#they're strangers. they've been apart for so long. they don't know one another. but their blood ties them so deeply

[dirtytransmasc]

something something, Asha growing up in a world that demands her to be tough and fierce and angry to survive. something something, Asha not knowing how to be gentle. something something, Asha wanting to be gentle with her brother, knowing he needs her to be gentle, but just not knowing to do that. something something, Asha only knowing how to "tough love" her brother, only knowing how to command and force. something something, Asha wanting to fix her brother and not knowing how to do that and that very fact scares her to death. something something, Asha having to look at her little brother, knowing she failed him, only to know she's still failing him now, she still can't help him, she's still making it worse.

they make me feel ill. I will never stop thinking about them. they plauge me.

[d10nyx]

silver lining

ft. leon kennedy x fem!reader

cw: 18+ content, hybrid!reader, very brief suicide mention, p in v, creampie, daddy kink, a LOT of pet names

a/n: hiii! throwing out some (kinda) fluffy smut for once lmao. mainly picturing vendetta leon, but any older leon works tbh. i'm so tired, so if you see typos, no, you don't >:[ hope you enjoy !!

word count: 1.7k words

Raccoon City was something that Leon would never forget. It's been years since the incident, and he still wakes up in a cold sweat some nights with nightmares of the things he'd seen.

It's fucked him up in more ways than one. He would have killed himself a long time ago if he was sure that Sherry would be safe. The “top secret programme” the government so lovingly initiated him into isn't the way he saw his life going - but if it kept her safe, he'd grit his teeth and bare it.

Sure, he's made his peace with it, but it doesn't make it any less difficult. He runs around like the government's personal lap dog and then comes home and drinks himself half to death. It's a routine he's gotten used to, and he doesn't plan on changing it anytime soon.

But it gets lonely. He's not a stranger to flirting with a pretty girl in the bar, but he never manages to get them to stay. He's not sure he's capable of forming a relationship anymore. Work always comes up, and no woman seems to want to stick around when he disappears for weeks or months at a time.

When he was younger, he always wanted a dog. That was another thing Raccoon City took from him. He still flinches when a dog moves too fast near him or gets too close. He's never been a cat person, either. Thinks they're grumpy bastards at the best of times.

He leaves it at that for a while. Looks like he's destined to be alone. Whatever. He's used to it by now. Or he thinks so, at least, until he starts to hear about hybrids becoming more commercially available as pets.

They've been around for a while, sure, but they were the type of exotic pet rich assholes buy to show off. He hears about the new hybrid adoption center opening in his city and spends one of his only weekends off doing a shit ton of research. He's not entirely convinced, but he figures there's no harm in taking a look. As soon as he spots you, he knows he's smitten. Bat your pretty lashes at him, and he'd do anything you asked.

You're the cutest little puppy girl he's ever seen. Fluffy ears atop your head, your tail wagging so fast behind you it's practically a blur. He doesn't even think about it when he calls a worker over, paying for you then and there. He doesn't even blink at the amount of money you cost him. He'd sell a kidney to be able to afford you if he needed it. At least the government pays well.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

It's been a few months since he brought you home with him. You were a pain in the ass at first, constantly bouncing around his apartment. Your tail was a hazard, always knocking things off his table and breaking things.

He wouldn't change it for the world, though. You've become the highlight of his day. He finds himself smiling as he opens the door to his apartment, hearing you thunder towards the front door as he walks in. He can't help but chuckle as you wrap your arms around his waist, leaning up to lick at his face.

“Alright. Easy, girl. Easy.” He says with a smile, pushing you off him and ruffling your hair as he steps past you. He shrugs off his jacket, hanging it up and settling on the couch. “I had a long day, y'know? Could at least let me through the door before you jump all over me.”

“But I missed you.” You whine as he pushes you away from him, following him closely as he moves to sit on the couch.

“Yeah, yeah. I missed you, too, pup.” Leon says with a grin, patting his lap. He waits for you to jump in his lap, leaning back comfortably. “C'mere, then. Don't you wanna come sit with daddy?”

Your tail wags lazily behind you as you shift closer, straddling his lap happily. His hands settle on your waist to tug you closer, and he rubs small circles into you with his thumb.

“Missed you.” You repeat softly, cuddling close to him.

“You’re a sweet girl.” He nuzzles his nose into your head and caresses your hair. “A good girl…” 

Leon hums quietly and his hand starts to wander along your side and up towards your chest. “And beautiful, too. Can't believe I got so lucky, baby.”

You giggle softly at that, tail wagging just a little bit faster as you press your chest into his hand, shivering as his thumb brushes your sensitive nipple over your shirt.

“D'you wanna play with me, daddy?” You ask softly, trying to press as close to him as possible. Your hips start moving on their own, rutting your aching pussy against the hard muscle of his thigh. You bury your face in his neck, inhaling his scent deeply. He always smells so good when he gets back from work, sweat clinging to his skin. 

“I just got back, baby. What's got you so worked up, huh?” He teases softly, grabbing your hips and adjusting them so you're grinding down onto his steadily hardening cock over his pants instead. He groans softly, reaching around to pet the base of your sensitive tail.

That gets a twitch and a whine from you, making the corner of his mouth tug up into a lazy smile. He rocks his hips up into you until he's fully hard and leaking.

“Alright, alright. C'mon, puppy. Let's get you to bed.” He grunts, trying to act like he isn't as desperate as you. His voice is low and gravelly, brows furrowed in concentration as he lifts you up, carrying you to the bedroom.

He plops you down on the bed, kicking his shoes off and pulling off his jacket. His hands roam your body, tugging off your clothes as he runs his palms along your curves. His eyes take you I'm greedily, his hands working to undress himself instantly.

“Fuck.” He groans as you shift on your hands and knees, ass up in the air as soon as you see his cock. His cock twitches, pre-cum leaking and staining his stomach. “Always so eager…”

All he gets is a whine and an ass wiggle in response. You lift your tail straight up, presenting your glistening pussy for his hungry eyes. “Daddy, please…”

“Yeah, yeah. I got you.” He murmurs, settling between your legs. He runs the pads of two fingers between your glistening folds, dragging them from your clit to your entrance, gathering the slick dripping from you before pushing them inside.

He thrusts them in and out a few times, letting you get used to the intrusion. Not that you need it - your pussy is always so drippy, sucking him in greedily every chance it gets. He curls his fingers, earning a low moan from you, your cute ears pressing firmly against your head.

“That's it.” He coos, repeating the action every time his fingers are half buried inside of you. “There's my good girl. You want my cock, don't you, sweet thing?”

All you can manage is to babble please repeatedly, already so desperate for him. He's not sure how he ever managed without you. You always make him feel so wanted, and not just when he's buried balls deep inside of you. It's nice. Makes an unfamiliar warmth build in his chest, something he hasn't felt since he was still a bright-eyed kid in the police academy.

“Don't worry, baby, I got what you need.” He says softly, pulling his fingers out of you and rubbing your juices onto the sheets before grabbing your hips. His breath hitches as he slides his length into your tight heat, his head tilting back in pleasure before he lets out a low moan.

He leans over you, pressing some of his weight against you as he starts to thrust slow and deep. He presses his lips to the back of your neck before leaning back, his thrusts picking up in pace.

“Such a pretty puppy.” He groans, gripping your tail to pull you back against him every time he fucks into you. The room is filled with your needy moans and the sounds of your sloppy pussy.

“Daddy…” you whine, drool spilling past your lips and onto the pillow your face is smashed against. He can feel you tightening around him, so he knows you're close. He adjusts his angle slightly so he rubs up against that sweet spot that makes you see stars every time he pushes in.

“C'mon, cum for me, pretty girl.” He grunts, hand tightening on your tail as the other slides up from your hip to your waist, giving him more leverage ti rock you back onto his cock.

“Fuck, daddy… cummin’!” You moan, your walls clenching so tight around him you almost push him out. He presses his hips against your ass and thrusts shallowly, keeping him buried deep inside of you as his tip grinds against your cervix.

His mouth hangs open as he feels you gushing all over him, his breath caught in his throat as his cock jumps and kicks against your cervix, the feeling of your pussy fluttering around him making him shoot ropes of his cum deep inside of you.

You whine softly again, slumping against the crumpled sheets. His breathing is slightly heavy as he drops his weight on you, pressing you against the bed.

You grunt at the feeling of him dropping on top of you, wriggling yourself free with a soft huff. You cuddle up to him after, ignoring the feeling of his cum leaking down your thighs. You give him a few locks to his stubble cheeks before cuddling up to him with a smile.

“Sleepy.” You huff softly, nuzzling into his neck with a content sigh, your eyes fluttering shut. He lazily wraps an arm around you, tugging you closer to him and petting your back.

“I bet. C'mon, baby. Think we deserve a nap.” He murmurs, kissing your forehead before letting his eyes shut, too.

[la-petite-lapin]

Double the Love | Part One

Double the Love masterlist

Simon "Ghost" Riley x Johnny "Soap" MacTavish x female civilian!OC Word Count: 1.2k Series warnings (may update between chapters): 18+, Minors DNI, angst, death, mentions of violence, injury description, eventual explicit sexual content, polyamory, M/M/F, FMC is bad at feelings

How it all started

I wake up to the first knock.

The apartment is warm, despite the fact that it's the second month into winter, and quiet. Peaceful, even. Winnie is probably already at work. The café doesn't need me for at least another hour.

I turn my head to look at the clock on the nightstand. 8 a.m. I can't think of a single reason why someone would be knocking here so early, so I roll over and try to go back to sleep, thinking that I might've just imagined it. Last night was a long one. I couldn't fall asleep, so I stayed awake watching endless reruns of Friends until - at 3 a.m. - I finally knocked out.

It's times like these, when the insomnia kicks in and I feel completely alone, when I can't wait for Alex to be home.

Alex, my heroic older brother. The SAS soldier always on some mission or other to save the world. He's on another top secret op at the moment, but last time we spoke he said that it looked like they'd be home at the end of the month. The new unit he's been assigned to have been keeping him occupied. He couldn't tell me much on the call, but it sounds like they've welcomed him into the fold with open arms, just like all the other units he's worked with in the past. That and he's still worried about me - something that he's been in a perpetual state of since the dawn of time.

Hopefully he'll be home soon though.

Just as my eyes start to close, there's another knock at the door. This one's more persistent.

Definitely not in my imagination.

I throw the covers to the side, adjusting the hem of the heavy knitted sweater I fell asleep in to make sure that it's people-appropriate, and stepping into my slippers as I make a beeline for the door. I drag my feet out of my bedroom and down the hallway towards the front door.

When I open it, my heart drops into the pit of my stomach.

There's a tall man with light brown hair and a beanie standing out in the hallway. His dark eyes are tired but kind, a thick scruffy beard covering his jawline as he stands there, hands behind his back, feet shoulder-width apart. He takes one look at my slight frame, half-hidden behind the door and closes his eyes, shaking his head with a quiet, "Bloody fucking hell."

I tilt my head to one side, confused. I'm just about to ask him if I know him when he says, "Are you Talia Keller? Alex's sister?"

Just like that, my heart starts thundering inside my ribcage. I reach out to put a hand on the doorframe, knowing that it's all I can do to stop my knees from buckling.

The stranger on my doorstep meets my eyes once again and I can see it.

"Please...no-"

He shakes his head, those kind eyes refusing to shy away from my tear-filled gaze. "It is with deep regret and my upmost sympathy that I am here to inform you of the death of your brother, Operations Officer Alex Keller. He died on active duty, contributing to a rescue mission that, because of his sacrifice, saved a lot of lives." I choke on a sob. "I am so very sorry for your loss."

My vision blurs and the sound that leaves my mouth is horrible. It's a sob, so loud and violent that I almost can't believe I made it. "No," I whimper.

"May I come inside?" the stranger asks, nodding past me at the empty apartment. His hands aren't behind his back now. They're in front of him, palms open like he's placating a wounded animal.

My own sobbing eclipses any other noise in the hallway as I take a few shaky steps back, giving him access to the doorway. He walks inside slowly, like he's giving me time to take the unspoken invitation back. I don't.

I wrap my arms around myself, trying to keep myself from falling apart. But my brother is dead. My sweet, perfect brother who I'll never see again.

"I- oh god, I'm going to be sick," I manage to choke out, stumbling back until I hit the side of my armchair.

The stranger swoops in then, gently easing me down onto the sofa. I shouldn't let him - shouldn't have let this man into my home. He could be anyone. But he spoke about Alex with the reverence of someone who knew him personally. He must of to be here now, telling me this awful, fucked up news.

I tip forward, my head finding my hands as I cradle myself, my whole body shaking with the effort of not crumbling to the ground.

Alex was all I had left. We were orphans: each other's only living relatives. Now I'm alone.

"Is there anyone I could call for you?" the man asks, his gravelly voice even softer than it was to begin with. I hate his sympathy with a passion, but I don't have the energy to call him on it. "You shouldn't be alone at a time like this. Alex told me that the two of you were very close."

The words bring a fresh wave of pain ripping straight through my heart.

His question reminds me of Winnie. She's already made enough sacrifices for me; I can't pull her away from her work. I don't know what to do. There's no one else I can call. It was Alex and Winnie. Winnie and Alex. No one else.

"Alex was... he was all I had." The words both sound and feel pathetic as they leave my mouth. I lift my head and see that he's watching me, dark eyes far from judgemental. "I can't- I don't know what..."

"Look," he says softly, one large paw of a hand coming to rest on my upper arm, his warmth radiating through the thick cable-knit. "Take a deep breath for me. He wouldn't want this for you."

We sit there for a while as I calm myself down, getting through the worst of hyperventilating. Slowly, the tears come to a weak ebb. A numbness fills me; a disbelief that he's truly gone.

"I know that this is probably the last thing on your mind right now, but we had him cremated. It was written in his file that that's what he wanted. We'll send the ashes and his dog tags to you as per his request." He shifts in the armchair. I can't help but notice just how haunted he looks as he meets my gaze. "My name is Captain Price, but you can call me John. I was your brother's unit commander. You might not want to talk to me right now - might blame me even - and I understand that, but I'll leave my personal phone number here with you. If you ever need anything, anything at all, please call me."

I nod softly, rubbing my knuckles along the undersides of my eyes. "Thank you, John."

He nods once then stands up, the muscles of his thighs straining against the sandy-khaki material of his cargos. Instead of heading straight for the door, he walks across to the desk, opening Winnie's smiley face notepad and writing a number down on the first blank page. His number.

I don't look up when he leaves. The door closes with a soft click and then - just like Alex - he's gone.

a/n: hey guys! hope y'all liked part one. don't worry - you'll meet the guys very soon... sorry if this part was a little bit boring, just want to set the scene before all the good stuff happens 🙃 - see ya soon, lapetitelapin

[roachliquid]

It's been my observation that when a lot of people think of cults, they imagine something temporary. A founder starts something, people join up, a few decades to by, the founder dies, the group falls apart.

In practice, this is often not the case. Cults can survive the death of their leaders, and depending on the circumstances, can even be made (at least temporarily) stronger for it. They often last long enough to form splinter groups, sometimes with new members of the community stepping up to take the leader's place, sometimes not. And then those groups can last another few decades before splintering off again, restarting the cycle and keeping the horrors alive for another generation. Sometimes they don't need to splinter, because they've picked up enough momentum to be self-perpetuating, a successive series of replacement leaders keeping the momentum going.

Cults can go back centuries. And this is something that is so, so important for people to understand, because often when they hear that you were the victim of cult abuse they assume that you were inducted into it - and of course, that does happen and is no less horrible, but it's a markedly different experience from being raised in it from the time of your birth.

Being taught nothing, nothing, outside of what the cult teaches and the bare minimum needed to survive.

Internalizing, as a child with no independent access to information, the message that you need the cult and would be irrevocably doomed without it.

The horrifying trauma, when you finally discover (if you finally discover) that it's all bunk, of realizing that your entire life up to this point has been built on a lie. The years you spent being miserable, being terrified, doing your best not to fall from the cult's graces, were all for nothing. Wondering what you could have been and done during that time, and knowing that it was stolen from you and you will never get it back.

Literally not knowing anyone outside the cult, and having to find your own way despite the fact that your parents deliberately never taught you how. Having to completely rebuild yourself as a person, because who you were before this point was a creature built to serve, not to think or make choices or grow in new directions. Having to accept that a world you were taught to fear and despise is the only place where you really belong, and adjust to living in it and not shrinking fearfully from every stranger who crosses your path.

And when you try to talk about what happened to you, no one understands. They can only imagine a childhood like their own, born and raised with the freedom to choose, and they act as if you somehow chose, as if the people who indoctrinated you presented your infantile self with two equally well-argued possibilities and then simply urged you to pick one in specific. They see the cult from the outside, and of course it's ridiculous, of course it's horrible, why would anyone willingly submit to that?

No one does. Cults don't run on willing converts, they run on deception and coercion. Imagine that all that started before you were old enough to walk, and was the only life you knew for the first twenty years. I didn't choose to be a cult member, my mom quite literally picked it out for me.

I did get out, eventually. It wasn't a matter of being smart enough; it was a combination of luck, unmonitored Internet access, and some of the very traits my parents drilled into me backfiring on them hilariously. Not everyone is as lucky as I was. Not everyone has the means and the incentive to find their way out. My parents were born into the cult and they will die in it.

That might be what hurts the worst - losing the people who were my whole world as a child, because they're too afraid to consider that they might have been wrong.

[abetternamethananyother]

Sims 4: Naturally Young Challenge

Disclaimer: This challenge doesn't require any DLCs or packs. I highly recommend the MCCC mod, although it's possible to play through the challenge without it. You may play with any mods or cc you like as long as it doesn't greatly impact the challenge.

People have been talking about this Sim for years. From what you heard, they live alone in a small house, living from the plants they grow. You know people who talked to them and who described them as a polite young Sim open to talk to strangers. So why does everyone seem so afraid of them?

Your parents told you never to go near the house this particular Sim lives in. As a child you never understood their concerns, but as you got older it became harder for the adults to hide things from you. Stories spread like fleas, after all. Stories about people who became too close with them... and who never returned from their house. Rumours about the Sim have always been part of the local life, each one more sickening than the other. Are the missing Sims held hostage? Killed? Locked away in the dark?

Despite the warnings, there are always those eager to meet this Sim, be it out of curiosity or even pity for the lonely dweller. And, well... You're young, you're supposed to be brave, right? But when you actually meet them, your heart stops for a moment. They're breathtakingly beautiful and their smile makes you fall in love instantly. Over your bliss you don't even notice the strangest thing about them; They're way too young to have been living here for as long as the people claim...

Welcome to the Naturally Young Challenge!

The goal of this challenge is to stay a young adult for as long as possible and to support yourself solely by fishing, planting and gathering. In order to maintain your youth (and, therefore, near immortality) you will need to rely on the life essence of others - and your most loyal friend, the Cow Plant.

CAS: To start the challenge, create a teenage Sim of any gender. They need the Romantic and Loves Outdoors trait, as well as the Freelance Botanist aspiration. Upon aging up to a young adult, you may freely choose your last trait (or traits if you play with mods that allow more than three traits).

Property: Move your Sim into a small home you can afford with the starting 20 000 Simoleons. The house should have a rather big property, as you'll need a lot of space for planting and uh.... other stuff. If you cannot find such a home, you may use the FreeRealEstate cheat, although you'll need to set your household funds to 3000 Simoleons afterwards (Cheat: money 3000).

Game options: If you want an easier challenge, set Sim lifespan to Normal. For the regular challenge it should be set to Short. Auto-age must be enabled.

You may not take a job. As long as you're a teen, I recommend skipping school - your grades won't matter anyway and you'll need the time. The only way to make money is by selling plants, fish or whatever you find by searching the area (minerals, fossils, frogs,...). You may not sell handmade items, books, paintings or photographs, although you are allowed to create them for your own use.

Apart from making money you'll need to raise your greatest weapon - the Cow Plant. The seed(s) may not be bought or taken from another Sim. You may have as many Cow Plants as you want, using them to gain the Essence of Life from other Sims in order to stay young forever. But here's the catch: No one would just randomly walk up to a dangerously looking plant belonging to a complete stranger, especially when they've been warned about said stranger their whole life. You'll need to earn their trust.

To make it short: In order for your Cow Plant to eat a Sim they need to be part of your household. You'll have to manually ask them to join - cheats aren't allowed. For a more difficult version your victim has to be your boyfriend/girlfriend before moving in with you. Alternatively, being friends with them is enough. As soon as they're part of your household you can take control of them and let them... Try to eat a plant's tongue? Honestly, who'd ever think eating something still attached to the mouth of a huge, sentient plant with dangerously looking teeth was a good idea? Anyway, the first time they are eaten apparently isn't enough reason to stay far away from the Cow Plant. The second time, chances are they'll die. Too bad!

After the Grim Reaper has done his work you may milk your Cow Plant. Voilà! You have a brand new glass of Life Essence to keep you young for a couple of days and a tombstone to prove it. Good thing you have your garden to hide the remains of your victim... Place the tombstone somewhere on your property and build your very own graveyard. Just don't be surprised to find some angry ghosts roaming your house.

The challenge can end in two ways:

Bad ending: If you age up to adult you officially lost and countless Sims died for nothing. Sorry not sorry.

Good ending: The Grim Reaper isn't impressed easily, but you do seem to put a lot of work into ending lives. As soon as you have ten (or more for a harder challenge) tombstones on your property the Grim Reaper grants you actual immortality as a sign of his respect. If you play with MCCC, flag your Sim as immortal.

Additional rules:

-> You may use cheats to remove any sad moodlets you receive from the death of one of your victims. I mean, that's what you wanted, right?

-> While you can own as many Cow Plants as you like, you're only allowed to harbour one Sim at a time. In order for another Sim to move in you first have to kill the first one.

-> You may take any aspiration after completing the Freelance Botanist one. However, you are not allowed to marry, have children or move out.

-> If you play with packs including occults, you may not be a vampire or ghost (for obvious reasons). Other occults are allowed, but may not use any abilities that influence relationships or grant them a longer life/immortality.

I hope you'll give this challenge a go and enjoy it. If you have any suggestions or criticism, feel free to let me know!

[charmingbrute]

[ . . . ]

Love.

How it cradles the hand with so little fear, cups the edges worn and mends the tear. Never a replacement medicine, but healing all the same, more powerful than than any magick spell man could conjure. It comes with its consequences, of it having agony, presents itself as a pair and one wonders about the point of it all. When's the next time it'll burn? You will like the fire it gives, the heat on your skin, the brightness of its red. You will like it until the seer becomes a part of you that you no longer know yourself without it.

For so long so you sought, wandered and traveled from where you used to be, looking for the faces of love in every stranger you meet. The ghosts of them never did learn how to be quiet. So the search marches on, until you've enough pieces of others to pick up, to make up for the parts of you you could never gain back. Sometimes the pieces do not fit. You force them in, knowing the fact it will be futile, allowing the stubbornness to do its work for you. You cry, you fall apart. You expect a lesson afterwards, but you don't fully consume them, no. They merely exist to punish yourself with, to choke you until you can believe you are not worth it.

We will never be worth it.

That's a lie. You know this as much as I. When people leave, they have their reasons. You struggle to accept that it's not your fault and it's neither theirs. Then, who must you blame? Who must be responsible for the fresh wounds you've obtained? The agony in our heart? These answers will never arrive to us. Every affair gives us more questions than solutions. Even so, must you continue to yearn for it?

Love. Boundless love.

You promised me you'd never define yourself this way. That you would never come to believe that a hand upon your heart will change you for the better. That it's all you need to convince yourself you're still a good person. But change you for the better it did, I know this. I know this because I was right there with you, and the people you've loved, the people who loved you in kind. What of them?

I have loved them, too.

You can pray to that tombstone all you like, for all the good things you convince yourself it'll do. You know his body is not there, neither is hers. They've always been alive and well in your heart. They're smiling at you, thanking you for being born. Did you forget this, too? That is fine. I will remember them all for you.

Love. So much love. All of it.

We will never really stop wanting it, reaching for it even when we're already beaten and bruised. Someday, you will meet another. Someday, you will break again like you've never been broken before. You don't have to be afraid. Hells, we've been through the worst of it. What's another wound on our skin? In our heart? In our soul? Eh, you'll live.

You'll live because I love you.

I love you, you hear?

[sunshinereddie]

I hope you're not getting tired of me jumping into your inbox everytime I get any Reddie ideas because I don't think I'll be stopping anytime soon 😅

Anyways, I present you this amazing tiktok cover of "A Glimpse of Us". The idea that came rushing into my head while watching this tiktok for the millionth time almost made me tear up and that's saying something because you know what I'm writing 😂

!!WORD VOMIT ALERT!!

Remember when I mentioned back then about how Richie and Eddie were together back in their high school days but broke up due to them knowing that long-distance will be too much for them? Put that back in this scenario except Pennywise doesn't exist and so, they never forgot each other at all. They just broke up and promised that once they're more stable, they'll get back together and live out those plans they've been making while they were together.

They stayed in touch. They call each other and wrote letters whenever they can just so the other always knows that they still love and care for one another despite no longer committed. Then throw in your wonderful Anon's idea here, they became distant due to their own personal schedules and the calls and letter became less and less frequent. In the midst of all the longing and stress and depression, Eddie Kaspbrak met Myra Jordan. (Idk what her maiden name is but that's my maiden name headcanon for her)

And oh, she was an all time comfort. Despite having such a great resemblance to his own mother appearance and personality wise, she helped him unload all those stress. Her consistent presence by his side satisfied his longing and yeah, she was no Richie. She's, in fact, the polar opposite of his first love but could you blame Eddie for falling in love(?) with her? She was there for while Richie was not. She was there.

Richie didn't even found out about her until Eddie brought her along one summer while introducing her as his fiancee. Richie, being the man that he is, didn't let it show how betrayed and hurt he was at that moment. He joked and congratulated Eddie whilst ignoring the way his heart was slowly and painfully breaking piece by piece by every lovestruck look Eddie throws in Myra's way. With a fake bright smile, Richie accepted being Eddie's best man- (jk, but imagine that, AUGH MY HEART-) he accepted being apart of the ceremony and teased him about having mommy issues, ignoring the way everyone but Eddie and Myra could see right through his defense mechanism.

The wedding happened, everything went smooth, and everyone was happy. Even Richie, genuinely he was! He was happy that Eddie was happy, even if it wasn't with him. Even if it'll never be with him.

1 week later and that's when the song comes in. Every night, without fail, Richie would visit bars and clubs, trying to replace his own longing with the embraces of strangers. Trying to replace the phantom feeling of Eddie's touches and kisses with those of random one night stands and short relationships. He hadn't succeeded yet.

He still wants that euphoric magical feeling his relationship with Eddie made him feel. He thinks he'll always want it.

...

Five years later, Eddie's favorite song is A Glimpse Of Us by Joji.

HELLO I WOULD NEVER GET TIRED OF PEOPLE COMING INTO MY INBOX WITH HCS !!!!! IT'S LITERALLY MY FAVOURITE THING EVER !!!!

but, aahhh!!!! this tugged at my heartstrings,,,, the idea of eddie asking richie to be his best man, and richie going along with it because he knows it will make eds happy even though it's breaking his heart?? OOF THAT HURTS...... stuff like this just reminds me of how tragic richie and eddie's story really is. they're soulmates, they love each other, but they can't stop the things, or people, keeping them apart.

it's so beautifully heartbreaking :'(

[fallinginthe-void]

Underneath the read more tab is a rant and vent. Just a warning in case your curiosity gets the better of yall

I got talked to at work yesterday because I've been having issues. A coworker snitched and said that I "yelled at him" for coming to the back of the store (the cashier can't leave the front unattended as it's a loss prevention issue). Note, I didn't yell at all. Yes, I was being a little bossy but he's been here for over a year, he knows he can't leave the front alone! It doesn't help that when I told him, he tried to joke around and say no. That led to more issues.

According to my manager, my tone with how I handle customers and my coworkers have been more on the negative side and if it continues, it can lead to being written up for harassment. She said she understands that with being a keyholder, we have more responsibilities but I'm not the one who can tell others what to do. Fair, but what tf else am I supposed to do when I'm the one in charge of the store at that moment and things need to get done? If I tell someone to bring up the trash to the front, are they gonna snitch on me too?? Like, fuck! Now I'm getting my keyholder shifts suspended in an attempt to "lessen my stress". I was lucky to be getting 1 keyholder shift every 2 weeks (there's 2 keyholders total. Other keyholder gets most of those shifts because I'm trained in one more section of the store than he is so im utilized there more) but now I'm getting nothing?! What the fuck? I hold nothing against that keyholder, he's actually my best friend at work.

Unfortunately, I'm also in trouble for socializing too much with him at work because it leads to work not being done. If it keeps happening, we won't be scheduled together. That's fair, and I will do better on that. The part that bugs me, is when I told him about it, he said that he was never talked to about it and said he should also be held accountable for stuff like that. I'm pissed at the double standard on that

Part of the reason why my tone goes more to the negative side is because I have to deal with stupid people everyday! I wish that was an exaggeration! I once had 3 people get pissed off at me for asking them not to consume their snack/drinking before paying for it and that happened in a 24 hour period! Recently, I had a woman lose it at me because I told her she needed to pay for the card before writing in it! And that's the second time that's ever happened! Also, I don't care about the small pleasantries. You're a stranger, I don't care how you're doing. Do what you need to and leave. Stop talking and grab your shit faster, you're holding up the line and I'm the only cashier avaliable right now

My manager and assistant manager both said they've noticed my stress and asked if everything's okay in my life. I had to lie and say yes. They said I could talk to them both about anything. They are genuinely good people and I know they're doing their jobs too but I can't talk to them. I still have to respect the manager-staff relationship. Plus, how can I say that "no I'm not fine. My depression and anxiety are riding me into the ground, I'm terrified that I'm going to get kicked out of my apartment again (another story) even if I do nothing wrong, and with that terror, I've hardly unpacked anything because I want to be prepared if I do get evicted. My 6 year relationship with my long distance boyfriend is causing me extreme self doubt again because he has a hard time expressing affection and I need the affection, so the fact that it was getting really close to Valentines Day knowing that he only likes that day because it's when his pet bird hatched, I've been having multiple bouts of silent break downs where I can only stare at the ceiling and silently mourn the fact that I'll never be loved in the way I want to. I can't even tell him because we've had multiple conversations about it but very little has changed, plus I fear I'm going to sound ungrateful. So to fill that void, I've been reading character x reader fanfics to feel something, even if it's a synthetic sort of love. I'm sure as hell not getting it here in the real world!". I'm sure nothing will go wrong with telling my managers all that

I'm just so tired and there's nothing I can do. Therapy is too expensive and with how I've been feeling, if I even utter a single thought about ending myself (the feeling has been there for years but I've never acted on it), I'm sure to be sent to a psych ward. I can't afford to miss work either, I have bills to pay. Hell, I can barely cry about it properly because I've repressed that instinct for years and I hate the stuffed up nose I get with it

Just...I don't know anymore...I'm so tired

[euphoriyoongi]

❤︎ Why don’t you love me? m.y.g ❤︎

Requested Imagine prompt: “why don’t you love me?”

Requested by: @miriamxsworld

❤︎ Summary:

you’re in love with your long time best friend, Yoongi, who is also in love with you. You try to get with Jimin for the sake of keeping your friendship with Yoongi, but when he sees you nearly kiss Jimin, he breaks down.

❤︎ Word count: 2.0k

❤︎ Warnings: none

❤︎ Genre: best friends to lovers

m.list

Requests are open!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You were in love.

The thing is, you knew it, too.

Why were you trying to chase someone else? Was it because you were too scared to ruin your friendship?

Yes. You didn't want to take the chance to lose him. You enjoyed his company even if it wasn't exactly what you wanted. So you tried to change your direction, and you went after Jimin, who knew you liked Yoongi.

It was a Friday night. You and your group of friends have been watching horror movies since it was Friday the 13th. You didn't like them and hated getting jump-scared.

Your close friend Yoongi sat on the opposite couch while you sat next to Jimin and Hoseok. Yoongi watched you as you watched the movie, seeing you make weird faces and hiding in Jimin's shoulder.

He knew you didn't like these movies, and he wanted to put up a fight when you said, "sure, we can watch them." It wasn't fair to you to watch something you didn't enjoy. And it wasn't enjoyable for him to watch you lean on another guy's shoulder.

Yoongi has loved you for ages now, ever since he could remember meeting you.

You first met on New Year's Eve. You were heartbroken after a breakup, and he was all alone.

All alone on top of a balcony at a party, you walked up to him and basically told him that you were going to kiss him when the new year came. Yoongi was flustered at the time, but truthfully...he wanted to kiss you too.

So you did. Both strangers at the time, your first encounter with him was a kiss. Now a few years later, he's your best friend, and both of you want to be more than that.

If you would’ve known how Yoongi felt, you wouldn’t be here trying to mess with Jimin.

When a ghost popped up onto the screen with a flash, you squealed and grabbed onto Jimin tightly, tossing your head into his chest. He froze and looked over to Yoongi, who looked like he was going to break the can of beer in his hand.

Jimin smirked, then glanced down at you. “y/n?” He softly said to you, and you peeked up at him. “Come out to the kitchen with me quick?”

You nodded and glanced at Yoongi, who was staring intently at the tv. You both got up, and Namjoon nudged Yoongi’s shoulder. “I wonder where they're going..” he laughed, not knowing that Yoongi liked you. “They've been all over each other all night.”

Yoongi huffed, crossing his arms in front of him. He kept quiet, but his thoughts were buzzing through his brain. He kept his composure but couldn't help but watch as the two of you walked out of the room.

Namjoon glanced at Yoongi, raising his eyebrows. “Hey bro, are you alright?”

Yoongi sighed and took a sip of his beer. “Yeah.”

You and Jimin sat down at the table in the kitchen. He smirked at you, holding his head up with his hand. “What are you doing?”

Your eyes widened, and you played with your hands in your lap. “Huh? What do you mean?” you wondered out loud, watching Jimin’s smirk turn into a chuckle.

“Y/n...you've been all over me tonight. What's going on?” he asked, blinking at you with confusion.

When he noticed you squirm in your seat, he sighed and stood up. “Stand up.” He said, motioning you to get up. “I need to prove something.”

You furrowed your eyebrows but stood up anyway, pushing in the chair. “What is it?”

He looked you up and down. Jimin did not doubt that he was attracted to you. He would be stupid not to be. But he knew you had feelings for Yoongi and that the feeling was mutual. He wanted to see if she could be honest with herself.

Jimin smiled. “Do you like Yoongi?” He asked you, tilting his head as he tried to figure you out.

Your breath got caught in your throat. “W-what? No, of course not.” You laughed, denying it as much as you could. “That’s impossible.”

Jimin nodded, holding his hands behind his back as he swayed on his toes. “Then if I kiss you, can you kiss back?” He smirked, trying to get you to come clean with how you feel.

You looked around the room, making sure no one was watching. You then walked closer to Jimin and got as close as you could. “Yeah, of course, I can.” You gulped in anxiousness, definitely not able to kiss him. Maybe if you imagined he was Yoongi then—wait, that’s not right.

Still, you tried to do it, doing all you could not let your secret out. You feared that your relationship with Yoongi would crash and burn if he found out your true feelings. So as Jimin slid his hands down your waist and leaned in close to kiss you, you shut your eyes tight and leaned in too.

But before you could kiss him, Yoongi interrupted. “What’s going on?”

This broke you and Jimin away. He was smirking at you and glanced between you and Yoongi.

“Yoongi I—“ you went to explain yourself, hoping he didn’t hear the whole conversation.

He didn’t. He only saw you nearly kiss Jimin and had to interrupt. He couldn’t let you kiss him. He couldn’t let you kiss anyone but himself. Why couldn’t you love him back?

Yoongi’s eyes were on the verge of tears. He always knew you didn’t share the same feelings for him, but he didn’t think about how painful it was to watch you be in love with someone else. “Why are you…why were you kissing him?” He stuttered as he spoke, knowing that he was about to let it all out. All of his secrets. All of the things he wanted to keep to himself. In an effort to conceal, he left the room and walked out of the apartment.

“You better go after him.” Jimin nodded towards the door with a smirk. “I knew you liked him. Good thing he’s in love with you.”

You frowned at him. “What?”

Jimin nodded his head again. “I said that he’s in love with you. It’s obvious. I’m surprised you didn’t know.”

“What do you mean he’s in love with me?” You questioned your mind all over the place.

Jimin groaned. “Y/n, go. Go get him.”

After a moment, you got a grip and ran towards Yoongi as fast as you could. “Yoongi, wait!” You yelled as he reached the elevator. The doors closed right as soon as you got there, and you turned to rush down the stairs.

After sprinting down six flights, you were out of breath, huffing. You still ran, though, and made it out of the building to see him standing there next to the entrance of the building, a cigarette in his hand.

You sighed in relief. “Yoongi.” You breathed, walking over to him.

His eyes were red, and he went to lift the cigarette to his lips when you grabbed onto his arm to stop him. “Don’t do that.” You sighed, plucking it out of his hand and tossing it on the ground, stepping on it. “You’re too pretty to ruin your lungs.”

“Hm.” He chuckled sarcastically, shaking your hand off of his arm. “Too pretty. I think Jimin is prettier, though.”

You looked down, shaking your head. “Yoongi, what’s wrong?” You inquired, pleading with him with your eyes.

He laughed again, turning to face you with a quick whoosh. “You want to know what's wrong? Do you really?” he rolled his eyes and gripped your shoulders in his hands. “My problem is you.”

“Me?” you softly muttered, seeing the pain in his eyes. He looked from your lips to your eyes, and a stray tear slipped down his cheek.

“Yes, you! I had to suffer all this time and watch you fall in love with someone other than me. I had to see you kiss someone other than me. I'm the one who knows your favorite food. I know your middle name. I know how much you hate horror movies!” he yelled, causing some onlookers to watch as they passed by. “I'm the one who knows that you love Ferris wheels and hate cotton candy. I know that you love to sing but hate to do it in front of other people. So why is it him? So why...” he stuttered, shaking your shoulders as his tears fell violently. “So why don't you love me?”

His grip on your shoulders began to hurt, but you couldn't help but ignore it. All you could feel was his passion burn into your eyes, his brown irises pleading for an answer. You never once saw him cry. So to see him cry over you made you feel like you damaged him.

You stood there in awe, trying to figure this all out. What was he trying to say? Was it okay for you to tell him how you feel now?

“Why aren't you saying anything?” he softly let out and gently let go of his grip on you. “I'll make this clear.” he looked down for a moment and stepped back.

“I love you, Y/N. I think I loved you ever since—no, I know I loved you ever since we shared that kiss on New Years.”

Your eyes widened. Did he love you? You knew it now, but why did you deny it? If you let him stand here all vulnerable without telling him how you feel, you’d be an awful person.

You looked up to him, watching his tears slide down his cheeks. You reached up and gently wiped his tears and ran your hand through his hair. “Yoongi.”

He sniffed, trying to figure you out. “Hm?”

You couldn’t help but smile at him. He just let out everything. Every part of him was now open to you. All his emotions, his memories, his love for you. You couldn’t believe what you heard. You smiled at him as you cradled his face as his tears slowed. “I love you too.”

His wide eyes met yours, his lips slightly parted. He couldn’t understand that you told him you loved him back, and he gulped. “You…you what?”

You shook your head and chuckled and then repeated it for him. “I’m in love with you too, dummy.”

His eyes widened even more. “You better not be fucking with me, or I’m going to kiss you right now.”

“Please do.” You said to him, smiling wide as you noticed his gummy smile on display.

He grabbed onto your waist and wrapped his arms around you, pulling you in until you were flush against him. He then leaned in and softly touched his lips to yours, gently moving against you. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him even closer to deepen the kiss. He smiled through it, and you kissed his teeth as he did.

“You better kick them out….” Yoongi smirked as he pulled away for a second only to kiss you again. “Unless they want to watch.”

“Hm..” you softly moaned, talking through your kiss. “Id prefer our alone time.”

You both held each other that night, but not before kicking your friends out to enjoy a blissful night with your best friend—turned boyfriend.

[yostresswritinggirl]

A String That Binds Him

Within his conscience and subconsciousness, he dangles with the karmic binds that tie him to his bloody deeds. They are black and tight that pulls at his soul towards the dark abyss of madness. Xiao hates those strings, and when another one manifests, he is more than scared.

Pairings -> Xiao x Reader

Word Count -> 1312

Themes -> I dunno either you tell me, short fic

Series -> #Sojourner Specials (600 Followers Event) Exiled's Xiao Manifestation Ritual

Warnings -> It's... not my best, I'm here to manifest

The first manifestation of the signs of a new string happened on the first encounter, when their eyes met his amber ones. Just another mortal lingering by the balcony, he thought to himself, just another mortal. Xiao knew of the human ways in which they desperately cling to divine blessings, to meet the Adepti for a miracle.

But his heart skipped in a painful way and like the wind he was gone within a second.

"Verr, who is that person in the balcony? They're dangerous, why are they allowed here?"

But the agent could only tilt her head at the intonation and he grew ever more frustrated at this mistake. Is the Qixing faulty to let a threat in so easily, more so in his territory? But Verr simply assured that they've done a background check beforehand, that they were no threat at all, just a simple citizen passing by.

But Xiao was restless, and when he looked again, the pain in his chest did not disappear.

Next thing was tantalizing fear enough to paralyze him.

Like a shadow that clings to his form no matter where so long as there is light, such entity lingers behind him unknowingly. When they spoke in which the first he has heard their voice, he froze with his back towards them. The most vulnerable he had been, and a rule he broke in war where one should not turn their back to the opponent.

When they called his name again, Xiao felt the familiar tug of agony before he willed himself to look with a seething glare worthy to vanquish all evil. But they withered under the gaze like a wolf wary of their injured paw when meeting strangers. A sign that they were a lesser being than him and yet the grip around his heart tightens tenfold.

"What are you doing here? Don't you know how dangerous it is around here?"

When they tilt their head to look past his shoulder, he was painfully aware of the massacre of hilichurls behind him, one he had recently vanquished.

"Seems to me that these dangers are taken care of already tho," they offered a smile which looped back down at the edges upon the look of distaste the adepti offered.

Xiao didn't wish to hang around longer than he should, but when they called out to him as he was about to leap off, his body locked again. Unceremoniously he tumbles down forward upon the inertia of his paralyzed leap.

And he knew from behind him that it took the mortal all their willpower not to mock him with the rawest laugh.

After those first two encounters were nothing but restless days of consciousness for the adepti where he longs for the night where such phenomenons would not exist, where he will be alone with his thoughts to ponder over without any other intrusion.

But even then he finds no solace in the voices in his head, even if they were only less painful than the ones he had been experiencing lately.

Their presence created a new binding that straps his soul and it tugs him at directions he cannot seem to predict. His karmic binds wrap around his limbs to fully pull him apart, yet this one wishes to tug him forward against the old binds, and the opposing forces brings him immense pain that gnaws at him 'til dawn.

The next instance of the bind's existence comes in the form of breathlessness. When their light touch found its way to his exposed bicep, the unexpected motion caused his lungs to stutter for a second, the need for air leaving him before he was slammed back by reality.

How he knew it was the mortal without even looking he did not know, as he was too busy scrambling away as if their touch was seering hot. Xiao's glare was unfocused as he willed himself manually to breath in and breath out.

"You were spacing out," he seems to be doing that lately, "I've been calling for you but you wouldn't budge." Did he really not hear them? "A-Are you okay, can you breath properly?"

No.

No, he doesn't know why he's having the trouble in the first place. The Yaksha lays himself vulnerable in front of them as his heart beats loudly and furiously at the loss of oxygen, it was a manifestation of one of the 'attacks' that shouldn't come this early unless provoked.

Before he knows it, they too invaded his being in the form of soft rubs to his back and whispers of increasing numbers. He follows suit in their guidance even with a few hiccups and soon enough his breathing stabilizes, his heart still trying to follow the calmness of it.

Did I scare you?

No.

I'm sorry.

There's no need to be.

The Yaksha's heart rested for a full second but the detail was missed when Xiao saw the pure pity in their eyes.

No, this person was no Adepti, no demon, no God, no other being. Only a mortal, a human with a soul that shall wither away too. The thought seemed to pull that stray string once again.

The third- or was it fourth? Counting didn't matter now that he was too far gone, but the next manifestation felt more worrying than the others as it was a sign he was not at all accustomed to. It made no sense, it was windy that day at the balcony and the sun barely peeked in past the horizon as it starts to sink for the cold night's entrance.

And they were there to obscure the sunlight that tries to reach him. Hovering over the railing that overlooks the marsh, his gaze caught their side profile as strands of hair falls from the fray, little rays passing through the curtain of the hair that frames their face.

It didn't make sense. No sense at all. And yet he was there to be another mess when he felt the burning sensation wash over his thinly clothed form.

There was nothing special about this human, no Vision exists to force such temperal reaction from him but it. still. happened.

And when they turned to look at him, Xiao dared look away pointedly as the trance of warmth messed more with his thoughts, the change in body temperature reaching his head in a faster pace. He is overheating and so he excuses himself as he disappears, the only sign of Xiao's whereabouts was the distant loud splash somewhere by the marsh.

The mortal choked at the image the plunge brought.

Finally one faithful day, Xiao confronted such merciless feelings to the only mortal he trusts the most. And he found Boss Verr grinning lightly, mischievously. Carrying behind it a secret he doesn't know.

"Dear Adepti, what you are feeling are what we humans call infatuation. Love sickness, even." He dons himself an apalled expression and it takes the woman all willpower not to crack up.

This heinous manifestations of agony are akin to that of human affection? Of romantic disease? If this is what humans deal with naturally, why do they commit themselves at such masochistic indulgences?

So warily he asked, how does one remove such emotions? If it were truly humane feelings that he harbours, then humane means can easily vanquish it unlike the binds holding him down. Speaking of, they've been very tame lately-

Under the guidance of Verr's simple advice of 'being honest with your feelings', Xiao diligently awaits for the mortal in the balcony. And when they finally showed up, he blurts out the worries he had to deal with since the moment they came to his life, loudly enough for a floor lower to hear his confession.

"You terrify me."

This was followed by the frantic steps of a sprinting Verr who desperately tries to make damage control.

A lil drabble hehe, first time trying third person pov bruuuuh

@kookieyachi @struggljng @bunniesrorange @anormalguyreader @moaa @dandelion-dreams @witchsungie @lehra @zelos-simp @legionqueensav @snackgod @rxsalinee @cala-ran @wind-wheel @lilydewi22 @yellowflowre

[stanzoeywade]

Tiptoe - Poppy x MC

Taglist: @somewillwin @uhh-the-green-thing @jmojellybae @simp-pony @made-me-deep-blue @uselesslesbianfr @it-lives-in-braidwood-manor @belvoiresqueenbee @alexlabhont @samanthadalton @crazzyplays @sparring-hyena @baexpoppy @cloakanddaggerthings

Summary: Poppy and MC meet in summer and they were dating but broke it off, not related to free falling dhaisja don't ask about ch3 idk either.

A/N: uhm hi I've been a ghost for like months lol but I heard from a little birdie that queen b is coming back in September and I'm so ready to clown for my wife Poppy again. Based on song below which is a bop. I also did not check my spelling or grammar I die like a dumbass. My one braincell would like to thank u all and Gabi for this fic 💗

There's hardly anything in this world that captivates you, until you see her. Her flawless skin, her blonde hair and those deep chocolate orbs that you just want to stare at and drown in forever. Who knew such a beauty existed? It boggles you to know that the Min-Sinclair heiress is perfect. One might say that you're jealous but deep down you know that's not the case. Jealousy? No, it's not jealousy, you're enthralled by her. It's not even because of how fucking gorgeous she looks, it runs deeper than that. There's just this weird sense of kinship that you feel when you look at her. She's more than the ranking, she's vulnerable and actually cares, something you saw when you went to the animal shelter.

The way her eyes sparkled when she saw the rescue animals, the way her mouth curved into that gentle smile. Who knew the queen bee of Belvoire had a heart? Her vulnerability is further shown when you realise that the golden girl of Belvoire has her own scars, her pride a by-product of the hurt caused by family and so called friends.

Having seen the forefront of it all, Belvoire is cutthroat. Everything matters, the clothes you wear, your family name. It's a free for all, no one cares who gets burned, low blows exchanged, it's all a big mind game and those who fall under pressure lose not just their reputation but everything they have worked for. But apart from all of that, she's still the first thing that makes you smile.

It's damning, the way your mind and heart races at the thought of Poppy. The way her eyes light up when she flashes that gentle smile, where one look is all it takes to make your knees weak and the blood rushing up your cheeks. You've never seen such a beauty, her smile is like a soft ray of sunshine, warming you up. However, she's also as mysterious as the moon, especially since she acts so sweet and the next minute she's as cold as ever. It's enough to give you whiplash.

Such gentle and delicate features, yet her personality is as fiery as the sun, I guess it's true what they say, the sun is beautiful yet staring at it can become painful.

It's confusing as to why Rosie's fallen so hard for Poppy, they've been rivals from the start, with each other's goal to come out on top. Things have definitely changed after the night they slept together, Poppy's words have no actual bite to them. If she were brave enough Rosie would've called Poppy out on it, but she's so confused on where they stand that she doesn't want to risk this newfound "friendship" if one can even call it that.

It suddenly hits Rosie like a brick. 'Wait, has Poppy been courting me in her own weird way or am I imagining shit?' She becomes more confused as Poppy seems to stare at her longer than she ever did, sometimes Rosie would meet eyes with Poppy who seems to have a longing stare as if she has so much to convey yet has no courage to do so. Sometimes it gets to the point where Poppy blushes after she realises that both of them have been staring at each other for too long. Both of them being a flustered and blushing mess, looking away as if they've been burned from getting too close to a fire.

Most people in Belvoire would argue that its not longing and wistful glances that the two are exchanging, they'd say that those were intense glares formed from the ongoing rivalry that the two have established in public, but anyone who personally knows Poppy and Rosie would say differently. There's also an ongoing bet between the students of the school. Some argue that Poppy and Rosie are secretly dating whilst the rest argue that they absolutely loathe each other and the ongoing stares are to intimidate each other to give in and leave Belvoire.

Zoey and Veronica are secretly in cahoots in which they bet that the two are definitely dating or in Veronica's words "those two are definitely fucking" which earns her a fond smile as well as a roll of the eyes from Zoey. Chloe suspects something between Poppy and Rosie, considering they genuinely don't seem to put energy behind the insults they throw at each other. She doesn't think that the two are lovers but she definitely thinks that they're secretly friends.

It's not until Veronica sees Rosie wink at Poppy when she thought nobody was looking, and she was certain that the blonde would glare at Rosie but imagine her surprise when Poppy flirts back by winking back. In which she's all too excited to text Zoey about. "Omfg bitch, you won't believe what I saw today, like holy fuck the two gays were flirting when they thought no one was looking." All she gets in response from Zoey was "show receipts pls."

Rosie can feel herself falling for Poppy, both of them know that things have changed. Neither seem too interested in fighting and when they do argue, it's all for show, after all no one knows that they're secretly pining after each other. She suddenly remembers how they met.

-Flashback-

Being relatively new to New York, Rosie was eager to meet new people and what better way to start off than hooking up with strangers from a random bar? After all, the city was big and it's been a while. As soon as she arrived someone immediately caught her attention. One Poppy Min-Sinclair, dressed to the nines, she was definitely Rosie's type. Not really expecting anything Rosie struts towards her, in hopes of beginning a conversation.

At first Poppy seemed uninterested, scoffing and she felt a presence near her. She didn't really want to deal with anyone considering they're usually just random guys who wanted to hook up in the bathrooms or worse they're drunk as fuck trying to flirt with her. However, imagine her surprise when she looks at the person that dared to sit by her. Poppy would be lying if she said that the girl in front of her wasn't her type. She seemed sweet, and had a gentle smile. It was also a bonus that the girl seemed to know how to dress herself.

When their eyes met, there was this lightning spark that just fit into place, the two had chemistry. It was undeniable, the two just knew how to push and pull. The banter was there, so was the attraction.

Poppy wasn't shy about showing her attraction, obviously checking Rosie out, which earns her a low chuckle from the other girl. "At least buy me dinner first before you undress me with you eyes?" said Rosie with mirth dancing around her eyes, whilst Poppy just laughs, soft and languidly slow. At which point Rosie knew she was screwed, the blonde in front of her looked like she just walked out of the runway, and her laugh was definitely something Rosie wanted to hear more of.

She's pulled out of her epiphany once Poppy speaks, voice sultry and pulling Rosie in like a siren. "My name is Poppy Min-Sinclair, and I do what I want sweetheart." The confidence she exudes is shown in her voices. It's addicting the way the blonde presents herself, every move calculated and poised. Every word that leaves her lips is deliberate and elegant in her own unique way. If she was in her right mind, Rosie would've been terrified by how enraptured she was by this girl in front of her.

Rosie wasn't one to back down from a challenge therefore she decides to tease the girl in front of her. "Is your name supposed to be important? I've never heard of it. Anyways, since you've introduced yourself so nicely, my name's Rosie." Poppy just raises an eyebrow at her semi-surprised that the other girl hasn't heard of her. "Sorry babe, the whole world doesn't revolve around you." said Rosie with a cheeky smile and wink and before Poppy can retort Rosie finishes off by saying "but it definitely should revolve around you, I mean look at you, you're mesmerising."

If it were any other person, Poppy would have definitely rolled her eyes and walked away, but Rosie seemed to mean it. The other girl definitely looked like she wore her heart on her sleeve, and it was just so damn endearing that Poppy, against her usual M.O., she decides to stay and talk to the other girl. 'She looks cute enough, but if she's gonna be annoying then I'll just ditch her later.' thought Poppy.

Both women were intrigued by each other, and one thing led to another. Before they knew it they were together in a hotel room. Neither of them cared about who made the move first, all they knew was that they had to have each other one way or the other.

Despite her pent up desire and lust, Poppy still cared about her reputation, after all even if she was on break it didn't mean she can be careless, plus she didn't exactly want to expose Rosie to Belvoire's dirty laundry, the girl seemed nice enough and Poppy wasn't about to mess with this girl. Sure she's a fucking bitch but that doesn't mean she wants people to suffer because of her unless they've wronged her or any of her friends in some way. She's petty but she's not that petty.

God knows Belvoire is a shithole.

They're definitely closer than what should be conceived as acceptable, considering Rosie is literally one step away from kissing Poppy. Not like either of then cared considering they were too focused on each other to pay attention to their surroundings. It's only when the bartender coughs that the two pull away from each other as if taken out of their seemingly lulled state.

Rosie's about to say goodbye, considering the blonde seems like she's torn between leaving or staying, but she's caught by surprise when Poppy yanks her arm back. "Where do you think you're going, little lamb? I didn't say I was done with you yet." The way it was said was enough to make Rosie shiver. The way the Min-Sinclair heiress said it so confidently, it didn't help that she looked to be the epitome of lust and desire at that moment, but from then on Rosie knew she was fucked, both literally and figuratively.

Before she knew it she was pulled into a car headed to the nearest luxury hotel, which just so happens to be a presidential suite at The Ritz. Rosie didn't show but she was shocked. She knew the girl was rich, I mean come on her clothes are fresh off the runway and the blonde exuded power and wealth. But this was like a bucket of ice water being dropped on Rosie's head, this was definitely something she wasn't expecting.

NSFW AHEAD

She's taken aback by the inside of the hotel suite, she expected it to be fancy, but nothing could prepare her for the plush king sized bed, as well as the overall layout of the room. It looks like something straight out of an IKEA magazine, Rosie can't help but think.

"Well, are you just going to stand there or are we actually going to fuck?" says Poppy. Rosie is taken aback from how bluntly Poppy put it. Speaking of which, the blonde girl is already half way through removing her clothes. She couldn't help the gasp that escapes her as she gawks at Poppy and the way her body looks so perfect, unblemished milky white skin that looks so soft, all Rosie could think of is leaving marks in her wake. She licks her lips in anticipation as Poppy gives her the come hither gesture, and Rosie is immediately lured in, like a moth drawn to a flame.

Her hands immediately raise up, helping Poppy out of her clothes, until all that remains is Poppy's underwear. Her eyes scan Poppy's body and out of the corner of her eye she can see Poppy's satisfied smile. Rosie is pulled in, her body pulled in flush against Poppy. Her eyes dart over to Poppy's lips as she leans in to kiss Poppy. A hand covers her mouth as she hears "Not yet Hughes, it's unfair if I'm the only one in my underwear."

Rosie's ears are definitely bright red at this point and she's pretty sure that her whole body is flushed, but she gives Poppy a show as she takes each article of clothing slowly, piece by piece as if testing Poppy's already short patience. As she takes her blouse off, Poppy's staring at her so intensely she can feel her legs wobble. The look conveying an unspoken promise. It's enough to make her a little self conscious, but her confidence is regained as soon as she sees how flushed Poppy is. It also helped that she saw Poppy gulp, looking at her like she's the only thing in the world. "See something you like, Min-Sinclair?" she can't help but tease and the blonde rolls her eyes.

"You were doing so well until you started speaking. Just get your ass over here. I'm not used to waiting for things I want." said Poppy. Rosie struts over to Poppy.

She's immediately back at Poppy's side, the Min-Sinclair heiress looking her up and down which makes Rosie nervous as the way Poppy stares is intense. Her doubts are quickly quelled as she's soon tugged harshly the collar. Poppy pulls her in roughly for a kiss, as their tongues dance and weave against each other, battling for dominance. They both step forwards towards the bed, and the noises that come out of Poppy is irresistible and music to her ears. She sounds incredible and Rosie can't get enough and with a flick of her tongue Poppy is putty in her hands.

They both fall towards the bed, Poppy ending up under Rosie. They pull away quickly to catch their breath, and Poppy's eyes are blown so much so, her pupils are dilated like a cat ready to catch its prey. Her lips parted and bruised, taking in oxygen as if all of her breath has been taken away. If Rosie thought she was in charge, she's got another thing coming. Their position is switched, as Poppy expertly flips them over, landing her on top of the other girl. Rosie ending up with her back against the bed as Poppy straddles her. "You're a good kisser, Hughes." she says and Rosie smiles mischievously "I try." she replies.

Poppy's quick to kiss Rosie again, as if she's her only lifeline teetering her to the world. Every kiss shared feels like sparks flying, the intensity and passion leaving them both breathless. It's not like Rosie's gonna give in and let Poppy top her, she quickly pull Poppy by the waist, bodies completely flushed against each other before rolling over so that their position is once again switched. This time Rosie comes out on top.

Before the other girl can complain, Rosie's quick to shut her up but trailing kisses from lips to her neck. Poppy smells like fresh cherries and vanilla, which for some reason is very fitting. After all cherries are sweet but the fruit itself can be dangerous, however there's a hint of danger. After all cherries do have cyanide in the seed. The whimpers and moans that come from Poppy's mouth are sensual and spurs Rosie on even more. She can't get enough of the blonde.

She can feel Poppy's nails taking across her back, and she's sure that those are definitely going to leave marks, not like she minds considering she's too far gone from the sound of Poppy's moans and whimpers.

Rosie looks at Poppy and she can't help but admire how beautiful Poppy looks under her, eyes half lidded and chest heaving. "You look better when you're quiet, Princess." said Rosie, but instead of reporting Poppy just pulls her back in and their lips are clashing against except this time its rough. Poppy pulling and tugging at her hair, while leaving small nibbles on her lips. Rosie knows that her lips are going to be all sorts of red and bruised the next morning.

Rosie's hand finds their way to the waistband of Poppy underwear, and she can feel the wet patch. She slides her hand inside and moves her fingers to find Poppy's clit, where she rubs small circles, and she feels the blonde jolt from the sudden contact and Rosie is about to apologise until she hears Poppy's breathy moans. "I swear to god, if you stop I'm going to fucking kill you." whimpered Poppy.

Rosie just smiles against Poppy's skin as she continues teasing Poppy until the other girl is a panting and whimpering mess. "I need your fingers inside me Hughes, stop fucking around and actually start fucking me." It's said so desperately Rosie finally grants the blonde her wish and starts pumping her fingers in and out until the blonde cums, back arched away from bed and a loud and filthy moan is all the can be heard. Rosie helps the other ride out her orgasm by cooing gentle words and leaving kisses that are definitely going to leave marks on the Poppy's unblemished skin.

-NSFW END-

-FLASHBACK END-

The casuak hook up turns into dates and outings, and both of them start to catch feelings for each other. As much as it surprises Poppy she genuinely enjoys the time that she spends with Rosie. The other girl always making sure to make Poppy smile. It doesn't help that Rosie had this weird way of knowing when Poppy was upset or stressed in which she'd always do something to help the blonde feel better. Rosie's become a constant, a home away from home in a sort. Always there even on Poppy's worse days, not giving in even when Poppy's relentlessly cruel and bitchy. If she weren't so fucking smitten Poppy would have thought that Rosie was a Saint considering how patient she is. However, she refuses to confess her feelings to the other girl first, after all she's a Min-Sinclair and they don't confess ever. People confess to her.

They're both stubborn, therefore they both refuse to even acknowledge their budding feelings for the other. Though there have been too many times where Poppy has gotten jealous when people stare too much at Rosie, though it's reserved and usually subtle. Poppy quietly stakes her claim by always having some sort of physical contact with Rosie. It could be something as simple as a hand on Rosie's forearm or wrist. But the real warning comes from her passive aggressiveness when others get too close to Rosie or the glares that are given if anyone is dumb enough to try and flirt with the other girl.

It's not like Rosie is any better. Whilst Poppy is subtle with her jealousy, Rosie is not. She's always quick hold Poppy's hand as if to signify that the blonde is hers and it's even worse if anyone ignores that. She becomes more physically affectionate. She hugs Poppy as if her life depends on it. There's also been a few times where if Rosie's patience was tested she'd get really jealous and the next time they're intimate she always leaves marks where no one but her or Poppy knows. It's also when she becomes quite dominant in the bedroom and it genuinely entertains Poppy so much so it's become her second favourite past time. The first definitely being their intimate moments.

It gets to the point where both of then get so frustrated they confess how they feel that the same time, which becomes one of their inside jokes considering they both felt like idiots for not confessing their feelings sooner.

However, it's not like summer lasts forever and both of them end up breaking it off, since Poppy actually likes Rosie and she refuses to put her through the shit that goes on in Belvoire. "It was fun while it lasted, Hughes, but I'm sorry. I have to go back and I'm not sure I'll ever see you again." said Poppy, voice cold as ice as if the whole thing didn't matter. Poppy would be lying if she said that it meant nothing, considering she's never been happier. The other girl definitely had a special place in her heart but as they say if you really live someone you have to let them go. She might be cruel but she's not about to fuck Rosie's life up by involving her in the stupidity of Belvoire, she deserves better. Maybe after unibersity she can find Rosie and they can try again.

Rosie's quite sure that she's never going to find anyone that makes her feel the way Poppy does, but she's not one to make things more complicated. "I'm glad I met you Poppy Min-Sinclair, it's been fun while it lasted. Maybe someday we can meet each other again."

Imagine her surprise when it turns out that Poppy attends Belvoire, both of them shocked to see each other again. The only difference being that Poppy seems much colder than the one she met before. Her eyes didn't have that shine or hint of mischief. It looked too detached. "What are you staring at?" said one of the girls following Poppy. Her eyes widened in surprise as the person her roommate Zoey warned her about was Poppy. She's barely acknowledged by Poppy as she just walks away without a word.

Things start to get more complicated as both of them are put against each other, as they compete for the top spot. It's not like Rosie really cared about the fucking thing, in all honesty she didn't even want to compete with Poppy but it's not like she had a choice considering no one cared that she didn't want to compete with Poppy. It gets to the point Rosie avoids Poppy altogether, not really wanting the unsolicited drama with the other girl.

It becomes even worse when rumours start that th reason why the two girls avoided each other like the plague was because Carter was cheating on Poppy with Rosie, and this gets blown out of proportion during the football game in which the screen shows a poorly photoshopped photo of Rosie and Carter kissing.

The way Poppy looked at Rosie broke her heart. Poppy looked tired and upset. She looked like she was betrayed and worse of all the look was directed at her. It's made even worse when Poppy wordlessly looks away, tears on her eyes as she runs to get away from the stadium.

Things change when Rosie chases after Poppy. It's the first time she sees Poppy cry, and it breaks her heart because how can she be so foolish. This was the person she fell for, and it sucked because she was the reason why Poppy was upset.

She approaches Poppy carefully, and as soon as she's noticed. Poppy's eyes narrow into a glare. "What do you want Hughes? Haven't you done enough already?" she yells, her voice full of venom. The words sting, but Rosie marches on, as she apologises. "I know I'm the last person you want to see, but I wanted to say I'm sorry. You didn't deserve all of that." She reaches out to try and comfort Poppy but she stops as remembers that she's the reason Poppy was crying in the first place. They both stand there in a tense silence, both not wanting to speak until they both say something at the same time. "Why didn't you tell me that you go to Belvoire?" they both say in sync.

Rosie lets Poppy speak first. "If you said that you were going to be attending Belvoire, maybe things would have been different." she says and this catches Rosie's attention. "Different how?" she asks and Poppy looks at her eyes softening as she says "I would have admitted that I was falling for you."

That's how they got back together.

[iwillsearchtheuniverse4u]

See You In My Dreams, Stranger

Sik-k smut | khh smut

Warnings: SMUT! ORAL! (f and m receiving) PUBLIC? (not really tho)

Preview: Meeting a stranger on my night walk down the river turns out to be one of the best nights of my life.

It was one of those restless nights that I’ve been dreading ever since I started attending university. I couldn’t sleep, the thought of not knowing where my life is headed keeping me awake every single night. I couldn’t concentrate, I couldn’t brush my teeth or remember to drink water, I just felt like existence was so utterly useless when all my dreams have been swept under a rug somewhere because I was too afraid to act upon them. I’d been dreaming of becoming a translator but all the odds of the world were against me so I chose some apparently more ‘useful’ business degree that I hated with all that I had in me. Because of my perfectionism I had been attending all of my online classes and excelling at them but I felt empty, I felt like I had been contributing to everything I hated the most in this society. At the same time I was just too afraid to change my major because I felt like I had to do something impressive to the outside world, something that would make people respect me.

Just another night of endless tossing and turning, tears streaming down my face, wondering if life does ever get better than this. I couldn’t take it anymore. I got up, took a few steps towards the light switch in the corner of my one room apartment and pressed it. The cheap yellow light bulb lit up the room. The floor next to my mattress was covered in books I was trying to study from and my notes covered in smudged ink. I had a bad habit of crying while studying, sleeping, listening to music and showering, every activity that demanded me to be alone in my little space that had never really felt like home at all. Not much else was in that room apart from a small refrigerator, a microwave oven, my mattress, a closet and a wooden bookshelf. I also had a tiny bathroom that always smelled a bit moldy if I forgot to spray the air freshener three times a day.

I decided to go for a walk along the river as it became clear I wasn’t getting a second of sleep in that night. I hastily put on my black leggings and a hoodie with my high school’s logo on it. I desperately needed to get away from my own thoughts so I grabbed my phone and my earphones that were tied into little knots as always. I couldn’t afford the wireless ones because my scholarship was kept safe in my bank account where I was saving every last cent just in case I decided to drop out and go move to...run away to a foreign country where my name sounds like a whisper of the distant wind. As I was locking my door I heard one of the neighbors flush their toilets. Most of them were students like me or people living on part-time jobs, I never really met any of them, they were just familiar faces I would probably forget in a year after moving out.

The streets were quiet, only the sounds of air conditioners and an occasional motorbike or a car passing by me. I checked my phone to see the time, the picture of my favourite singer’s face lighting up my screen: 3.30am. Of course other parts of the city were probably very much alive at this time of the night but my area was populated only by grocery stores, cafes and libraries, not a single club in sight. The only lights I could see where streetlights and some LED signs. I headed towards the river trying to untie my headphones. I put them in my ears and decided to lose myself in the beats of one of those hyped-up rap songs. I put the volume up just so it was a bit uncomfortable and let my ears adjust to the blasting music.

I finally reached the riverside and started walking along the flow of the water. I couldn’t hear it but it still resonated with my mind better than the rustling sound of the city. There was a road along the river that ended somewhere within the green forest because the are was populated with some important bird species that I could never remember the name of. I sat on the bench at the beginning of that forest, my mind still dissolved in the loud beats coming out of my earphones. Even though my ears were covered with a thick layer of my long brown hair I was sure the music could be heard by anyone standing within a 1 meter ratio. I didn't mind, it was 4 am, people were either asleep or sloppily making out in a club somewhere far away. Thinking about the things I was missing out on started to become louder than the music and I let my tears fall. I was overworked, overwhelmed and empty, I couldn't keep it in. Not that I ever tried. I had never been good at hiding my emotions.

Looking at the night view of the city on the other side reflecting on the surface of the river, getting lost in my thoughts, I felt the bench move ever so slightly under my body. I looked to the side and almost fainted at the sight of a dark shadow sitting beside me. My heart started beating and I stood up to leave in case it was a stranger trying to talk to me in the middle of the night. As I took my first step away from the bench the person lightly touched the fabric of my sleeve. I looked back at him. I was certain it was a man judging by his broad shoulders and a black cap on his head. I removed my headphones, my heart still beating as if I had been running for the last 3 hours. "Excuse me. I wasn't trying to bother you or anything. I just like to look at the city at night when my head gets all crowded and I can't think straight. Don't go just because of me." His voice was deep and raspy but had an elegant tone to it, it felt  calm but distant as if he had been lost in thought. He was looking at me and the lights of the city were playfully jumping around in his eyes but his expression was the complete opposite. He seemed broken. I couldn’t let myself leave him, partly because he seemed significantly depressed and partly because he was astonishingly beautiful. My feet were unable to move, I stood there for a moment contemplating my options but my gut feeling sat me down next to him.

As we were sitting, each on one side of the bench, looking at the sparkly surface of the river my heart calmed down and minutes passed, none of us speaking, just the sound of the river mixed with my music flowing through the night air. "You were crying." He stated with a regretful tone, almost whispering. My cheeks flushed with warmth, I looked at his profile, him still staring at the waves. "I just thought I was alo-" "Don't. Feelings aren't something to be ashamed of. They're just as much a part of you as your legs and arms are. If people feel burdened it's usually their problem because they've never been faced by their own emotions. They just don't know how to act and feel uncomfortable." He talked slowly and didn't bother looking at me. It felt like his words were directed at the universe or at himself just at the general direction he was speaking, he looked so lost. I didn't notice I was staring until he looked at my eyes and smiled. It was one of those crooked smiles, filled with a certain type of worry I couldn't identify. "You can tell me why you were crying. I probably won't remember tomorrow anyway. I can lend you my ears for tonight, maybe I'll forget all about my own problems." His gaze moved back to the view as he sat back and crossed his arms on his chest. At that moment I felt like telling him every little thing about my life. It had been so long since I had anyone who would just listen without the constant urge to solve my problems but just LISTEN. I stopped myself. "I won't let you get off the hook that easy. I have a feeling that you're the one not facing your own problems. Why don't you lean on someone for a change?" I said, determined to make him speak. He looked at me from the side and his head slowly followed his gaze, his eyebrows furrowing just so much I could notice. The anticipation of hearing his raspy voice that felt so familiar and kind made me turn off my music. This man that sat next to me just a moment ago suddenly awakened my curiosity. It took a while for him to speak as we were maintaining a really intense eye contact for what felt as hours. I was able to inspect every milimeter of his dark cat-like eyes. "You're good at reading people, I'll give you that." He smiled and turned back to face the view. "I'm just under a lot of pressure. People expect a lot from me, that's all...and sometimes it can get really frustrating when I can't really reach those expectations. Sometimes it feels like there are so many people doing my thing better than me, it scares me." He put his hands in the pockets of his black sweater still staring at something in the distance. I wasn't sure what to say but he also didn't expect me to say anything. He needed someone to listen and I was there to supply. I asked: "And what would your 'thing' be exactly?" in an effort to get to know more about this mysterious creature in front of me. "Music. I make music for a living." His eyes now focused on his shoes while he bit his lips in an effort not to smile. I finally realized why his voice sounded so familiar, it was freaking Kwon Minsik, Sik-k, Korea's best rapper, sitting next to me staring at the Han river. My hand automatically covered my mouth as I inhaled. I was trying to calm myself down. He probably heard my playlist which was full of his songs and it made me feel so embarrassed, my cheeks flushing with heat again. He tried really hard to hide his cocky smile as he turned his face away from me, looking into the woods on the other side. After a few minutes he asked: "So now are you going to tell me why you were crying?" He was facing me, looking at my eyes attentively like a little boy waiting for instructions from his teacher. I was still to shy to maintain eye contact so I looked at my hands on my lap. I told him my story about how lost and useless I felt in life. I told him about feeling lonely and scared about my future. I told him everything.

Before I knew it tears started to emerge from my eyes again and I tried really hard not to look at Minsik who was still facing me, one of his arms resting on the back of the bench. I cracked. I cracked in front of a man I respected the most. It was embarrassing but also liberating, I was done trying to impress the world. I dropped my head, defeated. Next thing I felt was his warm hand on my cheek, gently wiping the trail of my tears. I froze for a bit, my eyes widening at the sudden proximity of his body. I didn't even notice him getting closer before he put his hand on my face. He was sitting right next to me, the sides of our thighs touching ever so slightly. I could hear my heart rate getting faster and louder. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t control it. I looked at him and he removed his hand, still looking at me with his furrowed eyebrows, a concerned expression drawing on his face. "I'm sorry. You probably think I'm just being childish, crying at something as trivial as my major." I said with a shaky voice. "Don't ever say sorry for your feelings ever again, you hear me? And besides, I don't think it's stupid, I think it's just very important to you. You want to set goals for yourself but you're too afraid that you're not going to reach them so you just let them go. I would obviously tell you to go for what feels right and figure it out but that won't make you feel secure and I bet a lot of other people in your life told you this before." He replied with his deep raspy voice that I loved so much. He was so close. I could feel every breath on the surface of my cheek, his left arm was lying behind me on the back of the bench, it was almost like a hug. I couldn’t think straight anymore, my thoughts were intertwined with the smell of his cologne and the heat of his body so close to mine. He didn't feel like a stranger, he felt like someone who'd known me for years. I buried my face into my hands so I wouldn't make any thoughtless mistakes. Suddenly, he moved away from me, I couldn’t feel the proximity of his body anymore, the cold night air embracing my whole being. I peeked up from my palms. He was still looking at me with concern in his eyes, saying: "Sorry, I probably got too close for comfort, I'm not used to this kind of emotional thing, you know?" I felt a desperate need for physical touch, maybe it was the cold air, the anxiety or his perfect stature or maybe it was a mix of both but I straightened my back and looked directly into his eyes. It was so unlike me to be this bold but my body automatically moved closer to his.

He didn't move even when my face was only ten centimeters away from his. His expression changed, his forehead relaxing, his eyelids closing halfway when I suddenly felt his hand on my thigh. He grabbed onto it like he was holding on for his dear life and it made me want him more. I stopped, looking down at his lips when he pulled himself closer. His smooth lips crashing into mine made me lean back but he was only getting closer until he pinned me to the wooden bench beneath us. It was a passionate kiss, his hands didn't limit themselves to my thighs but discovered the hot surface of my skin under my hoodie. I felt a certain kind of euphoria, the kind you only get to experience when you do something completely out of character for you but turns out to be the best thing you could have possibly done.

As our kiss was getting more heated and his hands were groping my breasts for a couple of minutes the heat between my legs was getting unbearable. I could feel one of his hands roam down to my thigh and up to my ass where he got the grip to grind against me. Our lips and tounges still inseparable, I played along and grinded my heat against his growing buldge until I heard his raspy growls which sent shivers down my spine. As our tempo aligned we started breathing heavily and his lips left mine but relocated to my neck, definitely leaving more than just the incredibly pleasing pain. There was only a couple of pieces of clothing seperating us but the longing was excruciating. I started tugging on the collar of his black hoodie, trying to stop him as his lips attacked my collarbone. "Stop...I can'...I can't take it." I said with a soft voice in between my moans. His hips stopped moving immediately and he pushed himself above me so we were looking face to face, his body still on top of me. The loss of friction left me feeling needy. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to be this fast, I just thought-" I got up and laid a small kiss on his lips mid-sentence. "Come to my place." I whispered in his ear. I hadn't gotten to know this part of me before but that night felt different. Maybe it was the stream of emotions I had just shared with this stranger on top of me or the tone of his voice or the feeling of the cold night breeze but I didn't want to spend this morning alone.

When we finally arrived at my door he was standing so close to me I almost held my breath trying to get myself to collect my thoughts. I swear I could hear his heartbeat like it was my own, his lips suddenly tracing the curve of my neck as I was trying to insert the right passcode. I couldn’t even focus in my own hands as his were holding me around the waist so it took me a few moments to find the right digits. When the holy sound of the door lock unlocking echoed in the hallway he already pressed the knob in a hurry and pushed me inside. Because my one room apartment was so small it only took our intertwined bodies a solid 30 seconds to hit the mattress. He was planting sloppy kisses down my collar bone as I was tugging at his hoodie, trying to set him free of it. He stopped for a moment only to get up and remove it. The moonlight from outside my small window caressing his elegant body, lighting him up from the back like he was some beastly creature of the night taking advantage of my sadness. I couldn’t move, he was sitting on top of me, his face was covered in darkness but I knew he was watching me. "Do you have any idea how freaking beautiful you look in this light?" His raspy whisper made me quiver. I smiled and looked away while my body was hungry for his touch. I wasn't ready to show it.

He slowly got up with his hands trailing the shape of my thighs until he was holding me behind the knees, still looking at me. I felt his hands pull my leggings of as if it was the easiest thing in the whole entire world. He then proceeded to playfully pull at my panties, rubbed my knot and lowered his face to blow at my growing heat, my legs almost immediately trying to close at the sudden pleasure. He held them open while licking my folds twice, trying to see my reaction. I couldn’t hold in my moans and my spine curved in-synch with my breathing. It was something I haven't felt in forever, not like this, not this strong. I grabbed onto his hair and he seemed to read the ques as he got rid of the piece of fabric. His tounge was doing circles around my clit making me see fireworks and probably tugging at his hair with both hands so much that his scalp was in pain. He got me shaking in a matter of minutes and it was the best high I've ever experienced, sending all kinds of shivers down my skin, leaving me panting. He was far from done though.

"You taste so good, baby girl," he said unknowing of the affect it had on me. I got up to unzip his pants (which he more than willingly helped me with). I traced my fingers down his perfect abs to the hem of his boxers and lower, tracing his hard member while inspecting his face. As soon as I grabbed it through the fabric with my whole hand his eyelids shut closed and his head fell back in pleasure. I pulled him to the mattress and got on top of him trying to grind at his boxers, making them soaking wet. Then I got up to remove the rest of his clothing. I proceeded to trace my tounge along his shaft and sucking on his member, enjoying his growls. His hands were grabbing the sheets and the veins on his forearms and neck were starting to protrude. Every now and then a soft "fuck~" escaped his mouth, motivating me to keep going. Then he suddenly stopped me, saying: "I need to come inside of you, grab my wallet." Instead, I got up to open one of my drawers where I was saving a pack of condoms, praying they would fit him. I handed one to him and he was so quick about it, it got me thinking just how many girls he gets to play around with like this every night. The thought escaped my mind when he stood up to hold me around the waist, slowly pulling me back to bed with him. He undressed me, pulling my hoodie over my head only to discover I wasn't wearing a bra underneath. His dark eyes glowed with passion as he greabbed one of my nipples, tugging at it while kissing me sloppily. He threw me on the mattress and got on top of me. My body was heated up completely, I couldn’t even feel the night breeze coming from the opened window. He licked my sensitive nipples a few more times before aligning himself with my entrance and pushing inside of me. The fireworks from before were nothing compared to the utter pleasure I felt at that exact moment, Sik-k filling me up perfectly. My head fell back in moans and my back curved up again. I could have sworn I saw stars playing in the darkness of my eyelids. All I heard him say was: "Fuck..." He took his time waiting for me to adjust and started to quicken his pace while adjusting the angle. One of his hands was stroking my stomach and the other was holding onto my ass. I tried to mimic his movements, increasing the fraction of our bodies. The moans escaping our mouths felt so unholy they made it even more passionate. "I'm going to- I'm close!" I squealed throught the moans which made him go even harder and faster. My whole body tensed up and I grabbed onto the bedsheets pulling them off. His dick was starting to twitch inside of me, hitting all the right spots and I knew he was trying his best to make me come first which was a rare experience. I opened my eyes seeing him focused on me with his furrowed eyebrows, sweat dripping down the side of his jawline. My body was caught up in a wave of shivers, the walls of my pussy tightening so much it got him shaking as well. We were both just trying to ride out our highs with the last strenght we had. It was sweaty and suffocating but liberating at the same time, all of our thoughts disappearing for these unthinkable moments of pleasure. His hot body collapsed on top of me, both of us trying to catch our breaths again. "This was amazing." I told him in between breaths. He rolled over me to remove the condom and, to my surprise, came right back to lie beside me, his arms hugging me from behind. He kissed my neck and whispered in my ear: "See you in my dreams, stranger."

[wolfloke]

Rp Ideas

(Barista Aus)

[Character A] is a barista at a coffee shop. [Character B] comes in every day and orders the same thing, at the same time, always. One day, [B] doesn't show up.

[Character A] is all ready to pay for their coffee, when they realize they've lost their wallet. [Character B], the customer in back of them, offers to pay for them.

[Character A] and [Character B] are baristas who work the morning shift. Something more than friendship blossoms between them (Can already be pre-established or can happen over time), however, things change when [A] is moved to the night shift, and [B] stays in the morning shift.

[Character A] is tired of customers' shit. When one especially rude consumer decides to mouth them off, [A] does the logical thing, and spits right in their mocha whipped caramel latte. It isn't until they're handing the coffees out that they realize the rude customer hadn't ordered the latte. [Character B] did.

[Character A] is the new barista at a local coffee shop. [Character B] doesn't quite like them. When the two get into a fight and the hot milk machine explodes, the manager threatens to fire the both of them unless they can work it out. How do they go about becoming friends?

[Character A] is a barista working the late shift alone. It's a slow night, and the store is entirely empty, so they decide to close up shop and lock the doors. However, as they're in the back of the shop counting stock, they hear glass shatter in the front, and they know it's not just a coffee crazed customer. [Character B] can be anyone; The burglar, an employee who forgot their things and decided to head back but witnessed the burglary, or a concerned passerby who spotted the break in happening.

(Zombie AUs)

[Character A] is holed up in a locked down, abandoned mall. Somehow, [Character B] gets in. How do the two react once they realize they're not alone?

[Character A] is stuck on a rooftop. [Character B], who's stuck on the rooftop across from them, has been trying to make contact with the other survivor, to no avail.

[Character A to Character B] "Gimme all your shit. The food, the water, the weapons. Everything. Now!"

[Character A] is all out of ammo. There's a horde on their tail, they're injured, and it's not likely they're going to make it out alive. And that's when they see [Character B] beckoning them to a hiding spot just a few steps away.

[Character A] and [Character B] are traveling together. Then, one of them gets bit. How does the other react?

[Character A] is dying. [Character B] is keeping them company. How do they interact with eachother?

(Highschool AU)

[Character A] is new to a prestigious boarding school. They're lost in the hallways. Then they happen to bump into [Character B].

[Character A] manages to piss off [Character B], aka, the scariest kid in school.

(Three People RP) [Character A] is happily dating [Character B]. However, [Character C] is secretly in love with [A/B], and desperately wants them to break up.

[Character A], a high school student, is dating [Character B], a college student.

[Character A] and [Character B] are by no means friends. Then they get grouped together for a project that forces them to spend time at each others' houses. Do they become friends, something more?

[Character A] is hiding a secret. [Character B] just happens to find out.

[Character A] is the new kid in school. If the rumors are any indication, they're a bit of a weirdo. [Character B] refuses to believe them, and decides to get to know [A] for themself.

[Character A to Character B] "Yikes, I saw that fall a mile away. Looks like you dropped a lot of stuff. Want some help?"

[Character A to Character B] "Are you...Are you drawing me?"

[Character A to Character B] "Lunch in the classroom again? Mind if join you?"

(Celebrity AUs)

[Character A to Character B] "Holy shit! I've seen you before! You're...!"

[Character A] is the top model at a fashion agency. That all changes when [Character B] is scouted, and practically rips the spotlight from [A]. How does [A] respond to this? How does [B] feel about it?

It's not everyday you bump into a celebrity...Except it is for [Character A], who suspiciously keeps bumping into the famous [Character B] everyday. Coincidence, or something more?

[Character A] is a movie star visiting their hometown. However, they realize that time in Hollywood has made them forget the town. So, they appoint [Character B] as their tour guide.

[Character A to Character B] "Don't you know who I am?"

[Character A] is a famous movie actor playing the lead in a romance film. [Character B] is the clumsy rookie that somehow got the second lead. How will the two get along, especially when [Character B] can't seem to remember their lines?

[Character A] is a photographer in a park struggling to find their muse. When [Character B] happens to stroll by, they realize they've just found it.

[Character A] scores backstage tickets to a rock concert, which just so happens to be their favorite band, like...Ever. [Character B] is the lead vocalist/guitarist/whatever of the band.

[Character A], a lovestruck rookie actor. [Character B], an experienced, well known actor who's been starred as the main lead in multiple romance movies. Somehow, [A] ends up being the second lead to [B]! How does [B] react to [A]'s inexperience? Will they get along? And how will they go about about the kiss scene that occurs later on in the movie?

[Character A] is walking home one night, when they see [Character B] attempting to jump from a bridge! Dashing into action, they talk them out of it, only to find that [B] is a famous celebrity, who, for some reason or another, feels indebted to [A] forever now.

(Supernatural AUs)

[Character A] is a werewolf struggling to control their transformations. [Character B], a lycan nerd, offers to help them, but only if they can document the process.

The city is plagued by a number of mysterious killings that leave their victims drained of any and all blood. While believed to be animal attacks at first, [Character A], a detective, thinks differently. And when [Character B] is caught on CCTV grabbing a helpless woman and tearing out her jugular, well, that just confirms [A]'s suspicions.

(Multiple people rp) Ever since the dark ages, witches have been forced into hiding, lest they be revealed and punished with a fiery death. For centuries, they've breeded amongst covens, creating generation after generation of children with extraordinary abilities. Each child only has one ability when they begin the harnessing of their internal power. But, of each generation, there is one child, and only one, that shows signs of having multiple abilities. Over time, these special children became known as The Supreme Witch, and had to complete grueling and painful challenges in order to prove their powers. Now in the modern age of technology, there is a special school for the last remaining witch millennials to come to terms with their abilities, learn to control them, and strengthen them. All witches are able to participate in the test to determine who is supreme, at their own risk. However, one question remains; Just who will survive the test and be crowned Supreme Witch?

[Character A]'s family moves into a new house. It doesn't take [A] very long to figure out they're being haunted by [B].

[Character A] thinks that their boyfriend/girlfriend, [Character B] is acting a little odd. They're always cold, pale, and they seem to be uncontrollably thirsty all the time.

[Character A] is a clumsy witch struggling to harness their internal energy. [Character B] is an older witch, who offers to teach them, on one condition.

[Character A], a sailor on the S.S Jolly Fellow, awakens from a nap below deck to find the boat anchored in the middle of the ocean and the crew gone. The only other person they can hear is [Character B], a mermaid/merman sitting on a nearby rock, singing a soft harmony.

[Character A] finds a fairy out in the woods and traps it in a jar. This fairy, [Character B], demands they be let go. And [A] agrees, but on one condition; [B] must grant them any wish they want.

[Character A] is bitten by a wild wolf one night in the woods. They hide it from their friends and family in fear of being scolded for being out when they weren't supposed to. But soon, weird things start happening. For instance, their hearing seems to be super good. Their eyesight is enhanced greatly. And they can smell every hamburger in a five mile radius. But along with the hamburgers, they can also smell certain people with "different" powers (Vampires, witches, other werewolves, etc). And their nose seems to be leading them right to [Character B].

[Character A], a fledgling vampire, attacks [Character B] and turns them. Now apart of their pack, [Character B] must now be mentored by the very person that turned them into a bloodthirsty monster, [A].

[Character A] is a professional hunter hot on the trail of [Character B], a monster.

[Character A], a mermaid held in captivity. [Character B], a worker assigned to their tank. How do the two come to trust each other? What happens then?

(Darker AUs)

[Character A] wakes up in a dark room with a chain around their ankle. They can't remember anything from last night, except maybe.. A blurry image of [Character B]'s face.

[Character A] knows not to talk to strangers, but there's something so endearing about [Character B] that they can't help but to chit chat. Little does [A] know, they'll be regretting it very soon.

[Character A] has had [Character B] chained up in their basement for a while now. At first, they'd just meant to kill [B] and be done with it. But for some reason, [A] can't bring themselves to do it. Why? What will they do in the end?

[Character A] wakes up covered in blood, next to a sleeping [Character B]. What happened? How did [A] end up there?

[Character A] is a twin to a royal family, their sibling being a princess/prince destined to marry into a richer kingdom. For years, [A] had dreaded their parting. It finally came in the form of [B], a sadistic tyrant who insists he marry the beauty that is [A]'s twin. Refusing to let their sibling fall into [B]'s hands, [A] dresses up as them, and takes their place instead, becoming [B]'s hand in marriage.

(War AUs)

[Character A] is a freshly drafted soldier. [Character B] is the bitter, apprehensive sergeant, tasked to whip [A] into shape.

[Character A] and [Character B] are soldiers on opposing fronts, who so happen to be severely injured, and who so happen to be hiding in the same house. Unfortunately,

Disclaimer. I don't own any part of the art nor do I own nor do I own the context of this of this post. I am reposting this so all who love to role play has access to it.

[sweetcherrypie1967]

Halloween Gala (pt 1)

Hermione Granger was not going to attend the annual Halloween Party the Ministry threw. At least, that's what she had thought. She wasn't the kind of person to enjoy party's much, she preferred to spend her time reading, working, or spending time with family or those in her circle of friends.

However, this was not what was going to happen.

Why was this? Because one of her best friends came over begging Hermione to go with her.

"Please 'Mione! Dad and Ron both work for the Ministry so we're all expected to go, I don't think I can be around Harry so soon..." Ginny Weasley explained.

"I don't know, Gin.." she said unsure of what to tell her.

Ginny and Harry had broken up a month and a half ago, they both decided they were better off as friends. However, Ginny has taken the breakup really hard and wasn't ready to be around Harry much. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione had become Auror's together, avoiding Harry Potter was not an easy task for the youngest Weasley.

It was easiest for her to be around Hermione. Firstly because they were both girls and Hermione could better understand what she's going through as she had gone through a breakup with Ron a year prior. Secondly because while Hermione was technically an Auror, she worked in the research part of the department while the boys were in all the action.

"Pleeeaaase Mione, we can just hangout the whole time if that's what you want! It's a masquerade so no one will know who we are," The redhead pleaded.

"It's not hard to figure it out, Gin. Plus that's what you said last time you dragged me to a party and you left me by the punch bowl," Hermione pointed out.

"Fine, you can bring a book then! And this year they're putting a charm on everyone at the door so you won't recognize them," Ginny urged. Hermione groaned and her friend smiled, she knew she won.

Now Hermione was standing awkwardly by the punch bowl in an overly fancy dress and uncomfortable masquerade mask. She cursed herself for letting Ginny get her into this because what she assumed to be Harry had come over and wanted to talk to her privately which is a good thing, however, that leaves Hermione all by herself. Ginny and Hermione instantly told each other who they were once the spell was cast on them, Hermione could piece together who Harry was.

When she saw a glimpse of Harry and Ginny through the crowd she knew it was going to take awhile for the Weasley to return as her face was as red as her hair in anger. So Hermione found a place to sit and began to read the book she brought, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

As she was finishing up the chapter she was on, an oddly familiar voice spoke.

"Good choice of book," they said.

"Uh thank you," Hermione said looking up to find a man standing there in an expensive suit and, though it was hard to tell with the dark lighting and mask he wore, blond hair. "You read muggle books?" She asked, while she loved reading them it was rare for her to find a witch or wizard who shared the same interest.

"I do actually," the voice said.

"Do you have a favorite?" She asked to which he thought for a moment.

"While I've read quite a few, the one you're reading would have to top them all," he told her, "any favorites of yours?"

"My favorite has to be Little Women, I do enjoy Pride and Prejudice though I find it difficult to see how Elizabeth could change her mind about Mr. Darcy so quickly," Hermione said.

At that the two, who believed each other to be strangers, chatted away about books wizarding and muggle alike. They debated their thoughts and preferences in each piece of literature brought out, finding they were quite comfortable sharing more and more about themselves, while making sure to keep their identity's secret.

After what felt like a few minute but what in fact much longer, Hermione noticed a change of song that happened to be a favorite of hers. She perked up and lightly swayed to the music, the man seemed to take notice.

"Might I have this dance?" He asked holding his hand out to help her up.

"You may," she said taking his hand and moving to the dance floor with him. "I think it'd be important to warn you that I'm not a very good dancer," Hermione said.

"Don't worry, I happen to be a terrific dancer," he said with a confident smile.

"We'll just see about that," she said smiling back.

"Indeed," he agreed.

The man really was a good dancer, Hermione didn't even step on his foot once throughout their time dancing. It felt natural with him, as if they were two parts of one whole. Their conversations took a deeper turn as they learned more personal things about each other, such as their upbringing or having gone to Hogwarts. This time it was quite difficult to keep who they are a secret, though they somehow managed. The hours flew by and they paid no mind to time and could stayed there dancing throughout the entire night.

But like all good things, it ended too soon.

A small shriek rang through the room, when Hermione looked up she found Ginny storming off away from whom she assumed was Harry, who looked helpless and ashamed. Hermione made a reluctant step towards her friend, the man didn't fail to notice.

"Friend of yours?" He asked.

"Yes actually. I'd better make sure she's alright, it's been wonderful meeting you," Hermione said with apologetic eyes before dashing across the room to the girl in question.

*****

Draco Malfoy stood by the punch hoping the woman he'd just met would return. He found himself charmed by her quick wit and character, not many witches or even wizards he's met have either. Draco watched her hurry off, as he got lost in thought about the last hour. He was interrupted from his thoughts by someone coming up next to him and began talking.

"This party is less lively then my Mum's fifth husband," Draco knew this was none other than his closest friend, Blaise Zabini, whom he brought with him to the party.

"Was he the one with or without the lisp?" Draco asked. Mrs. Zabini has had a long line of ex husbands, all having been "unexplainably" killed soon after marriage, so it was difficult for Draco to keep up with all of them.

"Without, he had more of a drawl," Blaise explained.

"Ah," Draco said without much interest, his mind wandering to who this mystery woman might be and noticed that she was no where in sight.

"What's eating you, Mate?" Blaise asked upon noticing his detached behavior.

"Nothing is "eating" me, Blaise, I'm just trying to figure something out," Draco said with a roll of the eyes. Before the Italian could retort, Draco perked up as his grey eyes found the girl once more. Blaise followed his gaze and a teasing smirk formed on his face.

"Trying to figure out the girl over there I presume?" Blaise said.

"I recognized her voice, I just can't put a finger on it," Draco complained, "stupid bloody spell."

Blaise laughed, "well all will be revealed soon, midnight is in half an hour."

"I suppose.." Draco agreed.

He would much rather have the satisfaction of figuring it out on his own but he knew his friend was right, at Midnight everyone's masks (magical and physical) will be taken off to reveal their true identity. The truth was, Draco was nervous to be around her when it was revealed who he was. While Lucius Malfoy was sent to Azkaban, his wife and son weren't punished except for the harsh treatment of the remaining Wizarding World. This was one reason why Draco had become an Auror, to help rebuild himself and his name.

"Hey," Blaise said putting a hand on his friend's shoulder, "don't let your fear get in the way, either go over there and sweep her off her feet or you can spend forever wondering what could've happened."

Draco gave him a weak smile, they've been friends their entire lives and Blaise knew Draco sometimes better than Draco knew himself. He was beyond grateful to have a friend like him.

"Thanks Mate," he said before Blaise walked off into the crowd.

As Draco was still getting the nerve, he saw his friend start talking to the mystery woman's friend before they made their way to the dance floor. This was Draco's chance. He walked over there to see her watching his friend dance around.

"Would you be up for another dance?" Draco asked slightly nervous.

The girl grinned when she saw who it was, "I'd love to."

And, they did.

This time, however, they didn't spend much time talking but rather laughing and enjoying the other's company. Draco spinner her in an attempt to dramatically end the dance, however this resulted in her laughing that contagious laugh.

The woman calmed herself and they now had both Grey and brown eyes locked on the other's, all humor forgotten. Draco hadn't even realized he was leaning towards her until she was doing the same. Their lips crashed together and nothing else mattered, they were the only things that existed in that moment.

Not even the loud timer buzzing and streamers being released to announce it was midnight.

Their masks were gone.

They didn't hear the other partygoer's reactions to what they were witnessing. The gasps of their friends and strangers alike.

At least, until they broke apart for air to find the change in appearance.

"Granger?"

"Malfoy?"

[i-am-very-very-tired]

The early days of a relationship are an exciting mix of texting sprees, fun dates, and the thrill of getting to know a new person. And while, for many couples, that can settle into a steady relationship that lasts for years, it's OK if you lose interest in your partner and decide to break up.

It might happen as the honeymoon period starts to fade and you realize you don't want to invest long-term. But it's also possible to lose interest in a partner at an unforeseeable time for an unforeseeable reason. And you know what's even weirder? It doesn't even necessarily mean you "fell out of love."

More like this 📷 18 Signs Your Friends Are Jealous Of You By Erica Florentine and JR Thorpe 📷 25 Conversation Starters On Bumble That Dating Experts Swear By By Carolyn Steber 📷 16 Signs You're Drifting Away From A Friend By Raven Ishak and JR Thorpe 📷 15 Non-Awkward Ways To Break The Ice On A First Date By Natalia Lusinski and Kristine Fellizar Redefine your day with the Bustle newsletter. Stay on the edge of the day's top stories guaranteed to inspire, inform, and entertain. From fashion to politics and everything in between, your Monday–Friday is upgraded. Submit

It's totally possible to love someone, but not no longer feel a spark. It's also possible to love someone, but come to the conclusion you aren't a good match. "Ultimately, it can feel really scary to leave a relationship that you've put time and energy into, and people often can use this as a reason to stay," Alyssa Arnol, LCSW, a psychotherapist with Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago, tells Bustle.

But if you relate to any of the 20 signs listed below, and no amount of effort changes the way you feel, you may decide it's best to move on.

1 You Don't Miss Them Think about how you feel when your partner is busy and can't hang out, or when they go when they go on a trip and are away for a week. Do you miss them? Or do you barely notice they're gone?It's really healthy to spend time apart. "But if you find that you no longer miss them, don't want to be around them, or don't wonder what they are doing [while]," Sterling Woods, LSW, a licensed social worker, tells Bustle, "this could be a sign that your interest has faded."

2 You Forget What They've Told You If you struggle to remember important conversations — or worse, important dates, like an anniversary — take it as a sign you've emotionally left the building, Deborah K. Krevalin, LPC, LMHC, a licensed professional counselor, tells Bustle. This is a change your partner will likely point out, probably once they've talked about it for a third time.

3 You View Them As A Friend If you start to think of your partner as a loving friend instead of someone you're attracted to, Dr. Jill Murray, a licensed psychotherapist and author, tells Bustle, it's likely a sign you've lost interest.For example, you might want to spend time together, but when you do there isn't a "spark" or anything flirty going on.Of course, not every relationship has to be hot and steamy. "Some couples are perfectly content with a companionship relationship in which they trust and respect the other," Murray says. But if your thoughts are going elsewhere, you may need to take a step back and figure out what's going on.

4 You Don't Get Excited While you can't expect to feel 24/7 butterflies, one of the top signs you've lost interest is if you don't feel the "turned on excitement" in your body when you're around them, Susan Golicic, PhD, a certified relationship coach, tells Bustle. "It may feel like you love them," she says, "but are no longer 'in love' with them."It might be a phase, or it might be the beginning of the end. After all, "it's difficult to make a committed relationship work when you don't desire someone," she says.

5 You Keep Forgetting To Text Back "Forgetting to respond to their texts and ignoring them in general is certainly a flashing neon sign," Susan Trombetti, a matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, tells Bustle. If you were interested, she says, you wouldn't be so lackadaisical about communication.

6 You Have No Desire To Argue If something goes wrong and you can't even be bothered to argue your point, chances are you've started checking out, marriage counselor Katherine Shorter​, tells Bustle. A lack of desire to "fight" for what you believe in shows you don't see a future, and thus don't care anymore about making positive changes.

7 Hanging Out Is A Chore Remember when you used to go with your partner to the grocery store, just because you wanted to hang out? "The heart of most relationships is that people generally enjoy being with the other person, regardless of what they are doing together," Heidi McBain, MA, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, tells Bustle. So, if you've noticed a major change in your desire to be around your partner, take a closer look.

8 You Feel Lonely Around Them Take note if you feel lonely even when your partner is around, as that often points to a lack of connection, Lacarma Minter, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, tells Bustle. And a lack of connection often stems from a lack of desire to, well, connect.

9 You Don't Know What To Talk About Every relationship will have boring moments. And every conversation will have a lull. But take it as a sign, Winter says, if you have trouble talking about quality topics, or if it feels like the silence is deafening.It's not that you suddenly have nothing in common. It's just that, if you're losing interest, you won't feel the desire to dig up interesting topics or pick your partner's brain for stories.

10 You Don't Share Things Pay attention to a lack of communication, as well as a lack of desire to fill your partner in about your day, share a happy life update, etc. "A sign of a healthy relationship is communication," Trombetti says. So if you don't bother talking — or, if you do talk but it's always with someone else — you've lost interest.

11 You've Packed Your Schedule If you find yourself taking up new hobbies left and right in an effort to feel something, it may be a sign the relationship is no longer fulfilling, licensed psychologist Dr. Wyatt Fisher, tells Bustle.Again, having hobbies and doing things separately is a very good thing. But if it gets to the point where you're constantly booked and busy, Fisher says, it might be because you're seeking novelty due to a lack of interest in your partner.

12 They Do All The Inviting Another telling sign is if you've stopped reaching out to make plans, and instead kind of wait around for your partner to do all the work. While it's true that some people are better at organizing get-togethers than others, Murray says this is also a telltale sign you don't really want the relationship to go anywhere.If this is familiar, she says, you may want to honestly find out “whether you and your partner are content with the relationship as is," Murray says — or if you'd be happier moving on.

13 You've Been Having Secret Chats Don't ignore that strong desire to slide into a cute stranger's DMs. As Stephanie Moir, MA, CRC, LMHC, a licensed counselor, tells Bustle, this is a form of emotional infidelity; one that often points to fading interest.It could also be a first attempt to move on, she says, as "you may be looking for an emotional connection to replace the connection you had with your partner."

14 You Can't Stop Thinking About Your Ex Are you always thinking about your ex, comparing your current partner to your ex, or wishing you could get back together with your ex? If so, Moir says it's a clear sign something's up.In this situation, it can help to talk to your partner. Fun dates and deep conversations can cure a lot of things, so if you'd like to see if the relationship is salvageable, invest back into it and see if it makes a difference.

15 You Compare Your Relationship To Others It's OK to look at a friend's relationship for inspiration, or to acknowledge that they seem really happy. But you shouldn't feel jealous or size your situation up against theirs."Comparing your relationship to other relationships is a red flag," Moir says. "This can mean you recognize something is missing but are not ready to end things."

16 You Don't Think About The Future If you were truly interested in your partner, you'd have an eye on the future. You'd think about trips you'd like to take, apartments you'd like to live in, and how your relationship might look one, to five, to ten years down the road. So if you look toward the future and don't see them as part of it, it may be best to move on.

17 You Hardly Ever Laugh While relationships can't be fun and joke-y all the time, it may point to a lack of interest if you sit around silently and don't seem to enjoy each other's company. As tough as things may have been over the last year, “laughter is crucial towards navigating life these days," therapist Hillary Schoninger, LCSW, tells Bustle. "How much we are laughing with one another is a good indicator of how much we like one another."

18 You "Don't Care" Another top tier sign you've lost interest? Apathy, Krevalin says.When your partner asks where you want to go to dinner, you say you don't care. If they ask what movie you'd like to watch, you tell them to put on whatever they want.Basically, you're no longer participating in the relationship not out of anger or animosity, but because you truly aren't into it.

19 You Aren't As Affectionate Something might be up if you used to hug, cuddle, and hold hands, but all of that has completely stopped, Trombetti says. And the same is true if you're no longer interested in being physically intimate with your partner."There may be other factors involved," she says, "but when that person just isn't sparking you anymore, there can be a decline in intimacy signaling you have lost interest."

20 You Don't Go Out Of Your Way Sure, you hang out with your partner on your way home from work, but it's only because you pass their apartment on the way.You've noticed that, unless it's really convenient, you don't want to get together. And you've definitely dropped the grand gestures, like planning their birthday parties or getting them fun gifts for the holidays.If you were still interested in your partner, these would be things you'd want to do. You may be able to turn things around, especially if you still love them. But don't be afraid to evaluate how you feel, including whether this relationship is right for you.

Sources:

Alyssa Arnol, LCSW, psychotherapist

Sterling Woods, LSW, licensed social worker

Deborah K. Krevalin, LPC, LMHC, a licensed professional counselor

Dr. Jill Murray, licensed psychotherapist and author

Susan Golicic, PhD, certified relationship coach

Susan Trombetti, matchmaker

Katherine Shorter​, marriage counselor

Heidi McBain, MA, LMFT, licensed marriage and family therapist

Dr. Wyatt Fisher, licensed psychologist

Stephanie Moir, MA, CRC, LMHC, licensed counselor

Hillary Schoninger, LCSW, therapist