#new and improved update tonight

[laylajeffany]

**cracks fingers** back to being able to write 50k+ in a week while working my full time job - peace and blessings ✌🏼 it just took me re-entering my red bull era after three months. stg without it, I'm just hovering above my body and can't do things but on that bullshit? I'm back with the old gods, cause she really does give me wings

[thelegendofmrrager]

Let YOURSELF cook. Don't rush the process. Let that WIP simmer like the 45 year old soup. Come back every once in awhile, add some ingredients, skim the top, let it simmer some more. That shit will be chef's kiss when it's ready I prommy you

[chxrryhansen]

౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ Cherry’s Cevans Series Rec List

thought i’d make a list of all the best cevans (characters) series i have read!! i have lots more to add and will continue to update this list🫶🏻 i will also create a one shot fic rec list in the near future💖💘💞

Preying On You Tonight - @evansbby

“Steve is the cocky, brash and domineering alpha who makes your life at university a living hell every day. You’re the complete opposite - quiet, meek and reserved. You’re convinced Steve hates you, but what happens when he finds out you have a boyfriend? (a/b/o dynamics)”

Wicked Games - @evansbby

Ari is the campus fuckboy and you’re his little plaything. But he’s telling the truth when he says he’s going to make you his girlfriend soon, right?

What A World - @onsunnyside

S.H.I.E.L.D. had a lot of secrets, you just never expected one of them to be an actual person—a blue-eyed giant, wild manbeast at that. [tarzan!Steve Rogers x doctor!reader, nomad!steve, size difference]

Just Because I Won’t Die For You, Doesn’t Mean I Won’t Kill For You - @dbnightingale24

Lloyd Hansen is just another job for you. Your last job. However, when he decides that he wants to take you for a ride and have a good time, well...how’s a girl supposed to say no?

Closer To Heaven And Closer To You - @georgiapeach30513

When your boyfriend, Ransom wants to take a trip back home to the ranch to meet your family, you are unsure.  Knowing that a rodeo is in town could only mean your ex, Frank Adler, was most likely riding for eight seconds, still trying to beat his best friend, Steve Rogers.  All you wanted was a nice time, not old memories bothering your brain.

Just Like The Caged Bird - @georgiapeach30513

You are a widow who moves back to her husband's hometown after selling your in Georgia home.  Moving in above your brother in law's garage.  Sharing the space with his friend Bucky Barnes, but your other brother-in-law Andy causes problems, along with your overprotective brothers.

Pretty Petals - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

You go on a self-improvement retreat, but not all is as it seems. (multi-character)

His Koala Bear - @kinanabinks

you and steve have been best friends since you were 5. for the longest time, he has wanted so much more from you. and it's getting harder for him to stop himself from taking it.

Belong Here - @angrythingstarlight

Steve has been looking for his perfect girl and suddenly there you are stuck in this dingy restaurant. You don't belong here, you belong with him.

Finding Home - @navybrat817

Steve finds a home with you. (lumberjack Au)

Their Doll - @kaiparker-avengerssmut

y/n Stark, all records of her non existent, and yet Hydra still find her. When she is kidnapped by a certain super-soldier and no one believes her, she finds herself searching for unexpected familiarity in her not-so-distant past.

No Better Than Beast’s - @lokislastlove

You’re an animal rights activist who sets out to put an end to animal testing… but it’s a risky mission. (Dark!Steve Rogers)

Doppelgänger - @boxofbonesfic

Your husband’s twin brother has always made you uncomfortable, and after two years of marriage, you finally find out why. (Dark!Ransom Drysdale + Dark!Lloyd Hansen)

Million Dollar Man - @chrisevansgoodgirl

your relationship with ransom and his insane family.

Brooklyn’s Sweetheart - @spacesnail3000

Bucky and Steve had always been meant to keep her safe and happy. As far as anyone else was concerned, that was their sole reason for being alive. Unfortunately, the things that kept her safe were not always the things that kept her happy. Lately, she was making it pretty damn hard for them to compromise.

Let It Snow - @spacesnail3000

She was his Omega, and Steve had a plan. She would love him. He knew she would.

Sweet Renegade - @cevansbrat0007

A new arrival in town leads to an unexpected complication in the form of a sexy as sin Bounty Hunter named Ari Levinson.

Evergreen, Evermore - @babyjakes

loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

A Huckleberry Is Nothing Without His Hummingbird - @dbnightingale24

Lloyd and Y/N have been amicably(ish) divorced for four years. However, when earth shattering trauma come their way, will they lean into what they truly want, or will the flames from past traumas still burn too bright?

Civil war- Brooklyn - @saiyanprincessswanie

Ten years ago the Readers world was turned upside down when her father was killed by Hydras Brock Rumlow. She believes the loves of her life Steve Rogers and James “Bucky” Barnes were also killed while trying to avenge her fathers death. Reader is now working for the FBI on a task force that is meant to take down Hydra. She volunteers to go undercover to take down Hydra. In doing so she not only puts herself in the cross hairs with Rumlow but she gets to meet the mystery men causing Hydra issues. Who are the Captain and Winter Soldier? What lengths will you go through to uncover the truth and seek revenge?

The Boston Brute - @time-for-a-lullaby

When you graduated from Northeastern University, you had your sights set on the West Coast. And then you were offered a position with the Boston Bruins Athletic Training Department. And then you met Chris. A 6′3″, ruggedly handsome hockey player dead set on making your life a living hell by pushing every button and getting on every nerve. Despite your obvious disdain for each other and the ‘No Fraternization’ clause in your employee contract, you’re drawn together in a passionate, fiery love affair that seems to burn everything in its wake. 

Planet Evans Universe - @astranva

In which Chris was a nervous mess when he met his A+ list celebrity crush, highest-paid, and the most iconic actress, you, at Vanity Fair’s 2014 after party. (Following the life of overprotective!dad!Chris x wife!actress!reader!)

Don’t Speak - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

Reader is a reclusive loner who ventures down to the library on a simple mission. Her task is complicated by the man she meets there. (Dark!Andy Barber)

Cat and Mouse - @queen-of-the-avengers

You’re called the Vixen because you were HYDRA’s favorite creation. You’re very hard to catch, and once you are, it’s even harder to keep you.

Let’s Ride - @starryevermore

You’re a single mom and have just moved into a new town. You have no interest in looking for love, but the funny thing about love is, it waits for no one. (Biker!Ari Levinson)

Out Of The Darkness - @sunshinexsin

Sienna Jons has lived in Boston for three years now after graduating and is running her own salon in the city. With a small group of friends sticking by her side, she's content with her life. Enter Chris Evans, a known and feared mob boss in Boston’s underground crime world. Coming out of a long relationship ended in a bitter divorce, Chris isn’t looking for anything serious until Sienna crosses his path. Trying to win her over proves difficult for the man who seemingly has it all and Sienna is not willing to be with someone who causes such destruction in his own hometown. Sienna soon finds herself entangled in the crazy, violent world of the mob and struggles to find a way to either live with the hardened man Chris has always been or get away from him before her own life spirals out of control.

Murder He Wrote - @wiypt-writes

You’re sent by your asshole boss to do a review of a Celebrity Host Haunted Mansion, hosted by none-other than the arrogant, wild-eye browed actor Lucas Lee, but you’re worried you’ve missed the boat…that is, until at the last minute, an email arrives to say they can let you in on the last admission that night, which just happens to be Halloween. (Dark!Ransom Drysdale)

Poison Paradise - @the-iceni-bitch

Robert Pronge was sure he could settle for a fake domestic life as long as he could go on killing. Little did he know that you could give him everything he needed.

A Bun In The Oven - @witchywithwhiskey

the leaves are changing—green fading into golden yellow, burnt orange and radiant red—and the days are getting shorter and colder as autumn settles in. it's the perfect time of year for baked goods, fall foliage, book stores, and to curl up next to (and get under) our favorite man with a plan, steve rogers

Wilford’s Demands - @sweater-daddiesdumbdork

Wilford places you in Curtis’ care so he can impregnate you.

In The Balance - @goodgirlofglory

One unsuspecting evening, the stranger Steve Rogers appears bloodied and in need of aid at your doorstep. You immediately catch his eye, and he forces himself upon you within the hour. Several months of repeated visits from him results in your pregnancy, and the night you find out, Steve intereceps you on your way to an abortion clinic and kidnaps you to his mansion. Will you carry the child to term? Will you buckle under the pressure of capitivity? Will you escape the grasp Steve has on you, or will you submit to it and your own, conflicted desires?

Drowning Siren - @rogerswifesblog

The Avengers found an old abandoned HYDRA base, that had been cleared after HYDRAs existence had been exposed. At least they thought it was cleared. It was the biggest experimental lab they had ever seen, the closest base to the ocean, full with creatures-dead creatures. Some of them laid still on tables, stripped with metal cuffs, open and already rotting. It was an awful smell. But then they heard something beautiful. A melody, a beautiful voice singing unbelievably gentle sounds. Walking into the building full with ocean creatures, they had no idea their life was about to change.

Vampire Kings Religion - @marvelcriminalhoe

In a world where fantasy beings roam every corner, the humans are on the bottom. Looked at as weak and disgraceful. The vampires are the opposite. They rule the land, and all of the creatures that take part of it. the current ruler, King Steven, has ruled for more than 150 years, alone. After many nights, and long talks with his most trusted hands, he comes to the long awaited decision that he will finally, take a wife. All female creatures, are to be evaluated, so he can find his perfect match. Of course, no one expects for him to choose a human. Especially not one from the church. Especially not the daughter, of the leader, of the church. The same church that detests the mythical creatures, wishing for nothing more than for them to perish in fire. How could this union possibly end well?

Ride And Prejudice - @pagesoflauren

A take on Pride & Prejudice, certain circumstances in your life have led you to take refuge and work in a farm village, particularly on the ranch owned by Steve Rogers. He doesn’t take kindly to you, having bad perceptions about city folk. Your only reaction to that is the one you deem acceptable: get annoyed at every little thing he does whilst doing your best to annoy him and still keep your job.

Love On The Brain - @howardpotts

You’re just a student, living her normal daily life in New York. One night changes everything, without you even knowing. Steve Rogers slowly introduces you to his world full of money, drugs and voilence. But are you able to handle what he has to offer? (MobBoss!Steve Rogers)

Flamingo King - @onsunnyside

The sun is brutal this summer, especially in Flamingo Trailer Park, the land of big hearts and cheap tricks, you’ve been here for years unlike your “new” neighbour, Ari. He’s older, bigger, and intimidating, the local rockstar, and you, well, aren’t you just the sweetest girl in the whole damn city?

Make It A December To Remember - @imyourbratzdoll

AGE AND SIZE DIFFERENCE IS ADDED TO ALL! SANTA AND THE GRINCH ARE LARGER THAN THE READER! THE ELVES ARE THE SIZE OF HER PALM! (a chris evans xmas universe)

This Love Is Bad - @wildestdreamsblog

You were just trying to escape your past, and Ari was trying to chase his future.

Nowhere To Run - @sagechanoafterdark

On the last day that Steve spent in your small town before heading off to basic training for the army, he made sure it was one you wouldn’t ever forget. Years later when he appears in your town he seems like a changed man in more ways than one, but you’re ready to show him that you’ve never forgotten that day. (Dark!Steve Rogers+ Bucky Barnes)

Nice To Be Kneaded - @rogersideup

Almost every news station in the country was covering the chase for the missing superheroes post-raft-escape following the Civil War. Steve Rogers face had been plastered on the cover of every news paper, fliers stapled to street lamps, posted on bulletin boards in what felt like every coffee shop in the country. It had been just a few long months shy of a year, just long enough to grow out his hair and beard to make himself as unrecognizable as he could manage. Though he was still the poster boy of disorder within the states, he found himself in the scanty town of Greenwood in the house right next to yours.

Forever And Ever More - @syntheticavenger

Ransom Drysdale may be Boston’s most eligible Alpha who has his eyes set on you. With his inheritance hanging in the balance, he won’t take no for an answer, whether you like him or not.

Hackers Heart - @bakugousaysdie

steve rogers has always been america’s golden boy, leading earth’s mightiest heroes and serving his country. you have always been bad with boundaries, a little too curious, and an absolute disruption. you are an absolute menace,so it’s only right you fell in love with the most adored man in the country.

Arranged - @time-for-a-lullaby

Living in this life, you’ve never gotten to have much say in anything. What you wear, who you hang out with, and now, who you marry and you’re dreading your arranged marriage to the Italian mob boss, Chris Evans. Expecting to suffer through a life of abuse while being kept under lock and key, you’re pleasantly surprised when Chris is nothing like you expected. He’s the most feared man on the East Coast, only brought to his knees by one thing and one thing only. You.

[dduane]

It’s not over yet! May 11/12 aurora watch continues

It was a good night for aurora watchers all over Europe on the evening of May 10th/11th, 2024. Here's a great brief timelapse video sequence from Berkshire in the UK (via @Rainmaker1973 over at the Bye Bye Birdie place).

Among numerous other displays, this particular broad, pink "banner" structure was widely observed across the UK and Ireland around midnight local time / 2300 UT. It persisted, twisting and morphing into a variety of new shapes, for something like half an hour. The night's display as a whole was definitely one for the record books.

The early projections at the NOAA site suggest that the power of the incoming geomagnetic storm will be significantly less on Sunday, May 12th. But the night of May 11th still holds possibilities, as for the time being the storm seems to be holding at the relatively high Kp 8 level (on a scale of 0-9).

NOAA space weather forecasters have observed at least seven coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, with impacts expected to arrive on Earth as early as midday Friday, May 10, and persist through Sunday, May 12, 2024. 

Here are the early graphic projections for the zone of visibility on the evening of May 11 2024. Please note that (a) these are approximations and estimates, not hard and fast indicators of where the solar wind makes planetfall; and (b) as they did last night, they may well improve over the course of the day as newer and better data reaches the predicting devices and personnel.

The European animated projection comes via ITV (UK) weatherman Chris Page.

North American prediction images come via the Space Weather Prediction Center at the NOAA website. Right now (9:30 PM IDT / 2139 UT on May 11th) the NOAA's evening prediction animation for Europe and North America hasn't been generated yet. This still image (updated 1900 IDT) shows where the auroral viewing zone stands right now. The "likelihood of viewing" for Europe seems to have dropped pretty much into the 30-40% range.

That said, though, it's worth noting that the NOAA earlier issued yet another geomagnetic storm watch warning for 12 May, as the Sun apparently popped off both X-class and M-class flares early today; the effects of those are now in transit toward Earth. So we'll see in a day or so what comes of that. Sunspot region 3664, which has been responsible for all this excitement, is plainly not done spitting out flares just yet.

As regards tonight's predictions, it also remains to be seen whether what we get will be better... considering that last night's displays far outpaced everybody's expectations. I for one am quite willing to be surprised. 🙏

It's also worth noting here that so far today, the Kp index illustrated at the Space Weather Prediction Center's experimental aurora dashboard page—an indicator of the current strength of the geomagnetic storm—hasn't dropped off very much from last night's highs. It'll be interesting to see how this behaves as the day goes on. (ETA 2: image updated 11/05/2024, 2140 IDT)

Other useful resources for those interested in space weather generally, and solar weather:

NASA's SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) satellite's "The Sun Now" page

ESA Space Weather Service Network

NOAA (US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Space Weather and Prediction Page

OVATION auroral prediction model from the DSCOVR spacecraft, via SpaceWeatherLive

AuroraWatch UK

[terrorwail]

I just feel Lydia’s relationship with Natalie improves immensely once she leaves for college

[morganski-19]

part 1, part 2, part 3

Wayne stays at the hospital longer than he should. Rubbing his fingers along Eddie’s pick necklace like a rosary. Hoping that if he just prays hard enough, if his voice can be heard, Eddie will wake up. 

The prognosis isn’t great. Each day that passes marks another day where his chances of waking up get lower. Even though many people have woken up from medically induced comas much later than this. According to the doctors. According to the pamphlets given to him at the start of all of this shit. But those are just words. Words he doesn’t believe fully. 

Six days with no changes. No improvement. Just a tube to make sure he’s breathing regularly and an IV to make sure he doesn’t die of dehydration or starvation. The doctors say that his brain still shows activity, and his heart hasn’t missed a beat since he was last revived. Eddie’s alive, but just how much?

How much longer will Wayne sit in this agony waiting for him to wake up? Or how long until the string of hope just ends six feet under? 

Religion was something that Wayne dealt with sporadically. He was raised Catholic, sort of still is a practicing Catholic. Goes to church when he isn’t too tired, still prays, and goes to confession sometimes. Just didn’t always make sense. But now, it’s all he’s got. 

Eddie’s in God’s hands now. Whether that’s the God in the Bible, or some other deity of the many other religions in the world, Wayne doesn’t care anymore. As long as he’s heard, and this being knows his boy is good. That he was taken far too soon. 

Eddie liked to say there was nothing much for him past high school. That he was going to run out of town as soon as he could and fight to make something of himself. Be a struggling musician, find odd jobs. Anything to keep him out of the monotony of a corporate job. Get him away from the conservative views and stuffiness of this town. Somehow get big enough to prove them all that he wasn’t a failure. Or never come back to prove them all right. 

It would be a sad day when Eddie finally left for good. The trailer would seem empty without the life that Eddie brought. The peace and quiet that Wayne always asked for not bringing any peace because it was too damn quiet. He knew this now because it’s what’s keeping him here each day. 

The beeping of the heart monitor was like the heart beating in his chest. Some noise came from Eddie to prove that he was alive. Almost like he was acting himself again. The motel room he was staying in was too quiet. No music down the hall, no clanking around the kitchen, no yelling at the TV or a book. Just the occasional noise if there were neighbors and people driving to the hospital. It was all the wrong noise, though. 

“Excuse me,” a nurse says as she enters the room. “Visiting hours are over, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

Wayne nods, getting up from his chair. Back screaming as it pops itself back into place. It’s his day off, or night off tonight, so he can actually sleep. If it ever comes to him. Might be one of those nights where the ceiling and him have a staring contest. He’s been close, but never quite won one of those yet. 

The Chief’s car sits outside of the motel as Wayne pulls up. It’s only been a day since they spoke last, there can’t be that many updates. Wayne can’t think of any other reason he’s here. 

Wayne invites him into the motel room, the urge to offer him a drink screaming at him, but he has none to give. Hospitality doesn’t come with the room fees. 

“I’m guessing there’s something new, that’s why you're here.”

“Not necessarily. I’m still trying, but until the one guy I normally negotiate with comes out of hiding, that’s when the real talking happens.”

Wayne sits down on one of the chairs, too tired to keep standing. “Why’re you here then?”

“To check on you. I know the hospital life well. It’s no picnic, especially if you’re doing it alone.” He pulls another one of the chairs over to sit down. 

There’s no lie in that. “I’m about as good as anyone could think.”

The Chief pulls two beers out from under his coat, handing one to Wayne. He takes it faster than any beer he has in his life. Pulling out his pocket knife to take off the cap. 

“How long till that friend of yours comes out of hiding?”

Hopper shrugs. “Don’t know. Sent him a few threatening letters, and he still owes me one, so we’ll see. If things were better here, I’d go hunt the man down myself.”

Wayne nods. The company’s nice, he can’t lie. Sitting in solidarity with someone who knows what you’ve been through. Making sure nothing’s going worse than it already is. Like a sponsor through the hospital proceedings. 

When the sun finally finishes setting, the chief excuses himself. Not before handing Wayne a slip of paper with his number on it, just in case anything happens. 

The more days go by, the more Wayne is reminded that he’s not alone in this. Not fighting this battle alone. People believe him, more than just kids. People with influence. It shows in how people keep coming in and out of the hospital room. Saying how they know he’s innocent. That he’s guilty of some things, but not this. 

It makes him think back to that afternoon, snapping at the Harrington kid. It’s so easy to be angry at people who are better off, in so many ways, that vision gets blinded. Seeing someone who went through something similar to Eddie get out, and be conscious while his boy is still asleep. Probably will never have to worry about hospital bills and medical debt. It makes him angry. 

Even if the kid doesn’t deserve it. Wayne has no clue who this kid is and how he knows Eddie. Why he claims to have been there in the week Eddie was missing. What it all means. It doesn’t make any sense. None at all. 

But then the next morning when he’s getting coffee, there’s the kid again coming in beside Dustin. Talking to someone at the front desk before heading down the hall. Right to the elevator, and up to the floor Eddie’s on. 

Wayne heads back to the room, ready to kick him out again or apologize. He’s not sure yet. But, the room is empty. Steve is instead down the hall, talking to Susan Mayfield. Looking serious as hell, and halfway ready to cry. 

Another kid comes out of the room, one who’s stopped by a few times to check on Eddie. Lucas, Wayne thinks is his name. Remembers it only because Eddie had ranted a few times about some kid named Lucas trying to be on both the basketball team and part of the Dragons club. 

The kid says something to Steve before he’s being wrapped in a hug and starts crying. Steve just holding him as this kid breaks down. Presumably about the person behind those doors. Wayne assumes it’s probably Susan’s kid. Remembers hearing that she was in bad shape. Hopefully, that didn’t get any worse. 

Wayne returns to his room, not wanting to intrude. A nurse comes in a while later and asks him to step out for a bit. 

“What for?”

“Eddie’s breathing has improved over the last twenty-four hours. The doctor came in to check on him early this morning, and said that if by noon it was the same, the breathing tube could come out.”

“And that’s a good thing?” Wayne’s hesitant to believe anything these days. 

The nurse nods. “As long as his oxygen levels stay, well level, then yes. It means that his body is well on the way to recovery.”

Wayne nods, taking his coffee to the waiting room. There, he just waits.

Next part

Note: The next part of this will get a bit interesting. I've been having ideas for a while now of making this duel POV between Wayne and someone else, maybe Steve. Mainly because I keep thinking of conversations that would happen, but Wayne would be nowhere to witness it. But I think what this fic needs is a POV not directly in the main relationship that will be happening, to keep it an outsider POV fic. So I'm thinking that the second POV would be from either Robin or Dustin. I'm currently deciding between the two so let me know what you think. I'm also going to start posting this to ao3, and will provide the link to that once I think of a title. I will continue to post the smaller parts here on tumblr, and you will not be missing out on any of the story if you only follow it on here. For now all of the parts will also have the tag #morgan's wayne POV. If that changes, as it probably will since this is no longer just a wayne POV fic, I will let you know. Also, Max is alive, they just got a heavy diagnosis that you will learn of later.

tag list, let me know if you want to be added or removed: @the-they-who-nerded, @insteviewetrust, @croatoan-like-its-hot, @jettestar, @tinyplanet95, @steddie-as-they-go, @slv-333, @littlecelestialmoth, @thatonebadideapanda, @fandomsanddeath, @marismorar, @wonderland-girl143-blog, @glass-bottle03, @gutterflower77, @here4thetrama, @goodolefashionedloverboi, @jaytriesstuff, @cryptid-system, @manda-panda-monium, @resident-gay-bitch, @anaibis, @xxsutherlandxx, @forevermineliv, @mugloversonly, @gregre369, @n0-1-important, @different-tale-student, @spectrum-spectre, @tartarusknight, @devondepresso, @swimmingbirdrunningrock, @cheertain, @anti-ozzie, @autumncrocusandladybug, @greeniebean911, @cr0w-culture, @stillfullofshit, @connected-dots, @daisynotquake, @morgannotlefay, @a-little-unsteddie, @dolphincliffs

[hockeylovee12]

Crossing Enemy Lines

Chapter Two

Luke Hughes x Original Character

Warnings: Cussing

A/N This chapter was updated on 04/11 to replace the photo and then improve the text. The story line remains there's just a few minor adds.

November 11th, 2023

The mid-morning sun filters through the curtains in Luke’s room, casting a gentle glow across his face, as he slowly stirs awake. 

His eyes flutter open and he immediately feels the dull throb of a slight headache. 

With a groan, Luke rolls over and buries his face into the soft pillow. He silently thanks the hockey gods that his coach-even if it was done reluctantly-gave the team the day off, allowing him to nurse his minor hangover in peace. 

Fumbling around on the nightstand, his long fingers finally find his phone. He squints at the screen, taking a moment to adjust to the brightness as he swipes through his notifications. 

A text from his brother Quinn catches his eye: Tough game last night bud. 

Luke sighs, remembering the bitter taste of defeat, his team suffered last night at the hands of their fucking rivals the Rangers. 

He makes a mental note to call Quinn later, and check in on how his game went, knowing the Vancouver Canucks played the reigning cup champs last night, but having no clue how it went. 

The next message is from his mom: Hi sweetie, Dad and I are so excited to see you and Jacky this weekend! How’s everything going? 

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, as he types out a response to his mom indicating his excitement to see her too, before hitting send and returning to check the rest of his notifications. 

As he scrolls a text from an unknown number appears on his screen: Hey it’s Jordan. I had a great time tonight, let’s do it again :) 

Luke’s heart skips a beat as he reads through the message, and a flutter of excitement courses through his veins. Memories of the previous night flood his mind-the laughter, the easy conversation and the undeniable spark he felt between him and Jordan. His smile widens as he types out the response: I’d like that. 

Just as he hits the send button, the door to his room swings open and Jack strolls in, uninvited of course-a habit Luke has had to become reacquainted with since joining the Devils, and moving in with Jack. 

“What’s got you smiling so early in the morning?” Jack asks, his voice equal parts teasing and curious. 

Luke quickly locks his phone, trying to play it cool “Don’t worry about it,” he mumbles

But Jack, ever the perceptive older brother, narrows his eyes and in one swift motion snatches the phone from Luke’s grasp, ignoring his younger brother’s protests, as he types in his password. 

“Lets see what we have here” he says, a mischievous glint in his eye as he reads the text from Jordan “Ah is this the girl from last night?” 

Luke swiftly stands up and lunges towards Jack trying to grab his phone, but Jack holds him at arm's length. 

“Fine, yes, now give me back my phone” Luke grumbles, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance. 

“Not so fast,” Jack grins, his eyes still glued to the screen “You like her, don’t you?” 

Luke hesitates, his mind racing. He likes Jordan, he likes Jordan a lot. There’s something about her-about her laugh, about her smile, about her energy, the way she carries herself. As he ponders for a response, his phone beeps, signaling a new message. 

“She’s asking when you’re free” Jack informs him, his eyes scanning the screen. 

“Today?” Jack says, his fingers flying across the keyboard, to type out the very question he said aloud. 

“Wait. Jack don’t-” Luke tries to warn, but it’s too late. Jack hits send, a triumphant grin on his face. 

Luke finally manages to snatch his phone back, his heart pounding as he stares at the screen. 

Three little dots appear, then disappear, and for a moment Luke forgets how to breathe. 

Then, a white bubble pops up, with a single word that sends his pulse racing: Sure.

Jack leans over Luke’s shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips “You’re welcome” he says his tone equal parts smug and supportive. 

Luke playfully shoves Jack away, a genuine smile spreading across his face “Get out” he laughs, guiding his brother towards the door. 

As the door clicks shut behind Jack, Luke leans against it, his eyes fixated on his phone, as his smile widens. 

He quickly types out a message, asking where they should meet, and Jordan’s response comes almost immediately suggesting a cafe in New York City. 

Luke responds: Sounds good. How’s 1pm? 

Jordan replies: Works for me! I’ll send you the address. See you soon. 

With a grin Luke types out Looking forward to it, and sets his phone down, a flutter of anticipation rises in his chest as he thinks about seeing her again. 

He takes a deep breath, then pushes off the door, making his way to the bathroom, to start getting ready. 

 *****

Luke’s breath forms a cloud in the crisp New York air as he pushes open the door to the quaint cafe nestled on the corner of a bustling street. 

His heart races with anticipation as he scans the room for Jordan. 

He spots her at a table, her face lighting up with a smile, as she waves him over. 

“Hey” Luke greets her sliding into the seat across from her 

“Hi,” Jordan replies, her eyes sparkling. 

They order their drinks- an ice tea for Luke and a matcha latte for Jordan, before easily falling into a conversation.

“Oh before I forget,” Jordan says, reaching into her bag. She pulls out a well-worn paperback and hands it to Luke. “You asked me to recommend something for you and uh this is one of my all time favorites” She explains

Luke smiles, turning the book over in his hand, and looks at the title The Great Gatsby

“Thank you Jordan, that was really kind” Luke expresses 

“Well, you did promise me you’d actually read it” Jordan teases her eyes twinkling with mirth. 

Luke chuckles setting the book down on the table, “I’ll dive into it as soon as I can”

 They continue chatting, swapping stories and laughing at each other's jokes. They delve into various topics from their favorite movies, to their most embarrassing childhood memories.

"...and then I tripped, face-first into the cake," Jordan recounts, laughing at the memory. "My mom was horrified, but my brother couldn't stop laughing."

Luke chuckles, imagining a young Jordan covered in frosting. "Siblings, they never let you live anything down, do they?"

“Definitely not, do you have siblings?” 

“Ya I uh, I got two older brothers” Luke tells 

“Baby of the family?” Jordan teases. 

“Something like that” He jokes

“Don’t worry I’m the baby of mine too” She says, eliciting a laugh from Luke. 

They continue their conversation, shifting the topic to their favorite places. 

At one point their hands brush against one anothers on the table sending a jolt of electricity through both their bodies. Luke looks up, his eyes meeting Jordan’s, and for a moment the rest of the world fades away. 

They lean in, drawn to each other like magnets. Luke’s heart races as he inches closer, his gaze dropping to Jordan’s lips. 

And just as they're on the brink of sharing what would most likely be a magical kiss, the loud buzzing sound of a notification on Luke’s phone startles them both. 

Instinctively, he turns the phone face up, his brightness fully illuminated, and as he clears the random alert, his lock screen comes into view-a picture of him in his New Jersey Devils uniform, standing proudly on the ice. 

Jordan’s eyes widen as she catches a glimpse of the image, and her heart skips a beat. 

Luke notices her reaction and realizes his mistake. 

"Alright, um, I guess you kinda caught me," he admits sheepishly. "I'm not a student. I, uh, I play in the NHL."

Jordan is silent for a moment, processing this newfound information. Luke laughs nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "You know, most girls think it's pretty cool. Did you have a terrible experience with a hockey player or something? Promise not all of us are the same."

Jordan hesitates before speaking. "You play for the Devils?"

"Yeah," Luke confirms, studying her reaction.

"Don't tell me you hate hockey?" He somewhat jokes, hoping to god and beyond her answer isn't yes cus that's the biggest deal breaker in the world. 

Jordan hesitates, her expression unreadable. "No I um, I don't hate. My, uh, my brother plays," she reveals, her voice soft.

Luke's brows furrowed in confusion. "Oh, cool. In the NHL?"

"Yeah," Jordan sighs.

"Who's your brother?" Luke asks, curiosity getting the better of him.

"Jacob Trouba."

Luke's jaw drops, his eyes widening in shock. "Your brother is Jacob Trouba?!" he exclaims, a hint of anger creeping into his voice.

"Guilty," Jordan half-jokes, trying to diffuse the tension.

Luke runs his hands through his hair, muttering under his breath, "What the fuck."

Jordan bristles at his reaction. "Hey, it doesn't really change anything."

"Are you kidding me?" Luke scoffs, his frustration mounting.

"What?" Jordan challenges, her own irritation rising to the surface.

"Your brother is the captain of the Rangers, and I'm a Devil," Luke points out, as if it should be obvious.

Jordan laughs, but there's an edge to it. "So?"

"So? What do you mean, 'so'?" Luke asks incredulously.

"What does it change?" Jordan counters, her eyes narrowing.

"Wh-what? Everything!" Luke sputters. "Why didn't you mention this?"

Jordan's face hardens. "Are you kidding me? I didn't mention my last name because I had no fucking clue you gave a shit about hockey. In case you forgot, you told me you were a college student. Failed to mention you're actually in the fucking NHL."

Luke tries to defend himself. "Yeah, but that's different. I didn't tell you cus I figured you be some kinda fan girl, which by the way would be a hell of a lot better than you being the sister to the captain of my biggest rival" 

Jordan lets out a harsh laugh, "Rival? Oh My God! Are you serious? Do you hear how ridiculous you sound?" 

"It's not ridiculous" Luke claims

Jordan scoffs "You're right it's not ridiculous, it's just fucking comical" She stands abruptly, grabbing her purse "Grow the fuck up, Luke" 

With that, she turns on her heel and storms out of the cafe, leaving Luke sitting there, stunned. 

The copy of The Great Gatsby still lies on the table, a painful reminder of the moment that had slipped away.

With a heavy sigh, Luke stands, tossing a few bills on the table to cover their drinks and picks up the book, scoffing at the irony of it all, as he walks towards the exit of the cafe, and steps back out onto the bustling streets of New York, a scowl plastered across his face, at the unfortunate turn of events. 

 *****

Luke returns to his and Jack’s apartment, his mood sour and his thoughts consumed by the disastrous end to his date with Jordan.

As he enters the living room, he finds Jack sitting on the couch, his phone propped up in front of him. The familiar voice of Quinn filters through the speaker, indicating that they're in the middle of a FaceTime call.

Jack looks up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Hey, Lukey! How'd the date go?"

"Shut up," Luke grumbles, plopping down on the couch beside Jack.

Quinn's voice chimes in, concern evident in his tone. "What's wrong, Luke?"

Luke sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Just didn't go well," he says vaguely, not wanting to delve into the details.

Jack and Quinn exchange a glance through the screen, their brotherly instincts kicking in. "Come on, man," Jack prods gently. "Talk to us."

Luke shakes his head, his gaze fixed on the floor. "It's not gonna work out, that's all."

"Why not?" Quinn asks, his brow furrowed.

"Just... not going to," Luke responds, his tone indicating that he doesn't want to discuss it further.

Jack and Quinn sense Luke's reluctance and decide not to push the matter. "Alright, bud," Quinn says, his voice sympathetic. "I'm sorry, but maybe things will still work out?"

"Not gonna happen" Luke mumbles, anger creeping into his voice. 

Jack leans back on the couch, trying to lighten the mood. "It's probably for the best, come on, man. You don't gotta be hung up on some random girl when we're trying to win a Cup."

Luke nods, forcing a small smile. "Yeah." He stands up, stretching his arms above his head. "I'm gonna go lay down for a bit."

"Okay," Jack says, understanding in his eyes. "We'll be here if you need us."

Luke makes his way to his room, and decides to take a shower, hoping the hot water will help clear his head.

As the steam fills the bathroom, Luke's internal monologue takes over. He knows he doesn't need to be in a relationship, but the idea of having someone by his side isn't entirely unappealing.

His thoughts drift to his past relationships, or lack thereof. It seems like everyone around him has someone - Quinn with his girlfriend, Jack with his rotating roster of dates. But for Luke, finding a genuine connection has always been a struggle.

The last real relationship he had was back at Michigan, and even that ended in heartbreak when he discovered the girl was only using him for his family name. But now, with Jordan, he thought he'd finally found something real, something special and the fucking irony that for once it wasn’t his last name that ruined something, it’s stupid, it’s fucking stupid. 

As he steps out of the shower and changes into comfortable clothes, Luke can't shake the feeling of loneliness that settles in his chest. He lies in bed, scrolling aimlessly through his phone, trying to distract himself from the ache in his heart. 

It doesn’t work, he tosses his phone to the side, staring at the paperback book he threw on his nightstand. 

Suddenly, his phone buzzes with a notification. For a brief, hopeful moment, he thinks it might be Jordan, reaching out to apologize or explain. But instead, it's a message in the Devils' group chat,

Reminder practice tomorrow 9 AM. 

Luke groans, his disappointment palpable as he tosses his phone onto the nightstand and buries his head in his pillow.

A/N Part 3 coming soon

[arkiliastuff]

Blue Lagoon Pool

One shot | Joakim "Jolly" Karlsson x Fem! Reader

Warnings/ Tags : Fluff, Friends to Lovers type of thing, Smut, Wet Jolly and wet Reader (lmao not just because of the pool), female masturbation receiving, p in v (birth control but still wrap it up) - MDNI please

A/N : After months being stuck on this one shot I have finally finished it !! This is a little something to wait for the others fics updates that are coming. I like how the smut went 👌 even if it's still something I struggle with, but improving on it. Yeah recently, I'm giving to the Jolly girlies more content about the Swedish guitarist 👀 Hope you'll enjoy ! :D

~ The little bean taglist : @valiantroeagleangel @talialovesmiw

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It was a hot summer afternoon. The heat had been unbearable during the whole day and you were melting in your apartment, hardly surviving thanks to your fan and by drinking some water. You haven't planned anything. You had no more brain cells. You were so tired you wouldn’t be surprised to turn into a vegetable. Yet, when your phone started to buzz several times, you felt a bit more alive. You saw a lot of messages coming from the group chat “Bud Omens” where your friends were chatting often. It seemed they were planning a pool party tonight, at Matt, Noah and Jolly’s place. As they were asking who will be available tonight, you quickly responded, taking this opportunity to go out and socialize with your closest friends,escaping this heatwave.

You : Count me in, boys ! Jolly : That’s my girl. See you there, tonight ;)

You blushed at Jolly’s response, not expecting him to reply first and to be so frank and flirty  in front of everyone in the group chat. Even though the others weren’t paying too much attention to it, moving on swiftly to who was coming with who, who was bringing snacks and drinks etc… However you knew way too well that the crush you had on Jolly wasn’t a secret to anyone. And his flirty teasing was just proving to you how the feelings were mutual. All the signals were telling you to take this opportunity and  confess your feelings to him, but you were scared that might change your friendship. Well would it ? You were purposely taking your time with him, enjoying his company and teasing each other most of the time when you hang out. So, there was nothing you should be afraid to break off at this point. It wouldn’t change much. Maybe it could bring the two of you closer ? You’ll just have to figure it out tonight.

And again, if there was a pool party, this time it could mean only one thing : getting to wear your sexiest bikini. You smirked at yourself, having ideas on your outfit. Yeah, this time you were going to make him lose his mind for sure.

The evening came pretty fast, the heat cooling down so you could finally breathe normally again and not suffocate. You were finishing to get ready, just taking a bag with a towel and new clothes to change. You barely finished applying your waterproofed makeup, just in case, just to feel more confident and hot, before you heard your doorbell ringing. You opened the door and found Nicholas, waiting on your door frame. His car was parked temporarily on the sidewalk, with Folio inside. Earlier in the afternoon, you talked with Nick when he asked on the groupchat who needed a ride as he was picking up the drummer along the way anyway. You replied quickly, feeling reassured to have a driver like him for the night. You greeted the bassist with a smile, and he smiled back.

“Hey, Y/N” He waved at you, “Wow, look at you ! Looking so good. Someone’s gonna steal some hearts tonight” He teased.

You chuckled, satisfied already by your outfit, hairstyle and makeup.

“Thank you, Nick” You giggled, “But I’m only interested in one person’s heart tonight.”

He laughed quietly, again.

“Yeah, I wonder who it could be ? Maybe our Swedish guitarist ?”

“You know too much already” You replied with an amused tone, pushing him carefully with your elbow.

Then you both walked to his car where Folio was still waiting. When he looked up in your direction, you waved at him. He gave you a little thumbs up as he saw how pretty you looked with your hair braided and your nice red summer dress.You thanked him as well, wondering how Jolly would react. The ride didn’t last too long as you three had a little chat in the car. Your little group arrived at the place, music already coming out from the house. Nick parked in the court, in front of the garage before getting out. Bryan and Jesse were the first ones to greet you all.

“Hey Y/N  ! It’s so good to see you again, kiddo ! It’s been a while !” Jesse said to you, playfully, after giving you a small hug.

“It’s been ages, indeed, old man. How have you been ? I hope you weren’t too tired during the tours.” You teased back.

Those nicknames were the roots of your friendship with the lead-guitarist of Erra. There were no bad intentions behind it. Jesse grinned, appreciating your sense of humor as always. You chatted a bit more with him before greeting Bryan.

“Come on, guys ! Get in the pool already before Noah and Jolly start peeing in it !” Matt yelled sarcastically at you five while you were patting Bryan’s back in a hug.

You dropped your stuff inside the house, getting off your dress in the bathroom.With your towel in one hand, you headed to the pool, at the back of the house. You saw the rest of the boys in the water, having fun together. You waved with your free hand at them. After putting your towel on an available deckchair, you searched for Jolly. You noticed him, sitting on the side of the pool, laughing at a joke Folio made. You felt your heart melt at the sight. The way his lips were curled up in a smile, his beard followed the curve and the way his long wet dark hair were cascading on his shoulders. Absolutely stunning.

He must have felt you were staring intensely at him because his look rose up to your direction. You saw how his expression slightly changed as he realized you were wearing your burgundy bikini. You gave him a small smile, while tucking a strand behind your ear, before sitting next to him.

“Hey.” You spoke softly.

“Hi, yourself.” Jolly replied, still a grin on his face.

He moved close to you, bouncing affectionately his shoulder against yours.

“Who gave you the right to be this beautiful, tonight ?” He whispered to your ear.

You smirked at him, teasing him by getting your face dangerously close to his.

“Well, you should ask my parents. They’re the ones who gave birth to me.” You jested.

Jolly chuckled softly to your joke, his gaze leaving briefly your face, as his cheeks were getting flushed. You took this opportunity to play with him by pushing him into the pool. You caught him off guard, as he slipped into the water directly. You were expecting some resistance from him, not to slip so easily like that. It seems he was really on the edge of the pool. You let out a surprised laugh, as the other boys stared at you, puffing in shock.

Yet, when Jolly came to the surface, you immediately stop laughing and breathing. His hair, soaking wet, was falling on his chest with a few strands hiding his tattoos. He looked like a northern god, coming out of the water. You were completely captivated by the sight, your gaze attracted to his inked upper body. You bite your lower lip to restrain a gasp that was about to slip out.

While you were lost in your obvious contemplation, you didn’t notice how close Jolly was getting to you

“So, enjoying the view ?” He said with a proud grin mixed with a mischievous look.

“J-just looking at the tattoos, you know.” You terribly lied, looking away to hide your reddening face.

That didn’t convince him at all. In fact it did the opposite. He kept grinning at you, sliding his hands to your thighs, going surely to your hips. His sudden touch made you startle, not ready for what was coming. He finally managed to grab you by the waist, making you squeak in surprise as he put you in the water with him. You froze in place realizing how cold the water was compared to the temperature outside.

“So, how does it feel, now ?” He smirked.

You glanced at him, peaking his teasing in his tone. Shortly after, you were used to the cold water now, you felt your playful mood coming back. You weren’t done.

“Well, obviously wet.” You replied, getting close to him.

You belted him with your arms around his waist and tried to lift him and throw him in the water. But he was way heavier and taller than you, so your attempt was a bit pathetic. You barely lift him up. You whined in desperation while him, on the other hand, kept grinning at you.

“What’s wrong ? Struggling to lift me up ?” He teased.

“Ugh !” You grunted, still not succeeding “Guys ?! I need back up !” You yelled at the boys who were the nearest to you.

Of course, Bryan and Jesse came to the rescue, followed by Folio and Noah, while the others were peacefully watching the show. The four of them managed to get Jolly under the water. You laughed with them all, also making sure they were not drowning him completely. He appeared a few meters far from the sudden group, making bubbles as he was getting a bit irritated.

“Ganging y’all up against me ? That isn’t quite fair” He pouted.

“Sorry, Jolly” You apologized, feeling guilty, as you swam close to him “Didn’t think four of them will show up like this”

The Swedish pulled you close to him, his grin back again, making you flushed.

“I admit your attempt to drown me was cute. But I will forgive you and those assholes if we beat them in a chicken fight.”

As he spoke those words, Folio looked at Jolly, sparkles in his dark eyes, getting more excited.

“Oh ??! Are we doing it for real ?!”

“Chicken fight !!!!” Bryan yelled proudly, followed by Noah.

“Alright, I’m so hyped. Let’s decide the teams !” Jesse started getting serious, “Bryan and Folio together, Noah with me. And finally, the two love birds in the corner, Jolly and Y/N, you’re teaming up. Is that fine with everyone ?”

“Gosh, this isn’t fair at all ! Noah and you are getting a huge advantage by your height, old man” You pointed to Jesse, pretending to not be affected by his remark about you and Jolly.

Jesse just shrugged at you, giving you a mischievous smile.

“You’ll thank me later, kiddo.” He teased before deciding with Noah who was going on whose shoulders.

Flustered, you mumbled into the water, making bubbles before Jolly swam next to you.

“So stuck with me again ?” He spoke warmly.

“I guess so. But I don’t mind” You replied “Did you plan all of this, though ?”

“Not at all” He shrugged “ I just offered to play the game. To have some fun, y’know ?”

“Right… “ You rolled your eyes, not really convinced. “Come on, we have to win this so I can repay the debt I owe you.” You mentioned.

Jolly smiled and nodded at you as an approval. After you quickly talked about your strategy, he kneeled a little in the water so you could climb easily on his back, before getting on his shoulders. Once you were settled, he straightened up. You hold his head, making sure you wouldn’t fall. Jolly held your tights firmly to stabilize you more. His grip was getting a bit harder on them which made your legs twitch. He probably felt it but he pretended to not notice anything.

And so, the chicken fight began. You saw team Folio-Bryan attacking Noah-Jesse. Both you and Jolly went to them and you took  this opportunity to push with all of your strength Noah. The latter one, being pushed by Folio and you, eventually fell from Jesse’s shoulders. First opponent down. Then, you struggled by pushing Folio on your own. You tried tickling him, everything you could to win. Yet, it didn’t really work. Besides, he was way stronger than you so your chances to win against him were very thin. Few seconds against him and he considerably pushed you off Jolly’s shoulders, making you dive into the water.

“Yeah ! We won, Bryan !” Folio said proudly “That was a tough fight, Y/N ! “

“ ‘Did my best there.” You said, as you resurfaced, trying to keep it cool.

While Jesse and Noah were coming back for a second round, having their revenge on Bryan and Folio, Jolly went to your side, going for a handshake.

“Well done, Y/N ! At least you managed to push Noah off. And I think I got my revenge from earlier when Folio pushed you in the water. No hard feelings.” He grinned.

“That didn’t sound like a compliment at the end, but thanks, I guess.” You jested back, handshaking him as well.

“Do you want to go inside and drink something ? He offered “ I think I’m done playing with them for now.”

“Yeah, same. I cannot say no to a break.”

You two got off the pool and went inside the house, drying yourself with your towel you picked along the way. Jolly was already at the bar counter picking up a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

“I assumed you wanted wine but you can tell if you want something else. We have plenty of drinks here.”

“Don’t bother. Red wine is fine for me.” You replied, joining him.

“Wise decision. Besides, the color matches your swimsuit. Cheers.”

You cheered back at him, both of your glasses clinking on one and another.

“So, you’ve noticed.” You smirked while taking a sip of wine.

“How I couldn’t ?”

“Maybe if you were blind, you couldn’t see it.” You joked, looking straight into his dark brown eyes.

You leaned on the counter, resting your elbows on it and drinking your wine. His glance never leaving yours, briefly looking down to notice a beauty spot on your cleavage, before looking up. He was completely drawn to you. Seems like your strategy was working better than expected.

“Mister Karlsson, what were you looking at, just now ?”

He took a second sip of his glass, still looking at your face.

“Only your beautiful eyes. I was getting lost in them.” He replied

“Hmm, right. Nice catch up here” You hummed “And did they take you somewhere nice ?”

He leaned on you, so close to your face, his body towering over yours, as he gently rested his arm on your shoulders.

“A very nice place, with just you and me. Maybe just upstairs”

“So you finally decided to show me a good time ?” You went closer to him, stroking his torso with your fingertips.

“Well, you wanna find out ?”

You giggled nervously at his flirty words. Then, you softly brushed your fingers against his cheeks, before gently caressing his beard.

“Oh, Joakim, you have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for you to say this.” You breathe, slowly closing the distance between your faces.

He smiled when you spoke his name, placing his huge hands around your face, cupping it.

You felt his lips against yours, planting the sweetest kiss you ever had. You sensed every part of your body relaxing, especially the knot you had in your stomach for months delaying your feelings for Jolly. Butterflies were flying, flowers were finally blooming in your mind as this gesture was the answer you both have been waiting for.

While you were in your bubble with him, kissing each other so tenderly, you barely felt Jolly’s hands sliding slowly from your face, neck, waist… Until he stopped to your hips. His warm hands were resting on your exposed skin, his grasp grabbing more firmly the flesh of your thighs after each stroke he gave you. 

Feeling his touch, you couldn’t help but whimper against his lips. He grinned, already satisfied with your reaction before trailing kisses in the crook of your neck.

You gasped for some air, tilting your head on your left to leave him more access. It didn’t take him too long to find your sensitive spot, below your ear. You felt chills, tickling you. Your knees were already weak under his kisses and touch.

“Jolly..” You retained a moan, holding his forearms to stand still “I don’t think I’ll last long standing up like this…”

“You’re right. Sorry, darling. I got a bit carried away.” He murmured, kissing your forehead so kindly “We don’t want to give them a show now, don’t we ?”

You blushed in embarrassment as you could imagine the others probably staring at you two, from outside. But Jolly didn’t pay any attention to them, too much focus on you and your flushed face. He kissed you again on your lips, reassuring you, before he pulled away.

“Only I can hear you moan like you’re dying to do” He whispered, a sassy tone in his voice.

He didn’t let you reply to that remark as he grabbed your hand in his. You just followed him, climbing the stairs as well while biting your lower lip in nervousness.

Once both of you reached his bedroom door, he suddenly pinned you against it. He took your lips in his, kissing you more ravenously. You didn’t hesitate either, grabbing his neck, brushing his hair with your fingers. His mouth went to the crook of your neck again, peppering it with feverish kisses that made you sigh.

You felt his hands slide along your curves, before halting to your butt. Lifting you up wasn’t something too difficult for Jolly. You wrapped your arms around his neck, while your legs wrapped around his waist. He kicked his door to open it, entering with you still his embrace, before repeating the same gesture to close the door behind him.

“You’re driving me insane” He whispered between kisses.

“Jolly, I want you so badly.”

He made you lay down on his bed, his lips never leaving yours too long. His kisses were wet but hot at the same time. His long damped dark hair which was tickling your body, made you groan. He caressed your neck, also admiring the curvature of your breast. He leaned to kiss the whole length.

“So beautiful and just for me.”

He kissed so tenderly the mole that caught his eyes earlier

“Right there. Gorgeous, even.”

He barely did anything and yet his low voice filled desire, his warmed touch were driving you crazy. You were at his mercy. And you liked it that way.

“Jolly.. Don’t stop there.” You begged.

He obliged, smiling against your skin which made you shiver as you felt his beard brushing it. He went down as you implored him, leaving trails of his kisses. When he ghosted the spot where you needed him the most, kissing your thighs, you let out a whine. You didn’t know what else to do.

“Jolly–!”

“I know, sweetheart. I’m sorry. I will take care of you here soon. I just love being between your thighs” He confessed.

He finally took off your bikini panties before drawing circles around your fold. You just had the time to see his tattooed fingers going to play your clit and when you felt them, you arched your back from the mattress. But this is when you felt his tongue lapping on your clit you started to see stars. The sensation he gave you sent an electric wave in your whole body, making your thighs clenched around his head but not too much. Even though you had the feeling he wouldn’t mind being choked to death like this.

It didn’t take you too long to reach your first orgasm, as you came against his face. But that wasn’t enough. You wanted more. You switched the position, laying him down on the bed, getting rid of every piece of clothes you had left on you and him.

“Your turn.“ You cooed, slowly sitting on him.

“Is it okay like this ?”

“Don’t worry I’m on birth control.” You shushed him with a finger on his lips “Tonight, I wanna feel you, Joakim.”

“Whatever you want, darling.”

You rode him, his length inside of you. Your hips were moving on their own, as you drew circles on his pelvis, which made him more groan. The fire between you and him was sending your skins ablaze. You felt your mind go numb as you kept a slow pace at first then started to accelerate. You bend down to kiss him, licking his lips along the way, to feel his taste. Your hands were traveling on his torso to give you more support.

“Deeper, sweetheart.” Jolly whispered, breathless.

He must have felt you were detaching from the connection of your bodies because he grabbed your ass with his large inked hands to make you stay still on him. You indeed felt him deeper, the pace had been hastened now. You lost track of time as your only thought was him, underneath you. You reached your orgasm with Jolly, him spilling inside. 

You felt every inch of him in your bones. You both stayed in each other's arms, panting heavily, as you were coming back to your senses.

“You weren’t kidding about showing me a good time” You articulated, laughing.

“With you, I’m always serious” He chuckled back, kissing your temple “I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you too.”

[shai-manahan]

Hollowed Minds Progress Update 1/02/24

Hi! I hope you're all having a good year so far! I planned to post this last night but I was too anxious over having to return to work lmfao (with the holidays being over and all). Anyway, I know it's been a year since my last update; believe me, I'm upset about it, too, and I'm trying to make up for that.

To be completely honest, aside from my health, one thing that's been stopping me from progressing steadily was my attempts at improving the way I write. I was struggling to find my own style the entire year, experimenting over and over (sometimes without rest, like an idiot), and I know that probably sounds stupid, but writing as a craft is so special to me that I want to be better at it.

It did backfire, though. A lot. Mostly because I couldn't maintain a balance between this and irl stuff.

The thing is, I plan to write trad novels and short stories in the future. I plan to go back to writing screenplays, too. I don't think I'll ever stop making IFs, but there are things I want to write about that I can never do through this medium (and the same is true vice versa). This is also why I tend to keep editing HM while trying to push through with newer updates; this is the only way I can learn more about what I wish to do in the future. This is my chance to practice and experiment, before I get anything published and make the kind of impression I aim to make.

And I think I finally found the style I love to use the most this time.

I feel ready now to post progress updates regularly at least every two weeks (this one doesn't count). I was ashamed of my slow progress for quite a while, but I know I can start moving forward again. I'm also just eager to show you the story I've always wanted to share, and that'd never happen unless I push myself so :').

You're free to ask for progress in case I miss doing this btw, just. don't be an ass about it lmao. And feel free to send asks as well!

So far, this is what I'm trying to improve for the posted demo:

conciseness

strengthening the settings and the descriptions involving them

revising a few dialogues that do not fit the characters at all

readability and making some details clearer

overall pacing of ch2's first part

the nightmare scenes

reassessment of which variations would be most important to the plot and MC's characterization.

everything else I cannot think of right now

I think I'll dedicate a week or two into finishing whatever needs to be cleaned up so there'll be less game-breaking bugs that might happen for the new content. But after that 👀

That's all for tonight!

P.S. recently bought a lampshade and damn. this is definitely much better for my eyes when I write.

[searchingforakeythatdoesntexist]

Day 16: "Careful, Crowley is watching you!" - Good Omens, Fem!Crowley

Quick Daily Challenge & Ko-Fi Announcement!

The Ineffable Smut War seems very fun to watch....

Hi, dear Good Omens fam!

Multiple things to say tonight, so here I go.

First: THANK YOU! My Good Omens artwork “We’re bound” just hit the 300th upvote today on the Good Omens After Dark Reddit! For my first real big entry in the Ineffable War, I just couldn’t believe it yesterday. And still can’t today either. Wow. And the community is so lively there, come on, take a peek! (lien)

So, thanks for all the enthusiastic comments on my Reddit post! You made me cry – my day.

Second: since I began to post on Reddit, you were a few to ask me if I do prints of my art and/or if I have a Ko-Fi/Patreon…. Ehm ??? Who? Me? It’s very sweet to hear, by I still feel like a newbie there!

Well, more seriously, I can’t say I have never thought about becoming a remunerate artist one day (eh, childhood dream…) but it still feels so unreal. But, because I have to start somewhere, I opened a Ko-Fi!

It is brand new, freshly brewed!

For now my content is free but please be sure that any tips are greatly welcome! I would love to hear your questions and/or your suggestions. I still have to improve this page find some new ways to share my art with you all (prints? commissions? anything?). For now, I will start to post updates on my Ko-Fi very soon, I’ll probably put there some unpublished sketches and linearts, and maybe I’ll even post earlier there my next projects. Come take a peek!

Thanks again! See you later, for my next big entrie in the Ineffable Smut War! And the Daily Challenge might start again soon... with some little improvements... So, stay tuned!

About our Crowley of the Day : it's just a quick sketch (2 hours) of our favorite demon. I'm still trying to improve this style before pursuing my next big Smut project :-)))))

"Daily-Challenge like", but it was an old lineart. I re-used it and changed a lot of things then coloured it.

[Previous] [Next Day] [First Day]

Don't forget to 💕/ reblog ;-)

Buy me a coffee? ♥ https://ko-fi.com/elenthya ♥

[deathblacksmoke]

Dramamine—Part 1

Pairing: Noah Sebastian x Nick Ruffilo

Series Summary: Cynical, brooding bartender Nick meets too-earnest, pretty boy singer Noah when The Rabbit’s Foot starts hosting an open mic night.

CW: Descriptions of a panic attack, vague angst, Nick is kind of a dick (but we love him anyway!)

*Content warnings will be updated by chapter*

Word Count: 1.2K

Taglist: @concretenoah / @ladyveronikawrites / @circle-with-me / @darksigns-exe / @xxrainstorm / @monotoniscreaming / @agravemisstake / @iknownothingpeople

Let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future fics!

Author’s Note: Thank you @darksigns-exe for planting this seed, thank you @ladyveronikawrites for the beta, thank you @concretenoah and @circle-with-me for allowing me to talk about this shit constantly. This series, to me, is a big bad scary thing. I’ve been mulling it for a while. Feedback is appreciated but please be gentle with me 🤍

dividers by @cafekitsune 💐

“Tuesdays are our worst nights. We don’t even have a stage.”

When Jolly had floated the idea of an open mic night 2 weeks ago, Nick had thought it was a joke. Open mic night, sure, perfect idea for a Tuesday night in an almost-failing dive.

Bud thinks it’s a good idea, he’d said. Bud hasn’t been into the bar on a Tuesday in months, hasn’t shown up at all in almost as long. He has no idea what a ghost town this place can be—always is on Tuesday nights. Nick had agreed, but he was clearly being funny. Can no one sense his tone anymore?

“We moved some tables. It’ll be fine,” Jolly says, and Nick just has to laugh. Moved some tables. “Not so empty tonight, is it? Look around you, Nicholas, we’re full. Gavin’s turning people away at the door.”

He can’t imagine why anyone is being turned away—in front of him, he only sees mostly empty bar stools and a couple of unoccupied tables. A little busier than their typical Tuesday night, sure, but he’s still not impressed.

“Gavin’s a fucking idiot.” Nick says, shaking his head, resigning himself to the idiocy that is this night. “These fucks better tip cash or I’ll deck someone.”

He doesn’t know how many more Alanis Morrissette covers he can handle. The spoken word is worse. The Bob Dylan impersonator was unbearably painful. The recorder felt a little bit like a joke, and if it was, it was his favorite performance of the night.

He hates open mic nights. He took the job here 8 years ago specifically because it’s the exact type of dump that doesn’t buy into this shit. He hates it when he’s proven wrong. He’ll demand he be able to pre-screen everyone for next week, if god forbid Jolly allows this to continue.

He does have to admit the tips have been good—he may even be able to fill his tank—but when Folio comes out of the back with a glass full of offending green leaves, Nick has to take a deep breath to keep himself from losing his mind.

More changes. More tiny, stupid changes that won’t do anything to actually improve the direction that this bar is heading. All of Nick’s perfectly-reasonable suggestions have gone ignored, but sure, mint will revive the place.

“What are you doing with mint?” Nick scoffs, and Folio has the nerve to laugh at him.

“Jolly said that Bud wants us to be able to make mojitos. The new crowd brought in by the open mic night might want them.” 

“This is a dive bar. I’m not making mojitos.”

“No one even orders—”

Nick’s attention is taken elsewhere when a soft-looking, long-haired, too-tall, pretty-faced boy with a guitar shows up on the stage. Rather, the special spot of the floor where tables used to be.

Nick’s first thought is that he doesn’t belong in a place like this. He’s off-put by the buzzy feeling in his tummy about it and pushes it away. He can’t focus on that. When the boy introduces himself, painfully earnest, Nick is too zoned out to catch a name. Instead, he’s focused on the way his pretty lips move dangerously close to the microphone. 

The first chords played take him out of his thoughts.

The melody bubbles up a feeling he hasn’t felt in a long time. 706 days, not that he’s counting. When he starts singing, Nick’s stomach drops and his head spins.

Traveling, swallowing, dramamine—

He’ll be sick. He can’t see anything. He can’t breathe.

“Folio, watch the bar. I’ll be—” Nick starts to storm off, “—just watch it for me, okay?” he yells, not bothering to wait for an affirmative or consider the fact that Folio couldn’t make more than a Jack and Coke if he tried. He has to get the fuck out of here.

He slams through the front door to see Gavin in front of a short line of people, flirting with a girl who can’t be 21 years old. He should have gone out back, but he can’t bring himself to even scoff, taking a hard left and slipping into an alleyway.

His legs give out beneath him—he slumps against the brick wall, hard against his back. He can’t catch his breath and his vision is blacking. 

He can still hear the song playing through the walls, cursing the fact that of course the better sound system last year was Nick’s one suggestion that actually went through. He closes his eyes and he sees hers. The only thing he can focus on as he gasps for air is keeping his eyes open.

He remembers what that useless therapist told him about breathing into a paper bag. He thinks now that it sounds ridiculous, but he’s going to lose consciousness and he has a $20 in his wallet that he really can’t afford to lose.

He finds a nasty, grease-soaked bag on the ground by his feet. He pushes thoughts away of any diseases he could contract when he closes the opening around his nose and mouth. Normal breathing. In, out. Thank god the music has stopped. In, out, in, out. 12 breaths. He feels foolish, but a little less like he’s going to die on the ground of this alley tonight, and his vision is clearing.

He sits for a moment and really laments the fact that he can’t go back in there. He can’t go back in there and pretend he wasn’t breathing in someone else’s old burger on the wet ground of an alleyway, but Folio can’t make a drink and he needs those tips.

“You okay, man?” Folio asks, clapping him on the back when Nick sneaks back in behind the bar. 

Every once in a while, the sunshiny persona of the barback Nick never asked for nor needed almost has the ability to bring a smile to his face, but right now it takes all his might to not cringe away from the touch.

“All good, Folio, thanks.”

He shifts his eyes to see Jolly putting the mic stand away, moving tables back, and table after table of unfamiliar faces leaving the bar. No more tips tonight, but he’s grateful for the impending peace and quiet of a now normal Tuesday night at The Rabbit’s Foot.

He sees the singer approaching the bar and he finds it difficult to make eye contact. 

“ID,” Nick says, without so much as a hello. He can tell he’s old enough but he wishes he’d caught his name, and this way he doesn’t have to ask. Noah Sebastian Davis, he reads. Brown eyes. 6’3”. 1995. Too pretty. “What can I get for you?”

“Can I have a mojito?” Noah asks, cringing when Nick barely tries and ultimately fails to hide his scoff.

“No mint,” he says, but Noah points to the little container Folio had brought out earlier. Nick picks up the dish, handing it off to Folio. “Little prank. It’s spinach.”

Noah narrows his eyes. Too pretty.

“I’m not making you a mojito, pretty boy. It’s after 11, you can have a beer. Cash only.”

Noah rolls his eyes but smiles anyway. It’s a little too toothy and it makes Nick’s stomach swoop. “I have cash. Yuengling is fine.”

“That I can do,” Nick says, pushing away the butterflies when he hands the bottle off and their fingers touch.

[ros3ybabe]

Daily Check-in - August 12th, 2023 🎀

My updates have been a little spread out, but I am happy to announce that I will be (hopefully) posting updates more regularly with my university classes starting for the fall semester and now that I'm also back at my original job! It definitely gave me a reason to stick to my routine so I have a good feeling about all of this!

With the new semester starting comes new goals, which I will be making a separate post about! It's going to somewhat detail my personal, academic, and social goals for the fall semester. So stay tuned for that!

I also began intermittent fasting recently as I have read that it helps with PCOS (which I do have, along with hypothyroidism). My goal is to become healthier physically and mentally, and I believe that doing this will only improve my quality of life! I currently am doing 16:8, and I love it because it works with my schedule and eating habits I usually already have!

🩷 What I Ate Today:

Brunch - One piece of brioche style white bread with two slices of cheddar cheese and a spoonful of scrambled eggs and a side of diced potatoes with ketchup.

Dinner - Taco Bell <3 A nacho bell grande and a crunchwrap Supreme with lots of Diablo sauce

Snacks - 2 cups of coffee with one sweet n low each and French vanilla creamer, and one mocha cold brew shake from the coffee shop on my university campus.

I decided to treat myself to Taco Bell tonight since I was craving it and had the money to do so. I actually ordered more than I ended up eating, so I gave the rest to my roommate.

🩷 Workout - Upper Body Pilates-ish

I loved this so much the first time I did it that I wanted to include it again! ait gives such a nice burn and feel after completing it and I honestly wish it was longer, it's that good!

I wanted to try this one because I think fixing posture is helpful, and honestly, those 90 shoulders are really aesthetic. I don't think this is going to give me *drastic* results until I lose some weight and lean out a bit, but I think helping to fix my posture is such a good idea to help with back pain and avoiding text neck! I liked this one, but there were a couple of stretches that were a bit hard to complete, given my current weight. But I'll keep doing this til I get it!

🩷 Habits I Accomplished Today -

Made my bed

Morning and Night Skincare

Morning Guided Journal

Daily Journal

Reas 1 Chapter of a book

Morning Workout

Stretching

Today was definitely a good day, especially since I completed most of those before going to work at 715am! I'm super proud of myself, and I hope to keep my progress going and continue bettering myself!

🩷 Song of the Day: Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift

This song is soo good. I've never been a Swiftie but I've started getting into a couple of her songs, I like how soft they sound.

🩷 Current Read - Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller

This book has been in my shelf for a few months and since I've recently gone long distance with my boyfriend, I figured it would be a good idea to educate myself on attachment styles and ways to healthily navigate relationships. I'm two chapters in and I already love it!

That's all for the day! I'll update you guys again tomorrow! Thank you for all the love <3

Til tomorrow, my lovelies 🩷

[georgiapeach30513]

Underneath the City Lights, Part 1

Summary:   When your father dies, and the Dirty Martini is ran by your brother, all hell breaks lose.  And the one person who knows the secret to the newest mafia family in town is you.  Forced to perform, and bought by August Walker.  Who knew it was going to take an old family friend to save you?  Hiding you away from the families is where the two of you start to fall....

Pairings:  Ari Levinson X Reader

Rating:  explicit

Warnings:  explicit language, nipple pumps, forced dancing, forced nudity, dry humping, teasing, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  3.2K

Series Masterlist

Ari clears his throat, standing up from his table as he looks amongst his closest and most trusted members of the family.  Smiling with a curt nod, and ready to go home for a drink.  This business could be draining at the best of times, and at the worst it was miserable, and right now was one of those times.  Acquiring businesses was his least favorite part.  He massages the bridge of his nose, waiting on the room to clear out when someone still remains.

“Sir?”

“What do you need Jonathan?” The bookkeeper and Ari’s personal assistant was loyal and efficient if not annoying most of the time.

“The Dirty Martini, it could be time to cut this loss.”

“Fine, you have my blessing to do what needs to be done,” he closes his book, ready to stand, but the other man doesn’t leave.

“It’s just that…well, Calvin and his family have a long standing with our…business,” Jonathan was getting better at not calling this a mafia, or worse, the mob.  He was learning.  

“Oh, The Dirty Martini, that burlesque club?  Calvin.  This is the Newton family’s business?” Jonathan nods his head, and Ari taps his finger on the table.  “We can’t get rid of it.”

“Sir?”

“Let me check it out.  That family has old standings with us.  Maybe they just need an update.  We’ll give them a business loan, come up with a plan on how to engage their audience,” Jonathan’s mouth starts to open, but with a hand raise from Ari it closes even quicker.  Snapping his teeth together, because you don’t argue with him.  “My family has a long standing relationship with theirs.  They have a year to improve.  Then we cut ties.  I’m going tonight, and you can join.”

“Yes, sir.  But this business…if I’m to believe their numbers should be much more profitable.  They’re also debuting a new girl.”

“Good.  I love some fresh meat.  See you in an hour.  Dress like you’re going to a cocktail party,” with Ari’s head held high, he struts out of this office.  It had been many years since he had met with the Newton’s, even though the families were quite close.  His father had always taken special interest in them, and also the business, so Ari would extend the same courtesy.

“No!” You scream, throwing a glass over towards August.  “Get away!”

“Candy,” he says your name through gritted teeth, holding up those stupid cylinders.  “Be a good girl, and let me put these on!”

“No!” This time a vase is hauled towards him and your handler Rita walks into the room, groaning more at August than yourself.  “I’m not wearing those!”

“Rita!” Rita looks at your costume, smoothing everything out.  “She needs to wear the nipple pumps for thirty minutes.  Tell her that.”

“She’s right there, sir.  Can you not tell her?”

“I’m not taking my top off!”

“You insufferable little brat!  Your fucking nipples will be pumped, because you’re body is all you have to offer this world.  You’re also being put up for private dances.  Get used to your nipples being swollen and engorged.  Just the way clients like them.  Rita,” random bits and pieces from your vanity get thrown at August, as he tries and remains calm.  “One of these days, you’ll get what you have coming to you.”

“Rita, you calm her down,” he slams three pumps into her hand, looking towards you with a sneer, “You either put on the pumps, or I’ll tie you up and pump your clit as well.  You’ll be doing more than just dancing.  Why don’t you ask Cassie or Jezabel what goes on behind the curtains.  We’ll turn you out like the rest of the girls.  You get pity because you have a voice and you’re a Newton.  Don’t think your brother won’t sell your cunt for a buck.  Get her fucking ready, Rita!  She’s the star tonight.”

He walks out, slamming the door shut when Rita looks at you regrettably.  “You really know how to piss him off.  Almost got your costume for the night dirty.  Now, help me clean up.”

“No,” you stub up, crossing your arms over your chest.  

“Help me clean up, now,” she never raises her voice, but the look she shot at you meant that you should help.  You bend down, trying to collect the larger pieces.  Grabbing a broom for the smaller glass.  “What is your reason for not wanting the pumps?”

“Why do my nipples need to be larger?”

“Oh they’re getting makeup on them, too,” you groan.  You wanted to sing.  That was all.  “Your top will come off.  They’ll look at your titties, and the ones further away can see just how perky they are because your nipples are swollen and darker.  Should you give a private show, you’ll have to put them on again.”

“This is stupid.”

“With the right person, they’re quite nice.  Makes the nipples more sensitive,” you roll your eyes, flopping yourself into a chair.  “No, up up.  Time for you to get laced up.  At least, your tits aren’t in this corset.”

“That makes it better,” you stand up, turning your back towards her as she wraps the beautiful white corset around you.  “The diamond,” it was a curse for you.  Pretending to be something special because your father built the theater.  But to August and your brother, you were just like the rest of them.  Meat.

“Spin,” you turn around towards her, your tits just hanging out, you don't care anymore.  “Lick it,” she holds up the pump to your mouth, and your snarl.

“Ew.”

“It needs lubrication.”

“Can I just do it myself?”

“Are you going to?” You lick the mechanism while she pushes it up against your nipple.  Turning the knob, and you stare horrified at your nipple being sucked up into it.  “It’s normal.  That’s the point.  Swell the nipples, so they’re nice and hard for your performance.”

“Ow!  That’s too much.  Oh my god, look at it,” you lick the other one, while Rita spins it on you.  “They’re just sticking out.  And not moving,” you flick the one a couple of times before Rita slaps at your hand.

“Find you a man that will do this, and put a tiny bullet in one or a vibrator on it,” you stare at her with your mouth opened up in a wide smile.  “Don’t be such a prude.  Your ass and tits are about to be hanging out in front of tons of people.  Having it on your clit is quite nice, too.”

“How long do they have to stay on there?”

“August said thirty minutes,” you shimmy your shoulders, watching them flap around.  “Maybe forty minutes is a better time frame.”

“No!  This is just weird, and slightly uncomfortable.”

“It’s a constant suck.  Have you never had anyone suck on your nipples?” You shake your head no, watching as she gathers the rest of your costume.  “Has…have you had sex?”

“Yeah.  No one sucked on anything though.”

“Such a pity.  Go on, step into the bottoms, so you can cover your twat up.  How come you act like this with me, but when it’s August…”

“He makes me uncomfortable, okay?  Told me the other day he could get a free performance anytime he wanted to.  I just want to sing.”

“Burlesque, sweetheart, you can’t go up there with jeans and a t-shirt.  Look at it as the art it is.  Celebrating the woman’s body.  It won’t be men just out there.  It won’t just be singles out there.  Couples come here to enjoy this.  Watch as a woman moves, her curves on full display.  Completely in touch with their sexual prowess.  Sing, but perform.  You have more to offer than your body, so prove it.”

“Can I take these off now?”

“Has it been thirty minutes?”

Ari runs his finger over the table at The Dirty Martini, taking a sip of the house drink, and looks over at Jonathan, “Cheap liquor, and not enough.  Let’s hope the entertainment is better.  Are you writing this down?”

“Yes, sir.  On the menu tonight is a new performer.  Their Diamond.  Goes by the name of Candy Jane.”

Ari leans back with a belly laugh, “What could they possibly have to offer as their Diamond?  This is her debut performance, correct?”

“Yes, the talk in the bathroom is that she's going to be put on auction for a private show.”

“Oh, they’re that confident, huh?  Where is she on the lineup?”

“She’s the first one out.  Very cliche, but she’s singing Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” Ari rolls his eyes, trying to sit back comfortably.  “The seats need updating.”

“I agree.  They have not put any of their money back into this dump.  They have to be making some form of a profit.  I doubt these girls are being paid staggering amounts.  Lights, props, costumes, and…” he stops his talking as the curtains start to draw.  Only you are holding feathers around your body.  Looking down to see your removable piece was still covering your breasts when you start a slow singing of the song.

Letting the feathers drop as Ari sits up straighter in his seat, “Is she going to take the mask off?”

“Are you interested?” Jonathan looks at his boss who was leaning so far forward.  “I’ll go put in a bid for the private show.”

“Whatever the cost,” he gulps when the flap is removed and you're left topless with your swollen and tinted nipples, a roar of the crowd has you getting more into the routine, “Remind them of who is asking, and that they owe quite a large sum to the family.  They’d be making quite a profit.”

“Yes, sir,” between the corset framing your tits perfectly, and the barely there panties, Ari was entranced.  You were not like the usual performers, you were something special entirely.  A bit nervous, and definitely new to this life.  He wanted to kick himself for being too far away from the stage, but also didn’t want to alert anyone that he was here.  He needed to see how much the club had fallen, but you were perfect.

He takes a sip of the disgusting house martini, enjoying the show.  You would definitely look better without the mask, completely naked, and in his bed.  Letting him spoil every inch of you.  

“Sir, you can go ahead to the room.”

“I will finish this first.  I want her to stay in white.”

“Oh…I’ll let them know.”

“I want her without the mask.”

“Yes, of course.  I’ll send an usher to lead you to the room after she’s finished,” Ari nods his head, watching as you shimmy your shoulders, letting your tits recoil perfectly.  You deserved much more than this club.  You deserved to be put on a pedestal, worshiped, spoiled, and in return, you would spoil him.

“I don’t want to wear those again.  They’re sensitive,” Rita tightens the pump on your nipple, as August smirks in the corner, turning back to find you a different outfit.  “I thought I said I didn’t want to give a private show.”

“Yeah, well, the cost was much too great to refuse.  You have a fan,” he hands Rita the lingerie set, making sure that there was nothing to cover your tits.  “They certainly do look pretty all big and juicy on that stage.  You were a natural.”

“Can you leave?” Rita shoos you behind a partition, handing you the lingerie instead of helping you.  

“No, I need to make sure the club’s asset makes it to the room.  He’s waiting.  Keep the mask on, until you get there.  Let him take it off,” Rita looks back at August, giving him a questioning look.  “He was entranced.  Obsessed.  We may end up getting him on the regular.  I could tell when your top came off that he would bid for you.  Been watching him the moment he walked in,” that was odd for August to follow someone around the club.  You figured he must have been a pretty important client.

“No.  I can’t see someone regularly.  They were still big.  Can I not just…take them off, and cover myself with a robe?”

“You will have them on for less time, Candy,” you hated that name, but understood why the need to be anonymous there.  “We don’t want to bruise your tits.  Not like that anyways.  He’s going to be wearing a mask as well.”

“Why?”

“You can take it off.  Why do you ask so many questions?” You don’t answer.  There wasn’t a point with August.  Calvin’s friend and business partner was one of your least favorite people.  But sending him in for these occasions was less weird than your brother coming in here.  “Go ahead and pull them off.”

“Break the seal.”

“I said to pull them off.  Give them an extra suck.  I can help if you like,” you do as Rita asked, she seemed to know more about this than August.  “Alright, let me see.”

“She’s fine.  They were still swollen from before.  They’re plenty big.  Robe on, sweetheart.  August is going to lead you to the room.”

You step from behind the partition, and August’s eyes linger on your chest for a bit too long, spinning to lead you down to the private room.  Stopping at the door when he smirks at you, “Don’t get attached Candy.  And do everything he says.  I’ll be watching,” he gives you a wink, reminding you there were cameras in the room, for ‘the girl's safety’.  But everything he said was a warning.  This man could ask you to do anything.

Gulping you walk into the room.  The man was comfortably sitting on the center of the couch, his legs spread as wide as they could go while his hand rubs up and down his thigh, “Lose the robe.  But let it fall down slowly.”

You give the silk robe a bit of a push, letting it drift down your body, pooling at your feet, “Well, come on.  Have a seat,” both his hands move over his thigh, and you try to keep eye contact, but fail.

“Wouldn’t you like a dance?”

“I would like for you to sit in my lap while we get to know each other better,” with a deep inhale, you move closer.  One step at a time. Painfully slow, “I don't need a performance for you to sit in my lap, Candy Jane.  Sit in my lap.”

Finishing up the distance, he guides you to straddle him.  Shoving you down onto his covered hard cock, “Your little song did that to me,” he removes your mask, giving you an odd look as you take his off.  Gasping up at him.

“Ari?”

“Who are you?”

“You and your dad always called me Dulce.  Said I was as sweet as candy.”

“Oh my god,” he looks down at your chest, unbelievingly at what just transpired.  When did you grow up?  When did you get these perfect tits?  When did this happen?  “Oh my god.  You’re…you’re Scott’s daughter?”

“Yeah.”

“How did you end up in a dump like this?  Surely your father wouldn’t have you doing…doing this,” he starts shoving you off him a moment, but your eyes flick to the corner.  “There’s cameras?”

“Yes.”

“Sound?” You shake your head no.  “What’s going on?”

“My dad died.  Calvin took over.  He needs the money.”

“He?  Not the business?” You nod your head, and Ari’s hands slide up your thighs, pulling you completely flush to his body.  “Start grinding,” you move your hips over him, and Ari can’t help but to moan.  He needed some relief, and while this felt wrong, it definitely was feeling so right.  Looking down at your perfect tits, he takes a deep breath.  “What do you know?  My personal assistant brought this place to my attention.”

“I can’t talk here.”

“Why?” Ari moves his thumb, and it grazes over your nipple, and you whimper, “You’re sensitive,” smirks up at you, doing it again.  “Keep moving,” he pushes himself further down onto the couch, moaning when your nipple is touched again.  “This feels…”

“Good,” you answer for him.  It was wrong that he was formerly in business with your father.  That you had known him since you both were quite young, and he was just learning the business.  But it felt good.  Ari had grown up and filled out, and still was attractive as when you had a school girl crush on him.  And even more attractive.

“Yes,” he moans out, his eyes moving all over your body and face.  “Very very good.  What else?”

“Ari, you gotta get me out if I tell you.”

“Why?”

“Promise me,” you move even faster over him.  Your mother had told you before her untimely death, men make stupid decisions during sex.  I mean, Ari wasn’t inside of you, but his cock was throbbing.  “Promise me, you’ll get me out.”

“Promise.”

“Oh!” Arching your back, you bring your tits right to his face, and he captures one with his mouth, holding it with his hand as he sucks on the swollen bud.  His tongue flicks over it, and he smiles at you over your tits.

“Keep moving,” he says as he moves to the other one.  Giving the abandoned nipple a hard pinch as you race for the two of your finishes.  Ari stares up at you like you seriously were this precious diamond.  Moving between your tits, before pinching both of them hard, and giving your breasts a shake.

“Ari!” You whine out, working your hips over him.  “A-A-A-Ari!” Stuttering out his name as his cum soaks through his jeans, and you allow yourself to let go.  Resting your head on his shoulder.  And he trembles at your heated breath on his neck.

“I can’t take you out for a while.”

“Why?”

“It’ll become too suspicious.”

“You’re a liar,” you lift up off him, and he gives you a smile.  “You lied.”

“I haven’t.  You haven’t given me any information.  I will take you from this place.  And until then, I will come to your shows, and will keep you from having to whore yourself out to disgusting men by buying out your room for the evening.”

“So, we’re staying in here all night?” He shakes his head no, looking down at your tits.  “Quit looking.  August is watching.  He makes me wear these pumps until they’re swollen and sensitive.  Now that he knows you can’t keep your eyes off my tits, he’ll make me wear them longer.”

“It’s a good look,” he smirks, cupping both your breasts in his hand, letting his thumb rub over the overstimulated peaks.  “Don’t change whatever you’re doing.  Everything has to be just like tonight.”

“Are you sure this isn’t a way for you to eventually fuck me?”

“Believe me, I won’t pay for sex.  If I wanted sex from you, I could get it.  We’re in a business agreement.  Go on, let these pretty nipples calm down.  Fuck a pillow, fuck a dildo, I really don’t care.  I paid for you for the whole night, but you might be better served getting some rest and self care.”

“What makes you think I want sex?” His hand goes to cup your barely covered mound, smiling, “I came.  And some of that is your cum.”

“You’re still throbbing, and…is that clenching of your pussy I feel?” Ari chuckles, removing his hand, lifting it up to show the strings from your arousal stretch between his fingers, “Is it me or just the fact you were getting off?  Has it been a long time?”

“No,” you stand, grabbing your robe, and start to head out.

“Have fun, Dulce,” he smiles, lifting his hand to look at it again.  It was incredible.  You were responsive.  His fingers were coated in your sticky slick.  He takes a moment to lick off your honey, moaning at the taste before he stands.  Wearing the wet spot on his pants with pride.

Giving a nod to Jonathan as the two of them head out of the club, and in the safety of his car.  “Just like you thought.  There’s more going on.  Looks like a former business partner’s daughter is giving us all the information.”

“I take it the private show went well?” Jonathan cocks up an eyebrow looking at the soaked jeans.  “Who was she?”

“An old friend.  She’ll be Calvin’s undoing.  You were right this time, buddy.  Calvin Newton and August Walker are not to be trusted.  But I also need the Diamond out safely in less than a month's time.  But, I’ll need to make regular visits to make sure she’s safe.”

“I’m sure it has nothing to do with getting your dick wet.”

“It didn’t get wet.  It stayed in the jeans.  She’s got a sloppy cunt.”

“How delightful.  Is she going to become one of your toys?” Ari smiles, starting the car.  Oh, he could definitely play with you alright.  But he wanted something more than just a warm body for the night.  Your father had been too good to his family for you to become disposable.

“She’s going to become my Diamond.  She’ll need my protection at any cost.  It’s time she realizes her value is far more than what’s in between her legs.”

“Or bouncing on her chest,” Jonathan looks over towards Ari, grinning so big.  He knew Ari had a soft spot for a good set of boobs.  “So what you’re saying is we need to get her a passport.”

“Exactly.  A month’s time, she will be out.  She will divulge exactly what is going on in that club.  I want her to have respectable clothes.  Bathing suits, dresses, jewelry.  Have it all waiting at the Italy house.”

“Sir?”

“Have it all waiting at the Italy house.  Don’t question my process.  She’s not a toy.  She is valuable.”

“Yes, sir,” and Ari meant it.  Your father was a good man.  Calvin was trash.  Anyone that made August Walker be around their sister was trash.  Anyone that offered their sister up for men to ogle at, and grope, and even shove themselves into her was disgusting.  Sex work was admirable when it was their choice.  This wasn’t.  He would get you out.  And you would have his complete protection.

Next

Masterlist

Taglist: @tis-thedamn-season​ @marveloustaylortot​ @pono-pura-vida​ @sstan-hoe​ @softsatnin​ @missusbarnes-rogers​ @peaches1958​ @seitmai​ @smile1318​ @andydrysdalerogers​ @cjand10​ @buckysteveloki-me​ @whimsyplaty92​

[freesia-writes]

For the celebration: 17 and Tup!! Thinking about that sweet soft boy today, I wanna hold him, I get so worried for him ;;; @fives-girlfriend

Oooooo baby. I was excited for this one!

#17 - "Don't ever do that again! You have no idea what it does to me…"

Tup x Reader (I think GN but correct me if I missed anything) Word Count: 3.6k Content Warnings: drinkin and kissin. Apparently all I write, LOL.

“Come on, Tup. It’ll be awesome!” Hardcase exclaimed, clapping him on the back with enough enthusiasm to nearly knock him off his bench. 

“Yeah, they’ve never done this at 79s before!” Fives added, and even Dogma nodded vigorously through his mouthful of food. 

“I know, it’s just…” Tup began, but Jesse’s arrival, accompanied with a loud “who’s ready to party tonight?!” drowned out the rest of his reply. 

It was the talk of the mess hall -- Sy Snootles was coming to perform at 79s, and she was bringing along an infamous troupe of Twi’lek dancers, supposedly heralded throughout the galaxy as some of the most luscious and lascivious one could encounter. The clones who were lucky enough to be on Coruscant were undoubtedly excited, as they were rarely considered deserving of such luxuries. A few squads were planning to attend, the 501st being one of them, as you had heard on your lunch break. 

You worked with them frequently when they were on world, providing armor improvements, repairs, and tune-ups beyond what they would do for regular inspections. You were part of a small team that scuttled from armory to armory, equipping troopers with updated devices and outfitting new squads. The 501st boys were some of your favorites, having enough personality among them for the entire GAR. One in particular had always held a soft spot in your heart, with his unassuming demeanor and quiet insight. You’d chatted with him often while going over various armor components, and the stories he’d shared about the horrors of Umbara had broken your heart for him. He’d formed strong bonds with his brothers, especially after enduring that nightmare, and you’d felt your affection growing as you saw him grow from a fresh little rookie to a skilled negotiator, brave soldier, and man of strong convictions. 

If you were honest, he’d grown on you a lot. You found yourself daydreaming, during slow hours, of slowly freeing his hair from its neat little bun, running your fingers through it, and tracing your lips across his cheek to the little teardrop tattoo beneath his eye. But you’d also become close friends, and you were fairly certain that was the extent of his perspective and feelings toward you. There was an intimacy and familiarity between you that had been established as he’d shared some of his most vulnerable moments and harrowing experiences while you’d listened quietly, patting his hand and offering empathetic platitudes that couldn’t begin to match the magnitude of what he had been through. At some point, it had grown into more than just fondness, you’d realized, and it resulted in a simmering attraction that burned in your chest whenever you saw him. 

So when you found him at the back of the cluster of troopers waiting for the lift after lunch, and he caught sight of you as you approached him from the side, it sent a little shiver of tingles down your spine at the small smile that curved across his face. 

“CT-5385,” you said quietly, giving him a solemn salute that earned you an eyeroll as he looped his arm across your shoulders, pulling you into a warm side hug. 

“Cut it out,” he commanded, dropping his arm as you filtered into the crowded lift. “You heard all the fuss about 79s tonight?” he asked, barely audible over the rest of the chatter in the small space. 

“I did. You going?” you asked, feeling a sudden whirlwind of mixed emotions at it. 

“I’m not really feeling it, but it doesn’t sound like I have a choice,” Tup answered, shrugging and tipping his head toward his fellow blue-striped 501st brothers. 

“I can call you in for an emergency armor upgrade if you’d like,” you offered, to which he chuckled and shook his head. 

“Why don’t you just come?” he asked, looking up at you with those large honey-brown eyes. “It would make it a lot more bearable, that’s for sure.”

Your heart skipped a beat, wondering if he did have feelings for you after all, or if it was just the simple statement of one enjoying the company of a friend. You couldn’t help but smile, though, and tried to angle your face away from the light as you felt your cheeks grow slightly warm as you wondered about his affections. 

“I will if you will,” you said, resuming your light and airy attitude as the lift doors whooshed open. 

“Game on,” he declared, giving you the cheesiest finger guns you’d ever seen, promptly cringing at it, shrugging, and pulling his helmet on as he trotted off after his squad. 

“It’s a date?” you whispered under your breath as he disappeared around the corner.

* * * 

79s was packed to the brim, and clusters of troopers spilled out onto the streets all around it. The atmosphere was infectiously exciting, as though the entire world were on pause and tonight was a chance to escape it all for a few hours. There were three times as many food carts as usual, as the local vendors were quick to pick up on any chance for some extra business, and the entire block seemed like a party in itself. You started to feel anxious and out of place, as this wasn’t usually your thing. It had been something you and Tup had bonded over from the start -- a preference for more quiet, intellectual, serene spaces as opposed to the vibrant party scenes that more of the troopers opted for. 

You adjusted your outfit, feeling slightly self-conscious as it was decidedly more fitted and flattering than your simple work jumpsuit. You realized you had never really seen Tup in a more informal setting, as your interactions were primarily in the mess hall, the armory, or the barracks. All the questions and doubts began to swirl in your mind, amplified by the booming music that assaulted you as soon as you pushed your way into 79s. Heading straight for the bar and downing a double shot of liquid courage before you even looked around, you wiped your mouth on the back of your hand, returning the glass to the countertop and scanning the room for familiar faces.

“You’re off to an ambitious start,” came a smooth voice from behind you. “Lookin to stir up some trouble? Give those Twi’leks some competition?” You smirked, turning to face Fives, whose presence could be felt as much as heard. His boisterousness and joviality always brought a smile to your face, and you admired his ability to channel that even after his harrowing experiences at war. 

“Oh, you know me…” you said, shrugging as you felt the tingly burn down your throat, warming your chest. “Where are the rest of the boys?”

“Upstairs, for now. Lost a fight with the 212th for the table by the stage, but we’re plotting our revenge,” Fives said with a conspiratorial wink as he jerked his head toward the stairs, motioning you to come along. There was something different about tonight, whether it was the setting or the occasion or some strange alignment of the stars, and you just felt an apprehensive prickle down your spine, as though something were about to happen. You ordered another double shot, taking it with you as you trotted up the stairs after Fives. 

A couple whistles and hoots met you as you reached the top of the stairs, and you grinned bashfully as Hardcase and Jesse catcalled you while Fives announced your presence. It felt like being welcomed home, as cheesy as that sounded in your own head, with the kind familiarity and brotherly acceptance they always had for you. Hopefully not TOO brotherly… for all of them at least… Your eyes roved across their faces, finding the one that made your heart flutter. Tup was crushed in the corner of the booth, mercilessly squeezed between Hardcase and Dogma, arms pushed into his sides. You laughed at the sight of him, and he carefully arranged his features into sarcastic disdain when he met your eyes. 

“Our little armorer here thinks she can keep up with us,” Fives proclaimed, gesturing grandly toward you as you gave him a quizzical look, having promised no such thing. “So let’s show her a good time tonight, eh boys?” A cacophony of agreement, friendly taunts, and promises followed his words, and you shook your head, the elation of the moment sweeping you up, and downed the double shot in your hand in one gulp. 

“Ohhhhhhhh she ain’t messin around!!” Denal howled, slapping the table amid the cheers and squawks. 

“Alright, move out. I want to sit right THERE,” you demanded, pointing to the corner between Dogma and Tup, who were surprised by your sudden attention. Hardcase laughed, eternally ready to join in any sort of shenanigans and feeding off of your energy, and rose to his feet, pushing the rest of the clones right off the bench to make way for you to climb in. They filled back in, squeezing even more, and jostled each other for room until Kix toppled off the end and had to search for a chair instead. 

“Hey buddy,” you said to Tup, happily pressed against his side from shoulder to knee. His plastoid armor plates were carefully positioned to avoid digging an edge into your side, although as you snuggled in, you found yourself wondering what it would be like to slowly take each one off…

“You’re in rare form,” he noted, lifting an eyebrow at your effervescent attitude. “What was Fives on about?”

“That was all him,” you laughed, “But for some reason this just sounded really fun tonight. You excited about the dancers? Perhaps get yourself a special one?” Why were you baiting him like this? Your head felt a little bubbly, and the wild atmosphere was doing nothing to help it. Tup gave a low chuckle, dropping his eyes to the table, tracing his finger around a ring of condensation drops from his tall drink.

“Jesse threatened to buy me one, but I doubt he’ll go through with it. He’d rather spend the credits on drinks for the ladies…” 

“Well. You deserve a break. You can’t keep everything pent up inside all the time,” you affirmed, nodding confidently as you shifted to survey the rest of the crowd. Tup looked up at the side of your face, suddenly pensive and solemn, as though he yearned to speak. You felt his eyes on you and turned back curiously, eyebrows lifted and an inviting smile on your lips, but he just returned your grin with a small one of his own, shook his head a little, and followed your previous glance out to the crowd as the announcer began introducing the infamous guest stars. 

* * * 

The show seemed to go on forever, punctuated with breaks where the performers would come out and work the crowd… both literally and figuratively. The booth had emptied a bit, as the troopers scattered to the refresher, the bar, and other groups. You and Tup had been lost in conversation, heads leaned together, living through adventures and faraway thoughts, completely engrossed in each other’s company. The connection was absolutely vibrant, and you felt pulled to him more than ever before. The general raucousness of the bar got louder as the performers were making their way upstairs, scattering to dance and laugh with the clones there. You felt a sudden flare of passion, a mixture of jealousy, protectiveness, and the mounting pressure of all the feelings you had for this trooper that you’d been stifling for so long. 

Two of the dancers whirled over to the booth, purring their invitations. One slowly sat on the eager knees Jesse, who laughed and yelled, “For free?!” The other climbed onto the bench on all fours and began crawling toward Tup, who looked alarmed. In a rush of emotion, you scrambled to get up, banging your knee on the table incredibly hard as you suddenly threw yourself across Tup’s lap. As you straddled him, you turned and put a hand out toward the Twi’lek. 

“This one’s mine, honey!” you said, channeling all the sass you’d ever seen on the holovids. The performer laughed, waggling her finger at you and sidling back out of the booth, only to be quickly scooped up by a pilot trooper. You turned back to Tup, resting your hands on his shoulders and looking down at him now from your perch on his lap. He was sitting straight as an arrow, hands held up slightly out to the sides as if he didn’t know where to put them. Heat blossomed across your cheeks and throughout your chest, and you laughed, trying to seem lighthearted but also not wanting to move anytime soon.

“I’m just looking out for you,” you said teasingly, glancing over your shoulders in mock fright as though there were horrors lurking around every corner. As you came back to him, he let out a laugh that almost sounded forced, and you noticed his eyebrows were working overtime to conceal the cesspool of emotions that were funneling through his brain.

“Thank goodness,” he breathed, with another nervous chuckle, awkwardly lowering his hands to the outsides of your thighs and setting them down so precariously, you’d think you were made of glass. 

“Better make it convincing though,” you said, lifting your hands to his hair, where you gently pulled the band off of his ever-present man bun. His textured brown locks toppled down, holding their shape where they’d been twisted around each other day after day. It was comical, as it lay in messy tufts around his shoulders and one decidedly large bump in the middle, but it was also incredibly sexy, and you felt yourself literally salivating. You also felt a panic settle in all of a sudden, wondering if you were wildly crossing the line… Or perhaps you were getting a question answered that had been burning for a long time now. 

He lifted his chin, eyes fluttering shut for a full second as you slowly, painstakingly raked your fingers through his hair, now free of its tight constraint. Your hands continued across his skull, down the back of his neck, and then forward along each side of his jawline until they came together at his chin, where you finished by giving his nose a tiny boop. His eyes widened, realizing your face was within inches of his, and he suddenly shifted himself to the side, knocking you off balance and onto the bench. He scrambled out of the booth, catching one quick glimpse from Jesse, who had been oblivious to you two due to the undulating distraction in front of him.

You felt a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, cringing so hard at the thought that you may have just ruined everything, and you flailed to get out of the booth after him. You caught sight of him disappearing out the balcony door (you didn’t know 79s had a balcony did ya? It does now!) just as it closed behind him. Pausing before following him out, you watched him lean on the railing, looking at the Coruscant underworld stretching out before him as his hair drifted across his eyes in the speeder-induced breeze. His expression was unreadable, and startled you in how foreign it looked. 

Taking a deep breath, you ventured outside, steeling yourself to try to patch things up. You pulled up next to the railing next to him and faced the city skyline, feeling too sheepish to meet him head-on. You fumbled for words, wringing your hands together in not-so-subtle anxiety. “I’m sorry…” you began.

“Don't ever do that again!,” he said suddenly, startling you into standing up straight and facing him fully. You were filled with regret, looking up at him apologetically and readying your explanations, until he continued speaking in a low growl that sent an electric shock through you. “You have no idea what it does to me…” he admitted, voice slightly hoarse at the end. He slowly stood from his lean over the railing, leaving one hand on it and turning toward you, the other hand pushing his hair out of his face. As your eyes found his, you were lost in the rich brown pools of emotion, accentuated by the wildly mess of his hair that made him look like an entirely different person. His hand clenched at his side, and he shifted his eyes off to the horizon again. 

“What does it do to you, Tup?” you asked quietly, and he closed his eyes at his name, soft on your lips, before slowly opening them and taking a step closer.The intensity of his gaze and the singular focus of his presence were electrifying, and you felt as though your insides were trembling. 

“It drives me crazy,” he whispered, some dark waves twisting across his forehead as the breeze ruffled past. He looked from eye to eye, taking in your face with an enamored stare as though he were seeing it for the first time. “I don’t want to make things awkward. I love our talks. I love getting to see you. I love your wit, your intelligence, your curiosity…” His confession had been coming out more confidently but hit an abrupt halt as his gaze dropped to the ground. “I’m sorry if it ruins our friendship,” he said with a resigned tone, and your heart took a tentative leap in your chest as you processed his words, hoping they meant what you thought they did. 

Fueled by his vulnerability and absolutely irresistible look, you reached for him, slipping your hands around the back of his neck, one slightly roving up into the roots of his hair at the base of his neck, and pulled him gently toward you. His arms were around you in a flash, and after one last meaningful, searching glance that seemed to stretch out into eternity, he closed the distance and kissed you deeply. Your tiny gasp of delight was swallowed up by his mouth pressed against yours, muscles tightening around you, pulling you against his armor. His hair gently tickled your cheeks, and you savored the taste of his lips, the scent of his shampoo, and the electrifying excitement of being in his embrace. 

He pulled back, mouth falling open as though he couldn’t believe what had just happened, and stared at you in awe. You offered a sheepish smile, giddy at the sight of him so shocked and enthralled. He lowered his hands to take yours, shaking his head at the ground, still dumbfounded. 

“I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” you admitted, and he jerked his head back up to you, mouth curving into an elated smile. “You’re my favorite, Tup. You’re brave and insightful and kind and complex… I think the world of you.” Each word you spoke seemed to inflate him more and more with an overjoyed enchantment that lit up his face in a way you hadn’t seen before. 

“I didn’t think people saw us as unique enough to be interested… for real…” he murmured, and you shook your head, surprised and sad that he’d have such a notion. You lifted a hand to his cheek, which sent his eyebrows up a little further, and touched your nose to his. 

“Well I do,” you said, leaning in to kiss him again. He eagerly reciprocated, pressing one hand against the small of your back and drawing the other up between your shoulder blades. His lips were so soft, yet firm and commanding, and his nose pressed into your cheek. There was more of a passion to it now, an intimacy and urgency that set off fireworks in your soul, and you dug your hands into his hair again, relishing the thick tufts between your fingers as you clenched it gently at the roots. A satisfied rumble came from his chest, and he tilted his head, deepening the kiss until you were seeing stars. When he finally let you go, you gasped in as much of the cold night air as you could as though it alone were tethering you to reality. He smiled, face inches away, glowing with wonder. 

“I think there might be more of those Twi’leks up here,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eye, and you laughed breathlessly. “Better make it convincing,” he murmured, turning to back you up against the side of the building, leaning in with a sudden confidence, and bringing his hands to your face. He was kissing you again, pressing against you all over, hands roving from cheek to shoulder to waist to hair. It felt as though a dam had broken, and so much that had been held at bay was crashing down in the most incredible, unbelievable way. You lifted your leg, wrapping it around him, and he immediately gripped it with a gloved hand, moving his armored thigh and hip into you for support and stability. Kissing your way down his neck as he rolled his head to the side, closing his eyes in blissful abandon, you gave the top of his turtleneck a little snap, sending both of you into a quiet giggle fit as you held yourselves together. Every inch yearned to be connected, and you slowly lowered your leg, nestling your head into his neck and shoulder, not daring to move lest you wake up from this dream. 

“I guess we did show you a decent time tonight, eh?” he whispered in your ear, wrapping his arms around your shoulders in a warm, protective hug.

[withasideofshakespeare]

An AMENDED Rundown on the Absolute Chaos That is First Quarto Hamlet

O, gather round me, my dear Shakespeare friends And let me tell to ye a tale of woe. It was a dark and drizzly winter night, When I discovered my life was a lie... This tale is a tragedy, one of Shakespeare sources turned into gardening websites, "misdated" quartos, and failed internet archives. It is also a story of the quarto itself, an early printing of our beloved Danish Prince's play, including an implied Hamlet/Horatio coffee date, weird and extremely short soliloquies, and Gertrude with a hint of motivation and autonomy.

But let us start from the beginning. Long ago, in the year of our lord 2022, I pulled a Christmas Eve all-nighter to bring you this post: https://www.tumblr.com/withasideofshakespeare/704686395278622720/a-rundown-on-the-absolute-chaos-that-is-first?source=share

It was popularish in Shakespeare circles, which is why I am amending it now! I returned to it tonight, only to discover a few problems with my dates and, more importantly, a mystery in which one of my sources miraculously turned into a link to a gardening website...

Anyhow, let us begin with the quarto! TL;DR: Multiple versions of Hamlet were printed between 1603 and 1637 (yes, post-folio) with major character and plot differences between them. The first quarto (aka Q1) is best known for its particular brand of chaos with brief soliloquies, an extra-sad Hamlet, some mother-son bonding, weird early modern spelling, and deleted/adapted scenes with major influences on the plot of the play!

A long rundown is included below the cut, including new and improved sources, lore, direct quotes, and my own interpretations. Skip what bores you! And continue... if thou darest!

What is the First Quarto? Actually, what is a quarto?

Excellent questions, brave Hamlet fan! A quarto is a pamphlet created by printing something onto a large sheet of paper and then folding it to get a smaller pamphlet with more pages per big sheet (1). First Quarto Hamlet was published in 1603 and then promptly lost for an entire two centuries until it was rediscovered in 1823 in the library of Sir Henry Bunbury. Rather than printed from a manuscript of Shakespeare, Q1 seems like it may be a memorial reconstruction of the play by the actor who played Marcellus (imagine being in a movie, memorizing the script to the best of your ability, writing it down, and then selling "your" script off to the print shop), but scholars are still out on this (2).

Are you saying that Hamlet comes with the stageplay equivalent of a “deleted scenes and extra credits” movie disc?

Yep, pretty much! In fact, there are even more of these! Q2 was printed in 1604 and it seems to have made use of Shakespeare's own drafts, and rather than being pirated like Q1, it was probably printed more or less with permission. Three more subsequent quartos were published between 1611 and 1637, but they share much in common with Q2. The First Folio (F1) was published in 1623 and its copy of Hamlet was either based on another (possibly cleaner but likely farther removed from Shakespeare's own text) playhouse manuscript (2, 3). It was an early "collected works" of sorts--although missing a few plays that we now consider canon--and is the main source used today for many of the plays!

The versions of the play that we read usually include elements from both Q2 and F1.

So... Q1? How is it any different from the version we all know (and love, of course)? What do the differences mean for the plot?

We’ll start with minor differences and build up to the big ones.

Names and spellings

Most of the versions of Shakespeare's plays that we read today have updated spellings in modern English, but a true facsimile (a near-exact reprint of a text) maintains the early modern English spellings found in the original text.

For example, here is the second line of the play transcribed from F1:

Francisco: Nay answer me: stand and vnfold your selfe.

For the most part, however, the names of the characters in these later versions (ex: F1) are spelled more or less how we would spell them today. This is not so in Q1.

Laertes is “Leartes”, Ophelia is “Ofelia”, Gertrude is “Gertred” (or sometimes “Gerterd”), Rosencrantz is “Rossencraft”, Guildenstern is “Gilderstone”, and my favorite, Polonius gets a completely different name: Corambis. 

(This goes on for minor characters, too. Sentinel Barnardo is “Bernardo”, Prince Fortinbras of Norway is “Fortenbrasse”, Voltemand and Cornelius--the Danish ambassadors to Norway--are “Voltemar” and “Cornelia” (genderbent Cornelius?), Osric doesn’t even get a name- he is called “the Bragart Gentleman”, the Gravediggers are called clowns, and Reynaldo (Polonius’s spy) gets a whole different name--“Montano”.)

2. Stage directions

Some of Q1's stage directions are more detailed and some are simply non-existent. For instance, when Ophelia enters singing, the direction is:

Enter Ofelia playing on a Lute, and her haire downe singing.

But when Horatio is called to assist Hamlet in spying on Claudius during the play, he has no direction to enter, instead opting to just appear magically on stage. Hamlet also doesn't even say his name, so apparently his Hamlet sense was tingling?

3. Act 3 scene reordering

Claudius and Polonius go through with the plan to have Ophelia break up with Hamlet immediately after they make it (typically, the plan is made in early II.ii and gone through with in III.i, with the players showing up and reciting Hecuba between the two events). In this version, the player scene (and Hamlet’s conversation with Polonius) happen after ‘to be or not to be’ and ‘get thee to a nunnery.’ I’m not sure if this makes more or less sense. Either way, it has a relatively minimal impact on the story.

4. Shortened lines and straightforwardness

Many lines, especially after Act 1, are significantly shortened, including some of the play's most famous speeches.

Laertes’ usually long-winded I.iii lecture on love to Ophelia is shortened to just ten lines (as opposed to the typical 40+). Polonius (er... Corambis) is still annoying and incapable of brevity, but less so than usual. His lecture on love is also cut significantly!

Hamlet’s usual assailing of Danish drinking customs (I.iv) is cut off by the ghost’s arrival. He’s still the most talkative character, but his lines are almost entirely different in some monologues, including ‘to be or not to be’!  In other spots, however, (ex: get thee to a nunnery!) the lines are near-identical. There doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to where things diverge linguistically, except that when Marcellus speaks, his lines are always correct. Hm...

5. The BIG differences: Gertrude’s promise to aid Hamlet in taking revenge

Act 3, scene 4 goes about the same as usual with one major difference: Hamlet finishes off not with his usual declaration that he’s to be sent for England but with an absolutely heart-wrenching callback to act 1, in which he echoes the ghost’s lines and pleads his mother to aid him in revenge. And she agrees. Here is that scene:

Note that "U"s are sometimes "V"s and there are lots of extra "E"s!

Queene Alas, it is the weakenesse of thy braine, Which makes thy tongue to blazon thy hearts griefe: But as I haue a soule, I sweare by heauen, I neuer knew of this most horride murder: But Hamlet, this is onely fantasie, And for my loue forget these idle fits. Ham. Idle, no mother, my pulse doth beate like yours, It is not madnesse that possesseth Hamlet. O mother, if euer you did my deare father loue, Forbeare the adulterous bed to night, And win your selfe by little as you may, In time it may be you wil lothe him quite: And mother, but assist mee in reuenge, And in his death your infamy shall die. Queene Hamlet, I vow by that maiesty, That knowes our thoughts, and lookes into our hearts, I will conceale, consent, and doe my best, What stratagem soe're thou shalt deuise. Ham. It is enough, mother good night: Come sir, I'le prouide for you a graue, Who was in life a foolish prating knaue. Exit Hamlet with [Corambis/Polonius'] dead body. (Internet Shakespeare, Source #4)

Despite having seemingly major consequences for the plot, this is never discussed again. Gertrude tells Claudius in the next scene that it was Hamlet who killed Polonius (Corambis, whatever!), seemingly betraying her promise.

However, Gertrude’s admission of Hamlet’s guilt (and thus, betrayal) could come down to the circumstance she finds herself in as the next scene begins. There is no stage direction denoting her exit, so the entrance of Claudius in scene 5 may be into her room, where he would find her beside a puddle of blood, evidence of the murder. There’s no talking your way out of that one…

6. The BIGGEST difference: The added scene

After Act 4, Scene 6, (but before 4.7) comes this scene, in which Horatio informs Gertrude that Hamlet was to be executed in England but escaped:

Enter Horatio and the Queene. Hor. Madame, your sonne is safe arriv'de in Denmarke, This letter I euen now receiv'd of him, Whereas he writes how he escap't the danger, And subtle treason that the king had plotted, Being crossed by the contention of the windes, He found the Packet sent to the king of England, Wherein he saw himselfe betray'd to death, As at his next conuersion with your grace, He will relate the circumstance at full. Queene Then I perceiue there's treason in his lookes That seem'd to sugar o're his villanie: But I will soothe and please him for a time, For murderous mindes are alwayes jealous, But know not you Horatio where he is? Hor. Yes Madame, and he hath appoynted me To meete him on the east side of the Cittie To morrow morning. Queene O faile not, good Horatio, and withall, commend me A mothers care to him, bid him a while Be wary of his presence, lest that he Faile in that he goes about. Hor. Madam, neuer make doubt of that: I thinke by this the news be come to court: He is arriv'de, obserue the king, and you shall Quickely finde, Hamlet being here, Things fell not to his minde. Queene But what became of Gilderstone and Rossencraft? Hor. He being set ashore, they went for England, And in the Packet there writ down that doome To be perform'd on them poynted for him: And by great chance he had his fathers Seale, So all was done without discouerie. Queene Thankes be to heauen for blessing of the prince, Horatio once againe I take my leaue, With thowsand mothers blessings to my sonne. Horat. Madam adue. (Internet Shakespeare, Source #4)

First of all, the implication of Hamlet and Horatio's little date in the city is adorable ("Yes Madame, and he hath appoynted me / To meete him on the east side of the Cittie / To morrow morning.") It reads like they're going out for coffee!

And perhaps more plot relevant: if Gertrude knows of Claudius’s treachery ("there's treason in his lookes"), her death at the end of the play does not look like much of an accident. She is aware that Claudius killed her husband and is actively trying to kill her son and she still drinks the wine meant for Hamlet!

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! My thoughts! Yippee!  On Gertrude: WOW! I’m convinced that she is done dirty by F1and Q2! She and Hamlet have a much better relationship (Gertrude genuinely worries about his well-being throughout the play.) She has an actual personality that is tied into her role in the story and as a mother. I love Q1 Gertrude even though in the end, there’s nothing she can do to save Hamlet from being found out in the murder of Polonius and eventually dying in the duel. Her drinking the poisoned wine seems like an act of desperation (or sacrifice? she never asks Hamlet to drink!) rather than an accident.

On the language: I think Q1′s biggest shortcoming is its comparatively simplistic language, especially in 'to be or not to be,' which is written like this in the quarto:

Ham. To be, or not to be, I there's the point, To Die, to sleepe, is that all? I all: No, to sleepe, to dreame, I mary there it goes, For in that dreame of death, when wee awake, And borne before an euerlasting Iudge [judge], From whence no passenger euer retur'nd, The vndiscouered country, at whose sight The happy smile, and the accursed damn'd. But for this, the ioyfull hope of this, Whol'd beare the scornes and flattery of the world, Scorned by the right rich, the rich curssed of the poore? The widow being oppressed, the orphan wrong'd, The taste of hunger, or a tirants raigne, And thousand more calamities besides, To grunt and sweate vnder this weary life, When that he may his full Quietus make, With a bare bodkin, who would this indure, But for a hope of something after death? Which pusles [puzzles] the braine, and doth confound the sence, Which makes vs rather beare those euilles we haue, Than flie to others that we know not of. I that, O this conscience makes cowardes of vs all, Lady in thy orizons, be all my sinnes remembred. (Internet Shakespeare, Source #4)

The verse is actually closer to perfect iambic pentameter (meaning more lines have exactly ten syllables and consist entirely of iambs--"da-DUM") than in the Folio, which includes many 11-syllable lines. The result of this, however, is that Hamlet comes across here as considerably less frantic (those too-long verse lines in F1 make it feel like he is shoving words into too short a time, which is so very on-theme for him) and more... sad. Somehow, Q1 Hamlet manages to deserve a hug even MORE than F1 Hamlet!

Nevertheless, this speech doesn't hit the way it does in later printings and I have to say I prefer the Folio here.

On the ending: The ending suffers from the same effect ‘to be or not to be’ does--it is simpler and (imo) lacks some of the emotion that F1 emphasizes. Hamlet’s final speech is significantly cut down and Horatio’s last lines aren’t quite so potent--although they’re still sweet!

Horatio. Content your selues, Ile shew to all, the ground, The first beginning of this Tragedy: Let there a scaffold be rearde vp in the market place, And let the State of the world be there: Where you shall heare such a sad story tolde, That neuer mortall man could more vnfolde. (Internet Shakespeare, Source #4)

Horatio generally is a more active character in Q1 Hamlet. This ending suits this characterization. He will tell Hamlet’s story, tragic as it may be. It reminds me a bit of We Raise Our Cups from Hadestown. I appreciate that this isn't a request but a command: put up a stage, I will tell this story. Closing notes: After over a year, it was due time this post received an update. My main revisions were in regard to source verification. Somehow, in the last year or so, one of my old sources went from linking to a PDF of Q1 to a garden website (???) and some citations were missing from the get-go as a result of this being an independently researched post that involved pulling an all-nighter on Christmas Eve (but no excuses, we need sources!)

I have also corrected some badly worded commentary implying that the Folio's verse is more iambic pentameter-y (it's not; in fact, Q1 tends to "normalize" its verse to make it fit a typical blank verse scheme better than the Folio's does--the lines actually flow better, typically have exactly ten syllables, and use more iambs than Q1's) as well as that the spelling in the Folio is any more modern than those in Q1 (they're both in early modern English; I was mistakenly reading a modernized Folio and assuming it to be a transcription--nice one, 17-year-old Dianthus!) Additionally, I corrected the line breaks in my verse transcriptions and returned the block quotations to their original early modern English, which feels more authentic to what was actually written. A few other details and notes were added here and there, but the majority of the substance is the same.

Overall, if you still haven't read Q1, you absolutely should! Once you struggle through the spelling for a while, you'll get used to it and it'll be just as easy as modern English! If you'd prefer to just start with the modern English, I have also linked a modern translation below (source 5). And finally, my sources! Not up to citation standards but very user-friendly I hope... 1. Oxford English Dictionary 2. Internet Shakespeare, Hamlet, "The Texts", David Bevington (https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_TextIntro/index.html) 3. The Riverside Shakespeare (pub. Houghton Mifflin Company; G.B. Evans, et al.) 4. Internet Shakespeare, First Quarto (facsimile--in early modern English) (https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_Q1/complete/index.html) 5. Internet Shakespeare, First Quarto (modern English) (https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_Q1M/index.html)

And here conclude we our scholarly tale, Of sources, citation, and Christmastime too, Go read the First Quarto! And here, I leave you.

[pinkmoondoll9shihtzu]

Pmd9: Wolf Moon '24: Update;

greetings all i've been taking ttime /offline/ to reflect upon my inner self its been rly helpful i will continue a little longer.. I got into this state ovr the past few months where i felt like i had to fill every empty moment w someone elses thoughts, or beautiful stimulating imagery, any time i was bored or uncomfortable i just wanted to scrooooollllll . . . i started to feel like i was losing mysedf @_@ & losing myself ON purpose, at that

lately i began to long for this feeling i felt as a teen, b4 smartphone was everywhere, when i used to jst have to like. stare at the wall for long periods or look out the window and retreat into contemplation or fantasies to occupy myself. like in the ambient moments of waiting. or if i didntwant to think that day, i wld invent a task for myself , draw, go for a walk, ask my friend to hang out, find stuff to take photos of.. the internet was at it's most fun cus it was reserved for when u had time to be at the computer so it felt like more of a treat instead of being~everything~

it kinda hit me like oh i can pretty easily feel that way again ! just got to sternly banish the phone. And let me tell u it feels reallll niiice....i been playinggg all day long tbh i been having a blast. granted my reality has improved a lot recently so its easier to disconnect, but yea i duno its like dangg things r looking up & i want to b present for this part of my life. :*

its freaky how even holding the phone is so addicting?? does anyone else have that? i have rly restless hands so i noticed them searching for that thingy to hold. like i dont even think usning the internet is That harmful its just better left to computer-moments. i dont plan on ever stopping posting cus i looove posting i just cant b so *online* rn i cant b as engaged w "feeds" im burnt outtt

even after just a few days break i feel my thougts flowing better, a lot more true to me, i remember why i luv working on my stuff :+)

Soo lets see, some stuff i been up tooo ummm: i DEEP CLEANED my room / rearranged for better feng shui, added new pages to my website, work on music every day, yoga every day, started figure drawing class(!!), going strong w herbal tea regiment, joirnalling.. playing acnl evry night ^^ talking to my mom and grandma a lot which has been rly sweet and new for me. oh & pochita's eyes healing up perfect after her surgery a few weeks ago~~

thats pree much all the update i have for now.. tldr need to get serious about making sure my thoughts r my own & keeping grounded in reality. hope everyone having a pleasant full moon's experience tonight ^^ Since its Wolf's Moon maybe try howling at it..

Yours Truly,

-Pink_Moon_Doll_9_Shih_Tzu_9

P.S. today in the wolf moon yoga video i did she talked about how the most successful wolf packs r the packs that r most diverse..a pack where everyone has their own unique skills so they can come together to help each other in any situation. U dont got to b like everyone else, just lean into being the best version on YoU ^^ thought it was a sweet sentiment to contemplate over this moon. <3