#out of order though ray wasn't for a bit

[solifloris]

≡;-꒰ 𝐙𝐀𝐘𝐍𝐄 ꒱₊˚ ପ⊹ I  𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒄𝒆

╰┈➤ ❝ zayne x afab!reader | VALENTINE'S EVENT !

tags : established relationship, light kisses, hurt/comfort, angst with fluff, reader has a bad day, kinda slight references to 'hidden motive', it's like if the "youtiful" series had no smut LMAO, use of pet names "love" "sweetheart". ((also... unedited... i finished this at like 2:30am... AHFNNSNF))

wc : 3k (haha......)

an : so i have. been on a bit of writer's block since i recovered from my sick week, but i did somehow get the urge to write something a little angsty… so this was actually the perfect request to work on and i had sm fun with this!! TYTYYY FOR REQUESTING @deepspacenova ILY <333 (also i know canonically valentine's day is azure's echo day but… for consistency we'll stick with valentine's :D)

taglist : under the cut! (SIGN UP HERE)

ko-fi jar / commissions

Valentine's Day wasn't supposed to go like this.

When you woke up, the space beside you was empty.

The curtains were drawn, and the room had been left relatively dark despite the little rays of sunshine peeking through. Comforting, in a sense, but—your hand reached out to run through the sheets beside you, now cold and devoid of the warmth of his presence. He'd left it like this on purpose; you knew that.

And it was quiet without him.

The kind of quiet that was loud, the kind of quiet that was uncomfortable.

Your eyes drifted towards the clock on the nightstand, and your heart sank at the realization—you'd slept in, and completely missed seeing him off. On Valentine's Day.

You'd both known from the start that he wouldn't be getting a day off despite the occasion, and you'd accepted it, but you had promised yourself to be present for him in the morning. What kind of girlfriend would let him leave just like that, right?

There was a note on the stand.

You reached out to grab it, and something about the emptiness in the bedroom made you feel so small. Even though you'd always been fond of the neutral colors surrounding you, they looked drearier and gloomier than they'd ever been. Your arms twitched with the urge to reach out for a hug—

There was no one there.

Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well? I noticed you've been very tired lately, so please get some rest. Don't feel too bad that you didn't see me this morning. I'll be home in time for dinner, let me know when you wake up.

It was so sweet. So Zayne. Yet the heaviness in your heart didn't seem to lighten in the least, because the circumstances didn't change:

It was Valentine's Day. And you were spending it all alone.

In retrospect, you could never place the blame on your boyfriend. It had been this way from the start; you'd talked about it, accepted it, that with all of this came his busy schedules and the ever-present possibility that he would miss days like this without having much of a choice himself. You, yourself, weren't exempt to the setup, anyway—normally, your own work hours would have you out of the house in a similar manner. It was only that, this time… the mere prospect of having to spend a majority of the day alone with your thoughts had your skin crawling.

It had to be today.

It had to be now.

You could beg for a new work assignment to come in and save you from drowning, but you had been ordered to take a rest.

…Was this resting?

The air was stifling. You could breathe, but only barely.

You felt nailed to the bed, your head heavy, your body heavy, the tension in your shoulders nearly having you want to cry out if only you could muster a sound.

It had to be today.

It had to be now.

On Valentine's Day, the day of love. You would feel so pathetic, and needy, and so desperate to feel him next to you when you knew that it could not be so and you understood that this was simply the way things were. How they always have been. And it took every ounce of your energy to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill, because what kind of girlfriend would be like this, and why couldn't today be a day you felt normal?

You had to hastily wipe your tears with the sleeve of your sweater, and your hands reached for the phone next.

A simple good morning, a little how-are-you.

You would make yourself be normal today if you could help it.

So you did the only thing you could think of:

You redirected.

Pushing yourself out of bed was a task difficult enough to do, but you grit your teeth through it. Feet touched upon the soft carpet, footsteps padding across the room and towards the door. If you had the majority of the day to yourself, you could do something productive, couldn't you? You could still do that, couldn't you? You could still be the simplest, simplest form of a functioning human being… couldn't you?

A mantra repeated in your head as you made your way to the kitchen.

A list of things: you could clean, you could organize, you could read, you could play… You could cook something, maybe even bake, just so he could have some sort of surprise waiting when he got back.

It sounded like a good plan.

…

It was a difficult plan.

Deep breaths weren't enough to calm you down. Sure, every movement pulled you out of the rubble of your thoughts for a moment, allowed you to continue being for a moment. But a moment was merely a moment. And once that moment was over, then it was over. The wreckage dangling above your head would come crashing.

It was a terrifying, terrifying thing to be alone.

Every so often your eyes would drift towards your phone in hopes for a text; even a simple update, anything, anything—

You liked the quiet, but you liked it when he was around.

You liked the slowness of things, but you liked it when he was around.

On days like these, then only when all this empty space could be filled by the warmth of his presence… that was when everything else could be bearable.

And you stirred the cookie batter absentmindedly, only barely paying attention to what you were doing, when—

Ding!

Your heart jumped.

Immediately, you dropped the spatula back into bowl and turned towards your phone.

—heeeeyyyy, happy valentine's, bestieee!!! —hope you get to have a sweeeett, sweet time with your boyfie!

Ah.

Your racing heartbeat calmed down in slight disappointment; the last conversation you'd had with Zayne had been an hour ago, and you knew realistically enough not to expect another message so soon.

And, sure, you were disappointed, but… to Tara's defense, these texts still made you smile.

She sent a flurry more of messages; silly things, cute things, just a couple of somethings to leave in your chat log. You didn't know if she'd picked up on your own behavior being off at work, but you supposed that if Jenna had, then it was more likely that Tara hadn't overlooked it, either.

A thought rang suddenly in your mind, because you could spend the rest of your day with her. A glance at the time told you that it was only half past two in the afternoon, and you still had a couple of hours left before Zayne would be on his way home. If you were looking for a distraction, perhaps, a day out could have solved it, but—

Realization dawned.

You'd have to put on something pretty, spend a couple of minutes doing makeup. You'd have to speak with people, interact with them, seem normal to them… and then maybe, then, you'd be more conscious of the fact that you were blatantly masking in front of people you held close to your heart.

Vulnerability was a fickle thing.

Though you could desperately want to be so, it was difficult to know where to begin.

It was something to accept—you didn't have the energy to… be.

Not today.

Maybe Zayne was right; you did need to rest.

And the realization furthered in that really, truly, all that you wanted was to spend a moment curled up in his lap, maybe watch a movie, maybe sit in silence… Just enough to recharge, just enough to feel safe enough to be.

You wouldn't have had to think of anything else.

But, he wasn't… Here.

He wasn't here.

Hours passed by in a similar manner, then. A cycle of distracting yourself, and failing, and trying again, and failing… You had gotten a few things done, in your defense. The kitchen and the bedroom had both been cleaned spotless. Your newly-baked batch of chocolate-chip cookies sat to cool on the counter, a treat for your boyfriend, something to remind you of what day it was today. You were proud of yourself for it, of course; despite everything, you could still do a little something.

But the feeling in your chest, the heaviness of it, the burden you bore that you couldn't quite place, yourself… it was still there. Unmistakably, still there.

And then it was late.

Later than you knew his shift to be.

You glanced at your phone once, twice—thrice, and a few times more.

The message you'd sent had received no reply.

It must have been an emergency.

You understood; really, you understood. It was like this. He had no access to his phone when things were busy, and especially not when something had come up. You knew this. You knew.

And so you grabbed a blanket from the bedroom to drape over yourself, as you curled up on the couch.

You could wait.

You could.

You could.

…You could, right?

Surfing through channels proved easy enough.

Not that one.

Not that one.

No, not that one, either.

You huffed as each channel played a show that didn't particularly interest you, the sound of their dialogue merely causing you to be irritated rather than successfully distracted. You had little to no choice but to passively play on a show, lower the volume—and at this point, truly… it was difficult to take.

You curled up, drew your knees up to your chest.

The blanket smelled like him.

You could recall how often it had been like this; it had been busy at the hospital, as much as it had been busy at work… The two of you had barely any time to spend with each other these past few days, and undeniably it had started to take a toll on you.

Because it had to line up with the way that you'd been feeling.

Useless. Worthless. A little bit less like yourself.

Thoughts like these were easy to ignore when you had the capacity to, but you didn't anymore. Once again, the space around you was too big; too heavy; too much. It cemented on you all these feelings of helplessness, the way you were left in the middle of this cold, empty space with nothing to offer solace. It was pathetic to feel this way, you thought, but you no longer had the ability to rationalize it.

You didn't like it here without him.

You missed him—a feeling that had built up all these days spent away from each other.

And then the tears started to fall.

Silent tears, an occasional sniffle here and there… Your eyes glazed over as you continued to hug your knees to your chest, head resting upon them. You weren't focusing. The television remained what it was—white noise. You could barely remember what channel you had left it on in the first place.

Your phone lit up a couple of times.

You no longer noticed it.

—

A light shaking could be felt over your body.

It was a colder touch, you could feel it through even the blanket. Your eyes stirred open. Yet, truly, even before your gaze could focus enough on the figure next to you, you knew this touch.

Zayne.

He had his hand on your arm, having nudged you awake, and you could see the faint outline of a bouquet of flowers seated right next to him. Your favorites, no less.

In front of you, the television had been turned off, and a quick glance at your phone to the side showed several missed calls and texts from him. The time flashed as eight in the evening. You had fallen asleep. Your eyes were likely puffy, and you probably looked exhausted…

Yet, these things, despite how much you had noticed and despite how much you were still thinking—

They didn't matter anymore.

The moment of silence between you two, the way he didn't ask, the way he waited, the way he watched… A wave of understanding passed over the both of you before he pulled you into his arms, and that was it.

This was home.

It wasn't dark, and gloomy, and empty, and cold—

It was warm. Comforting. Full of his presence, just the way you had been longing it to be since you'd woken up. The smell of his cologne was one familiar enough to make you tighten your hold on him, make you snuggle deeper into his chest. It was secure. It was safe.

You'd missed him, truly.

And there was no need for words, not really. Instead, he stroked your hair, patiently, lovingly. A gentle kiss to the top of your head. A little reassuring squeeze of your hand.

"Zayne…"

"Mn. I'm here."

Another moment of stillness.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

You could still hear the faint ticking of the clock on the wall, but this time, it didn't bother you. Not when you could just as well hear the steady thrum of his heartbeat, not when his quiet words of reassurance could resound in your head like a lullaby.

And a stray tear fell.

Maybe, it was the relief of it. Maybe, it was how everything had bubbled up to crash into you like this.

But—

You lips trembled, and you cried.

You cried, and cried, and cried.

And it was such a stupid way to spend the day of love.

"You're… You're home, hic, I-I'm sorry, I didn't— hic— I fell asleep, a-and then—"

"Shh. It's okay, my love."

His voice was low. Soft.

"B-but I was… It's Valentine's Day, I should've…!"

"No, you do not owe me anything. On the contrary, I, too, have not been a satisfactory partner… I apologize, sweetheart. I wish I could have spent the day with you."

"It's… It's not your fault…"

"Then, it is not your fault, either."

He paused.

"You… feel unwell. You've been unwell. Haven't you? Aren't you?"

Slowly, gently, he coaxed your head up to look at him. His thumb raised, moving to wipe away your tears; to draw you closer by your chin and place a chaste kiss on the tip of your nose.

You sniffled slightly. "I… I didn't want to be needy… I know it's been busy at the hospital, and I thought I could manage, a-and I'm sorry, I know I should be more understanding! I-I should be better, be good, be someone who can give you the world like you deserve, be— something more worth of the comfort you give me, than this…"

The words flowed out before you could stop them, and, in the end, you appreciated that you could be vulnerable with him. But it still tore at your heart to have him listen. Because what if it was silly? What if it was stupid? In the back of your mind, even though you thought these things, you were hoping for him to tell you otherwise. And what would you do if he didn't? If he agreed with you? What if these words, these insecurities, would make him think less of you, or find it irritating, or…

You were spiraling.

You could see yourself drowning, reflected in the very window of his gaze.

But he gripped your shoulders—he wouldn't let you.

"I never asked for you to give me the world."

It was firm this time, and not necessarily gentle... Yet, the look in his eyes told you everything even before he spoke.

Slow, careful words, and his eyes never strayed from yours:

"All I've ever wanted was you."

Your breath hitched.

You waited, quiet, a little stunned; watched as he leaned in to give you a soft kiss. One to your forehead, one on your eyelids. Your cheek, the corner of your lips—

"I ask nothing of you, if only to know that you are okay. If only to know that you understand… that I will cherish you, and care for you, for as long as you are alive. Do you remember that?"

A memory stirred.

I should think about… how to live my life to the fullest. Because in this world, there's someone who'll like me for as long as I'm alive…

Those were your words.

A wave of warmth washed over you once more as he brought back memories from that day, one that, likely, was one that he thought of often himself.

"The moon…" he mumbled. Gently, he nudged your head sideways to allow you to glance out the window. He'd drawn the curtains back, and the night sky showed itself in full view to you. "Is beautiful tonight. Just as you are. Less than you are. Because you always shine brighter. And, to me… That is all of the world that I need."

"Zayne…"

"I bought you flowers, and I saw the cookies that you left on the table. However… how much you mean to me is not meant to be celebrated for simply one day of the year, and I don't plan to do that. I would celebrate it every day, every minute, every hour of my life. Besides… no matter how hectic things get, I will always want to see you."

This time, he pulled you back to him, gently easing his lips onto yours. A quick kiss, but a meaningful one. One that made the world disappear, your troubles disappear… at least, enough for you to focus on him, and all the love that he offered— to you.

"…Zayne?"

"Hm?"

"I love you."

You snuggled into his chest, curling into his warmth.

It felt lighter, now. Perhaps, not to be completely freed from the chains you had put on yourself, but… it felt lighter. More bearable. No longer suffocating.

No longer difficult.

"I love you," you repeated. You would whisper the words, quiet as you focused on his heartbeat. "I love you, twice… thrice… and more times… Because saying it once wouldn't be enough."

"And I love you, sweetheart." Once more, he pressed his lips to the crown of your head. "Twice, and thrice, and more. And, for tonight… We can do whatever you want. My time is all yours."

And perhaps, you thought, he was your world just as much as you were his.

taglist: @pixelcafe-network @hunters-association @darlingdummycassandra @daturasflower @thoupenguinman @valyvinny @rafayelsheart @jellyroom2 @chemiru @ywnzn @pepprrmint @angel-jupiter @cordidy @raiyuxa @xai-mery @oharasmommymilkers00 @pikachuzhc @fackeraccount @rafayelsgf @iloveboysinred @rafslvr @spotted-salamander @venussakura @love-and-deepstrays @evilgojo @keioxo @Zaynes-jasmine @~Air_Heart~ @keymeadoww @rowazuhime15 @strwbrychffoncke

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[actuallyberriesarebananas]

Can't Get You Out of My Hair

Anime/Manga: Blue Lock by Muneyuki Kaneshiro

GN! Reader (they/them)

Characters: Isagi Yoichi, Bachira Meguru, Chigiri Hyoma, Reo Mikage

Prompt: You meddling with his hair. That's it lol

A/N: When I first watched this anime, I always questioned why some characters did not tie up their long hair or clip their bangs to the side (looking at you dead hard, Aryu and Niko👀) when they play. Then this idea lit up. Seriously though, how clear is their vision this way cuz I cannot even see clearly with only the tiniest bits of hair strands falling and poking into my eyes every second.

Someone fixing your hair is such an intimate act for me (⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠) it's comforting <3

> Isagi Yoichi

An interval at half-time commenced in the match. Everyone was sweating, breaths beaten in and out, toned frames wavering from fatigue, and most of all, Isagi—was pissed as hell. He felt his mind slowly blur into overdrive, his hand on his hip and the other clasped a bottle; thinking of strategies, new factors, and up to the minute tactics in order to reach the right flow assembling all the pieces together to create an opening to pierce through the other team’s iron wall defense.

Isagi’s face contorted in displeasure.

No, that's not it. He thought. His mind is in disarray coming up with ideas, theories, methods…anything.

Analytical and contemplative, Isagi wracked his head further with a mind filled with nothing but the game. Water bottle left forgotten.

The only awareness around present was the bangs over his eyes, damped and sticky. His eyes saw through them anyway in dismissal, much focused on the gradual solution forming underneath the depths of his logic. However, all logic had abruptly come to a halt when he felt a warm sensation.

Isagi already figured he felt hot everywhere, yet this was distinct. It wasn't from the sweat or his own warm body. It wasn't the heat currently burning inside his head either. The dressing room, in contrast, was breezy and cold; so he could tell that the heat came somewhere else. Somewhere not within him.

A source of comforting warmth revealed when prickling strands of blue came aside. Fingers tickled on Isagi’s skin and a wave of goosebumps followed underneath his jersey. His breath hitched at getting caught in surprise.

Blinking the embarrassment away, he stared bashfully in front of him.

“(Name)?” Isagi stuttered at the sudden contact.

“Sorry, sorry. Your hair was a mess.” You retracted your hand, waving it apologetically, “You looked annoyed. I thought it bothered you.”

Isagi blinked and his annoyance went with it. He felt a bit calmer than before.

Right, I shouldn't get too worked up. I won't be able to think straight.

“Why wouldn't I be,” Subconsciously, he pushed the edges of his front hair with a small laugh “we're getting so close in the game after all.”

“I know.” You tilted your head to the side, “But, your hair did bother you?”

“Ah, well—not really, (Name)” A bead of sweat trickled down comically at the side of Isagi's head. He didn't know what to make of your concern. I mean, the other guys had longer bangs than him (side-eyeing Niko and Nagi). Even so, the thought was appreciated.

You mused a slight smile, “But still, yeah?” Pointing it out, something came closer into Isagi's view.

He didn't notice it before, you were holding something in front of him. Your fingers pinching something in between. Automatically, he held out his hand close to yours but stopped abruptly.

A shine hit the object at the right angle against the room’s rays of overhead lights.

It was a basic crossed plastic hairpin.

Isagi blinked owlishly. You blinked back with conviction.

“Pffttt.”

Your shoulders dropped, “What?” Now you were staring in confusion.

“(Name),” Isagi released a hearty chuckle “we can't wear that in the field.”

“Oh.” Your cheeks felt ridiculously hot.

“Sorry—damnit, I forgot about that…” In a bashful manner, you retracted your hand immediately. An attempt made to shake away your ignorance previously, but only to be reminded again when a quick motion pulled your hand back.

Isagi had clasped his fingers at the other end of the clip.

“I- I didn't say, I didn't want it.” His fingers grazed yours, and that contact pricked a soft buzz flowing under his skin. He felt like he just got zapped, and yet, he didn't want to let go. It's rude to refuse right? Rude to miss an opportunity. For him. With you.

“Isagi…” Your mouth slightly apart as you let out a soft exhale, brows furrowing in reply, “I was only letting you borrow it.”

…

You broke the connection with a small tug, and hurriedly returned your clip inside your pocket when a call catched your attention. Giving a quick wave at Isagi, you jogged towards Anri.

Isagi would've slumped disappointingly at the awkward interaction he made if not for you, eyelids forming crescents and smiling apologetically at him.

Knowing the feeling was mutual, it comforted him in a way. Absent-mindedly, he smoothed back his bangs back to the front of his face while reflecting on how he could've handled the situation before.

As his strands of hair fall back in place, he realized he could have just said yes when you first offered. So much for being able to think fast.

A nudge halted him in his stupor.

“Cheer up bud!” Bachira gave out his common friendly grin, “You'll get them next time.”

“What—I wasn't aiming to!”

Flustered, Isagi patted his forehead more aggressively now, smoothing down any missed strands of hair. Unfortunately, it was all in vain. His bangs only bothered him now, and made him miss the hand once straying them away.

After a while, the game finally ended with a winning score for Blue Lock. The players went back in the dressing room towards their respective cubby. Some idly chatting, others recalling their plays, and soon the room slowly filled the silence previously left alone.

Isagi, though, the silence stood with him, only hearing the faint feeling of his quickening beating heart. Standing motionless, his face turned warm. Jacket in front, pocket empty, and a recognizable hair clip in his hand. Additionally, a note was left too: Congrats. You wanted it, you got it.

He slapped the paper to his face. Exhaling a breath he didn't know he was holding back. Instead of being grateful for you listening to him before, he selfishly thought:

For some reason, I think I rather prefer your hand on my hair instead.

> Bachira Meguru

A warm laughter resonated in the room as you struggled in your position. “That tickles, (Name)!”

“Touching your hair tickles you?” You dropped a sweat while attempting to clip Bachira’s bangs after witnessing it previously tied like a ponytail. He looked a bit ridiculous wearing it like that so you offered your hair clips. But he made it a lot more difficult than it needed to be when he keeps squirming under you.

Holding a hand firmly above his forehead, keeping his brown locks in place, you looked at him. “Please sit properly, you'll fall over” you held the last clip and opened it with a click.

Bachira giggled under your hold, “I can't help it, sorry.” Yet he still listened and sat unmoving, cross legged on the chair. “How can I sit still having someone’s full attention like this?”

You stared back with words you couldn't utter. Hearing the boy’s remark had made you really pay your full attention to him now. Bachira’s soft golden eyes that shined brightly as his smile had made you freeze, stuck in place encapsulated. His gaze of potent sunshine glow was expressive and loving to see.

Being able to see his emotions so raw and sincere, such as the times he'd play soccer. It held competitiveness but also brought light inside it for the sport he plays. For you, a simple manager, he has the ability to show how soccer can look so fun.

Passion goes far beyond his limits that he keeps chasing. You've seen it, you've felt it, you've admired it. You wouldn't have noticed it by a fraction if you hadn't paid close attention beyond his strands of hair that felt like silk yet a little coarse to the touch.

How dare such things keep something so beautiful at bay.

Outside of the field, he was very much the same. Bachira's lively and friendly personality had drawn you closer just as much.

You wondered, did he see you with the same reverence as you do to him?

A pair of arms pulled you closer, “Wow, I really did have your full attention.” Bachira looked in awe.

Your lips shyly quivered into a smile and your palm slowly raised “How couldn't I?” cupping his cheek.

You didn't know how to finish what you said. Seemingly content, smoothing out the right side of his face from the bottom up to his forehead, thinking that's enough for explanation. That he was enough to give meaning of the cause.

As you snapped the last clip close through his fluffy hair, he looked back bright beady-eyed. “You should've told me sooner that…” A serious look plastered on his visage, a rare look to see but also loved, his face drew closer to your liking as he pulled you in “...it only takes some rusty old hair clips for you to look at me like that.”

At this, you tittered, “You don't have to do that.”

Bachira raised his brows in genuine question then you responded massaging through his flyaway hair, “It only takes you, Meguru.”

> Chigiri Hyoma

“I'll chop your fingers off if you damage my hair.”

“Okay, okay. Calm down. I'm only brushing it how you told me to.”

You sigh while reflecting on your previous choices. Some time ago, Chigiri had just gotten out of the shower and you made the brave decision to offer help with his hair. It was one of the many things you've found attractive about him, and your blind curiosity led you to a probable demise.

Luckily, he only gave you the easiest job, brushing his hair after he blow dried it and applied his excessive abundance of hair products. Seriously, your eyes were about to combust seeing four or more digits on those stickers. Though, you guess it was the key to achieve that smooth silky hair too fathomable to believe is so. You thought you could only see those in shampoo ads, but reality can sometimes achieve unreality.

“You can be so demanding sometimes. Are you actually a real princess?” Carefully and with thought, you smoothly slid the ends of the brush through his luscious long strands of cherry red.

Chigiri pinched your thigh resting on the mattress’ grey sheet “If I were, would I be here with a second-rate hair brusher in the entirety of Japan?” He scolded, stating how you incorrectly brushed his precious hair.

You're as close as two fingers pinched centimeters apart to pinch him back. Thankfully, a manager of any sports team has long before mastered the art of self-restraint—a significant skill required for anyone working in this kind of field. Or maybe you had just gone too soft for him. You swatted the idea to avoid bias.

You yelped, “Yikes, I'm glad you aren't” pressing soothing comfort on your momentarily abused skin. Brows furrowed you faux a pained face jokingly, “The things I do for you.”

The red head turned his body towards you, lips pursed in quickly then spoke “I'm sorry. I was kidding. There, there.” He caressed the part of your thigh he inflicted.

In the same position, you continued brushing his lengthy locks; face to face, touch to touch.

You would have thought Chigiri found this current placement uncomfortable, judging by the sigh he let out from his glossed lips, but he stayed in place. He didn't push away.

A squeeze on your thigh felt like a message to let go when it went away from your body. Whilst pushing a strand of hair covering his face, you caught sight of his hand that was almost covered completely from the oversized sweatshirt. It looked very smooth, it glowed underneath the light of the room. It was lotioned for sure based on the sweet fragrance passing by your face.

Why is everything about him so effortlessly pretty?

As if the gods knew what you wanted, a hand silk in touch you felt again on your upper leg. You shivered, but you didn't know if it was from his cold body fresh out of the shower or from the reason you had secretly hid from the start since you had met him.

A restricted reason, scandalous even, one too much for you to bravely admit. A hidden cause why you had asked to help with his hair in the first place.

Although, this circumstance would not have happened without the other.

“I never let anyone play with my hair, you know.” The boy squeezed your thigh again, but this time, he didn't let go. “So, you're lucky to be special.”

So, that's your reason.

Pausing your hand holding the brush, you looked back at eyes of cherry blossoms. At that, time stopped for a minute. Cherry blossoms are pink and also can be red, but not as red as the small hue of it growing on his porcelain skin.

You gently combed some locks of ginger hair teasingly to your lips, “Aw…you're special to me too, princess.” Giving out your hearty chuckle, he slapped a push against your face. Whether he liked that or not, you couldn't determine from his pure red cheeks now. “You’re banned from ever being near my hair again.”

> Reo Mikage

Hair tie, hair tie. Fuck. Where is it?

Running his fingers frustratingly through his hair, Reo walked back and forth—retracing his steps—throughout the grassy field to find one damn hair tie.

In the middle of the practice match; his knot came undone, yet he persevered in the play.

Great, now he lost it. He didn't really mind though since he was able to score a phenomenal goal. But playing with his hair around the place is something he will soon find annoying.

Walking over where the benches are, he sat down brushing an exhausted hand on his violet hair. Reo felt the life sucked out of him.

Ego’s strict vigorous training is slowly beating him down yet he feels the flow of increasing strength in his form. He felt a bit stronger, and much more hopeful for his progress. This bubbles his urge not to waste time, he has to get stronger sooner if he wants to catch up with the rest. To catch up to him. Faster, tougher, smarter, bett—

“Hello? Earth to Reo?” The called person felt a single poke on his cheek. His eyes widened for a second in surprise, “Yes, manager?” He looked up to the source of the other voice.

Behind him, you looked down with a worried look, “Are you alright? You're breathing heavily. Should I get something for you?” Jumping over the bench with one leg first and the next, Reo saw you holding something. A bottle of water and dry towel held out in front of him.

He smiled thankful, “Thanks, (Name). You already got what I needed.”

“Oh, also—” You brought out something from your jacket pocket, “I think you need this too.”

Reo’s dark lavender eyes stuck on your palm, a black skinny hair tie placed above it. You’re either really good at your job and you know it, or you just so happen to see how much of an idiot he seemed like pacing around the pitch staring intensely at the ground that had nothing but plain ol’ grass.

However, he's aware, or everyone for that matter, that you have a disciplined and responsible attitude to prepare each players’ needs.

Although, as impressive of a skill that is, it comes off a bit concerning to him; how you'd know what they needed at the current moment before they can blink an eye to think. If you were a player, intuition or attentiveness would probably be your weapon.

You'd make a great secretary too. Perhaps, he could recommend you to his dad. His company can and will pay you more generously than this four walled box.

“How long have you been practicing?” Yells in the background continued to sound and balls thumping in motion. It was the only sense that made you aware that practice was still ongoing.

Reo queried to his self, his eyebrow up, “Don’t know. I lost count. Around 2 hours and a half? Maybe.”

Your neutral expression formed into something more like a slight jolt of concern, “You've been out there for a while. You should probably rest now. Okay?”

You said probably, but Reo knew you meant insistence “I know when I need to stop.” He wiped his sweaty face with the towel you've given.

Not even close to him taking the hair tie out of your palm, you immediately shut it close. He jumped a bit taken aback.

Sighing, you carefully jumped over the bench behind him once more, using his shoulder as leverage “Then, seems like I know better.”

He planned to retort but you spoke first, “Hit the hay and rest, Reo. Here, I'll even tie your hair up and you can go. Okay?”

Reo was confused on what point would there be to tie his hair when you were commanding him to go to bed anyway. He didn't get your logic, but to appease you and his rising weariness, he obliged, “Fine.”

Less work for him on the bright side. He slid the towel over his neck, getting rid of any wet spots left by the trail of his warm sweat. Maybe, he really did need a break.

You combed your fingers crossing vibrant tresses while taking time to admire its regal undertone “Overworking doesn't lead to good results.” As a single strand fell from your forefinger, you concluded his hair is definitely taken care of with well-off treatment.

Your digits slid gently through his scalp, light and relaxed. The whole process felt akin to a massage comfortably loosening up his stressed figure.

It had been a while since he felt such tenderness in his chest. A rare fondness he will not waste to relish on.

Reo was used, if not, inured to people serving him at his personal bidding. It is a custom for a boy of his stature. Never was a moment in his life he didn't receive on a golden platter.

But is that gold as pure as it claims to be? Was he ever given gifts that he truly liked? Did everyone provide to him out of genuine care or was it all a mandated act to satisfy his image? When he gives considerable effort for a person, did he ever receive the same gesture?

Reo inclined to believe the answers to be less pleasing, but you did not help. “I…I know that too.” The trace of your touch on his skin made it hard to think of the negatives as if reminding a sliver of hope in the depths of himself wanting to be concerned for.

A tug on his head pulled. His appearance turned cooler as the artificial wind surrounding the pitch blew quietly, “There ya go.”

Instinctively, Reo felt your work. The tie was just right, “Thank you.” He aired a low sigh, feeling somewhat bad he would need to undo it before going to sleep.

You moved your head to look at him with hands on your back, “Would you look at that? You look even more handsome when you smile.” A proud grin laid under your pleased countenance.

Reo stood up with a brisk scoff, “I’m always handsome.” Fortunately, your taunt didn't falter his small smile. It would be a shame for it to go.

Prolonging your first word, you moderately kept pace with Reo out of the practice field, “Especially, when around me.”

He rolled his eyes at your notion and laughed sarcastically “Haha, whatever you say. I'm off now." The player replied along with a swift wave as he turned at the intersection of the hallway; you remembered to be the direction of his assigned room.

“Night, Reo.” Your own hand waved to follow, “I’m assigned responsibility for the people here, but I do care. So rest well. Okay?

The exchange was already typical. As if you could read his mind, he answered “I know. Goodnight, manager."

[pohtaytoh]

Malibu Brews

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Lara Raj x Bartender!Reader

At a vibrant beach party, a bartender's normal ID check results in a playful encounter with Lara, a confident young lady who is a bit too eager for "strong" beverages. Lara's innocent lie spurs banter between the two, which soon develops into something more than just a playful conversation.

The sun was dipping low, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple over the Malibu coastline. The air, still warm from the day, now carried the scent of salt, sunscreen, and the sweet, sticky aroma of tropical drinks. Music pulsed from giant speakers, a mix of pop hits and chill beach vibes, making the sand vibrate slightly underfoot. This wasn't just any beach party; it was the beach party, thrown by some hotshot music producer, and everyone who was anyone (or wanted to be) was here.

I, as usual, was behind the bar. Not a fancy, polished bar, mind you, but a makeshift setup under a canopy, complete with coolers full of ice, bottles of every color, and a blender that whirred almost constantly. My job was simple: mix drinks, keep the good times flowing, and, most importantly, check IDs. It was a rule I took seriously, especially at events like this where young, eager faces were everywhere.

My arms were aching a bit from shaking shakers and pouring shots, but the energy of the crowd was infectious. People laughed, danced, and shouted over the music, their faces lit by the string lights draped around the canopy and the glow of the setting sun.

"Another round of those blue ones, please!" a guy with sunglasses still on, even though it was almost dark, yelled over the din.

"Coming right up!" I grinned, grabbing the ingredients. I liked my job. It was fun, social, and I got to witness all sorts of interesting interactions. Plus, the tips weren't half bad.

Just as I was wiping down the counter, a figure approached the bar. She was a little shorter than me, with long, dark hair that seemed to catch the last rays of sunlight, giving it a reddish glow. She had a confident sway to her walk, and a smile that seemed to light up her whole face even from a distance. Her eyes, I noticed as she got closer, were sparkling with a mix of excitement and something else... mischief, maybe?

She leaned over the counter, her voice surprisingly clear despite the loud music. "Hey there, bartender! Can I get five of your strongest, most tropical-looking drinks? Something that screams 'I'm on vacation and I'm never going home!'"

I chuckled. "Five, huh? Sounds like a serious party. You got a whole crew waiting?"

"You know it," she said, her smile widening. "They're over there, trying to convince our leader to do a TikTok dance and our youngest is with them, but she's not allowed to come up to the bar yet. Company rules, you know? She's only seventeen, turning eighteen soon, but still a minor."

I laughed again. Sophia and Yoonchae, huh? Sounded like a fun group. I reached for a shaker, then paused. "Alright, vacation mode drinks coming right up but first, standard procedure, can I see some ID?" I held out my hand, giving her my best professional-yet-friendly bartender look.

Her smile didn't falter, but a tiny flicker of something unreadable crossed her eyes. She reached into a small crossbody bag and pulled out a sleek wallet. With a flourish, she extracted a driver's license and handed it to me.

I took it, my eyes scanning the front. My eyebrows shot up in surprise after seeing the date of birth. Oh, wow. This was going to be fun.

"Lara, huh?" I said, my voice dropping to a teasing whisper, though still loud enough for her to hear over the music. "And it says here, Lara, that you're... not quite old enough to be ordering 'strongest, most tropical-looking' drinks."

Her eyes widened slightly, then she let out a small, embarrassed laugh. A blush crept up her cheeks, making her look even more charming. "Oh. Right. That."

I leaned in a bit, a playful smirk on my face. "Yeah, that. You know, the whole legal drinking age thing? It's kind of a big deal here." I tapped the ID playfully. "So, what are we thinking, Lara? Were you hoping I wouldn't notice or were you just testing my bartending integrity?"

She giggled, a bright, clear sound that cut through the bass. "Okay, okay, you got me. Busted. I wasn't trying to trick you, promise! My friends just... they really wanted those 'vacation mode' drinks, and I was the designated orderer. They're all legal, I swear! Except for Yoonchae, of course, but she's not even at the bar."

"Oh, I believe you," I said, handing back her ID. "It's just... you walked up here with such confidence, talking about wanting to have the strongest drinks, I almost believed you were twenty-one yourself."

"Hey!" she protested, but her eyes were sparkling with amusement. "I am confident! And I can handle a mocktail with the best of them. Just... less of the strongest part, I guess."

"Exactly," I said, still grinning. "So, what's it going to be for you, Lara? A virgin piña colada? A Shirley Temple? Or maybe something a little more... adventurous, but still strictly non-alcoholic?"

She thought for a moment, tapping her chin with a perfectly manicured finger. "Hmm. Adventurous, but non-alcoholic. I like the sound of that. Surprise me! But make it look like the real deal, so my friends don't tease me too much."

"Deal," I said, already reaching for the blender. "So, tell me, Lara. What's a young, confident, almost-twenty-one-year-old like you doing at a party like this, ordering drinks for her apparently thirsty, legal friends?"

She leaned closer again, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, if you must know, we're celebrating. Sort of. We just finished something big, and this is our reward."

"Something big, huh?" I asked, pouring ice into the blender. "Sounds mysterious. Top secret, maybe?"

"Maybe," she teased, her eyes twinkling. "Let's just say it involved a lot of hard work, a lot of late nights, and a lot of singing."

Singing? My curiosity was piqued. "Singing, you say? Are you, like, a professional singer? Or just really good at karaoke?"

She laughed, a full, joyful sound. "A little of both, maybe? We're in a group. We just finished our debut project."

"No way!" I exclaimed, genuinely impressed. "That's awesome! Congratulations! What's your group called?"

Before she could answer, a voice cut in from behind her. "Lara! What's taking so long? Are you trying to charm the bartender into giving us free drinks?"

Lara turned, a playful scowl on her face. "Manon! You wound me! I'm simply engaging in polite conversation while our drinks are being expertly crafted."

A tall, elegant girl with striking features, who I assumed was Manon, stepped up beside Lara. She gave me a polite smile. "Hi! Sorry about her. She gets a bit chatty when she's excited."

"No worries at all," I said, returning the smile. "It's been a pleasure and don't worry, your expertly crafted drinks are almost ready." I gestured to the four vibrant, frothy concoctions I had already lined up, and the fifth, equally colorful, non-alcoholic one I was just finishing for Lara.

"Wow, those look amazing!" Manon said, her eyes widening. "Are they as strong as they look?"

"Only one way to find out," I winked. "But Lara's is a special, secret recipe. Strictly virgin."

Lara elbowed me gently. "Hey! Don't give away my secrets!"

Just then, three more girls joined them. One had bright, energetic eyes and a quick smile. Another had a calm, sweet demeanor and the last one, with a powerful presence and a warm laugh, seemed to be the leader of the pack. I noticed another girl from where they came from, chatting with some other partygoers, probably not allowed near the bar area.

"Finally!" the energetic one cheered. "I was starting to think you got lost in the crowd, Lara."

"Or found a new best friend at the bar," the other girl added, giving me a knowing look.

Lara rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Very funny, guys. This is... well, I don't actually know your name, bartender." She looked at me expectantly.

"Oh, right! My bad," I chuckled. "I'm Y/N. Nice to meet you all."

"Nice to meet you, Y/N!" the woman who looked like the leader of the pack chirped. "I'm Sophia, this is Daniela, Manon, and Megan. Our youngest, Yoonchae, is over there, being responsible. Company rules you know. ” she says as she gestures towards the girl at their table.

"Alright, ladies," I said, pushing the drinks across the counter. "Five vacation mode specials. Four for the legal eagles, and one super-secret, extra-special mocktail for Lara." I winked at Lara.

"Thanks, Y/N. These look incredible." The latter says, smiling at you, a genuine, happy smile. The girls each grabbed a drink, taking sips and exclaiming over the flavors.

I watched Manon taking a sip of Daniela's drink first even though she has her own drink. It wasn't even a sip, at this point. It was a gulp and I couldn't help but chuckle at the way Daniela gasped.

"Hey! That's mine!"

"Wait, one last sip!"

"It's mine, Manon!"

"Eugh, I don't fancy this." Manon says in a British accent while her face scrunches up in disgust. This made me smile even more because I knew it was a lie.

Daniela was about to snatch her drink back when Manon took another gulp, which made me laugh when she yelled, "Damn, so you like it! Give me your drink, Manon!"

"This is amazing, Y/N!" Daniela said, her eyes wide after successfully stealing Manon's drink. "What's in it?"

"Trade secret," I replied, tapping my nose. "But let's just say it involves a lot of fresh fruit, a splash of magic, and a dash of good vibes."

Megan, who had been observing the exchange between Lara and me with an amused expression, spoke up. "So, Lara, you were telling Miss Bartender over here about our debut?"

"Yep!" Lara confirmed, taking a sip of her mocktail. "We're KATSEYE. We just released our first single and EP."

"KATSEYE, huh?" I repeated, trying to place the name. It sounded familiar, but with so many new groups popping up, it was hard to keep track. "That's a cool name. I'll have to check you girls out."

"You definitely should!" Manon chimed in. "We're pretty good, if I do say so myself."

"They're incredible," Lara said, beaming at her friends. "Seriously, you have to listen. Our music is... it's us. It's everything we've worked for."

I could see the genuine pride and affection in her eyes when she looked at her group members. It was sweet. "I definitely will," I promised. "So, is this your first time in Malibu for a celebration like this?"

"For a party this big, yeah," Sophia said, looking around at the bustling beach. "It's a lot different from our practice room."

"Tell me about it," Daniela added with a laugh. "No choreography, no vocal warm-ups, just... fun!"

"Exactly what you girls deserve after all that hard work," I said. "So, what's next for KATSEYE? World domination?"

Lara giggled. "Something like that. We have a lot more music coming, and hopefully, we'll get to meet our fans soon."

"Speaking of fans," Megan said, turning to Lara with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Are you going to tell Y/N about her biggest fan yet?"

Lara's cheeks flushed again. "Megan! Don't be silly."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? I want to know about this biggest fan that you are talking about."

Megan leaned in, as if sharing a secret, though her voice was still loud enough to be heard. "She's been talking about you non-stop since she came back from the bar. 'The bartender was so funny,' 'The bartender was so nice," then she whispered the last part, "The bartender had the prettiest eyes'..."

Lara clapped a hand over Megan's mouth, her face bright red. Although I don't think she heard the last comment. "Megan! Stop it! You're embarrassing me!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, really now? I'm nice, huh? Well, I'm flattered, Lara. You're not so bad yourself." I winked at her, and her blush deepened, but she was smiling.

"Okay, okay, you two," Sophia interjected, pulling Lara's hand away from Megan's mouth. "Let's give Y/N a break. She's got other thirsty people to serve."

"She's right," Lara said, though she seemed reluctant to leave. "We should probably go find a spot to actually enjoy these amazing drinks. But thank you, Y/N. Seriously, these are great."

"My pleasure, Lara," I said, my eyes lingering on hers. "Enjoy the party, and congratulations again on the debut. I'll be looking forward to hearing your music."

As they turned to walk away, I heard Megan whisper, "See? I told you she was cute, Lara!" and Lara's muffled, "Megan!"

I smiled to myself, shaking my head. Lara. She was definitely something and her friends were a riot.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of mixing drinks, chatting with partygoers, and keeping an eye out for Lara. I saw her a few times, laughing with her friends, dancing to the music, her mocktail still in hand. Each time our eyes met, she'd offer a small, shy smile, and I'd return it with a nod.

Later, as the sun had fully set and the string lights were the main source of illumination, the party started to thin out a bit. People were heading home, or moving on to after-parties. I was starting to clean up, wiping down bottles and packing away supplies.

"Still here, bartender?" a familiar voice asked.

I looked up. It was Lara, standing alone this time, a slight breeze ruffling her hair. She wasn't holding a drink anymore.

"Just about done," I replied. "Party's winding down. You girls heading out?"

"Soon," she said, stepping closer to the bar. "My friends are saying their goodbyes. Yoonchae's already with our manager, getting ready to leave. I just... wanted to come say thank you again. And apologize for, you know, trying to trick you earlier."

"No need to apologize," I said, leaning against the counter. "It was actually pretty entertaining. Made my night a little more interesting."

She smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made my stomach do a little flip. "Good. I'm glad. You were really nice about it. Some bartenders can be... a little less understanding."

"Well, I like to think I'm one of the good ones," I said, puffing out my chest playfully. "Besides, you seemed like a good sport. And you did admit your mistake."

"I did," she agreed, her eyes sparkling. "So, what's it like, being the person who makes everyone else's night fun?"

"It has its moments," I admitted. "Lots of interesting people, lots of stories and sometimes, you meet someone who just... stands out." I let my gaze linger on her.

Her cheeks colored slightly, and she looked down, a small smile playing on her lips. "Oh. Is that so?"

"It is," I confirmed. "So, now that the party's almost over, and you're not trying to get me to break the law anymore, can I ask you something?"

"Shoot," she said, looking back up, her eyes curious.

"Are you really going to tell me what KATSEYE stands for?" I teased. "Or is that another one of your top-secret debut project details?"

She laughed. "It's not that exciting, actually! It's just a play on cat's eye like the gemstone and also, you know, eyes, because we want people to see us, to really look at us and our music."

"That's actually really cool," I said, genuinely impressed. "I like it. It's memorable. And it fits the whole mysterious and confident vibe you had going on earlier."

"See? I told you I was confident!" she said, playfully nudging my arm.

"You did," I agreed. "And you proved it. So, what's next for you tonight? More celebrating?"

"Probably just heading back to our place," she said, shrugging. "We've got an early flight tomorrow. Back to the grind."

"Already?" I asked, a pang of disappointment going through me. "No time to enjoy the Malibu sunshine?"

"Unfortunately not," she sighed. "But it's okay. We're excited for what's next and this party was a great send-off." She paused, then added, "It was really nice meeting you, Y/N."

"You too, Lara," I said, realizing I didn't want the conversation to end. "Seriously, it was. You made my shift a lot more fun."

There was a moment of comfortable silence, the music a little softer now, the crowd even sparser. I knew I had to say something, or she'd be gone. "Hey, listen," I started, feeling a little bold. "I know you're super busy with the whole world domination thing, but... if you ever find yourself back in Malibu, or even just in the area, and you want to grab a non-alcoholic drink, or even just a coffee, I'd love to... well, I'd love to hang out."

Her eyes lit up, and a wide, genuine smile spread across her face. "I'd really like that, Y/N!" She reached into her bag again, pulling out her phone. "Do you have your number? Or an Instagram?"

"Both," I said, quickly pulling out my own phone. We exchanged numbers, tapping them into our contacts.

"I'll text you," she promised, her thumb hovering over the send button. "As soon as I'm not, you know, flying across the country."

"Sounds good," I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Safe travels, Lara and good luck with everything."

"Thanks," she said, then hesitated for a moment. "And hey, your eyes are really pretty."

With a final, dazzling smile, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. I watched her go, a goofy grin plastered on my face.

"Someone's smitten," a voice said from behind me.

I jumped, turning to see my co-worker, Mark, leaning against a cooler, an amused expression on his face. "Mark! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Couldn't help it," he chuckled. "You had that lovesick puppy look. Who was that, anyway? She seemed pretty into you."

"Just a customer," I mumbled, trying to play it cool, but I knew my cheeks were probably flushed. "She was with that new group, KATSEYE."

Mark's eyes widened. "No way! KATSEYE? The ones who just debuted? Dude, they're going to be huge! You just got the number of a future pop star!"

"Don't exaggerate," I said, though a thrill shot through me. "She's just... Lara."

"Just Lara who's about to be famous," Mark corrected, shaking his head. "You play your cards right, Y/N, you might get a VIP pass to their next concert."

I laughed, but a part of me was already imagining it. Lara, on stage, singing her heart out. And me, in the crowd, cheering her on. It was a nice thought.

I finished cleaning up, my mind replaying the conversation with Lara. Her infectious laugh, her sparkling eyes, the way she blushed when I teased her. She was charming, confident, and genuinely sweet and the fact that she was a rising star in a global girl group just made her even more intriguing.

The days that followed were a mix of my usual bartending shifts and a growing anticipation for Lara's next text. I found myself checking my phone more often than usual, and a small thrill went through me every time it buzzed. I even looked up KATSEYE's music online. Their debut single was catchy, their voices blended beautifully, and Lara's presence in the music video was captivating. She truly was a star in the making.

One evening, after a particularly busy shift, my phone rang. It was Lara. My heart did a little flutter.

"Hey, Y/N!" her voice was bright and cheerful. "Sorry it took me a while to call. Things have been crazy with promotions and interviews."

"No worries at all, Lara," I said, leaning back against my apartment wall. "I figured you were busy. How's it going?"

"It's... a lot," she admitted, a slight laugh in her voice. "But it's amazing. We're so grateful for all the support. Anyway, I have a few days off next week, and I was wondering... are you free to grab that coffee?"

"I am absolutely free," I said, a grin spreading across my face. "Just tell me when and where."

We made plans to meet at a small, cozy coffee shop not too far from the beach where we'd first met. The anticipation built over the next few days. I found myself wondering what she'd be like outside the party atmosphere, without the loud music and the bustling crowd. Would she still be as playful? As confident?

When the day arrived, I got there a little early, picking out a table by the window. I saw her walking towards the coffee shop, and my breath hitched slightly. She was dressed casually in jeans and a simple top, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail, but she still radiated that same effortless charm.

"Hey!" she said, her smile lighting up the whole place as she approached the table. "Thanks for meeting me."

"Of course," I replied, standing up to greet her. "Glad you could make it. How's the non-alcoholic life treating you?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Hilarious. It's fine, actually. I've discovered a new appreciation for fancy lemonades."

We ordered our drinks – a black coffee for me, and a complicated-sounding iced tea for her – and settled into our seats. The conversation flowed easily, just like it had at the bar. We talked about her whirlwind experience with KATSEYE, the challenges of being a trainee, and the excitement of finally debuting.

"It's been a dream come true, honestly," she said, stirring her drink. "But it's also a lot of pressure. Everyone's watching, and you just want to do your best, not let anyone down."

"I can only imagine," I said, genuinely sympathetic. "It sounds intense. But you seem to be handling it really well."

"Thanks," she said, a soft smile on her face. "It helps to have the girls. Sophia, Daniela, Manon, Megan, and even Yoonchae, though she's still our little one... they're like my sisters. We've been through so much together."

"They seem great," I agreed. "They were definitely looking out for you at the party."

She laughed. "Oh, they always do. Especially Megan. She loves to tease me."

"I noticed," I said, a grin playing on my lips. "She definitely spilled the beans about your prettiest eyes comment."

Lara groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Oh my gosh, she actually told you that? I'm going to kill her!"

"Hey, no regrets," I said, reaching across the table to gently tap her arm. "It was a very nice compliment and accurate, by the way. Yours look even more beautiful."

She looked up, her cheeks flushed, but her eyes were twinkling. "You're just saying that."

"I'm not," I insisted, my voice softer now. "Your eyes are really beautiful, Lara and they sparkle when you laugh."

She ducked her head again, a shy smile on her face. "Okay, okay, you win. You're good at this, you know? The whole charming-people-at-the-bar thing."

"It's a skill," I said, winking. "Comes with the job but I don't usually use it to get coffee dates."

Her head snapped up, and our eyes met. The playful banter faded, replaced by a quiet intensity. There was a moment where neither of us spoke, just looked at each other, and in that silence, something shifted. 

"So," she said, finally breaking the silence, her voice a little softer than before. "What about you, Y/N? What's your story? Are you just a bartender, or is there more to you than bartending?"

I smiled. "There's always more, isn't there? I'm actually studying photography. Bartending is just how I pay the bills and meet interesting subjects."

"Photography?" she asked, her eyes widening with genuine interest. "That's amazing! Do you do portraits? Landscapes? Concerts?"

"A bit of everything," I said. "But I love capturing moments, emotions. People. There's something really special about freezing a moment in time, you know?"

"I do," she said, nodding thoughtfully. "It's like our music. We're trying to capture feelings, stories, and share them with the world."

We talked for hours, about our passions, our dreams, our fears. I learned about her family, her love for animals, her secret obsession with true crime podcasts. She learned about my favorite photographers, my struggle to find my artistic voice, my weird habit of talking to my plants. It felt easy, comfortable, like we'd known each other for ages.

As the afternoon wore on, the coffee shop started to fill up, and we realized how much time had passed.

"Wow," Lara said, checking her watch. "I can't believe it's been this long. I should probably get going. I have a video call with my family soon."

"Right," I said, a little disappointed but understanding. "Of course. Thanks for coming, Lara. I had a really great time."

"Me too, Y/N," she said, gathering her bag. She hesitated for a moment, then looked at me, her eyes sparkling again. "So, about that prettiest eyes comment... I wasn't just saying that to tease you back. I meant it."

My heart fluttered again. "And I meant it about yours too," I replied, my voice a little husky.

She smiled, a sweet, shy smile that made my chest ache in the best way possible. "Good. Well, I should really go. But let's do this again soon, okay? Maybe something a little more adventurous than coffee next time?"

"Definitely," I said, standing up as she did. "I'll think of something. Safe travels back to wherever you're off to next."

"Thanks!" she said, then turned and walked out of the coffee shop, leaving me with a lingering sense of warmth and a hopeful smile.

Over the next few weeks, our texts became more frequent, filled with updates about her busy schedule and my photography projects. We shared memes, funny stories, and late-night thoughts. It was a strange, exciting new kind of friendship, built on playful banter and a growing mutual admiration.

One day, she sent me a text: "Guess what? We're going to be in LA next month for a few days! Maybe we can actually do that 'adventurous' thing?"

My heart leaped. "Seriously?! That's amazing! Of course! What do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking," she replied, "maybe a hike? Or a museum? Or... a cooking class? I love cooking, it’s fun.”

"A cooking class sounds perfect," I texted back, already picturing us fumbling with ingredients. "Consider it booked. I'll find one."

And so, our "dates" began. Our first "adventurous" outing was indeed a cooking class, where we managed to make a surprisingly edible pasta dish, mostly thanks to the instructor's patience and Lara's infectious enthusiasm. We laughed so much that our stomachs hurt. Her friends, Sophia, Daniela, Manon, Megan, and even Yoonchae (who was thrilled to hear about our adventures), were always curious about our outings, often teasing Lara about her "mystery friend" or "Malibu bartender." Lara would just blush and tell them I was "just a friend" but I could tell she enjoyed the teasing.

We went to art galleries, explored hidden gems in LA, and even had a picnic by the beach, reminiscent of our first meeting, though thankfully, no IDs were required this time. Each time we met, I felt more and more drawn to her. Her kindness, her humor, her dedication to her craft – everything about her was captivating. I could tell, from the way she looked at me, the way she lingered a little longer when we said goodbye, that the feeling might be mutual.

One evening, after a particularly lovely dinner at a quiet restaurant, we were walking along a tree-lined street, the city lights twinkling around us. The conversation had drifted to more personal topics, our dreams, our fears, the things that truly mattered to us.

"It's weird, you know?" Lara said, her voice soft. "Being in this industry, you meet so many people, but it's hard to find someone who really gets it. Someone you can just... be yourself with."

"I know what you mean," I said, my voice equally soft. "It's the same with photography. You meet a lot of artists, but finding someone who truly understands your vision, or just listens without judgment... that's rare."

We stopped under a streetlamp, the light casting long shadows behind us. She turned to face me, her eyes serious, yet still holding that familiar sparkle.

"I feel like I can be myself with you, Y/N," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "From the moment I saw you at the bar, the moment you teased me about my ID, I just... felt comfortable. Like I could say anything."

My heart swelled. "I feel the same way, Lara. You're... you're really special."

She took a small step closer, and I instinctively mirrored her, closing the small distance between us. Her hand reached out, gently touching my arm. "You are too, Y/N."

The air crackled with unspoken words, with all the feelings we'd been building up over the past few months. I looked into her eyes, and saw a reflection of my own longing.

"Lara," I began, my voice a little shaky. "I... I really like you. A lot."

A soft smile bloomed on her face, and her eyes softened. "I really like you too, Y/N."

And then, slowly, she leaned in. I met her halfway, and our lips met in a soft, tender kiss. It was everything I had imagined and more – sweet, gentle, and filled with a quiet promise. It was a kiss that felt like a beginning.

When we finally pulled apart, we were both smiling, a little breathless.

"Wow." she whispered, her cheeks flushed.

"Yeah," I agreed, my voice still a bit hoarse. "Wow."

"So," she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Does this mean I get a lifetime supply of non-alcoholic vacation mode drinks?"

I laughed, pulling her closer. "Only if you promise to keep letting me tease you about your ID."

"Deal," she said, leaning her head on my shoulder. "Deal."

From that night on, our relationship deepened. It wasn't easy, with her demanding schedule and my own commitments, but we made it work. We squeezed in video calls whenever we could, sent each other silly photos and encouraging messages, and cherished every moment we got to spend together in person.

Her friends, the rest of KATSEYE, were incredibly supportive. Sophia, Daniela, Manon, Megan, and Yoonchae quickly became my friends too. They still teased Lara about me, but now it was with knowing smiles and genuine affection. They saw how happy she was, and that was all that mattered to them.

One day, a few months later, Lara was back in LA for a major performance. I was there, backstage, watching her and the girls prepare. They were doing a soundcheck, their voices filling the arena, powerful and harmonious. I watched Lara, her movements precise, her voice clear and strong, and felt an immense surge of pride.

After the soundcheck, she came off stage, a towel draped over her shoulders, a wide smile on her face. She spotted me and immediately walked over, pulling me into a tight hug.

"You came!" she said, her voice a little breathless.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied, squeezing her back. "You girls sound incredible. You're going to blow them away tonight."

"Thanks," she said, pulling back slightly but still holding my hands. "It means a lot to have you here."

Just then, Megan walked by, giving us a playful wink. "Still can't believe you fell for the act that she did at the bar, Y/N."

Lara rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "Oh, hush, Megan! She knew all along."

I winked at Megan. "She tried her best and it worked out pretty well for me, didn't it?"

Lara laughed, a bright, joyful sound. She squeezed my hands. "It really did."

As the crowd started to fill the arena, and the time for their performance drew near, Lara had to go. She gave me one last quick hug.

"Wish me luck!" she whispered.

"You don't need it," I said, kissing her forehead. "You're going to be amazing."

I found my seat in the audience, watching as the lights dimmed and the roar of the crowd grew. When KATSEYE finally appeared on stage, bathed in spotlights, the energy was electric. Lara, along with Sophia, Daniela, Manon, Megan, and Yoonchae, commanded the stage with confidence and grace. Their performance was flawless, their passion undeniable.

As Lara sang, her voice soaring through the arena, I couldn't help but smile. It all started with a simple ID check, a playful tease, and a shared laugh at a beach party. Who would have thought that a little white lie about ordering a "strongest" drink would lead to this? To find someone so special, so talented, and so genuinely wonderful.

The night ended with thunderous applause, and I knew, watching Lara take her bows, that this was just the beginning for her. And for us. Our story was just starting, and I couldn't wait to see where it would take us, one non-alcoholic drink, one shared laugh, and one beautiful moment at a time. 

a/n: This one's longer huh? I actually started this first but I was struggling a bit on how to make this cuter and whether I'll make this a two-parter. As you can see, I already decided not to do it. I hope y'all love this! I'll try to start the other requests tonight or just take a break. Another 🥛request, completed!!

[thisismeracing]

Can you please do Mick dating Raikkönen!reader hsc, please?

sure <3 hope u like it, nonny!

Requests are now CLOSED.

MICK DATING A RAIKKÖNEN!READER | MS47

Warnings: mentions of food; tooth-rotting fluff; mentions of family members; not proofread.

▸ my masterlist | my taglist | patreon guide ▸ support my writing by reblogging, leaving a comment (don’t forget to follow me if you like the piece), or buying me a coffee

Raikkönen!reader just like her father is not in for silly jokes or small talk. She’s direct. If she doesn’t like you she’ll tell it to your face. The opposite is true as well - that’s how she told Mick she liked him after they hung out for a few months;

“I like you.” Short, simple, and direct. So direct that Mick wasn't sure if she meant she liked LIKED him or if she was being friendly, but since the latter was unlikely, he gathered up his courage and asked her on a date;

Though Michael and Mikki raced together, and Mick pretty much grew up inside the racing scene, the same was not reality for Yn. She did like racing, but when she was a kid Mikki and her mother chose to prioritize her privacy and her studies, that's how she wasn't friends with Mick. But once they met, it was a perfect match. Mick was shy at first, so that made him silent, and Yn just wasn't interested in talking. The silence was comfortable, though, and she saw herself walking near the bench he was sitting on and sharing a piece of her granola bar with him. Her dad had seen the friendship unfold, and he nicknamed them 'birds' because they would feed each other silently and then leave only to come up the next weekend with a sandwich, a granola bar, a candy, share in silence, and then leave again;

When Mick finally asked Yn on a date she told her dad and though he used to make fun he ended up feeling jealous - he even suggested that he could go too as if it was a friend meeting, not a date. Yn laughed at the situation, something she didn't do all the time, which made it even more special to those around her;

She sent Mikki a picture after the date. Their faces squished together on the screen of the phone. He could see Mick's arms around her shoulders, but her smile was so bright he couldn't help but feel happy for them;

He has dinner with the Schumachers the next month, minus Mick, of course. And they talk about the likelihood of their relationship becoming serious. They end up choosing to support them, Mikki being pretty sure that Yn wouldn't back down if he told her to, and the same with Mick;

Now, Mikki is a bit unsure of everything at first. He did see Mick grow up. He was friends with his family. But still, it was Yn! His little girl. That doubt went away a few months after they announced the seriousness of their relationship. Older Mick was a fun guy, nothing like the babbling kid nor the grumpy teenager he used to be. So the Schumacher and the older Raikkönen ended up realizing they had a lot in common;

After that, it's always "Where's Mick, Yn? Is Mick coming to the family vacation? Are the Schumis spending Christmas with us? Did you give him the book I handed you?" it's funny even;

Mick calls Yn by Raikki a short for her surname. Sometimes he calls her Rai or even Kiki, she hates the latter, though;

I feel like they would be super private. So much that it took almost a year or so for people to pierce the pieces together;

But being private didn't mean they weren't in love. That they were and the garage they attended quickly picked up from the way Mick would smile at her or how she would laugh around him;

Just black cat and golden retriever vibes, but Mick showed Yn her golden side too (the opposite too because Mick started to stand up for himself a tad more);

You know those couples where at least one has to be the person to tell the waiter they got the order wrong? Now imagine Yn is the one who does it while Mick is there like "I wouldn't mind eating raw meet :(" and Yn is like "I want another dish and I want dessert on the house," super serious while Mick is giving an apologetic look to the employee;

Yeah. hihi

[kkpaaw]

It's Time~

I told yall the next post by me about the au would be Kai's season 1 concept and i meant it!

So here we are!

This is what Kai is wearing all through pre-season 1 and season 1

So let's talk a bit about Kai and what important information you'll need to know about him for pre-season 1 and season 1

♤Kai♤

Kai is the main protagonist in this au. Since he is taking over MK's spot in the lmk story and Lore, that means pretty much everything MK went through Kai does as well

He's still the same brash prideful caring loser he's always been, that hasn't changed, but now he faces a new danger and new adventure that he never expected to go through. At least he's not alone, he has Jay and a bunch of new allies in his corner helping out!

Kai, like MK will be staying with Pigsy and working at his noodle shop in order to make money and keep his place of residence.

♤Backstory♤

Kai's backstory In this au is quite different. Those of you who have watched lmk know what I mean but for those who don't, when time comes for the information to be relevant you'll know.

But for the sake of pre-season 1 and season 1 it's not that relevant

For now, I'll be telling you the events that lead up to Kai getting stuck in the LMK realm...

_____

__________

A few months after the events of Crystallized concluded Kai was in his and Nya's family home, visiting their parents and helping out around the house. He was clearing though some of his old belongings when he came across a particular item.

It was a small golden bell

The bell was an item Kai had never seen before nor has any memory of getting it yet it seemed so..familiar.

Like eerily familiar.

Where had this come from? And why did it seem to call out to him??

"H-hey mom?" He called out, eyes still stuck In the bell in his hands.

"What is it Kai?" His mother's distance voiced called back.

"Can you... come here? I have something I want to show you!" He shouted.

"In a minute sweetie!" Kai hummed in response.

Kai found himself unable to look away from the bell. There wasn't anything unique about it. It was jsut a simple golden bell with a black strap and some tasles at the end, and yet, somrgung about it just screamed it being familiar

Something calling for him to ring it.

Kai isn't known for his good ideas so maybe that's why he ended up doing that exact thing.

The bells sound echoed through the room, the melody quiet yet loud, and once again something about it just insisted it was familiar.

At first nothing happened and Kai was about ready to shove aside such a feeling of nostalgia and out it away, but then...

The bell started to glow and vibrate rapidly.

"W-what the-?!" Kai yelped and dropped the bell. Instead of falling however it just overdue in place, the glowing and vibrating getting more intense.

Kai stood frozen as the bell got more and more intense. The glow becoming os bring it nearly blinded him. He tried to look away but the bell once again called his attention and he found himself looming into the glowing light as it grew brighter and brighter and then-

*POOF*

In one swift blink of light, both Kai and the Bell, were gone.

Only a few moments later did Maya appear I jthe doorway of his room looking confused as she searched for her son

"Kai? Sweetie? Where are you? I'm here to see what you wanted to show me?" She looked around the room In confusion

Did she mishear him? Mayne he was somewhere else?

She turned away and called out to Ray

"Ray?"

"Ya?"

"Did you see where Kai went?"

Neither her or Ray knew this yet but that would be the last time they see Kai for quite a while

_____

End!

Little story for you guys to give u an idea of how Kai ended up in the realm of lmk. I'll go into more detail about this as we go through the episodes so don't worry. This was more or less so u guys knew just HOW he got there

The next post you guys see about the au aside from any asks, will be Jay's concept Art for S1!. After him I got I think 2 more concepts for 2 other characters that I wanna use in this au! You'll see what I mean!

[kabr0ztrousers]

hiya it's🦋anon again can I request a fem reader x male vampire, while reader and the vampire have sex he ends up putting his fangs in her neck and he turns her into a vampire.

Today's been busy again so I'm letting this one jump the queue a little because it's a little shorter. After this I've still got about a week's backlog so if you've asked for anything please don't feel put out, it's coming (pun intended(yes even you, Clown Fucker))

Kabr0z Writes episode 40: Sanguinare Vampiris

Also entitled: You have contracted Hemolytic Porphyria

Find the rest of the Kabr0z Writes anthology here!

CWs: death (kinda); blood play; vampires; blood mention; this list expands if you're familiar with Vampire: the Masquerade to include ghoulification; intox; loss of agency/control; possessive/obsessive relationships;

A/N: I am again reminding you all, you can submit any requests, ideas, verbal abuse, et cetera in my asks and DMs, it will most likely get written.

Even that thing you're thinking of.

Especially that.

###################################

Winter time was a blessing. The sun setting so soon meant your lover was able to come around sooner, and didn't have to wake you in the small hours of the morning to escape the scorching rays. In summer you had to go to his Haven, waiting for dusk before he'd wake up, normally in the small hours in the morning, and only until dawn.

A knock came on your door. He couldn't enter without permission, apparently something to do with the specific kind of vampire he is? He was always pretty vague about it, apparently the less you knew the safer you were. Vampire society seemed pretty cutthroat, you weren't sure you wanted to know more about it.

You answered the door. Nobody was there, but you knew better "come in, then" you said to the empty street

He didn't appear, exactly, you more just realised he was stood there. The deep kiss drawing snapping his illusion as he pressed his body to yours, closing the door behind him.

He was cold, almost clammy, he could mimic being alive if he wanted to, the warmth, the breathing, the heartbeat, but it drained him when he did, so you didn't want him exerting himself if he didn't need to. You were with him because you liked him, not just for the sex. Although, the sex was damn good.

He smiled at you "You eaten yet?"

You shook your head and he pulled out his phone, dialling up a takeout "I'll get you something, my treat"

He ordered a Chinese, and you watched a movie as you ate, him just watching. Vampires can't stomach actual food. He tried when you were first dating, but it didn't stay down and wasn't pretty when it came back up.

So your night together drew on, him asking about your day, your work, your friends, then hanging on every word as you told him.

Being an immortal member of the living dead must get lonely.

The film wasn't very good, some action flick without any real plot or substance. You found yourself staring at him as he absentmindedly watched. He dressed casually, a button down and jeans, a nice watch, a pair of practical boots left by your door. He only became a vampire in the 90's, and he's looked like a 20-something ever since. It made it easier for you to explain to your friends, and the age gap didn't really bother you, even though he was turned before you were even born.

He noticed you watching him, eyeing his sharp jawline, his mouth twisted to a smile and he took a breath. You watched as colour flooded his face, the greyish pallor of his skin turning rosy, his eyes moistening and starting to blink. He kissed you again.

It was warm this time, his breath hot against your face. You touched his chest, feeling it rise and fall beneath your hand. You knew what it cost him to do this.

You rolled on top of him, pushing your hips against his, feeling his cock start to grow and harden. You opened your shirt and one of his hands slid around your waist. He bit the other, holding the wound to your lips. You sucked out a mouthful of his Vitae, feeling the strength and vigour it gave you blossom in your chest, making your skin flush and your pussy moisten.

You slipped off his lap onto the floor, unfastening his jeans and slipping his cock out, licking it up and down as it twitched under your attention, coating it with your spit.

Your pants were already on the floor next to you as you fingered yourself, keeping his cock in your mouth and two fingers in your cunt. The way he stroked your hair as you sucked his cock always just made you wetter and needier, your pussy already clenching around your fingers as you toyed with yourself, teasing out a small orgasm before the main event, just enough to quicken your heart.

His breath quickened as he watched you cum, the little noises escaping you making his cock twitch in your mouth but you knew he wouldn't cum too soon.

You pulled yourself back up to his lap, moving his hands to your tits as you lowered yourself onto his cock. He gasped as it slid into you, your spit only helping it into your soaking pussy. He squeezed and rubbed your breasts as you started to ride him. He always managed to hit the best spots inside you, making you whine and whimper with every roll of your hips. He cradled your face, turning you to look into his wine-dark eyes

"You love this" his voice was even, it made your head spin

"I love this" you echoed to him

"You love me" came his voice again, echoing through the corners of your mind

"I love you" you responded, the only things in the world were his eyes and his cock, each one driving you wild

"Cum"

You came. Still transfixed by him, your body jolted and squirmed as you squirted around the cock skewering you, still rolling and bucking your hips, wringing out every drop of pleasure he was giving you

"Again"

You screamed, your pussy clenching and squirting. Your body pulsing in sync with it, white knuckles gripping his shoulders as he pulled you in to him.

The bite was ecstasy. You came again as soon as his fangs pierced your skin, arms dropping to your sides and brain clouding. You felt your legs twitching and shivering. Your fingertips tingling.

Your head spun faster and faster as your breathing got faster and lighter.

The room got cold, and darker, maybe the power was on the fritz?

The sound of the TV was distant, quiet, as though heard from the next room

It's getting colder.

It's dark.

You can't feel your legs.

A kiss.

Your mind explodes. You spasm and twitch as every vein in your body fills with fire. You try to scream, pain searing through you. You can see. You can hear. You can smell.

You hear the sounds of your neighbours snoring, you can see everything in the room as though the lights were on, but the only light is the TV. You can smell... Blood. Yours, your neighbours', carried on the wind. You're so hungry.

He's stood there, licking his lip, sealing the wound.

You get up, strength coursing through you.

He smiles at you. "Welcome to the rest of your life. We can go over the formalities later. For now, let's get you someone to eat"

#################################

Postscript: Wow, that was another fun one to write! Massive thanks to the folks at White Wolf/Onyx Path for the Vampire: the Masquerade system which I couched this in.

If you can correctly identify the clan Vamp!BF belongs to, you get your request fast-tracked, contest closes when the first winner's story is published! Guess early, guess often, send me your requests!

[holdmytesseract]

moodboard by @chennqingg | divider by @fictive-sl0th

Biker!Daryl Dixon x fem!Reader | No Outbreak AU

Warnings for this Chapter: none really, bit angst? swear words? Negan's humor

Word Count: 1,4k

a/n: This chapter is a weird mix of sadness and fun. I'm sorry. I couldn't stop myself from giving Negan a little cameo. 🫣 Also, I hope you don't mind the lengths of the chapters. Some are quite long, others quite short.

《 M a s t e r l i s t 》

《 Chapter Two 》 《 Chapter Four 》

Chapter Three...

... in which you leave your one-night-stand behind but consider the truth behind love at first sight.

Early in the morning - the sun had just started to rise, you were already out of the not really comfortable bed and got dressed; ready to leave. Daryl was still sleeping; both hands buried underneath the pillow as he was laying on his stomach. His broad back on full display. The tattoo on his right shoulder blade illuminated by the first rays of the morning sun. The countless scars on his back left you shocked and speechless - but not necessarily in a bad way. You realised that his past most likely hadn't been easy and you felt sorry for him. You didn't dare to ask him about it, though; not wanting to reopen old wounds or make him feel uncomfortable.

Catching yourself staring once again, you quickly blinked and slipped inside your jeans and boots. Then you stepped over to the bed in order to wake up your one-night-stand. Actually, you didn't want to rip him so rudely out of his slumber, but you couldn't just leave either, could you?

"Daryl," you whisper-yelled; gently tapping his back. The man was a light sleeper as you noticed and woke up instantly.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you, I just... I should get going now. My, uh, my sister is most likely worried sick, so..." Daryl rubbed his eyes and ran a hand through his messy curls, as he nodded. "Yeah, 'course," the biker said, turned and sat up, causing the duvet to drop dangerously low - something you found hard to ignore. Good thing you had to leave.

"I hope you'll find Billings this time. Have fun on the rest of your road trip. Thank you for the great evening and the even better night."

Daryl gave you a soft smile; shaking his head. "Nah. Gotta thank you fer the quite pleasurable stay 'ere in Miles City." You reciprocated his smile. "Glad it was."

A moment of awkward silence passed, before you went to grab your things and headed for the door. Your hand was already on the handle; ready to push it down, when you stopped and turned to face the man again. Nervousness and uncertainty was suddenly flooding your veins; contemplating if you should dare to ask what was on your mind. You weren't good at this and you certainly didn't have much one-night-stands in your life...

"Can I... Get your number?"

Daryl moved to sit on the edge of the bed; giving you an almost apologetic smile. "Sorry, cowgirl. Ain't doin' stuff like that."

You felt stupid all of a sudden. Of course he didn't. It was just one night. Just a little fling.

"Right, sure. Sorry," you nodded; faking a smile to hide your embarrassment. "I hope you find your way then." The biker chewed on his bottom lip for a moment; eyes locked on yours. "Yeah, thanks. You too."

With a last smile and appreciating nod, you walked out of the door - and his life.

After a much needed shower, Daryl got dressed in a fresh pair of jeans and a loose black sweatshirt. Before he left the slightly shabby room, the biker grabbed his baseball cap and sunglasses; feeling the need to hide the bags underneath his eyes. Well... Sleep wasn't exactly what he got last night... Then he headed for the motel's breakfast buffet, getting himself a cup of coffee, some scrambled eggs and bacon - or well... What was left of it.

The dining area was almost empty. Daryl assumed that the lot of his friends were already finished with breakfast and were packing their things now. The only familiar face he spotted was Negan.

With a grunt, he joined his fellow motorcycle enthusiast, sitting on the table across from him. Negan lifted his head to look at him; an immediate smirk stretching over his face. "Long night?" The man in leather jacket asked; taking a sip of his coffee. "Sorta." Answered Daryl and took a bite of his bacon. "Thought so. Saw you leaving for a smoke yesterday night, but you never returned. Found some good company, eh?" Daryl just grunted in response; sipping on his coffee as well.

Negan took that as a yes.

He leaned back in his chair; grinning. "Was it the black haired lady, who constantly gave you heart eyes from the bar?" The biker shook his head while chewing his food; already slightly annoyed by Negan's questioning. "Then the blonde one who tried to get you to dance?" "Nah," he grumbled underneath his breath. "Alright, alright, hang on for a second..." Negan raised his hand to his chin; scratching his black, greyish beard in a thinking manner. "Was it..." His eyes widened. "No... Or was it? The cute farmer's daughter? In those pretty cowgirl clothes?"

Daryl's almost embarrassed silence was enough answer for his friend. "Hot diggety dog! You really banged the sexy chick? Damn, you lucky bastard!" Negan leaned back in his chair; sighing dramatically. "Not gonna lie, I already thought about makin' a move on her, 'cause she really tickled my balls, y'know that feeling?" He sighed once again; now shaking his head. "And here I was, laying in bed alone with my hand doing all the dirty work; thinking Y/N just left with her sister, yet in truth she was just down the hallway tickling your balls..."

Daryl just kept on munching on his scrambled eggs and bacon; saying not a single word, just subtly rolling his eyes.

Negan leaned over the table then; grinning. "Was she as good as she looked?" "Shuddup," was everything Daryl said before he stood up; finished with breakfast and finally having heard enough. "Oh come on, man. Don't be such a party pooper!" The group leader ignored his comrade and walked away; discarding the empty plate and mug on his way.

After Daryl had packed his things as well and was now getting his bike ready, he saw another one of his biker friends approaching him in the corner of his eyes... Carol.

"You look horrible," was all she said after taking in his appearance; leaning against her own motorcycle. Daryl lifted his gaze at the woman; sunglasses sitting on his head. "Geez, thanks. Good mornin' to ya 's well." She shrugged her shoulders, "Just being honest, pookie." smiling. "Long night, huh?" The biker groaned internally. Why was everybody nagging him about this? "Mhm." Carol laughed. "Well, you're not in your twenties anymore..." Daryl just scoffed at her words; putting the gas can aside and wiping his hands on the red rug dangling from his back pocket.

"I saw her leaving your room this morning..." The man stopped in his movements for a moment; processing Carol's words. "Yeah, so?" He answered nonchalantly; slipping his sunglasses back over his eyes. Carol watched him thoroughly; stayed silent for a moment.

"You like her?" Daryl scoffed; mounting his bike. "Tha' was jus' a one time thing," he stated and whistled at the others that they were finally ready for take off, before he exchanged his baseball cap with the black helmet.

Carol took a deep breath; putting on her helmet as well and getting on her bike, too. "You sure about that, pookie? You two seemed very close yesterday evening." Daryl shook his head; starting the engine. "Nah. It was jus' some fun. Nothin' more. Girl's gonna forget 'bout tha' in no time."

Well...

You didn't.

Not a day later, not even a week later. For you, this short, pleasurable encounter had changed everything. You would've laughed in everybody's face, who told you that love at first sight existed. Not anymore...

You sighed and continued to tend to Arrow; combing his back absent-mindedly.

"You still thinking about that guy?" The voice of your sister urged to your ears; startling you quite a bit. "I-I, what? No." Tess narrowed her eyes; studying your face intensely. "Bullshit. You do," she scoffed; crossing her arms over her chest. "You should stop it, Y/N. Don't you realise? You were a one time thing - a little fling, nothing more. You'll never see that guy again. He played you, sis," Tess pointed out as she passed you by. "You should focus on work here... and your goal to study agricultural economics." You wanted to speak up and say something, but Tess immediately cut you off. "I know you're a grown woman and that you can make your own life decisions, but I'm still your big sister. I promised to look out for you. Mourning after some hill-billy biker won't get you anywhere - but getting that university place will." With those words, Tess left the stables again; leaving you alone with Arrow - and your raging thoughts.

Tags: @dixons-sunshine @angelwings-crossbowstrings @bigbaldheadname @making-the-most-0f-it @imadisneyprincessiswear @loz-3 @fictive-sl0th @erebus-et-eigengrau @belitoxx @coleigh-1205-blog @chaoticevilbakugo @lou12346789 @marvelcasey05 @whore4romance @stitchintimefan @0-aubrie0 @sweetz1919 @mikaela-granger @secretsicanthideanymore @dilfdixon @txtttttttttttttt @cakesandtom @mayday2007

If you want to be added or removed from the LITRM taglist, please let me know!

[pinkyqily]

Summary: Your football season doesn't end the way you want but the ray of sunshine of a girlfriend you have makes sure to tell you otherwise.

Warning: nun just cute fluff, Lolo being an understanding and amazing gf, short fic, Angst at the beginning.

KYI'S RADIO: By popular demand here is the Lauren fic as always my apologies for posting this late not very authorish of me, happy reading readers and as always feedbacks are appreciated love y'all down bad 😛💕

𐑺 Lauren betts m.s 𐑺

You were hurt by this lost, first game of the season everything already going the wrong way for you and your teammates.

From start to finish, you just felt a wave of nausea as the game started, getting a feeling that it wouldn't end well.

And it didn't end well at all.

Defense being in shambles, leading to the other teams' attackers being able to mark target shot on goal, you not being able to block them, your teams strikers not being to get anywhere close to getting shot everything felt like it falling down slow motion wise.

Yelling wasn't going to do much so you tired your best but it wasn't enough to secure the first season win.

The locker room vibes weren't it. No one said a single word and just kept to themselves. All you wanted to do was just shrink.

As a gk, it was your job to block all those goals, but you couldn't. You had no energy left to drive and so you ordered a Uber to take you home.

You couldn't stand the judgemental look you kept getting, all that stress made you forget about how your girlfriend was visiting you so you where quite surprised to see her once you entered your apartment but felt a sense of comfort.

You couldn't hold in your tears any longer and just broke down crying on spot. she came closer to you and held wrapped her arms around you. as you sob your pain away

"Hey, it's okay. It's just the first game of the season you don't need to stress yourself out on it". Even though what she said was true tears just kept falling down your dark chocolate like skin.

You could only a get few words out through your crying.

"I know, but it just feels like everyone is super disappointed in me."

"Your feelings are justified but I don't think they are most of them are just gonna be mad at there own performance". She told you

"You're probably thinking I don't get you but I do, there's gonna be times like this in our career where all it feels like is we're disappointing so many people but everything is gonna be okay".

You where finally able to calm down a little bit after what lo said.

"Your big head always knows the right thing to say huh". You spoke looking up at her with a smile on your face she always knew what to say making you feel better.

You both stayed that way for a while until you had to go change into something more comfy. You both had made way to your bed looking sofa.

Lauren made sure to listen to you rant about the game without interrupting you, only spoke when she needed to cause her presence being there for you meant more than anything to you in that moment.

She brushed your braids out of your face and helped you put your bonnet on seeing that they were covering all over your face. The both of you feel deep into sleep with you laying on top of lauren having each other's legs wrapped around each other.

Just like music, Lauren was like the rhythm to it always finding a way back no matter the circumstances.

[0oolookitsme]

But Baby, It's Cold Outside

Type - One-Shoty Blurb!

Verse - Singer!Harry x Ceo!Y/n

Word Count - 1.2k

Warnings - None, just some tooth rotting fluff ;)

A/N - Y/n blushes so hard in this one I was legit smiling while writing the ending lmao. Hope you guys like it just as much! <3

MASTERLIST | Please rb to share!

Y/n was on her knees on the carpeted floor, her hands stacking things up on the Christmas mantel that she had been set on decorating since she'd opened her eyes this morning. Her knees hurt because of the hardwood floor, but it was better than having to bend down while standing up, nevertheless.

They were surprisingly late to decorate for Christmas this year because of their prolonged stay over at Anne's for a while. After all, Anne wanted the see her daughter-in-law who was pregnant with her grandson or granddaughter -- and Y/n was starting to feel more and more deprived of a mother's love by each day, making Harry take her to Anne.

She had put Harry to work currently with fluffing up the Christmas tree's leaves, and to decorate it with the string lights they'd bought just the day before. He was crouching just about beside her, facing her with the tall tree standing between them.

"I swear, this tree has got me working the hardest I ever have," Harry joked, wiping the sheen layer of sweat on his face. He chuckled when Y/n shook her head, laughing at him and not at his joke -- but he didn't need to know that. "So dramatic," he heard her murmur under her breath, knowing that she meant for him to hear it.

"I'm the one who's dramatic?" He questioned her with a touch of accusation to it. "You're the one who's been up my arse this whole month with 'let's do this, let's do that'!" Mimicking her, Harry smacked his hand on the tree and hissed in pain when a thorn pricked his finger.

A smirk appeared on Y/n's face as she continued to mess with the order of stuff she'd stacked up on the mantel. Shrugging, she said, "that's what you get for teasing me."

Herry scoffed instead of saying anything and went back to fluffing up the tallest bit of the tree. His armpits were moist with his sweat but he wouldn't even dare to think about putting out the crackling-fire in the fireplace. He might be a naturally warm body, but Y/n definitely wasn't.

Whether it was summer, or winter -- her body was never found to be hot. Hell, even when she took off her fuzzy socks last night her feet were freezing cold. And, with the baby growing in her body, Harry wouldn't even let Y/n remove the thin blanket he had wrapped around her frame when he woke up at the first ray of sunshine and realized that it had started snowing.

"H? Will you please bring me those mini-Christmas trees?" Y/n asked him, turning to give him some puppy-eyes but caught him watching the snowflakes on the windowpane instead. Tilting her head and joining him in looking outside, her lips stretched in a smile.

The snow fell soundlessly, drifting down like white and fluffy cold crystals. It brought an essence of magic in the world, falling softly into blankets that cover the landscape. 

"...'course," she heard him mumble, and turned just in time to catch the smile he passed her with a glint in his eyes that she'd come to recognize as admiration. Though she wasn't sure if what he was admiring then was the snow, her, or the 7-month baby bump.

In the time that Harry went to pick up the set of trees from the kitchen island, Y/n dropped the blanket from her shoulders, feeling too hot suddenly. The room had grown too warm for her current liking, and as she sat down cross-legged on the floor to give her knees some rest, she wished for Harry to be back by her side.

She slipped back on her bottom until her aching back hit the leg of the sofa and rested there. Patting the spot next to her, she invited Harry to sit beside her and whined internally when he passed her a knowing look and brought back the blanket with him. "Open the window if you're going to make me wear that blanket again," she told him pointedly, passing him a smile to tell him she didn't mean that behaviour seriously.

"But baby," Harry looked at her with a desperate look on his face. "It's cold outside!" he told her, wanting to open the window himself but he simply denied to because he couldn't have Y/n catch a cold. He sat down, spreading his legs and crossing them at the ankles.

He draped the blanket over both of their legs, making sure her bump is also covered. Leaning in, he pressed his lips on her pouted ones, smiling in the midst when she wouldn't back away.

Y/n reached for one of the kid's books that she'd been reading to learn some stories she could tell her little bundle of love when they were old enough to whine to her for just one more story. With some trouble, she caught the book on the sofa behind her and opened it, keeping it tilted just in case Harry wanted to join her.

But Harry was rather busy idly playing with her free hand, and as she continued to read, she felt him raise her hand up and press a kiss into her palm. Her cheeks, that were already rosy because of the cold, had now turned a shade of raging red and Harry couldn't help but cackle at that.

Y/n slapped his arm, an embarrassed smile dressed on her lips. "Stop it," she hissed, unable from removing the bashful smile on her mouth when Harry kisses the back of her hand the other time around. She turned her face away so that he couldn't see the cherry-red tint on her face, her mouth trembling because of the shy-giggle she was working hard to keep in.

Harry loved seeing the smallest gestures affect her in ways that she couldn't even control. Sputters of laughter kept falling from his mouth and when she didn't turn to face him after some while, he couldn't help but grab her chin and make her look at him.

Although she had shut her eyes tightly, the apple of her cheeks still suffused with a shade of pink that he decided was his favourite from now on. "C'mon!" He laughed when she wouldn't open her eyes.

He had only started getting such exquisite reactions out of her since he put a baby in her, and God, he would put another one in there if she would keep making him lose his mind like this.

Suddenly, a yelp flew out of his mouth, and he flinched away when she pressed her icy foot flat on his calf.

"Oh my god," he laughed with a surprised expression on his feet. "Baby, how the fuck are you so cold, still?" He shouted with laughter, his heart bursting with love when she started laughing profusely with her head thrown back. He, somewhere in the midst of it all, had stopped laughing, gazing at her instead.

But when Y/n didn't hear him laughing along with her, she opened her eyes only to find him looking at her as if she'd had hung stars in the room for him; and Harry swore her eyes were genuinely glittering and shimmering with something he was sure the poets would call love.

[hypnzo]

Hii i love your writing so much the fluff is SO fluffing x3 I was thinking to request Leo Valdez with a shy/closed off Demeter kid, gender neutral if possible? It can be headcanons or scenario, just really wanna see how Leo would be with their green thumb partner

I don't see a lot of appreciation for Demeter children and it would be cool to see how you write it!! :D

Could I weave my heart with yours? : “Silly, it always has been yours.”

Leo Valdez x Demeter Cabin!Reader

Warning!! : English is not my first language and I apologize in advance if there is any mischaracterization.

(hello!! Thank you so much for your kind wordss!! It really means a lot to me)

Flowers were your specialities. You adore their bloom of colors, especially when they'd intertwine with one another whenever you weave them into flower crowns.

Some might argue that your works could sell but you begged to differ. It was only a hobby and you've ensured it within yourself that your works weren't that beautiful to even be sold in the first place!

After all, it was just a little hobby you've picked up from childhood, although you'd be lying if you said you weren't exactly reminiscing back to the feeling where you managed to craft your very own flower crown for the first time.

As your fingers sway through your craft, you notice your thoughts drifting to your boyfriend, Leo Valdez, the man who you've been so shy around for years surprisingly felt the same.

However while you were picking out some flowers, you noticed your sneaking smile and got lost in thoughts. While you were browsing through the garden, you noticed a pattern when you looked back in your basket.

You swore it wasn't on purpose when you plucked out flowers that were mostly orange colored, ending up with only little white colors to work with to balance out its hue.

Despite the irony, you continued your craft, pacing through its petals while you watched the sunset's soft rays highlight the vibrant colors of the flowers.

“Babe?” those very familiar tones rang through your ears and you felt a quick panic to suddenly hide the flowers.

“Woah, woah, no need to panic!” he waved both of his hands suddenly in order to reassure your embarrassment as he immediately sat beside you. “Come on, what's up? Is that one of your flower crowns again?”

You bit your lip, not looking his way. Instead, you glanced at the flowers, the lingering smell of roses and amaryllis was hinted—you tried to distract yourself from the embarrassment knowing he saw you crafting a flower crown that you were meaning to give him after.

Not that he was aware it was for him, but it was still embarrassing regardless. Unfortunately for you, he didn't leave and instead placed his calloused hands in yours.

“Are you embarrassed?” he chuckled lightly while he rubbed circles on your knuckle, using the very same technique he always does to soothe your nerves.

“No.” you huffed out a lie, but you both knew you weren't fooling one another. He pressed a kiss to your temple so suddenly which left an indescribable warmth in your heart.

You decided to sigh and let go of yourself fully, trusting your entire being onto his hold and arms.

“What were you making, cariño?” (sweetheart)

“You already know what I was making.”

“Oops, sorry darling.”

...

The silence was gentle. It was comfortably still and peaceful while you felt the same sensation of his hands tracing random patterns along your arms.

“Leo?”

“What's the magic word?” he asked, not landing his gaze on yours despite his obvious difficulty with resisting to do so but kept the game on unless you mutter out those words he wanted to hear you say.

He couldn't help the grin that was sneaking on his face while he waited for your voice to ring through.

“Seriously, Leo?” you smiled, raising a brow at him, yet he only looked away which meant he was semi-serious about this.

With a sigh, you called out, “My love?” though you couldn't resist the smile.

“Yes, mi amor?” he grinned immediately that he almost tackled you to the ground.

You rolled your eyes but didn't bother hiding your smile from him. Gently, you held his face in your hand, pressing a soft kiss on his lips.

In return, he pulled you close while he smiled through the lingering kiss before you pulled away, stopping him from kissing you once more which made him whine lightly.

Hours flew by yet it only felt like minutes for the two of you. When intertwined in each other's arms, it's rather hard to be conscious about the time ticking around especially when his warmth enveloped you just right.

“Hm, babe,” he murmured against your shoulder while he observed the flower crown you were fixing.

“Yeah?”

“What does that one symbolize?” he blinked, leaning his head weight on your shoulder as you felt soft pecks pressing against the back of your skin.

“Orange roses? Hm.. Well usually,” you guided your hands along its petals before you continued, “it's used to represent the happiness someone puts in your life and how much they mean to you.”

“How about the white.. one?”

“The amaryllis?”

“Yeah. Does its color mean anything?”

“..Yeah, but I only used white specifically so that it could balance out the vibrancy of the orange roses.”

He nodded, pressing soft kisses on your shoulders and up to your neck at very random times while he listens to you ramble about your flower knowledge with a smitten look in his face.

“What does amaryllis mean, amor?”

“Its meaning changes depending on the source, but usually it's meant to indicate worth beyond physical beauty.”

Leo listened carefully to each word like a lovesick idiot. Perhaps he was so distracted by you that he didn't even realize that those flowers were meant to symbolize at least half of your feelings towards him, if not fully.

“Leo, you listened to my words, right?”

“Loud and clear, yes I did.”

You couldn't help but laugh which made him raise a brow, “what's so funny?” he blinked in confusion yet his smile was still intact.

“Here.” you say, giving him the flower crown you finally finished just in time for this moment. His reaction was all you needed and was everything you expected.

He blinked at you for a while as he tried to process the gift. “I don't get it.” he says, feeling a little embarrassed himself.

“It's a gift, Leo. For you.”

“No, no, of course I know that, my love!” he chuckled lightly, pulling you close for another hug.

He murmured his words against the corner of your lips, “I meant, do these flowers symbolize anything to me?”

“You're asking that now?”

“...Soooo, yes?”

“Yes.” you chuckled out of amusement with his sudden bewilderment. “What? Do you not like it?” you put on a mock-frown.

“You're silly. You know I love it!”

Despite his reaction, you couldn't help but feel self-conscious and shy about your gift, you were sure that Leo wasn't much of a person that was into these kinds of stuff.

You thought, maybe he was just faking his reaction? You were probably overthinking it and you didn't realize your frown on your face and the long zone out you just had not until Leo's voice cut through your focus.

“What's with the long face, mi amor?” he titled your chin to face him slightly, hoping to avert your focus onto him. “It's beautiful! Say, do you mind doing the honor of wearing it on my head?” he grinned while he waited for your hands to grab the flower crown.

“...” you let out a small smile, feeling your nerves starting to soothe under his comfort that was like a balm on a wound, as you crowned him with your embroidered work.

“Well? How do I look?”

“Handsome. Very handsome.” you say as you cupped his face which made him giggle but softened up his walls.

“You're just saying that.”

Without much hesitation you assured him greatly of your love as you pinched him lightly on the cheek and kissed him on the nose.

“Liar. The flower itself symbolizes it otherwise.” you smiled against his lips to which he suddenly stole a kiss from you as he captured your lips in his.

Have a request? Feel free to send one in!

[marshmallowprotection]

I wanna give Ray a nice hand massage his palms and fingers and wrists are not doing so well with the hacking he needs it!!!

"Tell me if it hurts."

As you continued to smooth out circles into Ray's trembling palm, you weren't surprised by his occasional wince. He really didn't want to worry you, but that was why he had stumbled into this mess to start with! He bit his tongue when he needed to rest and pushed himself to do more and more when he needed a break more than anything else.

You had no idea he was pushing his hands above and beyond his limit, and for that part, it was no wonder why he struggled to type even though he yanked his gloves on tighter and tighter to keep his fingers rigid. He never let his hands relax. They were always tense... and they would remain that way as long as he continued to work as hard as he was.

Sure, you understood that he couldn't slow him even if he wanted to because of his Savior's orders, but there had to be a limit somewhere. It wasn't effective to work him into the ground until he couldn't do the next task! He was the only one who could handle his job, and if such a day ever came when he couldn't use his fingers anymore, this cursed place would come to a shrieking halt.

Which, frankly, wouldn't have been a bad thing because this wasn't by no means a paradise for anyone! But, with the Savior at the helm, Ray and everyone around him were nothing more than puppets who had to act until their ropes snapped.

You applied more pressure to his palm and carefully lifted your head to watch for his reaction. He didn't yank his digits away, but you knew from the way his eyes trembled that this was difficult for him. There'd been no warning, no explanation, and no guide to tell him how to use his hands without overextending them. He didn't even know he could stretch and massage his hands to help the pain!

"Ray," you tried again. "Does it hurt?"

"N-No," he muttered, wiggling his fingers to test their range of motion as you continued to massage the small space between his palm and thumb. "It aches... but not in a bad way. It feels no different than the pain I get when I spend all day walking and then sit down... I can feel it. I can feel my pulse."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No. It feels better because now I know my pulse bends to your gentle hands. If I knew my disgusting hands wouldn't scare you... I might've asked for this sooner."

"Oh, Ray," you cupped his cheek with your free hand and smiled as gently as you could manage. "Your hands are not disgusting. I don't mind holding them because they make me happy. I hope I can ease your pain soon."

"Being with you soothes my pain."

[b4tteryaciid]

Ghost with glasses, anybody?

(I got glasses and contacts so I had to force Ghost to aswell.)

Sunday, January 26, 20XX, 6:00 AM

The shitty alarm clock never got old, screaming at an ungodly hour and waking Ghost up. Light was barely seeping in through the window and painting the floor with thin golden rays. He was still exhausted. The team was sent on a long three day mission and got back to base at about 1900 (7 PM). Everyone was pooped and beelined to their respective rooms to sleep.

Ghost groaned dramatically and stretched out like a startfish, banging his knuckles on the wall with a hiss. He rubbed his eyes, smearing around the leftover grease paint he was too lazy to take off and stood up, cracking his hips and knees in the process. He blinked the sleep away and slowly headed for the bathroom. He looked like shit but his face would be covered with a balaclava anyways. He splashed some icy tap water onto his face with a shiver and reached for the small white and green contacts case on the counter.

He slowly unscrewed it with a yawn and poked into the right compartment, scooping up the tiny lense. Huh that's weird. It feels funny. He squinted down at it and his heart dropped. It wad ripped. Goddammit. It his exhaustion the night before he must've ripped it while manhandling it into the case. Fuck. That would mean he would have to wear his glasses. He groaned loudly and slammed his hands on the counter. Swatting the case with the ripped lense away before ambling over to the busted brown cabinet above the toilet.

He poked around to see it he had any other lenses of if he'd have to ask Price to order more. Nope. None. Only a bottle or two of contact solution. He slammed the door shut and weighed his options. He didn't necessarily need his contacts to see. His prescription wasn't that strong, he just couldn't see from far away. It wouldn't kill him or endanger others. Okay, we'll, maybe. He was training recruits that morning so it wasn't like they'd be in an active battle zone. Price would chew him out if he willingly went out with imapred vision though. But it was just training though, could it be that big of a deal?

He opted to text Price and ask instead.

Ghost: My contact ripped. Order me more when you get a minute?

Price: Of course.

Ghost: Thank you.

Ghost: Am I authorized to not wear my glasses? We're training recruits today.

Price: No.

Ghost: Why?

Price: I cannot villingly let a visually impaired soldier around live ammunition.

Go figure. Just what he expected.

Price: It won't kill you to wear them for one day. Medical will have your new contacts in by about 1100 tomorrow.

Ghost huffed and tossed him phone down onto his bed. Whatever. Realization dawned as he realized he wouldn't be able to wear his hardshell mask and would have to wear a soft one. He dragged his feet getting dressed and begrudgingly put on his glasses, mumbling a string of curses as he did so.

---

He was sitting in one of the corner booths in the mess. Eating something squishy and bland, he didn't dare think about what it was. Atleast he had his tea. After a little bit of haggling with Price, he agreed to let Ghost take the day off and train the recruits himself. Ghost was now in dept to Price, or so he claimed, but he knew Price wouldn't act on it. He successfully avoided everyone, except one cook who didn't seem to pay him any mind as she was busy with three other things at once. The day was looking good. No human interaction whatsoever. He would retreat back to his room and read a book or occupy himself with something else.

Famous last words.

The loud giggles and chatter of Soap and Gaz filled his ears. He groaned and squeezed his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose. He prayed they wouldn't notice him.

"Ghost!"

'Can't have shit can I?' He thought. He sighed reluctantly and looked up, meeting the eyes of the Scott. He was bouncing with energy. How he had a pocket full of sunshine at 9 AM Ghost would never know. They both stopped in ther tracks, Gaz shooting him a puzzled look that slowly morphed into a poorly disguised smirk. Soap had a goofy grin on his face, he opened his mouth to say something before Ghost interrupted.

"Not a word." He growled, pointing the fork at the both of them.

"Nice spectacles Ghost," Soap giggled, sliding into the booth next to him. Soap and Gaz shared a look over the table and burst into hysterics. Soap was crying he was laughing so hard and Gaz was trying his best not to wheeze.

"I'll skin you both," he grumbled with a hint of amusement. They would never let him live this down. They'd never leave him alone. 'This is gonna be a long day', he thought.

[inejinn]

Gender neutral reader, Cassandra Cain, up to interpretation relationship, fluff

Pebbles

Or: Reader offers a little something to Cass: a gentle memory and a small gift

hello, hello, this fic is inspired by this post from @deadrobinthoughts ! It was such a sweet concept, I just couldn't not write something with it

They're a fantastic writer and allowed me to publish something inspired by this prompt of theirs (thanks you so much!) , so here it is : my second fic ever

It's basically a less well written version of it haha, but not the exact same scenario!

There was no wind to catch onto your hair, no tussle either of your hair or of people around.

The only movement was the one of your steps as you walked.

Life was currently being kind.

A glimmer on the ground caught your eye.

Hoping for it to be a dime, you bent down, retrieved it, stood back up.

It wasn't one. Yet your surprise wasn't a disappointed one.

You had, somehow, managed to find a pretty rock in an alley where crows had made their nests.

Maybe they had left it there for you? You doubted that. Crows shying away from shiny clutter was unlikely.

Maybe one had just dropped it, then?

That was unlikely, too. The movement would have caught the attention of Cass and she'd have stuck to your side, then.

She hadn't. She was turned toward you, but with enough distance between you two for you to deem everything was as safe as it could be. She had her head slightly cocked to the side, waiting for you.

"I found something", you explained, deciding to just settle on the explanation that luck had just decided to smile at you today.

That something was something you found pretty. Pretty interesting, as well. And so, you wanted to show it to her.

"Here, it's for you", you smiled at her, bringing your cupped hands forwards. You wanted to gift it to her, this time, if she accepted it.

Curiosity filled her frame, and she let it.

Really, she was half expecting you to be holding some bug you deemed pretty. But, as it turned out, it wasn't one. That was.. A rock.

This time, when she cocked her head to the side, it was a little further : a straight up question.

With a chuckle, you took her hand and placed the small rock inside it.

"It kinda matches your eyes", you stated.

And it did, the way it shined reminiscing you of the glimmer in her eyes whenever you managed to make her laugh.

Though she was still looking the slightest bit dubious, you saw the way the corner of her lips raised up.

Wordlessly, she stepped away from you, bending down swiftly before joining your side again.

When she drew closer to you, a not so suppressed beam started adorning your face. (You might have tried to wait until she was closer to show your excitement, but you were ultimately failing. She didn't mind.)

The leaf in between her fingers kind of matched the color of your scarf. Just like you had earlier, she placed it in your hands.

Looking back up, her lips were still turned towards the sky.

You smiled back at her, closing your fingers carefully in order to safely hold her present.

You'd keep them like this forever, if you could.

Instead, you preciously kept your hold on the leaf, deciding to until you could find a place to, well, place it in.

When she looked away from you, she started walking again. You scrambled to follow her, though there was no doubt she wasn't looking to flee you, soft smile still present, in, someway, the embrace of your palms.

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

Your pebble ends up leaving the palm of her hand. Instead, it ends up nestled in a corner of her room. Sometimes, on sunny days (as rare as they can get), they catch on the light rays.

Sometimes , she thinks they reflect back right into the left corner of her chest, in those moments.

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

You kept the leaf as if it's a piece of paper, one with words written on it that you'd want to keep.

To you, it is.

She finds that out some days later (11, exactly: that's how long it took for her to find what she's currently in your room for).

When she opens your window, she's quick to notice it. It's resting on top of a book, one you had probably used to dry and flatten it. It probably wouldn't fly away if wind was to enter your room, you had clearly being strategic in its positioning.

Still, when you entered your room later on, a small rock was safely pinning it down. It was pretty much the shade of your eyes.

I'm scared to count how many time I used the word 'smile'

Also! I tried to alternate the povs of Reader and Cass but I honestly don't think it's very noticeable until you're, well, me, so ..welp

I had so much fun with this fic, I honestly want to write a continuation of it, but at the same time: I'm scared I made it too peaceful or wrote Cass too ooc? So sorry if that's the case, please don't hesitate to give me tips

[dairyfreenugget]

NEW OC NEW OC NEW OC

Their name is Ray :3 long ass info about them under read more

They were a commoner immigrant to Hallownest, where they met a noble and eventually got married to him. On his request they left their job, as his family and friends would think he couldn't provide for them both had they stayed employed. They got anything material they could ever want, but the marriage itself wasn't a great one. Their husband was smart and generous, but thought very little of Ray; in his eyes they were naive and stupid, and only there to be his arm candy. A pretty face he enjoyed having around and having sex with but didn't take them seriously.

Ray had very few dreams in life. They were a simple person, though not in a bad way. They've always dreamed of getting married and starting a big family, being a parent is what they've longed for since their young adulthood. They were a bookworm, enjoying all kind of genera but fantasy, adventure, horror and mystery books were always their favourite. They thought about writing their own book one day plenty of times. That's all they've really wanted from life; a loving spouse, a big family, and to enjoy their hobbies on the side.

Their husband, though, wasn't interested in any of it. He belittled their writing and interest in books. He knew Ray wanted a family, but as his older siblings already had children of their own he had no pressure from the family to continue the lineage and neither did he had any interest in being a father, but he had no qualms about leading Ray on and promising them children he was never willing to give them. When that truth came out it was one of the many, many reasons why Ray finally decided to leave him.

After the breakup they took up their old job as a butcher to make ends meet and slowly saved up for a divorce. Eventually they spotted a job offering as a butcher at the White Palace and immediately applied, and to their delight they got the job. The higher pay finally allowed them to get enough money to divorce their ex and afterwards they moved to a better apartment; to make the divorce faster and less of a hassle they let their ex have everything he wanted, they just wanted to get away from him and were more than content in their simple life.

Ray was 38-39 at the time of the divorce, and found getting back into the dating scene very hard. They tried to date new people for a long while but it never worked out and they all but gave up their dream of a family by the time they were in their 40s. Even if they got married right now and had children immediately they would be about 60 by the time their kids were adults, they wouldn't have a lot of time with them left. Ray cussed themself out for letting their bastard of an ex waste nearly two decades of their life.

They'd continue to work at the palace for a few years, they found the job rewarding and made plenty of friends with the staff, though they were especially close with two of their fellow butchers.

(Brief mention of cannibalism in the following paragraph)

One day, the kitchen staff got a special order from the king; he wanted the meat of wyrms that he killed during their attempted takeover of Hallownest to be prepared for food. Many of the staff were weirded out by it and thankfully the king understood and let whoever wanted to to step away from this task. Ray was one of the few butchers that decided to take up his request. The Pale King also showed up on that day to help the kitchen staff, and showed the butchers how to prepare the wyrm meat. It felt a bit disturbing working on something that looked so human, even when they knew it was not. Ray, however, found themself weirdly intrigued and listened to the king intently as he taught them and was even kind enough to answer some of their questions about wyrms.

(No more cannibalism)

They couldn't help sometimes catching glimpses of the king himself, how his arm muscles tensed during work, glittering with sweat and blood. It wasn't often that the king showed off this much of his form, his second pair of arms were usually tucked close to his body and his hard, shiny wyrm scales hidden under layers of clothing, even his tail and legs were usually covered in robes, all to appear as human as possible. Now though, He was scantily clad, with only one sleeveless, short robe.

Ray really couldn't help themself and started whispering to their work friends how attractive he was, the two of them giggling as they did while the third tried to scold them. Only for them to freeze like deer in the headlights when the king spoke, not looking away from his work; "I hope you're all aware that I have much better hearing than humans." They scattered away like rats in that one scene in Ratatouille, and as they did Ray heard the king's warm laugh, though they were too embarrassed to look at him.

Later that day, as they were heading home, Ray would stumble onto the Pale King and decided to approach him to apologise. To their surprise though, he only smiled warmly up at them and gently brushed his tail against their leg. "Do not apologise. I'm flattered, really." And after a moment of pause, seemingly hesitating for a moment, he added; "It's a compliment, especially when coming from somebody as attractive as you." They froze, needing a good minute or two for their brain to buffer after that. Was he...flirting with them?

One thing led to another and they found themself having a sexual relationship with the king, and soon after that with his wife as well. A part of them really couldn't believe that they'd find them of all people attractive. But the two monarchs were sweet and so caring, showing interest in them beyond just their casual sexual encounters. They asked Ray out on dates to get to know them better, they wanted to learn more about them if their meetings were going to be a regular occurance. And, to Ray's surprise, they've found a lot in common with each other. The two listened to them, and did so intently, finding themselves enraptured in Ray's excited ramblings about their ideas for their own book especially. When they ran out of time to hear all of it, they'd ask them to continue the next time they'd see each other.

They frequently lost track of time in their conversations. Books were the main topic that brought them together, and the trio would talk for hours about their favourite novels and authors. But it wasn't the only interests they'd share. Ray loved to gossip with the White Lady, and she made them realise that they loved to be pampered and looking pretty and taking care of themself. The two of them took spa days together very often. She'd invite Ray to her gardens a lot, showing them her plants, and teaching them how to take care of them. Ray even started their own little garden on their balcony, and White Lady was more than happy to help them pick the plants for it. When Pale King talked about his work and inventions, Ray could listen to him for hours. He was so reserved when they first started talking, but now he could go on and on about his interests, and seeing him smile as he showed them something new...it was really no wonder his wife fell for him, Ray thought to themself. But hearing him talk about stories of his past, many of which regarded Hallownest itself, was their favourite thing. But the most surprising thing to them was learning how knowledgeable he was about the animals and how much love he held for them, he was especially excited about showing them his false wyvern Bellatrix and telling them of how he raised him back to health. Ray ended up perusing the royal library's section on fauna and flora for hours after. But of course, the two would also take part in Ray's hobby as well, reading the books they recommended and encouraging them to write their own. And of course, the two would be the first ones to read it. The Pale King even took Ray hunting once, and they'd chat and laugh together as they worked on butchering the kill, before taking it to the royal gardens to cook and eat together with the White Lady.

Their relationship evolved quickly from just casual hook ups to something deeper, though they hadn't put a label on it just yet. It was two years into this relationship that Ray told the two about their dreams of starting a family, and Pale King was more than happy to offer his help in giving them a child. They'd provide for them and the children, and would raise them together too. This pretty much marked them becoming official partners. Ray decided to leave their job as the royal butcher soon after and pursued their dream of being a published writer instead, while the king and queen helped them buy a house closer to the palace in preparation of becoming parents together. After Ray fell pregnant they finally decided to introduce them to Flower and Hornet, who were more than happy to meet them and learn they'll have a baby sibling. Or, well, siblings, as not long after that Ray would learn they were expecting triplets.

Ray bonded well with their partners' children, often spending time with them or all five of them together to get to know them better. Months later, Flower and Hornet would get Ray presents for parents day, and Ray could cry. They did cry. They were more than happy when the duo asked them if they could call them their parent, ren or renny.

Ray really became a part of the family, though that fact was so far kept a secret. They weren't in a hurry to announce it to anyone, knowing the nobility (and the rumours Ray's ex had spread about them within his circle) there certainly would be much discussion and drama about the commoner being welcomed into the royal family. Ray liked their anonymity and they all wanted to ensure a fairly stress-free pregnancy for them. The great five, being the king's and queen's closest friends, were the next to find out. Many of them were already from a commoner background so could relate to Ray's position and made a point to make them feel welcome and included. They especially became close friends with Isma.

But the truth had got to come out sooner or later, and after Ray had stumbled upon their ex and had an argument with him after he had accused them of baby trapping some poor fool, they decided it'd be best to do it now. And if any nobles had a problem with it, they could come to the king directly. So, Ray accompanied their partners to the next ball. They were nervous and felt like everyone was staring at them, especially when they saw their ex and his friends glaring at them, but White Lady, Pale King and their two kids stuck close by them and made them feel more comfortable. That didn't prevent an incident from occurring though, as Ray went to get something to eat they were ambushed by their ex and his group. Pale King would quickly put a stop to the argument, rushing over to defend Ray while White Lady pulled them away and stroked their back as Ray tried their best not to cry. Everyone was staring at them now for sure, so, seeing their state Flower and Hornet approached them and asked if they'd like to take a walk outside with them. It did help to put their mind at ease, and soon Ray was laughing again, the trio making fun of the stuck up nobility together.

When they returned to the ballroom, the Pale King asked Ray out to dance with him.

"Everybody's looking at us..."

"Let them stare. Don't focus on them, just look at me, darling," He tips them gently, "I want everyone here to know how much I love you..." And he leans down to kiss them.

They feel their heart flutter and wrap their arms around his neck, happily kissing back and still locked to his lips as he pulls them back up.

They share a smile together before he pulls them back into the dance, and Ray feels much more relaxed now.

"...Won't they notice my bump like this?"

"It's a good thing. I want them to know they're mine. I'm happy and honoured that you let me be the father, and I can't wait to raise a family with you, my love."

And he takes them into his arms and twirls them around, making them giggle.

After they leave the dancefloor they're immediately scooped up by the White Lady, asking where are her kisses, and kisses them both. Flower and Hornet call them gross and quickly evacuate the premises.

Months later, Ray gives birth in the palace to three healthy and strong baby boys with both Pale King and White Lady by their side. They look so much like them, but with their father's white hair and pale eyes; it's immediately obvious whose children they are. They're overjoyed to meet their boys, and Pale King curls up around the four of them and purrs loudly as he cries. Naturally, Flower and Hornet are the next ones to meet and hold their baby brothers. It's a happy day for everyone.

Ray moved into the palace for a few months before and after the due date so their partners could help them raise their kids. Once the babies are older they will move back to their home, but visit the palace every day to see their family.

When the boys are a few months old Pale King and White Lady decide to propose to Ray and start brainstorming on how to do it. They settle on asking them out on a late night date to a restaurant, they reserve an entire balcony overlooking the city just for the three of them, and at the end of the dinner they ask them the question. Ray is overjoyed and immediately says yes.

They plan the wedding for two years, they're not in a hurry and they want the boys to participate in a wedding. They eventually marry when their sons are 3, it's a very private event with just their family and closest friends, but the date itself is a kingdom-wide celebration. Ray's soul is bonded to to theirs, their life and feelings now forever intertwined together, and they re-cast the kingsoul charm into three segments to show it. Ray takes a moment to get used to being able to feel their partner's feelings and talk with them in their mind, but it's a very nice feeling.

I'll talk about their kids in another post later as this is already unbelievably long, but they have another son when the triplets are around 12 years old. Dewdrop, a little grumpy wyrm who's especially close with his father. And a few years later they have another, this time created through magic so that Pale King can carry this pregnancy. After their kids grow up, Ray decides to move into the palace with their husband and wife and their house is given to the youngest triplet to take care of. He later starts his own family there, and Ray visits their old home often.

[malkon-dova]

Shit your pants simulator | Echoes of The Eye/Outer Wilds DLC

outer wilds DLC 1st playthrough liveblog | no spoilers, hints or tips please if commenting! |

PART ONE: Crossroads

(Content features 4/11's session; Writing this pre-game on 4/18)

I did quite a bit of progress!!! After getting reacquainted with The Stranger after a week of not playing, I decided to finally explore more of The Reservoir. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find whatever is making my log scream at me saying that I haven't discovered everything yet. Rip.

But!!! There's always more to find when you're stuck! And wouldn't you know, there's fun little house with a broken bridge I've yet to go to! And with a mysterious passage too!!! :]

And man, I didn't realize how much I've missed in The Stranger till now!! A whole town/section right there that I had missed!! And all because I didn't stay flush-right to the stream :D wow!

The Hidden Gorge is fantastic btw! It's such a cool area, so much to explore!!! And there's those artifacts too!! :) Which, at the time- I had no idea how to use. There's also another dead-people tower, which. I hate. with a passion.

Either way, after gallivanting around the place and navigating the ghost matter maze I finally enter the house and-

jesus christ i nearly shat my pants here. Not the god ray on the eye dude ;o; ohhh my godd. the music too?? aaaccchhhgkkkk. fantastic. makes me cry

And there's one of those locks on the top floor too! I'm sure the puzzle solution is connected to wherever the chain behind the broken wall (where the eye sits) has something to do with it. yet to figure that out though!

Either way, I found this reel about a busted hull!!! and wow!! im glad i pursued that!!! so much info!!! And actual information about the artifacts too!!!

Huh! In order to activate the flame in the artifact, they close their eyes. Well. I suppose the only way to do that for our character is to sleep. Good thing there's fireplaces in the dead-people towers!

oh no.

g. guys. guys. (shaking you). why are the dead people gone. why are the dead people gone. they have disappeared. why are they gone. why is it so dark. why do i move so slow. oh. god.

dude. i wish, i really genuinely wish i had a clip of when i discovered the sleep mechanic worked. it was so funny. but i genuinely was going to start hyperventilating LMAO- i was so scared out of my mind and was stuck on the pause screen for a hot while.

but oh my GOD DUDEEE!!!!!

DUDE! THIS AREA!!!!!!! THEIR PLANET!!!! THEIR MEMORIES OF HOME!!!! THIS IS SO COOL!!!!!! FULLY IMMERSED IN THE STRANGERS HOME AND CULTURE!!!!!!!!!! AND THE GIMMICKS/PUZZLES LOOK SO COOL!!!!!!!!

I AM ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED THOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so! unfortunately, the session ended short and i needed the night to recover hsdgsd

Additional notes: 1) The memories from exploring the spooky area has a cool filter over the memories! The same one when looking into the memories of the experiments.

2) I know the vault is carrying a person. I know it in my heart. I played hollow knight. i know three dreamers and the black egg when i see it. Also I was spoiled on there being a person called "The prisoner" and that just fed into my theory. How do we unlock the towers?. probably with the horror sections. how we communicate? i dont know,, but ultimately i am excited to reach that point and the journey there.

But there's a problem: I am very. very bad with horror. I have nightmares about this sort of stuff. And I saw the gimmick. I hadn't played enough on 4/11 to experience it, but I know I'm gonna have to dodge and weave those gangly motherfuckers (The Strangers) and not get caught by them as I solve the puzzles. I hate everything.

But of course, if there's a will, there's a way.

[Stay tuned for the post-game liveblog today!!! It will be attached to this post in a reblog!!]

[nebula-chao-agere]

Regressuary 2025: Day 4

(If it wasn't obvious,, !!DIAPER/PULL-UP MENTION!!

Little bit of an extra warning where some gross topics are just mentioned when Reagan is being anxious about trying them for the first time. I refuse to write anything of that nature, I'm just projecting my own anxieties onto Reagan)

Sorry this one is probably stupid generic and corny,,

Little Ray of Sunshine

Reagan followed Brett into the apartment, helping to carry in the groceries. She didn't want Brett to try and carry EVERY bag in one trip. Having said that though, shad had to unlock the door for him, his arms completely occupied with numerous grocery bags, Reagan having just the three. But they'd done it all in trip somewhat successfully. As they walked in though, Reagan couldn't help but notice a package next to their apartment door. After setting the groceries on the counter where Brett immediately began to sort through them, she rushed to carry the package in and lock the door.

Looking over it, she was a bit confused, not sure what this could possibly be... until she saw the logo of the pharmacy she'd ordered it from, and her stomach dropped. A few days earlier, she'd impulse purchased something to help/try with her regression. Having seen them on sale, and having had the diapers in her cart for MONTHS... she couldn't resist much longer.

"Whatcha got over there Reagan? OOOHHHHH are the new dog harnesses here early!?" He asked excitedly, having ordered harnesses and leashes for their two dogs so it would be more manageable to walk them instead of one at a time. But if he was gonna go all out for one of the dogs, he had to go all out for both of them.

Reagan practically leapt out of her skin at the question, not knowing how to answer it in a way that won't possibly get her a weird reaction. "JUST- SOME STUFF- I ORDERED IT!" ... Real smooth Reagan. She laughed awkwardly, trying to look less suspicious while also acting the MOST suspicious that Brett had ever seen. "Yeah?" He raised a brow. "I'll just... go put it up and then help you with the groceries!" She tried nervously, rushing away with the package before even getting a response.

Brett was a bit worried, knowing that Reagan was trying to hide whatever was in that box. He started to sort through the groceries on his own, getting dinner started while he was at it. But Reagan soon rejoined him in the kitchen, apologizing for leaving him to put up the groceries on his own. Brett quickly assured her that he wasn't upset, and he was more than happy to do it. He was just curious about that package now... But he left it alone for now, getting dinner ready for the both of them.

After dinner and once they'd finished their usual nightly routines before they settled in to get ready for bed, Reagan found herself too nervous to bring the box out of the bathroom. Brett had talked Reagan into having a "Little Night" tonight so he could help her relax, especially since they had nothing planned for tomorrow. She was currently in the bathroom, just holding the box in her lap, having opened it now and only feeling more stupid for having and wanting to wear the diapers for her regression. Even just thinking that made her feel stupid. She'd seen far too much stuff on the internet where people were... weird about this sort of thing. She didn't want to look like a deviant to Brett. That was so far from her intentions when she bought these.

Meanwhile, Brett was oblivious to his partner's distress, setting up a comfy area in the living room for the two of them. He had all of her favorite pillows and blankets on the couch, a playmat laid out on the floor next to a tote of her favorite toys. He was starting to set up the movie of choice for the night, putting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles into the DVD player before he realized it was taking much longer than usual for Reagan to join him in the living room. He was almost certain it was just him overthinking, but he couldn't help but feel the need to go check on her. Something in his gut was telling him he needed to go check on her.

Reagan flinched when the bathroom door suddenly opened, looking up with wide watery eyes. Brett almost always knocked, but when he heard her sad little sniffles through the door, it was no longer an option in his head. She panicked, quickly searching for an excuse as she realized she'd taken too long. "S-sorry! I was just having a little moment I guess! I dunno!" She stuttered out before realizing the package was in plain view. Making no effort to be subtle, she swiped it, holding it behind her back. It was obvious she was already starting to regress. Brett knew it wouldn't take long tonight, honestly surprised she hadn't regressed at the store.

Brett sat down infront of her, visibly worried. "Ray-Ray, are you hiding something from me?" he finally asked using a gentle almost parental tone.

A whine escaped Reagan's throat, but she shook her head vehemently even if the box was very visible behind her. "No? Then what's got ya so worked up over that package, hm?" He continued using the same tone. Reagan's bit the inside of her cheek as tears of frustration, with herself, made their return. "I'm sure it's nothing but Reags... Can I see? Pretty please? I just wanna help ya feel better, but I can't if you won't tell or show me anything." Brett gently reasoned, holding his hands out, palms facing up.

Reagan knew in her head she wasn't, but for some reason she couldn't shake the idea that she was in trouble. This felt like a situation in which her dad would have scolded her and then some, and it made her stomach churn. She curled in on herself a bit, looking up with a guilty expression, unable to find her words, not knowing what will and won't get her yelled at. Of course, Brett would never yell at her regardless, especially not in this state.

"Ray-Ray, you're not in trouble! I promise!" Brett quickly reassured, having talked her down from many meltdowns over similar intrusive thoughts.

A few tears made their way down her cheeks as she looked up at him from behind her arms she'd crossed over her face, almost like a shield. "Oh Reags... Come here..." Reagan didn't even try to fight as she was lifted up into his lap, quickly retreating to the safety of his shoulder. He shushed her gently, rubbing her back and gently petting her hair. "You poor kiddo. What's got ya so worked up, hm?" Unsurprisingly, Reagan didn't respond, desperately trying to escape his attention, his questions, this whole situation. She wanted to shrivel up and disappear. She didn't want Brett to think she was some sort of deviant, that idea making her feel sick on its own. She didn't want him to think she was weird, or some sort of fetishist. What if he thought she was just gross? What if he tried to leave or hurt her? Told everyone at work, never spoke to her again?! Reagan would do anything to avoid that, absolutely anything! She'd throw them away! Never regress again! Give him a promotion! Anything! Anything to keep him from...

"Oh sunshine... Is this what you were so worried about?" Brett cooed in a whisper as he now held one of the diapers. Reagan whipped her head around, hitting Brett's face with her ponytail by accident. She quickly snatched it from his hand, pressing it to her chest before looking up with pleading eyes, only getting more distressed... Oh god, he knew. She curled up on herself once again, preparing for the worst, waiting for the seemingly innocent tone he took before to suddenly falter and become one of disapproval and scolding.

After a very tense moment of silence, Brett whispered soothingly to her once more. "Reags, can you please look at me kiddo? I promise I'm not upset with you. What can I do to make you feel better, hm?" Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small turquoise rabbit plush, offering it to her. It was one of the many things Brett had won for Reagan from claw machines, but Lapin, the bunny, was the first; the most important to her. "Can Lala help?" he offered, knowing she couldn't resist the familiar toy. She quickly swiped them up, looking up as she tried to sneakily/shyly set the diaper back in the box behind her without looking.

"Hmm... There's still tears on my little Ray of Sunshine's face... What should Dada do about that? Oh! I know!" He almost instantly began to cover her cheek in kisses, kissing away any tears still over her face, making very dramatic 'mwah' sounds with each kiss he gave her. SHe couldn't help but give a few small giggles at the kisses. "Dada's not gonna stop until he sees his kiddo smiling~! C'mon! Where's my favorite smile!?" He continued the kisses before she finally stopped crying, giggling as Dada continued to give her face kisses all over now. "Dadaaaa!" She squealed, giggling as they had now both paused to catch their breath, Reagan still giggling. "You're silly Dada!" Reagan giggled up at him, making a proud smile form on his face. There she is.

Now... "Can Dada help you into something more comfy sweet girl? I doubt those work clothes are very comfy, especially for such a little girl like you! How about some comfy jammies... or a onesie?" He started. "And I can only assume these are for my little one too, yeah?" He once again had a hold of the diaper that Reagan had desperately tried to hide. She looked at it with hesitancy, looking up at Dada, scanning for any discomfort or judgement... but she only found love and a Dada who would do anything to accommodate for his little one. How was he so calm about all of this? Acting like this was all normal?

Almost instantly, Brett hoisted her onto his hip, carrying her and one of the diapers back to the bedroom. He then laid her down on the bed, grabbing one of her favorite footed sleeper onesies. He then laid it next to the unfolded garment, before turning to Reagan who was currently hiding her face behind Lapin. He gave a small chuckle before helping her sit up. "Arms up bugaboo!" He booped her nose.

As Dada got her into her pajamas, diaper included, Reagan couldn't take her eyes off his face, still searching for any sort of shift in his behavior or opinion on her. But it never came... When he finally hoisted her back up, Reagan now in her dino onesie, her favorite paci clipped to her chest while the paci itself bobbed between her lips, and curled up in her Dada's arms, she couldn't seem to figure out why she was so scared before. Brett wasn't like that. Would've never done anything close to what she'd been thinking before. He was so understanding, and sweet... He was going as far as to act like this was just the average experience everyone had with their partner. God, she didn't deserve him...

Brett finally met her gaze as he lifted her up, not having been oblivious to the way she looked up at him through the whole change. "You feeling better now Ray-Ray?" He gave a small chuckle, already knowing the answer as he felt her lay her head against his chest as they now made their way to the living room. She gave a small, almost shameful nod as she thought about the new addition to her 'little' attire... But Dada didn't seem to mind. And she felt comfy... so it couldn't be that bad...