women’s game with a friend!

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user3 has she been in barcelona this whole time??

↳ user4 is that why paps haven’t been able to find her?

user5 since when was she into sports?

user6 guys i’m at the same place as her right now and she’s in the friends and family section!!

↳ user7 OMGG WHO IS SHE THERE FOR

↳ user8 IS SHE A WAG? FOR WHOOOOO?????

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enews Y/N Y/LN spotted in public after 2 years since deactivating instagram. Since activating her account again, it has been scrubbed of all posts except some new ones which look to be about her wedding. Y/N Y/LN is a very taken woman ladies and gents.

Click the link in our bio to read more!

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user3 enews is already back on y/n’s tail

user4 she’s in barca’s friends and family section

↳ user5 how do you know

↳ user4 i’ve been to a couple games and that’s where it is

liked by user1, user2 and 5,445 others

ynupdates y/n posted and deleted this video from her insta stories. did she marry a woman? did she have a baby?

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user3 wouldn’t be surprising if she did. she’s been very open about being bi

↳ user4 didn’t she used to date hailee steinfeld

↳ user5 yeah but she said they were better as friends

user6 no longer supporting y/n

↳ user7 good riddance to you!

user8 if she did have a baby, she really is mother now

tmz can we use this photo?

↳ ynupdates no the fuck you can’t! leave mother alone!

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yourinstagram made a little oopsie yesterday so… surprise ����🏻‍♀️ @/lucybronze

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lucybronze love my little family ❤️

↳ yourinstagram i love you 💕

keirawalsh just want to put it out there that i am the favorite aunt

↳ leahwilliamsonn you’re the godmother you don’t get to be the favorite aunt too

alexiaputellas amo a mi pequeña bebé

↳ yourinstagram te amo tia alexia - baby bronze ❤️

↳ user4 omg baby bronze ugh 😩

user1 AHHHH FINALLY

user2 she’s off the market

user3 mother is a MOTHER

1maryearps my favorite milf

[wooahaes]

taste of love

pairing: non-idol!jun x gn!reader

genre: fluff! very slight angst via mentions of homesickness + jun & reader working a lot, but it’s very minor. [jun runs a restaurant. reader is coworkers w vocal unit.]

word count: 7.0k~

warnings: reader is a foreigner, but its left completely ambiguous where they’re from. depictions of illness (w jun caring for reader). many food mentions (the topic is just food as a love language). usage of terms of endearment (honey, baby, love), primarily by jun.

daisy’s notes:

food is my favorite love language between ppl.

han voice you eat you EAT!!!

The first time you met Wen Junhui was through a friend while you were feeling homesick.

Your coworkers knew a few things about you. The most glaring fact was that you were a foreigner (your Korean gave you away with ease every single time, although your coworker, Joshua, told you that you were improving well). And with that fact came the next one: you were always homesick when it came to major holidays. Both ones from your home country and in Korea, because it meant you sometimes got to witness firsthand the cozy joy of being with one’s family again. While you did make the occasional trip home, you mainly missed out on things. Sure, you sometimes celebrated on your own, but overall...

You missed home. No matter what dish you made, it couldn’t fully replace the feeling of community. The closest you’d ever come to it was when Joshua, missing the U.S. and his mom a little more than usual, came over and shared a meal with you. It wouldn’t be the same as sitting down with your family at their home, but it was a meal shared nonetheless.

So when Joshua, acutely aware of your recent bout of homesickness, told you to come with him... You weren’t really going to say no. He’d invited Jeonghan along, too, while the rest of your coworkers were too busy with their own lives to tag along. Joshua hadn’t told you where exactly you were going--only asking if you wanted to go out to dinner with him and Jeonghan--but you trusted him. He wouldn’t screw you over with anything... plus the idea of a meal with the two of them also felt nice.

He’d brought you to a little Chinese restaurant that still looked new. And when you said little, you meant it. There were only a few tables inside and outside, all crammed together in a situation that made you glad you weren’t claustrophobic. A thin young man who Jeonghan warmly greeted brought the three of you to a table closest to the kitchen, handed a single menu over to Joshua (who had offered to pay ahead of time as a treat to you... and Jeonghan, who had teased him about it on the bus ride over since Joshua was the one who invited you both). Joshua had leaned over a little to let you look as he rattled off various foods, your server (Minghao, you soon learned) jotting each one down.

“And, uh,” Joshua looked up, smiling that pretty smile at Minghao, “if Jun’s here... Let him know we’re here.”

Minghao had looked over to you for barely a second before disappearing into the back, paper in hand and menu tucked underneath his arm. The next time you saw him, he’d been heading past with a tray in one hand, calling over his shoulder that the three of you would have to wait until things quieted down a bit more.

“Which means after our food is done,” Jeonghan said after taking a glance around the restaurant. There were a few other people around--two young men sitting outside, another pair of three inside at another table. For a moment, you swore you recognized one of those three as Seungkwan.

And, Jeonghan being Jeonghan, raised his voice, “Seungkwan-ah!”

Which immediately made him nearly drop his chopsticks, turning around to see the three of you. You only had to wonder if Jeonghan would have done that had there been more people in the restaurant. You, and Seungkwan most likely, would hope not... but Jeonghan found entertainment in one way or another.

Seungkwan had merely nodded to the three of you politely before turning back to his conversation, ears bright red from embarrassment. You could see Minghao hiding a smile as he set dish after dish onto their table, before disappearing out the open front door for a moment. You could understand why when you saw him looking around for a moment, adjusting his collar and taking a deep breath: you’d started sweltering in your thick jacket within minutes of walking in.

Not that you were complaining: it was cold outside. If the restaurant itself was this warm and cozy, you could only hope that the food brought the same feeling.

“So... Who’s Jun?” You finally asked, breaking into the conversation that Joshua and Jeonghan had been having.

Jeonghan had merely smiled, and you realized that he, too, must know this mystery man Joshua wanted you to meet. “The owner,” he said. “He opened up a few months ago. Joshua and I came here after Seokmin was spreading the news about it. He’s Minghao’s roommate,” he said with a nod toward the server, who was already heading back into the kitchen. 

“Jihoon actually came here and said the food was good, so we decided to check it out,” Joshua said, rolling his sleeves up. “It’s usually this quiet during the week. The weekends are way busier, apparently.”

You nodded along, listening as Jeonghan brought up the time they met Jun--the last time they came, just the week before. Technically, they’d met him a few times before, but last time was the first time they had had a proper conversation with him.

“And you think I should meet him because...?”

“I never said that,” Joshua had said, but it was clear you’d caught him in whatever he was planning. “You’ll like him.”

When your food was brought out, it wasn’t Minghao who did it. Instead was the man himself, Wen Junhui, who stood tall over your table as he carefully set dish after dish upon your table. He’d introduced himself to you after politely greeting Joshua and Jeonghan.

“This is the person we wanted you to meet,” Jeonghan said, clearly not caring a bit about keeping that a secret. “The one from abroad?”

Jun had met your gaze a moment later, nodding--as if everything about you didn’t scream foreigner (again, your lackluster Korean alone seemed to be the biggest sign that you didn’t belong). “It’s nice to meet you,” he said. “Joshua said you’ve cooked for him before?”

Something about the genuine way he lit up at the idea made your face warm. “Once,” you said. “I was feeling homesick so we had a meal together.”

He had smiled at you, and it did nothing but make your cheeks burn hotter. “I understand,” he said, glancing up for a moment to make sure no one was coming. Minghao had gone to deal with the two men outside. Jun pulled over an empty chair, sitting down for a moment. “Food can help with the homesickness,” he had sounded a little wistful. “I used to cook meals for my housemates when I first came here. When I met Minghao, I invited him to meals, too.”

“Is that why you opened this restaurant?”

Jun had smiled, gaze not quite meeting your eyes for a moment as he nodded. “It helps me feel at home,” he said, “and it makes me happy when people are enjoying a good meal.”

Something about the sentiment resonated with you. It was like calling food its own love language. “I see,” you hummed. “It’s your way of taking care of people.” It’s your way of loving people, too, isn’t it? But that felt too bold to say, so you swallowed your words.

Jun had smiled warmly at you before thanking the three of you for coming, which had made you smile in return, and he soon returned to the kitchens. You almost didn’t notice the shared look between Jeonghan and Joshua before the three of you began to eat.

Sure enough, everyone had been right: everything you ate was beyond delicious. At first, you had wondered if you were that hungry that everything was even better than it tasted... but then you realized it. Jun cooked with love, and knowing about that passion made everything better than you could ever dream. Every flavor seemed amplified through the love of one man (and whatever staff he had back there, because you were sure you could hear other people working as well), and it left you speechless.

“Is it good?” Joshua had teased you with this smile, as if he knew something you didn’t. “We’ll have to come back sometime.”

You would. Maybe on your own one day, or maybe with a few other friends if you had the free time.

Yet you’d heard your name when the three of you were leaving, meal paid for and stomachs full. You’d stopped along with the others, turning back with the worry that you had left something behind. Instead it was Jun, clutching an order ticket that he held out to you.

“You should call me sometime,” he said, eyes twinkling as he smiled at you. “Maybe... We could eat together sometime.”

You’d cracked a smile at how cute he was, accepting the paper with a nod. “Okay,” you could feel your heart racing now, giddiness taking over the nerves you’d had moments before. “I’ll call you, then.”

Joshua and Jeonghan had lingered back for a moment as you continued ahead once Jun took a few steps back, before retreating to his restaurant. And while you were staring down at his number, the two high-fived quietly behind you over their success.

The second time you had a meal at the courtesy of one Wen Junhui, it wasn’t his own cooking. He’d apologized to you for that, but it was Monday, and the restaurant was closed... and he’d been really, really cute when he asked if you wanted to get dinner with him. He’d waited for you outside your office building, sitting on a bench while dressed warmly. You’d ignored the knowing look that Joshua had sent your way while he was reminding you to thank him at your wedding one day, and hurried off to meet Jun.

“There’s a small place not far from here that has nice noodles,” he told you, tugging his coat closer to himself. “They’re good when it’s cold out.”

Spicy noodles sounded like heaven. You swore your fingers were already going numb, your pair of gloves lost somewhere inside your apartment. Jun had glanced down to see the way you were rubbing your hands together.

“Can I...?” He grew flustered, looking away from you for a moment. “Ah, nevermind--”

“You can,” you said, hoping you understood what he wanted to ask. He looked up, a small smile crossing his lips, hope in his eyes. “If you want.”

Jun had carefully taken your bare hand in his gloved one, enclosing it around to keep it warm. With a gentle tug, he started off in the direction of the restaurant. You tucked your other hand into your coat pocket, and smiled a little at how he held onto your hand. He had tethered you to him through the crowd, and something about the entire ordeal made you feel... safer. You’d only texted (and called once or twice) with Jun up until now, a week after your meal at his restaurant, and yet he seemed to ooze this energy that said, loud and clear, that you would be safe with him.

(You also attributed that to Joshua and Jeonghan: you were sure they wouldn’t introduce you to someone who would harm you. Not intentionally, at least, but Jun seemed kind in every message he sent to you.)

The older man who owned the shop seemed to recognize Jun immediately, speaking kindly to him. Jun introduced you as a friend (although your still connected hands likely implied something more could be coming), and the two of you took the corner table of the tiny restaurant. You put your faith in Jun to pick something delicious for the two of you to eat, and soon enough you were greeted with two bowls of spicy rice noodles.

“I came here to study,” he had told you while you ate. “I’ve wanted to travel for a while, but I wasn’t sure about studying until I met a few friends online when I was younger. They pushed me to study abroad, actually.”

You looked up from your noodles. “What about your family?”

“My parents supported me,” he said. “My mom and I call a lot even now. Sometimes they come visit. The last time they came was when I opened the restaurant, actually.”

With a nod, you continued to eat your food after murmuring a quiet “They sound lovely.”

He’d smiled at that, and it warmed you far more than the spices did.”They do. It was hard being away from them, but my friends helped. Soonyoung actually brought me here when I was homesick once, and it’s become one of my favorite places to come. The owner is nice, too,” he said, smiling at the man as he caught his eye. “I like how people show care for one another through food.”

The sentiment made you smile: it comforted you, too. “I get what you mean,” you had said. “It’s like asking if someone had eaten yet and making a meal for them if they hadn’t.”

“Taking someone out to eat for a date is, too,” his eyes lit up, “you can bond over a nice meal.”

So you decided to be a little bold where you’d shied away before, during your first meeting. “Is this a date?”

He nearly dropped his chopsticks at the sudden question, as if he hadn’t hinted at it himself. His eyes went wide, face growing warmer and redder at your question. “Do you want it to be?”

You nodded, voice lost in your own nerves at how endearing one man could be. Was this what it was like to have someone understand you? You hoped it was.

“Good,” he said with this bashful smile, and he looked as though he felt just as fluttery as you did. “I was hoping it was.” The sentiment of I already like you interlaced every word, and it only made your heart race a little more.

Good, you had thought to yourself. I already like you, too.

The next several meals were things you shared together as your relationship began to root itself deeper and deeper. Food became your go-to with Jun when he wasn’t busy with his own work, and you were happy for it. Sometimes the two of you would just explore the city aimlessly when you were free, and try a new place together. It wasn’t all good, unfortunately, but the two of you could appreciate a shared experience. It wasn’t long after that that you pushed Jun to become your workout buddy, just to keep each other motivated (and maybe it was cute to see him flustered whenever he helped you stretch). Sometimes the two of you would only meet up to grab dessert together after his busy work days, other times you’d be able to meet up for dinner. Rarely lunches, but those were smaller dates between the two of you.

Two months into taking things slow with him (technically only a month of officially dating), you’d invited him to your place for nothing but a meal together. This time, you wanted to cook him something that you used to eat at home. It’d been a little frustrating to track down certain ingredients, but showing Jun more of yourself and the things that made you you was worth it. If nothing else, it was worth it to see the stars in his eyes.

Except you ended up having to work a little later than you usually did, and then realized you’d forgotten a pretty major ingredient so you ran back to the store. And now Jun was standing inside your apartment, minutes after you came back home, taking in the sight of it as he was removing his coat.

“I’m really, really sorry,” you had apologized a thousand times over. “I meant to be mostly done by now, and I haven’t even started, and--”

“It’s okay,” Jun said to you, coat carefully folded over your couch. “Life happens. You don’t have to apologize for that.”

Sometimes you wondered if he was secretly an angel in disguise. “Okay,” you said after taking a deep breath, centering yourself with the long exhale. “Just... sit down and let me cook for you this time, okay?”

Jun had nodded, making himself comfortable on your couch. It wasn’t until after you’d washed the necessary ingredients and begun chopping that he drifted back into your kitchen, watching you for a moment.

“Can I help?”

You shook your head. He was your guest. He didn’t need to worry about this. The fact he was asking almost made you apologize again: you weren’t as adept a chef as he was, and you were probably taking too long, and--

“Please?” He asked, pushing a little bit more. “I want to understand this more because it’s important to you. If you don’t want me to help, that’s okay, but... Can you tell me more about it?”

Oh. You’d floundered a little at how... genuine Jun was, and, instead of answering him, started looking for the spare apron you kept around. He’d let you tie the back for him, and looked at you with a smile as you found the spare cutting board. Maybe later you’d tell him you only had extra things because you used to cook with Joshua--sometimes things he grew up with, sometimes things you did--just to combat the homesickness a little and that it used to comfort you a lot. He wouldn’t be jealous (if anything, you could see Jun thanking Joshua for taking care of you as your friend--he was warm like that), but you’d rather focus on the new memories you’d be creating with Jun.

So you set something in front of him, told him how to cut it, and started talking about your childhood. This dish was something that your dad used to make for you when you were tiny, and it used to be your favorite thing in the entire world. You’d grown a lot since then, but there was something so comforting about revisiting this as an adult.

“It’s like... I can appreciate it better,” you said, “now that I know the hard work that goes into it.” Your voice had wavered a little, “it makes me miss home sometimes, but that’s okay. It just reminds me that I was loved.”

Jun had paused for a moment, just watching you with this fond smile. It made you realize that... for one reason or another, you hadn’t kissed Jun.

All you had asked him for was to take things slow, and he had happily agreed for your comfort without asking why (although you later heard from Joshua that Jun put a thousand hearts after your name because Jun apparently was that kind of person). Cheek kisses and forehead kisses were definitely okay with you (you liked the little smile Jun gave you after he did either), but lips felt... a little intimate for someone you were still so new to. This felt intimate, too: cooking together in your home, talking about home. And Jun could see the way you were looking at him, the way your eyes dripped down to his lips for barely a second. You began to lean in, and he met you there, lips soft against your own.

It was slow and gentle, and you could feel the curve of his smile. Kissing Jun, you decided, felt like a dream you didn’t want to wake up from. But he pulled away after what felt like a sugary sweet eternity, and you could see those pretty stars in his eyes as you were certain he felt what you did: that the two of you were falling a little more, a little harder, for one another.

And now this dish held a little more meaning. You felt your face grow warmer as you drew away, an apology dying on your lips as his love-filled look sent you spiraling into a warm whirlpool of emotions that you were certain you’d be okay with drowning in. If it meant Jun would kiss you again to bring you back, then maybe you would. 

The fond look on his face almost made you go in for another kiss. But your stomach growled, and he laughed so warmly as he gently scolded you when you admitted you’d barely eaten lunch today... so you decided you could always just kiss him again later.

(And you did. You walked him to the bus stop and kissed him before he left. It was that night that he started to sign off his texts with a red heart and a love-filled request for you to dream of him.)

Four months into your official relationship, you came down with a stomach bug. Normally, you’d power through it after taking whatever over-the-counter medicine you needed to, but this time you’d been sick enough to take off work for the rest of the week. Joshua had been kind enough to come by at lunch to drop off a bag of things that you’d asked for, only signaling to you that he was there with a few loud knocks at your door (bless him: he was an angel for doing that). He’d waved at you from a safe distance down your hall, lingering back just to make sure that you got the delivery, and called out for you to rest well and let him know if you needed anything else. You’d downed some medicine, put away the things you needed to, and collapsed back onto your couch to sleep things off.

It was Friday (day three of shitty sickness) when you relented and gave Jun the code to your apartment. You’d already seen a doctor and were on proper medicine starting yesterday (thank you to Joshua, again, who’d gone with you while Jun was busy with work... and because you hadn’t told Jun how sick you were), but Jun had insisted on coming to check in you. Maybe you were starting to be thankful for it: you’d collapsed back onto the couch, stomach cramping again. You thought you were feeling fine, truly, and that you’d be okay enough to make some scrambled eggs instead of reheating the last of the soup Joshua had brought you. Yet you hadn’t gotten that far, instead shoving the carton of eggs back into the fridge before retreating back to your couch. You’d curled up and drifted in and out of sleep for several hours until the sound of your apartment door getting unlocked, the melodic chime only making your head hurt a little more, woke you up. Jun had set down the bag of groceries he had in your kitchen before returning to you, slowly kneeling down to check on you.

He pulled down his mask for a moment, a look of pity on his face. “Oh, love...” Then he leaned forward, lips pressing to your forehead for a gentle kiss. Yet he lingered there, gauging your temperature. You were still running a slight fever and you knew it. He drew back, fixing his mask back into place as he watched you with concern. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“Didn’t wanna--” You shifted a little, pushing at your blanket as suddenly you felt warmer than before. “Didn’t wanna bother you, Junnie...”

You knew what he was going to say. He cupped your cheek, “I’m your boyfriend,” he said gently. “It’s okay to call on me.”

As much as you loved him, you could only let out a whine. You buried your face back into your sleeve. It was too bright here, too. “Didn’t wanna get you sick.”

“I’ll be okay,” he said, pulling his hand away. “Have you eaten?”

You shook your head, face still buried in your sleeve. “Too weak.”

“Do I need to take you to the doctor again?” And when you shook your head, he frowned. “Have you taken medicine?”

“Makes me sick...”

Another frown, and Jun gently reached out to pat you on the head. “Where’s your medicine, honey?”

With your face still covered, you vaguely pointed toward your kitchen where you’d left the bottle yesterday night. You’d grabbed a glass of water to down the pills with and left them by the sink, and Jun found them with ease. He turned the bottle over in his fingers, reading the label. It didn’t say anything about having to take it with food, but Jun did a little searching online to see something about how sometimes that could lead to an upset stomach.

He sighed, breathing out a sad “ah, baby...” before noticing the little makeshift calendar on your refrigerator. It had the dates you were supposed to take your medicine, all with a little box to make sure you’d been taking it at 12:30 pm. Jun could recognize Joshua’s handwriting. He’d have to thank him again later for going with you yesterday. Joshua had called to say he walked you into your apartment and took care of a few things to lessen the load on you, but Jun didn’t know how far it went.

At least you had other people who could care for you when Jun couldn’t be there. A tiny blessing in life.

Jun nodded to himself as he checked the time: he had plenty of time to cook for you. He found a clean glass, filling it with ice and water before he returned to you. You’d pouted when he managed to get you to sit back up, coaxing you into taking a couple sips (which you would only do after you waved him back a few steps).

“Just rest, honey. It’s okay. I’ll take care of you,” he had said, reassuring you with a warm smile.

“But you have work--”

He chuckled a little at your pout. “I’m not the only one who cooks, honey. You know that.”

“But... I’m stealing you away...” You set the glass back down onto your coffee table (Jun would slip one of those kitty coasters he’d bought you under it once you dozed off), and curled back up. “Everyone should get to taste my Junnie’s food...”

Oh, how cute you could be without realizing it. Jun was sure it was the fever that made you not think so straight (even though he knows the healthy version of you swore his cooking was better than anyone else’s). He chuckled warmly, giving you a gentle pat on the head as he passed behind the couch to one of the windows of your apartment. The curtains were still drawn, but he pushed them aside long enough to unlatch them and open them to let some fresh air into the room. He shut the blinds of your little balcony doors, too, to darken the living room before he went to put himself to work. His parents had a soup recipe they taught him that he was certain would help you get better soon, and he could make plenty so that it’d last you a few days.

Even if he had to call his mom to make sure he was doing it right, just to be sure. She had called him out on the fact he’d made it plenty of times before, but it was different now: he needed it to be perfect for you.

(She told him he’d have to introduce you the next time she came in person. He promised her that he would.)

The soup had been done for a while when half past twelve finally came, and Jun had sat around to ensure that you rested more. He set a place for you at your dining table with care, and then woke you up. Despite your insistence, he guided you to your chair with a hand gently placed at the middle of your back. You’d insisted you were fine, even going so far as to scowling when he tried to feed you himself, that you weren’t that sick... yet the moment your hand shook a little, Jun was there to steady you.

He helped you back to bed once you’d finished your soup and taken your medicine, leaving you with another chaste kiss on the forehead. He could hear a complaint dying on your lips as he tucked you into bed, saying he’d be right there if you needed him and to just call out. He shut the door to your bedroom, and let out a long sigh.

Now he had to make arrangements. Whatever extra pay he could give to someone covering his shifts over the weekend, he’d figure it out for sure later but kept the promise in tact. He needed to be there for you to help you recover, he decided. When that was done, he turned his attention to making himself a bowl of soup while he reached out to Joshua. He asked if he (or anyone else who knew your address) could bring some vitamins for you, since he didn’t want to leave you in case you needed him. He said he’d arrange for something, and Jun was later met with the face of someone he recognized (Seungkwan--the one who always came to his restaurant with his two roommates). He’d said something about how he was the one who helped bring you home after a night of drinking, and that he always had extra vitamins in case of emergencies before realizing he was rambling. Seungkwan had passed the bag to him and wished you well before bowing and running off.

(Jun would pack his to-go container extra full next time he ordered something, free of charge. Just as thanks for helping him.)

Jun did the icky chores for you in the meantime: doing the dishes quietly so as to not disturb you, cleaning up the building up trash that you’d likely been too tired to do yourself, wiping down counters, doing the laundry... You’d probably whine at him later for going so far for you, but he’d humbly remind you that you would do the same (and more) if he was the one sick. This, in his mind, was the least he could do to ensure your focus stayed on resting and recovering. And at the end of the day, after he managed to get some broth into you since you didn’t feel like getting out of bed, Jun tucked himself into bed on your couch.

It was the next morning that you actually looked better. He could feel a warmth in his chest when you told him you were actually able to fully keep his soup down when other things hadn’t fully agreed with you. He liked to think it was the love that helped you heal.

It was ten months into your relationship that Jun officially moved in with you. His roommate, Kwon Soonyoung, had made the decision to move in with his girlfriend since the two had been together for a little over a year and their lease was ending. He’d been stressing to you a bit while spending the night at your apartment that he wasn’t sure about finding a new roommate... so you’d shrugged and told him to come live with you, if he wanted. He had perked up, a little taken aback by the bold offer, and it led to you apologizing for bringing it up so soon.

“No, it’s okay,” he said. “I just don’t want you to feel rushed. If you’re ready and you want me to... I would love to.”

Which led into the moving process. Goodbye, just a drawer you reserved for him: you happily shifted things around so that Jun now shared both your dresser and your closet with you. You’d spent all of yesterday unpacking his things with him, and now you awoke with a giddy feeling when you turned over to see his sleeping face.

So you decided you’d celebrate this step in your relationship with breakfast for the two of you. Only for Jun to wake up halfway through, and finally come into the room. He’d been half-asleep as he drifted toward you, arms wrapping warmly around you as he pressed kiss after kiss into your neck and shoulders and jaw. It was distracting, sure, but you’d accept this kind of distraction any day.

His eyes fluttered shut, and you could feel the curve of his smile as he planted one last kiss against your neck. “I like this.”

“Me making you breakfast?” You had teased, shifting just enough that Jun could settle into your further.

“This,” he squeezed you a little. “Waking up with you. Seeing you in the morning...”

It wasn’t the first time he’d done that--both of you knew that--but... It did feel nicer now knowing that you’d come home to him, too. You gently patted one of his hands before going back to whisking eggs, casually running through your plans for the day. Grocery shopping, since you were running low on several things (these were the last of the eggs, you casually noted). He offered to go with you since he had time before he had to go into his restaurant and start prepping for the day, and you already liked the sound of that. The idea of doing domestic things with Jun made you happier already, even if plenty of them were things you’d done before.

The breakfast you shared together was the first of many in this new page of your lives, now thoroughly intertwined the same way that the two of you would be at the end of each day. Jun would happily kiss you with the sweet taste of grapefruit juice still lingering after breakfast, and wordlessly end up pushing a shirt toward you when you followed him to change (you insisted on putting the dishes up: he’d be doing the heavy lifting of the groceries, after all). Two white shirts and black jeans, just to ensure the two of you clearly matched.

You thought to yourself that you’d fallen in love with one of the cheesiest men... but you wouldn’t trade that for anything else. Wen Junhui was yours, through and through, just as much as you were his. 

Love would be stored in the snacks that you wordlessly bought because you knew he loved them. In the drinks that he placed into your cart without dropping the conversation, the flavors matching your own liking. In the way that the two of you already seemed to have dinner figured out (you would cook tonight, you told him, because you wanted to spoil him a little) and Jun casually picked your brain over ingredients. He would carry the bags home with you, and you would find places for each thing and take note of the things Jun had brought into your home. The cute mug with a cat painted onto it, the measuring spoons shaped like little whales that a friend had bought him...

There was an intimacy in Jun calling these things ‘ours’ now and you embraced it wholeheartedly, just as you would him every day if it meant living a happy life together.

“Honey? It’s late...”

It felt rare for you to fall asleep before Jun climbed into bed with you, but maybe it made sense this time. A little past midnight, you’d found Jun standing in the kitchen with cooking chopsticks in hand. From the moment you opened the door, you could smell the spices from the packet, and the sight of a tired Jun wasn’t exactly foreign to you. He’d extended restaurant hours a little later into the night a month ago (a few weeks after your first anniversary of dating), and with that came him coming home more worn out. Yet there he stood as he cooked.

He looked up with a hum, and then turned back to the pot on the stove. “Sorry,” he said. “Did I wake you up coming in?”

You shook your head and made your way over to him, and he wordlessly wrapped an arm around you as you hugged his side. “Just felt sad,” you sighed, head resting against him. “I had leftovers in the fridge.”

“Oh, you did?” He paused, frowning. “I didn’t see them...”

“That’s okay,” you leaned forward to steal a quick peck. “Are you hungry? I can take over.”

“Ah--It’s okay,” he shook his head. “I’m not starving, just...”

Needed a little extra after today. You understood: he worked a lot. He was looking for new hires, too, to help take a little of the burden off of him. The restaurant was starting to get more popular, and he’d considered expanding a bit since the store next door had long since closed...

“Do you want some?” He asked after a moment. “I don’t think I can eat all of this alone.”

You nodded, and then settled back into him. Then a thought occurred to you. “Should I fry an egg? I don’t mind.”

“Do you want to?”

You had already moved toward the fridge to get the eggs out. Wordlessly, you stood side-by-side with Jun as you hummed to yourself. Jun had cut off the eye he was using and instead watched you as you fried a few eggs--enough the both of you would be happy and full once you had finished your shared meal. Soon enough, the two of you sat at the dinner table across from one another, the pot between you.

Jun had dipped his chopsticks into the pot before you could, cupping his hand under the noodles as he offered you the first bite. Even instant noodles seemed to taste better when they were made by him.

“How are things going?” You asked afterward, picking up your own set of chopsticks.

“Busy,” he sighed. “But that’s good.”

Busy was definitely good, at least. Some huge celebrity had promoted his restaurant for no reason other than to be kind, and, despite how busy it made your boyfriend, it was nice for the extra money to be coming in. The good reviews since have definitely helped a lot, too. Even still, you hated seeing Jun like this: wore out because he spent hours upon hours working.

He looked up after a moment. “How are you?” It feels like we don’t get to talk much now.

“I’m okay,” you shrugged. “I’ll probably be staying late this week with Joshua and the others. We’ve got something big coming up. It’s a secret, though.”

Jun paused as he was about to take a bite. “If you want me to send something for all of you--”

“You don’t have to,” you said. “I know it gets busy with the dinner rush.”

Jun laid a hand over your own. “I mean it,” he said. “Seokmin doesn’t mind making an extra delivery for you and the others.” Let me take care of you still.

You intertwined your fingers with his. “Okay. If I can bring you anything during work, just let me know and I’ll come to the back door, okay?” Only if I can take care of you, too.

He smiled. “Okay,” he affirmed. “I will.” Then a pause, his hand withdrawing to reach for the nearby paper towel you’d brought over. “Does it bother you? Us being like this?”

“What? Working?” You rested your head in your hand. “It’s only temporary, right?”

“Right, but--”

“I’d be okay with it even if it wasn’t,” you reassured him. “Your following your dream, Jun.”

“You’re my dream, too,” he said outright, and then paused as he realized what he’d spoken aloud. Even in the low light, you could see how his face must be burning hot. “I mean--”

“You’re my dream as well, Junnie,” you giggled. “We’re working on it, though. It’s okay if you’re busy right now: take care of the restaurant and yourself. I’ll be right here, cheering you on. That’s what we do for each other, right?”

“I love you.”

Something about the weight of it felt... different. He’d said it to you before, and yet it felt heavier now. A firm statement, a declaration, instead of just a loving phrase shared between the two of you. Jun would say it against your lips in sleepy kisses, or against your skin in intimate moments, and yet... This felt as though it was bigger than all of those times. He just sat across from you, looking far more awake than he did earlier, as if something about needing to say it now was enough to rouse him again. 

“Jun--”

“I mean it,” he said, gentler this time. “I love you. I think... I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.”

You were careful as you leaned over the table, the lingering heat from the pot near nothing to you as you kissed him gently. “I love you, too,” you told him, words holding a newfound weight to them. One that you were happy to carry.

A pause. He stared at you for a moment, and then you could hear him softly laugh.

“We’re so sappy, aren’t we?” He watched as you settled back into your chair. “I mean it, though. Soonyoung used to talk about how he thought he met his soulmate in his girlfriend, and... I think I understand it now, too.” He reached for your hand after he pushed the pot aside, ramen only half-eaten at this point. “I think... There’s a string that connects me to you,” he said. “And I’m happy I found you.”

“Technically Joshua introduced us to each other,” you teased. “He told me to thank him at our wedding.”

Another laugh, oh-so-warm and full of nothing but love for you and your friends. “I guess I will,” he smiled. His gaze fell to the pot of ramen, to which he pulled back over. “Let’s finish this and go to bed, okay? I want to sleep in with you tomorrow.”

Thank god for lazy Saturdays. Even if Jun still had to go to work, you could stay in bed, cuddled up with him as long as the two of you wanted before he had to leave. 

The two of you finished off the ramen before leaving it in the sink to soak, a loose promise for one of you to wash it properly in the morning. With teeth brushed and faces washed, you and Jun curled back up into bed together, stealing sleepy kisses from one another as you found a cozy position to sleep in. His legs were intertwined with your own, your head cradled onto his chest so you could hear his heart beating, an arm securely wrapped around you...

Wen Junhui had become your home so easily. And you, happily, were his.

taglist: @twancingyunhao​ @wonuziex​ @synthetickitsune​ @wonderfulshinee​

[creelteeth]

post anything perv steve related PLEASE

i have so many ideas for him don’t u worry !!

cw: innocent/clueless reader. mentions of steve manipulating reader

thinking about best friend perv!steve who calls you every night before bed to listen to you tell him about your day. he’s always so interested in what you have to say, doesn’t want you to leave out a single detail. the longer you talk, the more time he has to jerk his cock to the sound of your pretty voice.

it’s like he became your personal diary somehow. the day doesn’t ever feel complete to you until you get to say goodnight to him over the phone. unbeknownst to you, steve does not hang on to anything you say. he just wants to hear you talk. it doesn’t really matter what you talk about, he still manages to become painfully hard.

it’s a routine for both of you at this point. he sits by the phone awaiting your call each night. as soon as you chirp out your greeting which tends to be a “hiii stevie” his cock starts to ache.

he’d gotten pretty good at getting you to say certain things to push him along. beginning every conversation by telling you how much he misses you, it wasn’t a lie at all, but hearing you say you miss him too just made his balls tighten. he knew you were too oblivious to his perversions to understand why he wanted to know what your pj’s looked like. he’d still worked his way around it just incase you got curious. convincing you that you guys could match even in your slumber, since you are best friends after all.

“color?“ he questioned, hands fumbling with the string of his pajama pants, loosening the knot tied at the waistband. tugging them down around thighs in one fell swoop.

“its blue this time— that’s what you wanted right?” you answered, looking down at yourself and the skimpy blue pair of pajamas he’d bought you.

“mhm,” he paused, spitting into his palm smearing the wetness around the throbbing tip. “blue.. with the, the socks to match right?“

the question made you lift your legs off the bed. had your feet up in the air, toes wiggling in the cotton. giggling a bit at yourself while answering him “yep! they’re super cozy, my feet are toasty warm you were right.”

he didn’t say much else beyond a few simple praises, waiting for you to start chattering away. he was usually never talkative at night, only ever in the mood to listen. tonight more than usual he was having a bit of a hard time stifling his noises — so he figured if he didn’t say much beyond “oh yeah?” and “mhm” he’d be okay.

the silence on his end echoed through the landlines, along with the sticky wet sounds of his cock fucking through the tight o-shape his hand made. you didn’t notice the wet noises, far too lost in your own storytelling.

what you couldn’t see from your end was steve laid out on his bed, dreary eyes fixed on the framed picture of you that he sat on his nightstand. he held onto the thick shaft of his cock, fist squeezing just below the bright pink tip. he’d been listening to you go on about something your teacher said to you in class— his thumb pressing firmly against the leaky slit, gliding back and forth over the most sensitive spot.

the extra attention being paid to his swollen tip made him dazed. he’d almost forgotten that you could hear him too. head dropping back against the pillow, a sharp gasp coming from him beginning to near an unreasonably intense edge.

“so… yeah the presentation ended and— steve?” you cut yourself off, the odd noises coming from him startling you.

steve didn’t reply immediately, all you heard was his scuffling around the bed. a quiet string of fucks whispering out of him. he didn’t stop what he was doing, just changed his posture a bit to be sitting up against the headboard.

“ s’okay almost dropped something, s’all. just keep going, baby.” he nudged you on, words slurring together through an unusual bout of panting.

“uh.. are you sure everything’s good? I can call back tomorrow morning” your tone was weary, assuming you must be boring him with all your rambling.

“no!” he protested immediately, hips fucking upwards, pelvis hitting against his forearm. “need you stay with me, angel… ‘m good. what happened after the, fuck, the presentation?”

the strain in steve’s tone became more obvious, though you couldn’t figure out why he sounded so out of breath. he’d reached a point where he just needed to finish. didn’t care if you recognized what was going on, he wanted to cum and wanted you there for the event.

“mmkay stevie, i’m still here. after the presentation he pulled me aside and told me that he really enjoyed my— “ you hesitated to speak but did as steve said carrying on about the day you had.

when your tone went back to normal, rambling picking up again so did steve’s noises. at this point he had the landline propped up on his chest, one hand making desperate and harsh tugs of his twitching cock while the other squeezed at his heavy full balls.

“shit,” he hissed, cutting you off once again. cock thrashing in his hand, begging to spill all over.

his spoke through gritted teeth. “baby, d’you love me?“

you’d always thought it was an odd question for him to ask, considering you did everything possible to show him how much you love him. a pout forming on your end of the call, wondering what you did to make him wonder that.

"course I do, stevie. you know I do." you reiterated, just so happening to skip over the specific word he needed to hear.

he didn't know why it sent him over the edge the way it did, but he craved it. you devotion to him was intoxicating.

"need you to say it f'me, pumpkin. please? please. " he whined out, the desperation in his tone made your heart skip a beat.

"I love you, steve. so much. so, so, much." you spoke matter-of-factly, smile so wide you were sure he could hear it through the phone.

the declaration was all he needed to come. cock throbbing out hot ropes, landing all over the thick patch of hair at the bottom of his stomach. he brought a hand up to chew on his knuckles, trying not to make it so obvious was he was doing, though you could hear some of it. the gritted noises that came from him, heavy breaths.

you had no idea what was going on but that was fairly normal for you. he didn't let you ask many questions, when you asked he simply directed you back to the ideologies he'd engrained in your clueless little mind.

good girls don't ask questions.

good best friends take care of each other.

steve knows whats best for you and he always does what's right.

you weren't too sure which of the mantras you'd been taught fit this scenario. all you knew what that you had that fuzzy feeling in your tummy again. the sounds he made, made you clench your thighs together. you'd never admit that though. instead you carried on talking, just like he'd taught you.

[solarianradiance]

“J-J-JAKE!” Shouted Finn.

“FINN!” Shouted Jake.

“DUDE! YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS, BUT YOU G-GOTTA LISTEN!” Finn demanded.

“You fought the Ice King who left you frozen where while he kidnapped Princess Bubblegum?” Jake asked.

“O-o-oh... y-y-you already kn-n-now?” Finn shivered.

“Yeah!” Jake replied in a flat voice as he picked up a large rock, using it to strike with great force against the ice of Finn’s feet. The icy shackles shattered easily, having been cracked by the invisible woman. “Kinda figured that out with all the ice and stuff.”

Finn stumbled over; he was free but still cold. “B-b-but how did you know it wa-...w-w-was Princesss-s-s-s-s-s-s bubblegum?”

“이 사람은 누구입니까?” Asked Lady Rainicorn she floated in.

“W-w-w-what the chuck-wagon is that?!” Finn said, almost panicking.

Jake stretched himself into a cozy sweater and attached himself to his brother to warm him up. “Ease yourself buddy, take it easy! Lady is a friend! She knows the Princess! Found her up the river! She explained everything!”

“음, 바나나가 대부분을 설명했습니다. 우리는 거의 이야기하지 않았습니다.” Said the Rainicorn.

“Yeah, I guess ya did, sorry ‘bout chewin your ear off like that, you were kind of... dazed.”

“그녀가 붙잡힌 것 같습니다.” Said Lady as tears welled up in her eyes. “나는 그녀를 구출해야합니다!” She then flew off, crying and sobbing.

“Wait, WAIT! COMEBACK!!! Aw danggit!” Jake scoffed in frustration.

“What she say? D-do ya know?” Finn asked.

“Never mind that, you doin okay man? Anything broken?” Jake asked, wanting to know if his brother was injured.

“Nah, J-...j-just cold... and down.” Finn asked as she breathed.

“Okay, you fought the Ice King, right? Tell me what happened!”

“What’s it look like happened?!” Finn said with anger peppering his words with a touch of sadness. “I flumped up! He stole the Princess and almost killed me! A-and... I-I... couldn’t keep my promise.”

“Promise? What promise?”

“I... promised I would protect her, l-like a hero would, like Billy!” He said in a glum voice. “But then I broke it cuz I didn’t finish off the Ice King like I think I should have and he got the upper hand and left me here while he carried off the Princess.”

“Wow... that’s a doozy! And a lot to take in!” Jake contemplated. “Hmmm, you said you didn’t finish him off? What do ya mean zactly?”

“Um... basically I knocked the cobs out of him and he was down and knocked out cold, or at least we thought he was. Princess Bubblegum told me to... finish him off. But I didn’t, so he got the upper hand. Now the Princess is kidnapped cuz I didn’t have the strength to do what was right.” Finn hung his head in shame. “All cuz I didn’t wanna finish off a guy who just tried to kill me.”

Jake was concerned for Finn, usually he was energetic, but this defeat was a really blow to his ego. But Jake was also a bit proud of his Brother for sparing a fallen foe. In fact that’s what he’s gonna go with in this peptalk.

“Naw dude.” Jake said as he unsweatered himself from Finn and returned to normal in front of him. “What you did took real inner strength to do!”

“Huh?” Finn asked, confused. “No it didn’t! I shoulda finished him off like the Princess ordered me to! Then this mess wouldn’t have gone down! I don’t have what it take to be a hero!”

“No. What you did is something a lot of peeps forget about. Mercy! You showed mercy to a worthy foe and didn’t forget he was a person.”

“Dude! He tried to FREEZE me to death! After I vouched for him to boot! I shoulda taken him down! Like Billy would have, no probs!” Finn countered, anger souring him.

“No. Finn. You showing mercy is something that sets you apart from Adventurers and keeps you from being an Evil Villain or a Neutral Mercenary. You didn’t lose track of your moral code! That makes you a Good Hero, by the process of elimination ironically!” Jake explained with a modest cheerfulness.

“That... kinda makes sense.” Finn agreed, slightly feeling better about his actions.

“Heck yeah it does! A real jerk woulda killed the dude that tried to kill you while he was down. But you didn’t! That makes you a real Knight in fabric armor AND safe from any legal prosecution to it being well within the parameters of self-defense! I think. Don’t quote me on that.” Jake said with half-hearted certainty.

“Yeah, I guess that really does make sense. Thanks Jake.” Said Finn, with a bit more of his usual pep in his words, a sign the pep-talk worked.

“Ya darn welcome buddy! Now come along with me! We got a Rainicorn and her Princess to save and an Ice Guy’s butt ta kick!” Jake beckoned.

“What?! Heck no! We can’t take him on!” Finn protested.

“Why not? You took him down, like you said! We can take that guy no problem!” Jake scoffed.

“Yeah, but only becuz he was holding back the whole time a goofy weirdo! He’s way stronger than we are!” Finn explained, worried about their mortality. “We’re just a couple of level 2 adventurers going up against a level 13 Dungeon Boss! Psycho is way outta our level range! He’ll destroy us! We’ll be TPK’d before we even reach his hideout! It’s suicide!”

“Well what do you expect us to do then?! Play cards or somethin!?” Jake asked.

“We go home and let the professionals deal with it! This whole adventure sitch is bonked!”

“Dude! We ARE the professionals!”

“No, we’re not! Or at least I’m not! I’m a kid!”

“Finn, where the heck is this coming from?! You were dungeon diving and fighting off monsters just yesterday! I know you’re still new to all of this, but setbacks comes with the territory of this profession.”

“Yeah, but... nobody elses life has been on the line quite like this! I’m worried the Ice King might kill her or something messed up like that if we go to rescue her! He WAS about to 69 me! So won’t he go crazy and 69 her?”

“He...WHAT?! 69?! Where tha heck didjya hear that term from?! Goodness!” Jake asked, going full parent mode.

“From the Ice King! It means killing people! I think ...right?” Finn answered.

“Uh... yeah, except it’s 86. 86 is the term. 69 is... meaningless nonsense. He made a mathematical mistake.” Jake said with relief he didn’t have to explain what 69 actually meant, or as to why people would ever 69. It was that sort of subject Jake would probably never fully explain to Finn if he can help it.

“Look, Finn, that girl needs our help! She needs that help NOW, and you made a promise to protect her! This is EXACTLY what we signed up for!” Said Jake, trying to motive his brother.

Finn remained anxious and fearful. He did not want to face the Ice King again. “But he’s so much more powerful! Like I said! Way too much for either of us to handle! He can 1-hit kill us dude! I love Mom & Dad, but I ain’t ready to see em yet!”

“Maybe, but it’s like ya said! We’re a coupl-a-level-two’s goin up against a level 13 Ice Wizard that you almost defeated by yourself! With our levels combined, we’re a level 4 party duo! Our power just doubled! You know what that means?!”

“That’s Algebraic!” Finn said with an upbeat flatness.

“Yup!” Jake confirmed. “And since we’re a pair, that means we got extra actions on the guy!”

“Which makes it calculicious!” Finn said as he hopped to his feet with growing enthusiasm.

“Yeah! Calculicious!” Jake agreed. “And with our combined creative wits and skills, makes our overall chances of taking him down way higher!”

“Alphanumeric!”

“YEAH! I think, maybe, probably.” Jake being unsure of his brother’s phrases.

“PROBLEMATIC!” Finn shouted.

“Darn right it is! And what this problematic... problem... um... needs is a... coupla do-gooders like us to solve it...”

There was a long awkward pause between the two. Neither was sure of what to say or do.

“Point is Finn, don’t doubt yourself so much! You got this bro! We both do! Together!” Jake then gave Finn a grin. “What time is it?” Jake asked, barely concealing his excitement.

“It’s...” Finn began, inhaling, knowing exactly what Jake meant. “ADVENTURE TIME!!!” He yelled out for all the world to hear. Finn & Jake then bumped their fists together.

“That’s my brother! Now let’s go fulfill that promise you made to the Princess and go rescue her! Come along, Finn!” Jake stretched himself larger, becoming quadrapedal, upon which Finn hopped on top of.

“Wait! Hold up!” Finn said with urgency.

“What is it? Gotta take a leak?” Jake asked.

“Nah, see that rod thing in the ice?” Finn pointed at a particular part of the stream, still frozen.

Jake spotted what he meant and broke through the stream and pulled it out, examining the item. “What is it?” He asked.

“Flamethrower! It’s the Princesses! Might come in handy!” Finn said, as he checked to see if it was still working, which judging by the burst of fire into the air, it was. “WHOA-OH!!”

“Careful with that man! Playin with fire is dangerous!” Jake said mindfully. “But you’re right, this could come in handy!”

The two then rode off into the mid-morning sunrise.

Finn was feeling much better, especially after having sat on that ice for so long. But he still felt sadness and anger towards himself for failing the Princess and a fear of facing the Ice King again. He did not want to die, but he also felt the fear of failing her again. He did not know which was worse.

But he was also curious about the Invisible girl. Who was she and how long was had she been there during the fight? Why did she not do anything? Or WAS she doing something? Or was she really a girl and not just a really girly sounding guy?

Most important question of all in this moment, why were they heading towards the Candy Kingdom?

“Uh Jake!” Finn piped up.

“Yeah buddy, what is it?!” Jake said with excitement.

“We’re supposed to be going to the Ice Mountains!”

“OH!” Jake said with surprise as he course corrected by turning into the right direction. “I knew that!”

“Haha! Silly Dog!” Finn commented, jolly as a rancher.

Adventure Time Presents: The Good, The Fair & The Beautiful. - Chapter 9 - Zalloj - Adventure Time (Cartoon 2010) [Archive of Our Own]

[uwingdispatch]

Endlessly

Endlessly

Notes: Cassian Andor/Reader, everyone lives au, post-rebellion, hurt/comfort, emotional hurt/comfort, disabled reader, domestic fluff, fluff and angst

**CW: **chronic illness, migranes disability, implied sexual intimacy, 

Ao3 Link

★★★★★★★★

You’d had plans this weekend. You and Cassian were meant to be in hyperspace right now, on your way to visit friends. But you knew this morning you’d have to call off the trip. You’d told Cassian to go without you. That you had Arseven, your support droid, and could call someone if there was an emergency. But he wouldn’t even consider it.

And as the sun begins to set you’re thanking the stars that Seven has somehow convinced the pharmacy droid to give you just enough migraine tablets until your doctor can see you next week.

In the kitchen the kettle whistles and you grit your teeth, hissing as you squeeze your eyes closed. Cassian curses as he rushes from where he’s sitting to stop the noise.

You open your eyes when you hear him set a tea cup on the living room table. He sits down next to you on the sofa and you curl into his body, laying your head on his chest, the softness his clean cotton t-shirt cozy and warm.

“Sorry about the kettle,” he says. “I wish you would let me take you to the clinic. At least let me make you something to eat.”

“Seven will be back with my meds soon,” you say. “I shouldn’t have let my prescription lapse.”

Tenderly, Cassian cups your face in his hand, kisses your temple. “I should have reminded you.”

“You know I hate when you do that. It isn’t your fault.”

“You just don’t seem like yourself, my heart,” he says, holding you close. “You’re sure you don’t want to see a doctor? There’s a Navy neurologist who owes me a favor—”

The door clicks and slides open and Arseven rolls straight into your living room, whistling and chirping her concern.

“You are a miracle, Seven,” you tell her as she hands you your pills. “This will help so much. Can you bring me my canteen? I think I left it in the bedroom.”

Kay lumbers in from the garage. “No improvement?” he asks.

He’d found you in tears last night, after Seven had docked into her charging station. You hadn’t wanted to wake Cassian as he’d been sleeping poorly over the last few days, dealing with a nasty bout of insomnia. But Kay had heard you when you dropped a bag of ice on the kitchen floor. Despite his own medical protocols, he decided to wake up Cassian himself.

“Not yet,” you say. “But soon, I think. Thank you for taking Seven to the pharmacy.”

“I can’t remember the last time you had a headache this bad,” Cassian says.

Seven hands you your canteen as she rattles off a date in beeps and chirps. It’s a date long before the little astromech had been a mainstay in your life, and Cassian appears startled.

“How do you know that?” Cassian asks.

Seven whistles low: Medical records.

You watch his face while he puts it together. He’d been on Tatooine when that happened. And you hadn’t heard from him for two weeks. “You never told me you were sick while I was gone.”

“When you got back, I was just so relieved to see you. And I wasn’t sick anymore, so…I didn’t want to put that on you and chase you off again.”

You take your meds and close your eyes. With any luck the pain will abate soon and you’ll be able to eat something and keep it down. Seven tells you to call if you need anything before retreating to the backyard where she’s been helping Kay with a project in the garden.

“Hey,” Cassian whispers, caressing your face. “You could never chase me off. Not then, and not now.”

You thread your fingers through his long, dark hair and he brings his forehead to yours. There is nothing he could say that isn’t said in this touch.

“I believe you,” you say.

“Is the medicine helping?”

“It is.”

“Can I make you dinner?”

“Stay here with me, Cass,” you say. “Just a little bit longer.”

*

It was raining when he called, late into fall, the kind of night where you could see your own breath when you went outside to pick up a parcel that had been delivered. It had been a few weeks since you’d heard from Cassian, and it was just like him to call at midnight and tell you he needed to see you.

You’d been starting to wonder if something horrible had happened. And you were tired—this was the second time he’d disappeared like this with no communication. And last time he’d said it wasn’t something he did regularly, it had been an emergency. And you'd believed him—you still believed him—but you didn't know how much of this your heart could take. You hadn’t quite been together a year, but your relationship had gotten so intense so quickly and now you weren’t sure what to do.

But this was Cassian. Of course you told him he could come by.

When there was a knock at the door, your stomach flipped. Still you let the door slide open for him. He looked half-drowned, his hair dripping wet, his jacket soaked. When you took his hand, it was freezing cold.

“You came here on that?” you asked, noting the speederbike parked outside. “In the rain?”

“I needed the clarity,” Cassian said. “And my speeder is in the shop. It’s a long story.”

You let him inside and he shrugged out of his wet jacket and hung it up—something he usually didn’t do. Somehow this worried. you.

Pulling you toward him, he placed a soft kiss on your forehead before stepping back, realizing he couldn’t kiss this better. Knowing you had every reason to be upset.

“I know what this looks like—” he started. But you cut him off.

“Just tell me,” you said. “If this isn’t going to work out. If there’s someone else. Just tell me, Cassian. I’m exhausted.”

“No,” he said. “Of course not. There’s no one. Nothing like that. I just got caught up in something…delicate.”

“You mean dangerous.”

“Yes.”

You turned from him for a moment, mumbling that he was dripping all over you floor. As you went to the hall closet, you wondered how he could possibly make sense of this. Despite the baggage each of you brought to the relationship, you’d gotten through the high holidays with just a few hiccups. You’d both grown comfortable. He was at your place more often than not before this disappearance. More than once he’d used the word forever. So this? It was not only a breach of trust, but anxiety-provoking. Painful, even.

You returned with towels, throwing one to the floor where a puddle had started to form. Cassian took the other and began to dry off. Somehow, for a moment, everything seemed normal. But the truth still hung in the air like a fog.

“I didn’t hear from you for three weeks, Cassian.”

He let out a long breath. “I lost my comm on Tatooine. Mos Espa. I owed someone a favor. Someone you don’t say no to. I didn’t want to contact you on any comms I wasn’t in complete control of. Safety in Mos Espa—”

“I know about Mos Espa.”

“So you understand.”

“I understand that you’ve told me that this is the kind of thing you left behind.”

“It is,” he said, hanging his damp towel on a hook next to his coat. “It’s not who I am anymore. It’s not who I want to be, at least.”

“Okay.” Your breath hitched at the idea of Cassian owing favors to a cartel on Tatooine.  “Where’s Kay? I couldn’t reach him either.”

“He’s been with Jyn. Sensitive Navy business. I don’t even know exactly what they’re doing.”

“I hate this.”

“I know, my heart.” He held out his arm. “May I?”

You nodded and he pulled you into his embrace.

“I thought you were ignoring my messages,” you said. “I thought maybe you were leaving and didn’t want to deal with a goodbye.”

“I do hate goodbyes,” he said. “But I’d never leave you like that.” He paused. “Truthfully, as long as you’ll have me, I’ll never leave you at all.”

From the corner of your eye you spot a pair of his boots, left here before his unplanned trip to Tatooine. You’d looked at them every time you left your apartment, wondering where he was, what you’d done wrong, whether he was okay. But now you remembered the night he told you about the Imperial prison, how he escaped with Melshi, no shoes on either of them, how their feet were raw and bloodied when they finally made it to safety. How all of this had spilled out of him when you told him you liked his new boots. You took a deep breath, considering how much of his life he’d offered to you, the kinds of things he didn’t tell anyone else.

Cassian caressed your back, his hand running softly over your thin t-shirt as he held you close. “I don’t owe any more favors to anyone you wouldn’t want to invite to dinner,” he said.

And you laughed then, looking up into his warm, brown eyes. You knew he was a skilled liar—because he’d told you as much. It came with the job, with what he used to do. But he’d also told you he’d never lie to you, and he’d never given you any reason to doubt his honesty.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

You replied, “I know.”

“I tried to send you a message from the ship’s comms, but I was out of range. It couldn’t find your device,” he said. “I just had to hope that when I got back I’d still have your trust.”

You reached to touch his face, every fiber of your being knowing that had any other man done something like this you wouldn’t have even let him in the door tonight. “You’ll earn it back,” you said.

“I will,” he said. “You have my word. This…was unintentional. But you deserve better. I know that.”

“Then you’ll do better,” you said, letting him lean in until his nose brushed against yours.

“May I kiss you?” he asked.

And when you said yes he kissed you with a desperation you hadn’t experienced before—somehow both apology and catharsis, his lips capturing yours deep into a promise you wouldn’t soon forget.

“You’re shivering.” you said, pulling back for a moment, noting the goosebumps along Cassian’s muscular arms, realizing he’d only been wearing a white undershirt under the wet jacket he’d shed as soon as he’d come in the door. “Take off your shoes. Let me get you warm.” You took his hand, leading him to your bedroom.

“I don’t want to do anything you don’t want to,” he said as you ease his t-shirt over his head.

“Cassian,” you said, “all I want right now is you.”

*

You’d forgotten that this medication had a tendency to knock you out. And when you wake, still on the couch, the sun has fully set. Your tooka-cat has curled up around your knees and you can feel him purring. You sit up, trying to shake sleep from your head.

“I was wondering if you’d wake, my heart” Cassian says. He’s at the kitchen island, slicing fresh bread. “Do you think you can eat something for me?”

You smile. “Yeah…I’m pretty hungry actually.”

“Good,” he says. “It’s just some noodles and broth. I threw in some of the veggies Seven brought in from the garden. You think you can handle that?”

Cassian brings you a bowl of noodles and a slice of buttered bread. He’s taken to wearing an oversized cardigan around the house, and there’s something sweet and vulnerable about it. You know the hardened soldier is still in there, but it’s good to see how comfortable in himself he’s grown since you first met. How much his walls have come down.

The tooka jumps up and heads to the kitchen, crying for his dinner. You’re about to get up to feed him but Cassian eases you back down onto the sofa. “Eat, darling. I’ll take care of the little beast.”

You hear him pouring the kibble, cooing at the pet he always claimed to dislike but who had taken to him the first night you’d let the man into your home. When Cassian returns to your side, he has a bowl of noodles for himself. You eat together in comfortable silence for a while. Outside, the rain has started to come down.

“This tastes like home,” you say.

Cassian looks startled. “Like home?” he asks.

“Is something wrong?”

“No,” he says, resting his hand gently on your knee. “It’s just that…my mother used to say that. There was this one meal my father used to make, back on Ferrix, before things got bad. It wasn’t anything fancy, but…she always said that it tasted like home.” He pauses. “Stars, they would have loved you.”

You place your empty bowl on the table next to his, reach out to take his hand, and squeeze. He pulls you toward him, presses a sweet kiss to your lips, caresses your cheek with his fingertips, his hands so soft now, so far from the years of combat and struggle.

“How are you feeling?” he asks. “I’d really like to take you to bed.”

“Would you?” you ask.

He kisses your jaw, your neck, pushes aside the collar of your shirt to kiss your collarbone. “I would.”

You stand, offering him your hand as he gets up from the sofa, leading him to the bedroom where your clothes soon find their way to the floor. The rain is coming down hard as you ease your way under the covers, Cassian on top of you, your hands sliding from his firm chest to his bearded jaw and into his hair.

“I love you,” he says, his hand making its way over the sensitive skin of your inner thigh.

And he kisses you again before you can tell him that you love him, too. Because he knows. You both know. As he ducks under the covers you hear him whisper something in Kenari, a term of endearment and a promise. A word that doesn’t have an equivalent Basic, the closest word being “eternal.” But so much sentiment is lost in that translation.

And as the rain pounds on the transparisteel of your bedroom windows, you thank the stars that this gentle man somehow managed to make it across the stars to you. That you both survived all that you did to hold each other close both in times of crisis and in times like this as he kisses your tummy, whispering words you can’t entirely make out as he eases his way toward your pleasure.

Tomorrow, you think—tomorrow you will take care of him the way he took care of you today. Maybe a small outing, something to make up for your missed trip. Because even though he’s the first one to tell you that he doesn’t deserve happiness, that there’s blood on his hands, that he’ll never wipe the slate clean—he’s wrong. Cassian deserves the galaxy, and if you can, you’ll give it to him.  

★★★★★★★★

Thank you so much for reading! I hope this fic makes you feel seen and loved, especially as we enter the holiday season which I know can be difficult for a lot of us.

I have a taglist now! Sign up here if you want to be tagged in future fics. (And choose if you only want to be tagged for certain characters.) In the meantime, I’m tagging my taglist as well as some folks who have been reblogging my fics. Love y’all!

@writingbylee @waterpancakeao3 @zinzinina @princessxkenobi @aerynwrites @belfry-bat @phoenixhalliwell @r1-sw-lover @laserbrains @darthanakn @lovedbyth3sun @usernamesarebitches @maul-ologue @operation-spot @writeforfandoms @akgracemk @littlemousedroid @strwrs @saveatruckrideoptimusprime @galaxtic-writings @mintpurplemnm @multifandom-fic-rec-blog @septimaseverinafavfanfic @feyredarling92 @againstacecilia @elasticreality @zombiedixon89 @forresway @diaryofkali @alistocats @favficss @themandadolorian @slytherinlyn314 @ginger-swag-rapunzel @lyuir

[my-soupy-brain]

got a terrible headache today and just want some comfort from ted :(

Oh goodness, this came at a good time. But by now your headache has hopefully passed. But I'm fighting a nasty one today. So let's see how Ted can help. Let's gooo!

---

Relationship: Ted Lasso x reader

Warnings: None, all comfort

---

You winced at the fluorescent lights in the club. The hallways, while dimly painted, were still bright. And this headache didn't come to play around.

As you passed your boyfriend Ted in the hallway, he could see the pain etched on your face, the way your fingers rubbed one temple.

"Darlin'?" he asked, turning around to catch you.

You looked at him, one eye winked shut from the pain.

"Can I get ya anything?" he asked worriedly, his eyebrows bunched together. You shook your head.

"Naw, that's OK, sweetheart. I'm just heading to my office to take a breather."

Ted looked down the hallway, saw Beard who saluted him to give him the go-ahead to follow you and help.

You turned the lights off in your office and sat on your loveseat, rubbing your head and groaning. Ted slipped in the door and sat next to you, putting his arm around you.

"C'mere, darlin'," he coaxed quietly, laying your head against his chest while he ran his fingers through your hair softly.

He rubbed your neck a little, feeling the stiffness there, where you carry all your stress. With that, Ted had you turn your body so he could rub your shoulders and neck a little easier, letting your head fall backward on his chest a little.

"Oh sweetheart," he cooed. "I'm so sorry you don't feel good."

You nodded. "Just...stress..."

Ted hummed.

"How 'bout, we go home tonight -- my place. I'll cook ya a nice dinner, and we can curl up and watch some movies and just relax. I'll rub your feet for ya, draw you a bath, whatever would help."

You smile, he's always one or two or ten steps ahead with a plan to make things better.

"That sounds nice, Ted, but you don't have to go to all that trouble," you add, placing your hand over his on your shoulder. He kisses your ear and smiles, his mustache tickling the skin.

"It ain't trouble if it makes ya feel better, sugar," he answers quietly. "C'mon, grab your stuff. The day's almost over and ain't got much more to do. We'll call it and head off to Ted's Relaxation Experience."

You smile as you stand, grabbing your bag.

...

Ted did everything he said he would do. You wore cozy clothes, ate cozy food, and watched cozy movies. A slightly higher dose of pain relievers and you were feeling better.

"You're a good doctor, Ted," you complimented, looking up at his big eyes from his chest. "Thank you."

Ted leaned down and kissed your lips. "I'm just glad you're back to feelin' better..."

You marvel at your boyfriend. Taking such good care of you. Such a comfort.

"I love you, Ted," you offer, saying those three little words for the first time. It never felt more right. His heart skips a beat.

"I love you, too, darlin'."

---

Mmmm, Ted would be the ultimate comfort when you're sick, don't feel good, feel low, etc. And he knows you'd do it for him! Because he deserves it too. Thanks for this prompt, friend. Hope you're feeling better!

[retrowaving1]

Polish Versus Ukrainian Cuisine, Part 1

I have to confess, I have a little sin on my consciousness, namely, I visit Instagram sometimes. In most cases I do that just to catch up with my friends and family, but, you know, as most of young people of my age I just end up scrolling a tiny bit (usually, right until the moment I feel the urge to vomit, as I genuinely hate this place).

Recently, I came across a very cozy video where a Korean home cook mixes a Polish Pierogi Ruskie recipe with some Korean toppings. The thing that confused me the most, though, was the most liked comment under this video left by a Ukrainian woman who claimed that Pierogi Ruskie is a Ukrainian dish and is, in fact, called Varenyky. It's easy to assume that this person has never made a single dumpling, varenyk or pieróg in her entire life, as she kept on claiming that Pierogi Ruskie can have a lot of different fillings and that Polish Pierogi don't have such a big choice of fillings as Ukrainian Varenyky do, so, clearly, this person had zero idea what Pierogi Ruskie actually are, but that's not the point.

This comment made me wonder how different are the two cuisines of those Eastern European countries. Having lived long years in both countries, I thought it would be interesting to study this topic a little bit, namely from the perspective of the difference between the staple dishes in two cuisines. After all, we actually are what we eat, especially on the global scale. Everyone knows Italy for their brilliant pizza and pasta, and everyone knows Japan for sushi and tempura, and even though food is not the only aspect of those cultures that made them famous around the world, it definitely adds up to create a full picture of their collective cultural identity.

So, in this post I'd like to share some personal observations that I made throughout my life about Polish and Ukrainian cuisine having lived significant portions of life in both countries, being ethnically related to both and being wholeheartedly fascinated by food.

Disclaimer!!! I'm not a food scientist or chef, nor am I a professional historian. All the notes down here are mostly based on my personal observations and some basic research. I did consult a professional cook and a baker whom I know personally as they happen to be my family members. I do recommend treating everything I share here with a grain of salt (hehe, because we gonna talk 'bout cookin', hehe, so use salt) and bear in mind that different cooks have different approaches to their recipes and your personal experience with Ukrainian and Polish food might differ from mine. That being said, I encourage you to share these experiences whether you are Ukrainian, Polish or anyone else, really. I do not accept such arguments as "Ruskie because Kyiv Rus!", though, as it's not about arguing in the first place, it's about diving into the heritage of those two countries and talking about the food.

Pierogi vs. Вареники

Let's start with them culprits. I think those two dishes are the most confusing ones because of their similarity. Gosh, both of them are dumplings from Eastern Europe shaped like a growing moon, aren't they?

The dough for both dishes varies from region to region, from cook to cook. In my experience, both recipes need three basic ingredients:

- liquid

- salt

- flour

The rest depends, really. You can change the four, you can change the liquid, replacing water with milk or kefir, you can add an egg. I personally go with my mother's recipe which is boiling hot water, egg, AP flour and salt.

Two of the striking differences are their size and shape. It seems like Ukrainian dumplings are usually smaller, flatter and quite translucent in comparison to Polish ones, which are big, sometimes even huge (check Pierogi Po Bieszczadzku, they are bigger than my fists, I kid you not), they have a very full body and the dough itself is thicker (the reason is not so much ingredients in the dough as is the method of forming/cutting the circles out of it). They also have a lot of different really funny regional names which very often also refer to the size, shape, filling or method of preparation, for instance, Dzyndzałki (Warmian small dumplings served in soup), Bulwanki (Eastern Polish holiday pierogi with variety of savoury fillings), Sasznie (A type of dumplings from Eastern Borderlands that use potato in the dough) or Sójki (Masovian baked pierogi made with yeast).

The fillings of both Pierogi and Varenyky basically might create their own multiverse. In both Poland and Ukraine, I found so many different combinations of fillings that it would be a waste of time to write about each one of them. However, Pierogi most often have savoury fillings (from meat through cheese and potatoes though different types of groats and the list goes on and on..), while Varenyky have a bigger variety of sweet fillings, including the classic cherry filling. Also, Ukrainians seem to be not very much into the meat filling. In my childhood, I had never eaten meat dumplings in Ukraine, however, at the time, pelmeni were quite a popular alternative. Ah, classic Soviet influence - replace your own with something russian )yuck.

As for the toppings, depending on what kind of filling you are dealing with, there are many alternatives for both dishes, including chives, fried bacon, sour cream, melted butter, caramel sauce (haven't seen this one in Ukraine, but noticed it being popular in Poland with sweet cottage cheese Pierogi) and many others. Both dishes are absolutely marvelous even without any additions.

Now, if anyone says that Pierogi Ruskie are called that way because they are Ukrainian, they are not entirely wrong. This type of pierogi was invented in Eastern Galicia (a geographical region in Western Ukraine which was also used to refer to the Eastern part of Poland; The name derives from its Polish name of territory - "Ruś Czerwona" ("Ruthenia Rubra" in Latin)), however there's a high chance it happened when it was the part of Austrian Empire, when majority of population in this region, especially in big cities including Lviv, were Polish. Either way, this dish is much more popular in modern Poland and has lots of different regional variations that you can meet across the whole country (see the Bryndzylki designed by Polish Highlanders), while it's basically non-existent in Ukraine and in the country they are often called "польські пироги" (literally "Polish Pierogi". Pierogi Ruskie are prepared with cheese, onion and potato filling, while in Ukraine you are more likely to come across some Varenyky with potato, onion and bacon filling.

Thank you very much for your attention, share your dumpling preferences and experiences in the comments or in the reblogs, share your recipes, go crazy, and let's discuss the food!!

My pierogi variation with cottage cheese and strawberry jam filling (not the most attractively shaped one, but very tasty - my significant other approved them):

[typewriter-worries]

Book recommendations please (if possible)

[im looking for dark academia-ish, morbid-ish]

Hello there!

Here's some that fit the mold, I think. Not all of these are my favorite, but you might love them so I don't want to discount them!

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio - This is a perfect book that'll get you in the "dark academia" mood.

If We Were Villains is a mystery novel set in a New England acting conservatory during the 1990s. After tragedy strikes the fourth year class, we watch their friend group (friends mainly by proximity, mind you) start to unravel.

Calling If We Were Villains a "cozy" mystery wouldn't give the book fair credit. While you can curl up under a blanket, a cup of cocoa and read it while the fall leaves start to fall; it's more of a book that'll leave you on the edge of year seat wanting more. 

You can read my full review here

Breaking Point by Alex Flinn: This is a book that I often describe as a "beginner's guide to dark academia" due to both the subject matter and the age of the main character.

While it's set in a high school, this is still a novel in which the main character is asked the question almost all questions in dark academia books are posed, "How far are you willing to go?"

All that said, at risk of spoilers, this may be one to check the trigger warnings for. It's a pretty dark book, especially for being targeted towards young adults.

You can read my full review here

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin - This book is actually one of my favorite books of all times and deserves all the praise that has followed it since the year it was published.

Giovanni’s Room follows the story of David, a young man who’s fallen in love with both a young woman named Hella and another young man named Giovanni against the backdrop of 1950s Paris.

We read about, what some might call, a tumultuous love affair and a constant question of identity. Baldwin’s depiction of the internal struggle is masterful without being overtly extravagant.

While it's a slow-paced, shorter read; it'll leave an impression in the best possible way.

Fans of the Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa - This book is a bit of a modern retelling of Brideshead Revisted by Evelyn Waugh, with a few, maybe even many, liberties taken.

It follows the senior year of three teenagers: Jeremy, Mina and Sebastian. Over the course of the book, you go through the coming of age story of each character. Jeremy coming to terms with his identity, Sebastian and his bouts of self destruction and Mina’s relationship with her mental health. 

What's fun about this book (at least to me), is that it's told in three different point of views. Jeremy's is first, Sebastian's is second, and Mira's is third.

That said, there is a pretty infamous scene that I didn't like, but can be skipped over without losing any of the plot (If you read the book, you'll know what it is immediately.)

You can read my full review here

A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood - Much like Giovanni's Room, this a slow-paced short read that's heart wrenching.

It follows the life of George, a gay middle-aged professor living in southern California in the 1960s. We follow him as he processes the death of his late partner, actively still grieves and learns to deal with the concept of being alone, but not lonely.

While the book is very mundane, there's something so human about it, you can't wait to see what's to become of him.

Hope you enjoy the ones you choose to read; if you do, please let me know what you think!

[el-nervy]

Mismatched (Part 2)

Pairing: Loki x reader (Constructive criticism is welcome.)

 {I know it’s been years! I got lazy lol}

The competition day is very near, in fact, it’s tomorrow. You were so excited and nervous at the same time. These past few days, you force yourself to wake up early in the morning just to practice and ends the day with more practice. But today, you are planning to relax before the big day.

After finishing one of your odd jobs, you decided to go home right away. You were on your way home when someone called your name. You turned around and saw a very familiar chestnut-haired girl walking towards you. 

“Wanda!”, you gave each other a quick hug. “How are you?”

“I’m doing fine. How come you never visits us anymore?”, she pouted.

“I’m sorry. I was just so busy these past few days.”

“Hey! I’m just teasing you.”, Wanda laughed. “I know you were preparing for the competition. Pietro told me all about it.”

And as if on cue, Pietro ran towards the both of you.

“How are you, Y/N? Are you excited for tomorrow?”, Pietro placed his arm around your shoulders.

“Honestly, I feel very nervous right now. You know that this is my first time joining a competition.”, you sighed.

“Hey! You’ll be fine. You’ re a great archer. I know you’ll win that competition.” ,she said sincerely. 

“Thanks, Wanda.”, you gave her a genuine smile.

“Tomorrow, we will watch your first competition and  winning the first place, and after that we will celebrate!”  Pietro added.

“You will watch me compete?” 

“Of course! We wouldn’t miss it for the world!”, Wanda said as if it was so obvious.

“Thank you.”, you smiled genuinely at both of them.

You felt so lucky just being friends with the twins. The three of you known each other since when you were children. Your family moved from a small province to the big city when you were 6. You were enjoying exploring your neighborhood when you noticed that you were lost. You were trying hard to remember which way you came from but you couldn’t remember. You began to panic and you were about to cry when a young Pietro and Wanda approached you. They helped you find your way home. After that, the three of you are always together.

“Hey, I’m starving. How ‘bout we go at May’s?”, Pietro said while rubbing his stomach. 

“That sounds like a good idea.”, you replied.The three of you walked to May’s diner. 

The chimes rang as you enter the cozy diner. A brunette adolescent boy came out from the kitchen. “Welcome to Ma— Oh! Hey! It’s you guys!”, he greeted you with a big smile. The three of you returned the greeting. “Take a seat!”, he motioned the three of you to sit near the window. 

“Thanks, Peter. How’s it going?”, you asked.

“I’m doing alright. So you want the usual?”, Peter replied. All of you nodded.

“Alright! I’ll be right back with your food.”. As Peter walks back into the kitchen, a middle-aged, young looking woman came out. “Y/N, Pietro, Wanda! Long time no see! How you kids doing?”, the woman greeted with a warm smile. You all greeted back.

“You’re still as beautiful as ever May.”, Pietro grinned.

“You’re still a charmer.”, May ruffled Pietro’s hair.

“Sorry we couldn’t drop by here these past few days.”, Y/N apologized.

“That’s alright I know you guys are busy. Anyways , are you guys going to the royal feast tomorrow?”

“A feast?”, Wanda questioned.

“Oh my-! You don’t know about the feast?! People are talking about it for the past few days! The King is going to throw a feast tomorrow and everyone is invited.”

“What’s the occasion? Festival of Ostara is not until two weeks.”, Pietro asked.

“Well, there were rumors that the youngest prince is looking for a bride.”, Peter chimed in, placing the tray of food on the table.

“Where did you hear that?”, May asked.

“I just heard it from some customers.”, Peter answered.

“Peter and I are going to attend the feast. Are you kids decided to go to the ball?”, May asked the three again.

“Unfortunately, I can’t. I’m kinda busy tomorrow. Have fun at the feast”, Y/N replied back. 

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

You’re in your room, preparing your bow and arrows for the competition. You were making sure that everything is in perfect condition.

“Y/N.. May I come in?”, your mother knocked. You let your mother in your room.

“Do you need something, mother?”

“Tomorrow, the King will be holding a feast and it’s gonna be a really big one. Lots of people will attend. And we are short in helpers at the palace. If you could come with me tomorrow and give us a hand? They’ll pay us handsomely.”

You looked at your mother. You noticed the lines under her eyes that you haven’t seen before. She looked exhausted. “Of course, mother. I’ll help at the palace.” 

“Great! Get some rest now. Goodnight.”, she kissed your forehead and she left.

You released a big sigh. “What should I do now?”

To be cont...

[sophie-i-guess13]

From the list "70's and up." 'I remember when she used to make a lot of noise/ hopping and bopping with the corner boys' maybe a Soda x Y/N who notices how Y/N doesn't come on that side of town anymore, as if her name had been wiped, turns out she's hanging with socs, and that's got Soda all fucked up, cause he trusted Y/N, and doesn't know what she's said to them. Now however, he finds out...this wasn't by choice.

Creative freedom, my friend. Go wild. <3

I still remember when she used to make a lot of noise / hoppin’ and a-boppin’ with the street corner boys [ I knew the bride when she used to rock ‘n’ roll - Nick Lowe]

Sodapop Curtis x Fem!Soc!Reader. Y/N is in her villain era and I am so sorry

CW : sad sad sodie pop :(

I follow her through the hall and down the steps, backpack swinging on her shoulders as Y/N forces her legs to stay at least a good four steps ahead of me. I don’t wanna believe it- I can’t believe it. Even as the truth walks away from me, all dolled up in a pale blue blouse and white poodle skirt. “Y/N!” I call out again. She dodges my words and bodies as she pushes through groups of greasers and Socs alike, making a beeline for the sidewalk at the edge of the schoolyard. I lunge forward as her shoes tap against the concrete, my fingers hooking around the strap of her book bag.

“The hell do you want, Sodapop?” She scolds. I lose my words the second I see her; face painted in makeup she never wore when she ran with me and the guys. Her hair, curled to perfection, shifts on her ironed shoulders with each breath she takes, manicured nails tracing the line of pearls along her throat.

“What is this? You stop comin’ ‘round for weeks, then Two-Bit tells me ‘bout you comin’ into the cafeteria on some Soc’s arm? That you’ve been gettin’ cozy in the front seat of his Mustang?” She takes a step back, yanking her backpack from my faltering grip.

“Don’t say it like that,” Y/N snaps again, “God, you’re just like the rest of them! Don’t go playin’ the victim now, Sodapop, greasers are just as bad as Socs. Maybe worse.”

“You know that ain’t true,” I say desperately. I didn’t wanna believe Steve, or Two-Bit, not even my brother. But now that I’m looking at her, all I can think about is how Y/N’s slipping away. Swapping her life and memories for a couple expensive trinkets and the quarterback. “What’s goin’ on with you, Y/N? T-this ain’t like you-,”

Her eyes, as beautiful as ever, are narrowed into slits; burning with angry tears. “What’s not like me? The fact that I’m actually focusin’ on my future? That I’m not out gettin’ loaded every Friday night?” She takes another step back when I reach for her, dragging her hands through the air and shaking her head. “I wouldn’t expect you to know, but some kids outta take care of their parents when they grow up, Soda. You think I’m gonna be able to do that if I keep livin’ on the east end?”

I ignore the sting her words leave in my heart. She isn’t thinking straight- this isn’t her. She’s confused, scared even. She has to be- she… Y/N wouldn’t just say this. Not to me. “If it’s money that you’re worried ‘bout, Y/N, we can help you-!”

“Right,” she laughs bitterly, “you’re gonna take care of me and my parents, Sodapop. All on that salary you’re gettin’ at that gas station, right? Just you, me, couple babies, livin’ with your brothers ‘cause you can’t afford to move out.” I wanna say something, but my mind turns up empty. All I can do is watch uselessly as Y/N straightens out her skirt and turns her teary eyes up the street, where that damned Mustang has rolled to a stop. “Face it, Soda, kids like us need the money if we wanna make it past eighteen.” She traces her pearls again as my heart drops to my stomach. “We’re talkin’ ‘bout gettin’ hitched after graduation. He’s gonna take care of me. Better than any of the boys on our side o’ town could.”

I take her wrist when she turns to leave again, just in time to feel my own eyes sting with tears I didn’t deserve. All I wanted was for her to be happy- to be safe. So why was it so damn hard to let her go? “Please, Y/N,” I plead uselessly, “we can talk about this- we can fix this-,”

I’ll never forget the way she looked at me then, the harsh edge she used on her words when she shoved me back before climbing into the passenger seat of that Mustang. “Get off me, grease.”

[voidwritesstuff]

Dionysus and Charon.

Cw: suggestive themes,mentions of anger issues,depression,anxiety, abusive family, May be missing a few.

Summary: an elaborate fic for desmonds gay arc.

Wordcount: 10k ish.

The car stopped with a Rumble, its lights turn off,as the night Sky is lit up by a full moon and thr stars,Lucas turns to see desmond-- Ya really never been to this bar before?

--I mean yes but I havent been here in a good while-- desmond replied, undoing his seatbelt and opening the door,his friend copying him.-- Last time I was here I think...I think I graduated

--jesus!--Exclaimed Lucas,Closing the door of the car, to then lean on the hood of it-- you never go out to places like this? --His Friend looks at him like "do I look like someone who goes out to places like this?"-- right...Alright! 'M 'bout to change that,cmon.

"Dionysus Bar"  the purple neon bar read, it was decorated with images of grapes And wines, it flickered a little. The outside of the building looked like a crossover between modern 90s architecture and old rustic decor. Its beautiful and cozy,they can hear the buzz of the inside.

--Good thing we came early, this place gets so jampacked sometimes-- Lucas walks to the entrance, hearing his therapist close the door of the car and catching up.

As they enter, the first thing they feel is cold,then they see is a few round tables, the wood they're made out of is pretty dark. The walls are a light cream color, some of the parts are decorated with paintings and a few TVs have the latest football game playing.

--Huh,slow night-- the ex soldier thinks out loud-- Lets go to the actual bar,cmon-- desmond follows along,compliant and just admiring the place-- did it change much since the last time you were here?

--no,not really. Its pretty much the same

They reach the bar and sit, waiting for someone to take their order. The room has music and chatter as background noise, theres a few other people in the bar but neither of the two pay attention to them.

--Good evening,Gentlemen! What can i do for you?--A Man said behind the counter,both men turn to see the bartender. He was around 6'1, plump muscles and alert greyish green eyes, his beautiful brown hair with Orange highlights And royal blue underdye tied in a tight bun,yet a few of his baby hairs fall and frame his face perfectly.

He smiles, and his cheeks seem to fill up as he does so, his sideburns frame the Lower part of his face.

--Lazaro?--Asked Lucas with wide eyes and a smile.

--Lucas! How are you buddy?--Lazaro replied.

Desmond looks at his friend and the bartender, trying to not get lost in his green eyes-- wait,you two know eachother?

--Yeah Man! Hes jericos older brother, dont you recognize him?

He takes a second look, he sees the few holes in the Mans face where their piercings usually sit, then the Many tattoos on his exposed forearms. And then it clicks-- yes,apologies. I didnt recognize him without the piercings

Lazaro laughs and oh its the sweetest sound hes ever heard, joyfull and genuine, yet behind his eyes the therapist sees a sad glint he knows a little too well from Jerico ,his patient and sister of the Man before him.

--So youre my sisters therapist? Goddamn,the world is small,huh?--He replied leaning on the counter with a smile. Des wants to pull away and move closer at the same time.

--yes it is, I uh did not expect you to look so much like her,though-- the doctor replied.

--Oh right-- laz replied with a chuckle-- Well, yeah im her biological brother but we do look extremely alike. Its a little inside joke. Anyway,whats your Poison?

--Just two beers for now-- Lucas answered-- whatever line you have as long as its good

--Ten-four lieutenant-- He leaves for a quick second and grabs two beers, he makes sure its the coldest ones they have and returns. His muscles flex as he cracks the Open and desmond finds himself staring.

--your tattoos dont get you in trouble with your boss? -- Lucas asked.

--My boss says chicks dig the tatts,men too--,Apparently-- The bartender said, winking at desmond and flicking the two bottle caps to Lucas before leaving.

--Jerico likes them-- The soldier explained,putting the two caps on his pocket. He realizes his friend is too stuck on watching Laz serve the other costumers-- doc?

Desmond turns to see his friend with a grin, oh hes fucked up-- What?

--Why are you looking at Laz?

--Drop it, Lucas-- He replied with Pink cheeks.

--you should totaly talk to him, Ive spent time with him before, hes the sweetest!

--Absolutely not!

--Cmon doc! Live a little! Youve been checking him out,at least buy him a drink!

--Can bartenders drink during their shift?

--Well they do switch in a few minutes-- the soldier trails off.

--How Many times did you come here? Youre not even from milton-haven!--Desmond protested, a little flustered.

--I came a few times-- Lucas shrugged-- 'sides y'know me,doc. 'M quite perceptive

A few minutes pass by and Lazaro returns to the two men, mostly to clean up after himself. Thats when Lucas says-- Hey Laz! Can you drink during break?

--Yeah, why?

Desmond feels Lucas kick him in the shin and he flinches. His eyes refuse to meet the bartenders and instead settle on his drink-- W-Well we were uh- wondering if youd like to have a drink wi-with us...?

He doesnt see the bright smile Lazaro has on his lips--Fine then, oh I could so use a drink.

The therapist forces himself to make eye contact-- Wh-what do you drink?

His smile,oh god his smile, its sun incarnate just like his sister. Desmonds heart does a flip-- necromancer Martini. Though I feel kinda bad just making one for me

The therapist doesnt even hesitate-- Ill pay, I mean I invited you to drink with us, its only fair

--Desmond you dont gotta-- the younger Man said.

--I insist

--Let me at least half the price?

--No. Im paying

In that moment,lazaro's chest warms up and takes the money-- You are too sweet,Desmond. My sister's right

Desmonds face heats up and he sees Lazaro put the money in the register and gets to make his drink. Its hypnotizing to watch, how he moves around the bar like its second nature,his hips sway to the latin beat playing.

《Havana, ooh na-na

Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh na-na

He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na, ah

Oh, but my heart is in Havana

There's somethin' 'bout his manners.

Havana, ooh-na-na.》

Lazaro is absolutely stunning to watch,at least in desmonds eyes, hes so full of energy and larger than life. If it wasnt for how enamored he was with him, Des mightve felt jealous.

He sits with the two men after he grabs his dinner, Argentine empanadas and a little note in spanish "para el mejor hermano mayor del mundo. No te atragantes -Jerico" -- for the best brother in the world, dont choke while you eat them, Jerico-- Laz translated.

Lucas chuckles-- damn, what a meal you have going on

--Martini and empanadas? Dude im in HEAVEN-- the younger Man exclaimed,taking a bite out of his food-- and good company too-- he looks at desmond and smiles a little.

Desmond looks like a deer in headlights, Lucas tries not to laugh as his friend doesnt reply and takes a sip from his drink. For the rest of his break the three of them talk (its mostly Lucas and laz talking,though).

"God, hes pretty" the therapist thinks "Jesus! How Many times a week does he work out? And why does his shirt look so good on--"

--He didn't walk up with that "how you doin'?"

When he came in the room

He said there's a lot of girls I can do with

But I can't without you

I knew him forever in a minute

That summer night in June

And papa says he got malo in him

He got me feelin' like...-- Lazaro sang, snapping Des out of his thoughts. His singing voice sweet as a nightjars,and as smooth as the way he moved behind the bar.

A few more minutes go by before Laz goes back to work, he pats desmond on the back and says-- Thanks for the drink, Doc -- he flirted.

The therapist looks up at him and, oh god, hes towering over him easily. His cheeks go bright red as jerico's brother smiles and leaves to get back to work.

--You need another drink-- Lucas chuckled.

--yes I do-- the other Man sgreed.

Desmond thanked the gods that another bartender took their order. He now swirls the double whiskey on the rocks looking at the dark wood counter.

--Theres nothin' wrong with likin' a Man,you know?--The radioman said.

--I dont-! I dont like him! Hes very...charming

--Dont like him? Dude! You were giving bartender boy over there them "Marry me" eyes.-- to emphasize his point he gestures at Lazaro whose currently making a Group of girls swoon for him with his charm and quips.

--Hell no!--Desmond shrieked with his face beet red,then he turns to look at Laz and he grips his glass.

Lucas raises a brow and chuckles. "Jealous much?" He thinks.

By the end of the night they pay their tab and desmond leaves for the car, then Lucas leaves a little more money for Laz alongside the one desmond left. He calls lazaro over and says-- Hey laz,this is from the doc, and heres a bit of mine

--Oh damn,thats a lot of money-- Laz murmurs-- thanks yo

--Dont mention it

The drive back home is spent with Lucas teasing the hell out of Desmond, who only sulks and looks out the Window. Once he drops him off at his appartment, the therapist goes to sink into his bed and pray to god he doesnt get hangover. He was a lightweight.

In the realm of the collective unconcious things were always changing, it had to make space to the New shadows that kept popping out of literally nowhere. Most of their little territorios werent much of a sight or even fun.

But oh, that wasnt always the case

When desmond had Fallen asleep, Agent Rainbow," 'Gent" as he preffered to be called, got to walk around that ever shifting realm, Freed from being tied up to his counterpart.

That night he came across something most peculiar, A bar. It was a mix of medieval and gothic architecture with its greyish yellow walls and black iron support beams decorated with those gothic motives. The neon sign read "Hades bar" with neon blue tubing and red spider lillies that shone crimson. Its overgrown with red spider lillies and other funerary flowers.

He fixes up his hat, he sees other shadows come in and out,shifting and morphing into different forms. For the Curiosity, and because he nothing better to do that night, he steps in.

《Early this morning

When you knocked upon my door

Early this morning

When you knocked upon my door》

The first he feels is a deathly chill, he does see a fireplace but the wood seems...frozen. the singer on the floor above sings, the strings and the piano give the bar a most ghastly appereance.

His eyes look for the bartenders and thats when he saw him.

《And I said hello Satan, ah

I believe it is time to go》

A skeleton, tall and lanky,adorned with a long robe blackish desaturated blue ,it glimmers like fresh snow. Hes adorned with jewelry of crosses,skulls and harnesses, even just seeing the metal Gent figured it was deathly Cool. The crown adorned with red spider lillies and skull,the spikes that the skulls where impaled on looked more like sharp Pointy month antenna.

And this shadow,whoever he was, was alluring.

He moved with such poise, such elegance, he twirls and moves around the bar counter making drinks, its impossible not to look at him.

With a smirk,Rainbow goes to sit at the bar,in the same spot his counterpart had sat earlier this evening. He leans in and raises his hand.

--Evening, gentleman-- the skeleton said, voice raspy and utterly ghastly, as if he was speaking with his last breath every time. But its somewhat deep, and easy on the ear-- what can I get for you

--Double whiskey on the rocks,please handsome-- desmonds shadow flirted.

Amused, the skeleton grabs the whiskey,some jack daniels that is impossibly old, sets it on the counter and then grabs a round short stout glass. Their gazes meet, defiant but curious.

The skeleton opens his mouth and frost breath that gleamed like diamonds comes from deep within his mouth, his hand raises and grasps the breath, an uniform cube forms and without breaking eye contact he uses that same hand to break the Ice in two like one would do an egg.

Ice clinks as it falls on the glass, then he pours the whiskey and corks the bottle, pushing it to rainbow.-- Here you go, beautiful

'Gent chuckles and takes a sip from it, the whiskey is so cold it stings his tongue. But he doesnt flinch-- What May your name be?

The skeletal figure leans in,using his forearms for support-- People around here call me Decay or Charon.

--Call me 'gent-- the other shadow replied,taking decay's hand and kissing his knuckles,without breaking eye contact. Their energy together is almost electric like two impossibly strong forces colliding with eachother.

《Me and the devil walkin' side by side

Me and the devil walking side by side》

--Very well 'gent-- Decay says his name with defiance,he leans in,pushing his cold necromantic aura towards him,trying to show the Man before him that he wasnt in controll there-- I belive I havent seen you around here before

--Well..--Agent rainbow started,taking a sip from his drink-- I just happen to come across this fine stablishment. Which,no doubt,youre the owner of-- he shakes the glass a little, the liquid almost spills but only one single drop does slide down the surface of the glass. In that moment, as he sets down the glass, a coaster appears.

Decay feels for a silver of a moment, that the power is striped away from him, pulled away by the Man before him, the coaster is shaped like a cassete tape. The glass sits there anf agent looks smugly at him-- and it piqued my interest..

The other shadow looks at him impressed,a second of fear flashes through the skeletons gaze before returning to that aloof but defiant feel-- well, arent you something else? -- he gestures at one of his emplooyes,a smaller skeleton.-- lets go have a chat...

--Very well

Decay makes himself a drink, and both go up the stairs to the second floor. Its only then Rainbow realized that his companion easily towered over him.

《And I'm gonna see my man

Until I get satisfied》

They sit at a round table, dark wood and a beautiful greyish blue tablecloth, in the centre there is a skull with a red spider lily growing from it. The flower shines a faint red. The whole bar could be seen from here.

--Its the first time I see a shadow as powerfull as you-- Decay compliments.

-- Same could be said about you..-- he leans in with a smirk-- what is the ferry of the dead doing here?

Finally, the shadow before him chuckles,breaking the figurative ice-- my counterpart is a bartender,made sense that my realm was a bar, I felt like the world around needed some life

--The embodiment of death wanting to give life? Color me impressed

--Thats cheesy-- teased decay,also leaning in.

--You seem to be into it

--Never said I wasnt

Both make eye contact and they both chuckle, and then they Keep talking. The whole night goes like that, relentless flirting and conversation, its fun and a good time.

At some Point in the middle of the evening, theres a brief silence as Agent drinks from his glass, he notices that Decay suddenly zeros in on his drink,a necromancer Martini, and if eye sockets could go wide his would. His skeleton hand tugs at the ring hanging from his spike choker and a soft sharp gasp escapes Him.

--Are you okay?--Agent asked.

--Oh god, oh no. The tree-- decay stands up and bolts down the stairs, desmonds shadow follows Him. He tries to call out to him but he doesnt answer.

Outside of the bar agent watches as two giant moth wings sprout from the skeletons cloak,held together by a Giant skull. He kicks up in flight.

There were few things that could scare a shadow like that, rainbow follows him as fast as he can past the different territories of other shadows and finally reaches the cementary.

《You may bury my body

Down by the highway side

You may bury my body

Down by the highway side》

Agent finds Decay freezing the trunk of a Giant willow tree, the Bark is rotting away and the Ice from his fellow shadow seems to stop it.

--Okay...its okay-- he hears him whisper with a string of a voice. The skeleton kneels and hunches over the grave framed by the roots of the tree.

He approaches silently, putting a hand on Decays shoulder and kneeling with him-- Are you okay?

Decay's eyes fill with eyes that falls like tears from his eye sockets-- Oh im s-sorry I didnt mean to-- he sniffs and covers his face, hes shaking. Agent is quick to realize the symptoms of an anxiety attack, he figured its because desmond is a therapist.

--its okay. Youre okay, youre safe, breathe . --At this Point he didnt know if he was talking to decay or directly to the shadows counterpart. His arms hug him and holds him tight, hes freezing cold but he doesnt mind-- center on my voice, its okay.

Decay slowly stops shaking, his breath eventually evens out. When his gaze meets his oncemore hes calmer.

--What happened-- agent asked, letting his companion pull back a little.

--This tree- im tied to it somehow-- decay explains-- when my counterpart experiences the feelings that he represses, this tree rots a little, the Ice stops it but tonight...something changed. -- Agent reads the tombstone both are kneeling infront of. "L.Castro" it says.-- with every bit of anger swallowed, with every part of grief he doesnt process this tree rots, most of the times I can absorb it but when I cant then...

Rainbow coos,trying to calm him down-- its okay,you fixed it. Its fine now. Can I ask what happens once the tree rots away?

--Well..when it rots away,my counterpart,Lazaro, he'll release all those emotions thats eating him on the inside. Its going to be violent, either that or...or- well.. theres a reason im a skeleton

It clicks for agent in an instant. He nodds and rubbs soothint circles on his companions back-- thats not going to happen. I promise-- his hands wipe away the icy tears-- do you have anywhere to rest?

Even if shadows didnt need sleep, all had a place to rest-- I udually sleep in the boughs of the willow tree. Why?

Gent purses his lips-- Stay at my place tonight,I dont think its good that you sleep here after what just happened

Decay looks at him surprised--You just met me though?

Agent stands up and offers his hand-- no ulterior motives, cross my heart--- he does an X on his chest with his free hand.

The other shadow takes it and he pulls them up gently-- lets go,then

The walk to his appartment is silent,but desmonds shadow never lets go of his companions hand. Once they reach his appartment agent shared his bed with the skeleton.

Decay buries his head on rainbows chest,who hugs him tight against his frame. Sure, most of the time he was an asshole, but seeing a shadow so powerfull as him being scared shook Him. And because he had a crush on him too, he knows the tell tale signs and doesnt fight them. He just hopes that at least tonight,Decay And his counterpart relax.

The Next day for desmond was absolutely normal, no hangover thankfully just a weird feeling of worry. But worry about what? He doesnt know. With that hanging feeling he goes about his day,has a few sessions with his patients and by midday he goes back home for lunchbreak.

--Oh f--he stops himself from cursing, he purses his lips and closes the fridge. He had ran out of veggies for his salad.--How didnt I notice?-- he murmured, grabbing his appartment keys and his car keys. Usually Magdalena would get the groceries or at least remind him to get them.

Without her around well...hes re-learning how to live life.

The drive to homa mart is death silent, hes a little too annoyed for music right now. He parks the car and goes into the store, didnt Virginias boyfriend Dave work here?.

Desmond is currently picking out lettuce and a few tomatos and a few other things For his lunch,Thats when his eyes catch a flash of blue hair and he turns to see.

Lazaro is jamming out to some music, he has one earbud in while he grabs a few veggies. Seeing him with all his piercings was a trip for the therapist, he forgot just how Many he had,he stays a little too stuck staring at the snakebites piercings on the other Mans lips that look very soft.

--Oh Desmond!--Lazaro says with a smile, snapping the Man out of his thoughts. Hes wearing a tanktop with ripped holes, ripped up jeans and normal sneakers. All black. His tattoed arm pats the Mans back.

Des notices the beautiful sunflowers and red spider lillies on his bicep, and a Lion with its skull exposed and covered in its mane-- oh- laz-lazaro, good afternoon

--Man, what are the odds! We saw eachother yesterday night and now here?--He giggled,amused.

--Yes- uhm. Youre right-- his eyes look up at him and notices the heavy eyebags on his companion, for a moment laz's smile falters and though extremely built he seems...weak-- this May be too forward but..are you okay.

Lazaro looks away and scratches the back of his neck-- Ah well, family problems you know? Dont want to bother you with it

--no no, please do tell me. I mean its good to let stuff out...-- he trailed off, his eyes deviating to the Mans other arm, where it was covered from shoulder to wrist in a beautiful asian dragon tattoo, the tail of the dragon coils on laz's pectoral.

--Ah well,Our bio mo-- he stutters, he coughs out the Word with the same hatred and disdain jerico did--mother called last night, she was with our biological father, the call started fine, asking us how we were doing...but then she started to recall our childhood and well...she had it all wrong, what she put Us through. It ended up in a screaming match, And well-- he sighs-- every time it gets like this,I get in a really bad headspace, I didnt get much sleep last night..

Desmond pats his back and says-- thank you for telling me,and im sorry. You two deserve so much better

--Thank you,Des. I think I need some rest--laz replied-- Come by the bar tonight?

--I uh- 'm kinda busy with paperw-- he starts,but then he meets his tired gaze and he sighs-- Sure, just one drink.

--Cool, its gonna be a slow night anyway, sunday night? Nobody is coming for a drink on a sunday-- laz shrugged-- I like your vest,by the way.

Desmonds cheeks go bright red and he tugs at his tie-- uh-uhm thanks. Your tattos look pretty good t-too

--Oh,theyre my pride and joy!--laz exclaimed, going back to his cheerful persona-- you should see the one on my back, I love that one.-- his eyes catches the clock above the stand that had the veggies-- oh,i gotta get going. See you tonight

--good-goodbye-- Desmond replied,laz walks away and the therapist cant help himself but stare at his back, muscular and toned but still soft and a little pudgy. From what little skin he can see that isnt covered by the tanktop, the tattoo on his back have moth wings.

Night arrived faster than he wouldve liked, he grabbed a few of the documents and a few pens and left for Dyonisus Bar.

《Seein' you tonight, it's a bad idea, right?

Seein' you tonight, it's a bad idea, right?

Seein' you tonight, it's a bad idea, right?

Seein' you tonight, fuck it, it's fine》

He caught the song midway through, but the lyrics speak to him more than he wouldve liked. He shouldnt be going out tonight. No,he shouldve stayed at home, he has paperwork to do and--

Lazaro waits for him behind the counter, des sits where he did last time.

--Thanks for the tip last time. It was too much money but i so appreciate it.

Desmond Recalled how much money he left last time and then it dawns on him. Lucas that sneaky bastard-- Its uh...nothing-- he replied with a shy,polite smile.

--what can I get you to make that-- the younger Man points at the documents-- less of a pain in the ass.

--Just a beer,thanks.

There was almost no-one in the bar that night, only a few costumers. Desmond scribbles down on his papers even when he gets his beer--Thank you-- he murmurs.

Lazaro makes himself another Martini necromancer, and sits beside desmond,looking how dilligently he works. It warms up his chest and finds it endearing-- hey,your face is a little too close to the paper.

Desmond's cheeks go bright red, he pulls back a little-- Ah sorry- uhm..force of habit

The other Man laughs and shakes his head-- No prob. Take a rest in a bit yeah?

《"I only see him as a friend, " the biggest lie I ever said

I only see him as a friend, I just tripped and fell into his bed》

The therapist nodds-- uh,thank you for reminding me. I can get stuck in work a lot.

--Hey, thats what im here for-- he drinks from his Martini and stares at him a little longer before looking at the football match.

A solid 40 minutes go by,until desmond drops the towel on the paperwork-- im done with this. I dont think I can handle one more file

Laz didnt move from his spot, he looks at his companion and smiles-- I was wondering when you'd put your feet on the ground

--Apologies- I guess waiting for someone to be done with paperwork can be annoying...-- desmond applogized meekly.

--I figured you'd be working-- "but I wish you talked to me instead" laz thought-- I dont mind. 'Sides, I couldnt help but watch you,youre so passionate about it, I can tell you like helping people. Im glad my sister is getting helped by you, thank you

With that,desmond short circuits-- youre- youre too kind laz, I uhm. Try my best

--yeah, s'no Biggie-- he replied-- so, whats after this? Someone to return home to?

--oh uh...-- the Man clears his throat-- 'M divorced. So -no

--Oh god,im sorry I didnt want to Open a wound-- he apologized.

--No no,you didnt. Hey uh why dont you pour me a whiskey? I think i can uh- stay for another drink.

Lazaro smiled-- coming right up, doc.

Thats how for the rest of the night, both drink a little. Desmond,being the lightweight he was he gets super drunk, slurring his words.

In that moment, Agent takes the reigns of his conciousness, deciding to finally put an end to this fruitless pinning-- are you booze? Because im getting dizzy just looking at you!-- he flirted leaning in.

The younger Man finds it amusing, he giggles-- thats so cheesy

--Alright-alright then, another one...I think all the bottles in this bar must be jealous, cause your beauty is the most intoxicating thing in this place.?

Lazaro laughs loudly and lean in-- that ones good!

--If- if you think that ones good..--Desmond also Leans in, eyes locked on his--What do you say we get out of here? I bet you’re way better to wake up next to than a hangover~

Agent is impressed to see Lazaro actually consider the proposition. But he shakes his head-- Des,youre drunk. Ask me when youre sober

"Thats the only thing keeping you from being together" desmonds shadow thinks before letting go of Desmonds conciousness.

That night, Lucas picked up Desmond from the bar since he was in no condition to drive. He apologized to Laz for his friend and left.

But lazaro sighs and watches them leave, he looks at the half empty glass of whiskey and finishes it himself. The closes thing To kissing Des as he had for now.

In the land of the collective unconcious, Agent Is laughing his ass off and coughing his ass off with Decay. The skeleton is incredibly funny and charming, and Agent cant help but stare at him with love in his eyes.

--Are you alright? That coughing fit sounded...intense--decay cooed, taking The Mans hand.

--Nothing you gotta worry about,handsome-- the other shadow replied,kissing his cold knuckles. -- come walk with me?

--Alright

Both leave the bar,hand in hand, walking around the town in quiet conversation -- You truly are something else-- 'gent replied, his voice is raspy but so soft.

--Youre too kind

--No i mean it, you and your counterpart are something else-- he shyly stands up on his toes and kisses his cheek.-- so sweet and so funny..

Decay's face frosts up and he leans a little on his companion. The skeleton squeezes the hand hes holding and replies--You too,I never met someone like you either.

--Hey, let me accompany you to your tree? Lets go check up on it,...together -- Its almost amusing to watch someone like rainbow get flustered. His cheeks glow with the chemicals under his skin, his hands get a little sweaty but his companion doesnt mind.

At the tree,Decay traces the outline of the rotting bark-- Hold on...'gent look, the holes not as big as it used to be!

Gent looks and indeed, the rotting Bark seemed to heal somewhat, now the rotting hole looks like a heart.

--Oh my-- oh dear! -- he squealed-- did you do this?

Desmonds shadow thinks back to earlier this night, the flirting, it must have helped-- yes,I made desmond flirt with lazaro

--well- it worked! Oh I love you!--decay's face frosts over,looking Like a more gaunt version of laz's face. His boney hands grips the collar of his trenchcoat and kisses him, he kisses back and hugs him.

--Damn,didnt you you were so fond of me hmph!-- Decay kisses him again and tugs at his clothes.

--You are amazing,rainbow. I owe you

--How about dinner at my place huh? To repay your debt,of course. I guess a Man so powerfull as you doesnt like owin people...-- his finger playfully tugs at the ring of the skeleton's spiky choker.

--Youre right,Sir. I dont~

--Its a date,then-- he winks and both stay there just looking at eachother, enjoying just a little more time together.

For the Next few weeks,Desmond doesnt visit the bar, busy witt work. Jerico is kind enough to relay that fact to his older brother,who was fretting over if desmond was upset because of what had happened last time they saw eachother.

--Hey jer! Before you go to desmonds-- Lazaro called out one afternoon-- can you ask him if he wants to come over to my band's practice?

--Sure dude. Youll owe me though!-- jeri replied with a smile.

He shrugged-- I dont mind if its you,and thank you-- his sister pats his bicep reassuringly.

--Oh dont worry Man, he likes you im sure of it! Hes just really shy

--I hope so...-- He trailed off, before his sister hugs him tight.

--Cheer up, emo ass

Laz chuckles-- Punkass -- he teased,ruffling her hair.

--Asshole!--Jer yells as she runs to the door to leave.

--idiot!-- the Man yells back.

--salame!(dumbass!-- she Shouts,closing the door.

--Boluda!-- he exclaimed a final time once the door is closed. Then he goes to his room to finish his university assigments.

Next afternoon, Desmond reaches the small warehouse the band practiced. Jerico was with him, she opens the door and both step in, he sees Lucas also there.

--Desmond! Glad you could make it!--Lazaro said with a smile, he was in the same clothes he saw him in at the supermaket, but in Des' eyes hes absolutely stunning.

--Jerico spoke so highly of your band I had to come over...--Desmomd doesnt know where that came from but hes not complaining

--Oh youre too sweet-- for the first time the therapist sees his crush blush, it takes him a moment to realize hes the reason the cute guy before him blushes.

As the band settles in, he sees the logo of the band on the drums, "The Decayed" and the logo is a rotting willow tree with the letters above the boughs of said tree. And for some reason the image of that rotten willow tree sends a shiver down his spine. Hes seen it before and he knows its an omen,but an omen for what? Where has he seen that image before?

Soon,the music starts, Lazaro is the main singer and desmond knows from the first few words if the song that hes fucked. Hes fucked because this time he cant deny his feelings for the young Man anymore.

--This is it!

Now we've found it, I'm astounded

Every town will be surrounded

By a throng of marchin' death

Delicious the riches, they glisten ahead-- his voice is deep and easy on the ears,he playa the electric guitar with such ease, with the same poise that he had when working at the bar.

--It's a craze!

They'll devour every hour

Of these endless, non-progressive inundations of their kind

And lucky for you, you're the next one in line--the singer points at desmond and smiles, winking at him.

--When I'm necromancin', everyone's dancin'

No one can stop me, I dare you to try

The dead are infused with sensational groove

And they're comin' for you now

There's nowhere to hide-- laz moves his hips,its fluid and hypnotizing to watch

--Yeah! (Waltzin' forth, here they come)

I'm raisin' the dead (everyone, turn and run)

I'm lovin' the dread (killer moves that will stun)

Let's make some evil!-- hes so calm and collected, so stone cold cool and non-chalant. Hes feeling the song and hes enjoying every bit of it,  desmond is frozen in place, he cant move.

The rest of the song is a haze for the therapist,oh hes absolutely gone. He was so deep in love for him.

When the song ends, the three audience members cheer and holler at them. -- Oh, did you know each member has a god  of death associated with him? -- Jerico said while the band tuned up the instruments-- Lazaro is Charon,the ferry of the dead!

--Yeah! And jer here is designing our outfits for our concert-- Lazaro jumped in-- show 'em!

Jerico shows Lucas and Desmond the designs for the members, but when he gets to Lazaro's something inside of Des stirrs. Agent freaks the hell out because he recognizes the elements of design, he knows the Point of the crown with spider lillies, he knows the sway of the cape and the clinking of the metal jewelry.

Agent understands why Decay looks the way that he looks. And for a moment he tries to push into Desmonds concience but to no avail,he hasnt had any communication with his counterpart in a while. As powerful as he was in the collective unconcious, Desmond  was stronger, for now.

--Thats so cool honey!--Lucas exclaims,kissing jerico, she kisses back.

--Thank you!

Desmond tries not to scowl, hes so jealous. He wants that with Lazaro,but he knows he cant because hes a coward.

As hes about to leave, Lazaro stops him. He looks nervous but excited.

--Desmond wait!--His voice is a little raspy because of the singing-- I uh..got these two tickets for an emo music concert. I uh was s'pposed to go with jer but shes got plans...do you want to go with me? I know its not your kinda music but--

--As a date?--its what his grown dumbass asks. He tries to back track once he realizes how much hes just exposed himself.

--Oh -- Laz hesitates, taken aback as his heart seems to beat out of his chest-- si- yes. As uhm a date, ive been meaning to ask you out..

Oh wait. Hes serious-- Its uhm no problem, id love to go-- and he smiles just a little,to make sure laz stays calm and doesnt think hes fucked up.

--oh hell yeah! We're gonna have so much fun! You dont gotta dress up like me, plenty people go with their Every day clothes...!

"Cool! Cause he doesnt have any black clothes to wear!" Agent thinks,breathing a sigh of relief now that desmond said Yes.

Desmond says his goodbyes and leaves for his house. A smile on his lips and a Pep in his step.

That night,Agent found himself having dinner with Decay, its a splendid time as Decay seems less worried about his tree. Agent is glad to see him anyway,spending time with that skeleton is the hightlight of his days/night.

Music pours from the vynil player he has nearby. Agent offers his hand and says--May I have this dance,Lord of the dead?

--You may-- Decay flirted, taking his hand and standing up. Decay nos looked like a skeletal rendition of Lazaro,his body made of Ice. The other shadow simply hugs his waist with his free arm and both dance along to Ellas Fritzgerald's "The Man I Love".

The pace is slow and sweet, they had all the time in the world. Only the song can be heard as both sway, 'Gent feels the parts of his skin that make contact with the icy body of his companion freeze for a moment, even the liquid within his skin, and then return to normal.

Its not an unpleseant feeling, just one of the things that made Decay who he was, and gent loved every bit. --Im so happy Desmond accepted Lazaros date, the hole in the tree is so much smaller now! Its shaped like a heart too!

--Yes,im happy too, its about time he does something-- gent agrees-- I was tired of suggesting pickup lines and him having none of it. 

--Can he hear you?

The other shadow shrugs-- he thinks im intrusive thoughts, so no.

--Lazaro cant hear me either. But when you calmed me down from that anxiety attack, I think he heard you somehow... you calmed him down so it calmed me down! He thought he was hearing desmonds voice coaching him-- Decay explained-- im so happy,thank you

--Seeing you happy makes me happy-- he replied, pressing a kiss to his icy lips. He kisses back and both stop dancing. Instead,they make out for a few solid minutes.

--Next date is on me.-- the skeleton declared.

--What do you have in mind?

--Picnic under the moonlight, good booze and you know...-- His skeletal hand goes under the Mans trenchcoat.

'Gent chuckles-- can you even-

--Well, youre going to have to find out, wont you?

He smirks-- Hmm, youre right.

Both go to cuddle on the bed just like they did that first night. And just like last time,its comfortable and reassuring. Rainbow knows he would do anything to make sure he can Keep holding Decay like that.

Few days pass by, the concert day goes swimmingly, desmond even found brotherhood Among other "golden retriever" people that came to support their emo partners. But when asked if Him and lazaro were a thing,he'd become flustered and deny it.

After that, Desmond was sure he was in love,but he wouldnt admit it. Not even to himself, but he couldnt say no when Lazaro asked him if they could go on a second date, he cant say no to the idea of going to a café,anything relating to Lazaro he couldnt say no.

One day, Desmond and Lazaro are hanging out on the park with Lucas and Jerico. Its the few last days of summer, and the day is beautiful.

-- Laz! The ball got stuck on a tree again!--Jerico called out. She sees her brother looks away from desmond and his eyes spot the ball.

--I got it!--He called out, taking off his shirt because he was cooking himself. Black clothes on a sunny day? Nope.

Desmonds air leaves his lungs as he finally sees Lazaros Back. Still muscly, still soft. The tattoo on his back, a Giant Death's Head moth,black And white that expands down to his middle back.

Then, his eyes Lower to his hips and he realizes he also has a tramp stamp tattoo, it looks like a grave with bones,crows And of course, red spider lillies.

Lazaro climbs up the tre,His strong back muscles flexed with every move of his arms, the wings of his Giant skull moth tattoo look like its about to take off as his shoulderblades move, Des cant look away and he knows hes staring.

He gets the ball down and trots Back to the therapist. He sits and lets out a sigh-- Damn,what a day.

But oh no desmonds not there, hes staring at the minimalist sun tattoo under his collarbone, the underboost tattoo that accentuates his top surgery scars...

His eyes catch the view of the anarchy symbol on his throat and,staring right at him on the side of the neck that was facing him, a tattoo with spray paint typography that says "Bite Me".

Desmond feels like his soul leaves his body for a split second, oh he was not prepared for that.

--Im so hot-- Complained lazaro, fanning himself with a book.

"No arguing there" the therapist thinks,amused.-- I need fall to happen right about now

Des chuckles-- I feel you, do you uhm want water?

--Please -- Laz gets the coldest water bottle in the portable fridge, he drinks and lets out a sigh--What would I do without you,Doc?

--Its uhm..Nothing

--Pass by the bar later?-- laz asked.

--uhm...sure-- he replied shyly.

--Cool,ill save you your spot-- he winks and lays down on  the ground as a breeze cools his body.

Desmond likes that Laz considers he had a "designated" spot on the bar.

But little did he know that neither would see eachother that night. Desmond would get a package from Mayer pharmaceuticals that would knock him out for a few good days, he doesnt answer his calls or messages.

He spends days battlinga living hell, shadow forms of his patients, and of course,himself.

--and Poor lazaro!--teased agent rainbow during their fight-- you were such a coward! If it wasnt because of me you wouldnt have accepted his dates!

--So it was you!--Yelled desmond.

--Please! Do you think you could pull someone like that? If it wasnt for me your ignorance wouldve caused his death, and his shadowforms! Your rejection rotted away at what little strength that Man had! I saved him so you owe me!

--Like hell i do!-- the therapist replies with anger-- ill kick your ass and show you I dont need you!

And that he does, he beats his shadowself, and then hes plunged into darkness once he says goodbye to tonia, his dead cat.

Desmond Woke up incredibly cold, his extremeties feeling like two icecubes. He looks around at the cementary hes in, his breath materializes infront of him.

--What the-- his breath hitches as he sees a tall skeletal figure walk past him, they seem to almost float with a thin mist trailing behind him like the train of a dress.

The figure stops at a grave, sat Nestled between the roots of a large willow tree. Upon further inspection the trunk of the tree seeme to be rotting away. They kneel and place a red spider lily on it, and then they stand up and float silently out of the cementery.

Curious,Desmond walks up to the graves and cleans the few bits of Ice that stuck to the stone. His eyes go wide as he reads "L. Castro, beloved son,brother and great artist".

The world around him is so deathly cool, the wind blows and theres a certain sweet smell of Decay . Its a night of deep winter, nothing grows, the epitome of death, but its not depressing but rather comforting. The moonlight peeks through the heavy dark clouds in intervals,drowning the world in an almost absolute darkness.

"No...no no no" he panics,his eyes dart to the exit and the trail of light grey blueish mist that was left behind by that thing, he runs after it as silently as he can. A part of him knows better than disturb the figure he saw as he follows them.

Then,he follows them around the town, its desolate, theres mist everywhere and only moonlight filters through the heavy black clouds. Hes freezing alive,he Holds on to himself as his breath shakes.

Why is this figure so familiar? Why does he recognize the movements? The styling of the clothes is so familiar but he cant place it.

The figure moves with Grace like a dancer or a bartender on a busy night. Hes hypnotized by the swaying of their hips with every step they take. His breath hitches again, his eyes go wide a little and he forces himself to look away.

"Get a hold of yourself,Wales" he thinks, and follows them to a bar. The neon sign shines a faint light blue, theres red lillies made of the same tubing that shines red, "Hades' Bar"

The bar looks more like a Fantasy tavern mixed with gothic architecture, it standa tall in its blak wooden exterior and black iron supports.

The figure stops at the blackstone steps up the door, it lets out a silent sigh as its breath is pure frost. That explains the utter cold and ice everywhere.

They unlock the door and step in,and as they do so the dark wood door blooms with red spider lillies. Desmond hears a familiar voice call out to the figure-- Ah,Buenas Noches Decay!

Desmond managed to peak behind a Windows with its red curtains partially drawn. His breath stops.

Agent Rainbow--

He sat there, on a bar stool as the figure, Decay, goes around the counter to the mirrored shelf. And then it dawns on him, this is a distorted version of Dionysus Bar in milton heaven. And if thats Agent Rainbow,his shadow, sitting on the same spot Desmond always sat when he went to that bar,then the figure is--

--Lazaro-- he exclaimed under his breath and for a moment,Decay looks towards the Window,he doesnt see any eyes looking under the sharp shadow of the hood. But Decay just shrugs and pulls away his hood that made him look like a grim reaper.

He wears a crown with red lillies, the spikes that made the crown looked more like moth antennae rather than spikes, and at the base of each one there are smaller skulls.

Lazaro's shadow exhales that ghastly frost of a breath, the skulls of the crown exhale it too.

--oh Decay-- Agent rainbow breathes,sounding Like he was a teen in love in an overexaggerated cheesy movie-- dont you look absolutely cold and dead today

The skeletal figure laughs, it sounds like a gasping, ragged breath. Bone chilling. His black eyesockets settle on the Rainbow-- Dearest.. what are you doing in the bar before I opened it?

--I wanted to surprise you,of course!--The other Man replied, taking the skeletal hand, some of the liquid in his hand seems to freeze in a tricolor Ice, before melting-- Beside, I wanted to spend time with you before this place is packed with the dead and they steal your stone cold gaze away from me~

Desmond cringes a how cheesy it is, but Decay is into it-- Ah I see, and that prompted you to sneak into my bar?

--Yes sir--rainbow tips his hat at him.

--Hm, fine-- his skeleton mouth presses against the other Man's lips. As he does so, a gaunt face grows on the skeleton, its made out of frost and Ice. Desmonds eyes go wide as he realizes its lazaro's face.

--One day i hope my lips remain stuck on your Icey face,so I can Keep kissing you-- His shadow flirted, kissing the knuckles of the other Man.

--One day perhaps--Decay agreed--for now how about you settle for sharing a drink with me before I Open for bussiness?

--That would be splendid, my ferryman

Decay pours a double whiskey on the rocks for Agent rainbow, while he makes himself a Necromancer Martini, the same drink Lazaro drank aside from beer. The two men sit on the same side of the bar, Agent has his hand on his companion's knees as both drink,desmond has no clue how because one had no mouth and the other was a skeleton.

--Will there be a day where your counterpart finally asks mine out?--Decay asked, looking beautiful like fresh snow and elegant like glinting diamonds. He sits with such a Poise and confidence that its almost ethereal, his cold mist of icy death glimmers like snow under moonlight.

-- 'm afraid not,or at least I dont think so. I tried giving him advice and pickup lines but hes stubborn

--You can charm anyone, why wouldnt he accept your help?--Rainbow gestures at himself-- right...

--His loss-- The other Man says-- though its a shame, I really wish he finally manned up

Decay smiles somehow, his naturally cold gaze softens-- Well, Lazaro is thinking of asking him out,maybe all he needs is a kickstart

--And a big one at that--rainbow quipped,taking a big long sip of his whiskey.

--You are incorregible, 'Gent-- the skeleton said, incredible fondness and warmth in his tone.

--You love me this way

--And I wouldnt have you any other way-- decay gives his lover one last kiss and finishes his Martini.

Desmond watches as Decay gets ready for the night, picking out glasses and liquor. But what really knocks the air out of him is his shadow form.

Agent rainbow, the thing that tried to kill him multiple times, everything he hated about himself, was docile,domestic. He polished the wooden tables, fixed up the Chairs and lit up the Giant fireplace that probably made the chilly interior of the bar feel cozy and comfortable. He also figured that Decay couldnt start a Fire given he was pure chill.

--Ill come back to help you close-- Agent announced as he fixed up his fedora.

--Very well,Im guessing youre going to see blaze?

He nodds-- I Will, I hope his other boyfriend didnt steal her away for long

Decay laughs, that bone chilling laughter of the dead-- lets hope not,send my sister my regards

--Will do,Handsome -- and with that, Agent leaves the bar without looking back

Desmond sits by the entrance to the pub, hid away and out of sight. He watches blurry silhouette of enteties of light and shadow enter in conversation that sounds like radio static.

But he watches through the Window as Decay moves with Grace across the bar, smaller skeletons serve the costumers as whimsy clasical music played from an upper floor, the ghosts and skeletons playing are wearing masks and shine with a faint blue light.

As the night progresses it gets colder and colder, hes practically about to go into hypothermia when one of the souls exciting drops their cloak. Hes quick to put it on and notices that it had pocket and that there was money, some sort of iron coins.

Pulling the cloak over his head, desmond entera the bar, nobody seems to notice him and he sits in the back, watching as Decay attends the bar.

--Just a beer-- He ordered to the skeleton waiter, and he watches it leave without a Word spoken.

Its absolutely captivating to watch Decay twirl around the bar,make conversation with the souls,he walks- he floats with overflowing confidence that desmond wishes he had. He thinks it looks just like Lazaro when he works at the bar.

His beer arrives and for the remaining of the night he just watches the bar and how it behaves, its nothing like hes seen before. No other "mind realm" was as lively as this one, as if it existed between the realm of the living and the dead.

Chiron the ferry of the dead, the similarities were right there, the bar was called Hades(the name of the King of the underworld), the dead souls flowing, the skeletons, the coins that look so much like the ones used to pay the ferryman.

And of course,there was Decay himself, a skeleton King that seemed to float like a boat in the water, his energy that made the air ripe witt necromancy. If this was Lazaro's shadow, then he wondered just how much power he himself held.

Desmond leaves as the bar empties out, hoping that "Chiron" as he got to call decay now, didnt notice a living person walk amongst the dead. Maybe the cloak masked him?.

But he returns to his previous snooping place, he hides when agent rainbow comes to help him close shop. By that time it had to be before sunrise.

--Love-- Called agent,his raspy,gravelly voice is uncharacteristically soft-- 'm all done here

Decay looked up from the glass he was polishing-- splendid. I think ill leave the servants to close up.

-- Perfect-- Agent puts on his fedora and offers his arm, Decay takes it and both walk out of the Pub. They walk away leaning on eachother, the skeleton was bigger than rainbow by a lot, just like lazaro was with desmond.

Both look so in love, it makes him jealous. Both laugh and chuckle and giggle at inner jokes, they flirt and sometimes dance together under the peeking moonlight, the skeletons mist glinting Like diamonds. It looks Straight out of a movie, he hates it.

Desmond keeps a healthy distance from the pair, his mind is filled with thoughts about how he wishes that his relationshipp with Lazaro was just like that, but he knew the truth about himself,he was shy,awkward, and heavy in denial.

He never liked men- except a few times in his childhood but-- he was confused right? Then why is he so jealous? Why is he yearning for something like the relationshipp those two had? Why does it bother him that their shadows, that which they repress, are happy together. How can Agent Rainbow be together with Decay already, why cant Desmond have some of that confidence himself?

Agent parts ways with Decay at the cementery, he kisses him and whispers something about finding him in his appartment (Desmond guessed rainbow had the same appartment that he had).

He follows the skeleton Man back to that grave, but this time he makes no effort to hide.

Decay freezes the rotting Bark, another spider lily rests on the tomb. He turns and simply smiles to the best he can with his skull for a head.

--Desmond...-- He sounds..happy to see him.

--Laz- Decay -- Des replied, fixing his glasses and feeling incredibly flustered like he did when lazaro was around.

--This is most curious, what are you doing here?-- he kneels to eye level and tilts his head just the way lazaro does, it makes the Man's heart squeeze with yearning.

--I - I wish I knew-- he replied with a nervous chuckle,looking away-- I uhm ..didnt know you existed

-- I do-- the skeleton agrees--Its good to see you,though. --his voice fills with the same warmth it has when he speaks to rainbow, desmonds breath hitches and hes taken back. Was he really using that tone with him?.

--Oh..I uhm. Yeah I havent been to the bar in a while

--Yeah, i- he- he misses you--Decay confessed, cupping the Mans cheek and making him look into his eye sockets.

His frost breath fogs up his glasses, and desmond feels like hes going to die from how fast his heart was beating. The skeletal hand is deathly cool...but soft.

--O-oh..-- its all the therapist replies,enamored by the feeling of what he guessed was the skeletons gaze. Its overwhelming,filled with love and...yearning. yearning for Desmond and nobody else. Was this Decay or Lazaro himself?.

--Come by sometime-- begged the shadow form, genuine hurt in his voice.

They go quiet,both of them, all they hear is the whistling wind and the rustling of dead trees. He looks at the rotting tree and he feels...

Decay looks too,and sighs. The Ice keeps the rot from spreading, a short term solution but not permanent.

Desmond looks into the rotting willow tree, he feels overwhelmed with burnt out, with exhaustion, with a deep desire of realese, of yearning for the pain to end.

--Nurse him back to health. Please-- Decay Begged once more-- this garden...my- our garden is rotting. -- his skeletal hand moves to his chin, his face frosting over into a human one ,gaunt but still drop dead gorgeus.

And desmond, for once,doesnt fight it. He leans in, hands reaching for his cloak. And then....

Hes awake, in bed, glasses thrown haphazardly on the nightstand. He turns,heart Racing and almost beating out of his chest, his body feels warm as hes flustered.

But his eyes catch the sigh of something red on the other side of the bed, long time since it has been last occupied by someone, a loved one or a partner.

There, on the pillow is a Red Spider lily. The pillow feels deathly cool to the touch, and looking at the flower he tries to steady his breath.

The realm of the dead would call to him, its master, chiron, the skeleton King, Decay, would demand his presence, and who was he to say no to the ferryman?

--Jesus! Youre awake!--Lucas yelled, jumping out of his Seat as desmond comes out of his room.

--Lazaro-- he gasps out-- where is he-?

--The bar, where else-- the ex soldier stops his friend-- youre in no condition--

--i need to see him, hes- hes hanging on by a thread, his tree--His garden is rotting, Lucas please..!

--Tree? Garden? What are you on about?

--I saw- I saw lazaros shadow form, its tied to a willow tree, its almost about to die. You need to let him know im here, please Lucas hes unstable

Lucas recalls the things jerico told him,how upset and sad Lazaro was, how he couldnt get out of his rooms most days. How its like his personality wilted away.

--Go sit. Ill give you water, bottled water, ill call him.

And like that, Desmond listens to Lucas explain everything to Jerico and Lazaro. Hes sure that if it wasnt for Jerico, Laz wouldve thought Lucas was crazy.

But they dont see eachother, oh no they dont, Desmond is too weak to even get out of bed, he can feel Agent stirr and writhe unconfortably during the day. In his dreams his shadow shows him the decayed tree, how its almost all dead with the trunk rotted away.

Weeks go by, Lazaro is not in the right state of mind to even go visit. Jerico is mad at desmond even if she understand his situation.

And when he finally feels better, against his better judgement, he ends up at Dyonisus Bar. Lazaro squeaks when he sees him but he doesnt say a Word.

Neither do, but laz is kind enough to set a double whiskey infront of him. Desmond is wallowing in his loss, his dead cat,his wife leaving him,on that tree thats rotting away because of him..

--You were gone for so Long-- Lazaro croaked, eyes Burning with repressed tears-- do you have any idea how worried I was? How Many sleepless nights I had?

Desmond grips the glass, hes angry at himself and he lashes out, he should know better and he does, but he hates himself that much-- Why do you even care for me anyway?! -- his voice is just under a scream,and thank god its a very slow night.

The other Man sets down the glass he was polishing with force, his head snaps so fast towards him its like hes going to break his neck. He stomps towards the therapist, he grabs him by the neck of his dress shirts and yells-- BECAUSE I LOVE YOU,YOU SAD FUCKING ASSHOLE,because since I met you ive been able to think less of the hate I have for my parents,I dont feel abandoned when youre around! Because my anger melts away and all my grief of mourning a family I never had goes away! Because you make me feel alive! I dont have to walk on eggshels, im safe with you and i can be myself! I love you!--He kisses him with force.

Desmonds eyes go wide and with shaky hands he clings on to Lazaro's clothes. When the younger Man pulls away,hesistant because he didnt kiss back, Des pulls him for another,its passionate and needy but neither care.

--im sorry im sorry,im so sorry--Desmond apologized,his forehead against his companions-- I was scared,scared that you didnt actually love me, that I would drive you away! Im sorry,I love you too,im sorry.

In the realm of the unconcious,Agent is shaking as he clings to an extremely weak Decay who is no longer cold,just lukewarm. Hes terrified, hes terrified hes going to lose him too, he cant, he cant lose him.

--I love you,I love you-- agent whispers against his skull, over and over again. Decay's body is absolutely weak, its taking all his strength to not become dust, even his clothes seemed dead.

The willow tree's trunk is barely holding on with a piece of wood that looks like a spine, its slowly rotting away...and then...

The trunk grows back with not one hole to be seen, no rot or anything. He hears Decay gasp for air and the sudden return of that extreme cold body temperature makes him yelp.

--Honey!-- Agent rainbow yells,pulling Back.

--Desmond confessed!-- decay pulls back,with a smile-- the tree- lazaro got everything out!--He looks at the tree, healthy like the first day

--Fucking finally--exhaled desmonds shadow, pressing his forehead against his lovers-- I love you

--I love you too-- Decay whispered.

--I love you-- desmond murmured.

--I love you too-- Lazaro replied, gripping the mans clothes.

Finally together.

[soulsxng]

“I will be away from Seelie for a time.” Iomhar’s arms were wrapped around Sivel as the fae laid idle kisses to his lover’s neck. “The king has received an invitation to attend a set of festivities in some other land.” The names of everything was escaping him at the moment, only that it was a party to celebrate the changing of the seasons or harvest or some such celebration. Those details were for the king to remember, not him. Besides, the only part of import for him to remember was—

“I will also be in attendance as a friend has extended an invitation for me to participate in a tournament that is part of the events! She has assured me that it is a friendly, non-lethal tournament,” Iomhar quickly thought to add in case Sivel had begun to worry. “Anyways, I will be there for a time, though I hate to leave when it seems your work is keeping you busy.”

Not that there was anything Iomhar could do to ease Sivel’s workload, and Iomhar resisted the urge to sigh at the thought.

@arcxnumvitae

The hum that followed Iomhar's initial words was a languid one, accompanied by the soft rustle of the bedsheets beneath them. With how busy the Vasyrus had been as of late, the length of time between when he was able to see his Seelie lover had grown to be a good bit longer than usual. Which, evidently, led to some rather...insatiable bouts to make up for it.

They'd only just gotten out of the bath after cleaning up from said escapades, and between the residual warmth, Iomhar's arms around him, and the soft kisses at his throat, Sivel couldn't help but savor the feeling.

Though...the more he listened, the more an unsettled pit grew in his stomach, and he found himself turning to face the fae before long. Perhaps it was because of the corruption, but that didn't feel like all it was. How curious.

"Is that right? In that case, I hope you have a good time there. Rest assured that even if I am not there to see it in person, I will be cheering for your victory in this friendly, non-lethal tournament."

Sivel's words were playful, and yet the gentle smile that accompanied them didn't stay on his lips for long. Soon, his tone had taken on a softer, more apologetic tone.

"Do not feel guilty-- if anything, I feel as though I should be apologizing to you. I know I have not exactly been the most present, lately...there has been so much going on, I keep getting the notion that I am neglecting you."

"You will be careful, right? If you see anyone acting especially odd, promise me you will leave, and..." There is some amount of hesitance in his tone. "...and if you are able to without endangering yourself overly much, take Camhlaidh with you. He will likely fill you in on the situation soon, but if he does not, let me know, and I can tell you, instead. For right now, however, I would rather keep that from my mind. Would rather focus on you."

The kisses Sivel presses to Iomhar's lips are soft and adoring; more than enough to bring the gentle smile back to his face again, as he cozies himself in even closer.

"...You had best come home to me soon though, mo ghràidh."

[fonkeloog]

okay so i saw you were rating music taste? (if not feel free to ignore this ask sjdhsh)

Britt's music things (deluxe edition)

Why hello! This is fun, please everyone send me more music things. I love this <3 I tried not to be too harsh, but please know that all of this is said in good fun and I love getting to know people through their music.

That being said, I'm going to put a cut because I'm not as fancy as my friends and couldn't figure out the text in picture thing. So this has become rather long. (Comments were made during the first listen. They may change with time)

Ghostbusters: 4/10

A classic

I like the 80's sound a lot so you really can't go wrong with that in my books.

That being said; this song gets very repetitive very quickly (which is why the rating is so low)

I Love You Like An Alcoholic: 6/10

The start is cute and cozy, but I'm not sure if I like it.

Is this singing or just talking over music? We may never know.

It kind of feels like a musical song? I'm getting whiplash trying to figure out the genre.

I like the woman's voice!

Catchy in a funky way

Tom's Diner: 6.5/10

Really need to be in a certain mood to listen to this one, but it's in several of my playlists.

The voices are really nice. I like the raspy sound

The 'dududu' part is too long and makes me skip it a lot of the time.

Sunflower: 3/10

Oh no. I can appreciate some sound effects, but this is giving me shivers in a bad way. Don't like the start of this at all.

The chorus is a bit better. I think if the beginning was without the effects I'd like it a lot more

I may have to relisten to this before I like it?

Choking On Flowers: 2/10 (8/10 for the insomnia playlist tho)

Another slow one? Oh, correction, an extremely slow one.

That's it. I'm gonna call an intervention cause this is putting me to sleep (might listen to this tonight in hopes of beating insomnia).

It's too slow. And coming from me, who has a playlist over 8hrs long with slow songs, that says a lot.

Get It On: 6.8/10

Oh! This is more like it.

Still a bit slow for what I'd currently listen to, but I definitely like this.

It builds so nice, but I keep waiting for that one part that makes you go "heck yes!" But it doesn't happen :(

Should I Stay or Should I Go: 9/10

The Clash! My beloved!!

This! More of this!

I need a bit more guitars, and just a bit louder, but yes. This is what I love today. (I'm currently in a rock era? My pop/top40 loving self is very confused)

Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love: 7/10

Van Halen! Now you've got it.

He has better songs tbh. This is pretty soft (compared to, let's say Jump!)

I do like it a lot tho!

Broken Crown: 10/10

Mumford & Sons are so underrated, but I kind of want to gatekeep them?

I haven't heard this song before.

I love the folk-rock sound so much, can't go wrong with that tbh.

I love how they strip the sound and then come back with the instruments during/after the bridge. (That's a "heck yes!" Moment)

"I can take the road and I can fuck it all away // but in this twilight, our choices seal our fate." Love love love this line

Take On Me: 6.4/10

This is a classic and I will never not miss a chance to sing this during karaoke.

It's in my 'Old but Gold' playlist, but I often find myself skipping it.

Under Pressure: 7.6/10

Another classic. Queen & Bowie collaborating gave us some really good songs and I'm so glad for that.

It sounds so fun, but the lyrics are actually pretty sad.

Chamber of Reflection: 5.5/10

It sounds like something a friend of mine would listen to while smoking a joint.

It's not bad, but I wouldn't listen to this on my own.

The ending is so slooowww

Cigarettes Out The Window: 4/10

This tickles my brain, but not in a nice way.

This may be a 'wetleg' situation. Which means I hate it now, but will love it in a couple of weeks. So it gets an extra point for that.

Fahrradsattel: 6.9/10

This intro is... interesting? (Are those WHIP SOUNDS?!)

I have little to no clue as to what he's saying, but he want to be something?

Okay I translated the lyrics. I have questions

Guitar Solo: 9/10

Look. I love guitars. You had me at the title alone.

Puttin' on the Ritz: 5/10

This has become a tiktok song

I kind of like it, but I'm taking a point away because tiktok ruined it.

Very catchy

[luvp-music]

There Is No Solace [Official Lyrics]

Aren’t you getting tired of the constant stalking? Haven’t you heard of this little thing called talking? In this cozy corner, all the children flocking Asking for my sweet advice, is that so shocking?

When did you awake? Over beside the lake? I’m only asking, I don’t like leaving out small mistakes! Say, would you like a smoke? No, you don’t need a toast! Oh, very well, I guess I’ll have my own, try not to choke

As the world begins to form around My own world begins to form around Your own world is nowhere to be found Make sure you stay aground

Now, let me address, how in this place you sit and wait, and Bide in our progress, and hate how late we state your fate, but There is no solace, in what we sate and we debate, so What’s the purpose in being mad? Under Virna’s hole, we party on until the dawn, and Though it’s not my role, I’ll stay and fawn until you’re gone, but Deep inside my soul, I won’t be drawn to make a pawn, so My sweet little miss, for both our sakes, you are dismissed!

“It’s been a hot minute since we last had contact How was I supposed to know we were being tracked? I didn’t think my advice would have that impact Oh my, oh dear, here she comes, I’ll call you right back!”

Hey there, little girl! You’re such a pretty pearl The way you sing it makes me think of the most gorgeous merl So how about a smoke? Shut up about your toasts! That man should not have spoke, a joke and broke, that bloke should just croak

Don’t be mad, so what I said was wrong? Don’t be mad, have you been friends for long? Don’t get sad, (so has he been this strong?) Let’s relax and sing songs!

As you gain my trust, I wonder how I’ll arrogate, and The queen on the cusp, of headed weight upon the plate, but There is no solace, in what we sate and we debate, so Here we’ll stay, and play til the day Your epitome: “I’m not the same as he who came,” and Though thinking, you’re free, I can’t proclaim your claim a shame, but Falling to your knees, my heart aflame, the game in frame, so Hows bout I tell you my own goddamn name?

Kingdoms crumble under my feet Every person dies when we meet Can’t you see your face is changing? Can’t you see what I’m exchanging?

Just your simple life, there is no need to be stressed All of this is for the precious queen’s final rest Oh my god, don’t look up at me, face of disgust She’s been gone for far too long, so why don’t you just

(DIE?!)

Sorry, dear Alice, this is your fate we contemplate and I only promise, your head looks great upon the plate, but There is no solace, in what we sate and we debate, so Don’t go bad, or sad, just stay MAD Though I don’t wish it, I hope you’re well inside your cell and Through those lies I spit, you’ll find your way outside this hell, but I’ll smoke when I quit, I do not dwell on those who fell, so All I can say is, good luck my friend, the queen awaits!

I deserve this fate I deserve this fate