#so liiiike..... i can do what i want

[aph-estonia]

healing means being so confused on how to deal with the ocs you made while being so deeply mentally ill. i would scrap them but now i'm too emotionally attached to them

[hecksupremechips]

Sometimes if I’ve gotten done with a therapy appointment my dad will ask what we talked about and it’s like. Girl who do you think 🤨

[yuridovewing]

Nightheart razorverse tweak: he’s a BrambleJessie grandkid and now his arc is about being one of the only members of the Thunderstar Dynasty left in the clan (Sparkfire, Alderheart, and Finchlight being the others).

When I get to ASC and see his arc for myself I’ll decide how he actually copes from there

[sanchoyo]

ummm no im not a 'job hopper' haha...im like barbie. multiskilled. multicareered, even. put some positive framing on my impulsive and flighty nature please 😤

[cameronsprincess]

Hey I know you might not be into this, but imagine you on your knee, rafe standing behind JJ holding his dick towards your mouth, speaking dirty to him. JJ feeling overwhelmed his eyes closed, his head resting on Rafe shoulder and listening to him praising how beautiful you are and how you are waiting for his cum while he storks him fast and hard until he comes all over you face. Rafe would praise him saying : good boy! See when you listen you get to come all over my girl. He will give him a quick kiss on the lips making jj even more confused then come over you and start degrading you telling you how a slut and needy you are then proceed fucking your ass.

nonnie… i am so into mxm.. liiiike.. so this is hot as fuck. i know reader is involved but dayum. imagine rafe n jj fucking🙈 who said that? anyways, hope you enjoy this!<3

CW: slight mxm, anal, degrading, praise, dirty talk, strong language.

“doing a good job, jj. being such a good boy.” rafe says, a hint of amusement in his voice.

the sight in front of you had your pussy soaked, throbbing. jj stood before you, completely stripped of his clothes while rafe stood behind him… rafe had found out you’d been sleeping with both him and jj, so of course, he had to prove his dominance, prove that you’re his and that he could control jj if he wanted to.

and he was doing just that.

jj whimpers, his head falling to rest on rafe’s chest, eyes squeezed shut as rafe continued to stroke his hard cock. rafe glares down at you on the floor, kneeled before both of them, your tongue stuck out and waiting on jj’s cum to coat your face and tongue.

“you know, when i found out she was sleeping with you too, i laughed. there’s no way my girl would sleep with the likes of you. but goddamn if i don’t understand why. you have a nice cock, jj. i feel you twitching and throbbing in my hand, your breathing tells me you’re close, you wanna be good for me and cum all over her face and tongue?”

you shift on your knees when rafe tightens his grip around jj’s cock. rafe steps forward, pushing jj with him, his cock now hovering over your face.

“you’re never gonna touch her again, not unless i say you can. right? go on, say it. ‘i’m never gonna touch her again, rafe’.”

jj sucks in a deep breath, his voice shakes while he repeats rafe’s command. “i-i’m never— fuck — never g-gonna touch h-er again, r-rafe.”

you don’t miss the dark smile that spreads across rafe’s face. “good boy. you can cum now.”

a pathetic whine is ripped from jj’s chest when rafe strokes him slower, his fist tightening around his length. you hear jj moan once more before you feel the hot ropes of his cum spilling onto your face, tongue and chest.

rafe chuckles at the sight, reveling in the fact that he has jj and you completely under his control. “good boy! see when you listen you get to cum all over my girl.”

rafe squeezes every last drop of cum he can from jj, lightly patting at his cheek with his free hand before he spins him around and captures his lips in a slow, heated kiss. jj is stunned, unsure of what to do, but all of this is so new to him, so erotic and he can’t help but kiss rafe back, slipping his tongue into his mouth. rafe tightly grips the back of jj’s messy blond hair, pulling his lips from his before he finds his bright blue eyes. “go sit in that chair. watch me fuck my girl’s ass, yeah?”

you stay on your knees, watching the entire interaction play out before you. you’re soaked, your thighs rubbing together and a small whimper falling from your lips when you watch jj listen to rafe’s demands, sitting in the chair in the corner of the room.

rafe turns on his heels, his hard blue eyes finding yours. he narrows them, and you know he’s about to make everything he gives you hurt.

“you. such a needy fucking slut, aren’t you? my dick wasn’t enough for you so you had to go and fuck maybank too? god, i knew you were a pathetic fucking whore, i just didn’t realize how much.”

he reaches you in two long steps, his right hand reaching out to grab you by the back of your hair. you cry out from how hard he grabs you.

“r-rafe.. 'm sorry!” you cry out, pleading with him to take it easy on you. but you know you won't be so lucky.

“you’re sorry? you fucking played me, you played him!” rafe shouts, turning to point at jj who sits silently in the chair.

rafe uses the grip on your hair to pull you to your feet, dragging you toward his bed and tossing you down. you flip yourself onto your back, watching as he pulls his shirt over his head before he works on getting his jeans off.

once he’s completely undressed, he storms toward you again, gripping the nape of your neck and flipping you onto your stomach. he harshly yanks your shorts down your legs, your panties following closely behind. he slaps at your ass, the sound bouncing off the walls followed by your shrill scream.

“put my ass in the air. now!”

you quickly do as he says, not wanting to anger him any further.

rafe brings his hands down on your ass again, making you cry out into the mattress your face is buried in. you wiggle your ass, craving anything from him right now. you’re so turned on, you love how dominant rafe is, and even though you know he’s going to make it hurt, you love the pain. you just feel bad for getting jj dragged into all of this.

“i’m gonna fuck this tight little ass so jj can see how much you love my cock, and you’re gonna fucking take it.”

you nod your head, afraid anything you say will just piss him off even more. big mistake.

rafe leans forward, gripping at your messy hair and yanking your head up off the mattress. “do you fucking understand?” he shouts.

you flinch at the tone of his voice, but you manage to whimper out a “yes.”

rafe takes his free hand, spitting down into his palm and stroking his dick, lubing it up with his saliva. he readjusts the hand in your hair, craning your neck into an uncomfortable position before he begins sliding his saliva covered dick over your tight hole. you squirm, pushing your ass back for him.

he chuckles darkly before you feel a glob of his spit hit your ass, running down to your pussy. you moan when he pushes the tip inside slowly. maybe he isn’t gonna make it— “oh fuck!” you cry out, your fingers digging into the sheets when he rams his full length into your ass.

“that’s it baby, relax your body, you know you love when my cock fucks this tight little ass. such a good whore f’me.”

tears fill your eyes and you can’t control the loud pornographic moans that escape you when rafe begins pounding his hips into your backside. his cock is stretching your ass out, it burns, but it also feels so fucking good.

“see that, jj? see how her ass is swallowing my cock? she’s a fucking needy slut, and she’s all mine. i don’t mind sharing with you though, only sometimes.”

rafe’s hips pick up in speed and your pussy clenches around nothing from how good his cock feels buried deep in your ass. hot tears fall down your cheeks, drool falling out of the corners of your mouth as rafe fucks you into the mattress. you’re a babbling mess, and rafe loves it.

“sound so fucking stupid, my cock has you all fucked out already and i’ve only been in this ass a few minutes. god, you’re such a fucking slut. say it. say you’re my good slut.”

you moan loudly, that familiar feeling building inside you. you try and speak, but nothing but unintelligible words come from your lips.

“she’s so stupid from my cock right now, can’t even form a coherent sentence. pathetic.”

rafe grips at your hair tighter, pulling you completely up and off the mattress, pulling your back into his front while he continues to brutally pound himself into your ass. he dips his head down, capturing your lips with his in a sloppy kiss. teeth and tongues clash together, rafe swallowing every single moan and whimper that escapes you.

your pussy pulses over and over again before your body goes stiff and you come undone, soaking your inner thighs and the sheets below you. rafe’s thrusts grow sloppy and slower, his dick swelling in your ass before he twitches and cums, filling your ass with his seed.

“such a good fucking girl.” he praises before kissing you hard.

he slips himself from your ass, releasing his grip on your hair and letting you fall limply on the mattress. he lifts your body in his arms, pulling the comforter back and laying you down gently before crawling in beside you.

“come on, jj. i don’t bite.” is the last thing you hear before you feel the bed dip with extra weight, jj climbing in the bed with both you and rafe. your eyes flutter shut as sleep claims you, your mind on what’s to come between you, rafe and jj.

tagging some moots: @xxbimbobunnyxx @babygorewhore @rafesthroatbaby @oceandriveab @starkeysprincess @rafescurtainbangz @fallrafwe @sturnioloshacker

deadly duo masterlist | requests | taglist form

[grimm-writings]

OH SHIT I BETTER SEND THIS IN QUICK uhhh can i get some dr. ratio or screwllum cuddling/general fluff? im very tired and i think that could fix me

- i think you know who this is 💜

warmth

…ft! dr. ratio, screwllum x gn! reader

…tags! fluff, lotsa snuggling!!!!, non sexual nudity (ratio)

…wc! 323; 412; = 735

…notes! MY FRIEND I KNOW YOU!!!! ❣️ty for the request here it is!!! small and cute <3 also!! give it up for the new character banners!!! lmk if you liiiike <3

Veritas Ratio

“Care to join me?”

Veritas’s voice reaches your ears.  You glance up at him, his figure relaxed in his bathtub through the bathroom door.  His head is thrown back to look back at you.

“Sorry?” You clarify, folding a book closed over your thumb.

“You’re exhausted, evidently, seeing as how you haven’t moved on from that page in a number of minutes.”

Your face flushes in embarrassment.  Nothing can get past your lover’s keen observations.

No use in arguing, you rationalise that Veritas has a point (like always).  You slip off your clothes and join him in the bathtub.  His hands land on your shoulders and rub down reassuringly.  He’s welcoming you to relax – surprisingly tender, gentle.

As he rubs in some body wash, Veritas’s voice sinks you further into relaxation; “care to explain why you’ve been neglecting your rest?”

“It’s not like I’ve been wanting to,” you reply.

“That doesn’t answer my query, love.”

You sigh as you feel Veritas kiss the top of your head.  You explain everything – your stresses as of late, and the overwhelming urge to just sleep forever.  You’re so tired.

He hums in thought, violet hair falling in front of coral eyes.  Oddly unmanaged in such an intimate place.  “We can figure out some ways to rectify that later.  For now, allow me to take care of you.  Is that alright?”

A small giggle slips from your lips – Veritas is always asking permission.  If you were anyone else, he wouldn’t be so soothing.  It’s nice to know that you were special in that way.  A warmth teasing to consume you whole as Veritas washes and rinses you down.

Yes, and it shall continue to grow as you are entangled in sheets later, his strong arms wrapped around your body.  Rest.  What was once unfamiliar becomes so easy with Veritas helping you.

You are inclined to believe that you had the best sleep of your life that night.

Screwllum

“Would I really be all that comfortable?”

“Oh shush, you’re plenty comfortable.”

Screwllum sighs (or at least makes a similar sound to one) at your refusal to accept that he might not be the greatest snuggle partner in the world.  It’s no secret that he’s a gentleman in every sense of the word, but something like cuddling…

You can’t say he doesn’t try, resting your head on your chest and a hand in your hair.  He pets you softly as another arm is lazily resting over your back.  This way you wouldn’t really feel any metal underneath the layers of clothes.

“I hope you realise that I can feel how tense you are,” you hum from buried into the ruffles of Screwllum’s shirt.

“A-Apologies, I’m trying my best—”

“Are you nervous?”

As soon as you bring up the question, Screwllum’s already blank face seems to somehow blank more.  Even if he is inexpressive, the message speaks volumes.

Fans whir louder in the silence.

You can’t help but burst into giggles.  “I can’t believe it!  All ready to fluster me with hand kisses and whatnot, but you fall apart as soon as we lay together!”

Screwllum stutters, trying to find some way to acquire his dignity back.  “I just wish to please you… I’m not exactly the most popular choice for a romantic partner…”

“But you’re my choice,” you shoot back, leaning up to place a kiss on Screwllum’s face plate, the one where a mouth normally would be.  The fans only prove a traitor to Screwllum as they whir louder.

The genius can only silently accept his fate as you smother him with kisses all over his metal encasing.  “Dare I ask—” he’s cut off by one of your many mwahs!  “Why do you torture me so…?”

You lean back, resting your chin on Screwllum’s chest again with a satisfied grin.

“When you get all shy, you get toastier.”  You snuggle closer into a hug.  “This is why you’re the best cuddler – you warm me up!”

Screwllum doesn’t react at first save for the heat dispelling from his body.  Then dignified yet comfortable laughter slips through.  You feel something land on the top of your head.  You look up to see that your lover has placed his hat on your head and is ruffling your hair through it.

“Whatever will I do with you…?”  He asks aloud.

“Snuggle me, maybe.”  You cheekily grin.

Screwllum hums.  “Well, suppose I’ll just have to comply.”

[princessbrunette]

jayj's such an anal fiend he'd buy one of those kitty plugs to introduce you to immediately tell me i'm wrong - 🍓

♛ ⋆˙₊˚⊹♡

“so i found a lil’ sum’ for you, cupcake.” he comes bounding into your room without a hi or hello, instantly setting a box down on your bed where you’re curled on your blanket — sleepy and pliant.

“hm?” you lift a ruffled head, the glue from your spiky strip lash sticking one eye closed for a moment, disorientated.

“uh, hey kittycat. napping at—” he glances to the ornate clock on your bedside table, one he’d sourced you specially from the thrift store. “6pm?”

“jus’ sleepy, had to get up early today.” you grumble, sitting up and stretching your arms above your head. he hums, giving your waist a squeeze and sits infront of you with the box in your lap.

“what time did you get up?”

“11.”

“right.”

you fiddle with the black ribbon tied around the box and your eyes light up, more enthralled with the pretty bow than finding out what was on the inside. “you can play with that later, mama. open it up— c’mon.” he lightly swats your hand, encouraging you to open it. you do so, and you’re instantly met with something long and fluffy.

you pluck it out, spotting the shiny item attached to the end weighing it down and your brain catches up. you breathe in a high pitched noise with a smile, a butt plug! you’d been wanting one for aaaages.

you lean forward on your hands, nuzzling against him with your cheek and he chuckles, dropping a kiss to your head and scratching behind your ear. your kitten-like tendencies never failed to amuse him. “so how’d i do? you liiiike?” he grins and you nod vigorously, sitting up to kiss him quickly nearly knocking his teeth out.

“love it jj, love it love it!” you muse before flopping onto your side and wriggling onto your front, pressing your cheek to the bed as you turn your face to look at him hopefully with your ass thrust in the air. your pussy is spread beneath black mesh panties, your asshole practically winking at him with your skirt riding up your cheeks. “what are you waiting for?” you whine, brows furrowing. his eyes flutter and his hand reaches for his hat.

“you— so you want — you want me to— okay.”

♛ ⋆˙₊˚⊹♡

[no1frogfan]

The incident

Kuroo Tetsurou x fem reader

Word count: ~600

Tags & warnings: fluff, reader referred to as wife

Note: This was dumb & fun to write. Kuroo supremacy <3

You’re not married, and maybe you never will be, but sometimes Kuroo calls you his wife or refers to himself as your husband.

“Could you pass me my coffee please, wife?” He’ll ask, grinning mischievously when you choke on your latte. Glaring at him just encourages him further, so you can only grumble inaudible threats into your cup as your cheeks heat up.

“Don’t forget to give your husband a kiss before he leaves for work!” He’ll remind you as you hand him his lunch. He’ll remain in the genkan, insistently tapping his cheek with one finger. You can try dashing away, but Kuroo’s reflexes are annoyingly quick. His arms will promptly wrap around your waist to pull you in and pepper your face with (retaliatory) kisses.

He's positively giddy every single time, and even though it's been months since the incident, it still mortifies you every single time.

It all started because of your big, dumb mouth.

At the time, you’d only been dating for a month. But it had only taken one measly month for him to charm you with his bad jokes and earnest smile, and you’d fallen for him hard. You thought about him constantly, texted him nonstop, and gave yourself excuses to see him.

This was entirely new territory for you. In past relationships, you’d always preferred a lot of space, often getting irritated if you received too many messages, and you never wanted to see them more than once a week. You were focused on your professional goals and, though you’re not proud of it, you usually dropped whoever you were dating when work got busy.

On your first date, you’d warned Kuroo about this tendency and made it clear that work was your first priority. He wasn’t exactly thrilled, but he’d plowed ahead nonetheless and somehow managed to weasel his way into your heart.

And what’s more surprising is that you’d let him.

He gave you space whenever you wanted it, but you found yourself seeking out his company more and more. Whenever anything happened, it became your first instinct to share it with him — important things, dull things, sad things, stupid things, funny things. You wanted to talk to him all morning, afternoon, evening, night, and morning again.

It was scary to let yourself fall so completely, and yet being with him felt as natural as breathing. So even though you weren't even officially dating yet, you made the mistake of allowing yourself to think about forever. And on one completely ordinary, average night when you’d invited him over for a movie, it just…slipped out...

“Wait, what did you just say?” Kuroo springs up from the couch.

“I asked if you want some tea.”

“No, what did you just call me?”

“Uh…Kuroo?”

A grin spreads slowly, almost maniacally, across his face, “Nooo, that’s not what you said.”

Shit. Of course he noticed, that attentive fucking asshole.

“Youuuu just called me husband.”

Your eyes bug out. “No, I did not!”

He cackles gleefully. “Well…at first, I wasn’t sure if I'd heard right, but now I'm positive you said it because you’re trying to deny it way too much.”

Fuck. “I’m so sorry.” You cover your face with your hands, wishing you could throw yourself in a pit, “Oh my god this is so embarrassing…”

“Awww don’t be embarrassed,” he coos, striding over and letting you burrow your face into his chest. He wonders if you can feel his heart hammering against your cheek. “Now I know you like me too.”

“I do not like you!”

“You liiiike me~ you liiiiiike me~” Kuroo sings, rocking both of you side to side.

“Shut up Kuroo.”

“Now, now, is that any way to talk to your husband?”

[katewritesthings]

Love Me Like I Can // Chapter 3

Chapter // Kiss You Masterlist Summary: Diana attends the PCAs and has a guest join her afterwards.

*Warnings: Language, drug use, sexual content, mental health struggles.

February 18, 2024

Diana was over the People’s Choice Awards already and she hadn’t stepped foot on the red carpet yet. Awards shows had always given her some sort of stage fright, but the feeling was multiplied tonight. Being nominated for an award individually and as a member of the cast was an honor, but she wished she could politely attend via satellite. 

The redhead was currently doing a puzzle and getting her hair curled in the living room of her hotel suite, anxiety bubbling in her stomach. Cathy was sitting on a stool at the island sending emails and attempting to give Diana and Biz the rundown of how the evening would go.

“You’re going to do the red carpet and please for the love of God, Diana, try to appear like you’re not being held at gunpoint,” the older woman said, knowing that interviews were the last thing the singer wanted to do before the awards ceremony. “You’re only going to stop for the host and IHeartRadio to plug your new tour.”

“Okay, I can do that,” Diana sucked in a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the questions that would be asked. Her phone buzzed in her lap, indicating a text from Joe, making a joke about one of the trainers at the gym. He had taken the initiative to text Diana the night of their hangout and communication had been constant since. Picking through another handful of pieces from the pile in front of her, she picked out the two end pieces and sorted the rest by color.

“Once you’re in there, you and Biz will be seated at a table with Dove. I think Chloe and Halle are there, too. You’re not obligated to any after-parties, but please let me know if you’ll be going to one so I can have security on standby.”

Diana flushed a deep scarlet as she responded to Joe when she heard her sister snort, causing Cathy to look up from her laptop. Glancing between the sisters with an untrusting look, she waited momentarily before commanding, “Spill. Now.”

“Diana won’t be going to any after-parties because she’s getting a special delivery during the awards,” Biz teased, wrapping a section around the curling iron and spraying it with hair spray. “No, that’s not enough. I need details. Now.” Cathy was now using her stern voice, causing the sisters to stand up straight. Diana froze in place, fingers grasping at a corner piece she had been looking for. “I tried to tell him no! His flight lands at 8. No one was supposed to know!” Diana spat out frantically, trying to explain to Cathy why she had made plans without approval.

“Joe’s flying across the country to hang out with her because she’s nervous about tonight and he liiiikes her,” Biz elaborated when Cathy didn’t look satisfied with Diana’s answer. “Now, hold still before I burn you.”

“He does not! We’re just friends,” Diana squealed, not wanting her manager to get too invested in whatever was happening between her and Joe. Cathy had been her maternal figure for longer than her actual mother had, getting hired at the start of Diana’s career 14 years ago. She had picked up Diana’s broken pieces too many times to count and was extremely protective of her. Even though Cathy had been the one to put them in contact, Diana didn’t want to bring up the idea until she knew what the butterflies in her stomach meant whenever she saw his name on her phone.

“Okay. Well, you and your friend need to stay in the hotel tonight then. You don’t check out until Tuesday. Elizabeth and I leave at 11, tonight,” Cathy said with a sigh. Then softening her features, she looked at Diana directly. “Be safe and have fun, Di. Let yourself relax.” She then turned her attention back to the laptop in front of her. 

-----

February 10, 2024

Joe’s face illuminated her Macbook screen, filling Diana in on his recent trip to Aspen. He was in the middle of telling Diana the story of how Irv missed the ski lift on their first trip up the hill when a ‘ding’ rang from DIana’s phone. Comfort washed over her when she recognized the notification and not another text from Connor on a random number. In the past week, he had texted her from two different numbers saying he still had some of her belongings and that he’d like to talk to her in person. Both numbers were promptly blocked and pushed to the back of Diana’s mind.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I have to read this work email, give me a sec,” Diana said, opening the email app on her screen. Eyes scanning the itinerary that Cathy just sent her, her heart fell into her stomach.

“What’s wrong?” Joe asked, sensing the shift of emotions through the screen.

“I just got my itinerary for my LA trip next week. I forgot Biz had class the day after, so she’s leaving before I am,” Diana breathed, pulling at her lip. Diana had scheduled a last-minute writing session the day after the awards and just had assumed Biz would extend her stay as well. She was even planning on squeezing in a late Galentine’s Day lunch with Dove. 

Joe’s eyes observed her for a moment, still learning how to read her emotions. Though their video calls weren’t a rare thing over the past two weeks, he had yet to encounter this emotion in them. 

“Talk to me, Di. How are you feeling?” Joe’s voice cut through the voice of anxiety that was hounding her, coming up with increasingly more ridiculous scenarios. Trying to rid the idea that the entire ceremony was a set-up to show her how alone she was, she tried to explain “I guess I’m just anxious. I never really wanted to be on reality TV and my EP came out after the deadline, so I feel like I shouldn’t be invited. On top of being under a microscope because of everyone else going to be there. Just afraid I’m going to be in my head. It just seems like a lot to process alone, y’know?”

“Do you want someone to come stay with you?” Joe didn’t hesitate with his response, concern dripping from his voice. Diana felt her face heat up, unsure whether she was presumptuous in taking that as an offer to be the one to stay with her.

“I couldn’t ask anyone to do that. I only have like 12 free hours” Diana busied herself by locating her grinder and wraps and beginning the rolling process. Attempting to hide her embarrassment that she had no one, Diana made a joke at her own expense, “Plus, my Game of Thrones marathon probably is a lot less appealing to anyone than the afterparties that are going to be happening.”

“That’s not what I asked. I asked if you want someone to come stay with you.” Joe’s voice was now more serious, but the concerned look hadn’t left his face when Diana looked up. When their eyes met, Diana opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Joe. He was scrolling on his iPad, eyebrows furrowed.

“The only flight I could get in on Sunday was right before the show,” Joe said, looking up from his iPad. “I booked it, we’ll figure out the rest later.”

Diana was genuinely surprised at the initiative. While the two had been texting every day and they had found time to FaceTime a handful of times after Diana got out of her writing sessions the past week, the topic of seeing each other again hadn’t come up. Something Diana was fine with, as she was having a hard enough time fully understanding what she was feeling for Joe. She found it easier to keep telling herself that she wasn’t developing a crush on Joe when their conversations focused on their daily activities, Game of Thrones, and the fun facts Joe had been sending her every day.

Fortunately for Diana’s nature, the writing sessions she had been in the past week had been focused on four songs she had brought to the group, all starting at different points in her healing journey. The three other writers she was working with helped her take the bare bones of songs she had presented and helped her work them into something that she couldn’t wait to record next month. The process allowed her mind to focus on the emotions she was working through when she first began the song. Unfortunately, this process uncovered trauma that she hadn’t expected, making a new relationship seem even scarier. While she knew that she had no feelings left for her ex, the betrayal he left had opened old wounds. The voices of inadequacy and abandonment she had felt since her mother had left were the loudest they had been in almost fifteen years. For all of these reasons, Diana knew she should refuse Joe’s offer to come stay, again. And yet, she didn’t.

“Thank you, you really didn’t need to do that,” Diana heard her voice before she realized she was talking. 

“I know I didn’t need to. I help my friends out. Plus, I wanted to see you, consider this an excuse.”

And with that, the singer decided she was going to avoid the fondness she was growing towards the athlete on her screen, and just enjoy his friendship. 

-----

February 18, 2024

“Diana! Over here! Look over here!” 

“Pose for us Red!”

“Can you give us a wave, Di!”

Flashes blinded  Diana as she made her way off the red carpet and into the venue where the People’s Choice Awards was being held. Honestly, this red carpet was better than she had expected this morning. The promise that she would only stop for two interviews had brightened her mood exponentially. The iHeartRadio interviewer looked like he was itching to ask her about The Cheating Incident,  but thankfully followed Cathy’s instructions to keep the topics limited. 

Making a beeline for the bar and immediately downing her first flute of champagne, Diana immediately grabbed two more and mentally prepared herself for the rest of the night as she attempted to spot her sister in the sea of people.. Double-fisting her way through the crowd, she thought about how she was always envious that Biz got to skip the pictures and could just walk in the back. Biz always responded that she was jealous that Diana got the vocal range and insisted it was a fair trade. 

Spotting her sister’s face across the room, Diana began weaving through the crowd of impossibly beautiful people. Mindful of the fact that the room was being live-streamed to hundreds of thousands of people, Diana made sure to keep her expression neutral while on her journey. This was the first time she was going to be in the same room as Bedford Scrolls since October and both Diana and the pop-culture-loving world were hyperaware.  She hadn’t seen them yet, but it was better to be one step ahead than be caught with a meme-able reaction on Live TV.

A little over halfway across the room, Diana’s vigilance proved to not be enough when she felt a hand on her right arm.  Diana was so caught off guard by the unexpected touch and focusing on not spilling her champagne that it took hearing the person’s voice to recognize the person. 

“Don’t worry, babe. I got ya,” the familiar voice of Kyle, the drummer of Bedford Scrolls, filled Diana’s ears. “He just left to go to the bathroom and bar before the show starts.” Relief fled through Diana’s body as she processed his words and finally opened her arms for a hug. She may have been angry with Connor, but the band was just as clueless about the affair as Diana was. Their support over the last few months had been constant and loud, always being the first to let Connor know that what he did was wrong. “I just wanted to say hi before he came back,”  Kyle wrapped Diana’s smaller frame in a hug before pulling away. “We tried to get him to stay home, but he insisted that he’s why we’re nominated.” Diana gave Kyle a knowing look, eyebrows raised. Connor had always had somewhat of an ego, but with rose-colored glasses of love, Diana had always just taken it as confidence. “He seriously needs to get over himself,” she scoffed in response.

“I should warn you, he’s on one tonight. Hannah entered a mental health center Friday and he hasn’t stopped talking about seeing you since.” “Fuck,” Diana muttered, a fake smile plastered on her face as she spotted the camera behind Kyle’s shoulder panning in her direction. “He’s not planning on talking to me here, is he?”

“No, no. Gavin’s got him on tight orders to not communicate with anyone besides us tonight. Even followed him to the bathroom,” Kyle smiled, referring to the security guard who had been with the band for years. The idea that the man in his 50s was following her shithead ex around for the night turned her smile real.

“Good. How is April?” she asked, changing the subject to Kyle’s family. The two caught up for a moment, exchanging stories about Kyle’s wife and Diana’s writing. It wasn’t long, though, before Kyle looked over Diana’s shoulder and his eyes faltered. “He’s coming back over, you should go. You look lovely, good luck.” Kyle said before enveloping Diana in another tight hug. It was weird, she thought to herself as she returned to her original mission, she missed the band that she lost more than she missed the man. 

Making it to her assigned table without any more interruptions, Diana slid into the chair between her sister and Dove. They were seated at a table with cast members from another reality show that Diana felt guilty to admit she didn’t recognize. Luckily, they were engulfed in their own world and paying no attention to the addition to the table.

“Hello, beautiful,” Dove greeted, resting her head on Diana’s shoulder with a smile. The two had been introduced at some industry Christmas event and had quickly fallen into an innocent flirtatious friendship whenever in the same room. The conversation between the two quickly drifted towards the upcoming tour that both of them would be on.

“I cannot wait to perform in front of a crowd, again. It’s been so long,” Diana said excitedly to the dark-haired Disney darling.

“You’re going to do amazing. I can’t wait to watch you perform,” Dove said, winking at the red-headed singer. Diana felt her cheeks fill with heat, as she shook her head.

“Don’t shake your head, your songs are sexy. I can’t wait to hear you sing them,” Dove let out a giggle, but it sounded genuine, not condescending. “Plus, a tour with all girls is amazing! It’s like a girl’s night every night!”

Before long, the ceremony began and Diana tried her best to look equally excited for each nominee. Diana wasn’t sure if it was the fourth glass of champagne she was working on or her nerves, but the night was passing quicker than she had imagined. Her phone buzzed from her lap, pulling her attention away from the stage where Dua Lipa was performing.

Joe 

Watching what I can. That dress is incredible on you Good luck!

Instinctively a smile spread across Diana’s lips as the end of Dua’s song faded out. The presenters for the next award came on stage and Biz nudged her sister’s side to catch her attention. “This is your category.”

Sarah Hyland and Renee Rapp were at the microphone, introducing the Favorite Reality TV Star of the Year nominees. Diana looked up just as her face appeared on the screens on stage along with the other nominees. Renee said her name and a clip from Band Together’s last episode began playing on the dozens of monitors filling the room. Diana heard her heartbroken voice fill the auditorium and prepared herself for the scene that began to roll.

“I was ride or fucking die for you. And I was her hype-man, too. The fact that she continued to smile in my face while smiling on FaceTime with you is one of the most god-awful, disgusting things I have ever heard.” Diana was curled up in a blanket, Connor pacing around the living room they shared at the time. 

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” the bassist said, emotionless, taking a seat on the armchair across the room from Di.

“Why don’t you be sorry you ever fucking did it?!”

“Look, I was wrong, I get it. But I didn’t mean for it to happen that way. I don’t know what you want from me!” Connor was looking at Diana like he was the heartbroken one.

“For you to die.”

The screens cut back to the crowd reactions of the nominees as Renee and Tina continued to read off the next nominees’ names as their scenes played. Diana took a deep breath and reminded herself that she was the one nominated, not Connor. Even if she lost, she couldn’t be painted as the bad guy he attempted to set up on the show this past season.

Diana must have zoned out for the rest of the nominees, because before she knew it Tina opened her mouth to say, “And the winner for Favorite Reality TV  Star goes to…” before opening the envelope and announcing the winner in sync with Renee.

“Diana Hayes for Band Together!”

Biz shrieked next to the singer and the rest of the table stood up to shower her in praise and congratulations before she made her way to the stage. In utter shock, Diana began the journey to the stairs in shock that the public had chosen her as their favorite Reality TV star because of the way she stood up for herself. The proof was playing in the background behind her as she took to the stage.

Connor was still sitting on the armchair across from Diana, head in his hands, fake crying. Taking place moments after the last scene that played, Diana was still stone-faced, but heartbroken on the couch.

“I regret ever standing up for you, defending you. I regret supporting you and putting my career on hold for you. You’re worth nothing. And I want you to hear my words, the woman who stood by you and loved you, the woman who would have built my whole life around you, and know that’s how I feel about you. I regret ever loving you.”

Diana’s last words to Connor played over the speakers while the room applauded. The surreal feeling of people cheering after one of the rawest, most painful moments of her life played on a giant screen for everyone to watch.. At least she wasn’t Connor right now.

“Wow, really. I didn’t expect this at all, really. I didn’t even think of writing a speech because I thought this was impossible. Reality TV was never something I considered my thing. In fact, I quit before I even got nominated for this.” Diana joked and the audience gave a soft laugh, relieving some of the tension in the star’s shoulders. “Thank you to anyone who voted for me, watched the show, and streamed my new EP. Thank you for telling me that I still have a spot in this industry if I want it. Thank you to all my new friends who have shown me that my world didn’t crumble, it just got a cruel upgrade. I can’t wait to see you on tour!”

The crowd applauded and Diana heard wolf whistles coming from somewhere she couldn’t distinguish through the tears. She was in complete shock still, blown away by the fact that she had won a fan-voted award against the likes of a Kardashian. Walking off stage and to the press room, she heard the presenters for Favorite Reality TV Show come on stage. After the reading of the nominees, she heard the voice announce Band Together as the winner and watched the backstage monitor as the band ascended the stage.

Miles, the frontman of the group, approached the microphone first. “First of all, we’d like to thank the fans of our band and the show for voting for us, you all are amazing.” Kyle walked up next, “And next we’d like to thank the crew who works tirelessly on this show. The amount of hours you all put into us and the finished product is greatly appreciated.” Connor attempted to make his way to the mic, but Kyle and Miles stepped in front of him as Isla leaned into the microphone. “And finally, we’d like to thank the real reason this show even got recognized. We can’t say names, but you know who you are and your fanbase knows who you are. Thank you for being such a force and finding strength when it seemed impossible.” Music started playing the band off stage as Connor struggled against his bandmates. What they don’t tell you about some charismatic men is that other emotions besides happiness tend to be expressed just as big as their infatuation and happiness. The anger just tends to come at a time after you’ve fallen for the charm and flattery. Diana thanked God that she no longer had to deal with the outburst that came with his anger. 

Still buzzing from being on stage, Diana returned to her seat and checked her phone to mentally prepare herself for the next stressor of the evening: seeing Joe. Sometime while she was away from her purse, Joe had texted and said he’d landed and was on his way to the hotel with a bottle of champagne. Excitement mingled with the adrenaline from winning, easing her nerves about the fact that Joe was staying in her suite. Realistically, it made the most sense as most hotels were booked out all week for the PCAs and Diana would have a two-bedroom suite to herself when Biz left in about an hour and a half.

The rest of the show went on without anything unusual and before long the closing credits began to roll. Standing up with the rest of the group, the Hayes sisters began to say their farewells to the various entertainers who were now mingling amongst themselves. Normally, they would stay and socialize for a moment, but they were on a tight schedule.

“Excuse us, but we’ve got to leave ASAP!” Biz urged while Diana was still chatting with Dove and the Bailey sisters, Chloe and Halle.. Diana made eye contact with her sister just as the younger’s face twisted into a mischievous smirk covering her tipsy face. She opened her mouth again.

“I’ve got a plane and Di’s got a dick to catch, so we’re in a hurry,” the brunette said, her sister’s elbow making contact with her ribs halfway through the sentence. Chloe’s head was thrown back in a full belly laugh and Halle hid her blush behind her hands; the intensity of which only deepened with Dove’s quick response..

“Well, if it’s unsatisfactory and you need someone who knows their way around a lady, I’m always a phone call away,” Dove’s musical voice directed itself to Diana as she pulled her in for a kiss on the cheek. Diana was attempting to formulate a response, but Dove was pulled away by some other former Disney actor. Diana always froze up when pretty girls flirted with her, even if she knew those pretty girls were only joking.

“Damn, she’s got game,” Chloe wheezed between laughs, hugging Diana and Biz goodbye.

Diana spent the ride to her hotel trying to calm her remaining nerves. She and Biz parted ways when they exited the ceremony. Diana left in a blacked-out SUV with Tommy, one of her security guards, while Biz was accompanied by everyone else on Diana’s team.

Just as she was beginning to convince herself that Joe had flown here as an elaborate prank, her phone buzzed with a series of texts. Some of her anxiety faded when she read them.

Joe 

Going to try to do some of this puzzleWhat the hell.You’ve got to be missing pieces…

Diana couldn’t help but smile. At their last hangout, she had joked she was going to make him do a puzzle with her, but they found themselves otherwise indisposed. But the idea of ending such a mentally exhausting night doing her comfort activity with someone who was becoming increasingly more of a comfort for her sounded wonderful.

Sending a text when she got to the hotel to warn Joe of her imminent arrival, Diana took a deep breath and she opened the hotel suite door to face the rest of her night. 

“I feel completely out of place,” Diana laughed out loud at her state of overdress when she finally caught sight of Joe. He was sitting on the living area sofa in front of the puzzle, some History Channel documentary on in the background. He was dressed in a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a Bengals t-shirt that was much more appropriate for the comfort of the hotel room than Diana’s bedazzled dress and heels. 

Joe rose from the couch when he heard her voice, greeting her with a hug that wasn’t as awkward as Diana had expected it to be.

“Congratulations on your win!” Diana could hear the smile in his voice as he pulled away. “You look amazing.” 

“Thank you. Honestly, I was so nervous,” Diana responded meekly, stepping back and setting down her belongings. “You did great,” Joe said walking back to the couch and sitting down in front of the table.”I, on the other hand, cannot figure out this fucking puzzle.” A laugh escaped Diana’s lips as she peaked over the back of the couch. There was not much progress made on the 500-piece puzzle on the mat, but Joe had made diligent work of sorting the pieces by color. 

“You almost finished sorting, though! That’s the worst part.”

Joe turned his head to shoot her a confused look, causing another laugh to fill the room.

“Let me go de-glam and I’ll come help.” With that Diana excused herself to her bedroom. 

-

Diana felt much more comfortable after a quick shower and a change of clothes. Matching Joe’s vibe, Diana sat next to him in a pair of joggers and a tank top staring at the puzzle in front of them. Joe finished sorting the pieces from the box,  while Diana worked on the frame, both drinking champagne from coffee cups that Joe had found. 

“I swear, I tried to find all the end pieces, but there are so many pieces here,” Joe joked, finishing up with the last handful of pieces. 

“This is only 500 pieces you should see some of the 2000-piece ones I have at home,” Diana said proudly, finishing the frame.

“I knew you said you were into puzzles, but I didn’t think it was that serious,” Joe looked at her smiling. 

“They just help me relax, I don’t know. With my ADHD and anxiety, if I don’t keep my mind occupied I spiral.” It was something that Cathy had suggested while watching Diana struggle to manage her mental state during her last tour. Hoping she hadn’t brought down the mood, she glanced over at Joe, whose face still held a faint smile paired with his previous focused look.

“I’m going to be real with you, Di. I do not understand how this could be relaxing, but I totally understand the need to keep busy. I just usually just go to the gym or play video games, though.” 

“The gym is my literal worst nightmare,” Diana said, nose scrunched up. “It’s been mandatory to get ready for tour and it is so exhausting.”

“You just have to find the routine that fits you. If I had to do cardio all day, I’d hate it,” Joe reassured her.

Diana was pleasantly surprised at how easily she found herself relaxing after such an anxiety-inducing night as she and Joe worked on assembling the pieces into an image that resembled the melted crayons on the box.

“So, I saw your updated tour schedule,” Joe spoke, the casual tone in his voice sounding a little off. Diana knew he was referring to the fact that a handful of shows had been added throughout, including one in Cincinnati. 

“Yeah, we had to wait on approval from some venues before we could announce all the dates,” Diana said, placing another piece of the puzzle. She was trying her best to sound nonchalant. “I was going to ask if you wanted to come to a show, but I wanted to wait until I was allowed to mention there was one in Cincinnati.”

“I wouldn’t miss you performing in my city,” Joe looked over, smile shining bright. “I saw you were on a break after that one, I can show you around if you want.” “That sounds good,” Diana said, hiding her matching grin with her cup of champagne.. “I’ve actually never been there more than 12 hours.”

“We’ll have to give you the hometown treatment, then.”

Diana knew she couldn’t blame the fact that she was staring at Joe on the slight buzz she had when she realized Joe had stopped talking. She wasn’t even sure what he had said last before she zoned out looking at the creases by his eyes and the color of his lips.

A sense of guilt overtook Diana when she realized her mind had drifted to memories of their last hangout. She had spent all day trying to convince everyone, herself included, that she and Joe were just friends. Diana drained her cup trying to push all PG-13 and up thoughts out of her head.  Have fun, be safe. love you, Cathy.

Even her manager was plotting against her. With a deep breath, Diana refocused and left the room with a preroll, lighter, and fake composure. When she got to the living area of the suite, she saw Joe still working on the puzzle.

“I’m just going to step out on the balcony. Do you want to come?,” Diana’s voice must have startled Joe because he gave a small jump. Without a response, he stood up and followed her to the sliding glass doors. Once out on the balcony, Diana made sure the door was shut tight before sitting down beside Joe. He had made himself comfortable, sitting sideways on the lounge chair so it was more like a couch. Diana lit the preroll and inhaled the smoke. 

“I don’t know if you partake but you’re more than welcome to hit this,” her voice cut through the silence. The high clouding her thoughts, it was easy to forget how nervous she had been mere seconds ago. 

“I don’t get tested till June, fuck it,” Joe said, reaching out to grab the joint she was holding towards him. 

The two sat in silence for a moment, enjoying the commotion of the city and inhaling the medicinal herb. It only took a few passes before Joe started coughing, which turned into fits of laughter. 

“I figured you’d be a lightweight, but damn,” Diana giggled as she stubbed out the butt of the joint. After she was sure it was safely put out, she turned her attention towards Joe again.

“Hey, just because you’re fucking Snoop Jr doesn’t mean you can make fun of me,” Joe said with a smile plastered on his face.

“Snoop Dogg?!” It was hard to make out her words through her giggles. “I mean, I don’t know. I couldn’t think of anyone else! I don’t do this often.”

The two sat in their fit of laughter for a few more moments before silence fell over them. The worry that had filled Diana’s brain earlier returned to full force. It felt so natural to be with Joe, but the unrelenting feeling that she couldn't commit was weighing heavy on her at the moment. Joe turned his head to look at her, goofy smile still plastered in place, and asked her, “What are you thinking about?”

“You don’t want to know.,” replied Diana, voice barely above a whisper. 

“I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know.”

“I’m thinking that I don’t know if I’m ready to be more than friends, but I really just wanna kiss you.” “What if both of those things were okay with me?” Joe countered.

That’s all it took for Diana to launch herself at Joe, pushing his back against the the backrest of the lounge chair. Climbing up his body to straddle him, Diana made quick work of placing her lips against Joe’s jawbone. Trailing her way to his neck with sloppy kisses and biting lightly, Diana ground her hips into the growing erection beneath her pelvis. 

Joe released a groan into Diana’s mouth as her hands traced his biceps and chest over the cotton of his t-shirt. Grabbing a fistful of the material, Diana quickened the pace of her hips as her tongue licked against Joe’s. Diana felt the athlete’s strong arms move to wrap themselves around her smaller frame. Pulling back and taking a breath, Diana allowed Joe to say, “Let’s take this to the bedroom.”

Tightening his grip around Diana’s body, Joe stood up and carried her towards the room she had claimed as her own. Joe opened the door with ease and made his way to the bed in a few quick strides. Standing at the edge of the bed, he laid Diana down and took off his shirt. Diana found it difficult to take her eyes off of his broad shoulders and well-cut torso.

“Like what you see?” Diana could almost hear the smirk in his voice before she raised her gaze to his face. “Something like that,” her voice was so heavy with lust that she barely recognized it. Hooking her fingers in the waistband of Joe’s sweatpants she pulled him closer, causing him to kneel on the bed. Leaning down so that his larger frame was hovering over her, he connected their mouths again.

Diana felt a slight tug at the hem of her tank top as she heard Joe’s gruff voice ask, “Can I take this off?” Waiting for a nod of agreement, Joe pulled away and helped Diana strip herself of the flimsy material.  The hunger in Joe’s blue eyes deepened as his eyes raked over her chest before bringing his hand to massage her breast with his calloused hands.

The moan that Diana let out caused Joe to groan and buck his hips, finding his way back to the lips in front of him. Their hands roamed each other’s bodies for a brief moment before Diana’s hands slinked their way down the front of Joe’s waistband once more, pausing briefly before receiving the okay from Joe.

Diana’s delicate fingers reached down and wrapped around the warmth of Joe’s cock. It took everything in her to not react at the size of him. She had some idea that he was well-endowed based on their close proximity the last two times they’d hung out, but having him in her hand had shocked her. Not only was the length impressive, but Diana was unable to wrap her hand around his shaft fully. To say Joe was blessed was an understatement.

Shaking the surprise from her head, Diana began to stroke her hand slowly as her lips still moved against Joe’s. A groan of pleasure fell from Joe’s lips into Diana’s as one hand continued to massage Joe’s dick while the other began to push his pants and boxers down his legs. Kicking out of his clothing, Joe’s hands busied themselves, ridding Diana of her shorts and finding the sensitive nub between her legs. 

When his hands met the apex of her thighs, he was pleasantly surprised at how wet she already was for him. He spent a moment rubbing circles on her clit before inserting a finger inside of her. Diana gasped in pleasure as she felt herself stretch around the single digit before he added another one, preparing her for himself. 

Diana arched into his touch and let out a soft moan when Joe curled his fingers inside of her. The worries about what their relationship held fell from her mind as she gave into the pleasure she was feeling. The look on Joe’s face went from that of concentration to hungry satisfaction when he felt Diana’s walls clench around his fingers and the moan fall from her lips, a clear indication that she was eager for more.  With a grunt of approval, Joe used his thumb to tease her clit while she continued to massage his dick. 

Their blue eyes met as they continued to pleasure each other before Joe pulled away. Diana shot him a confused look as he began to fumble through the discarded clothes pile on the floor. A moment later, he looked up, a triumphant expression on his flushed face holding a gold foil packet. Diana’s confusion faded away when she realized what he was doing.

“Oh? Someone was expecting this,” she teased, mind flashing to the brand-new box that Cathy had left for the two of them earlier. 

Joe shook his head and replied, “Someone was hoping for this, there’s a difference. I just thought I should be prepared.” He tore open the foil packet and began rolling the condom over his erection. Diana was sure that she had never wanted anyone more as she watched him crawl onto the bed and position himself over her. With one hand he lifted Diana’s leg and with the other, he gave his dick two long strokes before he lined his head up with her slick entrance. 

Diana’s mind went blank with pleasure when Joe finally sank into her. Giving Diana a moment to adjust to his size, Joe caught her lips in a sloppy kiss until she bucked her hips into his needily. He matched her pace and broke the kiss. 

“Fuck, you feel so good,” his voice came out breathy and low, scratching a part of Diana’s brain that she didn’t know existed. This man was driving her absolutely feral she thought as she hooked her legs around his back.

Diana’s eyes fluttered shut as she lost herself in the pleasure building up in her core. When she opened them again, she locked eyes with a smiling Joe. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

Before Diana could pull away in embarrassment, Joe caught her lips in another kiss and increased the speed of his thrusts. Any insecurity was pushed out of her mind with the rush of ecstasy that filled her mind. Diana’s body moved instinctually against Joe’s, falling into a needy rhythm. Head tilting backward, breaking the kiss, she released a breathy moan causing Joe to close his eyes, and stifle a groan. Joe’s rhythm stayed steady as Diana forced herself to focus on the the sensations happening within her body

“That’s right, babe. Good girl.” Joe said, smiling as wide as he had been on the balcony

Ecstasy mixed with the weed and champagne in Diana’s system as she was pushed over the edge into an orgasm. Chills ran down her spine as the pleasure caused her to arch her back and moan loudly. 

“You like that?” Joe questioned, smile turning slightly cocky. Diana nodded, still lost in the afterglow of her orgasm when she felt Joe pull out and tap her hips.

“Flip over,” he instructed, moving Diana’s body before she had the chance. Once positioned on her hands and knees, Joe made quick work in moving behind Diana and reentering her. 

Face pressed against the sheets, she felt Joe’s fingers tangle through her long hair and pull slightly. Carefully, she snaked her hand down between her legs and started rubbing quick circles on her sensitive clit. 

“Yes, Yes,” she chanted, sure her brain was going to turn to mush. Joe was moving quickly and sharply, hitting a spot that caused Diana’s vision to start blurring with each thrust. 

“That’s right baby, cum on my cock. Let me make you feel good,” the grunts came out breathy and in between thrust. That didn’t matter to Diana because the huskiness of his voice sent Diana over the edge again. 

The sensation of Diana’s pussy clenching must have sent Joe over the edge because without any indication his thrusts began to slow down and came to a stop. Before he pulled out, he leaned over and placed small kisses on Diana’s spine. 

“Thank you, that was incredible,” Joe responded, voice still gravely from their encounter. He pulled out and began cleaning up. 

“Oh, trust me. It was my pleasure,” Diana giggled. “I’ll be right back. Need to get cleaned up.” She grabbed the robe off of the hook on the door and slipped into the en-suite to freshen up. She was washing her hands after peeing when her post-nut clarity hit her. She had just fucked Joe. And loved it. But also, he seemed to understand that she wasn’t ready for a relationship so that was good. Unfortunately the “drunk on the toilet” intoxication also hit her, meaning that she was now panicking on how the rest of her night was going to unfold. 

“He said it was fine. You’re fine,” Diana said to herself as she paced the bathroom. Brushing her teeth to buy herself two more minutes, she finally calmed herself down enough to walk back into the bedroom. 

“So, do you want to finish the puzz-“ Diana’s question was cut off when she realized that Joe had fallen asleep, covered only in the bed’s top sheet. The drawer next to the bed was open, the box of condoms in his hand. 

Diana let out a small chuckle before removing the box from his hand and turning off the lights. She wasn’t so intoxicated that she couldn’t hear the little nagging feeling that said sleeping next to Joe tonight would not help her keep her feelings platonic after he blew her back out. However, the feeling of Joe’s arm pulling her into a cuddle when she crawled into bed told her she could deal with that come morning. 

-------------- I'm sorry if this sucks and that it took so long. Next chapter won't be so late. Love you taglist lovelies: @therapycat21 @rd14 @wickedfun9 @toterry @spookystitchery

[dyemelikeasunset]

I can't sleep so I'm venting. for the most part i love my d&m readers, but oml sometimes i get qpoc blues so bad 😭😭

It's just liiiike. ppl either don't talk about Mor or completely misinterpret her personality. Like I can always tell if my readers are black or not because nonblack readers no NOT see Mor's significance, or just miss the mark when they talk about her, or they misread her personality. Like I don't understand what's so hard to understand about a cute and thoughtful artist??

AND LIKE LMAO Dom's sexuality gets brought up all the time but no one talks about Mor being a lesbian and how rare that is to find in media 😭 white lesbians are always talking about "we need more open lesbians in media!! ppl shouldn't be afraid to use the word lesbian!! blah blah" and i'm like "here you go!!" and no one claps at all lmao. Like I get it, i know why it happens, i understand racial microaggressions, i know how fandom spaces treat Black women, I UNDERSTAND BUT I CAN STILL BE UPSET. I have the right to be upset about it!!! 💀💀 And I know fem lesbians get ignored all the time, invalidated all the time, but it just sucks to see it happen to my character. I just feel like her being lesbian doesn't clock a lot of people, and I get asked to do more thirst trap art of Mor and I do want to but i'm also trying to be careful about like. Idk reducing a dark skinned fem lesbian to being validated only thru being sexy? LMAO.... Mor should be able to be attractive and lovable without tons and tons of thirst trap art (and it's not like I don't do it at all!! I'm not trying to be overprotective or deny her sexiness but I guess it's considered not enough?? give me a break)

And mannnn I was so mad actually that several comments voiced thoughts that essentially said Mor didn't "help" or "take care" of Dom enough, and that when Dom was finally opening up to her it was "Morgan finally doing something" LIKE HELLO??? HELLO??? It's DOM'S flaw that she can't open up? And Morgan does a lot??? I know immature ppl do not appreciate more soft and domestic/feminine forms of care bc they're used to taking their mothers for granted lmao but wooow I was taken aback. First of all, like, I try to show that Mor is the main cook, works just as much as Dom (let's go double income household), is always checking in on Dom's comfort as she navigates being queer, and is overall a very considerate girlfriend. AND SECOND OF ALL LMAO like even if she didn't do all that she doesn't need to have relationship currency to have a doting girlfriend, like the fucking trope of black women needing to suffer for love is so terrible I'VE HAD ENOUGH AND i"M NOT EVEN BLACK. Like there is NOTHING WRONG with their typical dynamic and I'm sick of people acting like there is. SOMEONE SAID DOM WAS LIKE A COMFORT PILLOW W NO AGENCY AND i"M LIKE WTFDYM???? She has TONS of agency and her sense of agency says she wants to LOVE AND DOTE ON HER PARTNER LIKE LMAO. WHAT?? Why is that hard to understand??? Is it because I made one (1) joke bout Mor being a pillow princess and the anti-princess squad are grinding their teeth in the bushes seething over it? Ppl are so twisted sometimes oh my goddddd. Like as an ace who was very confused navigating the lesbian dating scene as a teen and young adult I WISH i had met a pillow princess. Sometimes ppl don't realize that stone dynamics are very safe for aces!! Dom literally says she prefers it!! It's not Mor being selfish like lord please GOD ALLAH I'M TIRED I'M SO TIRED

and like on the topic of Domi overall she is more "popular" but sometimes I feel like people don't even really take the time to appreciate the significance about her either. She's not just a funny thirst trap 😭 and I feel like ppl dont acknowledge that she's asian half the time. I have so many white aces who only zone in on that aspect of her and it's like YEAH I GET IT, I'm ace and we don't have a lot of nuanced rep but she's also got more layers than that too. Tons of people related to her in the chapters where she talks about her childhood abuse yet very few people really, like, talked about the type of generational trauma that is very deeply embedded in her different cultures, no one saw that and oooof idk idk it felt inivisible. It's sometimes harder to talk about the racist microaggressions that Domi experiences thru my readers bc ppl will argue "well most webtoon leads are asian" but not many of them are asian in a way that like. talk about it. I'm born in the US so my experiences with being othered as an asian is just gonna be different and it's gonna affect my art and writing but it feels so unappreciated. I've had some queer asians relate to her but i can count them on my hand 💀 (I actually think it's two LMAO i"M SO SAD)

And going back to Dom and the comfort pillow w no agency comment lmao. This is another thing that rubs me the wrong way is once again, people are ignorant to the ways asians get pigeon-holed to media roles that have us being depicted as incapable. Maybe I want Dom to be more of a protector archetype bc I'm tired of meek Asian women in media? 🤔 Maybe I want Dom to be a prince-like character because asians get emasculated a lot?? 🤔🤔 Maybe I want Domi to maintain her prince persona instead of being "'physically' androgynous/masculine but really soft and girly on the inside uwuwu please treat me like a 'real' girl" because even in east asian media we won't allow women to exhibit strength and dependability??? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 Like why is a tough girl empowering but once we have a gentle and doting personality in a romance it's considered cliche and the flaw of her partner for being "too weak." MAYBE THEIR PRINCE/PRINCESS DYNAMIC COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER??? HAVE YOU CONSIDERED? I WROTE THEM THAT WAY FOR A REASON??

Good lord this turned into an essay but I have so many things on my mind always

if you read this all. Thanks. I mainly needed to scream into a towel and put this down somewhere bc I complain about these issues to my discord and they understand/validate me all the time, but I wanna give them a break 😭 I also lowkey wanna document my various feelings as I work through Dom & Mor so I can remember and also grow from it

[lacedinweb22]

Vampire Next Door ♱ Miguel O'Hara x reader ♱ Ch. 12 ⊱From the Outside⊰  prev part

baby chapter (FYI Velvet Vigilante is an OC inspired by the Black Cat)

“Your window was locked; that’s a first.” 

“I started locking it after you.” 

She pulls out a pack and starts to light a cigarette in the middle of the living room.

“No, no. Not in here. Go do that on the fire escape.”

She points at the joint resting in the ashtray beside the couch. It’s unburnt. 

“And that? What’s it for, huh?”

“I’m saving it. It was a gift.”

“Someone gifted you a joint?”

“Go outside!” 

He pushes against her back, forcing her to stumble to the window. 

She crawls through the window, then stands, smoking, fashionably, scowling at Miguel through the window. 

“I’ve given you thorough explanations as to why those things are slowly killing you.”

“Yeah, not again. Keep it to yourself, Spidey.”

He exhales, dragging his hand down his face.

“Ha! There it is. Love making you suicidal. It’s so entertaining,” she grins, cigarette still burning between her teeth.

“You’re evil.” 

“I wonder if pretty girl is up…” she mutters, leaving her lit cigarette on the bricks under his window. 

“Pinche–,” Miguel rushes to put it out. 

She crawls to Y/N’s fire escape. Careful not to be seen through her window. 

He cusses her out, whisper-yelling at her to come back.

“Hey! Idiota! Get away from the window! Don’t drag her into your mess.”

“Oh? Like you did?”

“She doesn’t know about any of it, Vel.” 

“Mmm, the way you say it. ‘Vel,’... you just say it differently… missed that.” Velvet drags her nails down his back, as he stares into Y/N’s window. He shakes from the chills she’s just given him. He abruptly pulls his shoulder away from her. “Stop it, for fuck’s sake. God, you’re so annoying,” he hisses.

“She’s a good girl, Mig, super cool. I know you like her, I know, but we both know how these things end for us. People like us… ‘monsters’ like us, we don’t get to have that.” She points to Y/N, her index finger resting on the glass. She looks back at Miguel, who’s looking in, face softened, she can tell he’s weak for her. 

“Velvet and Y/N, mmm has a nice ring to it. I could use a good fling,” she hums, starting to tap on the glass, knowing it’ll push his buttons. 

Miguel grabs her finger and shoves it down.

“You’re going to stay away from her. You think I’m trouble? Velvet,” he growls, smirking, condescendingly, towering over her. 

“We go way back. I’ve seen what you can do. You’ve hurt good people. You’re real trouble.” 

She pushes him. “Asshole. So have you.”

She peeks over his shoulder, looking at a sleeping Y/N.

“I meant it though. She’s good. Wouldn’t want to add her name to your kill count, even if it’s accidental. Take care of her, Mig.”

She walks back to his window, but Miguel lingers, still staring into her window. 

“I’m trying.”

✩ next chapter coming liiiike in an hour or two hehesfhifdh

+*:ꔫ: NOW HERE +*:ꔫ:

[whocaresstillthelouvre]

WIP Wednesday Thursday

Hi, it's me again, doing this late. Thanks to @schnarfer, @thundermartini, @the-mandawhor1an, @secretelephanttattoo, @sawymredfox for the tags. I love being tagged because it means Tumblr shows me what you're all working on. SHOW MEEEE.

Anyways, I have two fics this week. I'm in the middle of retooling Elks but I just couldn't say no to a couple of amazing challenges.

First for @quinnnfabrgay-writes and @proxima-writes's Monster Smash Challenge I have incubus (NOT the band) Maxwell Lord. Folks *clap* (did that for my other Kurtis Town residents), I dooo noooot liiiike that movie iiiiiiit suuuUUUUUuuuucccks BUT isn't that the fun of writing? So even if I do not LIKE the movie he's from, I do LIKE the character because it's still Pedro and I'm still gonna get this dude written and *do* him justice. I really love the challenge. I've never written dark themes before but it's spooky season and I'm taking full advantage of it. Here's are a couple lines:

Under a cover of delicate flowers, you lay. You pretty thing you, slumbering away in your idyllic iron bed. So peaceful, so relaxed. He has access to everything he’d ever want, power beyond belief, richer than Mammon. He can have it all, and he wants it, so he takes you. Lucifer, save you. 

Then for @justagalwhowrites Joel Birthday Celebration and with @ohheypedrito selecting fake dating when I asked her for her choice... I have a very fun romcom type set up of reader going to her ex boyfriend's wedding with her best friend's brother in law. Hell yeah folks, we're doing a no outbreak AU where Tommy and Maria are married, Sarah is a senior in high school, and Joel Miller is a damn good fake boyfriend, because in this house NOTHING BAD HAPPENS TO THE MILLER FAMILY. Anyways, it's healthy, this is all soooo healthy. We just ignore the sad things. Here's a snippet:

RING… RING… RING…  Your fingers nervously tap against the countertop. “Come on, pick uuup, pick uuuup, pick uuu–” “Miller,” a deep voice answers. “H-Hi, uh, Joel?” You feel a third of your age, like you’re right back in middle school calling the cute boy in your science class because your friend dared you.  “Speaking.” “Hey, uh, you’re my wedding date? Maria… she gave me your number so we can plan?” “Oh, yes,” his voice softens. “Saturday, right?” “Yeah, uh… I think it might be good to go over a story for us before the big day.” “Right,” he chuckles, “I’m all ears.”

Tagging @burntheedges, @yopossum, @mothandpidgeon, @jolapeno, @maggiemayhemnj

And if you've already posted, pretend this tag is an ILY.

[hecksupremechips]

I am soooo unbelievably stressed out im going to explode and cease to exist. I’m completely fine 👍

[cupcakeinat0r]

A couple of yall asked for the booty routine so here u go, shawty <3

Ik this looks like a lot, but trust, bae, it’s important. I felt like if ima talk abt my routine, might as well talk a lil bit abt food too since both work as a team.

[First, let me say that I am by no means a professional. This is something I've learned and acquired through self-research, as well as having two siblings, one who is a bodybuilder and the other who is a personal trainer. Also, the gym is a safe n fun space for everyone:) Work out because you want to, not bc you think you need to look a certain way <3]

Here's my Split: I added my upper body days as well in case yall wanted to kno <3

Monday: Glutes + quads

Tuesday: Back + Biceps

Wednesday: Glutes + Hamstrings

Thursday: Chest + Tricep

Friday: Full Body

Saturday + Sunday: Active rest!!! (Could be running, walking, bicycling, etc., whatever is fun to do! My personal fav is the stair master for an hr or Running for 3 miles, but you do whatever you can. Listen to your body.)

In addition, I do cardio after each sesh on the weekdays. For me, that's running for like 2 miles or so, depends how I'm feeling, but you do whatever cardio you'd like! A good start could simply be inclined walking!

Also, pls pls pls remember rest days are VITALLL. If u want to grow that booty (which is something the couple of you specifically mentioned), those rest days are important bc this is the period when those muscles are actually repairing themselves from the workout, resulting in growth!!! A huge misconception is that “the muscles grow during the workout”… no. Ur actually tearin up those puppies, so that’s what rest days r for! Both rest + protein contribute to ur muscle repair + growth (I’ll talk abt protein intake later). Naturally, I like to rest Sat n Sun, but it could be any 2-3 days of the week. Sometimes, I be usin that Fri full-body sesh as a rest day too so liiiike... if u need to, please do (especially during periods uuuuugh).

As for specific Workouts, I'll list em here. These r for the booty ;)

Hip thrusts, booty + hamstrings

Romanian dead lift, booty + hammies

Goblet Squat, quad destroyer

Hip abductions, booty burner, omfg

Leg press, depends on footing. Higher on platform works hammies n booty, lower works quads.

Weighted Squats, the whole damn leg.

Body weight squats OR lunges (good for warm-ups)

Leg curl, hammies

Leg extension, quads

Bulgarian split squat, booty n whole leg

I do 4 sets of 12 <3

(ALMOST FORGOT, I TARGET FOR 5-6 DIFF EXERCISE FOR EACH WORKOUT)

Nutrition plays a huuuge part as well, but I'll only talk very lil abt it since ion know yall's specific needs<3

Generally, if u want growth, just take ur current weight and put that in grams, for example = 170 lbs. -> 170 g of protein each day. Now, taking in the amount of protein u need can be hard at first, so just for the beginning, just try to at least get close to it then work ur way up. Foods high in protein that I like are Greek Yogurt, Chicken, Lean Ground Beef, Salmon, and snackies such as protein bars (avocado is like the holy grail for a phat booty just sayin. It's not protein, but it's the healthiest source of fat there is!). As for other groups (fat n carbs) don’t be so strict, bae… just use your portions. No need to restrict urself from ANY food bc no food is “bad”. I can talk allllll day abt this one but ima just shut up for now lmao.

PHEW, honestly, don't mention the gym around me cuz I will not shut up. Ima gym rat at heart so like I could literally keep writing abt this but bc literally, like, 3 ppl asked for this, Ima just wrap up here <3

Hope this was a lil bit of help @gltzpzy @mybvalentine @icenbroo <33333333

P.s. would it be cringe if I said I sometimes use Miguel as motivation??? Like he’s watchin me or som??? Bye, I hate that I do that, I’m like actually mentally unwell bc of that stupid mass of pixels Sony created ☠️

[beatrixstonehill2]

Jamie walked outside where her older brother and friends were playing football in the expansive yard, as they often did on weekends, drinking and having a good time, practicing for the amateur league a bunch of towns held every year. One of the men, Casey, threw Jamie the ball. She caught it with a look of surprise, acting like she was going to play, smiling and laughing.

"Hey, why not let Jamie play?" Casey asked Jamie's brother, Vince.

"Jamie, why?" Vince said.

"Wasn't she born a guy. Come on, she can fill in for Andrew."

"What happened to Andrew?" Jamie said.

Vince folded his arms. "Welllll, Andrew was like the best player on our team. He moved to Colorado with his fiance last week."

"Shit that sucks."

"Yeah, you caught that thing really well, and I've seen you play soccer and run track, you're a good athlete."

Jamie blushed. "Oh come on! Liiiike seriously? You guys will destroy me."

"What's the issue, afraid of a few men? Rumor has it you've taken a few men at once before at the frat house."

The other guys all whistled and laughed.

"W-Well maybe I did..... but you guys'll just bully me. Since I'm a girl."

"I mean, sort of a girl," Casey said. "You used to be Vince's little brother."

"I guess......" She rolled her eyes.

Vince looked her up and down. "Well..... the prize next summer is like 10k..... Come on, Jamie, join the team. We have like six months to train you up."

"Hmmmm.... well, OK. What would you guys need me to do? Like I said I don't think I can take a tackle too well......"

"Yeah but couldn't you just start being a guy?" Casey said.

"Like what do you mean?"

"Go off that girly medicine and just take a bunch of testosterone. Wouldn't you just become like any other guy since you have a dick?"

"Yeah, I technically would just detransition and become a man, but that's kind of a big ask..... I like being a girl."

"Awww, come on, Jamie," Vince said. "Why not try it out? It'll be fun seeing you go through male puberty and bulk up like a bull. We'll help train you. I don't think mom or dad will care if you decide to be a man."

"Ummmm, you guys...." Jamie bit her lip. "I really don't know, you really want me to become a boy just to join your amateur football thing?"

"Sure, why not? Oh, one problem....."

"What?"

The men were all shirtless. "Our team is always skins, we paint a stripe over our shoulders. You'll have to go topless...."

"B-But I'm like a FF-Cup....."

Casey shrugged. "Yeah but you're still just a guy, right? Technically? Soooo, just take off your top. Doesn't matter if your daddy bought you a fancy set of implants."

Jamie took off her top and tossed it aside. "OK..... happy? Have fun looking at me 'boy-tits'....."

"Damn, they almost look like the real thing."

"Almost," Vince said. "But you're gonna have to ask dad to get rid of them, they already look kind of stupid on you now, but after you bulk up and detransition?"

"Good point," Jamie said, looking down at her round, fake boobs. "I'd imagine you're going to make sure I get really big and muscular so I can play good, right?"

"Of course, as big as possible in the next six months or so."

"Fuck.... OK. I'll ask daddy if I can get my boobs removed next week or so. Gotta get it done now so I can train, right?"

"Exactly! Good thinking, sis--oh, sorry. Little brother."

Jamie blushed, blocking her soon-to-be-removed breasts with her arms. "I guess you guys should show me the ropes? If you don't mind."

"Sure, oh but one more thing."

"What?"

Vince ran over to their gym bag, rifling through, getting out something. He prepared and cleaned a fresh syringe, running back over to Jamie. "Don't worry, most of us take the stuff just to stay competitive. Here, don't move." He pinched Jamie's hip and injected her with a large dose of T, almost with no warning.

Her tiny cock stirred in her panties. She couldn't believe this was happening so fast. She had been living as a girl for over a decade. Now in the blink of an eye she would be transformed into just another roided up muscular gym dude.... Her beautiful body would be totally transformed into a man's, her implants yanked out, no more big bouncy boobs..... And her tiny, girlish cock would become huge and thick.... She already wondered if she'd start liking fucking girls like all these other guys. No more prissy trans girl getting fucked in the ass. She'd be pounding away on thick college girls like the ones from her sorority. Her cock stiffened, picturing all their juicy breasts and asses, their meaty thighs, pot bellies, pregnant bellies, swollen, wet pussies.... all hers to have her way with. She almost greedily zoned out before Vince patted her shoulder.

"You good, Jamie?"

"Oh, of course! Thank you, Vince. I can't wait to become a guy and play with you all.... let's hope we win!"

[existencebringsonlypain]

Wrote a fic. it's about kris realizing they're enby and subsequently coming out to the Holiday sisters and Azzy. naturally, they do not know they're enby beforehand, so there will be misgendering and their name will be spelled differently, but their internal monologue still uses they/them, so don't worry too much.

fuckin,,, enjoy ig

oh also it's on ao3. I made a whole ass custom work skin for it, so now if you don't like the deadnames you can just turn them off

Chris reached up to adjust their horns, having knocked them on a tree limb on accident. They were beginning to regret taking a walk with Azzy and their Holiday friends, they'd had to finangle with their accessories constantly, even unhook their shirt a handful of times.

"Eeek! My skirt!"

They were faring better than Noelle, though. Maybe it just came with having long, flowy clothing, but she just about managed to get tangled up in every stray branch imaginable.

"Shoot, and that one's brand new, too," Dess lamented, feeling the newly-torn hole in the skirt area of Noelle's outfit. "That's what you get when you ask for a long dress despite knowing you trek around in the forest all day."

Noelle whined. "But I liiiike this one!! Long skirts feel nice and I don't have to worry about being immodest around Mom!"

"Oooo, does it spin?" Chris leaned in with a grin. Hehe, that rhymed.

Noelle giggled, twirling in place once they reached their clearing. The skirt billowed outwards, and she squeaked as she stumbled on her hoof from the spinning. Dess caught her in time, fortunately, but Noelle was still laughing dizzily in her arms.

Chris flapped their hands with fervor, enraptured. "That's so cool!! Why don't I have any skirts, Azzy?"

Azzy frowned down at them. "Well, for one, you'll trip like Noelle just did, no doubt. But also, skirts are girl clothes, and you're not a girl."

Dess elbowed him. "Hey, he can wear whatever he wants! Just 'cuz skirts aren't really guy clothes doesn't mean he can't wear 'em."

"Well, yeah," Azzy argued, "but it'd be kind of weird, yeah? He's little, I don't think he really knows what boyhood entails."

"Well, Noelle knew, and she's only a year or so older than him. Most trans kids'll know something's up at that age."

"But Chris isn't trans!"

"You don't know that!"

Both Chris and Noelle looked up at the bickering teens with wide eyes. After a moment, Chris leaned over. "What are they talking about?"

"Oh, uh. I guess you didn't know me then, did you, faha. You know how I have antlers right now even though Dess doesn't?" After a nod from Chris, Noelle kept going. "That's because I wasn't born a girl. When I was younger, people thought I was a boy, like you, but it felt wrong, and when I told people, they started talking like I was a girl, and that felt much better. So I'm a girl now!"

Chris blinked. "Huh? Did they just get it wrong at first, or...?"

Noelle shook her head. "No, they got it right. It's just... Hm. Okay. I know what you look like, but mentally, in your SOUL or whatever, you just... you FEEL like a boy, right?"

Chris just stared at her for a substantial amount of time. "No? Isn't it just my genitals?"

Jumping, Noelle blushed furiously and covered their mouth. Chris pouted under her fingers, giving her the most wet cat expression they could muster, but she shook her head again. "Shhhhhh!! Don't say that so loud!" she whispered loudly. "That's inappropriate! But no, there's a mental part too. If you were in a body with... The other... parts, would you feel weird about it?"

"Nnnooooooo??" They tilted their head at her. "Not any weirder than it normally is."

She paused. "Huh?"

"I don't know, I just kinda wish I didn't have any of that. It's weird, people put me in all these weird boxes. I don't like it, I'm just a person."

Noelle looked down, thinking, before turning to Dess and tugging her arm to get her attention. "Dess? What's it called when you don't wanna have a gender?"

The argument between the teenagers was put on hold for a moment as Dess glanced at her. "Don't wanna...? Well, anyone can not want their gender, mostly because of how people think of said gender, but people who don't have a gender at all are nonbinary. Or, agender, but that's just a kind of nonbinary. Why?"

Chris craned their head to look at her before pointing at themself. Noelle followed suit, pointing at them too. Their neck hurt from looking up. Everything hurt all the time, it was annoying.

"You're saying that describes you?" Asriel piped in. Chris nodded at him.

After a moment of silence, Dess spasmed and whirled toward Azzy, pointing. "I KNEW it! I TOLD you! HA!!! TWENTY BUCKS!"

"Titan damn it- You sure you're getting this right? Would you want us to use neutral pronouns for you? Do you want to be a they?"

"I don't really... What?"

"I don't wanna give Dess twenty dollars."

Chris looked over at Dess, who was still celebrating with herself, and grinned. "Then yes."

"TITAN DAMN IT." Azzy fished out his wallet, sifted through it for a moment, then slapped down a twenty into Dess' waiting hand with a sigh. She cheered, making Chris giggle. "Don't tell me we're changing your name, too, you liked this one."

"No promises," they jeered. To be honest, they didn't really care all that much. But they're glad they they could be out of the obligation that was "boyhood", that was nice. And maybe they'd always thought of themself with the neutral words that they use for people they don't know. And maybe they wanted to mix things up with their name a little, too.

But it's just one more weird thing about them, and they're a weird person. And they like that, they think. Noelle was weird, even weirder than they realized, and Dess and Azzy were weird too. And they were pretty cool, so maybe Chris was too. They could get behind that.

"This is my friend, Chris Dreemurr. They're nonbinary, and they like chocolate. My little sister is good friends with them. Oh my god, I get to call you an enby, that's adorable. This is the best. Your queer is infectious, Azzy, they're not even related to you and they're enby. This is the best."

They smiled. This felt right. In a multitude of wrong-ness that surrounded them, covering their skin instead of fur, this was the one thing that felt correct.

Maybe they could be Kris Dreemurr this time.