#the event was great what i loved best was the big smiles on every woman's face photographing me ahj and the fear in their husbands eyes

[starrdevereauxx]

The Session

By Starr Devereauxx

Being a photographer in Los Angeles has truly been quite the ordeal. I love the freedom of it, but everyone thinks they are a star in this city. I love what I do. The creativity of it. Makes my heart truly smile. There are some mornings that I just get up with my camera and take pictures on my morning walk. It’s a calming feeling just being one with nature, camera in hand.

This morning I woke up refreshed and somewhat nervous for today’s client. I’ve worked with him before but since we have been following each other on social media and making a connection creatively, I find myself becoming more interested and intrigued with him. I met him at a vendor’s booth at a local festival 2 years ago and we have been working together ever since. He called because he wanted to take some new pictures for an upcoming business expo and he wanted to mix up his photos since he’s the keynote speaker this year. Of course I jumped at the chance to be there for him, this is a big moment for him and I’m glad to be apart of the creative process for him.

We scheduled for a Saturday morning, the weather was planned to be great that day and that made for good lighting. I was following his lead on location for the shoot. He picked an open field, not too far from my home actually. I almost felt this was weird, because I thought he would want to use a cityscape since it was for a business type event. But this was he vision and I didn’t want to take away from where he saw it going.

I arrived and he was standing there waiting on me. I think I should have worn something a little more comfortable, I almost feel like I’m about to get dirty wearing this. But what the hell, it’s all business.

“Hey Zeke! Bright and early I see” I said to him gingerly.

“Yeah mamas, early bird catches the worm. You know how I am Dev.” He said almost suggestively.

I’ve grown to know Zeke pretty well, and that’s a man that doesn’t play about his business, so yeah, I know how he is in that sense.

“So my idea is to go to the top of this hill and catch all the scenery in the back, just me against the world so to speak.. you get it Dev?” Zeke smiled.

“I sure do, I see it perfectly. But are we supposed to hike up there? I should have worn better shoes. I wish I would have known, I would have brought help for my gear” I said nervously.

“I’m all the help you need, I got you” Zeke looked at me and assured me. I almost took it the wrong way, but I knew he couldn’t possibly be talking to me that way. Something about when Zeke talks to me, I take him super seriously. He just doesn’t play about his shit. I admire that. If I didn’t watch it, I could easily develop a crush. But I never mix business and pleasure. Although it wouldn’t be hard to mix those two together with Zeke. He is the epitome of fine.

Zeke is 6’3, caramel complexion, beautiful black hair with the most luxuriously sexy thick beard adorned on his his face surrounding the most beautiful succulent lips you ever seen. Behind those lips, the most beautiful smile a man could ever have. If you were awesome enough, he might show it to you. Zeke didn’t smile a lot, but he always smiled around me. I took it as a compliment honestly. Zeke stayed in the gym, so his body.. chef’s fucking kiss. He never skipped leg day, shit any day. He looked amazing. But I’ve barely looked at him right? Who am I kidding? I didn’t even wear panties today, that’s how wet he makes me every time I see him. Let me stay focused so I can go home.

Zeke and I began our trek up the hill. Talking and shooting the breeze the whole way up. I’m doing my best not to die on the way up. I’m not a small woman, and I’m carrying all this equipment, trying to talk at the same time is pulling a miracle.

We make it to the top. He’s super excited to get started. I start to put my camera together and I immediately start shooting. He’s posing and doing a great job, I never seen him this into it. This isn’t our first time shooting, but he’s serving it up today. Wonder what’s gotten into him today?

We are sharing stories from our week during the shoot so there’s no uncomfortable silences while we work. There’s a look in his eyes, almost like he’s looking past the camera and looking directly at me. I’m doing my best to not overthink because if I didn’t know any better, I would think I’m getting a vibe here. But not Zeke, I’m not even his type.. at least I don’t think. I’ve never talked to him on that level. I always keep it professional.

“I have another outfit, let me change” Zeke stops me.

I turn red immediately. Change? Where nigga? There’s no bathroom here. He begins to take his clothes off and let me tell you, he truly misses no days at the gym. He takes off his pants and I don’t know what that family size Pringles can is laying on his left leg is, but he should call a doctor and get that checked. I’m choking from here and I haven’t even gotten on my knees, that’s how big it is.

I swallowed slowly and turned around like I wasn’t staring that whole time. I’m sure he caught me gawking at him like a ravenous beast. But I keep it professional, so he didn’t see me.. right?

“Dev, you ready? You can turn around now” Zeke said softly.

I turn around, but his pants weren’t up yet. Not only were they not up, other items had been removed. He’s ass naked. I stare, mouth agape.

“Zeke, what part of the game is this?” I said with my voice literally shaking.

“I didn’t want to be prepared for this. I want some pictures of me nude. Professional ones, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do them. I didn’t want to ask first, so I thought I would just surprise you…. Surprise” he said slowly.

“Well hell yeah, this is truly a surprise, but I don’t mind. I got you. This is art, and that’s all I see this as. You displaying your art. I got this. I got this” I said trying to convince myself that I don’t want his dick in every hole I have. He’s so gorgeous I’d let him fuck my inner ear cavity. So I’m gonna sit here, do my job and lie to myself like I don’t want him to blow my back out.

We begin working again. This time some wind picked up, just my luck because now he’s sporting a giant erection. I can’t ignore this. I’m trying hard, I’m trying as hard as his dick is.. and that’s REALLY hard.

“Can you help me pose for this next part? I wanna make sure I have a good angle.” He said sharply.

POSE HIM!? Touch Zeke while he’s naked! I can’t do this. I’m gonna give him his money back and leave. I can’t do this. If I touch him, I’m gonna most definitely be unprofessional. I don’t wanna lose a client this way.

“Sure” I gulped.

I walked over to him slowly. Slow like a man on death row, because I knew it wasn’t gonna go well when I touched him. At this point I’m not even giving him eye contact anymore. I reach out to touch him to pose him and he quickly grabs my hand and takes my camera out of my hand.

My pulse is fucking racing triple time. I think I’m having a panic attack. Oh no, I fucked up. He grabs my chin and forces me to look at him.

“It’s okay to look at me Dev, I’m not gonna hurt you, I’m just naked. Is that okay? Is my dick being out bothering you?” He said in the most gentle deepest voice possible. His voice felt like a subwoofer booming in my panties. He’s got me so wet, my jeans are finished.

“I.. I just wasn’t prepared for this today Zeke, I just came to take your pictures. It feels like something else is happening here now” I can’t even feel myself breathing.

Zeke looks in my wide innocent looking eyes, and grabs the nape of my neck and pulls me close to him and says “Something else can happen right now if you want, if you don’t want it to, just say the word and I’ll respect your word”

I remained silent.

“Come here” he said as he kissed me and held my face in one hand and my camera in the other hand.

He places my camera on top of my backpack next to him. He takes his other hand and pulls me closer to him. I feel that giant dick pressing against me and grazes my pelvis. I inhale deeply like he put it in me already. My body is starting to feel limp. He’s taking all my energy with every kiss he takes from me. My hands begin to run up and down his chiseled body. He feels amazing all over. How the fuck did we get here? I just came to work. Now I’m in the middle of a field, in the middle of nowhere making out with my naked client.

I begin to kiss all over his neck all over his chest and down his stomach. I can literally see the main vein in his giant member pulsating, literally waiting to make itself a home in my throat. I’m salivating just making my way down. I bow down before him like I’m about to give thanks and gratitude on both of my knees. This head is about to be religious. I’m ready to give my best in this moment.

I part my lips and gently greeting the tip to the warmth of my mouth. Letting his dick get acquainted with my wet face hole. This will be one of the 3 holes he meets today, so I wanted him to feel the difference between the three. Pursing my lips and allowing him to sleep past my opening straight to my uvula. Punching it with each stroke he takes as he simultaneously covers it in precum.

So here I am, in the middle of this feild, being throat fucked to no end. Zeke’s head is tilted all the way back in the air as he moans into the great wide open. My great wide open is becoming wetter as I sit here on my knees, waiting for my holes to be used. He’s gagging me so hard I almost throw up, but my gag reflexes are stronger than his thrusts.

“I’m so fucking close, I’m gonna paint your fucking throat” Zeke screams out as I am sitting here waiting for him to Picasso me with his ejaculation. He strokes harder and harder, saliva is pouring from the sides of my mouth as my tongue licks all over his shaft and tip. He starts to pick up the pace even more, harder and faster until….

My face is covered in cum. Dripping out of my mouth and covering my lips. My throat is coated. I know I must have seriously swallowed a lot because there was more that came out than what’s covering me.

Zeke stares at me in amazement.

“I think this changes our business relationship a bit Dev” he says while touching my face, rubbing his cum into my lips.

“I want more, my pussy is aching for you to be inside me” I reply to him, uncovering my engorged clit and soaked pussy. Showing him what I want him to destroy.

“How bad do you want me right now Dev? I want you to beg for my dick” Zeke says with all authority in his voice.

He walks over to her, reaching for her. She reaches out her hand, he moves it and grabs her by the neck. She instantly climaxes in his hands. He’s holding Dev his hands as she drops all over the tall grass.. he moves in close to kiss her cum covered lips.

And then…

To be continued.

[kingofpopmj]

can i get a request: daddy kink and age gap with him🤭 plzzzz

Oh, you’re naughty!!! Here you go hunni! This one was a challenge. I hope you enjoy it.. 🙈🫶🏻

Cockadoodledoo

I woke up, looking around the room with a big smile on my face— a smile that faded once I reached out, finding the spot next to me cold and empty. The ruffled sheets and clothing that littered the floor was now the only tangible evidence of last night. Where is she?.. The phone rang loudly just as I sat up, my legs hanging off the edge of the mattress. I moved towards the noise, taking a deep breath before picking up the phone and holding it against my ear.

“Hello?”

“Hi, little brother.”

“Jermaine.”

“So, how are you? How’s the lovely Y/N?” I could tell by his tone he wasn’t asking because he actually cared.

“She’s great— I’m great. We are fantastic! How sweet of you to ask!” I responded sarcastically, if only he was here to see what finger I was holding up just for him. “How are you?”

“Alright, listen, mom is on my back, so that’s the only reason I’m making this phone call.”

“What is it now?”

“She’s not very fond of your lady..” he took a deep breath before adding. “She thinks Y/N is using you.”

“Well that’s not true.”

“I know and I told her that, but she insisted I speak to you about it. I mean I understand where mom is coming from, Y/N’s beautiful and young— like twenty and you’re all gross and old— like seventy..”

“I am not seventy! Or gross! You’re older than me you schmuck..” I cut him off annoyed with where this conversation was going. “Do you think she’s using me?” I asked, hurt laced within my voice.

“Honestly, at first I did, but she seems very sweet. I can see that she genuinely cares for you, god knows why. Regardless, she seems like a good one. I have no issues with her— just do me a favor and don’t go sucking face at anymore televised events. Mom nearly had a heart attack.”

“Well, thank you for that. I know how difficult it must be for you to discuss how incredible my life is. Fine. For you, I’ll do my best to keep it PG, but no promises… I mean have you seen Y/N?”

“Shut up. I have… and let me just say—“

“I’m gonna stop you right there before you say something that makes me want to slap the taste out of your mouth.” All I heard was his obnoxious laughter as I hung up the phone. Idiot.

Quickly, I freshened up before heading downstairs, where I was confident I’d find my better half. As I reached the bottom of the stairs the sound of cabinets opening and closing carried me to the kitchen. There, I found the woman of my dreams— she had her hair held up by a clip, a thin shirt covering a portion of her torso and a pair of my boxers gracing her hips and thighs. She looked good enough to eat…

“Hi baby!” Y/N chirped, as she made breakfast for the two of us. I felt a tug at my heart as I admired her every move, she danced around the counter humming along to the radio. I focused on the way her hips swayed, causing me to twitch in my pajamas pants, I couldn’t help but feel hungry again— for anything but food.

“Who was that on the phone?” She asked.

“Morning beautiful, it was just Jermaine, they all caught the VMA’s last night.”

“How is he?” She asked sweetly, genuinely waiting for an answer. I wish they could see this. I wish they could understand her more. She loves me so much— and that love naturally extends over to my family. She cares so much. She’s like no one I’ve ever met.

“Good. He and my mom send their love.” I smiled at the half lie I just told. I know in my heart my mom will come around, so to tell Y/N what the phone call was really about would only hurt her. It wasn’t necessary.

“They are so sweet! We should have a dinner next weekend and invite everyone. I’ll cook—“ I smiled at her enthusiasm, watching as her plump pink lips continued to move, the words lost on me, I was too far gone.

She’s absolutely mesmerizing.

I couldn’t help myself.

Slowly, I made my way over to her, placing my hands on her hips and rubbing small circles into her exposed skin. Oh, her skin, it’s so smooth— so delicate— so delicious. Goodness, I love crop tops. Don’t get me started on Y/N’s love for going braless. I desperately buried my face in her neck.

“Stop it…” she giggled, but didn’t move away, so I continued. Leaving small kisses down her neck and shoulder until suddenly she spun around. “Do you ever think about anything else?” she teased, oh, I love when she teases me.

I didn’t respond, instead I pulled her into me kissing her deeply. She let out a small yelp as she felt my tongue slip through her lips, her breathing becoming uneven as I massaged the inside of her mouth. Her small hands set firmly on my back, I carefully guided her backwards until we the bumped into the counter. With our lips still attached, I slid my hands down her curvy backside taking my time of course, earning yet another giggle from Y/N, I quickly connected my hands to the back of her thighs, lifting her up on the counter top.

“Michael!—” I didn’t give her the chance to continue as I sucked on her neck making her eyes roll back. “The food is going to burn.” She said breathlessly, I tore off the boxers she was wearing, slowly I began spreading her legs.

“I’m not hungry for food.” I answered, positioning myself to touch her where she needed me— wanted me most. I could feel her unraveling— it was a beautiful sight.

“Oh my—“ she whimpered, her eyes squeezed shut, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

“There you go baby.” I bent down leaving kisses along her hip bones as my fingers danced around her tender spot— I sped up, I was dying to hear her moan my name.

“Mmm..”

“Come on baby. Say my name.”

“Da—Michael! Baby— right there!” I watched triumphantly as she came undone, trying to catch her breath she reached out grabbing a handful of my shirt and pulling me onto her. She became rough when she wanted more— I loved it, I took it as a compliment. It boosted my ego to see that she wanted me just as much as I wanted her. She started tugging at my pants— I smiled at the sight of her hungrily undressing me.

Now, unclothed, I pressed against her again, my index finger leaving a trail of goosebumps across her chest. Oh, her chest— I rested my palm against her cleavage before bending down to leave my mark. I dragged my tongue across her right breast— feeling her squirm beneath me, I wore a smirk on my face because nothing turned me on more than teasing my girl.

“More daddy.” Y/N moaned in my ear. I stopped my movements, looking over her face curiously, unable to understand the effect she had on me.

“What was that?” I asked softly, my eyebrow raised, she finally opened her eyes, my fingers on her chin forcing her to look at me.

“Oh god.” She covered her face, unwrapping her legs from my waist and turning away from me. “I’m so embarrassed.”

I didn’t say anything. I advanced towards her, hovering over her once again, positioning myself in front of her sweet spot, hand wrapped around my throbbing cock I began exploring her folds. I kissed her again— more passionately, if that was even possible. She began frantically grabbing at my hair, as she nibbled on my bottom lip, reaching down and attempting to connect us like we both yearned for. Her delicate hand around me, gently pumping back and forth, guiding me to her entrance, it took everything not to explode right then. Her touch was intoxicating..

“Oh, Michael.”

“Who’s Michael?” I questioned, halting my movements and giving her a teasing smile.

“I- please.”

“Please what?”

“Touch me.”

I looked deep into her eyes as I placed just my tip into her, deliberately moving as slowly as possible, she squirmed against me desperately trying to pull me further into her. I held her off enjoying the sight in front of me. She’s perfect— she’s everything.

“Michael! More please.”

“Michael?” I grabbed her chin forcing her to look into my eyes. “Baby, Michael’s not here..” a soft shade of red taking over her cheeks, she narrowed her eyes at me, quickly understanding exactly what I wanted. She wrapped her arms around my neck, pressing her voluptuous chest against mine with purpose, looking into my eyes as she licked her lips.

“Daddy?” Y/N said, batting her long eyelashes innocently, oh, she’s going to destroy me.

“Yes, my love?”

“I want more— I want you deeper please daddy.”

“Is that what you want?”

“Please, I need you daddy..”

“As you wish pretty girl.”

My hands holding onto her sides firmly as I pushed into her, the sound of our skin slapping together filled the air, along with numerous pops as our dishes were rattled off the counter smashing to pieces on the ground. A small appliance across from us, spitting out black smoke as the waffles continued to burn. The pan on the stove crackling uncontrollably, needing to be tended to as the eggs quickly became inedible. And the tea pot screeching to be shut off as hot water shot out of it.

Y/N and I didn’t bat an eye, only wanting to be exactly where we were. We shared a knowing look as we laughed against each other’s lips, refusing to separate ourselves and ignoring the chaos surrounding us.

[super-predictable98]

Masquerade (Casanova x Reader)

Word count: 1,1k

Warning: smut

A/n: This is a request I got last year and I'm so sorry it took me so long. With work and the holidays, I ended up a bit overwhelmed. I hope you like it though and thank you so much for the request 🧡

[Masterlist]

"Are you sure you can't tell who I am?" You asked your friend as you both stood in the corner of the ballroom.

It was a masquerade and while your shyness usually kept you from attending big events like this, it was different this time. You were hiding behind a silver mask, you were free from the prying eyes... or so you thought.

Before you could reach for a glass of wine, another hand went for it before you. A strong masculine hand yet somehow delicate.

"Allow me," the gentleman handed you the glass.

"Thank you..." You accepted it and before you even realized, your friend had vanished, leaving you alone with the masked stranger.

"May I ask what is your name?" He kissed the back of your hand gently.

"Uh- I was hoping nobody would ask," you chuckled nervously.

"Alright then, no name. I can work with that, Princess," He quickly took his mask off, not too fond of hiding himself and his best features. "I am Giacomo Casanova."

"Casanova? Really?" Your eyes grew as you recognized the name everyone had been repeating. "You are so different than what I expected."

"Really? How so?" He asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I thought you'd be... less pleasant."

"I don't know if I should be flattered or offended," Giacomo laughed. "Thank you though."

Giacomo had a talent, a special skill to make people feel special. He knew how charming he was and he was happy to use his God-given gifts to enchant everyone he met.

"So... being the Casanova, I imagine you only want one thing from me?"

"Oh yes," he smirked and winked, kissing up your hand to your forearm, reaching your shoulder, your neck, and finally your ear. "A dance."

That request was innocent enough, you couldn't say no to those big blue eyes and that smile.

Giacomo guided you to the dance floor and placed his hand on the small of your back while the other gently caressed the back of your neck.

"I do not think we've ever met before, I would remember your eyes. I would remember you scent and the warmth of your body, the sound of your voice, the graceful way you carry yourself," he mused.

"You are right, our paths have never crossed before," you confirmed.

"I do pray our paths will be intertwined from this moment on..."

"I do not think you would be too pleased with the face that hides under my mask."

"That is bollocks! I am sure you are lovely, every woman is lovely in their own way. I've never in my whole life met a single woman whose beauty I couldn't appreciate."

After dancing some more, swaying around the room without having to worry about your insecurities, Giacomo leaned in and tried to steal a kiss, you quickly backed away with a little yelp.

"Sorry, so sorry," you mumbled. "I just, I feel like I can't breathe..."

"It is quite crowded in here, allow me to escort you outside. You can get some fresh air and-"

"Are you just trying to get me alone?"

"Even though I would like nothing more than being alone with you having our the stars as our witnesses... I promise on my life and my honor, I won't do anything you are not comfortable with."

It was easy to believe him, he sounded genuine because he was. There was never a more honorable and truthful man in Italy. He could be a scoundrel at times, but an honest and upfront one.

The garden was like a fairytale, a labyrinth of hedges and trees, colorful flowers everywhere bathed in silver moonlight.

"You should take your mask off, miss, it might help you breathe," Casanova suggested.

You thought for a moment, it was somewhat dark and you didn't feel like he'd judge you. The mask was really a tad suffocating, so you took it off.

"It does feel better," you admitted.

Giacomo stared at you for a brief moment and smiled as if he had a great revelation.

"You are even more beautiful than I imagined, a face like yours should never be hidden," he gently caressed your cheek. "Such perfection, the lips, the eyes, the nose. I could get lost, whoever made you believe you're not a masterpiece is a fool."

Nobody truly had made you feel insecure, you simply looked at other women and thought they were so much more beautiful... but none of that mattered, not when Giacomo looked at you with those awestruck eyes.

"I'm not all that," you chuckled. "You've had so many women, I'm just... me."

"What a wonderful thing to be," he murmured before leaning in again to kiss you, this time you let him.

His lips are so soft and gentle, but leave a burning trail when they touch your feverish skin. His tongue tastes of wine and desire, you had never felt like this before.

"Would you like to see more?" You asked, feeling suddenly bold.

"I'd be honored to," he chuckled as he slowly unbuttoned your gown.

He explored your thighs under the soft cotton chemise and your breasts under the stays. He knew exactly where to touch and how to touch, but still he made you feel like his very first lover.

Giacomo pulled his shirt off, and you smiled, reaching for his trousers.

"Oh look at you, what an eager little thing," he teased. "Go on."

Seeing him like that lit a fire in you, you pushed him gently down on the bench and climbed into his lap, straddling him. You slowly sank, taking his hardened length in until your bodies became one.

"You're a dream..." Giacomo moaned softly. "Please let me know your name."

"Y/n."

"Y/n," he repeated with a grin. "Just as beautiful as you."

When your lips found his a spark ignited in your chest, the pleasure growing inside you the more you heard his sinful sounds, riding him seeking your own satisfaction.

"Y/n, I'm... close," Giacomo whispered.

"Me too," you whimpered, your fingers running around the dark hair on his chest. "I want to- finish together."

He nodded holding back until he felt your velvety walls contract around him, he knew quite well when a woman reached her climax and he always felt so accomplished when he was able to provide them with such a feeling.

"Oh God," you mumbled once you were able to think clearly again.

"What is it?" Giacomo gently kissed your neck.

"I just... just gave myself to Casanova. I'm one of your conquests now."

"Don't say that," he smiled. "If you let me, I'd like to conquer you again and again for as long as you let me."

Tag List: @jozstankovich @elliethesuperfruitlover

[harinishivaa]

Ch 3- Hopes and Wishes ( Kaavyam )

@vibishalakshman and I are backkk!

*****

Vishva was in a hurry to get home. His cousin, Suresh, had let slip that Jeevika would be at his house with Kaamaakshi that day, and he wanted to see her, especially after the long day he had, coupled with a bad feeling of something big coming his way, case wise.

He rushed in through the door, hastily taking off his shoes. His sister smirked at him and made an excuse to leave at that moment, exiting into the kitchen and leaving him alone with Jeevika.

*”Vishva! Hey,” she smiled softly, her sweet voice like nectar to his tensed self. He automatically relaxed, leaning into the couch next to her, just needing to be close.

"Hello, Jeevika," he said softly. He ran his eyes over her face, wondering how it was possible for any woman to look this beautiful.

“Are you okay?”

Her gentle concern filled his heart with delight, her warm gray eyes making him smile in delight almost. 

“I am… now.”

Her small smile melted his heart instantly. He would do anything for her to be his- but he'd rather he suffer without her than make her suffer with him.

“Home, hmm?” She smiled softly. “You know, this home is like home to me too?” 

He brightened. Was it really?

"You're practically family, Jeevika." He whispered. Oh, if only he could really make her family.

“Really? Practically family? Akka and Anna have been pushing me to move in, actually,” she blushed.

Oh, he'd love it if she moved in! But could he really see her every day at home and resist the urge to take her into his arms and kiss her?

*”I don’t want to push myself into living here though, Vishva. I would be a burden for you all,” she said sadly, diverting him from his work stress with purposeful words that made him suddenly realize what she was doing.

"A burden? Why would it be a burden?" He asked, confused. When had Jeevika ever been a burden to him or his family?

“No no, I’m not saying you think of me as one. I am saying, what if I become one?” She said softly. “I love being here, but what if you three get bored of me? What then?”

"We could never get bored of you," he said firmly, "You don't get bored of family. That's not how it works."

She smiled softly. 

“I’m glad you think of me so, Vishva,” she reached out to pat his hand. “Now tell me, what’s bothering you. You can’t hide from family, right?”

He gave her a tired smile. "Just a bad feeling about work." He frowned, "I need to talk to Varun to see if he feels the same."

“He will be here soon, he said,” Jeevika responded. “He has just gone to get me chocolate ice cream. I was craving, and.."

"And Varun can never resist you." He said with a knowing smile.

“Best friend’s charm,” she giggled softly. “Hey, I am making him peach cobbler in return, so…”

"Would I like some? Absolutely." He smiled. Jeevika was, in his not so humble opinion, the absolute best at cooking. He would never turn down food from her.

“I kept you in mind before offering it for him too,” she laughed. “It will be enough for the whole group of us.”

"Good. Akka and Anna will get mad otherwise."

“Okay so, I have been thinking to do a food drive to raise money for the cancer patients at the Apollo cancer ward. What do you think?”

"I think that's a great idea." He said, smiling at her kindness.

“Will you help?” She looked at him with such beautifully hopeful eyes. How could he deny her?

"Of course I will." He said softly. More time with Jeevika and helping people in need? He would never refuse.

She smiled at him and was about to ask something, when of course someone interrupted. 

“Jeevi!”

“Yes Anna?” Jeevika turned to Aakaash, who had just come out of his room, or man cave as Vishva teased him. 

“Will you ask the designer to come for the event? I want to thank her for such a perfect suit. Really, it fits like a glove.”

Vishva laughed at his brother. "Finally decided to make an appearance?"

Jeevika smiled at him, elbowing Vishva. "I already planned to, Anna."

“You read my mind, baby sister. Vaalu, you just came home da. How was your day?” Aakaash looked at Vishva in concern, just as Kaamaakshi came out. 

“Well, dinner is almost done,” she smiled softly. “We are having peas pulao, and Jeevi’s potato karamadhu.”

"Nothing, Anna, don't worry. And I'm starving, so let's go eat!" He said cheerfully.

****

Vishva frowned, tensed as he heard the details of the case. His bad feeling had inteunsified that morning, despite seeing Jeevika’s lovely face.

He looked up as Varun walked in, sighing in relief.

"Varun!" He called him over.

Varun walked towards Vishva, frowning at his friend’s tense frame. 

“What happened? You were smiling this morning at the house?”

"Do you have...a bad feeling that something is going to come up?" He asked, rubbing his forehead. It had slowly turned into somewhat of a headache for him.

“I did, actually…” Varun said slowly. “What’s going on?”

He shook his head. "I don't know... the Commissioner wanted us to take a case and I've been feeling off about it. He just handed me the file, I've yet to look in it. Didn't want to start without you."

“I’m here, let’s do this.” 

Varun sat next to Vishva, the latter opening the file, and both reading the details, horrified.

"So our uneasiness was justified." He groaned.

"You bet it was."

“Let’s start then, Varun,” Vishva said, taking over once more, focused completely.

****

Pandimaa poured over her recent designs, crumpling the paper and throwing it away. Her room was filled with various pictures: dresses, awards, designs- all interspersed with pictures of her foster brother and Aakaash from when she was in college.

The sound of the shop opening reached her ears. She had to go and attend to a customer it seems. 

She walked out, only to hear a familiar voice say, “are we at the right place, Jeevi?”

“Yes Akka, I am sure of it,” came a sweet voice.

Her eyebrows furrowed. It almost sounded like Kaamaakshi- the girl was only a year younger than her, born three years after Aakaash. They had shared a lot of classes together.

"Welcome to Authentic Madurai, how may I help you?" She asked sweetly.

Kaamaakshi’s eyes widened. 

“Pandimaa? Is that you?”

So it was Kaamaakshi. She smiled and invited them inside. "Considering your shock, I'm going to guess your friend brought you here?"

“She did. Pandimaa, this is Jeevika. Jeevi, this is Pandimaa, you would have heard about her from Anna,” said Kaamaakshi frankly. 

“I have indeed! It’s a pleasure to meet you. Aakaash Anna loved the suit!” Jeevika said. “It was I who ordered it for him. He keeps… forgetting, apparently.”

She sounded incredibly skeptical when she said that.

Pandimaa blushed. "He might have just wanted you to do it." She said, "Do you want some tea?"

“That would be lovely,” Kaamaakshi smiled. 

“He absolutely did, so that he can make me order Vishva and Varun’s too,” Jeevika said. “He does not have an assistant, so I basically seem to have become a fusion of people for these two siblings.”

Pandimaa laughed, pouring them some green tea. "How are you both?"

“We are good. How are you? Where have you been?” Kaamaakshi said. “Anna kept searching for you. He was nearing the thought of asking Vishva to find you.”

Nandhini's heart melted. He'd searched for her? Really? She had assumed he would have moved on after a while. Hoped, really.

"An anonymous person got me in touch with my birth family in college and I moved away." She said. "I finished most of my education abroad and then moved to Madurai to start my own fashion business. I managed to get back in touch with Anna but not... not Aakaash."

“Do you want to get back in touch with Anna? Becoming the CEO made him have to shift into private numbers and emails,” Kaamaakshi said apologetically. “But he did try to find you. Jeevi even knows all about it.”

Pandimaa bit her lip softly. "I don't want to interrupt his life if it's going fine without me," she said firmly, "But if he wants me, then yes."

“He always wants you,” Jeevika said. “I have heard a lot about you from him in our late night Maggi sessions.”

So clearly he and Jeevika were close. She figured as much from the internet, which hinted at potential romances between Jeevika and someone in the family but Pandimaa had paid it no mind. People commonly speculated whom celebrities were dating.

"I'd love to reconnect with him then," she smiled, a text on her phone gaining her attention.

“Then come for our event? Let Anna meet you as a surprise from Jeevi and I?” Kaamaakshi said, pulling out the invite.

"Hm?" She said, shooting a quick reply after frowning. "Oh! Yes, I'd love to."

“Here you go. The dress code is inside,” smiled Kaamaakshi. “Let’s exchange numbers, and Jeevi and I will get going.”

Pandimaa smiled and nodded before handing over her phone. "Just type your number in. And I have Jeevika's too, from when she placed the order."

Kaamaakshi typed the digits in, saving her number and smiling. 

“Send me a text, yes?”

"Sure," she nodded, shooting her a quick 'Hi'.

“It was good to see you, Pandu,” Kaamaakshi smiled, hugging her gently. “Let’s go, Jeevi.”

Jeevika smiled and said her own goodbyes before both left, arms linked and giggling about something like best friends do.

Pandimaa smiled down at the invitation and opened up to see the dress code. Oh, she could work with this.

****

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijaysena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @yehsahihai @ragkee sorry to all those I forgot to tag!  Let me know your thoughts.  

[ceph-the-ghost-writer]

Happy STS Ceph! If someone was looking for your characters, how would they describe them to people? What features would they most pick out to distinguish them from a crowd?

Isaac: His messy black curls are probably the best way to spot him. Not messy as in stylish bedhead, but as in oh, this man is on the brink and desperately needs help with self-care. (It's not until Dorian coaxes him into it that his hair starts to become noticeably healthier and eye-catching for other reasons.) Elfy describes his fashion sense best: Mexican grandpa and/or country veterinarian. That is, flannel/plaid shirts (buttoned all the way to the collar in Isaac's case), and old jeans that don't fit him well at all. Again, it's not until Isaac starts rebuilding and maintaining relationships with others that this changes. 9 out of 10 times you'll catch him with his eyes glued to the screen of his tab, doing something work-related.

Renato: If you meet a man who makes you forget every warning your common sense screams at you, you'll know you met Renato Faria Dimas. Of course the blue-green color of his eyes gets the most attention. Though he acts like this is tiresome, he goes through a lot of effort to groom his brows and hair as well as pick clothing colors to show them to their best advantage. He's a dating sim character come to life: handsome, charming, seductive, and definitely hiding more than meets the eye beneath the pretty façade. Dimples are another weapon in his arsenal he uses to devastating effect.

Dorian: Critics rave 5 stars, want to hug and/or cuddle with them on first meeting. Dorian exudes a love for life and the topics they're passionate about which is downright infectious. Their peacoat is legendary, though they do wear other hoodies and sweaters depending on the season and conditions. They've loved having their hair braided since they were very small, and continue to make an event of it as an adult, with food and movies and drinks with family and friends all day. They also really like the freckles across their face and shoulders, if you're one of the fortunate few to see those. You may have to wade through a sea of their other admirers to get to them.

Kinslayer: Isaac wasn't exaggerating when he described meeting their gaze as staring down the barrel of a rifle. Their eyes are an utter shade of black, reflecting no light whatsoever. Kinslayer has worn many faces and experienced life in all sorts of bodies, but this feature remains a common denominator no matter what they look like.

Elfy: She's the tiny woman with all the piercings, the mop of reddish-brown curls piled on her head, and who's vibrating like a rocket about to take off, unable to keep still. Can't miss her.

Ben: They just don't make 'em like this nowadays. He looks like a thug or back alley boxer from a movie set during the Great Depression because, well, that's kinda what he was. His size, the broken-one-too-many-times nose, and scarred knuckles give him a natural intimidation factor. He's quick to smile though, and the gleam in his brown eyes can turn someone's knees from a solid to a liquid even quicker. You know, if big, bi vampire guys are your thing anyway.

Motley/Noose: Its stitched together skin really makes it stand out in a crowd. Even its sunken eyes are unusual amongst necromancers, smoldering with a sullen red light rather than being the dull, lifeless gray of something that's been preserved in a jar of alcohol. Of course, it could very well be disguised as that stray dog trotting down the street. Or a white-faced barn owl in the tree outside the window. Or--goodness forbid--somebody you knew.

Breezy: One of the three weed-smoking girlfriends, now semi-retired in her 60s and versed in witchcraft. When she feels like wearing clothes, she could be in full, flowing ren faire garb or a pair of denim overalls for working in her garden. (Has a pretty nice tan, given her nudist tendencies.) She might braid her long white hair, but more often than not leaves it in loose waves over her shoulders.

[dearome]

Whispers of Eternit - First Charpter

Summary: Thranduil, a virtuous King, lives in complete solitude in the midst of his kingdom. The arrival of two unexpected travelers precedes the beginning of what would soon be called the dark ages. Gandalf, the traveling wizard, accompanied by an unknown sick woman. A story of discovery and regret, which completely shook an entire kingdom.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, just my main girl. Tolkien is the man that build this masterpiece of a world, and we are here for it exploring the endless possibilities.

Notes: Finally posting in a while, just hold on cause this is gonna be good! :) English isn't my first language but i tried my best, hope you like it and be excited for the next charpters as much as I am.

° The Lonely King

In a hole in the ground lived a hobbit. A quite hobbit with few desires other than to smoke his pipe in the peace of his home. A hobbit who, without even imagining it, would have his life turned upside down by the great adventure that awaited him. However, before this creature even existed, at the beginning of the third era, there was a somewhat peculiar story. The events of this period called the beginning of the dark ages and the story tells how a small people were transformed in the face of hate and love. And so it begins.

In a palace in the forest there lived an elf. Not too big or too small, but certainly welcoming. Around him stood a kingdom, an elven kingdom. In front of the vast world, where there were creatures of the most diverse traits and cultures, lived the elves, endowed with a thousand and one abilities, rooted in nature and gifted by the heavens with eternal life.

Living thousands of years in the earth, their eyes witnessed important events that altered the histpry of the world and with that the burden of life increased every year. Despite being serene, they were very receptive in their own way. Important travelers passed through the mountains and celebrated the abundance of their lands and the beauty of their people. Gifted or cursed with immortality, one could not say. But in fact they were solitary creatures. Decades passed and the sense of continuing to stand disappeared from their bodies, everything seemed the same as if nothing were new.

Even facing the wealth of his kingdom, the King found himself burned. He kept doubting whether he still felt something, or whether he would be able to experience the warmth of the world again. From above, as he observed his people, he was consumed by his thoughts. In a complex serenity, he no longer felt life as before and what his eyes saw no longer seemed real, as if his body was not able to touch anything and in this void his mind only existed.

A familiar face appeared in the place, which took him away from his stillness.

"Lady Galadriel"

"King Thranduil” they greeted each other.

“I haven't seen you in a while. To what do I owe this honor?” The elf wore an enigmatic expression as she moved, unhurriedly, around the room. Her bare feet touched the floor, the beautiful fabric that covered her moved along with her step. He remained silent for a moment.

“It’s different” she said as she gazed the King from afar.

“There hasn't been a single hair changed on my head in decades.” His eyes remained fixed on the view of the mountains. He didn't seem to mind her company.

“Certainly not” she replied. A subtle smile formed on her lips. “Yet your heart doesn’t feel the same.”

The King turned, it had reached his ears but not his attention. “Beings change”

“Surely” She stared fixedly at the elf in front of him again. “But what I feel is unusual. Everything that refers to your presence seems modified. Not just you, something is happening around here. During the last few months nature has expressed itself differently and I spend my days as if waiting for something.”

“A deep yearning as if evil was about to arrive” said a third individual who was present a few minutes ago. “Forgive me for the intrusion, I was passing by but I couldn't help but overhear. Lady Galadriel. King Thranduil” Bowed the elf.

“Elrond”

“Lady, I’ve been feeling this way too. The gift granted to me regarding the vision of the future seems hazy, I cannot see a clear image, nor can I even decipher the whispers of souls.”

“Don’t bother me with uncertain futures. I ask, leave it aside” said the King.

From Galadriel's perspective, his eyes seemed cloudy, as if they were guiding him through the place but not seeing anything at all.

“The Lord…”

Before he could even complete his speech, a loud noise was heard. Like a big explosion in the middle of the trees, along with a brief white light. Everyone remained motionless for a few moments at the sudden noise.

"My king!" Shouted an elf member of the guard who had arrived running through the hall. He knelt at a great distance. “Our guard did not detect imminent enemies, however whispers were heard coming from the forest and this led the Northern portion to investigate the situation. On my way here it was possible to hear such noise, I'm afraid it's from where they are”

“I feel it, it's coming” said Galadriel with her ragged breathing.

“Send part of the East portion to the North path and keep an eye out for any presence” The King became restless and walked until he left the hall, leaving them to wait for any information.

“I beg you to stay here my Lady, our warriors will not allow anything to come close” said Elrond, hurrying towards the North path leaving the hall.

“I won’t let it” He had already seen and felt many things in his long life, but that sensation seemed to be new to him, as if a new era had begun before his eyes and he had lost the time to prepare for what was to come.

An almost visible breeze came towards her and she was unable to dodge it. For a moment Galadriel legs gave out and her head seemed to weigh a thousand bodies, so she leaned against the nearest column. An imminent burning consumed her palm and walked to her heart, the eyes turned opaque and in that instant thousands of years passed in her mind. She saw only darkness, but the intense cold that consumed her bones seemed to burn her skin, the future was nothing but bleak. Suddenly, everything went away, like a snap. Panting, the elf regained consciousness and realized that her face was covered in cold sweat. "What are you?"

....................................................

On the way to the North coast, the King was stopped by the return of his guards. They appeared intact, but they had two people with them. An old man and a girl. Despite being dirty, the old man seemed to have no injuries, but the girl was unconscious. Were they enemies? The King thought. No. The man's face was familiar.

“Gandalf the Grey.”

“King Thranduil.” Said the wizard bowing.

“No one else was found in the forest, my King.” Said one of the guard elves.

“I came with the purpose of meeting you, my King, the little one accompanies me. I beg you to help her.” The wizard seemed to contain his words, but he couldn't control his distressed eyes looking at the elf. After a few moments, he nodded and immediately three guard elves left with the girl towards where she would be treated with elven medicine. The King then walked back to the hall and Gandalf followed him.

....................................................

“It was suposed to be an alone trip, as usual. For some time now I have felt the arrival of a force coming from the depths of the earth, as if slowly consuming a nation. There's nothing to see, but you can feel it. As I passed through villages and hamlets of men, their faces became clouded and their words muffled. Waiting for a boat that would take me across the large lake the next day, I decided to spend the night in a small village in the North. Like a shadow, something seemed to follow the townspeople in their activities. Their movements seemed manipulated and their eyes weighed down their bodies. I found myself astonished during all my observations, but somehow not everyone was infected by this disease.”

He counted and sat down again in the armchair next to him.

“In my departure, then, I was taken by surprise. The luggage count was wrong, there were more bags than expected. When I looked to the side, I saw the girl carrying another one.” The old wizard took a long sigh, and continued. “She ran away from that city as if she didn’t belong there and I felt that stoping it was beyond my reach. Then, in the trees, she felt something strange, but we kept moving. In the next second she was stunned on the floor, screaming but no sound came out. She felt it even before I realised it was too close. I can't precisely say what happened, but I fear what is to come.”

Everyone listened to Gandalf with their hearts tight, afraid of what was to come.

°

thanks for reading guys! can't wait for the next charpters. soon I'll be posting on wattpad and ao3. bye bye

[sataniquepanique]

Almost (Sweet Music) 

Inspired by the song Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier, the lyrics used are taken directly from it. If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favor and listen to it.

Summary: You're back in Hawkins with your band for The Hideout's 25th anniversary event, and Corroded Coffin is also on the bill. You haven't seen your ex Eddie in a year, and debut a new song written about him.

Genre: angst, fluff

Warnings: None?

A/N: This is my first attempt at writing a multi-POV story <3

Y/N’s POV

You watch him from the side of the stage cloaked in darkness, arms crossed and eyes fixated on his face. 

He looks happy. He looks good. 

He doesn’t know you’re here, back in Hawkins after a few years away, at the Hideout of all places. What once felt like a second home, now feels like an alien planet, like you don’t belong here. Everything about the Hideout brought back memories. It hurt to be back. Hurt to see the man you loved parade around on stage in front of you, playing the guitar you had bought him for Christmas years ago. “Baby” as she was aptly named, was a gift after Corroded Coffin put out their first EP, and she was his pride and joy. You had always joked that he loved her more than you, to which his reply would always be a passionate kiss followed by “I could never love anything as much as I love you.” The two of you had always supported each others music careers, never missing a show, whether it was at the Hideout or regional tour. It’s ironic really, that your careers were the reason things had ended. 

“Hey—“ your friend and bandmate Rachel appears on your left, holding a beer out.

“—figured you’d want this.” She lets out a nervous chuckle as you take the bottle from her grasp. Smiling sheepishly at her, you take a long swig, turning your attention back to the stage, back to him. Your best friend in the world, Rachel knew this night would be difficult even before you pulled into the venue. She had even advised against playing the show, saying it wasn’t worth your mental state. Being the great actress you are, she was eventually convinced you would be completely fine, and reluctantly agreed to perform tonight. 

“We’re on in 20, wanna come warm up?” She motions towards the backroom. 

“Uh, yeah. I’ll be right there.” You mumble, watching as Corroded Coffin ends their set to thunderous applause. They exit the stage opposite you, with Eddie lingering behind to tease some girls up front. You watch carefully as he throws his guitar pick into the crowd, caught by an overly enthusiastic groupie. He hops off stage and wraps his arms around a pretty blonde woman, placing a kiss on her forehead. 

You suddenly forget how to breathe. It feels like a knife was stabbed through your stomach, twisting as you try to take shallow breaths. 

You broke up with him. You have no right to be upset, he deserves to be happy.

“Y/n…you okay?” Rachel appears behind you again, placing a hand on your arm. 

Shaking your head out of a daze, you turn to look at her, trying your best to put on a normal act. “Yeah! I’m great. Let’s do this.” 

“Thank you all for coming out again for our 25th anniversary show!” Ray, the owner of The Hideout was the MC for the night, introducing all of the bands he had invited to play this special One-Night-Only event. The Hideout normally brings in a lackluster crowd every other night, but tonight it was sold out. Musicians from all over the area came out, flocking to pay tribute to the place where they got started, yourself included. 

“Next up, we have a young lady and her band of misfits from the big city, even though she got her start right here in little ol’ Hawkins. I’ve known this girl since she was a pre-teen ankle biter, begging me to let her play acoustic sets in exchange for free labor.” He looks over at you and grins, garnering a toothy smile from you beside the stage. He yells your name, drawing out the last syllable as he introduces your band with a little bow off to the side. You swing your guitar over your shoulder and strut out, followed by Rachel and the rest of the four piece ensemble. Usually when you’re on stage, you become a different person. You transcend reality and your stage persona takes over, able to leave all of the bullshit at the door. Tonight was different. Tonight, you couldn’t stop thinking about him.

“Thanks Ray…it’s good to be back.” You purr into the microphone as you take your place up front, shooting the crowd a wink as you start into your first song. 

———

Eddie’s POV

Being back at the Hideout feels great. Seeing old friends, scoring free drinks courtesy of Ray, you can’t beat it. There’s a small twinge of sadness eating away at you though, a piece is missing. You can’t stop the memories from flooding back as you walk off stage with the rest of Corroded Coffin. How many times had you jumped off this same stage and into her arms? How many nights was she the only one in the crowd, cheering like they were playing Madison Square Garden? It had been a year since you moved back to Hawkins after the two of you broke things off, leaving her back in Indianapolis. As much as you hated this town, it was still filled with familiar faces that welcomed you back with open arms during a time when you needed it most. 

There’s always an adrenaline high that courses through your body after a show. It feels positively electric. Jumping off the side of the stage, Mel’s face is the first you see. She smiles as you pulls her close and kiss her forehead. You’ve been together a few months, having met through mutual friends. Jeff had thought you needed a distraction after the breakup, and introduced you to Melody in an attempt to bring you out of the deep depression you’d been living in for weeks. It worked for the most part, on the surface anyway. You still feel empty on the inside, something you would never admit to anyone. Melody was great, very sweet and supportive. She was a waitress at the Hawkins Diner, and always went out of her way to switch shifts when Corroded Coffin had a show in the area. She wasn’t Y/n, but she kept you from spiraling. 

The rest of Corroded Coffin swing around the stage and gather at a table by the bar, grabbing some beers as they say hello to old friends in the crowd. “Next up, we have a young lady and her band of misfits from the big city—“ Your head snaps toward the stage when you hear Ray’s introduction.

No. It can’t be.

You knew it was a possibility, of her showing up tonight. You just didn’t think she would travel all the way to Hawkins for one show, especially when she knew Corroded Coffin would be there. You watch, mouth agape, as Ray slowly backs offstage and she walks out to grab the microphone. 

She looks great. She looks happy.

“—Thanks Ray…it’s good to be back.” You could’ve sworn she winked directly at you.

———-

Y/N’s POV

Your set is going great. The crowd is full of energy and can’t get enough. You give each song your all, knowing that he’s watching. You need to prove that you’re doing okay, that all of it was worth it, even though you know you’re just kidding yourself. 

You’ve been with other people since the breakup, nothing serious, just something to pass the time or let out some pent up aggression. No one came close to him, and you always found an excuse to not pursue another relationship.

A few songs in, you give your band a rest, taking up your acoustic guitar for a slower song that you had written a few weeks ago, after a one-night-stand back in the city.

“This is a new song I wanted to debut tonight, I hope ya’ll like it.” You strum the first notes, not daring to look out into the crowd as you start to sing the lyrics. 

All of your pent up emotions start to resurface. Images of the night you broke things off with Eddie come flooding back, making you tear up. You had been together for years, and moved away to the city together in the hopes of pursuing your respective music careers. A year after moving into the new apartment, Corroded Coffin had been offered an opening spot on a cross country tour and Eddie was ecstatic. The opportunity ate at you. You saw him and the band moving up and getting bigger, and you were seeing each other less and less. Eddie tried his best, tried to move shit around to spend time with you, but it always left you feeling so guilty. A month before the tour was set to begin, you ended things with him, explaining that you didn’t want to hold him back and wanted him to be able to live his dreams to the fullest. He didn’t take it well, and behind closed doors neither did you. You had been so cold towards him, knowing that he would try to stay if he saw how much this was killing you. After he moved his things out of the apartment, you never heard from him again, nor did you try to make contact.

Tears burned your eyes as you hit the chorus:

"The same kind of music haunts his bedroom

I'm almost me again, he's almost you.

I wouldn't know where to start,

Sweet music playing in the dark,

Be still my foolish heart,

Don't ruin this on me—“

You look over at Rachel, who is sitting behind her drum set. She can see the pain in your eyes, and she sends an encouraging nod your way. 

“—I got some color back, he thinks so, too

I laugh like me again, he laughs like you.”

————

Eddie’s POV

You’re transfixed on her, so much that you don’t feel how hard Melody is gripping your arm. 

“Eddie? Eddie! EDDIE!” She yells into your ear, breaking you from the trance. 

“Wh—what? What’s up?” You stutter, pulling your eyes away. 

“Do you want to go? You seem tired…” she says as she strokes your arm.

“Oh, uh, no I actually want to watch the rest of the lineup. There’s some really good bands on the list tonight.” You turn your attention back to the stage as Melody taps in time to the rhythm against your arm. 

“She’s really good. I like her voice a lot.” She yells over the music.

You nod in agreement. “Yeah she’s always been super talented…” 

“Do you know her?” Melody perks up, searching your face for an answer.

“I did, yeah. We haven’t spoken in a while though.” You try to not think of that night a year ago, how you had begged her not to end it. How you promised to follow her to the ends of the earth, even if it meant giving up music altogether. You replay her cold voice, telling you that she would never let you put your career on hold for her. How she showed no emotion as you packed up your things, you refusing to look at her as she offered to help. 

“This is a new song I wanted to debut tonight!—“ Y/n’s voice brings you back to reality. So far you had known all the songs she had played, having helped write most of them late at night in your shared apartment, ending those writing sessions in a tangle of limbs and sheets. You notice her confident demeanor changes as she starts to play this new song, her eyes close as she strums the guitar and her voice echos sadly through the rafters. 

“—I’m almost me again, he's almost you—“

Jesus Christ. You didn’t want to picture her with anyone else, but you know that’s not fair. You had Melody, so you can’t in good conscious hold it against her for seeing someone else, even if it feels like your heart has been ripped from your chest. Her lyrics cut straight to the bone, color draining from your face as you listen to her haunting lullaby.

“—The very thought of you and am I blue? 

A love supreme seems far removed

I get along without you very well some other nights—“

The admission makes your throat constrict. You thought she was happy. After all, this is what she wanted. She had seemed so adamant about breaking up, her attitude about the entire thing so frozen and neutral, and you had gone a year thinking she was fine without you. You swallow dryly as you pull from Melody’s grasp and move closer into the crowd. 

———

Y/N’s POV

You haven’t opened your eyes since the beginning of the song, too afraid to see him. You can feel your bandmates behind you, getting their gear together to play a final song after you finish your ballad. At the final chorus, you muster every bit of courage you can to look out into the sea of people, and you’re met with Eddie’s large brown eyes starting up at you. You don’t break contact with him as a solitary tear escapes and you sing the final piece:

“—He’ll turn to me awake and ask, "Is everything alright?"

And, Lord

I wouldn't know where to start

Sweet music playing in the dark

Be still, my foolish heart

Don’t ruin this on me.”

The crowd erupts into thunderous applause and you return a weak smile, turning around to replace your acoustic guitar with your electric, quickly wiping a stray tear from your cheek.

“Thank you so much. This is our last song. It’s been real Hawkins, until next time!” A loud chord blasts through your amp as you start the final song, smiling at Rachel as she pounds away at her drums. 

After the set you lug your guitar to the van, helping Rachel and the other two load their gear into the small white trailer attached to the back. Once the last cymbal was shoved inside, you sigh and put your hands on your hips, looking between all of their faces. “So…drinks anyone?” 

The four of your make your way to the bar, traversing your way through the tide of well wishers clapping you on the shoulder and shaking your hand. You didn’t see Eddie, and part of you was a little disappointed. Rachel orders a round of beers, specifically grabbing you a sour draft knowing they’re your favorite. You take a sip and close your eyes in tart, raspberry bliss. 

“You still drink that shit?” 

You try your best not to choke when you hear his voice. Taking a deep breath you turn around and are immediately hit with his familiar scent: cigarettes, woodsy cologne, and a hint of weed. “Hi, Eddie…” is all you manage out, white knuckling the pint glass so tight it might break in your hands. 

“You were amazing…really.” He gives a slight smile, and you’re caught off guard by the softness of his eyes. 

“Thanks, uh, so were you. You guys always are.” You motion towards Jeff and Gareth a few feet away. An uncomfortable pause forms between you two, neither knowing what to say. 

“So…how’ve you been?” He starts, shuffling his feet nervously.

“Fine, the usual, touring a bit and trying to keep busy.” You nod over towards the table behind him where his band was sitting with the blonde woman from earlier. “You seem to be doing great.” It came out meaner than you meant to.

Eddie felt it, wincing a little at your aggression. “You left me. You remember that, right?” He’s defensive as he lights a cigarette, and you remember how his oral fixation always got worse when he was nervous. 

“I remember, Eddie…” It comes out as a sigh. “…I remember I didn’t want you to drop your dreams for me, I didn't want to be the reason that you didn’t pursue everything you had ever wanted, everything you deserve—” It was too late to turn back now, the words were already flowing and could not be reigned in. You reach into the cigarette pack in his hand and pull one out, knowing he wouldn’t say no to you. Putting it between your lips, he instinctively reaches forward and lights it for you. 

“—and look where you are now! You guys are doing so great! I heard about your new album—“ 

“—How did you hear about that? We didn’t even put it out yet.” He interrupts, holding a hand up in defense.

“I still talk to Gareth sometimes. I told him not to tell you.” You take a drag as you look over at Corroded Coffin’s table. Your heart was bleeding. You love those boys, not just Eddie, but the entire band. They were your friends in high school, making those four years of your life more bearable. When you and Eddie broke up, you knew the relationship between you and the other members of the band would change too, their loyalties were always with him. Gareth still checked in with you from time to time, asking about your life and talking about Corroded Coffin’s new ventures. He never brought up Eddie, not unless you asked, which you never did.

Shaking your head as you look at the floor, you push past Eddie. “I’m sorry Eds, I can’t do this. Enjoy the rest of your night.” You make a beeline out the back door, managing to avoid the rest of your band who were gathered around laughing with some other patrons. 

———

Eddie’s POV

Your heart was beating out of your chest as she pushed past you. You try to grab her wrist as she turns, but she’s already gone, leaving behind a whisper of the warm perfume you loved so much. Making your way back over to the table, Jeff gives you a knowing look. 

“How is she?” He asks in a low voice, Gareth smiling sympathetically.

“How’s who?” Melody asks, oblivious to the entire history between you and Y/n. You had never spoken about her to Mel, trying your best to forget and move on. 

“She’s…uh…I need to go. I need to talk to her. I can’t lose her again.” You stumble over your confession, not caring that Melody was sitting in front of you. Her face drops and you look at her with a deep sadness pooling in your eyes. “I’m sorry…there’s a lot I haven’t told you.”

“…you love her, don’t you…” she whispers. 

You nod slowly as you move towards the back door, leaving Jeff and Gareth to fill her in.

———

Y/N’s POV

Sitting on the bumper of the equipment trailer, your body shakes with sobs. You clasp your hand over your mouth, trying to muffle the sound as you cry in the dark parking lot alone. Rachel has the keys to the van, and you don’t feel like talking to anyone right now, so you’ve opted to just wait it out until they were done mingling. 

The back door swings open, and you see Eddie’s tall silhouette in the doorway. You try your best to stop crying, not even making an effort to move away as he walks up and stands in front of you. 

“What are you doing, Eddie…” you whisper, playing with your hands as silent tears keep falling down your face. 

“Talking to the love of my life.” He states flatly. 

You look up at him and fall apart at the sight of his deep brown eyes, unable to stop the cries wracking through you again. Eddie gently lifts you, pulling you up into him as you grab fistfuls of his jacket. 

“I’m sorry—“ You sob into his chest. “—I thought I was helping. I thought it would make it easier for you.”

He kisses the top of your head, running a hand down your hair. “It wasn’t easier, it was torture. I’ve thought of you every single day, as much as I tried not to. I left my heart back in Indianapolis, and I haven’t been the same since.” 

You look up at him, resting your chin on his chest. “What about your girlfriend?” 

He shakes his head. “She’s not my girlfriend. She’s just…someone that I hang out with.” 

“Someone you fuck, you mean.” Once again, you didn’t mean to sound like such a bitch.

“Ouch—” He feigns offense and smirks. “—but yes. We just fool around. She’s a good girl, she’s been there for me the past few months.”

You nod, feeling a pang of jealously shock through your body. “I’m sorry Eddie…” you repeat. 

“I’ve missed you…more than you know.” 

He lifts your chin up towards his face. “I think I have a good idea…” He places the softest kiss on your lips, and your arms find their rightful place around his shoulders.

[profeyandere]

𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐁. ─── ☾ 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓

Masterlist || The Office Masterlist || Wattpad

Word Count: 2.6k

Pairing: Pam Beesly x Fem!Reader

Warning: Little angst :3

English is not my native language, so I apologize for any mistake and if you can help me improve it, I will greatly appreciate it. I hope you enjoy it :D

As Pam walked back to her assigned booth at the exhibit, she kept feeling how various constrictions were causing her heart to become more and more damaged, and it wasn't exactly the product of a heart attack that would be coming up in a few minutes, but because of the high expectations she had had towards his co-workers and the hope that one of them would have the decency to show up in that special room so that they could proudly observe how their receptionist had changed as a person and in the artistic environment, coming to have too considerable improvements; the brunette had always been conformist, she loved normality and what it could offer her, but she also hated how people did not take her into account for various matters that involved her, as if she were completely invisible, and it was the art classes that they gave her the opportunity to show everyone that she had finally changed, that she was not a zero and that she should be taken into account in any situation in which she was useful.

In short, this exhibition was the only way to make others see that she was not the dull co-worker who had no important role in the office other than picking up the phone and greeting everyone she saw, but that she was a strong woman who was beginning to take control of her life to do something that she liked and wanted to express it to everyone who came in front of her through her works, as she had tried to do this time.

She thought she, of course, didn't think it was possible to see how little she cared for her those she had worked with for years.

First thing in the morning, as soon as he arrived at the office, he was in the best of humour, with a big smile and his huge eyes flashing with the emotion he felt, even ignoring Kevin's obscene comments, Michael's tasteless jokes or Angela's biting words thrown his way from time to time. She had proposed, as soon as the day had begun, that she would not allow the silly things that her colleagues did or said to bother her and, with that agreed, she prepared to offer invitations to each of her companions, anxiously and confidently waiting that they all agreed to see her. It was true that, due to the short notice with which she had given notice of her exhibition, some workers had to decline the offer, mentioning their reasons and apologizing for not being able to move their respective exits to see it, but Pam didn't expect any of them to attend this event that was so important to her when in fact they had confirmed that they would appear.

"Come on, look, you've already arrived."

The soft tone that she had heard caused her steps to suddenly stop and, very little by little, raise her gaze to meet your bright eyes that seemed to have been eager to find her among that great cluster of strangers.

Beesly had absented herself bearing in mind that it was very unlikely that anyone else would attend his exhibition or, on the other hand, be interested in what she had done when there were many more paintings in that lighted room and that, in her opinion, they were much better than hers, so seeing you there had been a great surprise that was reflected on his face when her eyebrows arched and her mouth opened slightly to form a small "o". Having you in front of her, with that little smile that she liked so much to receive from you every morning and your bright cheerful eyes that greeted her in such a good way, caused her sweetheart to give a great turn in her chest.

"What are you doing here?"

Her question, although it caught you by surprise, did nothing more than ensure what you had feared the most: Hardly anyone, if not anyone, had attended her exhibition.

"Well, I don't know, you'll tell me," you answered, leaning on your right leg and putting your left hand in your pants pocket to try to give yourself a more confident air. "It's not like a good friend offered me to attend her art show and, as promised, I showed up here," you said with some sarcasm, licking your lower lip and tilting your head to the side at the small smile on her face. appeared on the receptionist's face. "What do you think, Pam? Why else am I here with you and looking at your wonderful paintings?"

The brunette couldn't help but shrug.

"They're not that good," she murmured, turning her gaze back to the small gallery she had. It's called Impressions, although I wouldn't consider myself an Impressionist, you know?

"I think you mentioned it once," you recalled, momentarily frowning as you tried to search your mind for when that conversation took place and what topic was held in it. "I could have sworn it was last week, while we were having lunch, you know, you mentioned that you would try to work on Impressionism."

Beesly was more than stunned by your words, and she quickly turned to you so she could look at you.

"You remember?” She questioned, gently tilting her head as her hands began to play with the sleeves of her purple sweater.

"Of course, I remember," you affirmed with a soft laugh, pointing with your finger at some of the points of light in the drawings. "You mentioned that primary colours are used, that the figures do not have lines, that they play with the light and that they look like blurred figures. Your paintings are not impressionistic because they don't have all those characteristics you mentioned, but they look very realistic, I assure you."

"Thank you," she murmured, turning her gaze back to the paintings. "I can explain the topic to you, if you want, of course."

"You can tell me about your works as much as you want and need because all I want is to understand your passion for art."

You felt your heart begin to pound as you heard Pam's sweet voice gradually increasing in volume to the point where you thought all of Scranton could hear it, but honestly, you couldn't stop the rant that had started, because you could see in her eyes the emotion of being able to tell someone about the experience he had had in recreating those portraits of objects and places so every day that you were able to name them without any problem; you could see in her clear face how happy she was and how she emphasized each piece of information she gave you thanks to her body language and how her limbs helped her point some points that she wanted to emphasize.

Her explanation was detailed and quite precise, mentioning how each one had been made and the reason why she had decided to portray those particular places or objects, feeling completely flattered when you made sure that Pam had completely opened up to you through her pictures and their words.

Just like the poems you read at home or the songs you used to listen to on the radio, your friend had shown you what she was really like. Beesly was a simple and ordinary woman who, thanks to the constant obstacles that people like Roy had put in her way, had not had the opportunity to grow as many others had. She had spent more than three years waiting to be able to marry her fiancé, who had not always treated her in the best way or put her in the place she deserved, in addition to not taking the opportunity offered by the company headquarters to be able to study art on the weekends in New York because Roy had asked him not to, mentioning that it was stupid and a dream that would not come true anytime soon.

She had been denied so many opportunities that you couldn't imagine how she might have been still at gunpoint trying to make amends for those mistakes that others had pushed her into.

"I can't believe you did this," you muttered once you heard how his lengthy explanation ended. "I don't understand why you would want to remove it"

With those words, Pam looked back at her drawing of a beautiful vase full of carnations that were missing the two thumbtacks from the bottom corners, which had been removed earlier.

"Because I'm not good enough," she declared, leaving you speechless and causing a feeling of anguish to settle in your respective hearts. "I've been studying the last few months, and I haven't found my drawing style, and I haven't improved that much either."

"What made you think so?" You questioned, turning your head so you could look at the little woman who was next to you.

"Roy and Oscar."

That answer caught you off guard and, although it was true that you expected him to mention one of his classmates in art class or the teacher, you did not think that you would hear the name of those two people.

She explained to you how Roy, her ex-fiancé and current boyfriend after a short break in their relationship, had appeared at the exhibition with his brother to support her, getting the opposite by mentioning how only he, of all the companions of the office, had been the only one to appear in that place, comparing on several occasions the paintings of the other students in the class with his own even if they had nothing to do with the style used or how advanced they were in the course. The man hadn't been much help in cheering up his girlfriend and had indirectly underestimated her efforts. The encounter with Oscar, on the other hand, was inadvertent as he, caught up in a conversation he had started with his companion, insulted Pam's first attempt at indicating how her paintings looked amateurish and how the brushstrokes were too crude and noticeable, the lines were not completely blurred or they were works so flat that they did not tell anything about the artist himself. The fact that the brunette had shown her drawings or that they were very "normal" and "ordinary" was because she was like that and there was no problem with it, but the fact that they emphasized her cowardice and her lack of hand to making better pictures put her off and caused the criticism of her drawings to be negative.

Your frown grew more and more noticeable to the point where your eyebrows almost seemed to be one and all because of what Pam had been told.

"Just so you know, they have no idea what they're talking about," you murmured seriously, gently shaking your head before turning your gaze to the brunette. "You'll have to improve, I think we all have to if we want to become as good as we want, but nobody is born knowing," your words quickly caught the attention of the receptionist, who looked at you with eyes flashing with confusion. "Do you think Dwight learned how to sell as he does now overnight or that Angela learned how to be so good with numbers right out of the box? Not, they needed time to perfect their techniques and be the best in their respective fields," you commented, smiling softly. "I don't know to what extent this can help you, but I think you have improved and that you are better every day."

"I don't think so," she denied quickly, gesturing around her. "My classmates' paintings are better, they were right and I'm not that good."

"Pam, you can't compare yourself to others," you spoke. "No one is better than anyone else and they are not better than you because they have not made the same paintings, you cannot base yourself on something observable because there is none. You couldn't draw an objective conclusion from what you just said."

"Then why hasn't anyone come?" She questioned, her voice slightly trembling and cracking.

Your heartfelt again that strong pinch that you had felt as soon as you arrived at the exhibition, precisely the moment in which you had seen how she came out of one of the bathrooms with a red face, in the same way, that now he was expressing the pain he felt. With that question in mind, the feeling of anguish ravaged Pam again, causing her lower lip to get caught in her teeth and her small nose, slightly reddened as she felt a strong lump form in her throat, moved from side to side as if consumed by her thoughts as her eyes strayed to a point other than you while her playful hands gripped the sleeves of the sweater she was wearing with the intention that it managed to calm the stress that began to appear.

"I have no excuses for his lack of commitment to you, I'm sorry," you apologized, taking your hand out of your pocket before taking the small red carnation that you had bought at the flower shop closest to the exhibition site, "but I'm here if it's that counts."

The reddish flash in front of the greenish eyes of the receptionist, made Pam look up from her hands before seeing the flower in front of your eyes, observing how you held it out naturally and with a slight blush on your cheeks, causing her heart to begin to beat harder than ever and a series of tickles arose in his belly; at that moment, thanks to you, she felt special.

"And that?” she asked as she carefully gripped the stem of the flower, inadvertently brushing your fingers and causing a pleasant little cramp to make you smile gently at the other. "Why?"

"Because you deserve it."

Beesly couldn't help but bring the flower closer to her face, carefully sniffing its petals before softly sneezing as a result of the pollen that flew into her face, causing both of them to have a soft laugh that caught the attention of some of the guests and artists due to the great mood that had suddenly arisen in that area of ​​the room, although it did not matter to you that at that moment you were the centre of attention of all those who were around you because, at that moment, only the other existed.

You turned your gaze back to the huge white wall where the receptionist's paintings were still hanging, putting the thumbtacks in the right place to make her understand that she wasn't going to be leaving any time soon, and, by that very action, Beesly continued to look at you in a completely different from the usual. Her eyes were bright and his face slightly reddened, she had her heart in a fist and a soft smile began to appear.

As you concentrated on the various works in front of you, you felt a sudden touch on your index finger, drawing your attention and shifting your eyes to the left so you could ascertain whether it was a casual touch or not, but they were so persistent that They made all her doubts vanish in a second and, careful not to scare her, you wrapped her small hand in yours, intertwining your fingers to make the meeting a little more intimate, wrapping you in a small bubble in which only the two of you were.

On the other hand, even if you did not make sure of his presence due to his distance, a certain boss of yours watched the scene with emotion because, after so much time, you finally seemed to be unearthing the deep secret that you had kept hidden from the other.

[mjbunnyluv]

The Scoop, Part 2

Summary: PH!Bakugou, QL!Izuku AU where they are estranged childhood friends and haven’t had contact in a little over a decade. As he couldn’t achieve his dreams of becoming a hero, Izuku has become a hero journalist instead. The entire hero community loves him, but as he becomes more popular, Izuku finds it harder and harder to avoid his former friend.

-

-

-

“Midoriya,” an excited squeal preceded the bubbly pro hero as she skipped down the hall.

“Pinky!” Izuku grinned at her arrival. He’d just finished setting up in one of the conference rooms at A-Chic, the acid heroine’s personal agency. This was not the first time he was interviewing her. 

In fact, Pinky was one of his number one interviewees, her PR team giving him a call every few months for a new story. The bubble gum haired woman was extremely active in the community - hosting charity events and dinner parties, fundraisers and community nights. During his last interview, Izuku covered the breakdance battle she’d organized to raise money for underprivileged kids. With Mina’s infectious personality and Izuku’s top-tier journalism, the event was a huge success, meeting its goal and then some. The funds were used to build a youth center that provided free meals, tutoring services, and job placement opportunities to school aged kids in Greater Tokyo. And it also helped Pinky rise almost 10 spots in the hero charts. 

“It’s so good to see you,” Mina giggled. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week!”

“Me, too,” the greenette nodded. “I know it’s only been five months since our last interview, but it feels like it’s been forever.”

“Ugh, tell me about it!” She waved her hand dramatically. “Seriously, though, a Pulitzer?!” 

Izuku shrugged, a sheepish smile gracing his lips as a deep blush danced across his cheeks, the bronze freckles dotting his skin popping against the color. The announcement of his achievement last month had come as a huge surprise to Izuku. “I mean…I don’t really think I deser-”

“Nope!” She slapped a hand over his mouth, and emerald eyes bugged out wide with surprise. “None of that. You are the best, period! Deserving of any and all awards that come your way.”

“That’s very sweet of you,” he chuckled, pulling her palm away from his face. 

Mina rolled her golden eyes, “Honey, there’s a reason you’re the only journalist I talk to.” Izuku cocked his head to the side. That couldn’t be right. He swore he’d seen a story from the Tokyo Journal only a couple weeks ago where she made comments about a recent villain fight. “Respect goes a long way, my friend, and most journalists are severely lacking. They all act like heroes owe them every second of their free time after a fight or a gala, or God forbid on our days off. My dude, all I want to do is take a damn breather, and you,” she pointed at the journalist with a big flourish of her wrist, “always make me feel like a person. Like I can be myself and not get judged for it, you know?”

“Well, that’s the goal,” Izuku grinned. “Glad to know I’m doing my job as I’ve always intended.” 

“Seriously, though,” Mina sighed as she took a seat at the conference table. “You are our precious little bean and we will protect you at all costs!”

“Our? We?” The freckled man scrunched his nose as he tried to work out who she was talking about. He got situated in one of the rolling chairs and drummed his fingers on the tabletop.

“The hero community, silly!” The pinkette giggled, lightly slapping his wrist. “Actually, I was just talking to Ejirou the other day- you know, Red Riot – and we were thinking, how great would it be if you covered the upcoming Hero Billboard Chart? I mean, you’d have no problem interviewing anybody and since Dynamight is about to be named Number 1 it would be the perfect opportunity-”

“NO!” Izuku shouted. He clenched and unclenched his hands, cheeks burning crimson at his sudden outburst. Clearing his throat, the greenette stated very calmly, “S-sorry. What I meant to say was, I won’t be in town for the event. I’ve been asked to cover a story on the World Heroes’ Commission and I’ll be traveling to Switzerland during that time.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” Mina slumped. “I was really hoping you’d be there. All the other reporters are so stuffy. You’re much more fun to talk to.”

Izuku let out a calming exhale. That was only a partial lie…he really was going to be in Switzerland covering the World Heroes’ Commission, but he hadn’t been asked. In reality, he’d begged for it. As a journalist who primarily covered all things heroes, Izuku always kept a close eye on the charts. And when it started trending that Dynamight would finally be achieving the highly coveted rank of Number 1 Hero, the greenette marched into his boss’s office and practically got on his knees to request that someone else cover the Hero Billboard Charts this season. Was he being a coward? Probably. But was he sufficiently relieved when his request was accepted? Absolutely.

Five years…five years Izuku had been conducting interviews after earning his Bachelor’s in Journalism. And in all that time, he had successfully avoided one hero in particular. Dynamight continued to be his current favorite hero, in fact, he had analyzed plenty of his former friend’s fights and published his excited ramblings on his fanboy blog - the one he ran under the pseudonym Deku. Izuku knew he wasn’t being slick, if anything, the explosive hero would know it was him right away from the old nickname he���d given the freckled boy when they were kids. But whenever it was brought up that the explosive hero was looking to schedule interviews for PR, Izuku made sure he was unavailable for the man’s requested time slot.

“S-So, what did you want to talk about today?” Izuku stuttered, looking over the notes he’d taken from the pinkette’s PR team. “A team up?”

“Mhmm, that’s right,” Mina perked up. “Well, it’s not the type of team up most people would be used to. Not in the traditional heroic sense anyway.”

“How would you classify it then?” he asked, recording device having been picking up everything since just before the heroine joined him. But in true old school fashion, Izuku just couldn’t get away from scribbling down bits of information and quotes in a notebook. There was just something so nostalgic about pen meeting paper. Or maybe it was just a safety blanket. He had been writing down thoughts since he learned how to read and write, and in all honesty, writing things down had saved his ass more than once after a power outage. 

“Oh, it’s a burlesque show.”

Izuku’s hand stopped scribbling. Emerald eyes blinked at the page before slowly lifting to meet golden irises. “A what?”

“A burlesque show. You know, provocative dancing, short skirts, sensual music.” Mina moved her body in a smooth movement bringing attention to the cleavage just above the neckline of her costume. 

Izuku gulped, “F-For charity, I presume?”

“You got it!” She winked. “And the list of participants is outstanding.”

“What are you raising money for this time?” Izuku’s hand resumed scratching down notes.

“Support for the victims of that villain attack a couple weeks ago. The one with Subterranean, you know that guy who caused 9.0 earthquakes, leveled three towns and killed almost 1,000 people.” Pinky leaned back, the chair groaning as she pressed into the seatback. “It was awful. And everything happened so fast that rescue attempts turned into recovering bodies. Sometimes this job weighs on you and you just can’t help but lie awake at night and think what if I was faster? What if I did x, y, or z differently? But I learned a long time ago that those kinds of thoughts don’t help anybody. So, instead I find ways to help the survivors, to do what I can in the aftermath.”

“I’m sure any kind of support would be appreciated right now. I’ve seen that nearby communities have been taking in families who've been displaced by the attack.” Izuku commented.

“Yeah, everyone is doing good things to help their neighbors. One of the things I’d like to do with the money we raise from this show is to build sustainable housing to shelter those who’ve been displaced, and offer free meals as well.” Mina nodded. “Our goal is set at 11 million Yen and I really think that’s achievable. Especially since a handful of agencies have agreed to match donations.”

“Oh really? That’s great! Which agencies?” Izuku’s hand was flying across the page, eyes flicking up every so often to engage with the heroine.

“The usuals,” she shrugged. “Nightcrawler, Creations Inc., Ingenium, Icy Hot.”

“Sounds like you’ve got a little community of your own,” the greenette chuckled. “I’ve been making the rounds with interviews lately and those are all the agencies that come up pretty frequently.”

“Eh, you make your alliances, and they really don’t change unless someone does something really off the rails,” she laughed. “Not surprised my little circle of besties are always hitting you up.”

“You mentioned the list of participants for the burlesque show is,” he flipped back a page, “outstanding. Care to share a few names of who we can expect to see on stage?”

“Oh definitely,” Mina grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye as she stretched forward to lean on her crossed forearms. “I mean, there’s the usual suspects…Nejire-chan, Uravity, myself obviously, then there’s Galeforce and Phantom Thief. Oh, and I can’t forget Illus-o-Camie. Plus, a few surprises. But I don’t want to give it all away, you know. Gotta leave some things to the imagination,” she winked.

“Of course. It’s not burlesque without intrigue, right?” Izuku chuckled as he made note of all the names Pinky had mentioned. 

“See, you get it,” she laughed, slapping his wrist again. “You should really come. I think you’d have a great time, Midoriya. And it’s all for charity, so everyone will be in high spirits. Nothing makes people happier than doing good deeds and heroes showing some skin.”

He laughed remembering the nude calendar featuring the Top 15 heroes that was released last year. Pre-orders sold out in a matter of minutes and once they were released in stores, not a single retailer was able to keep them on the shelves. Even Izuku had a hard time getting his hands on one…he did, eventually and he was still ashamed of the amount of time he’d spent staring at April. Because damn, Kacchan was ripped and the picture was equal parts tasteful and risqué. Hero mask pushed onto his forehead and slicking back that explosion of blonde spikes, dark black kohl rimming his eyes and not a single bit of fabric in sight. Just a well-placed Dynamight gauntlet hiding the most scandalous bits. Izuku coughed to hide that he was getting a little hot and bothered just thinking about that calendar. 

“I’ll think about it,” he told her, and he genuinely meant it. 

“Good.” Mina gave a short nod. A sharp knock caught their attention at the door and a petite brunette appeared in the doorway. The woman was dressed in a colorful pantsuit, her hair braided and laying heavily over her shoulder. Izuku immediately recognized her as the head of Pinky’s PR team. “That time already, Kimi?”

“Afraid so,” she scrunched her nose, making the glitter sparkling across her cheeks dance under the fluorescent lights of the conference room. “Nice to see you again, Midoriya.”

Izuku gave a little wave and turned back to the heroine. “Well, I think I’ve got enough to write a highlight piece.”

Mina squealed and squirmed in her seat, “I know I can count on you to rally the masses.” She hopped out of her seat and gestured for the journalist to come over. “C’mere, I need to give you a hug.” 

Used to her need to shower him in affection, Izuku smiled and stood. The second he was on his feet, the pinkette swooped in, pulling him into a bone crushing hug. And she only let go when he wheezed and patted her back. They pulled apart in a fit of giggles.

“You promise to try to make an appearance at the show?” Mina asked.

“I will do my best to clear my schedule,” Izuku nodded.

“Good, cuz I think you’ll really enjoy the final act,” she winked at him, and the journalist couldn’t help the look of confusion that washed over his face. Mina just laughed, that mischievous glint returning to her eyes. “See you later little bean!”

“Until next time, Pinky!” He waved, watching her skip out the door. As Izuku gathered up his notes and stopped the recording device, he couldn’t help but ponder what the heroine had up her sleeve. Knowing Mina, it was probably her just playing around like usual. And it wouldn’t be the first time she urged him to come out just to play wingwoman or to get him drunk off his ass. Well, whatever it was, Izuku was intrigued.

[my-shields-are-down]

Part 2 for @lovemesomechenford - Ashley (17 years later)

—————

Angela had wanted to buy out a local pool for the festivities, but Patrice was not having it. She had the space: the almost Olympic sized pool, the outdoor kitchen, lots of space for towels, chairs, floaters, plus she was great friends with Angela’s grandmother, who she had gotten to know over the years.

For Angela’s Abuela Maria’s 90th birthday party/family reunion only the best would do. They brought in extra tables and loungers for the families, bought all the food and beverages, gallons of sunscreen, hired a mariachi band, had a dance floor, and catered the entire event.

The only thing Patrice didn’t have were life guards on salary, so she put her assistant on it -the woman was a dynamo and could literally do anything.

Turns out Tim’s eldest son Patrick, sorry Kai (he much preferred an abbreviation of his Chinese middle name), life guarded during the summer and he put Tamara in touch with his boss.

Yes Tamara was taking a sabbatical from the FBI where she worked on missing kid cases as a profiler. Well until she met Davison and moved back to LA to get married. She loved the FBI but there were so many kids who were never found and every child who didn’t luck out like she did, broke her heart.

She met Davison on the obstacle course at Quantico. He was a former green beret who was hired to revamp the Hostage Rescue Team’s training program. Davison grew up in an itty bitty town in Minnesota and went to college in Madison, WI on an ROTC scholarship. Like Tim, he served two tours during which he quickly rose through the ranks and left the instant he could. Switching to the FBI was natural for him, he was a born leader. Strong, silent, a watcher who surveyed everything and missed nothing. Tall, blond, fit, and hilarious he fell in love with Tamara on the spot and spent two years convincing her it was her that fell in love with him first.

Tim had cried when Davison asked him for permission to propose to Tamara. Lucy’s puppy had become a Bradford shortly after Lucy did. Lucy laughed at her silly husband who grumbled when Davison left, saying “you do realize who he takes after right? She’s marrying a version of you. He looks at her the way you look at me. You big idiot. She just gave you the biggest compliment ever.”

Tamara is due to marry Davison in a few months, and yes, Tim will walk her down the aisle. In the meantime, Tamara has been helping Patrice out after she broke her hip and the two are inseparable.

When Tamara spoke to the Head Lifeguard, she didn’t realize the Ashley she was speaking with was the same one Tim had been dating when he was in denial about his feeling for Lucy. Ashley had eventually gotten married and had two older step kids who she never really gelled with. So when her husband died a few years ago, she was content to stay single and alone. She now lived in Malibu in a lovely ocean-access bungalow, the ocean her backyard. She was the Chief of Lifeguards now and ran the whole she-bang for L A County.

Tamara and Ashley made all the arrangements. As the call was closing she asked Tamara for her details so they could keep in touch, Tamara had said sure, I’m Tamara Bradford, my # is……. Ashley’s heart had stopped. Could she be related? Could Tim still be in the area? Could we reconnect and restart? Ashley wrote down the number and asked, “ Bradford? Are any of your relatives cops?” She could her the young woman smile through the phone, “Yes! I come from a family of cops. thanks for your help! Ashley couldn’t ask any more questions as Tamara had hung up.

Grabbing her iPad, she Googled Tim’s name and sees him receiving medals of distinction, getting promoted and retiring from the police force after a scary car accident while chasing a criminal through Compton.

But nothing about him getting married or having a family. Sweet. Let’s just make myself the 3rd lifeguard on this gig and see what happens.

——-

Two weeks later…..

Ashley drives through the Evers compound gate, checks in at the gatehouse, and drives through a lovey wooded area before arriving at the main house. As she gets out of her lifeguard truck to get her things, she hears kid’s laughter and a mariachi band playing. Tamara greets her at the door, and says oh thank god your here.. you have your first aid kit? We’ve had some injuries come on. Ashley goes into action mode and doesn’t really see the people around her. She works with Kai who clearly knows what he’s doing and helps clean up the blood from the pools edge.

Once they are done, Ashley turns to Kai to ask where he got his skills. Kai turns and points in a vague direction, “my mom made sure that if I was going to “surf in shark infested waters,” that I knew how to handle myself and others if a shark did attack.” Smart, Ashley thinks to herself. She takes a closer look at the young man in front of her. He’s deeply tanned, tall - over 6’, long and lean like a swimmer, but very in shape like a surfer. Once he takes off his sunglasses, Ashley’s heart skips a beat. Tim’s eyes are staring back at her. That can’t be right, the young man doesn’t look like Tim.

“KAI!” - she hears a voice yelling and she can remember when it whispered sweet nothings to her. Kai smiles at Ashley and says thanks for your help, he puts his red lifeguard shirt back on and runs off towards the voice. Ashley’s heart sinks when she sees BRADFORD across his strong back.

She follows Kai through the party, hoping to catch a glimpse of his dad. Maybe it’s not Tim. There could be other Bradfords.

From a distance she sees Tim, grayer than she remembered, but still fit, and gorgeous. He’s now got a nasty looking scar on his shoulder and down his arm. “ah, that’s why he retired.” She watches as Kai runs up to Tim and gives him a huge hug. When they separate, she watches Tim bring a young girl who’s 12ish into the conversation. The girl is gorgeous - big brown eyes, blond, shorter than Kai, but still growing. That girl is going to break some hearts for sure.

“Her name is Miren de. Chinese for lovely. We call her Mai. Miren de Diana Bradford -after Tim’s mom. Mai hasn’t decided if she prefers Mai or Diana yet. She loves it when her dad tells her stories about Diana - goddess of the countryside, hunters and the moon. She’s a romantic like he is.”

Ashley turns and sees Lucy, who’s carrying a small boy sound asleep and wrapped in a big fluffy towel with BRADFORD across in big blue letters. The boy is a mini Kai, same coloring but with shockingly blond wavy hair and green eyes. “This little guy is Timothy Shenqi Bradford. Shenqi is Chinese for magical. He goes by TJ and is a little terror. He got my gift of gab and Tim’s athleticism. Where Kai’s a surfer, TJ is a natural at both baseball and track. He’s 10, Mai is 12 going on 25, and Kai is almost 16.” Lucy lights up talking about her kids. Correction her and Tim’s kids.

“Ashley! Oh it’s so wonderful to see you! “. Lucy steps in front of Ashley and waves at Tim to come over.

Ashley finds her voice and says, “Yes, Hi. I wondered if the Bradford I saw on Kai’s back was linked to Tim. How are you and what’s going on?”

Lucy tells her that she and Tim have been married for almost 17 years. Kai was born on their 1 year anniversary. And that yes, they started dating right after she and Tim broke up. They got married about 4 months later, there was no reason to wait. Tim had been promoted to Watch Commander and then head of the TO training program and it was a total fluke he was in that car when it crashed. He’s been a stay-at-home Dad ever since and loves every second of it. For me, I’m a Deputy Chief in the Police Department. Which sounds fancy but I sit behind a desk listening to Yacht rock and I am the City Council liaison. I work closely with the mayor. I make policy. And hob nob. The best part is I get to go home at 5 pm and be with my family. I’m so blessed.”

By now, Tim has reached the pair. His eyes widen when he sees Ashley, but when he’s in front of her, he grabs her in a partial hug like he’s glad to see her. Lucy turns to him, and hands him their youngest as if they’ve done it thousands of times. He leans over and kisses her, pulls away and then kisses her again. Smiling while he says, love you to Lucy, oblivious of everyone else. Ashley realizes in that moment she’s made a mistake to come. Seeing Tim so happy with Lucy and their kids in the life he always wanted, hurts deeply because she realizes now, they were never meant to be and he let her down easy instead of leading her on into a future that just was never going to happen.

Ashley takes a step back and says she should head out. She waves goodbye and quickly walks back to her car and drives away.

Back inside the party, Patrice has the photographer take pictures of all the families for her mantle. The Bradford’s look especially joyful in theirs - just before they throw Tamara in the pool.

———-

I am not going to write one for Isabel. She’s not a solid character in my brain. So this will have to do.

[spaceorphan18]

Glee Musical Retrospective: Smile (Charlie Chaplin) (Mattress)

Sung by: New Directions Original Artist(s): Charlie Chaplin

Hey - it's another song about smiling while having another, layered emotion underneath that smile!

Story Analysis

We don't usually get montages at the end of episodes - I believe this might be a first, but I think it's a really fitting use here.

Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky

The whole purpose of this song is to hold your head up and continue on even if life is rough -- which is a resonant thematic element for the entire glee club. These kids are constantly being harassed by their environment but glee gives them the strength to 'smile' and carry on -- with the positive hope that something better is around the corner.

On top of that - it's relevant for this specific moment in time. They're shown getting ready for their yearbook photo - knowing all to well that it's going to be defaced, and yet they're preparing to be at their best, and smile through it anyway.

Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near

It's important to note that the teachers all get a photo during this montage as well -- and this song is relevant to them, too. Will needs to put on a smile to cover up for the fact that his personal life is crumbling down. Emma is heading into a marriage she doesn't want to be in. Ken knows well the woman he's wanting to marry doesn't want to marry him. And Sue is, of course, smiling in a somewhat ironic way - she thinks that she's on top but who knows what the future might bring.

If you smile through your pain and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through for you

The thing to remember is that this song is the last moment before we head into a game changer episode -- the mid-season/Front 13 finale Sectionals. So this montage is also a way to set up the pieces before the final big event that's about to happen.

We get the kids smiling for their photo - and then the jocks defacing the final picture. The kids are actually happy to be there, though, even though they know the yearbook (and their world) is going to tear them down again. But as the song suggests - they're going to smile through it and be optimistic.

But also - there's this notion that glee club, and the security that they're sticking together, has made them hold their heads up high and carry on anyway. The song is bittersweet -- and it's a final look at the status quo before things change in Sectionals.

Technical Analysis

Another song I don't have a whole lot of technical stuff to talk about. The sound is great -- notice Rachel and Finn start and then are followed by Artie and Mercedes? Glee has a rhythm going, and I'm curious to see how long they continue arranging songs like this.

I like the montage approach. The changing of the shots from one to another is really effective -- because it gives all the characters a moment to see where they are. All of the kids get moments of themselves in the bathrooms before the shoot. The teachers all have little glimpses of their personalities in their photos. And I really love the moment of Will looking in on the kids -- he's sad, but he smiles anyway -- and the kids are genuinely having a good time even though we get to see the yearbook being defaced anyway.

The last shot of Karofsky drawing on the yearbook feels even more vulgar with the song playing over it. It's like showing what the world sees of them, and like the song, it's a bittersweet moment -- since that photo was a genuine good moment for the group, and it's tarnished by the jerks of the world.

The whole song is done to great effect with use of the montage.

Glee Live

Not done for the tour - but the cast sings this song for Jane Lynch at a Trevor Live event. It's really sweet -- plus, the opening speeches for Jane are very nice, too.

vs. The Studio Version: The studio version is the full version - with both versus and repeated choruses. The vocals pop a little more in this version - since you aren't focusing on the screen. It sounds pretty good and is a solid version of the song. Everyone sounds pretty good on it.

vs. The Original Version: So - this song has an interesting background. It was composed by Charlie Chaplin for his silent film Modern Times -- and the song is actual score to the film, about his character The Tramp and a young lady who have a bit of a hard life but are hopeful in the end. Even before the lyrics are added to it - the song's bittersweet arrangement fits nicely what is the end of the film's hopeful message. It's not until the 1950s that lyrics, inspired by the film, were added to it. There's not really a one to one comparison here -- but more a thematic one, where both Glee and Modern Times gives the main characters a difficult time of it with an uncertain, yet hopeful future to look forward to.

[coochiequeens]

Sis you should have left him there. Or just leave him anywhere.

My boyfriend, Rod, is passionately kissing another woman.

Little fingers of jealousy squeeze my insides, and I’m not sure where to look or what to do. The woman senses my discomfort and immediately stops, pulling me up beside her with a big, warm giggle and a squeeze. I relax and remember: This is why I chose her. I like her, I love that giggle, and I know she has absolutely zero interest in poaching my boyfriend.

How do I know this? Because I picked her out of the lineup at one of Nevada’s most storied legal brothels. We hired her to join us for a threesome for an hour, and when our time is up, she will go back out to the bar and charm someone else with that sexy laugh, and we will go home. 

I’d never had a “real” threesome before, other than some fairly benign fooling around in college. It had been a lifelong fantasy, but the emotional politics of threesomes always seemed so forbiddingly complicated. Surely someone would get hurt, someone would feel left out, someone would get jealous ― surely, maybe, definitely me? Plus that third-wheel ― would she turn stalker? Would we get an STI? Would an angry boyfriend show up out of nowhere and make us the unfortunate stars of a true-crime show? Just too risky. So I had resigned myself to the fact that some things are best left to fantasy. 

When I met a lover who knew his way around a paid hookup, however, a whole new possibility presented itself. Rod and I headed to the brothel outside Reno, Nevada, to celebrate my upcoming birthday. And it was not at all what I expected.

We took a cab from our hotel in downtown Reno to the brothel’s bar, all flashy neon outside but classic sticky floors and bare-bones Old West saloon inside. Escorts chatted among themselves on bar stools or lounged on velvet banquettes against the wall. It was early ― around 4 p.m. ― and we were some of the only patrons. A few old men sat at wooden bar tables, eating out of plastic foam TV trays and silently sipping beer. Women who obviously knew them would pop by periodically to pick them up, a scene much more akin to medical assistants ushering patients to the exam room than participants embarking on a sexy encounter. 

Rod and I were the subject of great interest ― couples are a fairly rare event ― and we had many friendly women cruise by our table, asking if we had any questions and offering to show us around. Before we had a chance to chat with anyone in detail, the “lineup” bell rang, and every patron who had not already initiated an encounter with a woman went through a forbidding dungeon-like door into a cavernous hunting lodge space.

In front of a giant stone fireplace the women lined up. They were every kind of everything ― all different races and body types and styles of dress. I found myself in a rare moment of simply admiring the beautiful diversity of their bodies without that knee-jerk need to compete or compare myself. I winced a bit self-consciously, however, when I realized that none of them were as old as I was. Would they be turned off by our middle-aged bodies? Wait, was I actually expecting them to be turned on? I was momentarily stumped.

The house manager ― a business-suited woman who was my age ― introduced each woman, who then stepped forward for a moment, gave a little wave and a smile, just like at a beauty pageant. A handsome young guy in the chair beside us made his pick immediately. His woman grinned and sashayed over to sit on his lap and gave him an enthusiastic greeting ― this was clearly not their first time together. The manager then asked any women who wanted to entertain couples to step forward, and about half of the line did. 

Rod and I had made an agreement before we arrived: I got to choose. I already knew that I wanted Carmen, the curvy, dark-haired woman in a fishnet dress and thong who had been the first to say hello to us in the bar. She was flirty and seemed happy. She was pretty and she had that giggle. So I pointed at her, while my nice-girl upbringing screamed at me silently: Pointing is so rude! The women without dates headed back to the bar and I felt another guilty stab as they filed past us. Had I made them feel rejected? Did they take it personally?

I didn’t have time to think about it because Carmen was shimmying on our lap, or, more specifically, on my lap as I sat on Rod’s lap. Pulling me up by the hand, and looping an arm around him, she led us to the negotiation room. It was a small room with dim lighting that resembled a hall closet and was just big enough for us all to sit knee to knee while we discussed what our hour might look like and what the price tag would be. 

Depending on what services we wanted, our time with Carmen could easily total a thousand dollars or more. She laid out her ground rules (condoms were always required; kissing was OK) and asked if we had any specific requests. Not really, we just want to have fun, we told her. We negotiated a price ― I gulped and Rod agreed. Then we offered up our genitals for inspection, a quick once-over she conducted with a sly sense of humor while she detailed the rigorous STI testing she undergoes every week. Oddly, the whole thing was reassuring and funny rather than awkward. STIs are taken very seriously at the brothel, which is obviously a good thing.

The unusual formalities over, we headed to the pay window and forked over the cash. Once we were finished, we followed Carmen down a maze-like hallway — a literal red light glowed everywhere ― and she pranced along ahead of us with a Champagne bottle in an ice bucket.

When we finally got to her room, a tiny, semi-personalized space, I was thrilled to find it was toasty ― I’m always freezing when I’m nervous. Carmen pointed out condoms, towels, the fresh sheets on the bed, and the adjoining bathroom (which she shared with the woman in the room next door). The little tour was a strange combination of straight commerce and flirtation. 

Carmen seemed to be a naturally touchy-feely person and she held my arm or tapped my back as she showed us around. I noticed that she focused her attention much more on me than Rod, which charmed me, but the cynical observer in me noted that it is an undoubtedly smart, practiced move — she is obviously well-versed in disarming the female competition and jealousy aspect of these encounters.

Things flowed effortlessly between Carmen and me, from our intro chatter to getting into the horizontal action, and within minutes Rod enthusiastically joined in, the three of us rotating around in a surprisingly fluid give-and-take. While he nominally took charge ― after all, a threesome needs a little direction ― it was overwhelmingly female-centered sex. I smiled to myself. Threesomes are such trite male-fantasy territory, but Carmen and I were a girl party of teamwork, exploration and celebration. I even joked at one point that we hoped Rod didn’t feel excluded. (He decidedly did not.) The whole experience was fun and sexy ― all I had hoped it would be ― with none of the awkwardness I had feared.

Carmen was unfailingly charming and enthusiastic, but I never once mistook her warmth for actual sexual excitement. There was no pretense on anyone’s part that this encounter was expected to include satisfaction for her. 

I asked her about this later, as we all lounged naked on the bed, sipping Champagne and chatting. She batted the question down with a polished little sidestep ― she explained that she has enough fun just making her clients happy, and it’s too much work to have orgasms all day long anyway. We asked her where she grew up (Venezuela) and how she got into this line of work. (She was initially a stripper but found brothel work safer, with less harassment and more money.) When I wondered aloud whether the post-coital chat was the best or worst part of the job, Carmen assured me she looks forward to connecting with customers and that the old saw is actually true: She often has clients who pay just to talk. 

Way too soon, an intercom buzzer rang and a female voice let us know our time was up. I had wondered about security ― surely there was a network of bouncers and cameras and intercoms and emergency buttons to protect the women, but everything was so discreet, we didn’t notice any of it. We jumped up and bustled around, helping Carmen strip the bed and straighten up (even though she insisted we didn’t have to) and then the three of us spilt out into the hallway. 

We returned to the bar where we began our adventure for some final chatter and a drink. We were sitting cozily together at a table and laughing at our own newly made inside jokes, when a young woman who looked fresh off a farm joined us. She clearly had a friendly relationship with Carmen and was eager to know, “What exactly do you do in a threesome?” As we happily shared our insights, she turned to me and said with a wink, “This is what happens to a girl when you raise her in a really strict, controlling religion!” I raised my glass and said, “That makes two of us, girlfriend! Amen!”

A drink suddenly arrived at our table for Carmen. It was sent from a gentleman at the bar, and she smiled and raised a toast to him. She got up immediately and, after squeezing my leg in a little goodbye, strutted over to him. I watched as they chatted for a few moments and then she linked her arm in his and led him over to the big lodge door. The last thing I heard as it swung shut behind them was that warm, bubbly giggle, and I found myself sad to see her go. I guess I was jealous after all.

Melissa Duge Spiers is an award-winning screenwriter and memoirist, whose memoir-in-progress, “The Glory Whole,” won the Book Pipeline 2021 Unpublished Manuscript Non-Fiction award. She is represented by Dani Segelbaum/The Carol Mann Agency. For more from her, visit her Instagram at @mdugespiers.

[sabineelectricheart]

Pudgy Action Star

Summary: After a strongly-worded rejection at a casting call, Raul is feeling insecure about his weight. His wife is there to make him feel better, and to make him eat a chocolate cookie.

Rating: K+ - Suitable for more mature childen, 9 years and older, with minor action violence without serious injury. May contain mild coarse language. Should not contain any adult themes.

Words: 1800

Notes: I love to admire those beautiful abs every opportunity I have. I objectify men like crazy, and I admit it, but I must confess that it seems quite hard to keep up with the training and dietary regiments to keep oneself in such a shape.

It was nightfall in Los York. The city busy professionals began to head home after a long day of work and a lucky few hushed home to see their loved others to share a meal with them.

Rest and life-work balance were important cornerstones of any meaningful existence in the big city, and that applied even for fallen gods with extremely fulfilling jobs, and Lynette knows it for a fact. She is that much better in finding love for others when she has her fill of her own.

It was just a regular Thursday, there was no special event to be celebrated, but she was feeling so fulfilled and overall happy with her life that she wanted to throw a party just because. She reeled the instinct in, of course, as she did not fancy labouring on a kitchen for a meal for twenty, but she was motivated to have a nice dinner for two.

As she passed through the perimeter of their home, the first thing she checked was the car parked in the garage. Her husband was home that evening.

“Raul, I’m home!” She called from the front door. “Are you hungry? We’ll have steak tonight!”

No response. Lynette remembers he had a casting call that afternoon for another Action movie. She knows those tests are physically draining, and so she assumed that he was taking a nap. As such, it was best not to disturb him and let him have his sleep.

She set herself into cooking. She took the meat off the freezer and began preparations. She is still nowhere as good as a cook as someone like Gill, but she manages. Besides, after the stalker experience that they had all those years ago, she does not trust any cleaning or maid service, and so they shared most of the household tasks, cooking included.

The woman finishes their meal in just under two hours and plates the food with loving care, setting the table for two.

“Raul, are you awake? Dinner is ready!” She calls from the staircase, but there was still no response.

He must be sleeping profoundly, she concludes. She climbs up the stairs and walks to their shared bedroom. From the hallway, she could see that the lights were on, and as so, he must be up.

"Raul, where are you? Can you hear me from downstairs?” She asks as she reaches the doorstep. “I baked the chocolate cookies that you like for dessert, so I hope you eat…"

Lynette paused in her ramble as she saw that their bedroom was completely empty, despite the lights being turned on. Her husband’s bag and clothes were strewn on the bed, but he was nowhere to be seen. When she heard shuffling echoing within the in-suite bathroom walls, she smiled, knowing that he must be in there, probably having a bath.

"Raul?" She approached the ajar door, knocking softly on its side. "What are you..."

Her voice trailed off when she saw him. He was hunched over the sink, staring at himself in the mirror completely on the nude.

While it was certainly not the first time that she sees that body in all its movie star glory, she could not help herself not to ogle him in each and every occasion. Even her picky and judgemental mother had expressed admiration for her choice of husband, with the well-defined contours of his body against marble white skin, those hard-earned biceps that flexed every time he moved, that cute face that never failed to make her swoon.

It is with great surprise that the psychologist notices then and there that, unlike her, Raul looked utterly dejected at what he saw in his reflection. He was crestfallen and displayed disgust with every new position that he twisted his figure, which, along with his irises rimmed with a red hue formed the image of despair.

"Oh, Raul…" She said, sadness colouring her tone.

Her voice knocked him out of his trance, as he scrambled for a bathrobe and threw it over his body securely before she had the chance to see any more of his figure.

"What is it, Raul?" The woman asked softly, placing a tentative hand on his shoulder, looking into his eyes. “Did your casting call go poorly?”

"No, no. There’s nothing wrong." He mumbled, nudging her hand from his shoulder and walking past her, back into their bedroom. “I’m just surprised, I haven’t heard you coming in.”

He's being uncharacteristically moody, Lynette thought, as she followed him out.

“I’ve been home for over two hours. I called you several times, but you haven’t heard me.” She pointed out.

“Oh…” Raul responds. “I was, er… I was having a bath, yeah? It’s good for sore muscles and stuff. Hey, since you’re home, can we catch a movie on TV tonight? They’re showing the 1956 Helen of Troy, and I think you’ve never watched that one.”

Watching him go from that desolate boy looking at himself in the mirror, to this cheerful shell of who he usually was, put her on edge.

“Sure, but let’s have dinner first, shall we? I made all your favourites.” The woman offers with a smile.

His mood dampens once again. “No, I’m not really hungry tonight. Go ahead without me, and I’ll go down when I’m done here.”

Lynette cautiously sat herself on the edge of their bed, as he lay there, turned away from her and hugging a pillow. She cooed, nudging him slightly.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong, pretty boy? Or should I use my magical goddess powers to pry it out of you?" Lynette asked, trying to use her joking voice to try and coax an answer from him.

He mumbled something incoherent, so she nudged him again.

"I said, that’s just it." He grumbled.

“That’s what?” Lynette asks, genuinely confused.

After a moment, the blond actor turned on the bed, now lying to face her, but refusing to meet her piercing gaze.

"I am not pretty." Raul declares, enunciating every word as if a life sentence.

The trained psychologist knows she should take it in stride, but the notion is so absurd to her that she cannot help but splutter, "What are you talking about?"

"All those damn boys from the casting call are pretty and young and talented and everything." The man frowned. "Not me. I’m just a big lump. I’m old and ugly and my career is over."

"Where is this coming from, Raul?" She asked, her frown now prominent on her face as her heart ached for her boyfriend.

After a moment's hesitation, he mumbled out, "I've gained weight. The director said I’m too fat to play the part in that movie. That I should lose at least ten kilos if I want to work again."

"Oh, Raul." The pink-haired woman breathed out. "First off, the hell with that director. He needs to have his eyes checked. Secondly, if you have gained weight, which you did not, and if it did show, which it does not, even then, that's normal. As we grow older, our bodies change and they reflect and demand a new lifestyle, and that’s beautiful! I’ll be glad if we get to live this out together, and I hope you find happiness in it, too.”

He still seems unconvinced, so Lynette doubled down.

“I've gained weight too, you know? And I don’t see you decrying me and saying that I will never work in this town again." She chuckled, looking down at the slight bloat of her lower torso.

"But you're perfect, anyway." Raul sighed, his eyes raking that body of hers that he found himself worshipping daily. “You’re, like, a goddess!”

"No, I’m really not, and, perfection for perfection, I think you are the perfect one in this relationship, darling." The woman smiled, reaching out and softly tucking his soft blond strands away from his eyes.

He averted his gaze once again.

"Come here." Lynette commanded, settling back onto the headboard as the boy snuggled into her, getting comfortable with his head on her stomach. "I love your cuddles, darling. Even when they are so strong that I lose my breath. I feel safe because you are so warm and sturdy."

He pulled back ever so slightly from her embrace, and his gaze contorted with his arching eyebrow. He seemed positively amused by the rather abnormal adjectives that she often used to describe him.

"I'm warm and sturdy?" Raul echoed, stifling a laugh from emerging from his broad chest.

"Two amazing qualities that I love about you." His wife reiterated, grinned up at him.

"Are there any others?" He mumbled bashfully, clearly seeking for a little more reassurance.

"Well, I just adore those blue eyes of yours, and those muscles certainly don't hurt my eyes. Neither do those lips of yours, even if they haven't kissed mine at all ever since I arrived home today..." She trailed off, feeling like putting up a few demands of her own.

The goddess of love brushed his soft and full lips with her dainty fingertips as she teasingly bit hers, smiling as she heard him groan slightly at the sight.

Lynette loved the clinginess the both of them had towards one another. Not before long, Raul had pounced on her, pressing sloppy kisses to her awaiting lips as she giggled, glad to have her goofy husband back. Despite the lightened mood following the kiss, though, her husband kept mumbling on that he did not feel comfortable with this new weight.

"That's okay, Raul, but you must always remember that it doesn't change how much I love you." She told him, planting a kiss to the crown of his head. "And how yummy my cookies are!"

His blue eyes shone with joy. “You baked cookies?!”

“Yeah, I did. I cooked a whole meal just for you, in fact.” Lynette responded, feeling not just a little bit wicked. “Are you hungry now?”

“Um…” He seemed quite conflicted about it. “Well, can I have just one cookie?”

“I brought you one to entice your appetite.” She smiled, picking up the treat from beside her and wafting it under his nose. “But are you sure you want just one cookie?”

Rolling his eyes, he gave in, grabbing it and taking a large bite. Spotting her gazing at him, he then cheekily grabbed her, wrapping his large arm tightly around her as he tickled her waist.

"Minx." He grumbled, smiling all the while as he munched on the delicious treat that she had brought up for him.

"You love me." The woman giggled, tracing his abdomen through the bathrobe.

As he stopped his tickling to enjoy the sweet, she rested her head on his chest, listening to his heart.

"That I really do, darling."

*_*_*_*_*

Cupid Parasite Masterlist

[lady-ashfade]

@butchire

hi!! i saw u were doing this and it looked really cool so i figured id participate :] ty if u do mine! hope ur havin a great day/night, stranger

Name/Nickname: Gabriella/Gabi/Gabe

Pronouns: They/Them

What I Look Like: Tall-ish (with my boots), brown medium length wolf-cut for hair (also have long bangs), chubby, big chest (that i try to bind often), adrodynous looking face (unless i do feminine makeup)

What I’m Like: im told im intimidating at first, and i have some serious RBF, so i get why. but everyone when they get to know me start to realize im really not scary, and i can be really charming to others. that sounds dumb but its what my friends said. i have a lot of social anxiety though, i fidget a lot, but i do have a lot of anger i take out on the kids who used to bully me, i used to chase down the boys who were dicks to me (lmao)

Hobbies: a lot of drawing, video games, baking sometimes, singing

Anything u should know: My style is very Alt, i aim for punk but usually just fall at grunge/emo, wear all black clothing mostly unless its patterned sweats + band shirts. wear a lot of silver jewelry (multiple earrings, lot of big rings w/ skulls and onyx on them, several various necklaces) makeup is done with a lot of eyeliner and black eyeshadow, black used as contour also. also leather jackets and cargo pants. i almost always wear these big heavy leather boots.

Who I want (age range): the Party (mike/will/max/el/lucas/dustin etc, but im also near steve/nancy/jonathan/eddie’s age so they can also fall in there.)im unlabelled so any gender works good for me, i am somewhat woman-leaning tho

Thank you for being here! And for participating in this event.

Now who do I ship you with?..

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I ship you with Nancy because the opposite attract. You guys being the dark and light couple would be the cutest- I ship.

You’re a Byers, you’ve always been picked on so that’s nothing new to you. You are Jonathan’s twin, even though he’s five minutes older- He’s your little brother in your eyes.

You guys meet in elementary school when some boy was picking on Nancy, stole her book away from her and held it above her reach. Flirting with her. But you being the cool person you are walked right up to him and kicked him in the balls and grabbed the book. You guys become best friends after that, but it didn’t last.

Nancy and you grow apart because she wanted to be in the more popular crowd and you liked being the outcast. She you guys waved and gave each other smiles in the hallway but nothing more. Or when you picked up Will with Jonathan you had a conversation every now and then.

But when everything happened in season one, you got closer. Everyone that happened with Jonathan, happened with you instead. So you got together around the middle of season two. Best couple in my eyes-

Hc’s

Walking around with your arms around her in school, to make people back off.

You are like a guard dog, but little do people know that she does the same thing to you.

She likes to steal your clothes even if it doesn’t fit her style. She loves the way they smell like you .

She has one of your rings around her neck on a necklace because it slipped off her fingers.

She is your sweet supportive girlfriend. Like if sing in a talented show she is cheering you on.

Sits on your lap when you play video games and tries it one of twice because she wants to be closer to you.

Baking with her is the cutest thing ever. She loves it, always end up laugh together. Bring her cupcakes and she will smother you in kisses.

Drawing is her favorite thing to watch you do. She had a whole scrapbook of you guys and your drawings are in there.

Don’t think if you do anything cool like in a talented show, or sports or anything that she wouldn’t force it to be in the new paper.

Being the most badass couple when shit goes done. Like punch a bear badass.

[reddragonprincess]

It is not quite the same to welcome Marth to the medical tent as it is her sister. One, the Hero-King; the other, her hero, right from the very beginning. Of course what silliness she spouts about her brother and sister being the strongest is ever made in cheek, but still — how odd it still feels to let that little piece of childhood slip between her fingers.

“Sister!” A juice box is hastily pressed into the elder princess’s hands, the younger squarely settling her gift there and wrapping her own around them. It would be a hug, were there not wounds for her to consider; nevertheless, into this she wholly pours her heart, her warmth, scoldings and rest be forgot — no force in all the world shall keep her from her family.

“You were so incredible out there, Minerva! I knew you would be!” Soft fingers curl over the heel of the woman’s palm, and from them, faith flows in abundance. Gently as a cleric may, Maria mends her sister's hurts; and, when she looks up to her again, it is with that irrepressible adoration she has always held. Changed though it may be from their halcyon days, it knows no decay — only love, boundless as the skies above Macedon.

“Did you have fun? Oh — did you make any friends? Tell me you did!” The little robin’s head tips back, a tittering laugh flowing upward. “Or were they intimidated by how strong you are? The super cool way you swing your axe? Hee hee! Now everyone has to know how amazing you are!”

After the ending of the event, she did not expect no less than the much needed rest; as a matter of facts though, she had some wounds to be treated properly and a stop at the medical tent was compulsory and she knew that above all, her sister would scold her if she would have skipped it.

Speaking of sister, she did her best to seek for her during the event, but the incredible rythm of the rounds completely made her out of reach for most of the times, especially since she was in one of the team that made it to the final. Minerva thought that Maria would be extremely happy with that result… and so she was.

A sudden sister! called out her attention and as she realized the evidence, the little body of the girl was already sticking against the woman's body, still wearing the heavy armour from the previous battles.

"Maria.. I'm so glad to see you" she gently patted her head, picking up with her other free hand the juice box, but the irruence of the little sister completely absorbed the love of her big sister: despite the differences, they were very connected to each other, a love that overcome every single limit and boundary - she was the real treasure, for Minerva.

"Ah, I just did what I thought it could be the best for my team" she scratched her head, a slight smile as she felt a little pain in the legs, but the acute perception of Maria made her realize she needed a medication and of course she was the master of healings and cures.

"But I can see you did a great job as well here at the medical tent" she sighed as she let the pain slowly fade away while the younger sister proceed in her treatments. "You're like an angel to all of us, dealing with concotions and heals" she snorted lightly, enduring the pain and knowing that it would soon go away: love healed everything.

"Oh no, I'm not as cheerful as you Maria.. But I did find some nice and cool battle companions" in all honesty, she wasn't fully certain to define them as friend, but she certainly made some favorable meeting. "But enough talking about me, let me properly thank you for this little medication: how about a tea break? - just you and me, like we used to do at home.." she outlined a fleeting smile, caressing the cheek of her little sister with tenderness and lastly adjusting the leg finally medicated. "Let's celebrate together.. since it's almost your birthday!" she blushed a little; she knew she was not good with this, but all that battlings have messed up with her head and she just wanted to be with her for good.

"You know I'm not good with celebrations and such, but please, accept my gift and proposal" and she lastly embranced her tiny body in a warm hug, hoping they would continue to be like this forever.

[james5-doe]

Sheila's Big Day

Caught in the middle of a long-running family feud, Sheila is a Princess of Mongo who unexpectedly marries Flash, joins the Defenders, and tries her best to be there for the Gordons and the Royals.

This Is Their Side Story, Chapter 2, "Mongo Is Burning"

This has to work, Sheila thought, watching her brother from the second row. Krotan and Jedda were about to wed. Things would be peaceful on Mongo now.

Ming was gone. The war was 'over.' But stopping her father wasn't good enough. They had to show people that a change was here. Putting Jedda Walker on the throne would help.

She wrapped her hands around Flash's own. He looked tense too as he sat at her side.

Chapter 8, "Forward"

"Flash..." she muttered. "I need you to stay. I think that the baby is about to arrive."

A nurse tensed at that. "I'll get the doctor." She hurried toward the door and ran out of the room.

Flash looked her over in a state of awe. Sheila was about to birth their child. The woman on the bed meant the world to him.

Time to decide what mattered more: his hatred for Ming or his love for her.

Chapter 12, "Defenders of Mongo"

Sheila stood. "I've got an idea," she declared. "And no one disown me for saying so..." She lifted her palms just a little bit. "But I think we have to handle this Gordon style."

Except for Hadea's, everyone's jaw nearly hit the floor.

Sheila squirmed a tad, and made a tense chuckle.

Chapter 18, "Antiheroine"

Dale stepped over and touched his hand. "You've done a great job taking care of our kids. I know that I've said it, but I have to repeat."

He smiled at her.

The front door opened. Sheila walked in, draped in a billowing coat herself. Her gaze fastened onto their touching palms. Then she looked up and locked eyes with Dale, letting her mouth crack open a tad.

Dale stepped away, releasing Flash. She cleared her throat and felt a tingling.

Flash squirmed a little. "Hi!" he said.

Chapter 31, "Dreamers"

Several Years Ago

It was going to be an eventful ball. Her father would announce his decision today. Someone was heading to the Netherworld — someone would be moving to a land on Earth. They would live there for a number of years, wife to a king who'd befriended the court.

Would it be Hadea, or would it be her?

The person who remained would inherit the throne. When Ming stepped down, eventually, Sheila or Hadea would assume his role. They'd have the greatest honor in the galaxy: ruler of Mongo, leader of all. Every noble wanted to claim this spot.

Chapter 32, "Parental Guidance Required"

"Okay..." April uttered. "Thanks for that."

Sheila grinned, holding quiet. She always looked charmed when she smiled at April. April didn't understand why that was. Or maybe she did, and she couldn't admit it.

April stood. "You want to take a swim?"

Sheila's face brightened. "I think I'd love that."