#now I question weather or not the compliments are genuine

[sagesskies]

ʏᴀɴᴅᴇʀᴇ ᴄᴇᴏ

✒ ᴍᴏɴᴇʏ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʙᴜʏ ʏᴏᴜ

✉ - ʟᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴀɴᴏɴʏᴍᴏᴜꜱ - ʜᴇʏ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ! ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡʀɪᴛᴇ ᴀ ʟᴏᴠᴇꜱɪᴄᴋ ᴄᴇᴏ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀ ɢɴ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ᴀᴛ ᴀ ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ ꜱʜᴏᴘ ʜᴇ ꜰʀᴇQᴜᴇɴᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ ɢᴏᴇꜱ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ? (ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ʀᴇQᴜᴇꜱᴛꜱ ʀɴ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ɪɢɴᴏʀᴇ, ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴅᴀʏ/ɴɪɢʜᴛ ♥)

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ɪɴᴄʟᴜᴅᴇꜱ: ꜱᴛᴀʟᴋᴇʀɪꜱʜ ʙᴇʜᴀᴠɪᴏʀꜱ, ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ (ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ɪꜱ ɪɴ ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛɪᴇꜱ, ᴍɪʟᴀɴ ɪꜱ ɪɴ ʟᴀᴛᴇ 30ꜱ), ᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴅɪꜱᴏʀᴅᴇʀ (ᴍɪʟᴀɴ), ɪɴꜱᴏᴍɴɪᴀ (ᴍɪʟᴀɴ), ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ʜᴀꜱ ᴀ ɢɪʀʟꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ᴜɴʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜʏ ʙᴇʜᴀᴠɪᴏʀ (ʟɪᴛᴇʀᴀʟʟʏ), ᴘᴏꜱꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴠᴇɴᴇꜱꜱ, ɪᴍᴘʟɪᴇᴅ ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛꜰᴜʟ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛꜱ, ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴍᴇ ɪꜰ ɪ ᴍɪꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴇʟꜱᴇ!

Yandere CEO who first met you at your job in your friend's family bakery. Young, bright, and full of life, wearing a baby blue apron. You eagerly greeted him with a smile, and asked how he was doing. There was nothing forced about your mannerisms, it was all genuinely, purely, you. 

Yandere CEO, despite knowing it'll all end up flushed down a toilet, comes in everyday ordering the different pastries you recommend. After his seventh visit, you jokingly ask him if he's got any cavities yet and he blushes. Not that you notice. 

Yandere CEO who gathers the courage to talk to you beyond simple good mornings, and responding to your questions of: “How are you Milan?” or “So that'll it be for today, eh?” and stammers out things like, “N- Nice weather today, huh?” and even, “Uh.. How- How long have you been working here for?” It's all simple, nearly no substance, but it's exceptional progress for somebody like him who barely even speaks to his secretaries beyond plain Yes's and No's. 

Yandere CEO whose fair face turns a furious red whenever you tease or compliment him, calling him things like adorable and cute. Never has he been called anything like that before. People see him, with his bodybuilder-esque physique and stoic face, with it's fierce features, and are too intimidated to treat him with anything other than with a  respect that is borne out of fear. 

Yandere CEO who knows this is wrong. He's 38 years old, and you're only what? 23? This is wrong, this is taboo, this is predatory. But his heart can't help but beat furiously for you each time he steps inside the quaint little bakery. Your bright smile, your gentle eyes, your warm voice. You are like the sun, and he is your ever-devoted Icarus, who will crash and burn if he tries to even fly an inch closer.

Yandere CEO who is unable to sleep at night. He's used to this, he's had insomnia since he was a teenager in highschool, but never like this before. Where previously it was paranoia and anxieties that kept sleep at bay now it was you, the scent of pastries and bread, and your warmth. 

Yandere CEO who unconsciously starts to act like a teenage girl. Doodling your name in the margins of his paperwork, writing (Name) x Milan over and over again in the empty pages of his journal, which was previously used exclusively for tracking his expenses but was now being used for more personal entries. 

July 17, 2009

Today [Name] remembered it was my birthday, and bought me a slice of chocolate cake using his own money. I tried to keep it down, but unfortunately my body is too used to emptying its stomach whenever I eat too much. 

September 7, 2009

[Name] asked me if I've been sleeping well recently, and even if I told him I was okay, he still gave me a box of teabags. He told me it helps him sleep at night, and hopes it'll be able to help me too. He's so kind, and too good to me. I can never tell him it's him who's the cause behind these sleepless nights. I think it'll devastate him. Sometimes, I hope it will.

February 13, 2010

[Name] asked me if I was going to buy somebody any pastries for Valentine's Day, and if there's anybody I'm hoping to receive any chocolates from. I wanted to tell him I hoped to receive chocolates from him, but that would be inappropriate. Then he told me he hoped his girlfriend would remember to give him some.

[Name] has a girlfriend. 

Yandere CEO who doesn't show up for multiple days after you reveal this to him. He goes back to old habits, the following days occupied by work, work, and work. He sleeps rarely, and wakes up late. He eats even less than he usually does, and forgets to go to the gym. 

The only thing that Yandere CEO does outside of that? Pay private investigators to learn as much as possible about you, no matter how dirty or well kept the secret is he will know. 

It's unethical, a violation of all your rights, but he thought you two were close. That you were friends. A kind of relationship he barely even knew. All he knows is distant families, cold business partners, and shallow imitations of friendship. He thought you were different, you were so real, but if he didn't even know you had a girlfriend, then what else was he unaware of?

Yandere CEO whose father calls him, and tells him his secretaries have told him about how he's been acting, and advises him to take a break. Perhaps he should try to hit the dating scene? He'll have to get married eventually, and he's not getting any younger. 

Yandere CEO who goes to the blind dates his mother arranges for him. Daughters of her friends, sometimes even granddaughters. Women who are sometimes a decade younger than him. Women who are his age. He never told his parents he was gay, and now he has to suffer through this. 

Yandere CEO who is thinking of canceling the date on the spot when she takes him to a familiar bakery, the familiar bell rings as the door swings open and you're still there, wearing your baby blue apron, and the polite smile you flashed his date immediately widens when you see him. 

Yandere CEO who freezes up, and then stammers out a greeting, face flushed. His date, who has so far only experienced the cold and stoic front he puts on, is surprised that what has broken down the stone walls he's put up is the cute, young, male baker, who has a bright grin on his face. 

“Milan!” You practically chirp, “It's been so long, where have you been man?” 

You were wondering where he was? You missed him? You missed him? Milan? He couldn't believe his ears, he felt like he could faint.

Milan clears his throat, averting his grey eyes away from you, and avoiding Carrie's burning gaze. 

“I have been preoccupied with work,” He explains, it's not a lie, he's just exaggerating how much work there was for him when it was basically just him doing paperwork and attending meetings every once in a while, “I apologize if my absence has bothered you…” 

You chuckle, “I'm just glad to see you again.” Milan can't help the small smile that forms on his face, but he restrains it from widening into a grin. He's in front of Carrie, a friend but at the same time a business partner, a marriage prospect, an unwelcome intruder into what could've been a moment between you two.

You glance at Carrie as if remembering that she was here, “Ah, sorry, you must've been confused on how I know him, but I'm a friend of Milan,” You smile kindly at her, “Name's [Name] [L/N], nice to meet you!” 

Carrie forces a polite smile on her face, “A pleasure,” Her eyes are filled with a cold fury, though Milan knows it's not directed to you, “My name is Carolyn, Carolyn Deveuraux. However, you may call me Carrie.” 

Milan fakes a cough, “Mhm, anyways.. I'd like to have the usual… and Carrie you'll have..?” 

She hums, “I'll have a cinnabon.” 

You glance between the two, noticing the obvious tension between them, “Oookay, I'll have that prepared for you two in a jiffy,” Milan hands you his card, and savors the slight brush of your fingers, before your warmth is teared away and you slide it back to him when you're done.

He glares at Carrie for scaring you away, but she doesn't even look at him, her eyes are fixed on you. Milan wants to gouge her eyes out, she doesn't even deserve to look at you. Not when she barely knows you. Not like him, who knows every single thing about you that his money can buy for him.

You head into the back to prepare the goods, and Carrie goes back outside where there are tables and chairs. She sits on one, and crosses her arms. Milan settles on the one across from her, posture straight, arms on the table, eyes… decidedly not looking at Carrie. 

“So, you and that man… [Name], was it?” Milan nods, she continues, “You know each other, do you?” She taps one carefully manicured nail against the arm of the chair. Tap, tap, tap. 

Milan does not simply know [Name], he practically lives underneath the younger man's skin, but instead of verbalizing this he nods once more, “We have known each other for two years.” 

“Hm,” Her eyes narrow, they are blue, like ice, “ And how old is [Name]?”

“Twenty-four years old,” Milan tells her, “He had just gotten out of college when we first met.” His eyes trail to the window into the bakery, you still haven't emerged. Why were you taking so long? 

“Does he know?” Carrie’s tone is sharp and frigid. Milan glances at her, if he is not careful then he could be caught up in an inescapable storm. 

“He does not,” Milan admits, “And I'd prefer to keep it that way.” You still have your girlfriend, and he's content with your secrets and the stolen pictures. 

Carrie glares at him, “Why him? Is it his mind? His personality? Or is he simply a pretty boy you like to ogle at?” She's angry, and Milan, for his lack of proper socialization, has been taught to read people, every single shift in expression or body language has a hidden meaning, can tell this fury stems from something personal. 

“That is none of your business,” Milan had known Carrie for a while now, since his 30th birthday party where his father invited all his associates, and Lewis Deveuraux had brought his 28 year old daughter Carolyn, but they were never friends so much as allies in the cutthroat world of capitalism, and she was crossing a line. 

“I can tell your father.” 

“Have you ever heard of the saying, ‘Snitches get stitches’, Carolyn?” Milan asks, “You tell him, and I'll be doing so much more than giving you stitches.” 

Carrie doesn't even flinch, “Not much you can do when stripped of your position at your father's company,” She doesn't get a chance to continue, not when you arrive with a tray carrying the warm pastries. You set the plates down, as well as the complementary coffee. 

“Here you go…” You glance between the two of them, “It's been nice seeing you again Milan,” You smile at Carrie, “Great to meet you too, Carrie, hope to see you around some more.” 

Milan digs a nail into the skin of his palm hard enough to draw blood, if only to stop himself from punching that smirk on Carrie's face off, “Thank you, [Name],” Her voice is pleasant, light and airy, “It was a pleasure to meet a… friend of Milan today.” 

“Same here,” You grin. You wave goodbye to the both of them, then head back into the bakery. 

Carrie's polite smile is gone as soon as you're out of the vicinity, “Let's talk about this later,” She reaches out and places a well-manicured hand on top of Milan's larger one, and her lips curl up, “For now, enjoy the treats your little crush has made for us.” 

Yandere CEO, who since that reunion has started coming back more often. Happy to finally be able to bask in your presence again, thoughts of your girlfriend are dashed from his mind when he saw your smile again after two months of being deprived of it. 

The only downside? Carrie is there as well. Chatting you up, using her charm to lower your guard down. She's a snake, or a wolf in sheep's clothing. Yandere CEO knows she's trying to break you two apart, but he won't let her. 

Yandere CEO who can't stand watching you smile at her, keeping up with her bright mind in ways he knew you could but had never seen before. He didn't know it was possible, but he's become even more enraptured. Handsome with not only a good personality, but also intelligent. God, you were perfect. 

Yandere CEO is able to himself with an endurance he didn't even know he possessed. He's not used to the rage that has been gathering inside him, but it's not that similar to managing his fear and paranoia. He can't do anything to Carrie, not when you two have practically become the best of friends.

Yandere CEO who decides that he can't let himself fall behind, he was here first you know. He's known you for two years while Carrie was only for a few weeks. He musters up the confidence he often uses in meeting rooms, trying to look suave and cool, but instead making you laugh.

“Haha… you're seriously so adorable Milan,” You tease, “What're you acting so serious for?” 

After that, Yandere CEO decides to just act how he did before, it's clearly more effective as you've even invited him to eat with you in the park near the bakery during your lunch hours. Something you haven't done in the two whole years you've known each other. 

He realizes that in a sense, you are like him. Despite his stoicness, and your expressive features, his assertive aura, with your laid back vibe, both of you have an appreciation for genuine people. It makes his heart beat faster, for some inexplicable reason.

Yandere CEO who listens to you attentively as you start opening up to him more about your life. Your struggles with paying off college debt, your inability to land a higher paying job, and how you don't have enough money to pay for your rent. He already knows about all of this, but is happy nonetheless to be able to give you a comforting hug or pat on the back. One time, you actually cried and he got to feel the warmth of your tears as they raced down your face, they soaked into the skin of his palm as he wiped them away and offered you words of comfort.

Yandere CEO who abides by the law of equivalent exchange, and opens up to you more as well.  He's heard before that the more imperfect you make yourself out to be, the more attractive you were for it was a sign of humanity. So what's more human than sharing his past as a bullied fat kid, and the whiplash he got once he had bulked up and attracted admirers like they were flies? Maybe it's the insomnia, the social anxiety, and the knowledge that he's surrounded by shallow people. Whatever it is, it works. 

Yandere CEO who has started to feel genuinely close to you. Where before, it was akin to a celebrity having to deal with an awkward yet starstruck fan, now it felt like you two were old friends having a good time together. This is the first time he's had a relationship like this and he'd rather have his company go bankrupt and end up homeless on the streets than lose it. 

September 12, 2010 

[Name] is not meant for me, he is young, full of potential, and with a girl that he loves. But he tempts me with his warm eyes, beautiful smile, and those kind words of his that has had me wrapped around his finger since the very first day I met him. 

It is wrong, it is dirty. I am too old, too broken, worn out like a hand me down toy. However I cannot help myself. He is like the sun, bright and comforting, yet he burns me so. 

[Name]

[Name]

[Name] 

Even just writing his name has me weak at the knees, it makes me feel alive. Like I can face the day without wanting to retreat back to my bed and refusing to get out till I am dragged by my feet. Just the idea of being able to catch a glimpse at him, gives me the energy to get up and do a marathon. 

[Name] is too charming for his own good. He’s such a sweet boy, not knowing how much he tempts me to do such despicable things every single time I see him talking to customers or laughing with Carrie. He doesn’t know, he doesn’t know, he doesn’t know. 

I should be leaving him alone, and never speaking to him again. He is fine, he is perfect, he is like God. But I am nothing but a filthy sinner who shouldn’t even be within his sights. Better kept away, far far away. But I want nothing more than to touch him, to hold his feet in my filthy hands and press my cold lips to it. His foot alone is worth more than my entire career. His life? Priceless. 

However if I were to distance myself from him again, I’d become a shell. No better than a living corpse. My father and mother would be concerned for the business, and they’d keep on trying to figure out why I’m in such a state, till they eventually trace it all back to [Name], and I can’t have that. I don’t want them knowing about him. It is bad enough Carrie knows. But my own parents? 

I cannot accept that. I will not share him. They would take him away from me like they took away everything else good that could’ve happened to me by being my parents and birthing into the life that I’ve led. His warmth would be engulfed in their cold gazes and harsh words, and soon he would be no better than I am, and that cannot happen. 

He may not be meant for me, but I will make sure nobody else can have him. 

Even that girlfriend of his.

☏ - ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇᴍᴀɪʟ: ᴍʀ. ꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴍɪɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʀᴇQᴜᴇꜱᴛꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴏᴘᴇɴ, ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ'ᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ.

[mercurycft]

𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐒 — 𝐋𝐁

## lucy bronze x reader!

Hello everyone! I’ve been working on this idea for a little while.. its definitely not my best work but i really liked writing this! Enjoy! Love always- RG! x

part 1 of 2! read part two here 2,603 words - this part is mostly build-up!

MATURE CONTENT & LANGUAGE WARNING 18+

The final stretch of the last training session before a break was always the worst, ending with all the girls heaving and sweaty as they piled back into the team changing room. It was Friday, and plans for the evening were already being finalised by the time you entered the room and made your way to your usual spot. Tucked away into the corner, happy to sit down and take off your boots before you heard your name hollered from within the fuss of conversation.

"Oi! Y/L/N, drinks at 8. You get no input or choice..." The voice belonged to Mary and was followed by a hound of laughs from around the room. Drinks were never your go-to, much preferring a takeaway and crap tv in the comfort of your own home. The girls knew this, so instead of asking - they would tell. You knew better than to fight it, laughing with them and nodding before throwing the group a sarcastic double thumbs-up as you placed your boots into your kit bag.

"I'll be there, Pre-drinks at Tooney's I'm guessing?" That was always the plan, meet at Ella's and either walk or get an Uber to wherever the group had decided to spend the remainder of the night. Your question was met with a couple 'obviously's and 'you know it's from the girls, who had now dispersed around the room and started packing their belongings away. You were packed up first, as per usual, and were sat chatting as everyone finished changing. Once everyone had grabbed what they needed and conversations were stalling to a halt, everyone made their collective way through the hall and out towards the front of the building. You, Ella and Alessia led the way, arms linked and phones in hand, already discussing the 'dress code' for the evening.

By the time you had finally made it home, battling through the usual city traffic it was nearing 4pm and all plans for an unrushed evening of preparing were out the window - so after dumping your bag in the kitchen you headed straight for the shower.

_________

The next two hours were spent rushing around your bedroom and flat, drying and styling your hair before applying your usual 'going out' makeup. Next came the clothes and after 6 failed attempts at outfits you had created in your head and two stressed glasses of whatever wine you had in the fridge, you settled on wide-leg jeans and a strapless bodysuit paired with a pair of comfy heels which gave you an extra couple of inches. After packing the essentials into the ridiculously small-seeming bag you had chosen and grabbing a jacket, you were finally ready to head out the door.

The journey to Ella's house wasn't long, 10 minutes at most, and the weather was in your favour - the sun starting to set and a gentle chill creeping through your clothes just as you had arrived at her front door. Holding a bottle of cheap wine close to your side, you rang the bell and waited, soon to be greeted by Alessia and ushered inside - music was already blaring from the kitchen where a few of the girls loitered. Ella grabbed the bottle from your grasp, pouring you a generous glass and placing the remainder into her fridge. "You look fit, mate!" She exclaimed as she turned back to you and passed your drink.

"Oh stop it, look at you Tooney." You said, holding your hand out towards her and feigning a dramatic gasp, you both fell into a burst of soft laughter and moved to join the rest of the group. You said your hello's, exchanging genuine compliments and stationed yourself by the sink, bringing the glass to your lips as the doorbell chimed through the house.

"Fucking hell, Luce! Didn't want to leave the rest of us a chance to pull then?" Ella squealed exasperatedly, throwing her hands up in fake annoyance and stomping back into the kitchen. You straightened up at the mention of the older right-back, taking another sip of your drink as she emerged into the room and said her hello's.

By the time she made it to you, you were sure you could draw her from memory. Watching her closely as she worked her way across the room - you noticed how the white shirt she wore was clinging to her arms and chest in all the right places, tucked neatly into a pair of slack-like trousers which sat loosely around her ankles to reveal a pair of crisp airforce. Before you could react she was in front of you, pulling you in with a gentle hand on the back and a warm smile, giving you a friendly cheek-to-cheek kiss and hug then pulling away and moving back into the centre of the room and retrieving her own drink.

She looked good and she was well aware, which made it so much harder to look away. Having to try your hardest to remind yourself of where you are and who she was. Her glasses sat on the bridge of her nose, with her hair pulled back into her usual bun. You had always found her attractive - how could you not? She looked as if she had been carved by the Gods themselves, with smooth olive skin and muscles that put everyone else to shame.

You had always gotten along well, laughing and joking across the pitch during training. Sometimes meeting her eyes for a moment too long during conversations or humouring the lingering touches when you brushed past each other in social settings. Though nothing had ever come of it, that didn't mean you didn't enjoy the warmth of her hands on the small of your back or the way you seemed to fall into her eyes and stumble on your words when she would catch you off guard and today was no exception. You couldn't help but watch her as she worked the room, engaging in conversations.

When the last of the girls had arrived, the house was buzzing with the type of giddy excitement only alcohol could provide - everyone was a few drinks down now and it wasn't long before you were sat in a taxi heading into town.

_________

10pm rolled around and the drinks were flowing, empty glasses scattered across the table which a few of the girls sat around. Some were stood at the bar, ordering the next round and a few more occupied a section of the dancefloor. You, however, found yourself perched on a bar stool with a drink in hand, ear forward as Lucy told you a story about one of her former teammates. Trying your hardest to pay attention, but too focused on how close together you were.

You could feel her breath on your ear as she tried to speak over the music that rattled through the room. Her hand was placed just above your knee for leverage as she leaned over you and it was all you could think about. The smell of her perfume flooded your senses, disorientating the logical side of your brain which tried to scream through the cloud of subtle arousal that sat heavy behind your eyes. 'This is so unprofessional!' you were aware and you knew deep down this could ruin you - but the sweet smell of her skin was intoxicating.

Your train of thought was interrupted as your eyes refocused, grounding you back into the moment. Realising she now stood away from your ear, instead looking at you with raised eyebrows and a slight smirk across her lips. shit. caught red-handed. You stiffened when she leaned back towards your ear, "Am I boring you Y/L/N? Did you even hear what I said?" You hadn't. but she wasn't asking, she was taunting.

She watched you struggle for an answer, pure amusement plastered across her face. Putting you out of your misery she leant back in, this time pushing you further into your pit. Lips pressed cautiously against your lobe, "Strike one, darlin'." She muttered and you were sure you could feel her smirk against your ear before she departed entirely and you lost her in the crowd of bodies around you. strikes? what strikes? You wondered silently to yourself, bringing your drink to your lips as your eyes scanned the dark room but she was already gone.

_________

An hour later you found yourself on the dancefloor surrounded by your friends, who were all individually butchering an Amy Winehouse classic. As the song wrapped up to an end, you were pulled into a loose group hug - maybe it was the alcohol or maybe it was just the love you felt in that moment, but you couldn't explain the warmth that coursed through your veins as you looked at your people.

Before long a new song began, a low beat bounced off the walls and wrapped around the bodies on the floor. You didn't know the song but remained with the girls, swaying to the beat and laughing at some of their horrific dance moves. As the song hit the chorus you and Mary gravitated towards each other, dancing and laughing as you stood in front of her and attempted an awful twerk and grind move to the beat with her hands placed firmly on your hips. Both of you played into your roles, spilling your drinks as you did so and adding to the already sticky floor.

It wasn't unusual for the team to dance like this and it was very rarely serious when one of you was pressed back up against another, but today it felt different. One specific set of deep eyes stayed locked on your movements as Lucy watched from the opposite side of the group, tongue rolling along the inside of her teeth when you finally made eye contact from your compromising position. Through the darkness you could see her lips moving; she was talking - or at least mouthing something towards you. You couldn't connect the dots until she lifted her hand in front of her, showing you two fingers. "Two strikes."

What would happen at three? And why were you excited to find out?

_________

It was nearing 11 now and you stood at the bar, almost too close to a woman you had just met - sipping the fruity drink she had ordered you. Normally you would think twice about talking to someone at a bar, but tonight’s circumstances made it a thrilling game and you couldn’t wait to play. You knew she was watching, feeling her eyes bore into the back of your head but paying little attention while you focused on the task at hand. Lucy was standing a few feet behind you, between Ella and Leah who were trying to talk over the music. Lucy wasn’t interested though, her attention fixed on you and your new friend. Gripping her drink so tight she was sure it might shatter as she watched you lift a sly hand up and rest it on the stranger's shoulder. Lucy couldn’t pinpoint the feeling, internally confused at the sudden jealousy that burned deep in the pits of her stomach. Just as you were starting to think she had lost interest, a body was pressed to the side of you, pushing a wedge between yourself and the woman whose name you couldn’t even remember.

The game was no longer fun when Lucy ushered you around the room to say your goodbyes, excusing you both from the function. A few of the girls started to protest but she was quick to respond with “Y/N’s not feeling 100%, said I’d make sure she got home okay.” And that was enough for them. She held you close as you walked out into the street, whispering a small but steady “Third and final.” as she pulled you into a waiting taxi.

_________

The pair of you didn't even make it through the front door before she pounced, your key still in the lock when she had you pinned between her frame and the door. Her hands sat heavy on your hips, eyes locked on yours. "God, you've been drivin' me mental all night.." she groaned, scanning your features.

"Do something about it then," You pushed. This was new but unbelievably exciting, you had never seen her like this. Before you could speak again her lips were on yours. Rough and urgent, like she was scared someone would rip you right out of her grip. "Inside," You managed to mumble against her lips, unlocking the door and pulling her inside - not wasting any more time to attach your lips together again.

This time was different, a rage of hunger alight in the depths of your stomach. Your hands sat on the nape of her neck, lacing through the small amount of hair that had fallen from her bun throughout the night. Her hands couldn't settle, exploring your figure and fisting at the fabric that separated skin from skin. Somehow during this you had travelled through the hall and were now fighting through your bedroom door, shoes and jackets kicked off and discarded around the flat - highlighting your erratic path.

Once inside the safety of your bedroom, things seemed to slow. The initial hunger and speed now dimmed into lust. Yearning. She pressed rough but calculated kisses down your jaw, lingering below your ear for a moment before moving across your collarbones. The feeling made you shudder, holding her head in your hands.

She had you stripped in minutes, now pulled tightly against her in your underwear. "Jesus Christ Y/L/N are you trying to kill me here?" She murmured, thumb caressing the lace across your chest, tracing the shapes for a second before her eyes met yours. A moment passed and you were growing impatient, inhaling deeply when the pad of her thumb found your nipple through the thin fabric and circled gently. You could tell she was enjoying this, watching you shift your weight from side to side as she slowly broke you down.

"On the bed." You were quick to obey, laying down in front of her - on display. She made her way towards you, situating herself above you and lifting your legs to bend and sit beside her hips. She kissed you deeply, hands latched onto your thighs. The world seemed to melt away around you and all you could think about was the throbbing between your legs.

"Need you," You managed to croak out, hands pulling at the fabric of her trousers - desperate for some form of friction. She let out a cocky scoff from above you.

"I'm not sure you deserve it, love. Haven't been behaving, have you?" She spoke rhetorically, tutting and raising her hand to toy with your bottom lip. "And only good girls get rewarded.." She added lowly as her hand travelled down from your face, tugging at your bra and moving to take your nipple into her mouth. You let out a small moan when you felt the warmth of her mouth on you, legs constricting around her and your back arching into her touch.

You writhed beneath her as she moved between left and right, her hand now finding its way to your underwear. She had two fingers pressed against your clit through the fabric, letting out a soft hum against you when she felt your arousal through the barrier. "Got you all wet for me, hm?"

"Please," You whimpered, lifting your hips up towards her hand. Desperate for some relief for the ache, eyes glassed over with desire.

"Begging for it already and I'm only just getting started. What a shame.."

[luna0713hunter]

"you'll have to teach me " with zoro please and with

neck kisses / kitchen counter kisses

Kisses to keep your lover quiet but zoro kisses the reader

Lazy make-up

Thank btw I love your work

Author's note : its currently 3:30 am that im writing this request and gosh so many cute kisses with Zoro! And thank you for your nice compliments!!i hope you enjoy it 💕

"you'll have to teach me"

"neck kisses"

"kitchen counter kisses"

"kisses to keep your lover quiet"

"lazy makeout"

Based on this prompt

Zoro Roronoa x reader

Warnings : none,lots of fluff and kisses,cute couple

*.✧∘˚˳°*.✧∘˚˳°*.✧∘˚˳°*.✧∘˚˳°*.✧∘˚˳°*.✧∘˚˳°*.✧∘˚˳°*.✧∘

Getting some privacy in a ship is nearly impossible.

You cant really blame anyone;its a public space that all the crewmates share,and no one has the actual time to relax and spend time in their lover's company.

But there are also mornings like this: where everything's soft in the glow of the rising sun;the ocean calm and the sky so blue with few clouds, it has you closing your eyes and wishing for that moment to last forever.

As you lean back on the kitchen counter after you've made yourself a cup of tea,you enjoy the rare moments of loneliness. You close your eyes and take a sip of the sweet honey flavor liquid and let the rays of the sunlight warm your face.

When you hear the sound of someone stepping inside the kitchen,you open your eyes;ready to greet Sanji, assuming he's going to make breakfast since he's always the first one to wake up. But what greets you is the sight of a very drowsy Zoro making his way toward you. You pour him a cup of tea as well and offer it to him;and eye him as he accepts it with a grunt. You grin and bump your shoulder to his,making him grunt again.

"not awake yet,sleepy head?"

"not my fault. Usopp snores. And Luffy talks about food in his sleep."

You snort around your own cup of tea, "what about Sanji?"

Zoro takes a moment to consider your question,a when he speaks next,he seems genuinely surprised by his answer.

"he... actually isnt so bothersome when he sleeps. Which is weird, considering how annoying he is when he's awake."

You throw your head back and laugh;the sound so refreshing in the silence of the morning. Zoro takes a sip of his tea,and leans on his forearms next to where you're currently sitting on the counter.

"why are you up so early?"

You shrug and tilt your head toward the window.

"the weather was too nice to sleep in."

"is that so?"

You close your eyes when the skies clears again and the rays of the sunshine warm your face.

"yeah."

You two bask in each others' presence;no need for any words,just enjoying the silence. The tea finishes soon,and with warm belly,you eyelids start to droop again.

"sleepy?"

When you open your eyes,you see Zoro's face inches away from yours;having you caged between his arms. You lean forward and rest your forehead against his, smiling when he lowers his head and presses his lips to your neck. You shiver,and wrap your arms around Zoro's neck.

"you know,i always dreamed of kissing my boyfriend on a kitchen counter."

An amused chuckle escapes his lips,and he tilts his head to one side while eyeing your lips; pretending to be confused.

"oh?then I'm afraid you'll have to teach me how to do it."

You giggle and pull him closer

"that,can be arranged."

When your lips meet,the morning feels even better. Zoro's lips are soft and move slowly against your own. Its everything you've ever wanted,and even more.

Because of mornings like this,you try to wake up earlier than usual every now and then;so you can have a small alone time with the man you love before everyone else wake up.

When a small sound escapes your lips as he bites your lower lip lightly,Zoro pulls back slightly and rests his forehead against yours.

"you have to keep it down,babe. Don't want other to wake up now,do we?"

And one shake of your head is enough answer for him to dive back in,and capture your lips again.

And you pray to every god you know,that mornings like this last forever.

[cr4yolaas]

— what do they associate with you? . various bnha x reader

synopsis . headcanons of the little things they associate with you and your relationship.

characters . izuku midoriya, katsuki bakugou, shouta aizawa, momo yaoyorozu, ochaco uraraka

warnings . not proofread

notes . i caught up with the bnha manga. im not okay ☹️ i lowk hate this but i love the idea ugh 😭😭😭

01 . IZUKU MIDORIYA

- whenever he comes across some good-looking stationary (good-looking by your standards, at least), he’s most likely going to give it to you

- doesn’t matter whether he found it on the floor or in a store, you’re getting it !!

- you don’t exactly share the same passion for note taking with him, but he knows you gawk at the cute animal-shaped pens and erasers every time

- so he makes it a priority to get you a pack of cat sticky notes or pink pens when he gets the chance

- between you and me, it’s just an excuse for him to fuel his obsession with taking notes by buying more pens

02 . KATSUKI BAKUGOU

- when you first met, he offhandedly compared you to the rain — one of the many things he genuinely dislikes — because he couldn’t stand you.

- the fact that you’re dating him now is a tell-tale sign his feelings changed quite drastically

- he doesn’t like the rain any less, but whenever the sky turns glum and small droplets make their way to his skin, he can’t help but think of you

- so, when it starts to pour while he’s sitting in his dorm, he decides to send you a picture of the weather from his window

- "thought you might like it" his text reads

- and you do :)

03 . SHOUTA AIZAWA

- he can’t exactly pinpoint why, but when it comes to buying you flavored or scented things, he always chooses berries.

- candles, lip balm, car fresheners, candies, you name it

- berries aren’t exactly his favorite, so it confuses both of you

- regardless, it makes you giggle a little every time you notice it

- but when he starts to notice that berries have become a “trademark” of yours, he starts to enjoy them a little bit more

- his normal 2-in-1 hair wash turns into a matching set of berry-scented shampoo and conditioner from a fancy beauty store

- before you know it, you’re both smelling like berries

04 . MOMO YAOYOROZU

- an oddly specific one, but she can’t help but draw museums back to you

- whether its a history or art exhibit, she makes it a priority to bring you there, which results in a lottt of cute museum dates

- "there’s an art exhibit in the neighboring city this weekend, we can take the train there and visit the cafe next door afterwards!"

- if you’re an artist, that’s absolutely the reason for the connection

- but if your interest lies elsewhere, it’s probably because she likes experiencing the atmosphere of a museum with you

- her favorite pictures of you are ones where you’re admiring something in one of the many exhibits she takes you to

- she probably compliments you like, “the beauty of these paintings don’t compare to you :)”

05 . OCHACO URARAKA

- call her cheesy, but whenever she sees heart shapes, she thinks of you

- will send you a pic of something that just barely resembles a heart out of nowhere, just bc she couldnt help but be reminded of her lover

- this leads to her collecting and buying a bunch of heart shaped items to gift you, ranging from stones, to seashells, to a necklace she found on the floor, to socks with heart patterns

- you never really questioned it and she’s glad bc her reason is cheesy cheesy

- "i mean. . . well, i love you a lot, so i guess it’s just my way of reminding you every now and them without actually saying it?" she’d admit with her face all red when you do ask

- just be prepared for valentines day — she’s going all out 😰😰

[ekingston]

For the ask game:

Supercorp fic where Lena runs a popular webseries/blog about plants and plant care and Kara (one of her avid subscribers) is absolutely hapless when it comes to keeping plants alive and is constantly asking Lena for help only to fail spectacularly. Lena is *convinced* Kara is fucking with her on purpose, and kinda sorta hates her virtual guts

(Now also on a03.)

Lena isn’t naive.

When she made the decision to set up a discord server for her plant vlog’s followers, she knew there was a possibility things might get messy. After all, even while remaining anonymous — she can practically hear her PR team screaming at the idea of Lena Luthor running her own verified social media account — her comment section has always been 45% earnest compliments and questions from beginner botanists and 55% unabashed thirst over her sexy hands and soothing voice. Lena imagined any possible frustration caused by having to sidestep the occasional untoward overture would be worth the satisfaction she gets from teaching fellow hobbyists to take better care of their plants. It’s nice to feel like she’s being appreciated, for a change, to be allowed to play hero in a small way, different from L-Corp’s high-stakes idealism or Supergirl’s histrionic stunts.

(She still hasn’t managed to set up a meeting with National City’s super-powered alien in residence, but she’s certain it will be any day now.)

Lena couldn’t have predicted that the most aggravating individual on her server wouldn’t turn out to be a persistent suitor, but rather a member of the plant-loving minority.

If the violence this ‘Kvers’ person routinely inflicts on their houseplants can be considered love.

Why are my plant’s leaves yellowing? had been this idiot’s first, innocuous ask. Moments later, they’d followed it up with a picture of the brown, crisp remains of what Lena had only vaguely recognized must at one point have been a vibrant green ZZ plant.

Because it’s fucking dead, Lena had wanted to reply, suggesting instead Is it possible it’s near a window where it gets too much direct light?

My place does get a good amount of sun, Kvers had responded. I kind of prefer it that way. Lena had given her a list of plants that would fare better in those conditions, and hoped that would be that.

But it didn't end there; it’s actually only gotten worse. Kvers is in Lena’s notifications what feels like every other day now with fresh doubts and queries. Why do you even have plants, Lena is tempted to respond half the time, when it’s obvious you’re too much of a moron to even be trusted to take care of yourself?

Are banana plants supposed to tear this easily? comes the next question, combined with a picture of a Dwarf Cavendish that looks to have been ripped to shreds by a wind stronger than the average tornado.

“What the fuck,” Lena mumbles to herself. Some tearing is to be expected, they’re pretty frail, she replies, before snapping and adding I advise placing it a little further away from that jet engine you must have set up in your living room, however in a disgruntled huff.

Kvers sends her only a 😳 in response.

A fresh victim is presented to her a few days later, along with Kvers’s desperate plea of Can this little guy still be saved?

Pictured is the saddest Boston fern Lena has seen in her entire life: it’s bruised grey-brown and beige where it should be a vivid emerald, and when Lena clicks the image to enlarge, she finds herself frowning at what looks like a dusting of frost still clinging to the fronds.

Ferns can recover from freezing conditions but only if their roots weren’t also affected, Lena replies very professionally, her fingers shaking with silent outrage. Though I don’t understand why you’d keep a potted fern outdoors when it’s that cold. She’s beginning to wonder if this Kvers person is a genuine imbecile or an abusive prankster. Where do you live that you’re dealing with these weather conditions in August? she demands.

Oh, um, Kvers replies and then, after a few starts and stops, Southern California.

So Kvers is absolutely fucking with her.

It takes a week before they’re asking for Lena’s input again. This buddy is looking a little rough today, they post, do you think a good soak could help perk it back up?

The miserable money tree pictured is barely clinging to life. Lena peers through the furious red haze descending over her vision and swears it looks like its few remaining leaves are singed.

Lena’s patience has run out. Are you serious? she asks. Did someone burn your building down?

Small kitchen accident Kvers has the audacity to reply.

It’s the final straw in every sense of the word. Lena will not stand for this blatant abuse a moment longer, especially if it’s done exclusively for the purpose of getting her attention. Before she can think too much about it, before her rage recedes, she sends Kvers a direct message announcing she’s coming by for a home consultation.

Where in SoCal are you exactly?

As it turns out, Kvers is right here, in National City.

She’s also a bafflingly attractive — though fidgety — blonde.

Blue eyes widen and pink lips part when she answers the door, her shoulders so broad and her arms so beefy she takes up most of the space in the doorway to her loft. Lena probably wouldn’t be able to see past her, at her endangered plants beyond, if she still wanted to.

But she can tell her loft is well-lit, like she’d mentioned — she’s framed by the sun’s dying rays, her hair and skin golden and shimmering in a way not entirely of this earth.

This explains so much, Lena realizes, relieved. The wind. The frost. The burns.

Her would-be adversary is wearing glasses and her hair is up, and her flustered demeanor seems so awkwardly genuine that Lena wonders if the image this woman projects when she’s dressed in her more familiar reds and blues is the act — if this awestruck, faded-jeans-clad cutie is the real person that’s hiding underneath.

She looks far more human than Lena would have imagined.

“You’re Lena Luthor,” she finally manages to stutter out.

Lena regards her evenly. “Good to finally meet you,” she says, and, dropping her voice a little, “Supergirl.”

[mushroom-for-art]

@eeveelutiontwos Xiangliu: The Azuretwo stared quietly at Vismay for a good long moment, dark pink tail swishing behind her. When she finally spoke, it was to say:

"You are very beautiful."

Another moment of silence.

"...Are you like me? I have a purpose I was created for. Do you have one?" While the sentence could come off badly in text, Xiangliu's voice held only genuine curiosity.

The old mew startled slightly at her compliment ears up before lowering in a bashful manner mouth falling into a smile, "You are too kind dearest one," one of his top paws idly brushed through the fur of his chest, "although the sun and ages have weathered my form I accept your compliment with gratitude and warmth," he moved in his float to bow to her in show of gratitude and general display of his manners paws moving in a flourish before righting himself to observe her in great intrigue.

"Forgive me if this is rude but you are a mewtwo correct?" Moving around her carefully, "my and something else yes I sense it, Eevee dna I'm sure," a paw to his mouth in thoughts before remembering himself, "ah I apologise but I believe I have not had the honor of this form of evolution in my own world, dragon typing yes?"

"You are if I may say far more beautiful than I, I am honored to be in your company. Having the opportunity to become even only briefly aware of the vast variables of evolution across the multiverses meeting pokemon that I may never meet back home, it's a privilege to always be learning so thank you." His voice carried so much wonder and warmth for having met her.

Though it was somewhat obvious they were avoiding her question using the opportunity of meeting her and a new eeveelution to keep the conversation away.

The guilt however of not answering her question when it was likely she was trying to reach out and bond with an individual she believed to be like herself caught him first before she had to ask again or believed she may have crossed a boundary. He gave a sad smile to her as he exhaled from his nose slowly.

"I'm afraid I was created without a true purpose, just like how through random variable your world has a dragon evolution of Eevee, random variables led to my existence, it was purely chance I'm here now." One of their ears moves to the side then righted itself as he thought, "I was given tasks of course and purpose but," ears flattened again in sadness their voice faltered cracking until it quietened having miscalculated how ready for the discussion he was. He offered a sad shy smile of apology.

Clearing their throat coughing into a paw they regained their voice and spoke again, "I do what I can in the meantime, I help keep the dna of lost pokemon stored," he patted his chest above his heart, "so they're never truly gone even if extinct, reintroducing older dna into species for biodiversity, typical mew work even if I'm not technically," he moved his head in sort of a wobble not finishing the sentence since it was pretty evident he wasn't a traditional mew by any means.

"While, I know that was likely not the answer you expected may I ask about your purpose? I would love to hear to be enlightened about you and the world you reside in, I'm aware of mewtwo often having, complicated origins, perhaps yours are kinder than what I know?"

Ft Vismay sketch reaction to compliment I was too lazy to finish because giving me a hard time and too cowardly to add in main post but please behold the silly getting surprised

[superworldunkown]

Comfort Dating Headcannons

AN: Needed a break from a larger fic I am writing and I wanted some comfort/fluff. Like, Reblog, and enjoy!

Todoroki:

He messages you the morning of your date saying he was en route to the hospital and had to cancel. Upon getting curious and genuinely checking in for his health, he responds with “I wasn’t feeling well this morning and Denki said I had butterflies in my stomach. I dont know when that could have happened but I think its important that I head to the hospital and get them taken out.” After several message exchanges and a 5 minute phone call, you two do end up going on your date and Todoroki learns another important message in the value of expressions

Everything you say or recommend is the word of the gods to him. You casually mentioned that you just read a really good book from your favorite author that he may also like and two weeks later he comes up to you saying that he finished the book and did indeed like it (although he has several questions about character growth and decisions he must ask you). When you are shocked he took your recommendation he responds with “I take all of your recommendations seriously. I like knowing what you like and why”

It’ll be work but MARRY THIS MAN

Bakugou:

I value everyone’s opinion but I am still convinced with my whole heart that despite this man looking and almost acting exactly like his mother, I think he takes after his father’s side when it comes to interpersonal relationships, and dating in general. Sure, he’s determined and a get-it-done type of person, much like Mitsuki. However he gets so fixated on getting it perfect and right that he ends up stalemating himself when it comes to asking you out. This time he was going to do it. He plotted the perfect date, down to the weather patterns. And after screaming “Just do it, Nerd!” To himself in his head he launch himself off the couch and stalks over to your direction at the table. However, panic strikes again when you lift your eyes from your laptop and pierce him right in the heart. The ‘perfect proposal’ ends up being a jumbled mess of “Hey, Y/N! Do you want to…fuck - no not that I mean- shit, what I’m trying to say is…DAMNIT NEVERMIND!” And a small explosion just because its him and he storms off. You end up texting him and after careful and dedicating prodding to not further bruise his already tainted ego he does ‘kinda’ get it out that he wants to spend time with you outside of the normal circumstances. And yes, the weather was absolutely perfect when you two did go out together

Much like his father to his mother, to him, you are the sun. He’s just the lucky planet that gets to revolve around you. He spent most of his life only focusing on being the number one hero and nothing else. When that shifts to ‘be Y/Ns number one’, ho-my, be ready. It’s about to be the most chaotic but best ride of your life!

His love for you is somewhat disjointed. While he has the best intentions to adore and love you, his past trauma and old habits sometimes make their way into your relationship.

Midoriya

Would 100% bring his notebook to your first date and try to secretly jot down things he hears about what you like doing or how bits about you so he can remember them for future dates and presents. Of course you catch him and while at first its absolutely creeps you out, you realize that he has a notebook for all his friends with all the stuff they like doing or cool things about them. It’s pure

He is the absolute best person to come to when you are sad or in need of support. He’s patient and he’s such a good listener.

He’s awkward AF and swings passionately through emotions, however he will casually drop the best one liner affirmations or compliments. Like bro, you’re nervous to hold Y/Ns hand but then you just randomly say “Don’t be nervous Y/N, I believe with my whole heart you’ll do your best and everyone will see what a star you are.”

That’s all for now. Let me know if you want more.

[magicalara]

Comfortember Day 2: Sweater Weather

Pairing: Jon x Martin (with mention of Elias)

Trigger warnings: Slight body insecurity; Elias is a douche

Note: this is inspired by my friend @squishisquashi's comic which you can find here! Go show her some love bc this is basically for her lol

There wasn't a specific dress code at the Archives, especially considering how often it would be that someone wouldn't go home for a few days. That being said, Martin didn't usually wear anything outside of a semi-professional shirt and slacks. He already had enough insecurities on the best days, no point in adding onto that if he could avoid it.

Today, though, he took a long, hard look at the new strawberry patterned crop top that Tim had gotten him for his recently passing birthday. It was meant to be a gag gift, one that he could wear around the house for a "special someone", as Tim so graciously put it. Martin genuinely liked the crop top. Sure, he was terrified to wear the damn thing in public but...it was just his friends at the office. And they wouldn't make fun of him, right? It's not like Elias would be in today; everything would be fine and Martin could wear the strawberry crop top like the local sexy legend that he is.

Thus, with the extra kisses and encouraging words from Jon, they ventured to the office together.

Just as he had anticipated, everyone complimented him on the new attire. Sasha said it was lovely and the color looked great on him. Tim, bless his heart, was a stuttering mess at first, not having expected Martin to have worn the gift before composing himself and playfully flirting in true Tim fashion.

It wasn't until midday, when an unwelcome guest made an appearance in the office.

"That outfit is a little bit... inappropriate for work, no?" came the sharp tone of Elias' voice. It caused Martin's heart to immediately drop as he watched his superior's figure promptly disappear into a different room after the comment.

Flushed with embarrassment and swallowing down a desire to disappear in thin air, Martin took a deep breath and gathered the backup jumper he had brought from his bag to go change.

After collecting himself, he returned to his desk, now in a nice beige jumper that can't be mistaken as inappropriate. Thankfully, if anyone had noticed his change of clothing, they didn't mention it.

"Where's your crop top?" asked Jon, suddenly popping up behind him. Martin tensed up in surprise slightly before relaxing as his boyfriend's hand made it's way to his shoulder, squeezing slightly in as affectionate of a gesture as Jon would give while in the office.

"Oh, I took it off. Elias said it was 'inappropriate'," Martin responded, trying to be nonchalant by not looking up from his laptop. He knew that, if he did, he wouldn't be able to handle the slight disappointment that would most likely appear in Jon's gaze, even if it wasn't directed at him.

"He said that..." muttered Jon, nodding slightly as he gave Martin's shoulder another squeeze before walking off in the general direction that Elias did previously.

It wasn't for a few seconds until Martin put two and two together and promptly looked up, eyes wide as he hunches over the desk to try and get a better glimpse of his boyfriend before he disappeared behind the door.

"Wait, Jon, where are you going?" he asked.

Jon, whether he actually heard the question or not, didn't respond, closing the door behind him. Martin continued to look at the door for a minute, as if waiting for an explosion to happen.

Rather than an explosion, he was greeted with the comical sounds of a certain someone getting the shit beat out of him. It lasted for a few minutes until suddenly stopping, Jon walking out of the room a second later with a satisfied smile.

Martin, eyes still wide with a feeling of almost fear (and a strange twinge of arousal that he refused to dig further into, leaving it to the dark recesses of his mind instead), stared at Jon as he walked behind him once more. Jon wrapped his arms around Martin from behind, leaning down to rest his head atop Martin's with an uncharacteristic grin.

"You can put it back on now, Martin~" Jon said in a softer tone usually reserved for the late night talks they'd have.

"What did you do?" asked Martin, bringing a hand up to rest on one of Jon's.

Alas, his boyfriend merely pressed a chaste kiss to the top of his head, squeezing his waist before walking away. At the very least, Elias knew to not comment on Martin or his choice of clothing ever again.

[loz-3]

Participation Not Required

part one of two

Loki x female reader

Word Count : 1.1k

Warnings : angst

Inspired by: Leaving the Table by Leonard Cohen

It all started several years ago, when he had become an official member of the Avengers. Back then, he was much more angry and bitter towards everything and everyone. You had almost mowed him down in the library whilst carrying far too many books. These, of course, went flying but he had managed to catch you before you hit the ground. “Careful now, darling… we can’t have you ending up injured.” he had said as he helped you to your feet.

“Wouldn’t be the first time, won’t be the last!” You retorted, laughing at the look of both humour and aversion on his face “but thank you very much for the catch, I think I can manage from here!” You had collected your books and scurried away, not expecting to see him again.

But you did. Time and time again, he would be there. First with snide comments on what you were currently reading or how often your clumsiness affected the world around you, but slowly his words evolved to genuine compliments and gentle teasing words instead of the harsher ones. On a whim one afternoon you had asked him to join you for a coffee, and surprisingly he agreed. From that point on, you were friends. The two of you could talk for hours about every topic from the weather, to your pasts, to the future. Nothing was off the table and life had taken on a newer happy colour that you had not experienced before.

That's about when you realized you had fallen... hard... for him. Your relationship was steady as close friends, maybe on an eventual path to become more. It's not like you hadn't kissed him before, there were a couple late nights at the local dive bar that ended in a heavy session but it never amounted to anything. He was very hard to read in that regard... and you making the first move, that was out of the question. As comfortable as you were with him, the thought of spilling your deepest darkest secret had your stomach in knots and you could never get the words out.

Then one day, you were too late. He had been so eager to tell you about the woman he had met, Mia. She was tall, blond, wealthy... everything he wanted. She was perfect, and perfectly lovely. Even you couldn't find a fault. As they started dating and advanced their relationship, he grew more and more distant. The hangouts dropped from a couple times a week, to maybe every second weekend, to practically nothing. Every time your phone buzzed, your heart leapt in hopes it was him telling you she was gone. But that notification never came. You kept on smiling tho, especially since you would still occasionally run into them in passing. But you knew that if you kept up hoping and waiting, the depression would take control.

So you called him up to meet for coffee in the little cafe that you two had frequented. It was there that you told him you had taken a new job out of town starting soon. What you didn't tell him was that you had already closed on your apartment and would be gone by the end of the weekend. No sense in delaying the inevitable. He, of course, wanted to make sure you would be ok in a new place and had apologized for the lack of communications over the last few months. Mia was expecting his child and he had become very distracted with the good news.

Loki... it's fine..." you said, with the hint of tears in your eyes "I'm fine... I know I'm beat when it comes down to the brass tax here. I promise... I'm... content that you've found the woman that truly makes you happy and whole." A single tear trailer down your face, so you leant forward and clasped his hand in between yours. Feeling his fingers tighten around your wrist, you quickly wiped the moisture from your cheek with your free hand. “It's been so wonderful being around you for the short time we've known each other." You smiled as the lie passed your lips. Hopefully he was too love struck to notice it. He was the God of Lies and Mischief after all.

"T-thank you Y/N. It means a lot to me that you understand." Loki stammered as you stood to leave. He looked elated as he glanced to the far table where she sat, not a hint of regret in his eyes. “Please say you’ll attend the barnasturta… err, baby shower, once the little one arrives?”

An unexpected chuckle escaped you. Of course, the baby... he was most adorable when he accidentally switched languages. You had anticipated the invite, however you didn't plan on attending. It would be far too hard on your already shattered and empty heart. "I would be honoured to come, just let me know when and where and I'll be there." Another lie, another jubilant look to Mia. "I really must be going... take care Loki…” but he had already turned away, back towards her.

You quickly gathered your things and headed to the door. There was no way you were going to let the waterworks start while you were still inside the cafe. Six steps and you were outside, eight more and you had rounded the corner of the building. Finally out of sight from their cozy table, you broke into a run towards your apartment. ‘Only two blocks’ you told yourself ‘then you can cry…’

After a few short minutes, the front door of your building came into view. You suddenly stumbled, dropping hard to your knees. “Ouch…” that’ll leave a mark. Why did you choose to wear a dress today? You stood slowly, testing the function of your legs. Glancing down, you could see the droplets of blood on the sidewalk and down your shins, instantly knowing that you would be sore for days. No matter… the physical pain would be welcome after today.

Thankfully, you managed to keep your inner turmoil from the surface until you were inside your apartment. Before you could even close your door, the first sob erupted from your chest, squeezing your lungs and causing you to crumple onto the carpet. It didn’t matter how much it hurt, it didn’t matter that your whole world had just ended. What did matter, most of all, was that he was lucky enough to find his other half… his safe haven… his love, after all the years of hardship and anger. You just wished it had been with you…

Notes: this is my first attempt at an actual story posting. please send me all your criticisms and comments, nothing will offend me! i also promise this story won't end like this...

[artzychic27]

Just a little fic idea I had to blurt out, I’m tired, feel free to throw in ideas and we’ll see where this goes (Includes elements of WandaVision, I may make a WandaVision au, we’ll see)

One morning, the Akuma Class all wake up to find Paris has become sort of a medieval fantasy world, less dark ages, more Renaissance Faire complete with peasants in colorful clothing, fairies flying about, the occasional dragon flying overhead, phones and laptops are replaced with pen and paper and carrier pigeons, Jagged’s a famous bard, etcetera

At first, a few think, “Oh, I must be dreaming.”

But the rest are, “Uh, how are we all having the same dream?”

While walking around and trying to figure out what’s going on, they end up in the town square where a crowd has gathered, just in time to hear some trumpets blowing and for Butler Jean to announce the arrival of the Prince

And to their surprise… It’s Nath! (They didn’t even realize he wasn’t with him) He looks… Happier. His smile looks more genuine even though he’s not around Marc, and he doesn’t look the least bit embarrassed by all of the praise he’s receiving

Girl: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Nathaniel: *Catches a rose in his hand* Love you, too, rando!

Those who are still so sure this is a dream world join in on the cheering, catching the attention of everyone until it’s just awkward silence. Then one guy screams, “IT’S THEM!” The crowd gets into a panic, Nathaniel is escorted away, and when Akuma Class is wondering just what the hell is going on, a team of knights surround them

The only ones who stand out are the two in magenta and mint armor (Psst, it’s Denise and Lacey as the head knights) They order the other knights to seize the Akuma Class, but they manage to escape and find refuge in an alley

They get some answers when they find a few wanted posters with their faces on them plastered on the walls, labeling them as traitors to the crown

Ivan: Kim, what’d you do?

Kim: Nothing!… Though, I’m sure I did do something.

Going against their better judgement, they sneak through the village while avoiding knights out for their heads, (Though, Marinette and Adrien sneak away) and manage to make their way over the palace walls with some help from Ladybug and Chat Noir, and find themselves in a hedge maze. While walking and speculating who could be behind this, they begin to suspect Marc because it’s a fantasy world and of course, he would make Nath the prince. That doesn’t explain why he made them traitors, though

While walking, they come across Aurore, a weather fae watering a rose bush with a rain cloud. She’s about to call the knights, but Rose goes feral and tackles het to the ground with her hand over her mouth. While she’s restraining her wrists, Aurore suddenly goes limp and there’s a brief moment of them freaking out until she seems to wake back up, sounding panicked and wondering where she is until she sees the outlaws and is like, 😑

Aurore is kind of dismissive when the outlaws question her, but before they can notice, they hear some knights approaching, Rose gets off of Aurore, and she goes back to screaming for help all of a sudden while they run away

Meanwhile~

Nathaniel is in his bedroom with Marc, who’s consoling him about earlier, giving him nothing but compliments, and swearing to stop the traitors until Nathaniel asks him to stop talking about them, when they get an alert from one of the knights that the Akuma Class, Ladybug, and Chat Noir have snuck in

The outlaws (Their group name for the time being) sneak all around the castle to look for either Marc or Nathaniel, but come across Jean, now a minstrel. He’s about to warn everyone until Rose goes feral again and tackles him to the floor She restrains his wrist like with Aurore, and it’s the same effect. Jean goes limp for a second, wakes up and freaks out, and he sees the outlaws and is just-

Jean: Oh, it’s you guys.

Ladybug: What’s with the attitude?

Jean: Don’t act like you don’t know. Honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t go all ballistic when he got Akumatized and tried to make you all disappear into like this alternate universe where you never existed or did like a Groundhog Day thing where you’re forced to relive awful moments until you learn the fucking lesson he’s trying to teach you. I mean, that’s what I’d do, but I’m petty like, 24/7; it’s a real problem.

Sabrina: Enough with the pronouns game! “He” who?!

But before Jean can answer, knights storm in, Rose gets off of him, and he goes back to talking like it’s the Middle Ages

The outlaws split up all around the castle to avoid the knights. Ladybug and Chat Noir manage to make it to Nath’s tower where they find him standing on his balcony serenading some song birds like a fucking Disney princess. Chat Noir makes the move to take his wrist, but nothing happens like with Aurore and Jean

Ladybug: Nath?

Nathaniel: … Is that any way to speak to a Prince? No matter, you need to leave. I can’t have either of you interfering when my knight brings the traitors to justice.

Ladybug: Nathaniel, listen to us; Your friends-

Nathaniel: They are not my friends. They are not even my subjects. They are traitors, as are you both. You are outsiders, and you are trespassing here. And I want you both to leave!

Later, when Marc returns, Ladybug and Chat Noir are gone, and he informs Nathaniel that the knights have caught the outlaws

Meanwhile…

Ladybug and Chat Noir emerge through a wall of purple static and find themselves back in Paris… Or part of it, at least. The rest of it is encased by a purple forcefield. While they wonder what that could mean, they’re confronted by Austin Tomassian, who looks seconds close to slapping them both across the face. It’s when he shows them a video Armbruster sent him, that they realize why Nathaniel got akumatized

After yet another- quite destructive- Akuma that went to attack the school, the Akuma Class evacuated with help from Ladybug and Chat Noir, but left Nathaniel to trip, fall, and get his leg crushed by falling bricks. Alix made a move to help him, but Ladybug insisted that they had to keep going since the Akuma was right behind them, and they all just left. Fortunately, Denise rushed out of an alleyway where the Science Kids were hiding, threw the bricks off of Nathaniel, and carried him to safety with the rest of their class before the Akuma saw them

Cue Judgmental/Disappointed Austin Tomassian Glare™️

Tomassian: Go fix this, now! He’s got my boyfriend locked in there doing God knows what! It’s been an hour since we’ve made out, and I’m going through withdrawals, man! *Pushes Ladybug and Chat Noir back into the forcefield*

And that’s all I got. Feel free to add on, or something, but like I said, expect a WandaVision au

[cthulhu-calling]

Illusions of Love II

Bucky Barnes x Natasha Romanoff x f!Reader

Summary : You’re interning for the brilliant Natasha Romanoff, world renowned Egyptologist and art historian and the woman you’ve had a crush on for the longest time. The only problem is, she’s married. And what’s even worse? Her husband is the most attractive man you’ve ever met.

Warnings : fluff, smut, angst, threesomes, LDR, inaccurate information about Egypt (sorry)

Author’s Note : This is a NatxBuckyxf!Reader story. Whatever I’ve written about Egypt and ancient Egypt is made up and I cannot vouch for it’s validity. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong. I’ve tried to be as respectful as possible and I apologize if the content offends anyone.

I always imagine reader as a woc but try not to use many descriptive words so my fics can be read by anyone. This work is not beta’d and any and all mistakes are my own. Comments and feedback is always appreciated.

Word Count : 1182

series masterlist

You look at yourself in the dirty mirror, contemplating if you should maybe put some makeup on. Maybe some lipstick. And mascara. Yeah, good enough. You grab a sweater for when it gets colder. You spray a little bit of perfume on and that’s it.

Dr. Nasser lived in Alexandria and you were absolutely dreading the drive. When it was just you and Natasha, you could talk about work or just sit in comfortable silence. But you know the dynamic has changed since James’ arrival. God, it’s just a crush! Why are you getting so intense about this? Natasha had let Mr. Hassan leave for the night so you had to get a fare taxi so you couldn’t even count on him to cut the tension.

You waited near the main tent for the two of them, shaking your leg even as you stood. You have no idea why you’re this nervous. When they did show up, you had to do a double take. My goodness, they’re the most attractive couple you’ve ever seen. You need to calm down. 

“Ready to go Y/n?” Natasha asks, smirking. 

“Yes, I’d take a good home cooked meal over sandwiches any day. And I can’t wait to see Hen again,” you’re smiling by the time you finish that sentence. 

“Yes, I cannot deny that she’s growing on me too,” Natasha says, smiling genuinely too. 

“Who’s Hen?” James asks. 

“Mrs. Nasser’s cat. She’s adorable,” you gush. 

“And chubby,” she points out.

“Chonky,” you giggle.

“Okay, now I gotta see this cat,” James declares.

The taxi shows up and you get into the front even though both of them insist it should be Bucky sitting up front. You’re weirded out but accept anyhow. 

“So, Y/n, you’re a grad student?” James asks.

“Yeah, art history. That’s why I’m pretty lucky I got this internship or my job prospects would be nil,” you joke.

“Oh, please, Y/n. You are my best student. You were gonna be fine with or without this job,” Natasha declares and you can feel the heat rise to your cheeks. She’s never complimented you outright before. Not like this.

“Thank you,” you mumble, unable to hold back a smile. 

“So, are you seeing someone?” James asks. You can say you weren’t expecting that line of questioning.

“Um, no. Not really,” you mumble. You decide they don’t need to know about the boyfriend that broke up with you when you said you were leaving for three months. Apparently, three months without sex would surely drive him crazy. That day you’d made a mental note, never date an ex-frat boy. 

“You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to,” he reassures and you can hear the guilt in his tone at the prospect of having made you feel uncomfortable. 

“No, it’s just complicated,” you brush it off. 

The hand that lands slowly on your knee sends a bolt of electricity through you. Natasha’s small but weathered hand gently squeezes your knee and you find yourself wishing you’d worn something shorter, just to feel her skin on yours. 

“I’m here if you ever wanna talk about it,” she says and removes her hand with a final pat. All you can do is nod your head, still reeling from her touch. 

The rest of the ride passes in silence. Natasha and James don’t even speak to each other, oddly. 

At Dr. Nasser’s house, his wife greets you with a crushing hug. She’s a tiny woman, barely five feet and no more than ninety pounds, but her hugs have never not been painful. As the two doctors and Mr. Barnes make conversation, you follow her into the kitchen where Hen is sitting at the counter. “She’s spoiled rotten,” Mrs. Nasser declares, feeding the big cat a piece of dried meat from her hands. The cat comes to greet you, rubbing herself against you and purring. You pick her up, nuzzling into her soft fur. “She deserves to be,” you say, making the older woman laugh.

You help her set the table, against her vehement protests for you to sit down and enjoy yourself. You find you could avoid making a fool of yourself if you just stuck to Mrs. Nasser’s side. Juvenile, you know, but effective. Dinner is pleasant, the food absolutely delectable. You get to know that Dr. Nasser’s son is in Dubai, working as an architect but he’s going to be visiting soon. Mrs. Nasser offers to introduce the two of you, not bothering with subtlety at all, making heat rise to your cheeks.

“What about you James? No plans on starting a family anytime soon?” she asks. There’s an instant change in the atmosphere in the room. Natasha takes a large gulp of water, putting the glass down on the table more harshly than necessary, refusing to meet anyone’s eye.

“Believe me, ma’am, there’s nothing I’d like more,” he declares and you can feel Natasha bristle next to you.

“We’re waiting for the right time,” she adds, looking directly at James from across the table.

“Yes, we’ve been waiting for the past four years for it to be the right time,” he adds, doing little to conceal his frustration. It’s awkward, the silence that envelops the table. After a few moments, Mrs. Nasser clears her throat.

“How about some dessert? Would you be so kind as to help me, Natasha?” she questions sweetly but everyone sees it for it is a distraction to ease the growing tension and no one can deny, it is absolutely welcome.

“Sure,” Natasha smiles forcefully, following Mrs. Nasser into the kitchen. It’s quiet for a few moments until Dr. Nasser engages James into a conversation about the stock market. Or at least that’s what you think they’re talking about, you're not really listening. You’re still reeling from what just happened. Guess they’re not the happy couple you thought they were. 

The ride back is jarringly quiet, you’re in the back with Natasha again while James sits in the front, taking phone calls the whole time, at least till you fell asleep, involuntarily leaning your head against Natasha’s shoulder. She shakes you awake just as the car comes to a stop. You wipe drool from the corner of your mouth, embarrassed and confused as to why she didn’t wake you up sooner. As if reading your mind she says “You needed that nap. Plus, you looked cute,” she whispers the last part in your ear, making heat rise to your face. 

Once you reached the site, all of you retired to your tents. You longed for your comfortable back home or even one at a hotel in Alexandria. You changed into something more comfortable, warmer before slipping into your sleeping bag. You were exhausted but you couldn’t sleep. The sweet embrace of slumber was just out of reach, your mind going back to the awkwardness of dinner. You grab the book you’d been reading, trying to focus on the words on the page but failing. You toss and turn for a while after, finally falling into a restless sleep. 

[justviwriting]

'A New Home'

Fandom: A Song of Ice and Fire Characters: Catelyn Stark, Ned Stark Pairing: Ned/Cat Rating: T Words: 2.873 Summary: “Of course, sometimes her laughed; smiled at her; gave her a sweet compliment. But those moments were always short-lived. And because he always went back to his sombre demeanour, she was left to wonder whether any of it had been genuine at all. She knew he was genuine when they were alone in her bedroom, and it was also where she found the most comfort with him.” A short oneshot about Catelyn and Ned at the beginning of their marriage A/N: I’ve been thinking about Ned and Cat a lot lately, so I wrote this small, mostly fluffy oneshot. Hope you like it :)

[you can also read it on AO3]

Catelyn walked through the courtyard, trying to resist the urge to pull the coat closer around her neck, or to run back inside to grab another scarf. None of those northern folks appeared to care about the cold, so neither would she. One day, the cold might not bother her anymore. One day, she might not care what anyone thought. But today was not that day.

She always noticed their looks and could always hear their whispers. Of course she was never treated with anything but respect, yet courtesies did not matter to her. This was her home now; she was a part of this place. She needed to be a part of this place, fulfilling her duty as Lady of Winterfell. And for that, she needed their genuine respect.

To them, she was just some southern woman, serving as Lady Stark through a marriage many of them had been opposed to. Calling this place – that was so different from where she came from – her home was already difficult in itself. The weather aside, it was the people that were different; the clothes, the food, the traditions, even the music. Of course she was trying her best, and she would certainly not shy away from changing her ways to succeed. She had always done her duty. She had married a man upon her father’s request, and she had been able to give her husband a son and heir shortly after their wedding. She should be filled with pride and joy, yet she was not. Robb gave her joy – far beyond that – but she could hardly cling onto a toddler; a toddler that would become Lord of Winterfell one day.

And while her son brought her joy, there was also the other boy. As Jon Snow grew, so did his resemblance to Ned. Robb, on the other hand, resembled her with his red locks, yet none of the Stark traits visible. Occasionally, Ned mentioned how he could see himself in Robb’s face, and Catelyn always gave him a faint smile at that. She doubted his words were genuine. Perhaps he was trying to find himself within his legitimate son’s face, perhaps it was out of fondness for him, but she also knew that he said it because he was very well aware of what everyone else thought; she knew he said it so to calm her mind. And she might feel grateful for that but somehow, it filled her with anger instead. If he really wanted to ease her mind, he would send his bastard son away, yet he was determined not to, without granting Catelyn a single explanation. He never wanted to talk about the boy in general, and Catelyn refrained from asking questions, knowing very well he would not give her answers.

As Catelyn went through the courtyard, she also passed the construction site of a new, small building. The work had appeared out of nowhere, without her knowledge, and upon asking what it was, one of the workers had curtly told her that it had been commissioned by Lord Stark, but not more. As head of the household, Catelyn surely felt entitled to know what kind of new buildings would be raised on those grounds, but apparently no one believed that she had a right to know. She had gone to Ned then, but he, too, had not given her an answer and simply told her that it should not trouble her.

Her husband’s face was a difficult one to read. His expressions were as cold as the place he was lord over. His sentences were often short, his words firm, and his face blank. He certainly did not appear as a person one would like to confide in. He was also very hesitant with her – almost treating her as if she were made out of brittle glass. After she had arrived at Winterfell, he had mostly left her to herself. She had been the one who had sought him out then, asking him to join her bed, so they could fulfil their duty. Eventually, he had let her know that he had simply wanted to give her time to adjust, not wanting to pressure her into anything, and even admitted to feeling uncertain whether she would even have wanted to see him after learning about Jon Snow. His words had eased her mind then. She had feared that he did not want her – did not care for her at all; feared that he was too in love with that unknown woman, the one who had given him his bastard son. The latter might still be true. While he did not avoid her, he was still careful around her. He was very different from his brother in that aspect – or any aspect, really. Brandon had been quite open and bold, even brash, and had certainly never been hesitant around her. She had needed to constantly remind him to be careful that they were not seen together whenever he had kissed her; had to prevent him from going to far when he had put his hands on her body, in fear that he would have ruined her prior to their wedding. With Ned, she it sometimes felt as if she had to force him to put his hands on her. Not all the time, though.

The first time she had seen his expression open up had been during their wedding night. He had been gentle and careful, not making a single movement without asking her first. Catelyn had been fairly scared and had spent the day of the wedding wishing it had been his brother instead. However, in that moment, she had felt almost grateful that it had been him. When she had pulled down the blanket he had given her to cover up after her wedding dress had been torn apart, she had seen the desire on his face. And she had seen it several times since then.

Yet this was not the only time she wanted him to open up. Of course, sometimes her laughed; smiled at her; gave her a sweet compliment. But those moments were always short-lived. And because he always went back to his sombre demeanour, she was left to wonder whether any of it had been genuine at all. She knew he was genuine when they were alone in her bedroom, and it was also where she found the most comfort with him.

She had come to realise that her husband was a rather reserved person, and had therefore vowed to herself to be patient with him, and to try and help him in opening up to her. She obviously did not want to force him – neither could she – but she prayed that at some point, he would be less reserved with her. She would never call her husband an unpleasant man, and despite his bastard, she believed him to be fairly honourable. And when they were together, he could be caring and gentle, even kind.

Catelyn arrived in her chambers, preparing for dinner by changing into a different dress for the evening, one that was not stained by the mud. She sat at her dressing table as her maid, Lara, was doing her hair, talking about the unbearable weather. When Catelyn’s mother had died, she had received her mother’s previous maid – a woman, already advanced in age, who had eventually retired, resulting in a young Lara receiving the position just before Catelyn’s own marriage. Lara had not particularly enjoyed leaving the Riverlands either, but she was rather adventurous, so while she loved to complain about the weather, she had found her own joy in this strange place. And a charming and fun girl like her had found friends almost immediately, which had granted Catelyn the possibility to listen in on rumours flying around – not always in her favour, but at least she was not left in the dark.

As Lara rambled on, Catelyn suddenly interrupted her, asking, “Do you know what that new building is?”

She could see the smirk on Lara’s face through the reflection of the mirror. “I do, my lady,” she replied. “However, it is supposed to be a secret.”

“Am I not allowed to know a secret?” Catelyn asked, raising her brows.

“Well, it is a secret to be kept from you,” Lara told her. “On Lord Stark’s orders. He wants to surprise you, my lady.”

Catelyn turned around then. “What do you mean?”

Lara looked at her for a moment, silently, but still a smile on her lips. She was clearly thinking of what to tell her but Catelyn was almost certain that she was contemplating on whether she should tell her the truth. Eventually, Lara said, “I guess it cannot remain a secret for much longer either way, so I might as well tell you.” She made a dramatic pause before she added, “He is building a sept!”

“A sept?” Catelyn asked, staring at her confused.

Lara nodded, excited. “Yes, a sept – for us. Well, for you, of course, but also for us. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Catelyn was quite taken aback. Of course, a sept sounded wonderful – to have an actual place to pray in was something she had missed quite dearly. Yet she would have never dared to dream that this place allowed it. And somehow, she felt uneasy. She doubted everyone would rejoice in that decision as much as Lara did.

Before dinner, Catelyn went to Ned’s solar, wanting to talk about what Lara had just shared with her. She had not seen him all day, and as she entered, he was hovering over paperwork at his desk. He appeared fairly tired when he looked up at her.

“Am I disturbing you, my lord?” Catelyn asked.

Ned shook his head. “You are never disturbing me, my lady. Is it time for dinner yet?”

“Almost,” Catelyn replied. “But if you are too busy, I won’t take any offence if you had your dinner here.”

Ned gave her a small smile. “It’s fine, I will join you in a moment.” He looked back down on his desk, a rather strained expression on his face.

For a moment, Catelyn considered leaving him again. He clearly appeared stressed right now. However, she then remained inside the room, closing the door behind her. The noise made him look back up.

“Is something amiss?” Catelyn asked.

Ned looked at her for a moment, then sighed. “According to those letters, it appears that every harvest was awful, that the aftermath of the war still weighs heavy, and that therefore everyone wants a cut on their taxes, among other demands – at least that is what every single one of those letters seems to contain in one way or another…” He gestured at the letters lying in front of him.

“Do you believe their worries and demands to be genuine?” Catelyn asked then.

He sighed again. “The war is still weighing heavy on everyone but I do not doubt that they are exaggerating. They know I’m merely a younger brother,” he said then. “I fear they are hoping to use that to their own advantage.”

Catelyn bit her lip. She wanted to help him but she did not know whether her help was wanted. It was not her duty, after all. However, he was still her husband. Carefully, she asked, ���Would you want to hear my advice?”

He clearly seemed surprised at her question but then nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Catelyn moved a bit closer to his desk. “I believe they are trying to examine you – scrutinize even. To see whether you are someone to rely on, someone to work with, or whether they should better think about themselves first. You would want them to respect you more than anything,” she added.

“I agree,” he told her. “Yet they are not wrong in wanting to test me. I am merely a younger brother. I fear I will make them all enemies of mine.”

Catelyn gave him a small smile. “There is no reason for you to play their games, my lord,” she told him. “Not everyone can be a friend, but if you are just and reasonable, you won’t create too many enemies either. Those men respect strength,” she added, remembering what her father had told her what felt like a million years ago. “Having doubts is not a flaw but a virtue, so you can always recognise your own faults. But do not let them know your doubts. Do what you deem to be right, based on your knowledge and experience, and I am certain you will earn their genuine respect and trust.”

He looked at her for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face. “Perhaps you should take over my duties, and I will take care of yours.”

Catelyn laughed slightly. “That would be quite the scandal, I believe.”

He chuckled at that and said, “Thank you for your advice, my lady. I very much appreciate it.”

Catelyn gave him another smile. Then she looked down, remembering why she had come by to begin with. Should she ask him about the sept now? Or should she, perhaps, simply act surprised once he would reveal it?

As she considered what to do, Ned stood up and said, “I suppose we should prepare for dinner now?”

He walked around his desk towards Catelyn. She bit her lip, then hesitatingly said, “There is a reason for why I wanted to talk to you … Someone mentioned that the new building is supposed to be a sept.”

He stared at her, surprised. “Who said that?” he asked. When Catelyn did not reply anything, he sighed. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”

Catelyn smiled at that. “It certainly is a surprise, my lord.”

 “Well, I guess it does not matter how you found out,” he said then, giving her a smile and looking at her for a moment before he asked, “Do you like it?”

She chuckled slightly. “I love it.” His face lightened up at that. She looked at him, wondering whether she should let him know her worries. She did not want him to regret it, as he appeared fairly excited, but she also wanted for him to open up to her more, and honesty was part of that. “Though I am slightly worried about what everyone else might think.”

“Does that matter?” he asked. “This is your home as well as theirs. You should feel comfortable here, not being forced to hide your faith.” She tried giving him another smile at that, though she did not succeed. She was glad that he felt that way but his opinion was hardly the only one that mattered. Apparently, he had noticed her uncertainty as he came closer now, prompting Catelyn to look back up at him. He smiled at her. “And Robb, and any future children, should have a place to pray as well.”

She stared at him, almost shocked at his words. “You would want for your heir to pray to the Seven?”

“Of course he should be raised in the faith of the Old Gods, but that does not mean he should be prevented from learning about your faith as well,” he told her. “He might be heir to Winterfell but he is still your son.” Catelyn was stunned by his words. Part of her felt relieved and happy, but it also troubled her. “Do not worry too much about what anyone else thinks. You are the Lady of Winterfell, and my wife. This place is your home, and I would also very much like for you to see it as such.” Carefully, he raised his hands, putting them on her arms. Catelyn smiled slightly at his reassuring touch. “I will do everything to make you feel comfortable and welcome here.”

She looked into his eyes. They were gentle again. “Thank you, my lord.” She raised her hand then, softly caressing his cheek with her fingers, then, slowly, she pulled him in for a kiss. He seemed surprised at first but then he put his arms around her, pulling her closer. Catelyn smiled slightly against his lips but then broke the kiss, leaning back into his arms, looking at him. His expression was open now – showing her the kindness and softness she so often longed to see. With his arms around her, all of her previous worries had suddenly vanished.

Her hand wandered into his hair then, gently brushing through it as she looked at him in silence, enjoying this moment of peacefulness. His hand was stroking along her back as he said, “I believe we should go to dinner now.”

She could tell by his eyes that he did not want to move, and neither did she. She did not want for this moment to vanish. She did not need dinner, she needed the comfort of his arms. She smiled at him then and said, “I’m certain they can wait for the Lord and Lady of Winterfell.” She continued brushing through his hair, then asked, “Is it possible to lock that door?”

He stared at her surprised for a second but then a smirk formed on his lips and without another word, her pulled her closer, kissing her again as Catelyn laughed.

[workof-tortured-poetsdepartment]

'Okay so.. do you love me?' He asked looking hopefully with his full of sleep, half closed yet doe eyes. How is that possible even? I don't know but with him everything somehow is. YES. I DO. SO MUCH. I wish to scream it but I am scared to be too much. 'Hmm..' I nod and smile lazily looking up to him. He sinks back on sofa, and let's out a tired giggle. Cute. 'You should go sleep.' 'NO'.. I let out a sigh. We have been in same conversation for last 2 hrs. It's nearly half past 3 am, I am working on updating my shop listing and doing some searches since I can't sleep much these days. He is here, with a quite perfect sleep schedulel. Still staying up with me, 4 hrs past his bedtime just so I am not lonely. 'Okay fine, I'm done with my work in 15 mins then we sleep alright??' 'Umhmm'

.

.

.

"Ayan."

'Huh? Yeah I'm awake' he literally nodded off for last 10 mins. He sits up rubbing his eyes ' so you are done with your work??' 'Yes, Come on, let's go' I close my laptop and put it aside on table to get up. But he holds my arms and stops me midway 'let's stay here for a while' I sit back, facing him 'doing what?' Genuine question, isn't he sleepy??? I can see his eyelids begging to be closed 'talk, I want to talk to you before sleeping.' My heart might burst out from the way his simple words make me feel. He shifts closer to me putting my legs on his lap and his head on me. We move a bit until we both are comfortably fitting together like puzzle pieces meant to be. His hand play around my making shapes on my thighs and wrists.

I never thought I would get to be this comfortable being close with someone after all those years...

After a while laying there in silence, I am suddenly jolted as he starts pressing and massaging my legs. 'What are you doing??' I try to get me away, I mean I would die for a massage right now but it's weird kind of, too.. close... too comfortable.. 'shhhh' he brings me back to the former position ' I know how much you whine about body pains and not having a masseur of your own on days you work a lot. Let me do it' he continues to press around the calf. 'Oh unless you are uncomfortable, I'm sorry' he adds after a while. My hands reach for his head, brushing his hair, on an instant, like they have mind of their own. 'No, I would appreciate a personal masseur, if it's so cute and lovely. But ain't you sleepy?' 'Little little' he says with his eyes closed, on verge of falling asleep. 'Okay so.. why do you love me?' I ask him this out of nowhere. 'That was random, why do you wanna know?' 'Umm just cause.. so tell me!' Just cause I wanna know. Know. Know. What if its just attraction not love.. What if it is- ' I love you because' he says and interrupts my thoughts by kissing my wrist 'how you are for others, for me.' He plants another kiss on my palm 'and how you make me, better version of me just by being around' he kisses on the back of my fingers 'and I love you because you loved me as a family when I was suffering, you make me feel safe and good and happy.' He looks up to me ' and I lobe you cause you are so pretty and hot even in your messy avatar' he says half joking fully serious. I didn't thought i would get such a reply. 'stop blushing meri jaan' he says after a while. I didn't realised when my cheeks got all flushed and warm, my stomach is flipping with butterflies too. 'it's hot.' I say trying to cool down and hid my face with my hands. He holds them and says "its like 16 °c out, it's anything but hot?!' Showing me the temperature deom weather forecast on his phone out of genuine curiosity, I love that about him too. 'Oh no no, but this is hot' I put his phone down and point at him. 'Now you are red too' I say to him as I try to control my smile but watching him turn shy over compliments ever wince has always so pure. 'Don't you want to sleep?' I ask again but he ignores it 'so why do you love me? I am not like you know very wel-' I put my fingers on his lips, 'shhhh, I love you cause it's you, you make me wish forever was a thing and I love you because you.. you have been there forever for me since we met even if i tried to push away yet respect my space. I love you dearly and deeply so much that I'm scared to say it out loud. But you know what Ayan?' I am smiling, saying all of this. Maybe I am very tired and should sleep but I want to tell him everything, I think this is why we should sleep on time. ' What payu?' His voice is even smiling, I lean in to his ears and whisper 'I love you, so much. I will always do, even if you get bored of me an-' 'you are not boring, never for me' 'Okay..' I laugh, cause I don't know what else to do. 'Hey.. can I kiss you Ayan?' He gives me a Nod and I lean into his lips for a quick peck ' I love you a lot, Ayan, I really hope we stay together as long as we can' 'I love you too Payu, I will make sure of it'. 'Thank you..' 'I take thanks in form of icecreams' we both laugh lazily in tiredness and before we know we passed out on the sofa sleeping together this very night.

@hassen-dilruba011019 @vellhighbandi

[enchanting-grom-fright]

today was nice question mark

this morning was not like especially horrible but like pretty bad and then i was going to cancel it but didn’t want to actually ask to cancel it so my mom picked me up at like 12:45 to go and to the animal shelter i volunteer at and for some reason like right before the ride there my mood just like got 100x better and the ride there was so enjoyable like my mom wasn’t talking to me so i just got to listen to music (i’ve had punisher on repeat all day) and look out the window and like it was very nice weather and the ride is like 45 minutes all the way across the city so there was like a decent amount to see and i loveeeee people watching like genuinely like !! and i love seeing like all the graffiti and murals and bumper stickers and animals and every just everything ahhhh and then i went to the shelter and the cats were being so sweet i actually like prompted someone to adopt the specific cat i was socializing and then i had to print stuff so my mom took me to her house and i like never do this bcs my mom doesn’t usually let me but i just like didn’t ask her and i just walked around my neighborhood for like over an hr and i saw a cool punk person who i complimented and i picked up some trash to reuse for collage and i got a monster bcs duh and i had music on blast the whole time and it was so nice like :3 to be fair i was like also nauseatingly anxious the whole time for no real reason but like i mostly ignored that and tbh it was also nice bcs like i by myself made the day better for me instead of doing the opposite which is what i usually do so likee

oh wait photo dump time ok

[i took a bunch of photos of cool graffiti and art and places too but i don’t feel like putting them here so]

ooo kitty from the shelter awww

whatt it’s me getting a monster ?! guys i love monster i love the pink I LOVE THE COLOR PINK !!!!! umm also excuse the boring outfit i’ve been in the same clothes since like thursday evening but bcs i was like going out in public i finally changed but i didn’t have the energy to like actually wear cool clothes sooo but also my closet is like strictly alt stuff anyways i happened to pick out a very convenient outfit though at least bcs tank tops give me like genuinely ridiculous amounts of gender euphoria but also i hate wearing short sleeves bcs it’s very sensory intense to but i also grabbed my hoodie so like i got the tank top ness but also hoodie ness and also i love my hoodie it’s like so old but it has like the best feel to it

butttt i forgot i don’t have more photos with those from before oops wtvr in other news dead end is a really good show watch it and punisher is truly an amazing album that phoebe bridgers definitely took from my non existent diary (obviously) ummmm guys i never know what i’m saying ever i don’t remember what i said i remember thinking like omg this sounds pathetic and also thinking abt how one time on twt i saw someone say that :3 would sound like the mlp smile noise ok iii should shut up now byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

(get it like the owl house hahaha ok)

[phoebeprufrock]

Midge gets to show off her language skills in front of Lenny like idk translating English to Russian or Polish or something, and Lenny just stands there and is like “Yep, what she said.”

Let's put this somewhere Comics!-adjacent, a few days before Midge and Lenny's date in London.

They had just left the bar after their show, and the London weather was as glum and wet as it had been all week. Ingrid hadn't come out at all, Chase had left with a young French tourist, and the others were standing just outside the door, trying to figure out their next move.

"I could go for some food," offered Alan.

"Shocker," Cooper snickered.

"I'm hungry too. Let's see if we can find something nearby." Midge took charge of the group, and they began walking aimlessly down the large street. It was past two in the morning on a Thursday, and there wasn't much still open; they popped in a few pubs, only be told that the kitchens were closed. Eventually, as they were almost about to turn back around and go back to their hotel, Lenny pointed to a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant on the other side of the street.

Well, restaurant was a bit of an overstatement, thought Midge as they walked in. There were three small tables, and the entirety of the place was half the size of her (tiny) hotel room. Also, it was completely deserted.

"Hello...?" Cooper said, his voice slightly louder than necessary.

A tall, potbellied, menacing man wearing a checkered shirt and grimy apron came out of a small side room, eyeing them suspiciously.

"Are you open? Could we eat?" Alan asked.

The man answered in a sharp, fast language, his large hands moving quickly around.

To everyone's surprise, Midge flashed him a bright smile and answered in kind, although she seemed to be speaking a little slower than he was. The exchanged lasted a while, and the other comics were staring in amazement. No one, however, was watching quite like Lenny: his eyes were fixed on Midge, his body leaning subconsciously towards her, a soft expression of genuine admiration on his face. He startled slightly when Midge clapped enthusiastically and pushed them toward the chairs around the small tables.

"Hope you like Polish food!" Midge announced as she sat down.

"You speak Polish?"

"I can get by. Thankfully he didn't seem to mind the random Russian thrown in."

"Scratch that, you speak Russian?!"

Cooper seemed particularly fascinated by these new revelations.

"Pretty standard KGB training," Midge answered with a wink.

The restaurant owner approached their table, holding a small notebook; he looked straight at Lenny and asked him a question. Midge answered, from the other side of the table, seemingly listing off things on her fingers. When she finished speaking, Lenny just nodded.

"What she said," he agreed with a laugh.

He didn't speak much for the rest of the night; he let Cooper and Alan carry most of the conversation, too busy paying attention to Midge to really care about much else.

Eventually, the (excellent) dinner was over, and they were back at the dingy hotel; Midge made up an pretext to talk to the night clerk while Alan and Cooper went up, and then they were finally - blissfully - alone, the soft light of streetlamps coming in through the windows in Lenny's room.

"You were amazing tonight," he said as he helped her out of her coat.

"Please," Midge replied, waving off the compliment with a quick hand gesture. "You've heard that set a hundred times by now."

"I wasn't talking about that," he replied, his voice slightly lower, inching a little closer to her and depositing a slow kiss on her neck. "If you ever wanted to pull out you foreign language talents in private, I wouldn't be against it...""

[va-diarydash]

When the Rain Invites Me to a Snuggle Fest

August 1, 2023

Wow, what a delightful start to August! Snuggled up in bed, battling the gloomy weather is quite a challenge. If only my to-do list was shorter and the client calls fewer, I'd let my laziness throw a little party. But duty calls, and with a smile, I shall rise and conquer my day!

Despite feeling a little lazy and being 30 minutes late for work, I can proudly say that I'm improving. There's a newfound joy, motivation, and fulfillment in my work now. Of course, I still have some worries about work-related things, but I think that's normal as everyone gets busy. I'm not operating at 100% today; my psychologist advised me to slow down, and today I'm feeling extra slow. The weather is definitely affecting my mood and work momentum. I must admit, I'm strongly tempted, about 95% close, to snuggle up in a blanket and spend the day in bed. But luckily, I managed to pull myself together and get some work done.

Today, I felt a twinge of sadness and ended up overthinking a situation. I've been working on communicating more lately, but earlier, I felt a bit ignored. In our group chat, when others ask questions about work, they get instant responses from fellow members. However, when it's me asking a question, it seems like no one replies. I had to tag specific people and repeat my question to get an answer. It's really puzzling because I have a good relationship with them, and they genuinely care for me. This makes me wonder why – am I not that interesting, or do they think I don't really need help? Regardless, I'll use this experience to reflect and find a better approach next time, rather than dwelling on it.

But aside from that situation, I am actually happy today! Normally, I get shy when someone praises me or compliments my work. But this time, even though I still feel a little bashful, I decided to accept the compliment with a simple "thanks" and a smile. Surprisingly, it made me even happier! I'm not sure why, but it's something I'll definitely ponder. Maybe accepting compliments is one of the secret to boosting happiness and confidence!

And guess what? I managed to leave work earlier than expected today! It seems like the weekly management plan is doing wonders for me. There's still so much to explore and improve within myself, and today's events proved that. But you know what? I'm feeling really happy and content with my little progress so far!

Positive Talk:

- You are more than enough, just the way you are!

- You're blossoming and making progress every day!

- Look at you! Today, you're even happier than yesterday!

- You did great today and handled everything like a pro!

- Remember, not every day is smooth sailing, but let's embrace the challenges and grow from them!

- Everyone adores you, so don't overthink it!