#then they try to insult women with shit like This is why you have cats like anyone gaf about their weird worldview

[myrfing]

so silly how “male loneliness” is spoken about like the fault of this cold world letting down our boys and “females being lonely” is like Well you should have gotten pregnant and had kids LOL!

[scekrex]

Hurt/comfort anyone? 😌

We all know Adam's "big and tough" act, how he gloats before anyone that he's the absolute best since he's the og dick and he's the reason the rest of the mankind was created, but what about Adam just being Adam like anytime else, especially the scene in court and Sera just talking his ear off about him acting irresponsibly and just revealing the exterminations to everyone in the worst way possible, just giving him a good ol' talk, but not in a nice way, nope. She crushes his ego in a way before leaving him alone in the room, saying she has stuff to attend and he's just standing there, all deflated and his mask glitching from how many conflicted feelings fly over his face, he's resignated, he's even sad a bit, but also angry. At Sera, at Heaven, God even, but mostly at himself since he knows he fucked up another thing in his life that he was trusted with.

He goes back home to unsuspecting of anything reader and just passes by him, not saying a word, even tho reader tried to greet him and hug him, but was unable to since Adam just brushed past him quickly. There was a heavy air surrounding reader's husband and he grew concerned, so he went to check up on him, seeing Adam just curled up on the bed, wrapped up in his own wings, shielding himself away from the world, not a sound coming out of him, but reader knew something shitty happened and just gets behind him, hugging him tightly and gently petting his wings, not saying a word to let Adam calm down and speak when he's comfortable enough to do so. Adam just smashing himself into reader and asking quietly if he was actually so bad at everything that he didn't deserve anything good in his life, if that was why everyone he cared about before left him and even now no body cares in the slightest bit about his existence. Basically just Adam having an existential crisis and reader being his anchor, trying to tell and show him how it actually is and not what his mind is telling him.

This sad, wet cat bitch needs validation and love like no one before 😞🤘

Muah ❤️

Adam might be an insecure piece of shit underneath all that narcissistic bullshit act of his but he's my insecure piece of shit and I love him.

If I'm so wonderful then why am I so misunderstood

pairing: Adam x male!reader

warnings: language, hurt (with comfort)

note: not beta read bc fuck you I don't have beta readers

“Adam,” the older seraphim raised her voice against the first man loudly, it echoed through her office with much more power than the first man had expected it to, he flinched a little at her tone, his wings dropping to their lowest. “Sera, I-” Adam wanted to explain, wanted to turn it into the stupid joke it had been, but the older seraphim had enough of it. She had enough of Adam, she had enough of his behavior and she was about to let him know. “You’re behavior is no longer accepted by us,” she started what would turn into a monologue, Adam made himself appear a little smaller at her words. “You walk on heaven's holy ground, eat the food our Father provides and whenever someone does not show you respect, your first argument is that you're the first human,” all of the things Sera had listed were true, well they had been the most obvious ones but that didn't make them less true. “And yet you behave like one of them sinners,” that however caught Adam's attention. He was what? How dare she insult him like that, he was very much not acting like a sinner. Or was he?

“You walk heaven's streets with curses on your lips, you dirtied your own purity by sleeping with so many women and men, you behave like a total child and don't know when to stop and where to draw the line and I personally am under the impression that we let your behavior slide for way too long,” she stared Adam in the eyes, giving the first man the most serious look he had ever gotten from the seraphim. The brunette lowered his head in defeat, Sera had often given him shit for being too loud, too much of this, too much of that, she had told him he wasn't behaving like the pure first human should - but it wasn't Adam's fault, not really, because how was he supposed to behave ‘normal’ when God had given him two wives just to take them from him again when he was alive? How was he supposed to fit in and act like everyone else when all that would bring him would be pain?

“Maybe divine judgment failed you. Maybe you should have ended up in hell amongst the other sinners. Father certainly wouldn't have liked it, not after Lucifer's fall, but it would have been the correct decision.” And that made Adam crumble into pieces - at least mentally. Because deep down inside he knew she was right, that no angel other than him dared to stain the name of the Father above, no other angel dared to behave as reckless and merciless as he and his exorcists did. And yes, no other angel than him had slept with so many women and men - a thing he used to be proud of. Before he had met you, before you had become his lover, before he had committed himself to you and only you. Before you, he had been different.

She smoothened out her hair, straightened her back and looked down at Adam, “I have to attend an important meeting. You shall leave and overthink your actions, Adam.” And with that she left him there, leaving him as she had shattered not only his ego but the last piece of confidence he had held inside of him. It took the brunette a while to realize that Sera was not coming back to comfort him, to tell him that she had been too harsh, why should she? She was right after all, Adam was a horrible person, he knew that, had known it ever since.

-

When the door to your shared apartment opened and Adam walked through it, you were quick to get up and greet him with a warm hug, expecting your boyfriend to be just as excited to see you as you were to see him. But he wasn't, in fact he didn't even look at you as he crossed the living room in order to get to the bedroom, no ‘sup babes’, no ‘Fuck I've missed ya stupid ass' no fucking nothing. The tips of his feathers were dragging on the floor as he walked, a sign that something wasn't right - Adam always made sure that not a single inch of his beloved wings was touching the dirty ground, even in your apartment. The brunette clearly wasn't in the mood to talk, yet you went after him to let him know that he wasn't alone, that you were there no matter what was wrong.

You opened the bedroom door quietly and what you saw shattered your heart. Adam was laying on the bed, his body looked like a ball made out of feathers, he had curled in on himself, his wings shielded him from all of reality, from whatever was hurting him right now. Yet you saw how his body shook, the first man was crying.

Wordlessly you closed the door behind you, trying to do so as quietly as possible. Then you walked over to the bed and cuddled up behind him, one of your hand gently found its way into his hair, petting it just the way you knew he liked it whenever he was feeling upset about something, the other hand of yours smoothened out the feathers covering his wings, gently rubbed the little gap between where the wings grew out of his back - you were very aware how sensitive that area of the angelic body was given that you yourself had experienced it before.

For you it was ridiculously hard to keep quiet, you wanted to talk to him, wanted to ask what was upsetting him so much, why he was crying, what there was for you to do to make it better, but you didn't. You remained quiet, Adam had made it clear that he preferred not talking about it at the moment - or maybe he simply found himself unable to do so, you weren't quite sure which was the case but either way you respected it.

A small smile appeared on your face as the brunette leaned into your touch, he tilted his head backwards, sad, puffy and reddened eyes watched you as you continued to pet his hair without a single comment, if Adam wanted to talk, you would listen. If Adam wanted to stay quiet and enjoy your presence in silence you were fine with that as well. For you it simply was important that the first man knew he wasn't alone. You were there to provide comfort and a safe space he desperately seemed to need.

“Am I as fucking terrible as people tell me I am?” there it was again, his unnecessary cursing, fuck Sera had been right. He rolled himself over, buried his face in your neck and pressed his body against your own. Your body warmth calmed his nerves, made his mind quiet down for even just the tiniest moment, but it did cause it to quiet down. “Is that why I only have Lute and you left? Because I'm fucking terrible? Because I don't deserve damn good things to happen to me?” his voice was really just a whisper yet you understood every word perfectly fine, even if it was mumbled against your skin. Your hands remained on the gap between his wings and in his hair, giving Adam the stability he craved. He needed someone to cling onto, he was too unstable to hold himself together so you did that for him. “No,” your voice was soft and warm, yet serious, it caused Adam to blink in confusion. “I don't deserve you,” was the next thing he said, and that was where you drew the line, you gently tilted his head upwards, then placed a soft, loving kiss onto his lips, “Bullshit Adam, you're wonderful and I love you.” “But I’m not. I curse a-fucking-lot, I can't keep shit together, for fucks sake I can't even do the simple things like telling you I fucking love you every day.” And yes, that was true, but that didn't cause you to love him any less, if anything it was things you loved about him especially. “I don't care about all of that, I still love you.” “Will you leave me too? Like Eve? Like Lilith? Once you finally fucking find someone better?” You shook your head lightly, placed another kiss onto his forehead, your lips kept resting against his skin as you spoke, “No, dummy. To me there's no one better than you are. You're the best for me and you'll always be.” Adam didn't answer you.

He clung onto you even tighter, wrapped his wings around you and held you close. He didn't believe you, simply couldn't, not after what Sera had said. But at the same time the first man trusted you with his existence, so why would you lie to him? His inner conflict was silenced as you pulled him into another gentle kiss. You couldn't help but hum a soothing melody, “You’ve already changed so much, so many things you've done,” you felt as Adam's eyes fell shut and as his body relaxed underneath your touch. “So many songs you've sung, and in the end, they will still hold their grudge,” you felt him nuzzle against your skin, felt how his breath evened out. “There’s something I've been dying to say, more than anything,” you smiled as you sang the last part, feeling Adam's fingers digging in your skin as he tried to pull you even closer - not that it was nearly enough though. “More than anything, need you to know I love you more than anything.” The first man pressed a sloppy, lazy kiss against your jaw before he fell asleep, from his lips fell a quiet, “More than anything.”

[who1ssheesh]

If you're still doing it I can't wait to see the prompt with squalos s/o being buds with Xanxus 😂

Squalo's S/O being buds with Xanxus

Pairings: Squalo/Reader, Xanxus/Reaser (PLATONIC)

Notes: yes. absolutely. i live for those two idiots. This one is long af compared to Xanxus' one and I can't explain why. But I had so much fun with this, Xanxus is a soulmate in a bro-ish way????

Warnings: good ol swearing, brief mentions of sex (not much really), probably OOC and terrible english (ur not my teacher ha ha)

• First of all, holy shit that’s impressive?

• Second of all, must be mentioned that Xanxus kinda….doesn't see women as friends? He looks at them sexually right away. Or so he thought

• Third of all, Squalo gotta be terrified

• Fourth of all (that's a lot of counting) Squalo situation is not having any drama as Xanxus' does, he is a pure comedy gold and so is his relationship with you. That's what no daddy issues does to you, but what do i know

• Not comedy as if a clown comedy, but a good harsh bri'ish comedy - insert Utopia reference. Squalo is more than confident in you since you obviously date for some time for him to move in with you and therefore reveal you to his boss.

• I'll tell you a secret btw, Xanxus probably guessed he has you because Squalo is a loser cuck and started to act differently.

• I think Xanxus doesn’t give a shit enough to just bust into Squalo’s apartment for any stupid reason as if it’s his own. So if you at least haven’t heard of him as your boyfriend’s boss, you’re going to meet him in person

• Xanxus coming up and breaking your door just to nap:

🧍

• Squalo never told Xanxus where he lives, that bitch just knows

• Never in his life Xanxus expected to see one day a shmoll girl there and not hear screaming at the top of one’s lungs. He still says Squalo is a fucking virgin loser femboy ugly ass haha lol lmao, he can’t be deprived of those shitty jokes…

• I mean it, Xanxus can get pissed seeing you too being lovey-dovey but I'll expand this drama later

• Xanxus is basically your adopted stray cat, deal with it

• Squalo won't say this out loud or says this very...covertly and probably insults you along the way, but anyways he really appreciate you dealing with all that bullshit. He does indeed value strong character - you don't need to wield a big sword or shoot a gun, but going through his path even though you can be confused or scared means much. He knows a lot of cowards who can shoot a gun, so...Squalo looks much deeper than that. Shark, ocean, DEEP, get it<<<<<<</////??????? I'll see myself out.

• He is lowkey terrified but...also chill? Unlike Xanxus, he doesn't overthink (at least not much). He of course draws a line at some things - at first Squalo was really mad at his boss staying...alone....with you....at you house (he is jealous) cause Xanxus is immoral bitch and would try to fuck you if he wants to.

• Also is you start gossiping or making fun of him with Xanxus, holy shit Squalo is quick to start raging. It's one thing to gossip and laughing at some bud, but doing so about your partner is a huge red flag for him. If you have any problems. come straight to Squalo he is an adult and prefers just discussing problems.

• Well, Xanxus also will certainly not respect you for trying to spill out your bullshit on him and talking shit about his captain. He has standards. (And not because he is a little uwu girl and actually deep DEEP like ocean bottom deep cares about Squalo)

• “The fuck happened here?”, Squalo is on edge, to say the least, seeing stains of blood around the apartment and you cleaning it with a clearly annoyed expression

“So your boss-“

“My boss?!”

“-got over again”

“AGAIN???”

• So, the situation: Squalo, as a person who values trust in relationship the most, is really pissed (sad….) you’re keeping the truth away from him, and you, thinking he’s aware his boss is chilling around since…..well, Superbia is his right hand, makes sense?

• You didn’t know about their burning hate for each other. Gotta be jealous, his love to you will never be as true, fiery and emotional as his undying HATE!!!! for Xanxus

• You screaming “get a fucking room, deepshits” when they start arguing again

• You probably got Xanxus with an insult. Obviously. Sorry, you’ve signed a pact, nothing in your life will be normal again, just like your boyfriend (he’s a little unstable. Just a little)

• Xanxus haven’t been around your house for long - leaving more work for Superbia and leaving right after, quickly patching a quick wound and stealing alcohol, of course

• You’ve been quieter than a mouse, thinking you shouldn’t be involved in Squalo’s business, but one day Xanxus was noticeably not feeling good, ready to pass out, so…you helped him obviously

• Xanxus being Xanxus didn’t thank you, got pissed because air was too warm for his liking or smth and was whining that actually you did a poor job tending his wound

• “Bitch, I will kill you in your sleep?” sent him away, he honestly found this hilarious (we’re talking about your audacity here)

• You got a chuckle out of him, whick you didn't think about much at first, but a Squalo's shocked expression said everything. You can be proud

• Lowkey Xanxus doesn't separate you two together in his mind, you both are a one Superbia homunculus in his mind. Maybe that's why Xanxus with Squalo's s/o feels so....included for all three of you compared to other way around lol

• Even your jokes are on the same line istg

• Xanxus feels even...bittersweet.

• He is...kinda cautious? He knows Squalo is capable of getting out from the devil himself (remember how may times he "died" in manga lol), but you...well...he double checks every visit. Xanxus is very brutal and, unbothered and nonchalant but very smart. Makes sure no one is on his tail.

• Don't get me wrong, it's not in a sweet family way, but you kinda start having dinners together? Both are bitching around but you notice in the end they start having a human conversation instead of their regular unga-bunga

• Xanxus likes this

• Xanxus feels home

• Unlike Squalo, he can't show his devotion to save his life, so you just know there is a "useful friend of a friend that can solve some problems with a call". But I'll tell you, Xanxus will double-check if something is serious, not just throw problems as subordinates.

• Mafia is not flowers and sunshine. Those two have had a conversation "what to do if Squalo dies". Xanxus probably threw a glass at him and said to not be an idiot, but he didn't say no. You're the first person he can call at least an acquaintance, so...

• Well, that counts when we talk about older Xanxus, I'm sure he is mellowed out by that time (+ just enough time for you and Squalo to establish your relationship)

• He's not the type to get over at 2am if there's a problem lol. Maybe he can miss a call cause he's a heavy sleeper. But if anything, you have his subordinates at your place.

• He will teach you to drink. Will laugh his ass off when you fail to beat his ass at drinking competition again and Squalo is having a heart stroke on the background

• Xanxus will turn you in a copy of himself just to piss ofs Squalo lol

• You learning his mood by the intonation he says 'trash'

• Also you calling him janitor or sum in return. Varia horrified you dare to do this, and Xanxus laughing. He still shoots your way though...

• If you're not Italian, you MUST teach him swearing on your native language. Also tell him if there is any local alcohol (of course)

• "Yeah, I teached him coupla words", you laugh, looking obviously happy being a useful friend and having a surprisingly cozy chat with Xanxus.

Squalo is very confused by that. "What the fuck, but he DOES know this language already?"

• I'm sorry but so many sex jokes. Xanxus doesn't give a shit what you do there in the bedroom (until you invite him over ahaha joke unless), but he's going to be a little shit

• Xanxus is 12 yo btw.

• "Can you suck him off so he shuts the fuck up or smth?"

• LITERALLY LOOKING AT SQUALO "NO BITCHES????"

• This idiot fools around sometimes and throws 9-yo-school-bully insults lol

• "He said he wants to marry /insert random woman name/ when he grows up". 25+ y/o Squalo looking at him just:

🧍

• I hope you two have a cat. Xanxus will feed it. Raw meat and everything a fluffy boy shouldn't but it's Xanxus we're talking about. Literally a teenage edgy teen "ITS NOT A PHASE MOM" at your house.

• Naps on your bed ONLY to leave hiss smell of tabaco, whiskey and a heavy cologne. He 100% heehaws thinking about this - Squalo will NEVER be able to have sex if there is reminding him of Xanxus, like an instant turn off. You always try to complain to Xanxus about this absurd situation but start laughing to the point of crying, Xanxus becomes HYSTERICAL at these moments.

• He will teach you how to shoot. Usually he just drinks there and says you're pathetic while you try. But he keeps inviting you himself, so....Xanxus is a little sappy shit. You only use Squalo's photos as a target, so you get sad a bit and probably tell your boyfriend afterwards. He will say he wants to kill you both or smth.

• Xanxus bringing you ideas in your bed. "Hey so you can tie him up and beat to death as a foreplay".

• He will make you rank up bodies of other women he finds hot. Also if you're a girls' girl, Xanxus will ruin this completely. Basically like "just by looking at her tell be if she's a bitch"

• Xanxus enjoys if you talk shit about someone cause he is the same way.

• He will drag you into his shitty gang ideas. If Squalo could go gray-headed again, he would.

• Squalo looking at you both beaten up anf almost getting caught by the police: "why are you like this."

• To be honest, you may be having a serious talk with your man. Squalo is unironically worried, he did a LOT to keep you away from mafia but here you are. If you are very good at convincing (20 CHA lol), he can just a little bit become convinced that you getting hardened can be useful for mafia life "just in case".

• Also MAYBE he can notice the influence Xanxus has on you. Feminine clothes change to leather jackets and grunge, your knuckles even being bloody way too often, you may be smoking more frequently. Squalo is kind of chill with you finding you identity, but if you start wearing feathers in your hair HE LOOSES HIS MIND

• Xanxus will personally train you, if you ever discover your flame. They will have a fight about this with Squalo.

• Xanxus is proud of you tho. One day he will say this, I'm sure

• People know your bond, they know he does appreciate your opinion even in Varia business, and even anything happened he knows Varia is in the right hand - Squalo is more than competent and there is a little angry copy of himself so Xanxus' spirit always haunts Vongola till the end of time. hehe

• You are a badass little sis. He has never had a family, but that...feels nice.

[luvly-writer]

“You are my sunshine”

Part 10: Deals and Intimacy

——————————————-

Jason Todd x Latina! Reader

Social Media Au

Warnings: none

Series: Finished

Author’s note: This is the second part of the written section.

Series Masterlist:

Taglist: @lorosette @screeching20s @milas-teapot @izukuisbaby @alecmores @writing-for-the-hell-of-it

——————————————-

She laughs at the conversation and decides to people-watch for a moment, the gala had been so fun. Before she knew it, someone stands next to her. She looks to the side and finds a young boy who is discreetly trying to get a good look at her. Damian. Oh shit! Oh shit! OH! SHIT! They make eye contact and the boy hums in approval. “Seems like I have won the challenge this time, aside from Todd,” he says as he drinks some water. You look at him and mock surprise, “Pardon me?”. He narrows his eyes with suspicion and hums. “Don’t act coy with me, lady” he answers and crosses his arms. Oh, this one will be a tough one to crack. “And why not?” you ask him and you also cross your arms. “Because frankly, I believe it insults my intelligence and we have been playing a game of cat and mouse to which you won the first time and this time won’t be the same,” he explains firmly. It is almost adorable how one boy can try to sound intimidating, but you can’t take him seriously. Especially, with the sparkly green bow tie. “Although I have to congratulate you on your choice of color for the night, green is a superior color, much better than red. Todd will pout once he finds out it is you,” he carries on without leaving you the chance to answer the other statement. “And, you have shown to be quite intelligent, seeing as you managed to escape all of us, though you aren’t showing much of it now” he finishes looking at you expectantly for a response. To that, you laugh and say, “Clever boy, managed to corner me and everything. And yet I can’t help but wonder Damian, if i were to expose your identity, just like I did with your father, and let the older women dote over you, would it still be there?” you ask with a smirk. Damian suddenly looks at you horrified, and says “You wouldn’t dare?” and to this you let out a loud laugh, and nod. He scowls and is about to leave when you say, “we can form an alliance though.” To which he considers his interest peaked and stays, motioning with his hand for you to carry on. “I heard from a little bird that you like animals, and on Wednesday afternoon, I have to go and check one of the wildlife sanctuaries in Gotham because they need me to design a space for the white tigers coming soon.” you say. His eyes widen with curiosity and this prompts you to continue, “If you’d like, I can pull a few strings and let you tag along and see all of the animals we have in there.” He stays silent and then expresses with narrowed eyes, “I dont like zoos, they are cruel to animals”. You understand his claim and correct him, “It is not a zoo, Damian, its a santuary. They gather animals that have been so hurt and abused that they can’t live in the wild and nurture them back to health. It is more of a rehabilitation center than anything.” At that, his interest had been even more piqued but before agreeing he asks his last question, “What’s in it for you?”. You look at him and get down to his level to whisper in his ear, “You keep the secret of my identity and I’ll take you with me”. Seeing no harm in the situation, he agrees and holds his hand out. You grab his hand and wink at him. He then makes his way toward his father, to tell him the news. You know he is trying to hide his excitement but you can see it quite well.

You start to look around and notice that Jason is nowhere to be seen, you walk towards the dance floor and feel someone touch your shoulder. You turn around and there he is, Jason Todd-Wayne, in the flesh. There is something unrecognizable in his gaze and he takes your hand and lightly kisses it. “May I have a dance?” he questions and you don’t seem to be able to form words so you just nod. How did he find you? Did he see you talking to Damian and Bruce? You let him pull you to the dance floor and position yourselves to start the waltz once you are there. He pulls you closer to him and you both begin dancing. “And so it seems, this is the second time I catch you off guard, sweets.” he whispers into your ear, sending chills down your spine. Your brain is in a daze. Between his sweet cologne, his arms around you, and him whispering in your ear, you almost felt dizzy. “Took you long enough” you reply with a smile. “If only you had told me we were matching masks, then it would have been faster,” he responds as he playfully rolls his eyes. You scoff, “As if I would let you have it easy”. He twirls you and then pulls you to him again. “You look breathtaking, love” he states as he looks at you as if he is drinking you up. You thank him and feel your cheeks grow hot. “You don’t look that bad yourself. Who knew you could actually clean up nicely?” you respond and he gives you a deadpan making you laugh. The song is nearing to an end, and he whispers to your ear, “Now that I’ve found you, can I get you to myself at our spot? I think I have earned it”. You act as if you are thinking just to see him get a little impatient. OH, so he was eager to see you. To get him out of his misery, you agree to it but in order to not look suspicious and attract the attention of the siblings that had not seen you yet, you were going to the bathroom and then meeting him there. The song ends and you clap. You make your way to the bathroom, passing by Alfred and waving to him. He smiles and responds and waves back. Once you are done using the bathroom and refreshing yourself and your makeup, you start to walk up towards the balcony. You walk towards the railing and look down to the garden where Jason is standing looking up. “Aren’t you going to come to me, Juliet, or do I have to go and get you myself?” Jason asks teasingly. You laugh and start descending the stairs, “I’m coming, I’m coming, you dork. Give me just a second”.  Once, you’ve reached him, he takes off his mask. Life, why is Jason Todd so fucking beautiful. He offers his arm and you take it, walking into the small maze that the garden had. You spend quite some time, talking and just walking around. As you conversed with him, you noticed that he would turn to look at your lips every once in a while. You walk side by side, arms interlocked until you get to the same gazebo you met. He sets his mask on one of the benches and stands in front of you. “May I?” he gestures to your mask and you nod. He unties the knot and takes the mask off, setting it next to his. You both stay there, lost in each other’s eyes. He takes one of your hands in his and pulls you closer. “My my, what a pretty face you have?” he says as he places his other hand under your jawline, his thumb caressing your cheek. “You sure it’s me with the pretty face and not you? Cause you are quite the sight for sore eyes,” you respond slipping into the same flirty banter you both constantly have. He laughs and stares at your lips. “Thank you for coming tonight, even though I spent the majority of the time searching for you.” he expresses and you smile. He continues, “Normally these are boring as fuck, but you have managed to..” his eyes scan your face with tenderness, “to bring such joy to them with just your presence alone. Im sure the entire room can feel it.” he ends. He nears your face and you whisper back, “Thank you for inviting me, Jas, and for everything, the dress, the mask, the company. It’s been truly a delight.” with each word you seem to get closer and by the end, you are almost whispering because of the closeness.

You are sure, he can hear your heart beating. The moment is so soft and intimate. You are just about to brush your lips over his when the snap of a twig sounds and you both are snapped back to reality and step away.You turn your head to look and see who was there and find Alfred with an apologetic look. “The gala has ended and the guests have started to leave. Master Wayne has insisted on your appearance in the taking off of the masks and dismissing guests. It is also time I take Miss Y/n home. It’s getting late and this is Gotham after all.” He was correct, Jason had to go back and you had to leave. “I’ll wait for you in the car, Miss Yn. My apologies for interrupting”. You tell him that it’s alright and turn to look back at Jason. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something yet closed it again. You both grabbed your masks and put them on. And start walking back. The silence wasn’t awkward but, you were used to always having something to talk about with Jason. Once you reached the entrance of the maze, you saw the car waiting for you. “Thank you again, Jason, have a good night,” you say. He responds with, “Anytime, love. Text me when you arrive at your house so that I know you got there safe.” you smile and promise to do so as you walk to the car and bid goodnight. 

That night, you texted Jason that you got home, showered, did your skincare routine, and fell into your bed. What a night! You would love to tell Nola all about it and go over everything. You had much to analyze seeing as you did catch both times Jason called you love and that intimate moment in the garden, and the almost kiss but you were much too tired to think and fell to a deep slumber. Thank the stars, that tomorrow was Sunday and you didn’t have anything planned. 

<3

[melishade]

Optimus, after finding out Ymir is pregnant

"Okay, here's the plan..."

Megatron, after finding out about the pregnancy

*deactivates his holoform, followed by the sound of a jet engine in the distance*

Previous Episode of the Peaceful Timeline

Glad we're on the same page with the pregnancy process.

Also I just talked about it with @justawannabearchaeologist @echoblaze5 and @badgerdigsbones

But Megatron wouldn't ditch. But he would be visibly panicking, and Optimus has to call them all into the meeting where he's showing everyone all the notes he calculated on the wall regarding Ymir's pregnancy the first time around. And even though Optimus is more prepared than he was last time, he's pretty much acting like a mother hen and its stressing everyone out. He's making sure Ymir has a good diet, albeit restricting at a few points. He's making sure she's not pushing herself. However, he's had quite a few arguments with Oshern over what he's baking. Optimus is still trying to figure out which ingredients are harmful to her. Oshern has served his food to pregnant women, and they and their babies have turned out completely fine! Don't insult his work! Megatron is greatly amused at the sight. It's the first time they've seen real visible anger out of the Baker. He's quite patient.

Initially, Ymir gets it. Hell, she's very worried about the pregnancy with Rose because of what she and them had to go through. On top of Ymir learning to heal from her mental and emotional trauma, being a teen mother didn't help her body at all. Optimus does reassure her that things are different from before. They weren't on the run, they had a family, all that stuff. But when Ymir sees Optimus kind slip into this controlling nature it worries her. Because before, Optimus didn't really have anyone to talk to during the process and he had to figure it out without worrying Ymir. And when Megatron showed up in the last two months, there was a lot of tension and hostility.

She gets it. Optimus had to burden so much alone the first time around, but its affecting everyone the way he's been acting. She does sit him down and they do have a private conversation about it. Ymir ultimately reminds him of what he told her: that they weren't alone. That he wasn't alone. That things were different and they had support and stability. It was going to be okay and he needed to share his burdens. This wasn't healthy for him. Optimus apologizes and promises he'll try to do better. His vow is just coming into play and he wants her safe. Ymir hugs him and rubs his back in comfort. However now, if Optimus steps out of line and doesn't listen to others, Megatron benches him by putting him in a literal timeout corner. Literally hauls his ass there and he's swearing in Cybertronian along the way. Optimus channels his feral mode for a bit.

Maria:…Papa’s acting weird.

Megatron hauling Optimus over his shoulder: Believe me Firelight. This is not the weirdest Optimus has ever acted.

Optimus, in Cybertronian: Put me down Megatron or I will rip your spark from your chest and take the dark energon from your spark and stab you in the face with it!

Megatron: Time out time is extended to an hour.

Optimus hisses like a cat in response.

And even though Megatron is calmer than Optimus in this scenario, he’s still fairly doting. He’ll take on tasks for Ymir, even though she might be completely capable of doing it herself in that period of the pregnancy. Ymir’s annoyed and asks why Megatron is doing that, and Megatron is explaining that it’s him making up for the shit way he acted the first time she was pregnant. He was only there for the last few months of the pregnancy. He didn’t really understand it and he didn’t have a high opinion on humans at the time. So he didn't treat Ymir fairly. He has a better understanding now and this is his way of saying sorry to her.

However, Megatron is not going to be on hand holding duty again! He's making Oshern do that and commits to helping him build his arm strength while he's at it. Sometimes through arm wrestling, sometimes through other stuff.

Oshern: This is an attempt to kill me, isn't it?

Megatron positioning his arm on the table: First of all, if I kill you, it's not going to be as simple as breaking your arm. Second, this is my attempt at being nice to you, so I suggest you take it. Third, your conjunx shattered the holoform arm when Firelight was born, so what exactly do you think she's going to do to yours?

Oshern:...okay fine. Let's get this over with.

Oshern is on the floor the first day, but he is prepared when the delivery day comes. And his increase in arm strength helps with his job, so there was an underlying benefit.

After Rose is born, there is a huge sigh of relief from all parties that the delivery turned out safely. Once Ymir feels better to move around, she does hug Optimus and thanks him for all of his help. She also says thank you to Megatron for being kinder to her this time around.

[necromancy-enthusiast]

Golly gee I hate that post with that RAADS-R test score poll going around, like yeah they do say in the discussion section right before the test that it's flawed and a lot of the wording is straight up insulting, but with this sort of thing a lot of people skip the nitty gritty details at the beginning and go straight to the test like how a lot of people don't read the terms and conditions before hitting the 'agree' button, so I'm betting a lot of people missed that.

They even have a big 'TAKE THE TEST HERE' button that takes you right to the test and skips all the details at the beginning, so they're basically encouraging you to skip it, although I imagine that wasn't their intention. I admittedly did at first, I only went back to read it after I finished the test, so this isn't me pointing the finger at anyone who also did that.

The wording on so many of the questions is incredibly unclear. There's no option to say how true an answer is to who you are or were in the past, just 'I've always been like this', 'I've never been like this' 'I was like this before age 16' and 'I'm like this now but wasn't as a child'. The nuance! Amazing!!!

The first statement is literally 'I am a sympathetic person' which is... What does that have to do with being autistic? (jk I know what people think it has to do with being autistic, they conflate sympathy with empathy and assume all autistic people have low empathy).

Moreover there are flaws that are only very lightly touched upon in the discussion section, like how the test seems to assume low empathy= autism. I'm not throwing low empathy people under the bus, I'm just stating that some autistic people have high empathy. I don't mean that as 'oh yeah you know some of us just happen to be high empathy but it's not correlated', having high empathy can also be directly linked to autism (I REALLY don't like how the first paragraph in that article also conflates empathy with compassion and sympathy, but it's otherwise the best description of hyper empathy in autism that I've found), so it's not that autism= low empathy but that autism is likely to affect a person's relation to empathy in a way that's not typical to, well, neurotypicals.

This assumption that all autistic people are low empathy keeps a lot of people from being diagnosed or even really considering that they might be autistic. I am one of those high empathy people and yet because of it I've been basically told it makes me less autistic before. I got a pretty low score for an autistic individual at 75, and 65 is, according to the test, 'the minimum score at which autism is considered' *cough* although some people diagnosed with autism got scores as low as 44 *cough*. 39 out of the 80 questions on the test are about 'social relatedness' so you know, empathy, or at the least aspects that are closely linked with empathy.

And there's another test on the website about masking called the CAT-Q that's used partially to explain why autistic people may get 'low scores' such as myself (at 133 I had a score higher than even by the average for autistic women, who scored highest overall at 124) but it's not linked in the post. It's linked at the bottom of the web page. A lot of people will also probably miss that, and it helps even out some of the biases in the RAADS-R test, but honestly it feels more like putting a bandage over a gaping wound that needs stitches instead of fixing all the problems with the RAADS-R test. No test is perfect but I think this one is kinda shit and needs to be majorly revised if not totally abandoned.

I don't blame anyone for taking the test and reblogging the post uncritically, this isn't me trying to make anyone feel bad or stupid, I just want to say that the test itself is deeply flawed even if it tends to be very accurate in scoring whether or not someone is autistic. Please keep all that in mind if you do take that test or share the post.

[writingpromptsforwriting]

110 Random Prompts

"I should seen it coming."

"She tried warning me about you, I didn't listen you know."

"Tell me all this wasn't a lie."

"Hug me for the last time."

"Do you have any regret?!"

"Would you like a hug?"

"I will always be there for you."

"I never expected to do this with you."

"I never saw you like that, you are like a brother to me."

"And she rejected me, but at least I have a new friend."

"I know that we barely know each other, but I am always there for you."

"Tell we what can I do to make you feel better?"

"Why do you care?"

"Your smile makes my heart flutter and digest my food."

"You are the coolest person I have ever met."

"Will you still love me?"

"Do you love me?"

"How can I do that to you?"

"How did you know that?"

"Have you been stalking me?!"

"Oh wow this is not romantic."

"Dude, you just don't do that."

"What if someone hears our conversation?"

"Oh my you have such beautiful eyes!"

"I want to cuddle."

"How the hell are we going to do this exam?"

"I barely studied but didn't study and played video games."

"I at this point don't know what makes sense."

"Is that a comment?"

"Have you been sleeping?"

"If you took care of yourself, you wouldn't have looked like a racoon."

"You could have then better on that exam."

"...are we breaking up?"

"Please don't leave me."

"Be my queen."

"How does it feel being so tall?"

"Are you not you?"

"Why are you pretending?"

"Are you in pain or are you in injury?"

"Does that even makes sense?"

"I don't know what I am doing but I am doing something."

"I-I don't know what to do."

"Why did you run away?"

"Was I never good enough?"

"Can't I spend the night with you? It's raining and thundering outside."

"I will break your teeth and make sandwich out of it."

"Can we not talk about food please?"

"You are insane."

"You say like it's an insult."

"Kindly don't die on me."

"Why do you have to worry me all the time?!"

"Can you please shut up?"

"I am a very kind person."

"But he never said that."

"Can't we just go to bed and snuggle while watching The Office?"

"What are they doing?"

" I hate to break this but..."

"Why does no one love me?"

"When can I be happy?"

"Oh God what the hell happened here?"

"I love all my cats!"

"Awww she is so cute."

"How did we meet?"

"I don't know why we used to fight."

"I tried to kill you."

"Seems like you are assuring yourself."

"I just asked for two dollars-"

"I am blaming you for this."

"Why do I get blamed all the time?!"

"Being angry won't help."

"How are you supposed to control the urge to stab someone?"

"Well she got in a fight."

"I love women who can kick my butt-"

"You could have killed me when you had the chance."

"Oh God, I want to run away."

"Maybe I will be found in a different world."

"Would you let me in?"

"Will you look into your memory? Tell me where have you been?"

"So now you have kids with them? I thought that was our future."

"We cannot have nice things together."

"You are poison for me."

"Why? Tell me why at least before you go."

"I swear I didn't betray you."

"You-you are that assassin who killed my parents and now you are back-"

"Why are you so scared?"

"Can we please fight?"

"How do you even do that?"

"Will you come running for me? Will you try finding me? Will you still love me if I am not me? Will you still hold me close to your chest? Will you?"

"Was I just a summer thing?"

"I want someone to truly love me."

"You never listened to me."

"Who am I defending now?"

"I had a purpose which you had gave me but, now I don't have one."

"You don't deserve me."

"You were the only one to be kind to me."

"Can you tell me a lie?"

"You are destroying yourself."

"I don't care."

"How am I going to shit in my life when my life is falling apart."

"Why do you love me?"

"Lie to me, and tell me that you love me or anything like that."

"Stop fooling around."

"I may look stupid but I am not stupid."

"That piece of a shit."

"You just can't go around killing everyone."

"I don't feel safe, hug me."

Shower me in affection."

"My friends are not your friends."

"When would you tell me that all this was a lie?"

"Do I even matter anymore?"

[bisluthq]

Do you think it’s insulting if a guy calls you just for a hookup? It’s like he’s saying that’s all you’re good for.

It’s more insulting to think women only want formal relationships and rings from guys (or anyone but we’re talking guys for this example) and if you aren’t chasing that ring you’re being demeaned or wasting your time. I don’t like that.

don’t be an idiot - if you’re gonna do hookups or FWB arrangements make sure that’s what everyone wants and be aware that people’s minds might not change (they also might because I’m in a relationship that started as a casual thing between two buddies but that was organic growth like I didn’t try trick him into dating me or him me, but our feelings did change). But if all you want is a hookup or a FWB why would it matter that that’s all someone else wants also?

I will say I find hookups that wanna be friends or like try for a round 2 really flattering - like flower arranging date girl who I forgot about until y’all mentioned cool dates moved to Mexico for work shortly after we started hooking up and we kept up a bit of convo but I wasn’t that excited about distanced talking because that was yk all of THIS lol like if I want to talk to someone in Mexico I’m gonna talk to some dope Swiftie not to this random girl. Anyway recently she was coming to visit here and she asked if I’m down to meet up and I was like “as friends sure” and she was like “just as friends?” and I was like “yeah I’m in a thing now so just as friends you’re welcome to come round to our house or you and I can go walking or we can go for a quick drinkie one afternoon” and she was like “nah I’m good” (I didn’t even tell her partner is a boy because she’d take that v badly because I know this bitch) and I was like “oh ok” and I wasn’t hurt because I don’t think she “only” wants sex from me but she wants it to be on the table and taking it off the table makes it less fun for her.

I’ve also had situations where it was clearly a ONS. Also never bothered me.

if you’re in a situation where he’s calling for sex and you’re answering in the hopes of a relationship that’s a waste of your time tbh but it’s not demeaning, y’all are just on different pages wrt the relationship. If you’re down for a ONS or a FWB arrangement then disclose that and be open and honest that it’s what it is lol and it’s not that deep. If it gets deep, and you were honest with yourself and it’s suddenly deep, I can guarantee more like therapy convos about that than other shit. My therapist and I had to discuss me moving in and recently this other comment he made about like “but what’s our future” and I was like “idk kinda this right I tidy and look after the house because you hate that, you look after the garden because I hate doing that, I organize a very robust social life for us because I have a lot of friends, I organize 60% of the meals except where you wanna cook one of your epic meals but if it’s toasties for lunch I’ll sort it, I pay my end of the bills proportional to our individual incomes and if I don’t come in with my share that’s an issue, I hang out with you and we both hang out with the cats and we have sex” and he was like “yeah but the FUTURE” and it freaked me tf out and I told him to shut up lol.

[cottoncandysex]

Nick was such a joke. Yeah I know, I could almost hear you saying that there’s a small audience and I’m not getting happy and giddy about it

I do not know exactly why Nick thought he would test the waters, but I am sure of a few things in this world. The lizard people God man I am very sure that cats are gone animals and aliens Mohammed and to my ambiguously, Russian German friends or whatever the fuck you guys are isn’t that so cool and then actually happens in real life you have to be really really open in humble to whatever the fuck is coming your way in order to draw in a Mohammed of your own hair, but you know what I could do. I could be totally Mohammed it’s just that I have a vagina and we live in a very backwards society right now now

Sarah, you know that what these people have tried to do was wrong. I know that you had to confess that and I didn’t care but I’m telling you right now because you are not who you used to be. I don’t actually need you to throw your guilt on me, but you’re gonna go ahead and do that, so I’m gonna go ahead and accept that people have done that to me without losing it

It’s time that we all wake up because we have women who need mothers, and sometimes we don’t understand it’s like I need a mother. My mother needs a mother. My grandmother needs a mother has twinkly honour what is going on Octávio thoughts ?

Well anyways, I have no motivation. I feel like shit my periods hurt all the time my menstrual cycle it doesn’t matter what I say or how I said everything is wrong and I have had a diverse history and been around different people. It’s worse than that movie that was so painful for me to watch because it just got worse and worse and worse and more awkward and no matter what the fuck there’s a good guy kept trying to do. It was all against him what the fuck is wrong with you get out of this room you just insulted somebody in a wheelchair you know and like I don’t know it’s ridiculous Okay Justin, can you get a little smarter so that this technology abuse can be stopped is that the wrong way towards that with you because a couple of you guys I’m telling you it’s like you know maybe I need to give these guys a chance should I really be that much of a douche bag but I’m not getting everything I need so let’s see Kylie. Hey, Kylie Kylie. Hey, Kylie Minogue. Hey, Kylie,

Yeah, but the British people are not going to make fun of me the same way because other people tried to steal my food. Yeah they are trying but something tells me they are missing the big secret Bob Proctor with lake I’m done with those motherfuckers can I write years I mean honestly it’s not even a question man thank you whoever said that but that’s not what I just said oh my fucking God

fuckin eh right he’s with the lake. And the lizard people

[ellaintrigue]

Annnnd the fun continues. Again, it's not about me wanting to get married or rush into anything, it's about everyone being spammy, rude, or otherwise wildly incompatible. I would love to just find someone to click with and talk to instead of, "I must get you pregnant and suck your toes" lol. Hell, I don't even have a problem with foot fetishes, just men approaching me in a disrespectful sexual manner. How do you expect women to embrace your wild side if you instantly come at them letting them know you only see them as a piece of meat to use??

Anyway, I have parosmia from contracting covid last year. I also have misophonia; I've always had that but it's gotten worse from PTSD. My cats drive me crazy in the morning with one making high-pitched shrieks (he's medically sound). And, you know, these are my problems to deal with and control. I think I will go pet-free after my babies eventually pass from old age.

I'm really being careful with future choices, I'm sticking to dating childfree men again for instance. I don't want extra to deal with or to be placed in a caregiver role again which always seems to happen. Might go for dog-free men too. Why can't men take care of their own pets for instance? It's always been on me.

That being said, I should be able to handle a stable man and not be triggered. After all, men don't generally make high-pitched sounds, right?

So I had talked to this guy on and off and he was cute but I wasn't quite sure I was attracted. Definitely a good conversationalist which is a start. Anyway, I keep getting sick to my stomach or being unable to eat for a day due to my array of health issues. Again, this is for me to deal with, it's not anyone else's problem. So I got some takeout to make myself eat at least once the other day. I got filled up and was just laying down and trying to control my nausea and my friend hit me up. Mind you, this guy had been nothing other than respectful.

We had talked about some sexual topics before and no boundaries had been crossed. He said he had a big dick and asked if I wanted to see and I declined because we weren't at that kind of point yet. I wasn't offended. Anyway, he messages me and just straight up tells me he shit himself. He then goes into detail of how it "splattered" and he "can't trust a fart."

This is completely out of the blue. Like I said, I've talked to this guy enough to know he's not a troll or a spammer and I'm just thinking, WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME THIS? Was he trying to be funny??

So for 5 fucking minutes he wrote in graphic detail how he crapped his pants. And I'm just like, "that sucks" because he's not insulting me or otherwise harming me. There's no reason to get mad. But that was a wrap for me. It went from maybe-into-him to a big nope. All I could picture was him splattered in his own shit, the supposed big dick included.

...Mr. Shitcock.

Folks, ya gotta be mindful. If you find someone sexy then think about what they find sexy too. Do they want a kiss and some flowers or do they want to hear about how you splattered your pants with wet shit? Consider your options here.

[atomosophobia]

I’m not a big Doja fan but my irl is, he played this while we were driving somewhere one time and I really liked it, so I decided to go see Elvis with another friend just to see if the movie was good. It’s not. I should’ve checked the director first and that’s on me, but I can’t stand Baz’s directing. It’s so horrible. Now I’ll say the only shit I knew about Elvis going into this was that he was a groomer, and it’s never addressed in the film. They completely glamorize him, call his wife a “teenager” when they met and casted a full grown adult as her when irl she was 14 and he was 24. They never talk about his eating problems later in his life and make it out like the drugs were why he gained all the weight. They barely mention his isolation before he died, and even the drugs are such a small part. Also I have no clue if this is historically accurate but they made his relationship with his mom extremely emotionally incestuous and it grossed me out. The writing of women in this was insulting, they had these girls basically have fucking orgasms during his first performance ever as a fucking nobody just bc he shook his hips and grinded the air. I know that fangirls were a bit crazy back then but I have to reiterate that Elvis was a nobody. He didn’t have a fanbase at this time. The way they had the Colonel narrate the movie as if he’s trying to prove to us that he wasn’t the bad guy but then they blatantly show him abusing Elvis when it’s supposed to be him telling the story?? Makes no sense, completely useless addition that added nothing to the story and just made it more confusing. Also to get back to the song, Vegas was in it for like two seconds and it was played under another woman singing Hound Dog or whatever the song was. I’ll admit there were a few good scenes but it was a like finding a fake diamond in a pile of shit. Only watch it if you think Elvis’ actor is hot, legit the only appeal. That and Billy Hargrove’s actor is in it

[oregonsasshole]

I just get tired of it I was a good friend to some of those people and then there was the fact that they kept on and kept on the Ashley stuff all of that you think I forgot that no I didn’t but if Mark is with one of those people and that is likely I did forget about the fact that you always see like that my next-door neighbors like right right

The heavyset narcissistic women they like to get with the skinny narcissistic guys but what I don’t get is why they can’t keep anything in their own bedroom they have like this weird lake insult everybody around them kink and then they try to pull like a third-party in just for shits and giggles I have four cats who all need to go to the vet I have about $400 of bills that need to be paid I have a job that I need to get and I had to fucking target this motherfucker so I guess I’m gonna either make a go fund me or I’m gonna go around and ask fucking everybody in this neighborhood if they can spare five dollars

[unholytrinitytrio]

HOW WOULD THEY REACT TO YOU BEING MISTAKEN AS YOUNGER

Pairings: Hawks x Older Reader, Dabi X Older Reader, Shigaraki X Older Reader

Warnings: Age gap, Manipulations, Man Handling

Word count: 976

TOMURA SHIGARAKI: TENKO SHIMURA

He’d be the type to seethe with anger quietly as you carelessly flirt with the  guy. Honestly, are you really that flattered with being mistaken as younger your age.

“Hahaha, surely you don’t think I’m still within my twenties” you giggled happily tucking a hair strand behind your ears flattered that somehow your genetic worked wonders for your age.

He’s trying to make himself look busy while aimlessly scrolling in between his phone’s menu. While holding at the end of your dress shirt, tugging softly at times in order to garner your attention that he was already eager to leave this bitch ass boy that tried his luck.

“So like why don’t we go out? I know this place and we can still take your nephew-”

Having had enough Shigaraki finally straightened his posture behind you easily towering both you and your ‘companion’ putting away his phone inside his hoodie jacket.

“Blah blah blah can’t you shut your fuckin’ mouth already? My ears been ringing ever since shits started coming out of your mouth”

Shocked by the sudden insults spewing out of your lover’s mouth left the other party’s mouth agape.

“Respectfully fuck you” Shigaraki said before grabbing the back of your head smashing both of your lips, looking smugly at the other person.

Pulling back with your bottom lip between his teeth he released it satisfied with your starry eyed look for him.

He hates it whenever someone from the league comments on how you act as Shigaraki’s caretaker.

You sometimes baby him. He took it the wrong way.

Anyway, he was so pissed off of your constant babying that he showed you just how to fuck a baby inside you.

He was constantly whiny at you when you limited the times he asks you for sex. However lifting said ban resulted in digging your grave further. Says that as someone whose older than him he should service you often, even to the point of your exhaustion he still insisted on going at it.

Many times had you lost consciousness while going at it that it doesn’t faze you anymore at waking up with your legs on his shoulder his hips rapidly thrusting against you.

DABI: TOUYA TODOROKI

He was the one who got fooled by your good looks.

He first saw you hanging out by yourself in the bar he frequented. At first he thought you were an easy lay, but the way your eyes twinkle with amusement at his piss poor attempt at flirting his way in between your legs, said otherwise.

Even the bartender who knew better than to fuck with you, warned him amusingly.

Ironically he did bed you and he found it quite pleasant that you let him stay the night. Unfortunately he doesn’t find it quite amusing when you threw a laughing fit after you found out he actually believed you were younger than him or that you were somewhere with his age.

That is until you showed him a legal ID stating your 10 year age gap.

“Fuck I can’t believe I shacked some cougar” he grumbled while rubbing his temples.

“And I never said it wasn’t one of my best fuck” he mumbled before trying to scoot over to your body rubbing his face in between your shoulder.

“Just say you have mommy issues”

“Cradle robber”

Ever since, he always frequented in stopping by at your place, for food or sex he wasn’t sure anymore. Only that he rather spent his time back at your place than the league of people with few loose screws.

You should have never let him stay that night. He was so into his delusions, thinking that he finally has a place to go home that he never really confirmed your relationship with him.

“Dabi for the last time, it was just a one night stand whatever made you think we are going out?”

Grabbing you by your collar, steam dangerously close, making its way from his arms. He nastily spat out his words.

“Look at you, just so damn confused you can’t even plead for your life right”

He gets so turned on whenever you act in a motherly way. Wearing an apron, washing dishes, and even picking stuff he ‘accidentally’ dropped off the ground.

HAWKS: KEIGO TAKAMI

The grade A ego maniac, younger enterprise boss, that swooned his way inside your pants. He thinks it’s cute when you insisted that you were a lot older than you look.

“For the last time, I’m already old enough to be your mother” yes you were quite exaggerating but that doesn’t change the fact that this young and upcoming hero decided to give you his time of his day with no apparent reason.

Pouting at your answer before having a devilish thought in his head, Hawks leaned closer to you.

“Soo..mommy?” Hawks whispered by your ear before heading off with a smirk sliding past you, ready to return to his previous paper works before he stopped by your cubicle.

Before going out with you, he always implies playfully that it’s your fault he couldn’t date women his age.

He literally guilt tripped you and hinted threateningly to fire you,  into dating him. Whatever works he guess?

Grimacing slightly when you saw his reflection enter your shared bathroom before he looked behind your shoulder to comment on your nightly routine.

“You should really start looking like your age” Hawks said wincing at the memory of how you got cat called by a bunch of rowdy teenagers while you were shopping along side him.

Literally into domestic kink, whenever you two had sex he always insists that you call him daddy and your the mommy.

He’s to into his own fantasy realm that he demands you always greet him with praises and kisses in front of the door whenever he comes back home like a good little wife that you are.

[justice4harwin]

Light's Corruption- Chapter IV

Pairing: The DarklingxAlina

Summary:With few friends at the Little Palace, Alina must work to win the favour of her fellow grisha and their commander, who makes her feel light headed every time she sees him.

After training in Os Alta for two years, the king grows tired of waiting and demands the Sun Summoner joins a western post near the Fjerdan border along with the rest of The Second Army to test her abilities.

Something happens. Suddenly, Alina wants blood to run down the rivers and those who stand in her and The Darkling’s way will be blinded by her light and swallowed by his shadows.

It won’t be pretty

Rating: 18+

Click here for chapter 3

Tags are in the comment section. If you dont wanna be there or wanna be added please let me know 😊

Anyways, I hope you like this one. I'm really excited over a particular scene 😏😏

Chapter 4: golden butterfly, black rose

Alina woke up with a new purpose: to observe and listen.

She hastily threw the blankets and sheets off of her and put on her kefta as she realized she might be late for breakfast.

Running down the stairs, hair a mess, the Sun Summoner smiled and greeted everyone on her path.

Some replied. Others just stared oddly.

She entered the hall to find that, as usual, Marie and Nadia had left a seat empty between them. Alina gingerly took it.

"Good morning!"

They gave her smiles as they reciprocated the greeting.

"You're in a good mood today." Nadia noticed, taking her spoon.

"I slept like a baby." she lied. She hadn't gotten that much sleep -Genya must've gotten even less- but she felt good that day.

Just the day before, she had been able to summon on her own for the first time, and she had to stay positive if she wanted to accomplish her new mission.

She engaged more in the chatter with the grisha women that day, venturing so far as to reply with questions of her own to get to know them better.

"I didn't know you had a brother, Nadia." she said, genuinely surprised as they made their way to Botkin's stables.

The woman nodded with a half-annoyed, half-endearing smile.

"He's grisha too. A few years younger, so he's still at school. His name's Adrik."

"Is he a Squaller too?" 

Nadia confirmed that he was, because of course, the little rat had to copy everything about his older sister.

Alina laughed at that.

"The little girl seems very happy for someone who's about to get into a fight?" were the words with which Botkin received her.

Alina fought back the need to recoil. The only time she had won so far had been against Zoya, …if one could consider that a win given what happened right after.

"Maybe I'll be lucky today." she beamed at him.

Botkin seemed almost surprised.

"Positivity is fine, little girl, but you need to focus during a fight. But first." he clapped his hands twice, immediately getting all the attention. "Run around the lake. Twice. The last one to get back here will help the stable hands for the rest of the day."

Alina really ran like never before that day.

Her side hurt, and she almost felt like she wasn't getting enough air; but after the first half, her legs didn't burn so much anymore, and she felt almost as good as she did when walking.

"Damn, Starkov." she turned her head to see that Michail, a heartrender with a hard-shaped face and kind, green eyes, was easily keeping up with her. "When did you get this fast?"

"Practice." she said, a little breathless but feeling nice with the cold air slapping against her face. "Besides, I really don't wanna end up in the stables."

He laughed at that.

"That makes two of us. I hate those animals."

Alina frowned. She just didn't wanna clean up their shit, but other than that, she could find nothing wrong with horses.

"Why?"

"Those long faces," he said, gesturing over his own. "they're scary."

"You're scared of horses?!" she asked, disbelieving. 

"Why don't you yell it a little louder?" he asked, looking around at the disperse group, but he was smirking. They weren't at the front, but they weren't slagging at the back either.

"Sorry." she leaned in. "I'll keep your secret if you help me not to be the last."

"I don't think you need my help," he laughed. "but sure."

She got knocked down on her ass by a short Inferni woman with dark blonde hair, but Alina laughed it off, hiding her embarrassment, and stretched out a hand. The Inferni rose an eyebrow and then helped her up.

"Thanks." she told her, dusting off the back of her kefta.

"For kicking your ass?"

"Hey, I think I did learn a thing or two." she winked. "Next time I'll be ready."

"Oh, so you want a rematch?" the woman asked, amused, as she crossed her arms over her chest. 

"If you're up for it." Alina shrugged.

"Deal." they shook hands. "But it'll have to wait until we're done with him." she said, nodding towards Botkin, who was busy making rounds, watching the others. "I'm Natasha, by the way."

"Alina."

"Oh, I know. Everyone knows." she smiled once more before retreating to a small group of Inferni that had reunited by a corner.

As she passed by the lake in her usual route to Baghra's hut, Alina got startled by the damage she had done to the perfectly green grass. Gardeners were still at work getting rid of the black mass she had left in her path, going so far as to dig into the earth. They saw her passing and glanced up, some frightened, others definitely not amused.

"I am so sorry." she whispered frantically, before hurrying her steps.

"Don't let the heat out!" was all the greeting she got from the ancient woman.

Alina closed the door and hurried to the chair that awaited her. She was smiling.

"I don't think that will be a problem." she said, proud of herself.

She scoffed. "So I have heard. Show me." she said, hitting her in the arm with her cane.

"Ouch!"

With a nasty frown, Alina placed her palms in front of the others and called the light that she had rejected for so long. So eager to answer, her power rushed through and out of her, and she was almost puzzled by its intensity. She focused on keeping the orb small.

"Uh. Well, it took you long enough."

"A 'Congratulations' would be nice."

She got hit again. Her light wavered and then solidified again.

"Congratulations? What? Do you want a parade thrown in your honour as well? For what? Doing what you were supposed to do your entire life? Shut up and expand the orb. Make it encompass the entire place."

With deep breaths, both to concentrate and control her anger, Alina steadily expanded her light, making it fill the hut.

"Bend it to its shape."

Carefully, she tried to do as she was told.

"You were right, about being held back." she uttered as she tried to shape her light to blend in with the walls.

"I know." the woman said, petulant. "Now call it back and repeat until there is no effort to it."

Alina tried, and tried again, but as eager as her power was to explode, her body was eager for a long, long nap. There had been so much repression, so much denial for so many years, that it was as if the light wanted to just explode out of her body and consume it all.

It scared her a little, but she focused.

The Darkling had told her she was magnificent, Alina remembered, and he had made it sound like she was capable of anything.

The way his grey eyes shone with such intensity, like he wanted to engulf her into his arms and have her all to his own, the way in which his hand felt against hers, or how just even being next to him made her want to lean into and over him like a lazy, overly clingy cat. 

She'd lay on top of him all day if she could.

Alina wondered what would've happened if Genya hadn't arrived at the moment she did. Would The Darkling had kissed her? What would his lips taste like? How would his beard feel against her skin? Just exactly how good was he with his tongue?

Alina blushed. The light flickered, as if excited at the mere idea of the man.

She had kissed a few people before, but him, there was something about him that told her that if he should kiss her only once, she'd spend the rest of her life running after the very same sensation and more.

"Dreaming about your dark prince again?"

She looked at Baghra.

"What?" looking around, she noticed that her light had expanded farther than the hut and she was glowing.

Alina snapped her hands, and everything was dark again. Her fingers tingled with power, her eyelids closed with exhaustion.

"I-I wasn't-" she blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the new environment.

"Stupid, stupid girl. You need to focus on your task."

"I'd concentrate better if I wasn't being hit every five min-OUCH!"

"Do not make excuses with me. You are lazy, easily distracted, you do not know what you are getting yourse-"

"You know, for someone who's supposed to be such a great teacher, I've still got to see some actual teaching." Alina snapped. "All you do is yell at me, hit me and belittle me; yet one conversation with The General I can finally summon." the brunette spat, each word more angrier than the previous one. "So don't try to blame me for your shortcomings."

Baghra was silent, nostrils flaring. When it looked like she might raise her cane and hit Alina right in the head with it, she opened her thin lips instead:

"Out." she uttered, almost inaudible. "Out! And do not come back!"

"Gladly!"

Alina stood up and marched for the door, her steps almost as loud as the insults the old woman was throwing after her.

"Stupid girl! Unconscious! Just another pawn of his! You never learn! Lazy! Stupid! Blind!"

 It was a good thing the old crone couldn't see the tears of frustration and shame in her eyes.

She was on her way back to the Little Palace, trying to decide if she should bathe or go to the library first.

Baghra’s words still rang in her head.

Maybe, if she was quick, really quick with her bath,...but then again, she was getting too used to such a luxury, that once in there it was quite difficult to leave unless the water turned cold.

But if she went to the library, she’d be there until the words blurred and her eyes burned.

On the other hand, there were other grisha in the library, and she couldn’t afford to walk in there smelling like-

"Alina?"

General Kirigan's smooth voice had her turning on her heels, hand still massaging the spot on her arm Baghra's cane had so harshly landed. She had managed to hold back the tears, but the woman's word still stung.

"Moi Soverennyi." She greeted but forgot to bow.

He looked at her arm.

"How was your lesson?"

"I spent months with her and nothing; five minutes with you and I can summon." She basically spat, still bitter at Baghra's harsh words. "I think that speaks for itself."

He smiled, almost.

"Give the old woman some credit. She is good at what she does."

"Terrorizing isn't teaching." she replied, and then, with her head high, added: "She didn't get me to summon."

"No." The Darkling agreed, taking a step towards her. All engulfed in his black cloak, he almost seemed to float. "You did it. It was all you." He said it with such reverence that her breath became shallow.

She didn't look away from his eyes. The storms swirling in there were magnetic. There was so much going on in there at the moment, yet it all sped up through those grey orbs so fast she couldn't make sense of it.

"Why don't you teach me?" The words slipped from her tongue before she could think better of it.

He rose an eyebrow, taking another predatory step towards her.

"I serve the King. I run an entire army. I do not have the time to train everyone personally, nor would I want anyone to think they are favoured above others." 

He was so close to her now, she had to crane her neck to look up.

"You once said there was no one else like us; who could be a better teacher?"

In truth, she also wanted to see him more often. Glimpses as he passed through the Little Palace or left Os Alta, and the occasional conversation weren't enough for her.

"You flatter me, Miss Starkov."

"I only state my opinion." she took a step, shortening the distance, like he was a magnet calling for her.

Mirth shone in his eyes. It made her smile. 

"I will be going away for a few weeks." At this, her smile fell, and his formed as he tilted her chin up with his gloved fingers.

Alina stared up into his eyes, dark with something.

"I'll miss you." She whispered, foolishly, without thought. 

"Will you?" He asked, almost perplexed for a moment.

She found herself nodding.

"I know we don't get much chance to talk, but I like talking to you." She confessed, a knot in her throat. "You understand all,...this." she flickered her fingers and a tiny orb of light formed above her hand.

His eyes followed suit, almost fascinated, like he still couldn't quite believe her power was real. And when he looked at her, it was like he couldn't believe she was real.

His hand rose and shadows swallowed her light. Alina watched them dance, entranced by his power, and noticed it taking shape.

"For you." The Darkling said, handing her a black rose, from the base of its steam to the very last petal. "To remember me by while I am gone."

Disbelieving, she reached out and gasped as she touched the shadow. There was a little bit of gold in there, her own power hidden within, shimmering weakly here and there.

"I don't have anything to give you." She said, lamenting.

He leaned down, his beard rough against her soft cheek.

"Trust me, Alina," he whispered, her name on his lips against her ear making her tremble. "I could not forget you if I tried."

There was the whisper of a kiss against her cheek that seemed to linger for the longest moment, …and then he was leaving, cloak flipping behind him as he left the sun Summoner holding onto a small piece of shadow and a piece of her heart gone with him.

Click here for chapter Five

[johannawrites]

𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 - 𝟭𝘅𝟬𝟭

 (  a  series  of  prompts  from  first  episode  of  the  amazon  show  good  girls  revolt .   change  pronouns  as  necessary  !  )

“Um, is it true what you wrote in your letter?”

“Did you really go to an orgy down there?”

“Peace and love are back in California.”

“We can't give up on this story yet.”

“Yeah, well, youth is wasted on the young.”

“Do I have to wear a tiara?”

“Yes. I mean, no. But something fabulously chic.”

“All that's left to do now is to make yourself indispensable.”

“Fantastic. What's her number?”

“She's only going to talk to me.”

“Okay, look, I know you were the more natural fit for this story, but there's nothing I can do. Don't sabotage the story.”

“I'm trying to help.”

“No, I'm working under a deadline.”

“I get serious and start a family.”

“A serious family. Please don't invite me to the dinner parties.”

“I don't joke about writing or cooking.”

“I don't joke about drinking or cooking.”

“See, we're the perfect duo.”

“It's like you guys are fighting over the lower bunk bed in jail.”

“We're finally in the same city after months of being pen pals. God.”

“Well, I already told my parents you were coming.”

“Oh. Your parents. I didn't, uh... I didn't know that they were a part of this event. It's... it's so conventional. I mean, I have to kiss the ring before we can start dating?”

“You know, I wouldn't mind meeting your parents.”

“Oh, no. No one's meeting my parents. Ever.”

“See you in an hour.”

“What are you still doing here?”

“Quite a cat fight last night.”

“Is it true that someone's left a comb on her desk every morning since she got back?”

“You sound like an old man who doesn't know what's cool anymore.”

“Real women never go out of style.”

“No, coffee's supposed to be black. You don't put milk in coffee.”

“Oh, I was just coming to find you.”

“So sorry I stood you up last night. I was working late and I just crashed in the infirmary.”

“Don't try and soften me up.”

“Why don't you let me make it up to you. Hmm?”

“Okay. A week ago we were sending each other letters sprayed with sandalwood oil. What happened?”

“That was a dream. You moved back home to New York. To reality.”

“I'm young. I want to have fun, I want to tiptoe through the tulips. I feel like you're trying to put me in a box.”

“I'm not. Is that what you think of getting dolled up for a night on the town?”

“I don't have anything to wear.”

“They're gonna love you. I already told them how happy you make me.”

“Hey, babe. If you don't change, everyone's gonna think you came home with me anyway.”

“And that's when you saw the first guy fall down or get pushed down?”

“I'm not saying it's sh1t, but you might want to take another stab at that lead. Starting off with a quote won't fly, believe me.”

“I don't suppose you could run out and grab a birthday gift for a 13 year old girl?”

“A lot can happen here in 90 minutes, Y/N. Anything else?”

“How about you start calling me by my full name?”

Nope. That'd take too long.”

“I was here, too...I fell asleep.”

“Okay, now without yelling at me, tell me what she said.”

“They started the riot, not the fans.”

“So they're hiding something. Shit. That's good.”

“There were 300,000 people there, but no law enforcement presence whatsoever.”

“You're pretty cute when you've got a scoop.”

“But they escalated things instead of controlling them.

“I am so proud of you.”

“Hey, as far as I can tell, you and I are kicking everybody else's ass in the city.”

“The song will haunt you because you have such a good ear for music.”

“You should really get high first. Then you'll really dig it.”

“Well, I'm over 30. I'm too old to try pot.”

“Oh, no. No one's too old to smoke out.”

“That's good to know.”

“Because nobody trusts the police.”

“Because they would arrest you for smoking marijuana. So the bands felt safer hiring an outlaw motorcycle gang.”

“So they bonded at those parties. There was a kinship.”

“Yeah, but doing drugs doesn't necessarily mean you believe in peace and love.”

“Well, yes, it does. Uh, I mean it... did. It was supposed to.”

“Can't say I'm surprised at your decision. Bummed out, but not surprised.

“Can you use your dad's credit card?”

“You can't be serious.”

“We're too close to give up now.”

“Your car is downstairs.”

“I'm not gonna make it.”

“Oh, good, you got the gloves.”

“I'm glad you spent a little extra for the 11 inch style. The ones that hit you right at the wrist bone are the least functional things I have ever…”

“I just haven't slept well the last few nights. I'm... clumsy.”

“You didn't eat much dinner.”

“I ate.”

“What do you women even do in there?”

“I'll be out soon.”

“No, I don't want anything about me in print.”

“Like I told you before, I am gonna read all of your quotes back to you.”

“No, I don't want my name, age or anything about me in there. I'm disposable. I'm a back up singer. My job is to sweeten the band's sound. And I do that only as long as I look good and sound good to them. You dig it?”

“If anyone from a record company reads that I'm up there with an opinion of my own... That I'm a narc... I'll be moppin' floors instead of singing in amphitheaters.”

“Good morning, my whispering coven.”

“Is she sick?”

“Very ill. Death's door.”

“Well, I feel like shit and I'm here. Call her and tell her to come in.”

“People are devastated out there, Y/N.”

“There's devastation in here, too.”

“Detailed eyewitness account from two sources.”

“Great. What did these guys see?”

“The guys are gals.”

“One of the things that stuck with me over the years is what I learned about ancient Roman dentistry. To treat a toothache, they advocated gargling with urine. And it was only after prolonged and ineffectual swishing with piss that an extraction would ultimately be undertaken.”

“This is a three-ring circus, folks.”

“But both of their stories support one another.”

“There are our man-on-the-street interviews, except that they happen to be women with no clout.”

“Oh, God! I knew I could break this story wide open, and I did.”

“You stood me up. For the second night in a row. You lied to me so that you could help them... Are you listening to a word I'm saying?”

“My God, is there a "we" in any of this?

“I'm sorry I stood you up. Twice.

“You turned the ship around.”

“Yeah. That felt pretty good.”

“Please, do not insult me by making this personal.”

“Did you do my job for me yet?”

“I left you two choices. You present me with the same two choices. It's unacceptable.

“Why don't you arm wrestle over it?”

“So boring.”

“Just pretend like you're seriously working.”

I don't want to get fired here, okay?

“Oh, I... I got my period.”

“Is this the first time?”

“That's simply how we do things here. We have rules, protocol.”

“Those rules are dumb.”

“We do not change our modus operandi for one person.”

“Now, clearly, you are a very talented…”

“Clearly, I don't belong here. This is ridiculous. I quit.”

“Well, your name is all you have in journalism.”

“Did you get another job?”

“No, I just got this one.”

[keanureevesisbae]

Protection Chapter 4

Summary: Mia is deeply hurt by August, only she is the one with a slight problem now: her heater is broken.

August Walker x Mia Makaruku (ofc)

Wordcount: 3.7k

Warnings: None

A/N: I hope everyone had a lovely few days! please let me know what you think about this chapter. I love to read about it 🤗

Masterlist // Previous chapter // Next chapter 

That Saturday I had my second to last game and I scored not one, not two, but three goals. Some even said I might’ve set a record for the fastest going goals in the history of female soccer. That might have something to do with me being still so damn mad at August.

I mean, I know I said I was going to accept his hot and cold attitude, since there would be a kind man underneath that harsh exterior, but after being hurt like that, I just figured that I couldn’t accept it anymore. He was harsh and borderline mean to me.

I don’t understand him anymore, but what I do know is that him being like that to me, is probably not going to change. Maybe I’m being a baby and totally overreacting, but I decided that it is best for my own wellbeing if I not talk to him anymore and so far, it’s working. Despite August always being home, I only bumped into him once and that for being next door neighbors.

Yesterday we both stepped into the elevator, but since I know him a bit, I was just sure he wouldn’t start a conversation with me.

I was right. However, I had to go against all my own impulses and you can almost say reflexes to not start a conversation with him.

August told me he doesn’t do apologies, so I shouldn’t be expecting one from him.

When I wake up that Sunday, a day after my game, I’m hit with a painful cold. Normally, Bobo sleeps on top of my blankets, but now he is securely curled up underneath them. Why is it this cold in here? I slip on some thick socks (that feels like two large ice cubs) and rush to my thermostat.

Only to discover it’s not working?!

‘Shit, shit, no,’ I whine. I really can’t use that right now. I mean, I can’t ever use it, but right now I really don’t want it. I check the card that hangs next to the thermostat and it informs me I can call the mechanic at nine on a Sunday.

It’s seven now, which is absolutely fantastic.

While my body is slowly freezing up and my nipples are the evidence of the cold temperatures (I’m really happy I’m all by myself now), I go to the bathroom to check if my shower can provide me with some warmish water. I grab the shower head and I wait until the water turns even slightly warm.

It doesn’t.

Great, so even a shower can’t keep me warm. I desperately need a shower, my sore muscles need some relaxation. I turn off the water and I walk to my bedroom. After I put on a bra and some more layers, I jump around, desperately trying to keep myself warm, but it’s useless. It’s what? Minus a billion degrees in here? I’m never gonna warm up, even if I wanted to.

I look over at the wall, the one that separates my apartment from August’s. I could do it, you know. I could just go over there and demand I can stay over at his place. I mean, that’s what he does and considers normal.

I can do that too. I can demand some shelter for a few moments. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Right?

Nah, it’s not. I’m too damn proud to do such thing.

The two hours go by really slow, but at least I got myself a good work out in, because I was desperately trying to keep warm. and I curled up underneath my blankets, but it was of no use. When I finally can call the mechanic, the shithead on the other line told me he couldn’t come in until three in the afternoon. Six whole hours in this freezing cold? That is something I simply cannot do. I want a hot shower and just chill in my sweats all day. I deserve that after last night’s game.

I grab some clothes, my shampoo and skincare products and pick up Bobo, who feels like a hot water bottle, but is not enough to keep me warm. I close the door of my apartment and with my elbow I knock on August’s door. It takes awhile before he opens the door, but when he does so, he frowns and looks visibly confused.

Probably because I’m holding Bobo and have a big bag with me.

‘What do you want?’

Always the gentleman. I should’ve thought this through, but I think the frostbite has reached my brain before I could do so. ‘I have a problem,’ I say. ‘My heater is broken and the mechanic comes at three.’

He leans against the doorframe. August looks different and I think it’s because of the grey sweatpants. I never really pecked him for a guy who wore something like that, matched with a thick hoodie. ‘Okay?’

Demand shelter, Mia, you can do it. ‘You should give me shelter,’ I say. Okay, that was’t exactly what I was aiming for, but it���s a start. ‘I cannot handle six hours in the freezing cold and I also don’t have hot water, so I can’t shower. Before you ask: ‘Why would I do this?’, remember, I did the same for you and I paid for the court side tickets.’

‘Tickets you bought before you even knew you were going to take me with you,’ he retorts. He sighs deeply. ‘Does the animal has to come as well?’

‘The animal is very sweet,’ I tell him and almost on cue Bobo starts to hiss. ‘Okay, maybe not to you, but please… Just let me stay here for six hours. If you do so, I might forgive you for being a total ass to me last Wednesday.’

‘I wasn’t an ass to you,’ he says, but when I cock my eyebrow, he looks kinda caught. ‘Okay, I maybe was an ass to you sometimes.’

‘All the time,’ I interrupt in.

‘Not the entire time. Just the ending,’ he tells me. ‘Okay, okay, please, come in, Mia and the creepy cat. Make yourself at home.’

At first I’m afraid he is being sarcastic (I mean, we’re talking about August Walker and it didn’t sound like it came from the heart), but when he actually steps aside, I realize he is serious. ‘Thank you,’ I say with a smile and I walk into his pretty boring apartment. I’ll let it slide for now, because he just moved in. I place Bobo on the ground and he struts through the apartment, avoiding August. Being here feels like I’m being wrapped up in a warm blanket.

August walks passed me to the kitchen and I decide to walk after him. ‘Are we going to talk about Wednesday?’ I ask him.

‘No.’

Figured. ‘Come on, August. Just… We should talk about this, to clear the air.’

‘I don’t want to talk.’ He places his hands on the counter and I don’t know where I’ve got the guts from, but I dare to step closer to him.

‘I bet there was a reason why you were like that this Wednesday,’ I continue. ‘You can talk to me, you know?’

‘I don’t want to talk about my feelings, especially not with you,’ he barks out.

Weirdly enough, this doesn’t hurt me, because I think he doesn’t mean it. ‘August,’ I whisper, ‘please. I just want to know why you continue to hurt me, when I’m nothing but nice to you, minus maybe the pedophile comment.

He clenches his jaw. ‘You want coffee?’

Why is he ignoring me? ‘Sure,’ I say, because I can actually use a cup. ‘Can’t you just try to be nice to me, without it being sandwiched in between insults? I’m not forcing you to go skipping with me in a park and make flower crowns with me, while feeding the ducks. I’m just asking you to cut the insulting crap and be nice to me.’

August actually turns his back to me and I let out a sigh. What was I even thinking?

‘I can try.’

Did I just hear that correctly? ‘What?’ I ask. ‘You can try?’

‘I can.’ He pours in some coffee for me and hands me a mug.

‘Thank you,’ I say with a gentle smile. I carefully place my hand on his underarm and he looks up, nearly snapping his neck in the process. ‘I really want to get to know you,’ I say to him in a soft tone. ‘But only if you allow it, okay?’

He nods. ‘Yes, okay,’ he says.

‘You want to get to know me?’ I ask with a chuckle.

‘Weirdly enough: yes.’

I roll my eyes. ‘August.’

‘Wait, wait, wait, I can do better,’ he says. ‘Yes, I want to get to know you too.’ He cocks an eyebrow. ‘Better?’

I laugh. ‘Yes, much better.’

◎ ◎ ◎

Since August’s shower provides me with hot water, I might overdo it by standing underneath the warm water for at least half an hour. Yes, I’m that type of guest. I quickly dry my hair, put on some moisturizer and get dressed, before I walk to the living room.

‘Did you clean up in here?’ I ask August, noticing the place is a whole lot cleaner than it was before I took my shower. ‘Are you trying to impress me, August?’

He scoffs, placing his feet on the coffee table. He looks like a mocking kindergartner, it’s  almost endearing.

‘Where is Bobo?’ I ask him, when I sat down next to him and look around.

‘In my bed,’ August answers with a shrug.

That caught me a bit off guard. My cat is in his bed? ‘And you don’t mind?’ I ask. ‘Or are you too afraid to shoo him away?’

He doesn’t want to—I can see it in his eyes—but he smiles. ‘Maybe a bit of both. Besides, he was hissing at me, so I was too afraid to get him off the bed.’

I chuckle. I shiver a bit, as I’m slowly losing the warmth from the shower. August stands up from the couch and wanders through the place. Only to come back with a blanket. He drapes it over me and I’m genuinely surprised. ‘What is this?’ I ask him, though I know exactly what this is.

‘You were cold,’ he says, ‘so I got you a blanket.’

I feel my cheeks heating up. ‘You can be very nice, did you know that?’

August looks at me for a few milliseconds, before he averts his gaze. I realize this may have been too much of a compliment. ‘Thank you,’ I say. ‘You want to watch some tv?’

‘Sure.’ He grabs the remote and turns on his television.

Was August watching the sports channel?

The only channel that broadcasts the women’s national football league?

‘Did you watch the game last night?’ I ask him.

‘I might’ve,’ he admits, his cheeks a little red. Oh my, my brooding neighbor August Walker is blushing!

‘Next week I have my last game, before the winter break. You want to watch? It’s free and I can arrange a nice spot for you. Special VIP treatment.’

‘Really?’ he asks. ‘Even after I was an absolute asshole to you?’

It’s nice of him to acknowledge that. ‘Even after that.’

‘I would like that.’

Are we having a moment now or is this me hallucinating? August looks into my eyes and doesn’t turn away. His light orbs are obviously hiding so much and it breaks my heart to think he has been through so much. ‘What are you thinking about?’

August shakes his head. ‘Nothing.’

‘Liar.’

He smiles. It makes him look beautiful, approachable and absolutely breathtaking. ‘I was thinking about giving you a compliment about the game last night and whether or not I should add an insult to it.’

I laugh. ‘Well, you can ditch the insult. I’m not sure if I can take it right now.’

‘You are by far the best player on your team,’ he says. ‘Maybe this is an insult to your teammates, but I think you would be the only female player that could actually beat the best male players.’

I bite my bottom lip, as I feel my stomach twists and turns. ‘That’s really sweet,’ I admit. ‘I bet you don’t want me to give you a hug as a thank you, right?’

August leans back in the couch. ‘Why would you want to hug me?’

That’s not a no, which is an improvement. ‘I barely got hugs when I grew up,’ I say. ‘I don’t know if you are aware of my sob worthy backstory. It’s pretty much all over the internet.’

‘I might’ve looked up some bits, he admits in all honesty, which I appreciate. ‘Lots of foster families.’

I nod. ‘I mean, it was mostly me. The families were nice enough, but I was simply afraid, because I knew that there was a chance I would leave again. What if I attached, you know? Saying goodbye would be harder.’

He nods, almost as if he understands.

‘However, my soccer team was pretty much the same team for years. I grew attached to them and hugs were totally normal. It was a way of communicating, really. Since that moment, I appreciate them. It’s a way to let someone know I appreciate them. If that makes sense.’

August nods again. ‘Back when I grew up, I never got hugs.’

For some reason, I see a young and pouty August in front of my eyes. Desperate for some human contact, only to be deprived by it.

‘I just never was in a setting where hugs were acceptable. Not when I was younger, not now.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t apologize for stuff you had nothing to do with,’ he says and he sounds like the same old August I have come to know. He lets out a deep sigh, one that nearly sounds like a growl. ‘You can give me a hug.’

‘That doesn’t sound very sincere.’

‘I am very sincere,’ he says. ‘I mean it.’

This is adorable, I think to myself. ‘Well, you have to know that once I hug you, you are in it for the real deal. I may or may not hug you every chance I see you.’

August laughs. ‘Then I just have to live with that.’

I push the blankets off of me, before I nearly jump him. I wrap my arms around his broad shoulders and while he is slightly awkward, he places his hands on my back and actually engages in the hug. ‘You are very huggable,’ I say.

‘You too.’

I pull my face back, so I can look at him. ‘Remember,’ I say, ‘you can put your walls down around me. I would even really like that, to get to know you.’

August moistens his lips, before he whispers: ‘I would like that as well.’

◎ ◎ ◎

After the mechanic fixed my heater and left, August and I ordered pizza. Now, we sit on my couch and watch some YouTube compilation of me playing soccer. That wasn’t even my idea.

It was August’s idea.

Ever since our hug, I notice he is trying his best to be nice and to me, that’s what matters the most. While I don’t understand his struggle, I do appreciate the effort.

I just shouldn’t be attracted to someone who hurt me twice within a week of knowing me, but I can’t help but feel a little something deep inside of me, when I look at August sitting this relaxed on my couch.

‘You want my crusts?’ I ask him, holding out my plate to him.

‘Of course.’

I can’t help but scoot a little closer to him, so I can hand him the plate a bit better. Maybe it’s because I’m touch starved, maybe it’s because I never had this much male attention (insults or not) before. It’s just really nice being around a man, especially August. I didn’t want to admit it, but I enjoyed every moment of him being overprotective of me in the stadium and how he wiped my hands clean in the restaurant.

That never happened to me before.

‘You want my last piece?’ August asks me, holding up his slice.

‘Are you sure?’ I ask, already taking it out of his hands.

‘Postive.’

Before I take a bite, I say: ‘You can have this crust again, though.’

He smiles. ‘I was hoping for it.’

We eat in silence, staring at the television, but I’m not even paying attention. My mind is full of thoughts about August and the questions I want to ask later on when we get to know one another better. ‘Here is my crust,’ I say.

‘You know, Mia, you eat shockingly fast.’

I scoff. ‘I do not.’

‘You totally do,’ he argues. ‘And you are also the world’s messiest eater. I don’t know how you do it, but you got sauce on your forehead.’ He leans over to my coffee table and grabs some napkins. ‘Sit still, will you.’

‘I am sitting still!’

‘You’re not. You are fidgety.’

I roll my eyes. ‘First I’m a fast eater, then a messy one and I don’t sit still. I was about to offer you some dessert, but now I’m not so sure, since you are being so damn mean to me right now.’

‘I’m not mean to you,’ he says, his voice all of the sudden a lot lower. He places his hand in the back of my neck, before gently cleaning the corners of my mouth and my forehead, letting out a tsk in a process. August is so close right now, I’m nearly going cross eyed. His rough thumb slowly caresses the delicate skin in my neck. I can feel his warm breath against my lips.

‘You want dessert?’ I ask him after I cleared my throat. ‘I have some chocolate pudding. We could eat that.’

August nods. ‘Yeah, I would like that,’ he says, letting me go. ‘Let me help you.’ He stands up as well, holding the plates in his hands. Together we walk to my kitchen and I start preparing the pudding for the both of us.

However, I still feel his hand in my neck. Back when I was in high school in the Netherlands, I was never really in favor of the boys. Besides, I moved a lot and I was pretty  much invisible. There was this one time, where it took the teacher almost three weeks to notice me.

Being touched like that, it is a rarity in my dating history. Sure, I’ve had a few kisses, but other than that, I never engaged in anything. Now I’m twenty five and I want it.

So badly.

I look up, only to discover August was already looking at me. ‘What?’ I ask him.

He shakes his head. ‘Nothing.’

We eat the pudding in silence and when it is eight ‘o clock, he decides to leave. We may barely spoken to one another and when we did, it was pretty shallow, really. But I do feel like I got to know August better and he is willing to open himself up to me.

I walk him to the door and I say: ‘Are you willing to hug me goodbye?’

‘I’ll probably see you tomorrow, Mia,’ he says. ‘It’s not like I’m leaving anytime soon.’ Then he seems to realize what he is missing out on. While he rolls his eyes, I spot a grin on his face and he spreads his arms. ‘Come here.’

I let out an excited squeal and I jump up, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He laughs and wraps one arm around my waist, holding me against him.

‘You happy now?’ he asks.

I pull back my face. ‘Delighted, August Walker.’

He places me back on the ground. ‘See you tomorrow?’

‘You bet. Now you’ve hugged me. let me in your place and allowed Bobo in your bed, I think I’m gonna be over all the time.’

◎ ◎ ◎

The entire Monday morning I spend baking. I want to thank August for yesterday and I figured to see if the saying “nothing says loving like something from the oven” is true. I think it might be. I know I always appreciated when mister Toriello made me a pie.

I walk out of my apartment to knock on his door, only to discover his door is slightly ajar. I push it open and peek inside. ‘August?’ I ask with the steaming pie still in my hands. I walk inside, but he isn’t here. Maybe he is out and didn’t close the door right, however that seems so out of character. Leaving his door open like that… That’s weird.

I place the pie on his kitchen island and find a piece of paper to write something on it.

I place the note next to plate and I want to leave the apartment, but my eyes fall on something. It’s one of those yellowish files, you see in programs like NCIS. I know you shouldn’t peek in other peoples stuff and usually I don’t do such thing.

However I can’t help it right now, as the file is like a magnet that pulls me in.

I pull out the file and it confirms my suspicions. That was my name indeed I saw from afar  and this file has my DMV photo attached to it with a paperclip.

Why does August have this? I mean, I don’t even know what he does for a living, but why would he have this? What kind of job would require all this information about me?

Oh my, is he a stalker? I know that’s not a profession, but still…

I open the file and see an entire timeline of my life. The car accident, transcripts of my interviews with specialists, my football career. He is even up to date on my Instagram account… I even see he figured out the name of the man who was gawking at me during the game.

What is this?

‘What are you doing here?’ I hear August’s voice behind me. I look over my shoulder and see him standing in the doorway. He looks tired and a bit sweaty. What has he been doing? ‘What do you have there?’

I turn around, as I hold up the yellow folder. ‘Is there a specific reason you have my entire life compiled in one file?’